Chickky Way...

This whole Chick-fil-A thing is being blown so far outta whack! Ugh - people - have you read the Bible? Have you listened to what Dan Cathy actually said? Or, have you simply skimmed the parts of the bible that you prefer to read/believe? And did you selectively tune out the parts you wanted to hear or misinterpret the entire statement all together?

I HAVE GAY FRIENDS! Did you know that? Does that make me a non-christian? Does that make me gay? NO, it sure doesn't!!

I'm definitely not a political person and Lord knows I don't know near enough about the Bible. But what I do know....is that our founding fathers are called the founding fathers for a reason. They had beliefs and values...and morals. But more important than all of that..the Big Man upstairs, He wrote the ultimate Book of Laws. Yeah, that's right - it's called THE BIBLE (yes that's the book for me....now you'll be singing that while reading the rest of my blog! HA). Seriously though....read on.

The first amendment states this "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Let me break that down for you (well, I broke it down for myself because sometimes I just don't get the big words).

"Congress shall make no law (1)respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the (2)free exercisethereof; or abridging (deprive) the (3)freedom of speech, or (4)of the press; or the (5)right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

(1) Respecting an establishment of religion; Congress cannot make a law in favor of a religion; Thomas Jefferson enforced this amendment. This amendment was added to protect religious people from being mistreated by the government; Everson vs. the Borad of Education. New Jersey was charging money for children to ride the bus and some of the money went to a catholic school. Later they took away the rule because the government was taking money and giving it to a church.
(2) Free Exercise Clause; Congress cannot make a law prohibiting the practice of any religion. It was added to protect the people from being harmed for being apart of a religion. Significant because very few countries provide religious freedom. Sherbert vs. Verner. A women said she wouldn't work on Saturday because it was her sabbath days. She got fired and she went to court and she got her job back due to the 1st amendment.
(3) Freedom of Speech; Right to speak freely without being persecuted. Added to give Americans right to say as they please as long as it does not get out of hand. Significant because people can't be harmed even if they insult the government or a government leader. Joseph Burstyn inc. vs. Wilson. A motion picture was shown that was sacrilegious but it wasn't taken away because of the 1st amendment. When people want to protest they are allowed to do so.
(4) Freedom of the press; Prohibits the government from interfering with distribution of any opinions. Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Pain influenced the amendment. This gave the people the write to have a media without being restricted to what they can't say. U.S vs. Progressive. Progressive magazine told people how to make an h-bomb in your basement and the government tried to take at least 20% of it away but they couldn't because of the 1st amendment. People are interviewed all the time and news papers couldn't be printed without the freedom of the press.
(5) Freedom of Assembly; Right to come together and express interests. Added to give people right to protest (if not out of hand). Significant because in other countries you could be put in jail for protesting against the government. Cox vs. Louisiana. Man was accused for picking signs close to a court house and he went to court and was fine because he was protected by the 1st amendment.

So, that clears up that! It's simple. We, as Americans, have a right to say what we want, practice whatever religion we chose, publish what we want (like this blog) and form an assembly.... and the government can't do jack crap about it (as long as it doesn't get buck wild!) My short political message here is this - YOU GO DAN CATHY! Way to STAND FOR HIM!!

Next on the list - I'm a Christian. A proud Christian at that. I've read the article as well as a couple others pertaining to this whole "anti-gay bickering crap" as I'm calling it.

Cathy's mission is based on Matthew 5:41 ("If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles." NLT version). In other words, take it the extra mile! Exceed the typical "customer service" standards. What better mission to have...one that's written by the Big Man Himself! CFA is closed on Sunday, operate debt-free and a percentage of their profits go back into their communities. They invest in Christian growth & ministry through its WinShape Foundation (WinShape.com). Shaping people into winners.

Cathy said this - "But as an organization we can operate on biblical principles. So that is what we claim to be. [We are] based on biblical principals, asking God and pleading with God to give us wisdom on decisions we make about people and the programs and partnerships we have. And He has blessed us."

Cathy puts it perfect, in my opinion, when he said "...I think we are inviting God's judgement on our nation when we shake our fist at Him and say, 'We know better than You as to what constitutes a marriage..'" Who are we to tell God (our creator, the one who gave us our first breath) that we know better than him. I'm not!!!

1. To my football fan readers: Did you know, that in 2008 CFA began sponsoring a college kickoff game (it used to be called the Peach Bowl)? Did you ever notice that those games are NOT on Sunday? (this year one on Friday and one on Saturday to include NC State vs TN and Auburn vs Clemson). Did you also know that this is the only bowl game that has an invocation? (I will be paying better attention this college football season). I had no idea. I read that, just in case you were wondering. You can read about it here if you don't believe me...
http://www.chick-fil-abowl.com/default.aspx.

2. To anyone that owns a pair of Levi's or Nike's, owns any Microsoft or Apple products, uses Google, and/or drinks at Starbucks: Did you know that all of these companies strongly support gay marriage?

3. To anyone that consumes Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodkas, Herradura Tequila (all Brown-Forman Co products), eats Domino's Pizza, shops or gives to the Salvation Army, has any Urban Outfitters products, SHOPS AT WALMART, or uses any Exxon Mobil products: Did you know that these companies have been open that they are anti-gay?

4. To anyone that uses General Mills (including Cheerios, Pillsbury & Green Giant) they are opposing a MN amendment defining marriage as between a man & woman. Nabisco (specifically Oreo's) posted on FB a photo of an Oreo cookie with six colorful layers to represent the gay pride rainbow with a caption "Proudly support love!" Target sells gay pride T-shirts. JC Penney, those sexy male models in the catalog...gay dads.

What's your point, you ask? My point is simple. This whole "ahhh Chick-fil-A hates gays .... I'm never eating there again" bull crappy is STUPID! Take a look at items 1-4. Are you going to stop watching football? Never buy Levi's or Nike's again? Wait, just burn the ones you have that are sitting in your closet right now. And throw that computer you just bought out the window while you are at it. What about Wal-Mart? (gasp!!). Don't even drive by there, you might become gay. Never, ever eat a GM product again!! And put down those Oreo's you're stuffing in your mouth! And by golly, please don't look at the sexy male models in the JCP catalog!!! People - don't you get it? CFA took a stand; they are anti-gay. Those who didn't like what they heard or only heard what they wanted to hear have turned the entire thing upside down. Just because CFA publicly stated that they believe in "biblical principals" doesn't mean they are discriminating against anyone. Freedom of speech....freedom of religion!!!

CFA never said they hated gays. Dan Cathy simple stood up for what he (and his family) believe in. This earthly world is full of lots of hate. Too many of us follow the "if it's not what YOU think, or what YOU believe, or what YOU stand for...then it's wrong" way of life. Not me. I believe that every person has a right to voice their opinion, stand for what they believe and lead the life they feel the need to lead. Marriage is a sacred relationship between a husband, a wife....and God. Do you stand up for what YOU believe in?

Just a few tidbits (in case you don’t go read the article for yourself):

1.   A Washington Post poll showed that 66% of respondents say they’ll continue to eat at CFA. Texas has the most CFA’s at 262. Including TX, 5 states have more than 100 CFA, and they’re all in the south.

2.   NC, which has 143 CFA’s passed a constitutional marriage amendment in May defining marriage as between a man & a woman.

3.   By contrast, the entire state of NY has 1 (yes one) CFA. Washington State doesn’t have any. Neither does OR; or VT. This means that many of those calling for a boycott don’t have a CFA in their area to boycott….and they’ve likely never even been to a CFA!!!

I've ranted a LOT, but inside, I feel better. Inside, I'm thankful I can rant. I'm thankful that I have freedom of speech. Now... in case you were wondering, I don't believe that a man and a man or a woman and a woman should be married. However, that does NOT mean I hate gay people. Remember, I have gay friends (some of them, don't even know I know they are gay...hehehe!!) And who am I to judge a gay person's lifestyle? If my gay friends invited me to their wedding, you better believe I'd be there. I support my friends and if they choose that lifestyle and I know that's against what the Bible says, I'm not their maker. They don't have to answer to me.

I leave you with this... 1 Peter 4:12-19, NLT

Suffering for Being a Christian

"Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? And also,“If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?" So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you."

I love Chick-fil-A and I will continue to Eat Mor Chickin!!!!!

I used the following articles as part of my research. Yes, I copied some of it....this was not for a grade; therefore, I'm allowed to do that!!!
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=38271
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38301

Floating in My Head

WOW - I can't believe it's been since March that I blogged...no wait, yes I can...I told you I probably wouldn't be to good at this blog thing. Well, anywho - I'm blogging now, just some random thoughts floating around in my head..

There are only 11 days of the school year left which means that hopefully, I'll have a graduate. In 7 days, I'll have a kinder graduate. I'm gonna be one proud mamma that's for sure!!

That also means that the eldest will be moving out - GASP! I say I'm ready and yes, I have plans for his room, but I know that as soon as he's gone...I'm gonna miss him bunches. Knowing that he lives here, is my security that...well, he has to come home. When he's gone, well, yeah, I won't have that security. sigh...such is life and that shall be the next chapter that we go through.

Totally can't wait for my mini vacation next weekend! The beach is calling my name...I'll have my toes in the water and my ass in the sand - aaaahhhh it's going to be so blissfull!!

Sometimes, just sometimes, I wish I lived back out in the country but only if I didn't have to work a full time corporate job. Only if I could spend my days gardening, growing vegetables, scrapbooking and being creative...but reality hits me and I realize that without my job, I couldn't do any of that anyway (at least not at this point in my life).

Well, that's all I feel like typing right now..haha!! but at least I blogged!!!

Until next time...

my kind-hearted kiddo

I just had to blog about the amazing conversation I had with my almost 6 year old the other day in the car; which by the way, I LOVE my "car conversations"!! Anyway, driving home, the little guy proceeds to tell me that it was Mrs. M's (his teacher) birthday. So the conversation went a little like this...bare with me...I'm a proud mom here!!

Me: Oh, today was her birthday?
D: No, if it wasn't today, or the day before that, or that other one, then it was that day.
Me: (processing, what day that could possibly be) Ohhh, so how did you know it was her bday?
D: Cuz, we talk about it on our calendar. I have to get her a present. I tried to make her a crown. You know, one like this (showing me a cross on his head), with only one point, not a lot of points.
Me: So, how'd that turn out for you?
D: Horrible
Me: (silently laffing) Why didn't you tell me it was Mrs. M's bday.
D: Cuz, I forgot. I need to get her a present. Like flowers.
Me: (at this point in the car ride, we are just fixing to pull into our subdivision) Well, I can get her some flowers at the store when I go tomorrow.
D: No, it has to be tonight.
Me: Well, would you like to go get some?
D: Yes. You're the best mom ever!

So, I turn around and head to HEB to get some flowers. Now, to pick out flowers with a 5 year old is somewhat of a challenge. You see, my little man had a vision in his head of what he wanted to get. And he had his mind set for sure! ROSES!!! (I, strongly dislike roses and really don't like to buy flowers, because they die...so I do my best to persuade him otherwise)....

Me: How about we get a plant. Flowers die. And a plant you can help take care of.
D: No. I want flowers. Real flowers. Roses
Me: Do you even know what roses are?
D: Yes. Like these (pointing to a large bouquet of red roses..like $25 worth!) 
Me: Ok. How about these? (checking out the $4 section)
D: No, I want these. (pointing to roses again)
Me: Dayton, I know you want them to be special, but we are on a budget and we only have a certian amount to spend. How about these? These are pretty.
D: Ohhh...these are pretty! (pointing to the $4 pink roses).
Me: OK, these are roses...smell them.
D: (takes a big sniff)...eeeeeewwwwww!!! those are gross!
Me: (giggle giggle) Well, those are what all the roses smell like. How about we get these?
D: Mom! Those won't work! I want to see a BIG smile on Mrs. M's face, like this (shows me the bestest biggest grin ever!)
Me: Alrighty...then how about these? (bright colored daiseys)
D: ooooohhhhhh, those are pretty! yes. I like those


Phew....finally found "the ones"!! So, we pay and head on home to put the flowers in water to take to school. This entire time, I keep thinking to myself, he is dead set on getting flowers just to make his teacher smile. How flipping awesome is that?! His heart is sooooo big!! He definately thinks outside the box!!

I got the chance to snap a picture of him with his "perfect" flowers. (don't mind the outfit, Daddy has morning duty and lets Dayton pick pretty much whatever to wear..hehe)

silly boy!

I know...you probably aren't getting that happy little feeling in your heart like I got, and are wondering why I'm blogging this...but it's my blog...for me to blog what I want to blog...I'm almost done.

Well, all day, I wondered how the delivery of the flowers went and if he got that big smile he was looking for. When I picked him up from school I couldn't wait for the story. When it was all said and done, the flowers were delivered, and he got his smile.



FLOWERS!!!!!

"Mom! I'm not looking at you!"

The BIG 18

Bitter sweet for sure...the oldest turns 18!!! WOW! Yes, I said 18! I can't believe how fast time has flown. I remember his day of birth like it was yesterday. I won't bore you with the details, but lets just say it was an interesting day to say the least. Short version. Went to the doctor, he broke my water (and I didn't know it), went home, water line busted, went fishing while the parentals worked on the water line, started having contractions, smelled like fish (water line broke remember?), went to the hospital, had a baby. All that, in like 4 hours.

Anywho, Jonathan Nicholas Pence was born February 18, 1994 at 10:18pm weighing in at 6lbs 3 oz and 18.5 in long. Cutest little thing ever!!! Now, 18 years later...well, I have a hard headed, strong willed, hard working young man...who's still pretty darn cute in my book!

We decided not to do much for his birthday (which Jon was perfectly fine with). We went to La Cabana (mexican is his favorite for sure) and invited family and some close friends. After that, we went back to the house for cup cakes and just to hang out. Here's a few pictures of the "big" bash...haha!

Granny & Paw, Grandma and little Po-Dunk Jhett

Jon O and Abbey

Just a few of our favorite people...

Jeff & Lynda (and Michele too!)

Jon, Jhett, Dayton & Kota - silly boys!



opening presents!!!!!

Even though we don't always see eye to eye (and not because you are taller then me), I love my little bird. Who is now 6 ft and about 200lbs!!!

Ricky Bobby - Bitter Sweet

SALE - San Antonio Livestock Expedition. What a fun and sometimes stressful time for me, we had with Ricky Bobby (that's Jon's pig, named Ricky Bobby cuz if you ain't first....you're last!) Here's Ricky...isn't he handsome?!

Last year, when Jon was a junior, he decied to join FFA (Future Farmers of America). Since he joined on the first day of school, we were a little, well actually a lot, behind on choosing an animal project. Because of that, we chose rabbits. 6 week project and low cost. Long story, Jon ended up placing 13th in the county show and got $900 at auction. With all that cash, I agreed to let Jon have a pig and of course more rabbits, for his senior year.

Back to SALE...our first and Jon's last experience at the SALE was, in my opinion, a really really good one! We had so much fun (or at least I did). I was so nervous when it was time for Ricky and Jon to "show off". To my disbelief, they both did great! (you see, it's very hard to place at SALE with a piggy...there's just sooooo many!)

The first judge took about 30 secs and decided he was good enough to place. YAHOO!!! That's when it happened. The weigh in. Just to explain to those who don't know, you pick your official weight. If you place, you have a 10 lb give (up or down). At this point, I'm sitting in the bleachers, praying, hoping, wanting good ol Ricky to weigh between 255 and 275.......then all of a sudden, I see Jon and Ricky head for the truck.

WHAT THE WORLD just happened?! I run to the truck to find out we were one poop short of placing. 276. 16 oz OVERWEIGHT! OMG! I was heartbroke for Jon...so close! Either way, I'm still super duper proud that Jon made it that far and knowing Ricky was quality enough to place.






So long Ricky Bobby....it was a great experience, thanks for making it so much fun!

PS: The grand champion barrow brought home a whopping $47,000! Wouldn't THAT have been nice?!

tough love...

TOUGH: [tuhf], strong and durable; not easily broken or cut, not brittle or tender

LOVE: [luhv] a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person, a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.

Wow, those two words put together is some serious stuff! Strong, not brittle or tender, yet tender & passionate all at the same time. Why can't our kids understand this? As a younger person, lets say ages 15-26 (and I'm sure my parents could vouch for the exact years), I had no clue what the true meaning of tough love was. In my eyes, it wasn't love at all, it was simply that my parents found pleasure in punishing me. Well, now that I have a child old enough (18 in 8 days to be exact), I can totally relate to the true meaning of tough love.