Remembering Benazir Bhutto

Pakistan is considered to be a country which could easily slip into civil war or chaos. This country lost an icon of democracy in recent days when Benazir Bhutto's life ended tragically. After being exiled for months, she had returned to Pakistan last October and continued her pursuit of peace and democracy. Upon her return she was quoted as saying, "We have started a process where we could bring the moderate forces together for the holding of free and fair elections." She also stated, "The terrorists are trying to take over my country, and we have to stop them." Left unsaid—out of political sensitivities—was her belief that Musharraf himself was responsible for permitting the rise of extremism by banning secular alternatives like her party from participating in elections.

Benazir understood that the freedom many here in the US take for granted, is far from free. Bhutto's father was executed decades ago for his belief in democracy. Her brother was later poisoned. She also understood and even expected the price for democracy would be her own life. And yet she willingly continued her cause to bring peace and freedom to the country she deeply loved. This reminds me what the Master of Peace had to say about this, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13).

Many questions remain unanswered regarding Benazir's assassination. Were the assassins members of Al-Qaeda or where they instructed by Mussharraf himself? Was this an effort to simply quiet Benazir's passionate quest for peace and democracy? Or was her death intended to send a message to an increasing number in Pakistan, who have a growing thirst for a life of freedom and peace?

Personally, I believe the desire most of humanity has for freedom is a desire of the heart - a Goodness put their by God. Of course the presence of good is always at war with the forces of evil. This war is fought on many fronts such as physical all out "wars", the war of minds, and more important, the war for our hearts or souls. Therefore, this world is has been ensnared in a continual war since evil took a strong hold here.

I admire Benazir's own son for quoting his mother when the whole world was watching. He simply stated, "My mother always said democracy is the best revenge." In life, this extraordinary lady peacefully sought freedom and democracy for her country. She used her life to rise to a higher calling than SELF. Ironically, through her death, her hopes and dreams are more alive than ever as the desire for democracy and freedom grow each and every day within the hearts of her fellow Pakistanis. I am so thankful that death cannot stop the Goodness God sets forth........................ Praise to the God of Peace and Freedom!

My Favorite Holiday Photo

Looking back through years of photographs, I have a few regrets. I regret not taking more select pictures. I regret not purchasing a better camera, and I regret not taking time to learn more about photography as technology has expanded. This year for Richard's birthday, I surprised him with his dream camera - a Canon Digital Rebel XT - whatever that means.

I got the old automatic digital camera and we each took our new and old cameras on a photography trip to Arizona in August. Since then, I think we have secretly tried to outdo each other as shutterbugs. I have not been too impressed with most pictures either of us have taken lately though.

Richard attempted to take a group Christmas card photo with the whole family, including the pets. But those pic's were not that great - not neccesarily Richard's fault since it is a challenge to get 3 kids, 2 cats, a dog and the parents to pose while Dad snaps the camera with a remote. So Richard photo shopped our heads from various pics into the "elf" bodies for our 2007 Beard Family Christmas Card. I wasn't really that crazy about this year's card, but little time was left to process and mail the cards, and since it was already past 12 am, we decided to send the Elf card to press, or www.walgreens.com.

I didn't even bother to take any photos on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Part of the problem is the kids won't leave my camera alone. I have tried to keep it in my purse, in the case. When I experience a Kodak moment and go to retrieve my camera, I find it is either missing, the battery is dead, or some culprit has taken the SD card out of my camera to use in his own gadget. I have not seen my camera since before Christmas and have yet to upload any pics I have taken in a few weeks now.

A few days after we put the Christmas tree up, I took a some photos of Hope and the tree. This is by far, my favorite Christmas photo of 2007. Can anyone help me come up with a caption for this one? I may just have to enter it in the Wilson County Fair of 2008.



And by the way... Richard's Arizona photos will be competing against my photos in several categories at the fair next year. Let the WAR OF THE ROSES, or BEARDS begin!

My Christmas Story - John McCain

I thought this was a fitting message for posting today:


My Christmas Story
As a POW, my captors would tie my arms behind my back and then loop the rope around my neck and ankles so that my head was pulled down between my knees. I was often left like that throughout the night.
One night a guard came into my cell. He put his finger to his lips signaling for me to be quiet, and then loosened my ropes to relieve my pain. The next morning, when his shift ended, the guard returned and retightened the ropes, never saying a word to me.
A month or so later, on Christmas Day, I was standing in the dirt courtyard when I saw that same guard approach me. He walked up and stood silently next to me, not looking or smiling at me.
After a few moments had passed, he rather nonchalantly used his sandaled foot to draw a cross in the dirt. We stood wordlessly looking at the cross, remembering the true light of Christmas, even in the darkness of a Vietnamese prison camp. After a minute or two, he rubbed it out and walked away.
That guard was my Good Samaritan. I will never forget that man and I will never forget that moment. And I will never forget that, no matter where you are, no matter how difficult the circumstances, there will always be someone who will pick you up and carry you.
May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and Happy Holidays,
John McCain

Merry Christmas

In keeping with the Beard Family Tradition of producing a Corny Family Christmas Card, allow us to present HAVE YOUR 'ELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS!

Favorite Holiday Traditions

Some of my favorite things to do through the holidays are rooted in my childhood while others traditions Richard and I have established during our marriage and parenting years. Here are some of my favorites in no particular order:

• Christmas shopping early the day after Thanksgiving with Richard. We rise in the dark and head out with a list and sale papers in hand. Our morning ends with a peppermint mocha from Starbucks


• Putting up the Christmas tree no later than Thanksgiving weekend


• Making a barrage of holiday sweets which include, but are not limited to gingerbread cookies, cathedral windows, peppermint bark, cherry macadamia nut bark, fudge, Chex puppy chow, red velvet cake, pumpkin roll, and whatever else we can think up


• Decorating a gingerbread house and cookie cutter cookies with Hope


• Driving around after church on Sunday or Wed evenings through different neighborhoods to look at the Christmas lights


• Seeing the Radio City Rocketts - need I say more


• Attending the annual Christmas play and choir performance put on by our home school coop. This year's play was THE CASE OF THE MISSING CHRIST, which was hilarous, but had a strong message


• Wearing my Santa Clause necklace, carrying my red purse with fur trim, and breaking out the red jacket. It really gets me in the spirit


• Wearing out our Christmas CD's, Charlie Brown, Time Life, and Amy Grant are my fav's


• Watching our collection of Christmas movies, Home Alone, Santa Clause, Grinch, Charlie Brown, It's a Wonderful Life, and watching Christmas Vacation with Richard is a must do!


• Having Richard build a fire in the fireplace on Christmas Eve


• Christmas Breakfast - Mom's croissants (thankfully she wrote this recipe down), sausage balls, and hashbrown casserole


• The creating of another corny Beard family Christmas Card


• Lighting fragrant holiday candles


• Buying gifts for those who can't buy for their own family


• Hot chocolate with marshmallows and a candy cane


• Christmas shopping with Kathy Hall


• Sometimes we'd load the kids up in their PJ's and drive around to look at the lights

So what are some of your traditions?

Bubba Clause is Coming to Redneckville Near You

This makes me laugh until I cry. I hope you find some Holiday Cheer in this video. Does anyone know this man?

Bored Boys

We're still without a decent TV or cable at our house. Here's what bored boys do when there's not much to do: Click Here

First Date

This year has been a year of firsts for Ethan - first job, first year to drive, first vehicle, and first date. Here is a photo taken last Friday night at the Christmas Formal. This event is put on each year by our tutorial school. This year it was held at the Gibson Showcase at Opry Mills. Here is Ethan with his first date - Sarah.

Micah also attended the formal, but went solo this year. Rumor has it he was a popular dance partner with several pretty young ladies. He is trying to keep all options open!

GIRLS NIGHT OUT WITH THE "ROCKS"

Last week, Hope and I along with my sister-in-law Sunny and my neice Abby Kate, all headed to Nashville for a girl's night out. We hope to make this a tradition, at least once a year so our girls will have some fond memories growing up together. Abby Kate had been soooo excited about going to see the Rocketts. She calls them THE ROCKS! We arrived at Opryland early to take a boat ride through the Delta wing of the hotel. The kids were facinated with all the lights, fountains, and decorations. My nephew, baby Jackson also went along with the girls, since he cannot be away from his mommy too long. We ended our evening with a carriage ride after dark to see the holiday lights close up. Here's some pictures of our evening to remember.

Abby Kate loves aunt Tara's beads



Hope and Abby Kate on a pew at the Grand Ole Opry House

Hope and Mom by the Christmas Tree at the Opry House

HOPE'S TWIN SISTER

This past year, Hope has made a dear friend named Anna. At church, people have to look twice to figure out who's who. Everyone calls them THE TWINS. Last week the girls made Christmas cookies and had a lot of fun. They even have the same kind of glasses!

TARA'S FAVORITE THINGS

I don't watch Oprah often, but if I could ever be in her studio audience, I would want to attend "OPRAH's FAVORITE THINGS" show. This is the show which is aired around Thanksgiving. Oprah has a slew of neat gadgets and the latest technological equipment which she debuts as her fav's. Then she has elves parade out and "present" every memeber of the audience with every one of her FAVORITE THINGS. This year everyone walked away with nearly $10,000 in gifts.

I am amazed at the power this woman has over our economy. Two days after her show, some of her favorite items were sold out on Amazon. I was in Barnes and Noble last night and they had her complete list OPRAH'S FAVORITE THINGS posted throughout the store. At any rate, I am posting here TARA'S FAVORITE THINGS. Perhaps I can help out the national economy too! Here goes - Guys take note, you might find some terrific gift ideas for that special woman in your life. These are in no particular order:

THE MAGIC BULLET as SEEN ON TV - Kohl's $49.99 - This is the best kitchen gadget ever! We use ours every morning to make healthy smoothies, frapuccino, mocha's. My favorite is made with vanilla protein powder, frozen fruit meddly, and OJ. My next favorite is made with chocolate protein powder, ice, left over coffee, cream, sugar free chocolate syrup, and a dash of mint. Breakfast in 30 seconds! It also chops any fruit or veggie, makes salsa and sauces in seconds. Thanks Melissa for recommending this.

Mary Kay's Timewise Targeted Action Line Reducer - $40.00 from your Mary Kay consultant. This will turn back time on the face and works with natural light to erase the appearance of wrinkles and the effects of time. Perfect stocking stuffer!

TRUE BLUE SPA products from BATH N BODY WORKS - Guys if you want to score points in the emotional bank account, get her the FOOTLOOSE AND FANCY FIZZ (aromatic foot bath), TOE THE LINE foot scrub, and HEEL OF APPROVAL (cracked heel treatment). Go the distance and wash her feet, and massage the scrub and heel treatment afterwards. Don't forget a handful of marbles during the footsoak - AHHH so SPAHHH. $9.00 to $15.00 each

TRUE BLUE SPA products from BATH N BODY WORKS - the LOOK MA NEW HANDS and JUST A MINUTE 60 second manicure scrub give you buffed smooth hands in under 2 min's. $10-$15 each

STARBUCKS - Peppermint Mocoa available only from Thanksgiving to Christmas at Starbucks. This is one of my favorite holiday treats. Take her to Starbucks for some "conversation" time, after Christmas shopping for the kids - $4.00

PEPPERIDGE FARM GINGERBREAD FAMILY COOKIES - These are another holiday treat that I just love. They are sooo yummy and come in Gingerbread Men, Women, and children. They are almost too cute to eat and look very festive on her favorite Christmas dish. $3.50 at Target.

THE BIG COMFY ROBE and HOUSE SOCKS - These are available at many stores. Find the softest and smoothest one offered. I love the ones at BATH AND BODY WORKS (39$ with a purchase) and at Belk and Pennies for about the same price. Don't forget the matching house socks with treads on the bottom - you want her to be comfortable AND safe!

YANKEE CANDLE anything. Most gals love to go into these shops and just sniff. I try to pick up one for the holidays. I love the PUMPKIN SPICE for Thanksgiving. I try to pick out something I think HE would like. This year I got HOLIDAY BAYBERRY. The fragrance reminds me of the evergreen trees my Dad would cut each year and it's very pleasant. Often these are 25% off at the YANKEE store, or at CRACKER BARREL. $19-$25 retail. Go to www.yankeecandle.com and sign up to receive a $10 off coupon.

ANITA RENFROE DVD - She has been described as a triple shot of expresso in a decafe world, but there isn't a latte cup big enough to hold the party that Anita Renfroe brings. Her inventive blend of musical comedy and inspiration leave audience with cheeks that hurt and hearts with humor and hope.This DVD conatins the hit song Momisms that is taking the nation by storm. It's everything a mom would say in 24 hours and reduced to 2 minutes and 55 seconds and sung to the breakneck pace of the Willaim Tell Overture (think: Lone Ranger). --David Chaudhry. Offer to take the kids out and let her invite her gals over one evening for a night of deep belly laughs :) More points in the emotional bank!! $10.99 at www.amazon.com.

PLANET EARTH DVD set www.amazon.com $59.99. There is something very calming about watching these DVD's. I am reminded that God is very much in charge of everything. I don't know why, but I love watching these with my significant other. It's like going somewhere together that we've never been before. If I could afford to buy everyone I know something - THIS WOULD BE IT! Following is the reveiw from AMAZON:

As of its release in early 2007, Planet Earth is quite simply the greatest nature/wildlife series ever produced. Following the similarly monumental achievement of The Blue Planet: Seas of Life, this astonishing 11-part BBC series is brilliantly narrated by Sir David Attenborough and sensibly organized so that each 50-minute episode covers a specific geographical region and/or wildlife habitat (mountains, caves, deserts, shallow seas, seasonal forests, etc.) until the entire planet has been magnificently represented by the most astonishing sights and sounds you'll ever experience from the comforts of home. The premiere episode, "From Pole to Pole," serves as a primer for things to come, placing the entire series in proper context and giving a general overview of what to expect from each individual episode. Without being overtly political, the series maintains a consistent and subtle emphasis on the urgent need for ongoing conservation, best illustrated by the plight of polar bears whose very behavior is changing (to accommodate life-threatening changes in their fast-melting habitat) in the wake of global warming--a phenomenon that this series appropriately presents as scientific fact. With this harsh reality as subtext, the series proceeds to accentuate the positive, delivering a seemingly endless variety of natural wonders, from the spectacular mating displays of New Guinea's various birds of paradise to a rare encounter with Siberia's nearly-extinct Amur Leopards, of which only 30 remain in the wild.

A fresh bag of Cinnamon Scented Pine Cones - $4.00 at Wal-mart or JoAnn's. I debated over spending 4$ on Pine Cones this year. We have a tree down the road, but last year I picked a bag and they had little spiders which hatched out after I brought them indoors. This year I got a bag of scented ones. They are so pretty in a bowl or flower pot with other items like fruit or even extra Christmas tree balls. And the house smells soooo good!

I LOVE my subscription to PAULA DEEN. I have yet to make anything from her magazine which our family didn't rave about. $19 for a one year subscription - Bi-monthly magazine.

In defense of the Defenseless

Hyde is best known for the “Hyde Amendment” which he offered as a Freshmen Member of Congress in 1976. The amendment has successfully kept our federal government out of the abortion business, protecting unborn children and pro-life taxpayers alike. Hyde remained a crucial pro-life advocate throughout his career in Congress. He retired last year after honorably serving for 32 years. Before Hyde left office, President Bush bestowed upon him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in honor of his reputation as a "powerful defender of life."

Perhaps Hyde's best-remembered commentary on the issue of abortion is this quote: "When the time comes as it surely will, when we face that awesome moment, the final judgment, I've often thought, as Fulton Sheen wrote, that it is a terrible moment of loneliness. You have no advocates, you are there alone standing before God - and a terror will rip through your soul like nothing you can imagine. But I really think that those in the pro-life movement will not be alone. I think there will be a chorus of voices that have never been heard in this world but are heard beautifully and clearly in the next world - and they will plead for everyone who has been in this movement. They will say to God, 'Spare him because he loved us.'"That day has come for Henry Hyde, and there is no doubt that the chorus of voices is in full tune.

Above is part of an article from Marjorie Dannenfelser President, Susan B. Anthony List, in response to Henry Hyde's recent passing. I thank God for people like him, who try to defend the defenseless. We have a pretty strong local Right to Life Group right here in Wilson County. A local home school mom got this group going many years ago - Tricia Dillingham. May God forgive me for not continuing to support her and the local group in their positive efforts to defend the unborn. I'm not sure the voices of the unborn would be pleading for God to spare me.

I've been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Donnie Hall. So here goes - 7 things you may or may not know about me....

1. I read magazines from back to front. I don't know why but I just do.

2. My middle name is Lynne, with an E

3. I've been to Russia and actually taught Bible classes in the public schools there.

4. I have an unusual education and profession. My undergrad degree is in Business, my graduate degree - Masters in Education. I currently homeschool the kids, teach science and typing at their tutorial, and manage the books for a local business. God sure prepared me for the path He put me on - although I lived through my 20's and 30's without a clue.

5. My wedding dress was a size 7 - and Mom had to take it up before it would stay on me. I really want my body back.

6. My maiden name is Bybee and supposedly one of our great great great great granddaddy's married into the Powhattan Tribe in Virginia. I also have 1 molar with 5 points, which my dentist says is a genetic trait from the Natives.

7. The hair on my arms is red - like our boys.

Thanksgiving 2007

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. This year was extra special because we got to spend it with Becky and FH and all the neices, nephews, and their spouses. It was a cold day in Lebanon. Richard fried 2 turkeys for his family to feast on. There was also ham, rolls, salads, sweet potatoes, green beans, mashed potatoes, other casseroles and numerous desserts. Later we went to my Aunt Georgia's house for another spread. The highlight of my day was holding baby Jack and playing Hide and Seek with Abby Kate. I've posted some photos to show what all I have to be thankful for.

I love the photo of Richard's sister Becky. She looks terrific and has been able to focus on the good throughout her cancer and treatment. She says this past year (with 9 chemos and 30+ radiation treatments, biopsies, and surgeries) has been the best year of her life! What a testimony to GOD and to the Gates' philosophy about life........ GOD IS GOOD......... ALL THE TIME!

So what are you thankful for??

Halloween 2007

I remember looking forward to Halloween as a child and even more so when we started having children of our own. I would get into finding and making the kid's costumes. For the first 5 or 6 years of the boys lives, we would take them to Griffith's Studio for Halloween Photos before trick-or-treating. It was a lot of fun. Ethan has been a clown, a ghost, a pumpkin, a cowbow, a pirate, Mark McGwire, and a Titan football head. Micah was a scarecrow, a pumpkin, a cowboy, a pirate, Peter Pan, a scarecrow again, a football head, a mad scientist, and a member of the GEEK SQUAD.

This year was a sad one for me. The boys weren't the least bit interested in having a party, or going to a party, or dressing up, or trick-or-treating. Micah suggested we forgo the costumes and the fuss, and just buy him some candy. I was determined to continue our family traditions. I got goodies to make, decorated the tables, got Micah and Dad and Hope to carve their pumpkins the night before Halloween. I made chili and Ghost Peanut Butter Sandwiches. We toss gummy worms on the table and in our drinks. We've even made ice cubes with worms and plastic spiders.

Well Hope was the only one who wanted to dress up and go trick-or-treating. We had the chili simmering, the table set, and the candles lit when Dad got home. He changed clothes and before we could get around the dinner table, he and Micah were sick. I ended up taking Hope by myself around the neighborhood and to Trunk or Treat at Church.

It was a sad night for me because I realize how fast our kids have grown up. I miss the days of cowboys and pirates and watching the boys get excited at this childhood festivity. I miss going trick-or-treating with their friends and all the fun we would have with other families. I only have a few more of Halloween' s to share with Hope before she outgrows it too.

Here are some photos of Hope as a Queen, and the bat Micah carved, and the cat Hope and Dad carved.

Prayer Request

Please keep Richard in your prayers. He and Micah got food poisoning or a violent bug 2-3 weeks ago. After 2 Dr's visits and some tests it has been determined Richard will need a colonoscopy Monday morning to be sure there is nothing serious going on with him.

Also, his sister Becky has finished 9 chemos and 30+radiation treatments. All tests were clear with the exception a spot near the incision site. Her Dr's think it is simply a liquid cyst. She and FH are set to come to the US on Monday, so there is no time to biopsy the spot and be sure it isn't cancer. I know they both covet all the prayers offered for them too.

We wish everyone a safe and blessed Thanksgiving week. We have so much to thank God for....

Hope's Makeover

Monday Dr. Brady began working his magic on Hope's teeth. We were very pleased with the results. They look very much like her original front teeth. These will last 4-5 years IF she takes care of them properly. No more corn on the cob or whole apples, or sticky candy, or suckers!

She is also sporting a new pair of glasses in the final picture as well as a new hair cut. She is very proud of her glasses, her teeth, and her hair.

Dr's Dentists and Detours

I have missed my blogpage these past several days. It's been quite run around here. Richard and Micah had food poisoning about 10 days ago. So I took Richard's parents in for Pa's cornea checkup while hubby managed to get himself and Micah to the Dr. I don't remember Richard ever missing 2 days in a row from work in our 21 years of marriage, but now they are both better - thankfully.

These past few days have been filled with lots of drama and more office visits. Micah is still seeing the orthodontist - he's had his braces for almost 2 years now. We loaded up and went to the office to find it closed. Someone made a mistake because WE are in Lebanon, and THEY are in Mt. Juliet?! Had to reschedule and pull away from home schooling another afternoon this week.

He has also had more trouble seeing lately, so I took him in for an exam, and guess who is getting glasses now? Then Hope's glasses broke and she really needed another pair anyway. But because of insurance, we must have an exam first and to get safety glasslenses in new frames. Wish I'd known about this when Micah's appointment was made. We see the eye Doc for the second time this week. Get RX for safety glasses. The 2 sets of frames we are allowed to chose from are 2 sizes too big for her head, so we go for a pair which are adorable on her, but hit take a bit from the wallet.

I finally got in to see a new electrocardiologist this week. The whole process took nearly 6 hours counting driving time. I am not a good candidate for the ablation I was interesting in having done. That is more successful with patients who have a different type of rhythm problem. But when my heart goes crazy again, I will have one of the best doc's around here to seek treatment.

In spite of all these appointments, we managed to get ready for tutorial Friday. I am teaching 7th grade general science, and also keyboarding. Hope has her coop class, choir, piano, sewing, and art. Ethan and Micah are taking 9 classes total. We load up 2 packpacks, 2 laptops, 1 sewing machine, piano books, art supplies, my teaching bag, folders, papers, experiment basket which includes sand, dirt, gravel, vinegar, plaster of Paris, rocks, and other goodies. By the time we get the van loaded, the back end is resting LOW and off we go. Wait, there's an accident somewhere because we are going nowhere on I-40. We manage to get off and take the back roads, but there's construction there and all the traffic is detoured back onto I-40! We will be LATE this morning.

We are usually exhausted by the time we get home. I was sooo looking forward to a calm night at home,with a movie and a pizza. We'd been home about 10 minutes when Hope comes screaming into the house with a bloody lip - but wait, where are the bottom halves of her two front teeth??!! So we load up again and meet the dentist at his office (which is always closed on Friday) and he takes x-rays to be sure there's no nerve or root damage. Those concerns check out OK, so we are sent home with RX for pain and told to be back at 7 am Monday morning. We try to watch Ratatooi, but Richard and I are totally OUT on the couch by 7:30pm. The music from the credits wakes us from a deep drooley sleep at 9pm. So much for quality family time.

Do you ever feel like you just spin your wheels and never make any progress? I know our week was probably no more out of the ordinary than yours. But I don't think I can keep my sanity at this rate much longer! Most of my days and weeks play out like those IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE OR MOOSE OR PIG A MUFFIN, COOKIE, or PANCAKE! books. I'll take one of each please...........can I have some VALIUM too??

Top 10 Reasons NOT to Have an Outdoor November Wedding

Our family attended an out door wedding yesterday at the Belle Meade Plantation. My cousin Derrick married one of the prettiest brides I have ever seen. The flowers and attendants were impressive too. My brother did a fine job marrying the bride and groom. In all, it was an exceptionally bright sunny day and a splendid wedding.

But I have also posted some reasons to ponder for NOT having a wedding outdoors in November.... just in case you ever Wonder.

1. chilly Weather
2. falling acorns from the trees above
3. helicopters
4. flying squirrels IN the trees above
5. freight train tracks within a 1/4 mile - whistle blowing, engines roaring through the entire exchange of vows
6. jet aircraft from the nearby international airport continually circling to land
7. yappy dog barking throughout the ceremony from the other side of picket fence
8. kid inceasantly dribbling a basketball during the prayer on nearby concrete
9. hot rods racing down nearest side street during the I Do's
10. birds flying over wedding guests and party - after feasting on berries in the garden

Happy Birthday Little Brother

On Friday November 2nd, my little brother turns 31. I can't believe he's that old - but I'm always 11 years ahead of him. When he was a kid, it seemed like a big difference. But now the age difference seems insignificant. He has 3 little kids, we have 3 bigger kids. He's still working on another degree, and I already finished my degree. He loves his family very much and is always busy working... so am I.

There are advantages to being so far apart in age. I was an ONLY child for a long time. I was always the first pick for babysitting. There was no sibling rivalry either. By the time Jason was old enough to argue, I was in college. And we never, ever fought over toys that can I recall.

I am very proud of my brother Jason. Most parents would never pick the path for their children that my brother was forced upon at such an early age. He has endured and overcome. He was dealt a bad hand and didn't fold. He made "lemonade from lemons". So HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON! Here's to 31 and many, many more.

I'm including the following as a tribute to Jason. I was asked to put this story into words. It was read upon Jason's introduction as College Hills' guest speaker for Homecoming 2007. Jason, may you never forget God's hand in your life and never doubt His purpose for you here.

Love you!

BIG SIS

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Homecoming Sunday 9/23/07

One of my earliest childhood memories is of me snuggled up next to my mom on a church pew, finding security in her calming presence. I also remember deeply wishing and patiently waiting for a brother or sister to play with. I was an ONLY CHILD for 11 years. Finally, my wish came true in 1976 and I became the BiG SIS to new baby brother Jason.

I remember asking my Mom years later WHY there were no other brothers or sisters for 11 years. I was surprised to learn her reason was NOT for a lack of wanting more children. However, Nature had withheld the blessing of any more Bybee babies from our family. Then she shared the Bible story of Hannah with me because she could personally relate to this humble woman. For years, Hannah’s prayer was also Myrna’s Prayer:

1 Sam 1:11 “O Lord Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant, but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life.”

Life rarely plays out in reality as we imagine it in our dreams. Our Dad was a hearty, healthy 6’2” 220lbs in his adulthood, but he died after brief and brutal struggle with cancer when Jason was only 10 years old. Just a few years later, fate took our precious Mother down the same road and my brother became an orphan.

Perhaps Satan intended to keep Mom’s prayer from being completely fulfilled through our parents’ untimely passing. Maybe Satan thought he could prevent a future minister from proclaiming God’s truths by leaving Jason parentless. Although I don’t know why these events happened to my family, I am certain about this: Through all the years of trials and heartache, God never wavered. He continued to work in our lives to fulfill Mom’s dream of raising a preacher. Even through her death, God continued answering her prayers.

Many of life’s moments aren’t particularly notable. But there are other DEFINING MOMENTS which shape us all. Today is a defining moment for me, for my brother, for our parents, and also for this church. Today is the day one humble woman’s prayer comes full circle and GOD’s goodness outshines all the pain, injustice, and difficulties of this world. We give HIM all the praise and all the glory for HIS blessings. And our prayer is that HE is happy with us indeed.

Do You Know the MUFFIN MAN?

Click here for another Micah Beard original

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koe6LEd-wVk

I always thought the muffin man was fat and kinda cranky! HA!

Trick or Treat Kitties

Micah took some humerous video of our kittens. Click here for the link to watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6jUEuKPoxE


MEOW!

Top 10 Things I have Given Up On

1. Having a positive shopping experience at our Lebanon Wal-mart. This place brings the worst in a lot of people.

2. Being able to drive down Hartmann Drive without hitting a red light.

3 Ever being able to lose weight again.

4. Getting rid of my green elbows. Why does this happen? I bathe regularly with soap!?

5. Not having ZITS. Nobody warned me that I would one day have wrinkles and ZiTS. How does this happen? This seems a terrible injustice to my face, and those who must look at it.

6. Ever being able to get 21 years of photographs into an album, much less a scrapbook.

7. Ever getting the past 6 years of digital photos printed.

8. Time to myself.....I don't want a lot, but a hour or two alone in a clean house would be dreamy every month or two.

9. Ever getting out of debt.

10. Ever being able to get rid of our brown recluse spiders! What is one to do if the ORKIN mail fails you??? By the way, our former BUG MAN is now having unexplained seizures. I think he's had too much exposure to bug spray.

Micah's Caramel Popcorn

Micah loves to cook. He comes up with some pretty good items without using a recipe. My most favorite popcorn in the world is made by him. He makes EXTREME BUTTER, KETTLE CORN, and my most favorite, CARAMEL POPCORN. I tell the truth when I say that I have found NONE other that beats Micah's. 2 years ago, we got him a stove top popper with the crank handle. So here's the recipe for Micah's Masterpiece, in his own words:


(You will need a stove corn popper)


1/2 cup organic popcorn


1/4 cup organic brown sugar


2T organic butter


1 T vegetable oil


First add the oil, brown sugar, and butter in a bowl and heat in the microwave (until butter melts) then stir well. Add half this mixture in the popcorn popper along with the popcorn. When it's almost done popping, add the rest of the brown sugar mixture and turn off stove. Then let cool for a minute while gently stirring.

Out of Ca$h and Into a Dodge....................

When our oldest son Ethan turned 15, we waited 4 months before taking him to get his permit. Read OUT OF THE DRIVER'S seat for that experience from a MOM's perspective. Then this past May, Ethan got a job and started saving his money. Since he is a home schooled high schooler , he had an advantage with his job searching and landed a good job at Michael's Cafe here in Lebanon. This is a family owned and operated business run by Marcie Wright. Marcie used to cook for my Alma mater, started her own catering business, and now has a restaurant. This cafe is open for lunch Sunday-Friday and does some catering in the evenings. Ethan has worked diligently for 6 months now and has saved almost all his earnings.

During this time, he has poured over car and truck magazines, searched the Internet, and kept a close eye on those E-bay auctions. So last Monday evening, he sat down and the computer and made the winning bid on the truck of his dreams - a 1999 Dodge Dakota. The catch? He had to drive nearly to Chicago to pick it up. On Saturday, he and Dad left out at 4am for the 360+ mile one way trip. At nearly midnight, I heard them drive up our driveway. Proud and pooped.

I cannot believe this day has finally come. Richard and I cannot possibly be old enough to have a son who bought his own vehicle with cash and hit another milestone of independence. Son we are proud of you. We are proud of your hard work ethic, proud of your wisdom in saving your money, and proud of the fine young man you have become. May you enjoy the fruits of your labor and thank God for giving you health to work. May His protection be over you always - especially in your Dodge.

What I Miss................

As much as I love the fall season with the leaves changing colors against an October blue sky, and the cold crisp air, I can't help but remember...........

My Granddaddy Bybee was born in October and our family would kick off the fall season with a family meal to honor him. Our third child, a daughter name Josie Mae was due in October. She would be ten years old this year - IF ONLY. My father passed away 20 years ago this October 20th. I have uncountable Armstrong cousins, aunts, and uncles who celebrate October birthdays. Grandmother Armstrong made a tradition celebrating these October birthdays by hosting a bonfire, hayride, and wiener roast each year. And last, another date to remember is October 27th - my Mom's birthday.

This coming Saturday my Mom would be 67 years old if she were still with us. She's been gone nearly 14 years, but for me, it might as well have been a lifetime. Part of my life stopped when she died and in many respects, time just stood still. So here's to a little remembrance in honor of Mom - Myrna Faye Armstrong Bybee. Those who knew her understood she was the REAL DEAL, a woman of honor, virtuous, a gem among stones. Here's What I Miss....................................................

Nobody else listens like Mom. I miss having her ear to talk to about my joys and fears, my worries and dreams.

What I would give for her fried chicken and biscuits crafted with her own hands. I've been told I'm a good cook, but my fried chicken and biscuits are lacking in comparison to hers.

I miss seeing that left eyebrow raise solo... to me this meant, "Watch out young lady" or who ever else it was intended to warn. I can't do this, and to this day, I am unsure if my children will lead a normal life because they never experienced this "force".

Coffee and her home made cinnamon rolls around the breakfast table in our PJ's.

Her wise advice on how to raise children.

Her Irises and Roses in summer bloom.

Her home made blackberry jelly - yes she would pick'em, boil'em and strain'em to get the seeds out. I still cannot get down the jam with seeds.

Ethan doesn't remember his Nana. But I remember how she adored him. I am sad she never knew Micah and Hope and they will grow up without a Nana and her powerful influence.

I terribly wanted her by my side when I delivered Micah and Hope. And what a comfort it would have been to have her present on the worst day of my life 5/29/97.

I miss seeing her get sooo tickled at something Dad would say or do, she would almost wet her pants, and tears would be streaming down her face.

I miss her Christmas Coconut Cake which was an ALL DAY cooking event.

I miss her calming presence and her reassuring spirit in this ever so upsetting world.

I miss her Christian example, strong character, and gentle spirit, and so much more.

To a fine Lady who is deeply missed...... Happy Birthday Mom :)

Who DID invent the Toilet??

The flush toilet was invented in 1596 by John Harrington
First valve-type flush toilet was introduced in 1738 by a man named J.F. Brondel (J.F. Bronde)
Alexander Cummings invented the Strap, a sliding valve between the bowl and the trap in 1775.
Samuel Prosser applied for and received a patent for a plunger toilet in 1777.
Joseph Bramah altered the design in 1778 so that it had a valve at the bottom of the bowl that worked on a hinge, a predecessor to the modern ballcock.
Thomas Twyford revolutionized the toilet business in 1885 when he built the first trapless toilet in a one-piece, all china design.
J. G. Jennings patented a washout closet in 1852. This unit had a shallow basin with a dished tray and water seal. The flush water drove the contents into the pan and then through the S-trap.
The U.S.Patent Office received applications for 350 new toilet designs between 1900 and 1932.
Engineers at the Emerson Motor Company in St. Louis have developed a 3.3 inch motor and a .2 horsepower pump that fits in a toilet tank to add speed and power to each flush.
Emerson partnered with pump manufacturers Zoeller Company and Hydromatic Pump Company to develop a plumbing system that liquefies waste.
Thomas Crapper didn't invent the toilet, but was an English plumber from the late 1800s who held nine patents for plumbing products

Although I was ready to give credit to Thomas Crapper for our modern day device... it seems that this essential invention evolved over time and several people are due credit for our throne. Thanks for allowing me to indulge in a little "crap" material.

Here are some jokes my son made up;

What do you call a bunny in a dress??




Little Bunny MOO MOO!!!

What do you call a bunny on a train??




Little Bunny CHOO CHOO!!!


To which I added:

What do you call a bunny on the johnny?



Little Bunny POO POO!



Yes we have a warped sense of humor, but keep in mind, we are without TV and are desperately trying to amuse ourselves :)

The DARK Ages, and Trivia Question

As I posted earlier, our big TV went out for the 3rd time and is beyond repair. Our other TV also went out. I brought home a TV from work which nobody wanted anymore - it went out too.

Our Heat and Air unit has been out since last Thursday.

And Thursday night our Internet went down and Richard just got it going today.

Last night Micah commented that our family is now living in the DARK AGES since we have no TV, no INTERNET, and NO HEAT/AC. I got a chuckle from that.

At least we can still flush..... But I will keep my fingers crossed!

and now for a bit of TRIVIA

Who can tell me the inventor of the TOILET??

NEA Resolves to Stand AGAINST Home Schooling

We began home schooling 11 years ago in 1996. It wasn't as popular then and there were much fewer resources and supports. We took the decision on a year by year basis. About 5 years ago, we felt for certain that this is the path God had put us on. I thank Him daily for the opportunity to home school our children.

Our main reason for home schooling? We feel it will give our children a greater chance of going to heaven. However, the other advantages are countless. We are so blessed and want to encourage anyone who feels led to home schooling to GO FOR IT! We may not always have the freedom to home school IF the NEA has it's way.Not much angers me, but this most recent stunt by the NEA gets my blood boiling!!!!

The National Educational Association in their 2007-2008 Resolutions has taken a stand against homeschooling.It reads "The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience. (yes, my children have missed out a lot being home schooled. Like eating school lunch, standing in line to eat, drink, walk, potty, ect. Also they have missed out on lock downs, property and body searches, and a whole host of other experiences. All socialization is NOT positive. Gasp! How will my children ever function in society??)

When home schooling occurs, students enrolled must meet all state curricular requirements, including the taking and passing of assessments to ensure adequate academic progress.

(Yes, some home schoolers can get around the standardized tests. HOWEVER, many subjects and topics I and other home school parent have taught our children would never appear on a standardized test. All 3 of our kids have had at least a year of Greek before entering 4th grade. They have studied world history chronologically along with the Bible. So there are many topics which most home school parents expose their children to learning at a very young age, which would never appear on a standardized test. The standardized tests are NOT an accurate measurement of knowledge, simply a measurement of a piece of the pie, not the whole pie.)
Home schooling should be limited to the children of the immediate family (If we decide our children's education would be enhanced by allowing them to work with tutors and mentors, that's our choice!)

with all expenses being borne by the parents/guardians. (My husband and I pay more than our fair share of taxes and I NEVER ask or expect the gov't to foot the bill for our choices. A tax credit would be nice for our choice though. Considering each school system in TN gets approximately 6000+ per student per year, I figure we will have saved taxpayers $18,000 per year.)

Instruction should be by persons who are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used. (Hey that's one reason we chose to home school in the first place. We get to choose the curriculum! I have 3 different learning styles in my 3 kiddo's. What worked for Ethan was a disaster for Micah. As home schoolers, we had the option to change Micah's texts to something else more suited to his learning style. It didn't take rocket science for us parents to figure that out either. Also this week's paper had another coach at a local HS who was charged with sexual abuse of a student. Granted, most teachers have better values, but being "licensed by the state" does little to impress the home school world of parents. Our standards are usually much higher than state standards)

The Association also believes that home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools. The Association further believes that local public school systems should have the authority to determine grade placement and/or credits earned toward graduation for students entering or re-entering the public school setting from a home school setting. (Sound's like someone just doesn't want to play NICE)

"Statistics have shown that homeschooled students do exceptionally well. They excel (and win) spelling bees, score high on tests like the SAT, and go on to be accepted into many colleges. One Source: http://www.chec.org/Legislative/News/HomeschoolingStatistics/Index.html Homeschoolers also find benefits in co-op classes contrary to the NEA belief that students should only be instructed by their immediate families. Take a moment to tell the NEA that homeschooling is a real option that does produce wonderfully rounded and educated members of society.http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/homeschoolers-against-nea-philosophy?page=%2051

Why DID the chicken cross the Road?

Why did the Chicken cross the road?



DR. PHIL:The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize thathe must first deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the roadbefore it goes after the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of theroad. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting bynot taking on his 'CURRENT' problems before adding New problems.

OPRAH:Well I understand that the chicken is having problems, which iswhy he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having thechicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a partof life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just driveacross the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens

GEORGE W BUSH:We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We justwant to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not.The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.____________________________________________________

COLIN POWELL:Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satelliteimage of the chicken crossing the road...____________________________________________________

ANDERSON COOPER - CNN:We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have notyet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.____________________________________________________

JOHN KERRY:Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am nowagainst it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misledabout the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and willremain against it.___________________________________________________

NANCY GRACE:That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! You can seeit in his eyes and the way he walks.____________________________________________________

PAT BUCHANAN:To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.____________________________________________________

MARTHA STEWART:No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. Ihad a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs whenthe price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me anyinsider information.____________________________________________________

DR SEUSS:Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad?Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've notbeen told.____________________________________________________

ERNEST HEMINGWAY:To die in the rain. Alone

GRANDPA:In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road.Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was goodenough.____________________________________________________

BARBARA WALTERS:Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listeningto the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming storyof how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on toaccomplish its life long dream of crossing the road.____________________________________________________

JOHN LENNON:Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together,in peace.____________________________________________________

ARISTOTLE:It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.____________________________________________________

BILL GATES:I have just released eChicken2007, which will not only crossroads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, andbalance your check book. Internet Explorer is an integral part ofeChicken. This new platform is much more stable and will nevercra...#@&&^( C .. ... reboot.____________________________________________________

ALBERT EINSTEIN:Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road movebeneath the chicken?____________________________________________________

BILL CLINTON:I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What is yourdefinition of chicken?____________________________________________________

AL GORE:I invented the chicken!____________________________________________________

COLONEL SANDERS:Did I miss one?____________________________________________________

DICK CHENEY:Where's my gun?

I'm HOT and everything is BROKEN

Hey guys.... Did you know there are only 69 more shopping days left until Christmas!!!!!! Yikes.

Today is October 17th and I am sitting in my home with bare feet, hair pulled back, in a thin top, windows open, ceiling fans on HIGH, and I am HOT!!!! Last night I kept tossing and turning and sweating. Then I bolted out of bed because I smelled something burning. I also noticed our heat and air unit didn't sound quite right and now it won't do ANYTHING. I can't believe how incredibly warm the weather has been lately. It's still too hot to eat on the back porch and we are on the back side of October already. At any rate, I sit here in the heat waiting for my hero, the BENTLY's repair man to come over and right the wrongs with our unit.

Last week our main TV went out for the 3rd time this year. It cannot be repaired since they don't make the part which is broken. I don't understand this since it's only 5 years old. At any rate, we are without a TV at the moment. We also had 2 smaller, older TV's which are now gonners. I think we should just do without until year end and see what this does for our family life! We may have to depending on the AC bill!

And last of all, I can't make my healthy morning smoothies any more either. I bought a new Oster heavy duty blender back in the summer. I have always wanted a blender, but never got one in all my 21 years of marrriage and house keeping. Within 6 weeks, the blender started having that OZONE smell and blew up. Richard went to great lengths to locate the right fuse and sauter the fuse back into the motor. Then last week as I was preparing a delicious smoothie with OJ, Cream, Strawberries, Pineapple, and Mangos (YUM) and it blew up yet again.

So I am HOT, I can't make me a smoothie, and watch TV.

I miss the blender the most!

New Additions to the Family

Last year Hope got a kitten the same day Micah got his dog, which was the same day we went to simply "look" at a puppy. Hope was an excellent pet owner and we all got pretty attached to Darlene the cat. Hope doted on this kitty every day. She took missing when we had the longest, hottest weather at the end of August. Micah helped Hope make MISSING CAT notices and they both passed them out in our neighborhood. About 10 days later, a neighbor called. What was left of our poor kitty was in her yard along with Darlene's name tag and our phone number. Hope was just broken hearted.

A few days later, Hope's teacher from her preschool days e-mailed us photos of their new litter of 6 kittys. These kittens would need homes soon because the owners already had 5 grown cats! Hope was the first person to choose a kitten when they were just a few days old. Later Micah picked out one as well. As it turns out, Hope got the only boy in the litter. Also, Hope and Micah's kittens had the strongest bond throughout their first 6 weeks of life.

So last night, Hope could hardly contain her excitement since this was KITTY DAY for the Beards. Micah, who we think gets excited sometimes, was able to contain himself very well. These pictures were taken at the owner's house before we took them to their new home. I think the photos speak volumes.

Now should we rename our blog page FIVEBEARDS and a DOG and 2 CATS?

Get your NASCAR shots!

http://www.gopusa.com/theloft/?p=575

I got a good chuckle from this article. I know I am a true southerner, but this article is ridiculous!



You know your in the south when.....
Indoor furniture is on the front porch
Yard statues include the commode
Duck Tape is the number one home/auto repair tool
Sweet Tea is on the menu
Cornbread and Pintos makes a complete meal
The finest Rednecks come out late at night like vampires and shop at Wal-mart.
You've ever made a redneck rain poncho - out of a Hefty Bag
You have an assortment of Halloween costumes made from Hefty Bags
Your granny isn't fat..... She's just HEFTY!

Living in the south's not too bad - At school last Friday the 2nd graders had been studying Tennessee. They were in the fellowship hall decorating Tennessee shaped cookies. I didn't know you could order online state shaped cookie cutters - even ones from the south.

Happy Campers

Another family favorite is camping. We have been camping for over 10 years now. Our first camp trip with the family was in 1997 to Fall Creek Falls. We camped in our Plymouth Voyager Van. Ethan was 6 and Micah was only 3. We later inherited my in-laws RV from the early 70's. If any one out there has seen the movie RV - that family could have easily been the Beards! We have a lot of stories to tell about that old camper. Like the time I woke up ( my bed was on the dinette table OVER the gas water heater) and plumes of black smoke were billowing up around me. Then there was the time we had a water leak in the wall. Richard spent the first 2 days of his vacation trying locate parts and repairing the camper.

About 5 years ago we upgraded the 70's RV to a newer one. We have tried to use this one every chance we get. This year we camped 7 different times. Here are some photos from our last camp trip of 07! We can't wait to make some reservations for 2008.

Sailing Sailing.........

One of our family highlights this year was a trip to Destin FL in August. We have been to the same condo (Carribean Dunes) several times. It is located across the street from the beach. This is a true vacation for us. We usually wake up, eat, go to the beach, eat, go to the pool, eat, go back to the beach and sleep some more. We usually dine out only a time or two the entire trip.

This year we decided to live a little. Althought we still prepared most all our meals at the condo, Dad booked a trip aboard the Nathaniel Bowditch Sailboat. Here are some pics from that trip. It's a day we will always remember.... and treasure.

An American Girl Day July 18, 2007

I am usually slow to get on the band wagon, and try to avoid them at all costs. Such was the case with AMERICAN GIRL. I had successfully sheltered my daughter from the whole AMERICAN GIRL phenomenon UNTIL Hope's aunt took her to our local library last summer. She pointed out the selection of AMERICAN GIRL stories for Hope to check out. Appearantly, they are quite popular amoung girls at the public school where my sister-in-law works. At this point in time, the books were a bit advanced for a 1st grader to read alone so I was forced to sit and read to my daughter..... and then we were both hooked.

American Girl knows a lot about marketing. There are up to 6 different stories written about each historical character. There are oodles of characters. There are American Girl Dolls to purchase - one for each fictional character at a whopping $80+ bucks each. Then there are countless outfits and accessories which can be purchased for each character. Then there is the furniture, the beds, the bedding, the horses and stables, and cats, and on and on and on. Of course you can also purchase the books, and stationary, and pens, and pads. Then for the ulitmate experience, a parent can spend a whole day spoiling their daughter at the AMERICAN GIRL STORE. There are only 4 in the USA, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, and a new one just opened in Atlanta. An American Girl Play is offered several times a day. There are 3 levels of STUFF to shop. You can have your picture made with your doll and put on the cover of AMERICAN GIRL MAGAZINE. An most of all, Mommy and daughter and dollie can dine in fine style at the AMERCIAN GIRL CAFE - lost in a world of pink girlie dazzleness.

So last fall 0f-2006 our daughter began saving her own money to purhase an AMERICAN GIRL doll of her very own. Often when she would contemplate spending a few dollars on something frivolous - Mom would remind her of her goal. Hope's motivation to save for a doll equalled my interest in reading the stories. I couldn't get enough of the historical girls with my girl snuggled up close through the winter months with a blanket while we read.

So after our daughter had stayed motivated to save her allowance for over 10 months I decided to go all out. Instead of planning a big birthday party I took the party funds and bought us each a round trip ticket on Southwests Internet special to Chicago (90$ roundtrip for each). I began to save my dollars for other trip expenses. I booked the early flight out and the latest flight home for the same day. So on July 18th, 2007, Hope and I had our AMERICAN GIRL DREAM COME TRUE DAY. We flew into O'hare, took the EL to Michgan Ave and located the AMERICAN GIRL STORE right away. The look of awe and wonder on Hope's face as we entered this 3 story building made me want to cry. We both wander throughout the place with eyes wide open. This place is beyond incredible.

I had made lunch reservations way in advance and we were treated to a special time in the cafe. Hope ordered the TIC TAC TOE pizza and mom had the salad. Later we attended a most touching play which had all of the characters from every book worked into the script. We had to escape this world of materialism to be able to think clearly before making any purchases. We went to the Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, and to the top of the John Hancock building. Finally, we returned with cash in hand to make a purchase. Hope chose Elizabeth from the book FELICITY. She was able to buy a couple of outfits with her birthday money she also saved for the trip.

This was a day we will both treasure forever. This was one of those special days - expensive and yet priceless. That 90$ ticket was the best money I've spent in a long time.