Well, it's that time of year again...when you live in the mule capital of the world, apparently the highlight of your year is Mule Day, which happens to be today. I'm sure you're thinking, did I read that right? Oh yes you did! The festivities are a whole week long but the culmination of the whole week is the first Saturday in April (today) where there is a parade, mule pulls, shows, contests, auctions, and other such delights. And you're probably also thinking, "who would go to such a thing?" Well, you'd be surprised. It's a madhouse out there. People come from all over the place, and they bring their mules too! Well, ok, I admit it...sometimes I go too. It can be kind of fun, although not as much fun as the Goat Festival in October. So everyone mark your calendars for next year, hitch up your mules, and come on down! And in the spirit of the season, I'd like to wish each of you a very happy Mule Day. Any many more!
I got to your blog through two other people and noticed your discussion of Mule Day. You might be interested to know that here in California the town of Bishop (about halfway up the state just east of the Sierra's) also has Mule Days each Memorial Day week. Apparently their town of 4,000 grows to 65,000 for that week. Fun times!
Wasn't Yosemite beautiful, and San Fran bizzarre? Yosemite almost looked like a backdrop-like it wasn't even real. And San Fran-we saw a bum with a sign, "Why lie, it's for beer."
My parents got a Wii!!!! I'm so excited about this, Ben and I went over last night and played until after midnight. We bowled! We golfed! We boxed! We played tennis! We raced cows! All in all I'd say it was a good night. And man am I sore this morning! I can't wait to go back over tonight. Have any of you ever played one or have one? Do you know any fun games that don't come with it already?
I've never played on one, but I've heard they are the "ultimate experience" when it comes to playing video games... How awesome that your parents have one!
yeah, no kidding. Yeah, my parents are coller than us, too. They have one and my brother and sister-in-law does. I'd like one for when we have people over, but I know I'd get addicted.
We have one and we love to play it after Indi is in bed sometimes and when people or family come over. Link's Crossbow Training is a lot of fun. It comes with a zapper. If you like the target practice shooting on on the WII games, you'll like it.
I was hoping to get some helpful input...In a few months the congregation that I am a member of is going to have a weekend gospel meetng lecture-type series especially for the young folks (middle school and high school age primarily). The name of the series is something like "Wholly devoted to God." Anyway, in preparation for this, some of the class teachers have been trying to get the kids involved by discussing their gifts/talents that they can use for God's service. However, the only thing that the kids think they're good at is sports-related. And that's it...nothing else...only soccer, football, softball, etc. Well, the teachers are a bit stumped on how to instruct the kids on using their sports skills for His service. Any ideas?
ever seen the movie "facing the giants"? it's all about this idea, that no matter WHAT you're doing, you're doing it for God. i could ramble on and on about all the things you could get from it and teach them, but i'll just leave you with a "watch the movie" and i promise you'll take away plenty of good stuff from it. :) that's my input. but yes, it is somewhat annoying that teenagers seem to only think their talents revolve around aports.
one thing you can do is take the focus off of them. Look at people that were not necessarily "superheroes" of the Bible, and ask them to identify their gifts. Or ask them to pick five older people in the congregation and ask them to collectively, or individually, list the gifts of these older people at the church.
Another way to ask the same question, but in a way to get a totally different answer than sports, is to ask, "what do you think people appreicate about you?" or, if they have a hard time thinking of themselves in that way (highly likely), you can ask, "what do you appreciate about Mr. so and so...Miss so and so?" or even, "who are you thankful for in the congregation(/your school, etc,) and why?" Why they are thankful for someone, or what they appreciate about someone, is that person's gift. Then you have set the precedent for thinking about things of a more noble nature, and if you reask the question to them, "what are YOUR gifts?" I can almost guarantee you'll get a different/better answer.
that is great advice. the first thing that came to my head was all the sports related lessons that i've heard from my dad.. just casual stuff. passing is sharing. practicing is essential. studying film prepares us for the enemy. endurance is a must; can't play anything less than the whole game. teamwork is the only way to succeed. listen to your coach. the spiritual allegories are numerous :)
Indi will be 7 months on Tuesday. We've been doing great. Still living in the Tampa area. Where in TN are you? My sister, Joy and her family, just moved to K'ville recently... :( They used to live 5 minutes away.
Not related to your entry - I found a great de-shedder tool at PetSmarts - it's a KONG "brush" thingie that the groomers in the grooming area use there. I asked them last time I got Bauer's nails cut, etc. We'll see how it works! When's the next time y'all will be up our way (or passing our way?) - we'll have to do lunch/dinner!
Several have said they seriously hope to make it here during the next year or two. I hope several of those really will be able to work it all out! Ya'll absolutely are invited. Passports and vaccinations would be the first things to get started on!
it's ok - defintately we'll have to get together. a friend of ours is getting married is Nashville in May (probably), so maybe we can spend an extra day there and see you all. We'll let you know all the details when we get them (she just got engaged Sat.!)
Belize was awesome. We did not end up needing vaccinations - even for Sean. I looked on the CDC website and they have a place where they list what vaccinations you need for each country. Belize only had recommendations - no requirements. So that was nice. It was a lot of fun. One of these days, I'm going to get up a gallery of pictures. It's just incredible!
Hey all!! New to pleo but everyone told me how cool it was on here. Right now I'm just visiting Tampa, on business. I'm a dental hygienist and just down here working. I've been married to Ben Prasser for 5 years and doing great. Looking forward to hearing from friends I haven't heard from in a while. Thanks for reading!!
Becca and I got married last May and are living in Louisville right now (as are Terra (Dieman) Vaughan and Julie (Graham) Hardin). We all go to Expressway Church of Christ and have a wonderful time doing so.
BTW, when was the last time you had a good head-chomping? :O
Hey girl! How are you and Ben?!?!? James and I miss y'all! We always say we'll hook up with you guys, but every time we get to BG, we're only there for like 24 hours and only have time to see the parents/grandma/uncle, etc. there. Say hi to Ben for us!
Tomato Girl!!! How random was that doctor office!! We thought of you the other day...I can't remember exactly why...oh, yes, someone that Andy was working with at his site work in Orlando. He had to make sure her name wasn't heather. :D
The party was fun...a little chaotic, but fun. The kids all had a good time. I would have bounced in the bounce house, but the one I borrowed it from told us that with adults, it just sort of sinks, b/c there's a few holes. It was fine for the kids though. I would have loved to get in there.
Yaaaaay! I'm so glad you're on here now! I've been thinking about you. I can't remember what I told you in my last email sooo I had the baby - Sean Christopher - on Oct. 26. Check my blog for pictures!!
Neeko is our boy - he is 1 year and 8 months. He is SUCH a sweet boy!
Lilly will be a year old in about a week. She is also very sweet.
There are some pictures on my blog (under galleries on the left) - not very many recent ones. I should put some more recent pics up.
They are very much like children to us, too. :) In fact, we are planning to breed them this summer if our vet gives us clearance. Grandchildren!
Thanks Heather! Everyone has been so encouraging on my blog. I really shouldn't blog about these things when I'm a hormonal wreck! ha! I like Ambers idea, I'm going to have to copy that. So she has two little ones now huh? Being an aunt is awesome isn't it? My brothers oldest, Shayna, is almost 11! Then there's Whitney (7) and Ellie (5) and Micah's sister Courtney just had a baby in November, Caroline.
and I did bounce today in the bounce house. Then little Addy came over and bounced. She loved me bouncing her and Katelyn, but then said, "you're too big." So I got out. :)
