Happy New Year

Countdown to the New Year.



Join me in welcoming in 2009. I want to wish my fellow bloggers a wonderful and happy New Year. Here's hoping that 2009 is a joyous and profitable year for you and your family.



All the best in the New Year.

The Big Hits in our House

The Christmas gifts have all been unwrapped and thank you notes have been written. Yes, you read that correctly. Thank you notes. The long lost art of letting those who thought of you that you appreciate their gift.

Let the playing begin. There were lots of cool presents. a number of them have been a big hit. The crew has played a number of the games with family and friends. The fun, laughter, togetherness, and joy has been fun to observe.

Clue by Parker Brothers

The classic detective game! In Clue, players move from room to room in a mansion to solve the mystery of: who done it, with what, and where? Players are dealt character, weapon, and location cards after the top card from each card type is secretly placed in the confidential file in the middle of the board. Players must move to a room and then make an accusation against a character saying they did it in that room with a specific weapon. The player to the left must show one of any cards accused to the accuser if in that player's hand. Through deductive reasoning each player must figure out which character, weapon, and location are in the secret file. To do this, each player must uncover what cards are in other players hands by making more and more accusations. Once a player knows what cards the other players are holding they will know what cards are in the secret file. A great game for those who enjoy reasoning and thinking things out.

This has been fun for the kids and adults.

Last Word by Buffalo Games

Be the first player to advance to the Finish by creatively connecting Subjects and Letters, while racing a Random-Interval Timer and the other Players! For example, Subject: "Vegetables"... Letter: "C". Players yell out... Carrots!Cucumbers! Corn! Cauliflower! 'tick-tick' ... The player with the Last Word before the timer sounds advances.

This has been a good thinking game. It also causes lots of discussion about how words are really spelled.

Nintendo Wii

The other hit was my toy. However, the combination of Katherine at Quarterback and Rebecca at receiver has been putting a whooping on the rest of us. On the two on two mode they haven't been beaten. You should hear the laughing and giggling that goes with this game.

All have had a great time playing with our Christmas goodies.

What have your favorites Christmas goodies been?

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to All.

Twas the annual reading of the night before Christmas

New pajamas and slippers were had by all on Christmas Eve to assist with the long winters nap.

Christmas morning began in our house at 7:30 a.m. Thank you kids!!! I did hear some movement around 6:00 a.m. but decided that until it got louder all was fine. Our youngest two arrived at 7:30 ready to go.

Twas the day of Christmas and all through the house the people were playing all over the house. The kids all in jammys they receive just last night were working hard making sure all the playing didn't lead to a fight.

Lovely wife was exited to have her new prize. A vest and a red blackberry curve was her surprise.

Ipods, clothes, and a Nintendo DS were some of the items under the tree.

My son received from his Godparents a Hot Wheel race car set that has been a hit. There was a 1555 piece building set, Bakugan battle brawlers, hot wheels cars, and laser tag. He also received two Nerf footballs. There were lots of wonderful gifts. I have only mentioned a few.

Aunt Liz and Aunt Fran gave the kids money, cool gifts and McDonald's gift cards. The kids had a special message during the picture. (See the attached Video)

We have played a couple of rounds of Pictionary and lovely wife is now the proud owner of the game, Clue. I can't wait to see who done it, with what and where they done it.

The best fun is having the family together for a day without any activities to drive the schedule. It's all about having a nice time today with each other. We will also check in with our friends and family who are spread all over the globe.

Merry Christmas to all.

Merry Christmas Eve to All

Have a wonderful Christmas. We are preparing to celebrate the holiday at home this year. Later this evening we will give each of the kids a new set of pajamas. Another Christmas tradition.



We will also have the traditional evening before Christmas bingo. This is a tradition begun many years ago on the eve of Christmas to provide some fun and entertainment with prizes.



This will be the night the kids have a hard time going to sleep.

What is your favorite Holiday Movie?

Let's hear it fellow bloggers? What is your favorite holiday movie?It's getting to that time of year. Are you a National Lampoon, Christmas Vacation fan of Chevy Chase? Or, are you a classic movie fan, A Christmas story?


Let me know your favorite holiday movie? And a little bit of why.


Mine is A Wonderful Life. I've seen it for many years and its a classic. My favorite cartoon is the Frosty the Snowman. By today's standards the graphics are lame. But, the story is cool and the music is fun.



Are you ready to share?

Three snow days. Why can't I be a kid?

I know the jealously is not a virture. But, three snow days in a row? Going to work is hard enough each day. But, when the whole house is quiet, the covers are warm, and there is a blanket of ice and snow outside. I want a snow day. I'm a dedicated employee yet, I like being a kid.

So, off I go. Carefully making sure I don't land on my hind quarters infront of the homestead.

It was nice to hear from my kids on my cellphone. The calls were few. We have been outside playing in the snow. We just came in to have Hot Chocolate. Can you come home early to play in the snow? That one from my son made we a little squishy.

They seemed to enjoy themselves. I did get to make a snowball. They also were able to make a couple of snowmen.

Can't wait till the next time it snows.

Can you say snow day?

Yep, the first snow day of the year occurred this morning. We had an idea last night that it could be a unique morning. We had thunder, lightening, and ice. It was a thunder ice storm.

The sound of the ice hitting the house sounded like someone was outside the house with a garden hose on the windows. Dabba wasn't a fan of the thunder ice.

This morning when I went outside to head to work I slid down my sidewalk to the driveway. It took 30 minutes to thaw my car so I could get in the thing. As I slid down the drive way into the street it was a little unnerving especially since I had only barely touched the accelerator.

My kids were loving the day off. My lovely wife was looking for some reinforcements later in the day.

The kids are excited, the weather doesn't look like it is getting any better soon, the schools cancelled classes for snow day number two. This happened even before bedtime!

So, snow day number two on the way!

Iowa State Names New Auburn Football Coach

The fun continues on the prettiest little village on the plains. It appears that this afternoon the Iowa State's Athletic Director announced that Auburn University had hired Iowa State's football coach, Gene Chizik. I cracked up on how the announcement was, or wasn't handled, depending on who you believe.

They have hired a coach who has a record of 6 and 18 in the last two seasons as a head coach. I'm all about going out on a limb but, sawing the limb off the branch behind oneself is what appears to be going on here.

My question. Why would you hire someone who is a defensive coordinator? Wasn't it Auburn's failed attempt of rolling out a new offense that caused the previous coach to get the pink slip? The high school guy didn't work out. But, at least at the level he played he'd won.

Welcome to the SEC! Coach.

Things will be fun in the South Eastern Conference next year with all the new coaches opening day next year should be lots of fun.

Good Luck Auburn.

St. Mary's Drops first Game

The Seahawks of St. Mary's College of Maryland had reached #14 in Division III Men's Basketball, Top 25 poll, this week. This is also the week that St. Mary's, playing Baruch College this afternoon, were unable to maintain their perfect record. A loss this afternoon has dropped St. Mary's from the ranks of the unbeaten.


The next game for the Seahawks will be in St. John Fisher College Tournament on Monday, December 29 in Rochester, N.Y.

Go Seahawks!

Favorite Christmas Shopping Sites

Happy holidays. Merry Christmas. It's the gift giving time of the year so I'm looking for ideas. My fellow bloggers. How about some hints on your favorite online shopping sites.

Have any hints you want to share?

Asst. Coach Nick and Team Notch Another Win

The Seahawks of St. Mary's College of Maryland are currently ranked 18th in the top 25 of Division III Men's Basketball. They recently beat Marymount University to achieve a record of 7 and 0. This is the team that went to the second round of the Division III playoffs last year.

This blog will be covering the Seahawks from the standpoint of tracking the success of the team having a great interest in the support of Assistant Coach Nick. (My youngest brother!) You go Nick.

The Seahawks next game is Saturday, December 13 when St. Mary's travels to Baruch College in New York for non-conference action. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Another Entry for The Book

We keep a family book of things that the kids say. The Book is maintained for, one, entertainment and two, to help us remember the things that are said. Over the years there have been some classics. Keeping The Book also helps us to communicate the stories to other members of the family.

Dabba our youngest decided that she would like to have input on which member of the family would be putting the angel on the advent calendar. My wife's aunt, I guess making her my aunt-in-law, hand sewed a beautiful large advent calendar with pockets and hand made ornaments for each day of December.

Dabba decided that working with her Mom and providing a suggestion might help the task she would like to perform fall a little closer to home. There are four kids in the house so there is a one in four chance that Dabba would be chosen for the task.

So, The Book, entry sounded like this. "Mom, when we pick who will put the angel on the calender on the 25th who will get to do it? Mom, well we will have to see. What do you suggest?, Mom says, to the five year old. Could you please have us pick a number between one and three? Then, Mom, could you make the number be two?

Okay, there are four kids. But the message was clear. We either have a future ballot box stuffer in the house or this young lady has already learned the art of making your own luck! No pun intended.

When I heard the story I laughed myself silly. What a great way to make things in the world go your way. Thus, another entry to The Book.

Alabama vs. Florida - The SEC Championship Game

Saturday should be a fun day. The Alabama Crimson Tide, fresh from "The Spanking" of Auburn University, will be playing the for Southeastern Conference Championship in Atlanta, Georgia. Roll Tide!

What a difference a year makes. This time last year the season was over except for a possible bowl game. This year. Well, the only major college team that finished the regular season undefeated and playing for a conference championship. So, there are two more games. We play them one at a time so let's not get to far ahead of ourselves. But, it would be nice to be playing later in January 2009? Could it be?

Let's watch the Tide Roll over the Gators.

Hoping that the Tide puts one on the Gators. There are a couple of fans of the Gator Nation that I work with. One of them even has a business trip planned for next week to go get his SEC Championship shirt while in Gainesville. Depending on how the game turns out I might like to be on that trip. I didn't commit to the trip however until after the game.

Holiday Programs Abound

It is time for the holiday programs at school. Yep, the holidays are here so the schools are cranking out the events. We had school parties for Thanksgiving. He have class programs for Christmas. We have had evening singing and visits to Santa. On Saturday there are classmate get togethers and a city parade. On Sunday there is a school sponsored participation in a parade. Its all good and fun. Just a lot going on.



I really enjoy getting to see my kids as they experience the parties, goodies, and crafts. The parades are some of my favorite.


Wednesday evening Dabba had her school program. She marched out on stage with her antlers and red nose while wearing a dress. In front of the throng of parents going crazy with with cameras, videos and shoe phones, making like preschool paparazzi. She was fearless..well kind of. After scanning the crowd and waves to her siblings she was ready to perform.

Fifth little one from the left

We heard jingle bells and a couple of other holiday tunes. Then a bow. Then we all lined up to talk with jolly olde Saint Nick.

Happy Thanksgiving to All

I hope this finds all of you having a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. As you travel or gather with family or just veg on this day try to remember the reason for the day in the first place.

Take time and pause. Give Thanks.

This is not just the day before big shopping eve. The day for the paper with the coupons, Internet specials, and football games. The day has a special meaning.

As my in-laws have called this day the fastest five minutes in food. This takes place from the minute people sit down at the table until they stand to leave. Give thanks and appreciation for all of the work that went into preparing what ever the tradition is that you celebrate on this day.

On this day I will give thanks for my wonderful family, my Mom, my siblings, my friends, and loved ones. I will take time to say a prayer for those unable to be home with friends and family and for those who are unable to be at or in their home.

Have a wonderful Thanks - Giving Day.

Catching up with Friends

Had a great opportunity to spend time with some friends we haven't seen in awhile. To me the interesting thing with friends is no matter how long it has been the conversation and friendship picks up right where it left off.

That was our experience on Tuesday evening with some wonderful friends we had been keeping up with via calls and e-mail and text messages. We just didn't have the proper scheduling to get together. It had been that way for years. Then the planets, stars and schedules aligned to allow the unthinkable. Time together.

Over some pizza and beverages we sat around the table in their home and caught up. What a great evening.

We really enjoyed the time and can't wait to do it again.

Becoming a better Blogger

The beginning of the year is when most people make resolutions on how they will change their behavior, stop eating, start exercising, save money, play well with others, you get the picture. My resolution, a whole month early, is I want to become a better blogger. That means posting on a regular basis, following up on the postings of my blogging favorites, and learning the new cool things to add to my blog. Yep, it's out there. And, yes, I said it.

So, beginning today. The fun begins.

I'm trying out the new early resolution process since everything else is beginning early. The Christmas candy was put out after Halloween. The end of the year sales are now before Thanksgiving and people are releasing the Black Friday ads for stores in early October. So, why not early New Year's resolutions.

I hope this takes. If not, I hope you all had a good holiday season and isn't it a happy new year?

Eleven and Oh! - Can't believe it

The streak continues. This past Saturday the Alabama Crimson Tide put one on the Mississippi State Bulldogs. It appears this year the Tide owns the Dawgs from both Mississippi and Georgia. Eleven and O for the first time in years.

Tuscaloosa is getting ready for the next big game. This upcoming game is the one that can make or break the season. This sounds horrible with a perfect record but, if you lose the game to the school across the state the the whole season can be for not.

Glad the season is going well. Just want to take them one game at a time.

Roll Tide.

Election is over. Time to deliver

My fellow Americans. I am so glad the election is finally over. I have heard enough talk from politicians to fill two life times. I am thrilled the new resident for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has been selected. The phone calls, the ads, the emails, and the door tags will stop. Now it is time to deliver.

To me this election has reminded me of the dog that runs off the porch to catch the car. Well, Mr. Obama, now that you caught hold of the bumper what do you plan to do with it?

It is wonderful to see the number of citizens that came out to vote. It was encouraging to see the number but disappointing at the same time. There are about 250 Million Americans. It appears that just over 100 Million voted. That is 150 Million south of the total.

The Congress is going to have to do something now. It is somewhat perplexing to me that so many incumbents that didn't do anything last term have been given the chance to return. The last session was one of the lamest in history.

Anyway, I'm sure the ads will start again in a few months. The donation requests will begin soon for the 2010 election.

Trick or Treat

Ghosts and Goblins

My crew did the Halloween thing this week. First in school, fall festivals. Then a session at my office. The final was the real deal on Friday evening.

Princess Dabba appeared at school as a princess. Her excitement was having her hair curled. She did a nice job as a princess.
Here are Kassie and Boodles with a friend. An Auburn football player, a bingo card, and a clown. They had a wonderful time at my office. One bag was so full of candy the bag came apart. Now that's a lot of candy and goodies.

Here is the pregame picture before the big event on Friday evening. You may notice the addition of a Ninja in the group. My son chose a costume that would be easy to move around in and provide some protection from the forecasted lower temperatures.

A good time was had by all.

Dreaded Car Trouble

This is not a post to complain. It is a post about a statement of fact. You know, when something you depend on, and take for granted, doesn't perform as expected you can be knocked off your game. That is my experience beginning on Thursday evening.

For some reason my trusty vehicle all of a sudden started acting strangely. It is a 2002 and it does have over 180,000 miles on it. It has been a very good and trusted method of transportation. Plus, it was paid for a long time ago! It has been cared for. This vehicle is a big part of my day. We spend 130 miles round trip together at a minimum 5 or 6 days a week. This non-talking piece of equipment is an extension of my daily life. Okay, just maybe I'm to attached. This bump in the road has caused my very independence to be limited and caused a greater dependency on others!

So the car is in the shop. We are now a one car family until it returns. Hopefully today they will determine the cause of the problem and be able to restore the trusty vehicle to consistent operation. Keep your fingers crossed. We should find something out later today.

Rolling over Rocky Top

What a fun Saturday evening. It appears that the things in Orange World will be somewhat uncomfortable for Coach Phil and the boys.

Coach Saban and the Crimson Tide traveled to Neyland Stadium for the annual 3rd Saturday in October classic. This time the Volunteer Navy decided it should depart the scene early. The Tide won the game 29 to 9 in Knoxville.

This moves the Crimson Tide to 8 and 0. It appears the team is continuing to play one game at a time. Roll Tide!

Penquins Win, Penquins Win!!!

The hockey battle of Pennsylvania raged tonight. Round one goes to the Pittsburgh Penguins! Beating the Philadelphia Flyer's 3 to 2 in overtime.

It was a Pens versus Flyer's match. The first since the Pens bounced the Flyer's from the playoffs last year. No love lost between these two groups.

Tied at two to two, in overtime, Brooks Orpik passed to Pascal Dupuis skating down the left side and let fly with a slapshot toward the Flyer's goal. Freezing Philadelphia's goalie, Antero Nittymaki, the puck caught to corner of the net. Game over.

The next game for the Penguins is Thursday evening versus the Washington Capitals.

Go Pens!

Loving the coverage of hockey on Versus Network!

Hip Hip Oops!

Coach Jim Zorn and Quarterback Jason Campbell are riding a four game win streak. Correction , were riding a four game win steak. Nothing else seems to be going well in Washington DC. except for theWashington Redskins. They are putting together an impressive season. This is a throw back to the early years of Redskins Football. So, why not go back to celebrate.

The coach of the mid 70’s was Coach George Allen. He use to celebrate with a Hip, Hip, Horray! So, why not. If the team is winning. Use the cheers that winning team used.

They lost to the St. Louis Rams this weekend. So, they need to stay focused.

Hail to the Redskins! Flopped in olde DC! Seems to be par for the city by the Potomac!

Tough Weekend to be a Tiger

University of Missouri, Louisiana State University, Clemson and Auburn University all share the mascot of a Tiger. They also all share the disappointment of losing on Saturday, October 11, 2008. What a tough week to be a Tiger.

Not picking on the Tigers. It appeared to be a tough weekend to be a ranked team also. The Sooners of Oklahoma who were ranked number one in the coaches poll and took in on the chin from the University of Texas Longhorns. I’m sure after a couple of calls the President of the University of Oklahoma, David Boran, will ask for another federal investigation since that is what happened the last time they lost when ranked highly.

I am thrilled that my Alabama Crimson Tide were off this weekend for a bye. It wasn’t a good weekend to be ranked in the single digits. OU, LSU, Missouri, etc.

My heart goes out to the Michigan fans who are now enduring another loss to a shocking opponent. Congrats to Toledo!

The Black Knights of the Hudson must be celebrating. A two game win streak! Go Army!

Congress Goes Crazy

There was a four page bill that left the White House last week to bail out the US economy that was melting down. The Administration said we have to do something, and soon, so the bill is sent to the Senate and the US House of Representatives, our Congress.

The first version of the bill was voted down. The reason wasn't clear until yesterday.

The Senate decided Wednesday to vote on the bill that was over 300 pages in length. Yes, the four page bail out bill was now bigger than half a ream of paper, stuffed with enough pork to make Jimmy Dean happy.

The House was also taking up the process of stuffing the bail out bill with more pork, you know, A million here. a half billion there, just for friends. On Wednesday afternoon the bill was now 451 pages and most of the people being asked to vote on the thing hadn't even read the whole bill. Gee, isn't this what caused the financial problem in the first place. People not reading the fine print on the documents they signed. OH! are we repeating the same thing just on a much more expensive and grander scale?

Oh! and by the way, it appears that the "Do Nothing Congress" under the leadership of both parties was in the process of trying to change their image. They weren't doing nothing! They had opened up the National pocket book and they were a spending. Here piggy, come and get it.....

The money was flowing. A small wooden Arrow Manufacturer in Myrtle Point, Oregon will receive $2,000,000 for inner city archery programs. The Rum Producers in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands will receive $192,000,000.

The usually vocal Hollywood producers will receive $478 Million Dollars. I wonder if Michael Moore will do an investigation movie of this? Nope, he and Oprah are getting their government handout.

Don't forget the fat cat NASCAR Red Necks. You know, the good old boys. They will receive $100 Million dollars to repave the tracks they own, and accelerate the depreciation of the tracks, saving them money on current taxes. I'm sure this will be passed on to the fans in lower ticket and concession prices. That must be the logic in Congress.

For the first time in my life I agree with Harry Reid, the Democratic Senate Leader, "this is a blight on Congress." He was talking about the no vote on the first bail out. He is correct on this deal being a blight on Congress just add the rest of the country to the comment.

Let's not leave anyone out. American Samoa will be receiving Millions in Economic Development. The Wool Research Fund is to receive money. The Coal producers are receiving tax breaks, dollars, credits, and export assistance. Don't forget the Wind Energy credits. Who was being bailed out?

It is time to find out who voted for this bill. And simply vote them out. The Members of Congress must have been giving the breaks to set up their future employment.

I am contacting my representatives and Senators today to let them know I am voting for none of the above. Regardless of political party I will be working to defeat them for being chronically Stupid. This was a Pork event, not a bail out of Main Street or Wall Street.

By the way, who will pay for this hand out of epic proportions? The same people who are putting the money in the system to pay for it now. The Middle class of America. If the people in Congress would look out the window or actually meet with real Americans they might find out that those are the people losing the jobs. So, if they don't have a job, they can't pay taxes, if they can't pay taxes, then Congress will make up the money, and...see the circular logic...we keep doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results.

I can't believe it. The bail out is what Congress did. They tried to bail out so they could get reelected in November.

Contact your representative today. Ask if they really read the bill? Ask if they are proud of their work? They signed it. So, let's hold them responsible for their actions.

Please send this to others.

Redskins Vs. Dallas

This should be a fun Sunday afternoon. Redskins vs. The Cowboys.

I am hoping. Dallas has a good team. But, it is Dallas vs. Washington.

Hail to the Redskins.

What a great Saturday Sports Day!

Each Saturday morning at the breakfast table we ask the sports players how they are going to do during their event(s). Each week the youngest member of our crew announces a number of goals she plans to make. This morning the announcement was seven. Now that is a bit aggressive, yet we don't want to rain on anyone's creativity.

The day started with soccer. Our youngest had two soccer games. We knew she had one. The second was a scheduling surprise.

So we go see the Blue team play, they haven't come up with a name, and the young lady scores seven goals in her first game. The picture below is one of the seven going into the goal.


During the second game which followed within minutes of the first game she scores six more goals. That was surprising. Thirteen goals in two games. Very impressive.

We also discovered it is very difficult to take action pictures with the camera when you are trying to watch your child. You should see some of the shots we delete after the games.

At the same time all the above activity was going on Boodles, our ten year old, was playing a game at the other end of the sports complex.

Boodles played a different position than she had before and the ball was flying toward the goal. She scored a goal of her own, sent another sailing off the goal cross bar, and assisted on two other goals. She had also set up her team mates with some great crossing passes. Boodles and her team in Pink won their game



She was very excited about the result of the game, the team work displayed, and her contributions to the win. It was great to see her creativity on the field. There are no action shots from this game because dad can't multitask with watching, screaming, and taking photos. I'm working on it.

Saturday afternoon we switched to football.


What happened to Florida? Welcome to Southeastern Conference (SEC) football. Urban Meyer, some times you feel like a Nutt, sometimes you don't. Didn't you notice that Urban's press conference isn't the same when he and his team lose in The Swamp.

Then Auburn survives their game putting a beating on the Volunteers from Tennessee. I feel bad that Payton came to manage the spin for Coach Fulmer. Things will be rough in rockybottom for another week.


But the night cap was the featured game. Bama versus Georgia. Crimson Tide versus the Bulldogs. Number 8 in the nation against number 3. The first half was unreal. Georgia played like number 2, the stinky stuff.

Hey Dawgs, remember last year? We did. Ug Ah! 31-0 at halftime. The Tide rumbled over the blacked out dogs oh! sorry, Dawgs! I couldn't believe how quiet it was between the shrubbery!

It appears that Dawg don't hunt or do football at least last night!

If they clean up the penalties they might have a chance. Coach Richt has a persona of being on the up and up, but he has a team that is the most penalized in the SEC. We appreciated the help.

Just having some fun. Georgia has a real talented team. I can't wait to see the Georgia vs. Florida game.

Can't wait to see the poll rankings! ROLL TIDE!

Thank Goodness its Friday

Things are kind of nutty in our small world this week. Our local school has Homecoming week so there have been lots of additional activities adding to the crowded regular schedule.

I am the luckiest man in the world. My lovely spouse is so organized. She gets everyone to and from the events, soccer, study hall, volleyball, to social events. At the end of the day she is still sane, creative, and beautiful. (Can't you tell!)

The Homecoming parade goes right between the schools so everyone gets to come out and see it go through town. You may recognize the little lady with the paw prints on her face as she prepares for the parade to go past.

Kassie had a tough assignment at the Homecoming parade. She had to march in the band with her trombone and be on the volleyball team float. So, first you march,

then you run back and ride.

Then everyone went to the Homecoming game on Friday night. It was a much better social event than football game.

My man H, used the game to play tackle football with some "bigger" guys. He is getting interested in playing contact football. We are hoping between now and next season that he bulks up. He really does enjoy it.

Roll Tide! Let's celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

The Tide Rolled! Fourty nine to fourteen, (49-14) That is the University of Alabama Crimson Tide! The football program based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This team traveled out to the Ozarks to play the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Let's say they didn't call the Hogs often during this event.

To honor the Crimson Tide we will be celebrating International Talk Like a Pirate Day. If you don't believe me look it up this is an actual day. It was yesterday, September 19th. But let's honor the pirate lift a little "Captain" as we celebrate the Tide.

Argggghhhh! Matey!

The Soccer Machine Continues

The number this weekend is Five. Yep, the goal scoring machine has applied her skills again. She went out with the other members of her team and played some serious soccer. Dabba scored five goals on her own.

Prior to the game soccer team pictures were taken. There was the individual shot taken then the team picture. I can't wait to see those developed.

This young lady is serious about her soccer. Early this morning there was 15 minutes of practice kicking with me and her older brother, in the house. It was fun to see the serious preparation. All of the years of watching the older siblings get ready for their events has rubbed off. Beautiful intensity.

There was only one game today so we will have our next installment of Dabba soccer in a week.

It appears the only thing that went wrong at the game was my camera. It was very warm.

It is the Economy Stupids

The World Economy is shaking. For some, this is an event that can be used as a political hot potato to be pitched back and forth. Others are using this as a spectator sport so they have some news to report. Some have no idea what is taking place around them.

Instead of people making this political they should begin to understand the implications of what is happening and the connections around the world. It is not all about greed. It is not all Wall Street. Much of what we are watching has taken place on Main Street and down the street from where we live.

The oversight that was to be put in place was designed when the trading and banking systems came in person to a window with a slip of paper. Today the trades and decisions happen in milliseconds, twenty four hours a day all around the world.

This started in the sub prime market. Then the capital markets. Small businesses are looking for credit. The fundamental building blocks of our economy are being thrown around like children's toys.

Technology has driven productivity. However, it appears to have moved so quickly that the markets are unsure of who owns what to whom.

Imagine. A large financial institution on Wall Street failed. A bank in Asia is shaking because it loaned large sums of money to that institution. Countries around the world today were putting dollars into the system so that their economy would not .

Our economy is shaking. Our nations comfort and security is at risk. It is time for serious people to step forward with serious solutions to make this country, our citizens, and our way of life sound.

A New Soccer Season Begins

Our youngest child has been going to soccer practice and games for the past five years with her older siblings. She began by sitting in a stroller, progressed to toddling along the sidelines, and then running in the fields near by. Last spring she was a member of her own team. Today she had her coming out party. She apply her soccer skills and abilities relating to kicking the soccer ball.

What a day it was! She scored four goals in her first game. I know, I'm her dad so I am suppose to brag politely. But, four goals. Impressive.

Can't wait to see week two.

One year of Blogging - Blog Anniversary

The counter on my blog site reminded me that September 5th was the anniversary of Busy Dad Mumbles. This means for over 365 days, the planet making a full trip around the sun, I have had the opportunity to share with friends, family, and fellow bloggers my thoughts, commentary, and events.

My thanks to all of you for your visits, comments, and continued readership, (did I just make up a word?). The audience makes the process fun. Thank you for your support! I have had the honor of meeting some great people all over the world.

What a year! The family updates, the saga of our football team, birthdays, the arrival of new family member and the passing of my dad. We logged many entries into, The Book, the feature that maintains the many things said by my kids that we want them to have when they are older.

I have met a number of great bloggers. We even met a couple in real life and had a chance to visit another in their home.

This has been a wonderful experience for me. There was a chance to share advice and comments and receive both as well.

My thanks again for those of you have have endured my corny sense of humor and my dismantling of the English language. Hopefully another year of blogging will improve the grammar and spelling. The sense of humor is a loss.

Thank you for celebrating my blogoversary with me.

Happy Labor Day

A wonderful day of the year designed to honor those who work, Labor. The picnic part of the holiday seemed to have started in the mid 1880's in Minnesota with laborers join together for a day. The idea for the Laborer's Day seemed to have originated with 9 tailors in Philadelphia, PA. This has been a national holiday since 1894 when Congress declared it so. The event of Labor Day was declared just 6 days after 34 strikers at the Pullman Strike, under the leadership of Eugene Debs, were shot by U.S. Infantry troops brought in to control/end the strike.

To many people this day signals the last day of Summer. Pools close, schools open, white shoes must be stored, and the fall events begin.

Whichever event you are celebrating today have a safe, happy, holiday. Enjoy your Labor Day.

Let the Games Begin....

I mean football games. It is finally football season. Real college football. I have had to wait since January to see a real college football game. And some Real games were played this past weekend.

My compliments to Coach Saban, John Parker Wilson, and the rest of the Crimson Tide who didn't read the Clemson press clippings. That was quite a game. Clemson didn't realize that the Tuscaloosa Team isn't a real big fan of orange, except during hunting season.

This should be an exciting season in the SEC. (The toughest football conference in America) As of this writing it appears that only one team didn't beat the opponent from outside of the conference.

My appreciation to the Chick-fil-a company for sponsoring the Kick Off Classic. We had the chance to have some sweet tea, and chicken with our Tiger.

Looking forward to more games. Let the games commence!

This little lady is 5

Today is a special day in our house. Below is the arrival of the youngest member of our family five years ago today. Here is how our Princess arrived.

This is the picture that appeared on the cake of the five year old. We celebrated this evening with cards, gifts, cake and candles.

Tomorrow is also the first day of school for this lady. Happy Birthday, beautiful.