Hannah's Coming Home!

I'm almost afraid to post this in fear I'll jinx it, but Hannah's deployment has been shortened from 15 to 12 months. As best I can tell from the emails I've been getting from the company liason, she should fly out of Iraq either the 7th or 10th of March. I've asked Hannah, and she still doesn't know. She says, "You know the Army Mama, I'll know when I get told to get on the helicopter." I'm hoping we get just a bit more advanced notice than that! Fort Hood is about 8 hours south of here. I'd really like to be able to go to her coming home ceremony. I've alerted my boss that when I get the word, if it's at all within my power, I'm going. As a mom, I've held together pretty well through this, but the last few weeks have been tough. I think knowing that she's getting close to coming back to the states just makes me nervous. Please pray all goes well and she comes safely home to us.

Lookie here, It's almost near

Hello All,
Spring is just around the corner! I know our northern guests have had it a bit cold this
winter and plenty of snow but we are looking forward to having you as guests!
I wanted to let you know of a few things that are going on and around town this spring if
you will be visiting us at this time, for our summer guests-plenty is going on for you too and
of course the winter light celebrations for our fall and Christmas guests is planning on being
a showstopper this year.
Come celebrate with us in May with the Grand Opening of the new Branson Airport kicking
off with the 1st Annual Branson Air Show(May 9th-10th). This will be a treat for all ages!
Silver Dollar City starts off the spring with Family Spring Break Days, followed by Young
Christians Weekend, World-Fest, then May is the Bluegrass and BBQ Festival. And if that is
not enough to stimulate your senses, join us for the 1st Annual Great American Pie Show
with NBC’s Al Roker. After sampling the pie be sure to take in the beauty of the budding
trees, pink dogwoods, and the crocuses and daffodils greeting you along the roads and
trails. The spring green against the crystal blue waters of Table Rock Lake will bring a fresh
renewal along with the Easter Services and Easter Egg Hunt activities planned in the
surrounding areas.
Visit http://www.explorebranson.com/ for all the things that will be happening in Branson
and Surrounding areas this year.
Plus, and I know this whole economy has many of us scared to death(turn off your tv and
put your trust in the Lord), Branson offers many discounts so be sure to call the shows that
you are planning on seeing to get your tickets, for many online venues do not give
discounts for they have to cover themselves as the middle man. Also, plan an outing at the
Shephard of the Hills Fish(trout) Hatchery.
http://mdc.mo.gov/areas/hatchery/shepherd/
For this is a public--FREE musuem that tells you about the building of the Dam and has
many specimans for the kids and a fantastic hatchery that the young and older will have a
blast just feeding the fish. Plus they have 4 hiking trails for a little bit of exercise and to just
enjoy the nature. Go across the Dam and you have the Dewey Short center which is
another FREE musuem ran by the Corp of Engineers and offers a free movie.
http://www.lasr.net/pages/lake.php?Lake_ID=MO07lk001&Attraction_ID=MO07lk001a004
Also, if you plan it right the Branson Belle cruises by the Dewey Short center making for
some awesome pictures. If you are here, bring your picnic basket for they have several
benches to enjoy a afternoon lunch. If you are here during the summer this is just an
awesome place to swim! With all the underwater cliff rock--young and old will love it, bring
your water shoes! Or your hiking boots if you plan to go on one of their trails.
Moonshine Beach is across the dam from the Dewey Short Center and this is a Corp ran
beach that offers covered pavillions, playground, BBQ areas and is a pebble beach and is
roped off for safety. Visit this link:
http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/BransonMO/pointsOfInterest/MoonshineBeachonTabler
ockLakeinBransonMo.cfm
I know many of you are planning on visiting the Branson Landing while you are in town.
This is a mix of old and new and you will be here all day, plus many of our guests go back
for a second day. For the bargain shoppers you have the old 5 and Dime, flea markets and
great antique shops along with art galleries, ice cream--don't forget the ice cream shoppe!
At night they have a free water and fire show along to music--you will just love this! Enjoy a
stroll along lake Taneycomo along with many shops, even for you guys, Bass Pro. Plenty of
restuarants to choose from too!

So, I tried

I tried to add a world clock, and I must say I'm frustrated. I added the time zones in the US where we have blog participants. I added London, Bagdad and Sydney (New Zealand wasn't an option). I saved...none of it shows. Evidently, you have to choose the zones you want each time you log on. So, if you're curious what time it is, I guess you can select the city, OR, you can find one that displays them all. If so, you're a better blogger than I!

As I recall, I have 8 things of my 25 things left so here goes:
I was Distinguished Honor Graduate 1979 (C-1-1-2nd platoon) Signal Battalion, FT Gordon, GA, US Army (that, that's a shocker huh!!), I spent my high school years living off of rice for breakfast, chicken and yoo-hoos! I lived at Rehoboth Beach the summer of 69 working as a waitress at the Beach Luncheon (I was 14 and I never would have let my kids do that!!!), I was never asked to be a member of the honor society in high school but I was the Valedictorian, graduated Summa Cum Laude, at Fayetteville State University (a constituate of UNC) in 1986. So there to all those high school snubs because my Daddy wasn't a "Duppie" (DuPonter)!! I was teacher of the year my first year teaching elementary school (1987). I have other awards too numerous to mention - yeah right! Let's see I have one more thing - hum - I am the Stake Relief Society President in the Columbus Ohio South Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Okay, I think that's my 25 but I need to add just one more - I SOOOOOO wish I could be jumping around Europe with Rick and Donna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love and kisses everyone!!!!

Rick's Surgery

Just wanted to let everyone know that Rick's surgery went fine. I'd love to give you more details, but the doctor wasn't very chatty. He basically stopped in the doorway, said "It went fine. He's fine. We were able to do the keyhole surgery as it wasn't as bad as we thought. Cheers." Then off he went. I believe that means they were able to do a laproscopic procedure, so that's good.

I waited for him to get back to the room, but left shortly thereafter as I'd been there since 11:30. They didn't take him down until 4, and they were done around 5:30, with Rick back in the room around 6:30. Real nice room, with a working TV, so he'll be fine. We thought it was going to be day surgery, but found out after we got there that they were keeping him overnight.

I will also say that the meal was good - they let the guests order a meal if they want. It was at least as good as some of the Pub meals we've had. Too bad Rick will only get breakfast. The room was exceptionally clean, carpeted, and the bathroom was downright spacious. If you have to be in a hospital, he's in the right one.

Amsterdam

Last night I saw a special rate for the Amsterdam ferry. Then I saw that the Amsterdam restaurant festival was running the same week as the ferry special. Seemed like fate. Like most of my dreams of cheap travel, this has already cost more than I expected, but we have a ferry, a hotel, and a restaurant booked for March 5 and 6. This is the beauty of our location - we're basically taking a weekend trip to Amsterdam. The ferry leaves at 9 PM, we have dinner on board and sleep in bunk beds - I'll get the top bunk since Rick will still have a shoulder sling. The next morning, we arrive in Amsterdam, find the hotel to drop off our bags, go to lunch at the restaurant and then explore the city. I'd like to take a canal cruise, but we'll see how we're doing money-wise. The next morning it's breakfast at the hotel and more exploring. Then back to the ferry. Oh, and Julie can go with us because no plane is involved.

Now 25 Serious things

25 things

1. I was borne on a Tuesday. Although I don’t remember it.
2. I like most music and have been a audiophile for years.
3. I have driven in excess of 155 mph in my Corvette.
4. I have flown may airplane including a twin engine Westwind jet
5. I have been stunt flying and loved it.
6. I have dragged race my muscle cars both on the track and on the rode. The track is the smarter place to race.
7. I have been happily married since Saturday April Twenty Fourth 1982
8. I have spent too much money on alcoholic beverage and have nothing to show for it
9. I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior
10. I have a son James E (Jamie to you all)that I am so proud of.
11. Sorry girls but I married the best women on earth.
12. I am an Insurance Agent, but have worked in many fields to get where I am today
a. Grass cutting
b. Paperboy in two states
c. Dishwasher, turned buss boy, turned waiter, turn Chefs assistant
d. Gas pump jockey yep had to wash window, check the oil and inflate tires too. All for $2.00 worth of gas about 7 gallons
e. Worked in appliance, and electronic repair and installation
f. Floor Guard at a Roller Skating Rink. All before High School graduation.
g. Electrical apprentice non-union
h. Electrical apprentice in local 24 IBEW
i. Auto mechanic
j. Goldsmith
k. Insurance Agent last 25 years
13. I suffered through school; until my Senior year. Then I lost 80 lbs and loved school and made the honor roll twice in my Senior Year….go figure
14. Loved Psyche and Human Relations in college… hated Accounting 1 & 2 wasn't a 3 but I Aced them.
15. Lead my Staff to place in the top 300 of 2700 staffs in the country 7 out of 8 years while in management with Prudential. Maybe the Human Relations course helped.
16. Took a first place in 100 yard bench rest shooting and a first place in 200 yards last year in competition
17. I have owned 4 motor cycles, wrecked two and am still riding today.
18. I have learned to work with wood and have built and given away over 25 clocks. Some of you got the beta clocks…Sorry. I have never sold a clock.
19. I have a passion for Benevolence and Missions
20. I usually root for the under dog
21. I have little patients for politics and feel that politics should not be a career
22. I love my wife
23. I Love my Country
24. I went to bed every night for a month at 7:00 pm during summer vacation for getting a “D” on my report card. And my loving sisters made sure Mom knew when it was 7
25. I have forgiven the man that killed Biff and someday wish I would have it in me to tell him.


And did all this with out killing, or maiming anyone or myself!!!! God is so good!!!!

25 Things you should know?

25 things you should know
This is a task where you might not know,
Is it better to bear the truth or
Keep things close for those who need to know?

A risk in deed is before you now
Do I go…? Should they know?
You will find the answer
Though I know not how.

If Roses are Red and Violets are blue
What if you are chartreuse what do you do?
If the sky is Blue and dark is black
What do you do with a monkey on your back?

Friends and family may be surprised,
Or maybe scared to look in your eyes.
There may be something that they had expected,
The truth may need to be more than protected.

Or maybe there are things that are good,
The good person in the neighbor hood.
One who does wonders and thinks all is well,
You are the one that should do and tell.

Oh such wonderments, such rely
Make me rethink my reasons why...
Why did I answer they way I did?
I’ve now got a bustle in my hedge grove.

Do I re-write or let it go
I am not sure I want them to know,
Or is it me and my insecurity
To let them see the one called me?

Valentine's Day is Rough

Wow. So Friday morning Evan, Macie and I made some really cool Valentine's Day cards for Liss and Debbie (Melissa's Mom). Then we went to the grocery store and got the stuff for Saturday's supper. I had been saving all the change so when i got up to the register I had to pay with like $20 in change and seven dollar bills. I'm pretty sure the gal at the register hate's me now. =-)
Anyway, Saturday morning the kids woke Mommy up with cards and chocolates. We don't have a lot of money so I wrote her a poem and I read it to her when I brought down breakfast. We had a fun family day and that afternoon I started preparing supper. Liss helped a lot but when everything was getting finished she was in the bathroom. Everything got done at the same time and I didn't have the table set or anything. I was in super-speed mode and everything was working out until I forgot the pesto on the burner. I got a reminder when the smoke started. I had just drained the pasta when I had to take care of the pesto and I forgot to turn the burner that the pasta was on off. It was a mess.
Long story short, I kept what I could and got supper set up. I knocked on the bathroom door and told Liss that it was time to say the blessing and she came right out. We sat down, said the blessing and had a pretty good meal.
While we were eating I asked Liss what took so long in the bathroom and she told me she was painting her nails. Painting her nails?! 15 minutes of chaos and she was painting her nails?!
After supper Liss and the kids gave me my valentines and the rest of the night went ok.
The point of my story you ask? I do not know. Valentine's Day is rough.

Take a Hike!

So, okay...sounds like there may be a few hikers in the group. How about a fmily hike in Branson? It's low cost, besides blood, sweat, and dare I say tears? The Ozarks are beautiful mountians. So, who wants to organize a Laverty Reunion Family Hike? Deb, you're a great organizer right? Jimmy, you're a great hiker, right? Like I said in my 25 things, I'm a great idea person, now we need a great finisher. We need something to get us in shape for the Grand Canyon, so let's start slow...

25 Things about Bean

1. Bean is just a nickname; it's short for the more formal "Bean Stomper"
2. I have 5 children, 3 step children and 4.75 grandchildren. I truly, honestly, 100 percently have no favorites. I love each of these incredible people in a special way made just for them.
3. My husband Steve is my best friend. Sounds hokey, I know, but what can I say? He lets me pass gas in front of him and considers it "turn about is fair play".
4. The number one fear of humans is the fear of public speaking. I rather enjoy public speaking. The larger the group, the less the fear. I've given speeches and presentations in front of groups of hundreds.
5. My biggest fear: Small groups. I literally feel queasy when I have to attend a small gathering of folks, even if they are people I've met before.
6. I love to read and spend most lunch hours in my car escaping into a book.
7. My biggest regret is that I never learned to sing.
8. I'm really glad I never became that actress my mother always fantasized about.
9. I love vegetables. All of them. I've been known to make dinner of nothing but Brussel sprouts or artichokes.
10. My secret desire is to write a book. I think I'm pretty good with words...it's that whole plot thing that gets in the way!
11. I was student council president in Jr. High School. I still have the gavel to prove it.
12. I took 5 years of french with the intention of living in France for 1 year after I graduated college. Never graduated college and although I love escargot, I've never been to France.
13. I'll go see any movie with Robert De Niro or Al Pacino in it no matter what the critics say.
14. I love fires. If I were independently wealthy, I would burn fires even when the air conditioning running.
15. I was a swimmer in high school. Not a great swimmer, but I did okay. My best race was when we were the under dogs and were behind in the medley. I was anchor free style and brought us from behind to win. It was a miracle!
16. Even though I know it's irrational, I tend to be superstitious.
17. I'm the manager of a real estate loan department. I enjoy my job and like who I work with, but when the lottery comes in I'm still out the door!
18. When I dream of the lottery coming in I tend to plan more of what I 'll do for others instead of myself. I consider that progress.
19. I was one of seven children and in spite of abuse and victimization at their hands I still find it in my heart to love my brothers and sisters.
20. I have green eyes.
21. I enjoy traveling and wish I could do more. The places I'd like to visit are too many to list, but two things I MUST do are spend two weeks touring New England and I want to hike the Grand Canyon.
22. I want to learn to play the guitar. I started taking lessons, but let life get in the way.
23. I'm a really good idea person and a great starter...I'm not a great finisher.
24. I'm really not a girly girl. Although I like to look nice, I hate shopping, having my hair done, my nails done and gripe every morning that I have to put on make up for work.
25. I'd rather give a surprise than get one. I really get into surprising people and can get REALLY grumpy if someone spoils it!

I don't know if you learned anything or not, but I did.

25 things about me (viewer discretion is advised)

1) I like many genre's of music but country music is my favorite.

2) I'm very materialistic. Don't like it. But it's true.

3) I have deficated in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Grand Caymen, Freeport Bahamas,

England, Scotland, the Vatican(Holy Shit!!!), Italy, France, Germany and Kansas.

4)I have some very strong and some might say radical political views.

5) I believe abortion doesn't make you unpregnant. It makes you the mother of a dead baby.

6) I also believe someone who kills an abortion doctor or any politician that makes abortion legal

or possible, is actually saving thousands of lives and the doctors and politicians are merely

collateral damage. Hmmm... didn't Barack HUSSAIN just sign into law that our tax dollars

should be used to pay for international countries to provide abortions?

7) I think Dr Kavorkian is correct. Assisted suicide is much more humain that the way doctors

slowly starve terminally ill patients to death today. But then again the acceptable way makes

more money for doctors, hospitals and drug companies.

8) The Godfather is a great movie.

9) The Godfather part 3 was a lousy movie.

10) My last naturally attained erection was on December 3rd 1989 and it took 3 months to

totally subside. YOU GO BRUNO!!!!!!!!!!!

11) Someday I'm going to have a Great Dane and I'm going to name him Fluffy.

12) I get annoyed at people who claim there religion is the one and only correct religion. There

favorite arguement is "the only way to God is through Jesus Christ" and well that made be true,

there are many paths to Jesus Christ. All religions are about the same anyway. Bhudda was not

a Christian but Jesus would have made a good Bhuddist.

13) My favorite food is Lobster.

14) My favorite vegatable is a 3 way tie. Asparagus, Brussell sprouts, Cabbage.

15)I only wear dark colored briefs. They hide the skid marks.

16) You're Queer! You're here! .... Get used to Fag Bashing!

17)The countries the USA bailed out of World War Two(the big one) should forever show their

loyalty. Or next time they can all go and learn to speak German.

!8)I believe in capital punishment. If a very very small number of innocent people are

executed, then that's an accidental death. We don't outlaw automobiles just because thousands of

people are killed by them each year.

19) When I visit another country I try very hard to use their language. If you move to the USA

then learn to speak English. That's what I did when I moved to England. Hey you bleeding heart

Liberals..... Take down all those Spanish signs.

20)Guns don't kill people, people kill people. Want "gun control"? How about "silverware

control" and "baseball bat control" and "Hammer control" and "control" on everything else

people use to kill people.

21)I am willing to compromise about capital punishment in the following way. If you are

convicted of murder you should be put into a 7 x 4 foot cell with a bed mat and a toilet. You

should recieve 3 slices of bread, three glasses of water, and a multi-vitamin everyday. You

should also be given a handgun with one bullet in it. Then the choice is yours.

22) I'm generally a fun loving guy.

23) I try to find the humor in everything and usually can.

24) I like to make people laugh. The sicker the joke the better.

25)I think if you are starving and live in the desert..... MOVE TO WHERE SHIT GROWS!!!!!!!!!!

My Smart little girl

My beautiful and smart Little Girl, Lexie, made the Principal's Honor Role! I am so proud of her! Love to you all!

25 things you should know about Jim “W” one of the Laverty Boys

1. My feelings on kids: Kids are OK if you cook them long enough.
2. I don’t mind going back to prison, so keep that in mind should you decide to do some thing stupid.
3. On stupid: you can’t fix stupid.
4. On friends and family: you can pick your friend and you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your friends nose nor can you pick your family.
5. On the Internet: Al Gore did not invent it I did and that is all I will say about that.
6. On company: after 3 days like fish they start to stink.
7. On global warming Al Gore is a Pin Head.
8. On Bill O’Reilly: He is correct 99% of the time, the one percent is when he disagrees with me.
9. On the best inventions of all time: It is the Thermos Bottle, It keeps hot things hot and cold thing cold…How do it Know, How do it Know?
10. On marriage: Better marry up ↑ boys…. It worked for me.
11. On time: Time is a friend the only thing is… you only have friends so long.
12. Lending money to a friend: Say so long.
13. Lending money to family: It is a gift get over it, you ain’t getting it back
14. Marathons: Did one once 26.2 miles, won’t do it again. All I got was a medal, bad knees and blisters.
15. On Michael Phelps: Bone Head. Even if he is from Maryland
16. Politicians: One word popinjay and palter O.K. that is two words “couldn't help myself.
17. Biggest sin of Mankind: To sit a person in a chair they can’t fill. Want proof look at our Congress, you need not look further
18. Film vs. Digital photography, unlike previous predictions it looks like digital is taken over
19. Old dogs new tricks: I just got an iTouch….way cool.
20. On Rap music…they left the “C” off the name
21. Country Music still rules
22. On Michael Hips: Smart Boy Hendrix can’t hold a candle to Clapton.
23. On Stephen King: weird dude
24. Lunatic: Number 1 way to describe anyone whose rocket is missing a couple of stages.
25. And finally: How come you had enough time to read this? Are you bored out of your collective minds?

One last word, Look for something more serious when I feel serious.

25 Things Everyone Wants To Know About The Mikester

I know how excited everyone is so I'll get right to it. =-)
1) I am a Christian. I asked Christ to come into my life a little over a year ago and I assure you all that it makes a difference.
2) I love to cook. I make a mean chili and my turkey is usually moist but I'm not above making a hamburger in the microwave.
3) I take after Mom. I like to debate and I stand up for my values and morals.
4) I'm a nerd. I play Magic the gathering and I go to tournaments. Liss calls them "nerdaments."
5) I am an avid reader. I read philosophy, the Bible, biographies and science fiction and fantasy.
6) I am really into Star Wars. I own, and have read, about 50 novels. I play a boardgame called Star Wars Miniatures. It's a blast! The movies are good too.
7) I met my wife at a funeral. I was a pallbearer and she was an alter girl. She was wearing a white robe from the neck to her ankles and she had punky red and black hair. She looked so beautiful, I couldn't keep my eyes off of her.
8) I have two great kids. Evan Michael was born Sept. 11, 2004 and Macie Lynn was born June 27, 2006. They are a handful but they are my life.
9) I like to build things. Evan and I are still working on a fort down by the river. It's a quiet place and we like to go there to look at the animals and play army men and fun stuff like that. We built a snow fort which unfortunately fell on top of me.
10) I watch the O'Reilly Factor just about every day.
11) I like to shoot stuff. I shoot targets in my in-laws front yard. It's a great big yard with lots of trees. I prefer open sights to scopes because I can never hit anything using a scope. Wierd.
12) I cry watching movies sometimes. Liss likes to make fun of me. She hands me the kleenex and puts her arm around me.
13) I play frisbee golf when it's nice out. Everyone should try it. Jimmy went with Evan and me last year. It was a blast.
14) I got married on Sept. 14, 2001. Liss and I had made plans to go to Canada but the border was closed. So we went to scenic Fargo for our honeymoon. Yay.
15) I think Eric Clapton is a better guitar player than Jimmy Herdrix.
16) I like video games. I still have my regular Nintendo. I also have a plug and play Star Wars game. The joystick is the Millenium Falcon. Totally cool.
17) I live with two super heros. Evan is usually Spider-Man although he can be Batman or Iceman. Macie is Firestar. It's a great feeling being so well protected.
18) I won a cribbage tournament in the 8th grade.
19) I abhor cooked celery. It's Sandy's fault.
20) People usually think I'm a tough guy but I'm not. I'm actually sensitive and I'm a romantic. I write love letters to Liss and put them in her lunch bag. I've written her poems and a song.
21) I'm very protective of my family.
22) I love being a dad. I take that job very seriously. I love my kids.
23) I like to play hockey. I never played in school but I play at the outdoor rinks in town. It's a lot of fun. I'm teaching Evan how to skate. I made a little rink on the river where we practice. He's getting better.
24) I just read on the internet that hot water freezes faster than cold water under most conditions. My dad always said that but I never believed him. I googled it and there's actually a name for it. Crazy.
25) I open the car door for Liss. I hold doors for people wherever I go. There's not enough of that anymore. I try to be a gentleman. I also try and set a good example for my kids and even random people who see it.
Well that's it I guess.