Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Just a Tease....

OK.... so my sweet "Daughter-in-Law" KL, (hee, hee, just love that I can say that now....) sent me a sneak peek wedding picture from the photographer.

This is the sweetest picture. If this one is any indication of what the photographer was able to capture that day, I can hardly wait to see what is to come.... stay tuned....

Halloween 2009

OK... so I thought by now I would have the professional wedding pictures from the kids to show you for my next post but they have not materialized yet. Will post them as soon as we can get them from the kids.

In the meantime, life goes on, & so do the special occasions of the year... Presenting Susie and Mondo's annual "Halloween Party 2009". Their parties are epic and we had a wonderful time ... for the brief time we were there. Because, (sighs & hangs head) I had a little mishap....

While I was taking a picture, I stepped back as someone walked behind me, shifted my weight to miss running into them. The top part of me went one way and my knee went the other .... causing "Little Red Riding Hood" to land on her Tuffit! I will not share the gory details, but it was not pleasant from my perspective. Many came to my rescue making sure I was OK. Mark took me home and kept the Advil and ice bags coming until he crashed in the wee hours of the morning. (what a guy.. ).

I have to say I was soooo bummed though. Not only did we rock our costumes..

...but we missed what ended up being an amazing party, and as I was putting on the 3rd ice bag, I realized that I didn't have a single meatball in teriyaki sauce , cracker or cheese, chip or dip, or cocktail wienie in BBQ sauce....!!! Ahhhhhh.... my favorite food groups!!! Oh well, them's the breaks.... So, here are a few pictures (pre-digger) to document the better half of my Halloween experience.... ENJOY!

Cory, Mondo, Susie (party hosts) and Mark

Me (Little Red Riding Hood) and Mark (Pimp Daddy)

Cory (Chicken Boy), Me (Little Red Riding Hood) and Mark (Pimp Daddy)

Kerilynn (Annie) and Ma (Little Red Riding Hood)

Cory (Chicken Boy) & Kerilynn (Annie)

Godspeed….. My Baby is now Married

It seems like just yesterday my baby was a baby……

His life so new and full of adventure......

..and then somewhere along the way, he grew up to the wonderful man he is today..

...and has begun the next chapter on his journey ...

Godspeed ... On Angels Wings ...
Sweet Dreams

Below is the link to the song Cory selected as his "Mother / Son" dance "Godspeed" by the Dixie Chicks at the wedding reception. (I hope to have pictures soon) But this song is so us, it is so special ... well done Cory .. [and I Love You]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7PZlFkIh1k

My Wish For You

May today there be peace within,

May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be,

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others,

May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you,

May you be content with yourself just the way you are,

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

RIP "Peanut Boy" ... You will be missed!

We put our beloved Peanut to rest today. He was so independent; I have very few pics of him… but the one above looks just like him and the sweet look he had. As tough as our little boy was, he finally gave in to old age. He is now at peace and out of pain exploring Rainbow Bridge. RIP “Peanut Boy” You will be missed.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

~Author unknown ~

The Good Life Handbook

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees & plants & eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy..
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8 Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others..
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything...
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

These Creatures Great and Small .. Always Make Me Smile

First Grade Wisdom ~ Priceless

A first grade teacher had twenty-five students in her class and she presented each child in her class the first half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb.


It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders - 6-year-olds. Their insight may surprise you!

Don't change horses ...............until they stop running.

Strike while the.................. bug is close.

It's always darkest before........... Daylight Saving Time.

Never underestimate the power of....... termites.

You can lead a horse to water but......... how?

Don't bite the hand that............looks dirty.

No news is................ impossible.

A miss is as good as a......... Mr.

You can't teach an old dog new ...........math.

If you lie down with dogs, you'll .......stink in the morning.

Love all, trust........... me.

The pen is mightier than the.......... pigs.

An idle mind is .........the best way to relax.

Where there's smoke there's........ pollution.

Happy the bride who .............gets all the presents.

A penny saved is ............not much.

Two's company, three's .....the Musketeers.

Don't put off till tomorrow what you ...........put on to go to bed.

Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry .....& you have to blow your nose.

There are none so blind as...... Stevie Wonder.

Children should be seen and not ........spanked or grounded.

If at first you don't succeed ...........get new batteries.

You get out of something only what you ........see in the picture on the box.

When the blind lead the blind .........get out of the way.

..and The WINNER ....

Better late than ........pregnant.

Happy Mother's Day ~ Celebrate the Journey

As I reflect on the roles I have had in my life, there is really only one that has given me the greatest feeling of complete Joy, Happiness, Accomplishment, Inspiration and Pride. "MOM".

I can honestly say that I cherish this life long journey, the good, the bad, the indifferent ... I could not have been blessed with a better individual to call my son. I am proud of the person he has become and continues to evolve to.

Here's to all the Mom's this Mother's Day weekend, Celebrate the journey!

DANCE OF 1000 HANDS... AMAZING!

There is an awesome dance, called the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, which is making the rounds across the net. Considering the tight coordination required,their accomplishment is nothing short of amazing, even if they were not all deaf. Yes, you read correctly.

All 21 of the dancers are complete deaf-mutes. Relying only on signals from trainers at the four corners of the stage, these extraordinary dancers deliver a visual spectacle that is at once intricate and stirring.

Its first major international debut was in Athens at the closing ceremonies for the 2004 Paralympics. But it had long been in the repertoire of the Chinese Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe and had traveled to more than 40 countries.

Its lead dancer is 29 year old Tai Lihua, who has a BA from the Hubei Fine Arts Institute. The video was recorded in Beijing during the Spring Festival this year.

Marriage, from the mouths of babes.....

Marriage from the perspective of kids....



1. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?

-You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan, age 10

-No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10

2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

-Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10

3. HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

-You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

4. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

-Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

5. WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

-Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

-On the first date, they just tell each othe r lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10

6. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

-When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

-The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
-- Curt, age 7

-The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
-- Howard, age 8

7. IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

-It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child )

8. HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

-There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is........

9. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

-Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck.
-- Ricky, age 10

How's Norma?

A sweet grandmother telephoned St. Joseph's Hospital. She timidly asked, "Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?" The operator said, "I'll be glad to help, dear. What's the name and room number?"

The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said, "Norma Findlay Room 302." The operator replied, "Let me place you on hold while I check with her nurse."

After a few minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said, "Oh, I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing very well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back as normal, and Her physician, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged on Tuesday."

The grandmother said, " Oh Thank you my dear, that's wonderful! I was so worried! God bless you for the good news." The operator replied, "You're more than welcome, is Norma your daughter?" The grandmother said, "No, I'M Norma Findlay in 302. No one tells me shit."

These little bitty girls sing the national anthem. Gives me goose bumps! ENJOY!

We have NOTHING to Complain About ~ Will YOU Finish Strong??

With all that is happening in our world these days, we tend to lose sight of the simplest things. So many people waste a huge amount of time on things that are selfish and trivial and put an enormous amount of energy into using others and presenting a picture of who they are NOT that will eventually hurt so many … I will never understand WHY?

I appreciate those that live in the NOW and keep it REAL by giving of themselves in a positive way.

Please watch & be inspired as I was … It doesn’t get more REAL than this!

Nick Vujicic

Are You Going To Finish Strong?
Awesome video! If you watch only one video today make sure it is this one! Nick Vujicic has no limbs but he leads an incredible life!

Brought Down Running UPDATE

UPDATE 1

Thanks to the support of their fans...(the loyal BDarmy), Brought Down Running is pleased to announce that they are playing a FREE streaming live WEBCAST on Flashrock.com that may be viewed from your own home computer.

EVENT: Brought Down Running Live Webcast
DATE: Thursday, March 12, 2009
TIME (PT): To Be Determined
LINK: Flashrock.com


===========================================================================

UPDATE 2

After taking first place in round "1" of Guitar Center’s Battle of the Bands last Sunday, Brought Down Running will be back for round "2" to take first!! (actually they are just out for a good show and to have fun with all of their fans that come out. Winning round "2" would just be icing on the cake!) So if you are able to catch the show, they would LOVE to entertain you!

EVENT: Guitar Center's Battle of the Bands - ROUND 2
DATE: Sunday, March 29, 2009
TIME (PT): To Be Determined
LOCATION: Club 705 / 705 Pier Ave. / Hermosa Beach, California
COST: $10.00 per person

More details will be given as they know more about these exciting events.

Stay up-to-date with all the Brought Down Running happenings and music at their My Space site @ www.myspace.com/theofficialbdr or click on the link under "My Favorite People".

There's a New Kid on the Block!

Welcome baby Cohen

Born: Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Weight/Length: 8lbs 10oz / 21 ¾”


Proud Parents.... LeeElle and John


Distinguished Honors:
*Blessed John & LeeElle with your arrival and the honor of being your parents;
*Blessed Lynn & Lynell by being the magical "1st" grandchild;
*Blessed the Jex kids[KL; Janea; Deandra; Weston & Collin] by being the 1st nephew!

AUNT Kerilynn!


AUNT Janea!


Uncle Collin!


*..and Sweet Cohen has also blessed Cory by being the 1st to give him the title of "UNCLE Cory" ~ (Cohen you have made Uncle Cory a very happy camper!)



CONGRATULATIONS [from your extended family, Ma & Pa Cooke] to John and LeeElle and the entire Jex clan! This child will not want for Love and Affection! XOXOXOXOXOXOX

I'm Gonna be an In-Law!!!!

We'll Cory and KL are ENGAGED! Cory proposed to her on her birthday, 12/10/08 and we couldn't be happier!



We have always considered KL our adopted daughter from the beginning of their courtship and love them both dearly. We are so proud of them ~ so much so that it makes me tear up everytime I think of it..."sniff, sniff".


We never doubted they would get married, just wondered WHEN, and now it's offical.


We love you two to death and cannot wait for the BIG DAY!!!