Granny John's House

Without telling my age ;-) let me just say that every year that I can remember, I have spent Christmas Day at Granny Johnny's house. Now Isaac looks forward to the trip too.

Isaac's favorite part of the day... Granny's Chocolate Pie!

Big B explaining to Poppy that he was leaving to go see "Daddy Doug" in Nashville.

Cousins...

I didn't know that Big B and Uncle Doug have the same birthday!

Aunt Linda and Little B.

When we came home, we took a hike to see some work Eddie has been doing on the farm to clean up a bit. Then we lit candle number five and played dreidel.

Of course Isaac won all the gelt!

Photos

Little B's First Christmas Eve. He slept right through all the excitement.

Playing with Isaac's gingerbread house. It was much more fun to play with than it was to eat...especially after Nana's Stack Cake!

Candy and Light

Sometimes I wonder how time can pass so very quickly. This week is one of those times. Did we really light the 4th Hanukkah candle?

We also made 4 batches of Peppermint Bark Candy. Yum! I have to be very careful not to "sample" too many pieces.

Isaac and his dad went to Medic in Knoxville (on Christmas Eve? Not me!) In all the years Eddie has gone through this routine (one year it was every week) he said it had never been so crowded- so much so there local news station was there. But Eddie's real motive in making a trip to Knoxville was to surprise Isaac with a stop at the music store where a 3/4 Classical Cordoba was just waiting to find its way into a young man's hands. I must admit Eddie accomplished his goal in the surprise. Sure enough Isaac knew the "perfect" guitar when he felt it.

When the guys arrived home, it was time to head to my Mom and Dad's home for dinner with my sisters and their families. Mother always does such a nice job with meals for our families (she's done so since I was a little girl... had a "square" meal on the table every evening when Daddy arrived home) but this year she had another special surprise for Isaac. Remember I shared with you that he thought we never had turkey at Thanksgiving because it wasn't a brown bird like you see in photos? Mom had a "picture perfect" turkey. So picture perfect that we could not carve it until a photo session was completed!
Midway through our meal, Daddy noticed the lights flickered... so he pulled out flashlights... just in case. Sure enough, the power did go out- and stayed off for some time. The little ones had been told that they could open their gifts after we ate. To them the fact that we were in the dark had absolutely nothing to do with opening packages. With flashlights and candles in hand, boxes and bows were torn from every package and bag... in the dark. We looked like a 70's disco with flashes from our cameras mixed with bouncing and bobbing flashlights.

"Big B" brought me one of his gifts to show me that it was Thomas and Friends. I told him when the lights were back on we would take a look at it and maybe play with it. I'm so glad I witnessed what happened when the lights did come on and illuminate a room that looked like the storm outside had blown inside! Big B looked down at the box in his hands and began to shake, jump, and squeal with excitement when he saw what it really was that he held. Hm... got me to thinking. How many people today are just like Big B? They don't understand what it is that is available to them- that is right within their reach- because as scripture says, "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light." We walk around in darkness not knowing the precious gifts of Jehovah. Gifts the world just can't give: peace and contentment, security, genuine and perfect love, acceptance. Oh that we would see The Great Light and choose to accept His gifts to us.

A Visit From Bat Man

Bat Man ("Big B") came for a visit yesterday. I had been promising Isaac that his cousin could come over one day and play before Big B's their family's quickly approaching move to another city arrives. Thankfully Little Sis remembered my promise. Yippee! They had fun building what started as a fort then turned into a space station.

For our third night of Hanukkah, we had a delicious Cuban treat from Ms. Z.... mmm...homemade flan. It was out of this world. (Sorry Cowgirl- no photos. Eddie Bo dug into it before I even thought to grab the camera.) She was right- a spoonful sent baby turned flips. I think he enjoyed it as much as I did. A package also arrived from Aunt Diane just as we were starting Hanakkuh. It was a tower of treats! Yum!! (I claimed the pears.)

We wrapped lots and lots of DVDs for Dooley's employees. About a month ago, Eddie had a strong desire to give each employee a copy of the movie "Time Changer." http://www.timechangermovie.com/ When he called to order 25 of them, the writer-producer himself, Rich Christiano, called Eddie at the office one day. What an honor!

Then with all the lights off, we lit the 3rd candle which seemed so very bright. And meditated on such an awesome truth...

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light,

that all men through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.

Isaac with his newest cousin "Little B."

Latkes and Bread Pudding

Last night we celebrated the second night of Hanukkah with latkes and bread pudding. Isaac was a huge help this year with making the latkes, setting out the china, and mixing up the bread pudding recipe (thanks Ms. Alexis for the delicous bread!). We had such a wonderful discussion as we lit the second candle and talked the significance of oil and the Holy Spirit in the scriptures. Each night just gets more and more exciting! Try our latke recipe. They are delicious... hot!

Potato Latkes

2 cups peeled and shredded potatoes
1 tablespoon grated onion
3 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS
Place the potatoes in a cheesecloth and wring, extracting as much moisture as possible.
In a medium bowl stir the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour and salt together.
In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil until hot. Place large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, pressing down on them to form 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick patties. Brown on one side, turn and brown on the other. Let drain on paper towels. Serve hot!

Tree Shopping

Eddie Bo took us shopping for a tree yesterday afternoon... a willow tree! We have wanted to plant a willow by the creek for several years. A customer that owns a tree farm told Eddie December is the perfect time of year to transplant a willow. And since we have had oh so much rain, the timing is right. So my guys picked a 20 foot willow that will soon find a new home.

Gingerbread! Isaac's Hanukkah gift was a gingerbread house. He and I had such a good time building and then decorating it. We can't decide whether to try a bite or not.

Spurgeon on Christmas

When I read the following in Temple Baptist Church's newsletter, ( http://thecrowncollege.com/viewbook/Main.php?MagID=4&MagNo=5 )
I was challenged. Hope you will be too.

We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons. Certainly we do not believe in the present ecclesiastical arrangement called Christmas. First, because we do not believe in the mass at all, but abhor it, whether it be sung in Latin or in English; and secondly, because we find no Scriptural warrant whatever for observing any day as the birthday of the Saviour; and consequently, its observance is a superstition, because not of divine authority. Superstition has fixed most positively the day of our Saviour's birth, although there is no possibility of discovering when it occurred. It was not till the middle of the third century that any part of the church celebrated the nativity of our Lord; and it was not till very long after the Western Church had set the example, that the Eastern adopted it. Probably the fact is that the "holy" days were arranged to fit in with the heathen festivals. We venture to assert, that if there be any day in the year, of which we may be pretty sure that it was not the day on which the Saviour was born, it is the twenty-fifth of December. Nevertheless since, the current of men's thoughts is led this way just now, and I see no evil in the current itself, I shall launch the bark of our discourse upon that stream, and make us of the fact, which I shall neither justify nor condemn, by endeavoring to lead your thoughts in the same direction. Since it is lawful, and even laudable, to meditate upon the incarnation of the Lord upon any day in the year, it cannot be in the power of other men's superstitions to render such a meditation improper for today. Regarding the day, let us, nevertheless, give God thanks for the gift of His dear Son. C.H. Spurgeon

Dooley's Christmas Dinner

Friday night was our 17th annual Dooley Christmas Dinner. Seventeen is that correct? Wow! How the years pass so quickly. I think everyone will remember this as one of the best too. Bo & Marj opened their home for us. In the past, we have used local restaurants. But there was something really neat about being in their home. So... enjoy the photos of the Dooley Gang- they really are the greatest employees to be found!

BTW- if you want to check out their more professional sides, visit http://www.dooleytactorcompany.com/ .

Nostalgia

Our local home school group went on a "field trip" to Rock City this week to see the Enchanted Garden Lights. Eddie had never been to Rock City! I'd never been at night. It's a different place with all the lights... especially the view of Chattanooga.

Eddie left for work so early that morning (in his work "uniform") that he forgot to bring along something warm to wear. Isaac and I laughed when we realized he was in a shop purchasing a "See Rock City" sweatshirt complete with a hood! Can't wait to see when he wears it again... ha!

Funny, I can't remember who took me to Rock City as a little girl (who was that, momma?). But I still remember the Fairyland Caverns.... and even the scenes from particular tales. They didn't seem as spectacular this time but special in a different way.

My guys make me laugh every time I turn around. When those two get going, they really are funny! I had to warn them to limit their humor since my bathroom stops were limited!

"The 14 Days of Homeschooling"

On the first day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Can you homeschool legally?"

On the second day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the third day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the fourth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "What aboutP.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the fifth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized,can you homeschool legally?"

On the sixth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "How long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the seventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE,what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the eighth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the ninth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "They'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the tenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "What about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE,what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"On the eleventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "I could never do that, what about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the twelfth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Can they go to college, I could never do that, what about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the thirteenth day of homeschool I thoughtfully replied: "They can go to college, yes you can do this, they can have graduation, we don't like the prom, we do it `cuz we like it, they are missing nothing, we'll homeschool forever, WE ARE NOT STRANGE!, we give them P.E., and we give them tests, they are socialized, AND WE HOMESCHOOL LEGALLY!

On the fourteenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "How can I get started, why didn't you tell me, where do I buy curriculum, when is the next conference, WILL PEOPLE THINK WE'RE STRANGE?, I think we can do this, if you will help us, we will join a sports team and we'll homeschool legally."

It's Time to Pardon the Border Guards, Mr. President

The end of President Bush's final term is quickly approaching. Less than two months remain until he will hand over his White House keys to Barack Obama, but we cannot let him leave office without resolving one very important issue: he must commute the prison sentences of convicted U.S. Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean!

Not only do we now know that the agents did not get a fair trial and that the prosecution's case was based on the word and testimony of an illegal drug smuggler, but the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld their mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentences for "discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence." This law, Section 924(c) of the U.S. Code, has always been interpreted to apply to criminals, not law enforcement officers engaged in their official duties. Every U.S. citizen has the right to self defense, especially those serving in harm's way.

NOTE: You may remember when the President was in Nashville for a TownHall meeting in 2007, I [Bobby Partray] was able to ask him about pardoning the border guards. It became 'the question' that was "heard around the world". The exchange between the two of us was used on a number of national radio programs as well as a number of newspapers across the nation.

From The Tennessean: "In a question-and-answer session after Bush's budget presentation, Bobbie Patray, who heads the pro-family Tennessee Eagle Forum, put the president on the spot by asking if he would support a pardon for two Border Patrol agents she feels have been wrongly jailed. Patray was referring to Ignacio Ramos and Alonso Compean, who are serving sentences for a 2005 shooting incident.

"You've got a nice smile, but you can't entice me into making a public statement," Bush said. "I won't make you that promise."

In 2007, the Tennessee General Assembly past SJR 38, (Senate: 30-0; House 91-0) calling on President Bush to pardon Boarder Guards Ramos and Compean. The severity of these charges and the harshness of the punishment are totally disproportionate to the violation in question. Even the illegal drug smuggler, Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila, was sentenced to less prison time than our fellow American border guards! Most recently, on November 14, 2008, U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton, whose office prosecuted the border guards, stated "I have always said that the punishment in this case was harsh."

Although the families of agents Ramos and Compean plan to appeal their cases to the U.S. Supreme Court, there is no guarantee that the High Court will agree to hear it. There is the possibility that the Fifth Circuit may rehear the case in front of all 17 judges at a later date, but the fastest and most effective way to free the border guards would be with a presidential pardon or a commutation of their prison sentences to time served.

It has been said that a pardon or commutation will not be considered until all legal avenues have been exhausted, but the President has the presidential prerogative, as granted to him in Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, to pardon or commute the sentences of any convicted person for any reason or for no reason. The time to act is now!

1) Please begin to flood the White House phone lines with calls asking President George W. Bush to pardon or commute the prison sentences of Ramos and Compean before he leaves office.
White House Opinion Line: 1 (800) 671-7887 toll-free
(202) 456-6213

2) Call and mail letters to the United States Pardon Attorney explaining why the border guards deserve to have their prison sentences commuted! All requests for executive clemency for federal offenses are directed to the Pardon Attorney for investigation and review. It is important that you make the Pardon Attorney aware that the border guards have the full support of the American people.
Mail letters to: Mr. Ronald L. Rodgers
Office of the Pardon Attorney
1425 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 11000
Washington, D.C. 20530
Call: (202) 616-6070

Get your calls and letters in today! Ramos and Compean are counting on YOU!

Further reading:
Letter written to the Pardon Atty, signed by Members of Congress
Open Letter To President Bush