We're Backkkk!!!

We are back from Ft Cobb Lake!!!

We had a blast!!!! I will be putting up pictures over the next few days!

Lilly is an awesome camper!!!!

Preparing to go Camping

Here is how I prepare to go camping.I LOVE to eat biscuits and gravy for breakfast after sleeping in a tent! So I make homemade biscuits to go camping!!!

ALSO!!!

This month my husband and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary!!! We decided one day was NOT enough for this. So we are celebrating it for the whole month.

Monday we went to see "Sex in the City"!!!

tomorrow we are going camping.

On the 18th, we are going to the Art Museum.

The following weekend we are going camping without the kids!

It is a month long party!!!

FYI

Just thought I would drop a line to let everyone know we are going camping this weekend!
I am so excited!!!!

So come back next week and I will have pictures!!!!!!

Another FYI - Lilly is going to Camp Classen the end of July!!! We are all so happy for her. She is really looking forward to it!!!

Jeseika's Play

Jeseika had a play over the weekend and here are some pics!

She takes tap class, and they are dressed as toy soldiers marching.


Here is Jeseika and Angela after the play

Can you feel the energy?

Today is the last day of school for the summer. Do you feel the energy in the air from children bursting at the seems to get out of school? Do you feel the nervous energy of parents wondering if they can survive??

Michael is working at Buffalo Wild Wings at I-40 & Rockwell. Joshua is planning on working at Buy 4 Less after he heals up a bit more. Lillian is planning on working on my nerves. The Bennett children have a busy summer planned!

Gee, Thanks DH!

As if I wasn't feeling old enough before, my dh helped me feel even older!!! He reminded me that our oldest son is the age I was when we met!!!

Gee Thanks!!

I'm feeling old

Lillian is finalizing her final few days of middle school. My baby will be in high school this next school year!

Math Question

When is 9.5 less than 2.5???

When you have children!

What does McCain stand for?

If you know please let me know.

A Bright Spot in a Difficult Week

This has been a difficult week for our family. It has been particularly hard for me. I am not prepared to talk about it, yet.

However, there is a bright spot in this week, and it is Lillian. She is turning into the kind of person I respect, and admire. While she is still the difficult teen, she is showing confidence, strength, and the intelligence needed to live in a state that voted for Bush. I am proud of her. She is a caring young lady who lives up to the responsibilities our founding fathers protected in the rights of our constitution. She is a model US citizen, and far more patriotic than 60% of Oklahomans.

Lillian has a special place in my heart, and now a special respect in my mind. Therefore, it is with great honor to show her 2007-2008 school picture.

Recently My Son Challenged Me So ........

Let me tell you about Autism.

Families with members who are within the Developmentally Delayed Spectrum are considered by Psychologists as bottom end families. People incorrectly assume the effected deserve their plight. –OR- Some feel the family did something wrong.

I can tell you what it is like to have people look at you funny in the store, or worse yet in the schools. I can tell you what it is like when your own family doesn’t understand. I can tell you what it is like to love someone who is hurting because of others lack of knowledge. I can tell you about the pain of watching a loved one struggle substantially harder than the average person at tasks that seem easy.

-BUT-

I cannot describe the pain a person with Autism suffers every day, because the “normal” people are too stupid to become informed about issues that deserve everyone’s respect.

Therefore, I simply offer this:

Click Here

McCain wants to reintroduce himself, but do you know....

1. John McCain voted against establishing a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now he says his position has "evolved," yet he's continued to oppose key civil rights laws.¹

2. According to Bloomberg News, McCain is more hawkish than Bush on Iraq, Russia and China. Conservative columnist Pat Buchanan says McCain "will make Cheney look like Gandhi."²

3. His reputation is built on his opposition to torture, but McCain voted against a bill to ban waterboarding, and then applauded President Bush for vetoing that ban.³

4. McCain opposes a woman's right to choose. He said, "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned."⁴

5. The Children's Defense Fund rated McCain as the worst senator in Congress for children. He voted against the children's health care bill last year, then defended Bush's veto of the bill.⁵

6. He's one of the richest people in a Senate filled with millionaires. The Associated Press reports he and his wife own at least eight homes! Yet McCain says the solution to the housing crisis is for people facing foreclosure to get a "second job" and skip their vacations.⁶

7. Many of McCain's fellow Republican senators say he's too reckless to be commander in chief. One Republican senator said: "The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine. He's erratic. He's hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me."⁷

8. McCain talks a lot about taking on special interests, but his campaign manager and top advisers are actually lobbyists. The government watchdog group Public Citizen says McCain has 59 lobbyists raising money for his campaign, more than any of the other presidential candidates.⁸

9. McCain has sought closer ties to the extreme religious right in recent years. The pastor McCain calls his "spiritual guide," Rod Parsley, believes America's founding mission is to destroy Islam, which he calls a "false religion." McCain sought the political support of right-wing preacher John Hagee, who believes Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for gay rights and called the Catholic Church "the Antichrist" and a "false cult."⁹

10. He positions himself as pro-environment, but he scored a 0—yes, zero—from the League of Conservation Voters last year.¹⁰

Today is Autism Awareness Day; April is Autism Awareness Month

Autism affects more children than juvenile diabetes, childhood cancer and Down syndrome combined. Plus more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined.

I find these facts amazing! Furthermore, this does NOT include the number of adults with autism!!

Did you know…

• 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
• 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
• 67 children are diagnosed per day
• A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
• Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Incidence vs. Private Funding

• Leukemia: Affects 1 in 25,000 / Funding: $310 million
• Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 20,000 / Funding: $175 million
• Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 8,000 / Funding: $394 million
• Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $130 million
• Autism: Affects 1 in 150 / Funding: $15 million

National Institutes of Health Funds Allocation

• Total 2005 NIH budget: $29 billion
• Of this, only $100 million goes towards autism research. This represents 0.3% of total NIH funding.

The international symbol for autism is a puzzle piece, signifying the mystery of this disorder. The puzzle pattern reflects the mystery and complexity of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The different colors and shapes represent the diversity of the individuals (and their families) effected. The brightness of the colors symbolizes hope - through research, increased awareness, understanding and acceptance.

Naturalization Quiz

Professionals say most US citizens born in the US cannot pass the Naturalization Test immigrants must pass to become US citizens. This fact has been well researched and well proved. This information made me curious about how I would perform on the Naturalization Test.

Well I found a quiz to measure your knowledge of information immigrants know. I took the quiz and I admit there are some difficult parts. I did NOT cheat on this quiz, because I wanted to know the truth about myself.

AND I score a 100% !!!!!!!!


You scored a 100%

Good job. You proved to yourself why you're an American Citizen.

If you would like to know if you are as smart as an immigrant clink here.

You scored a 100%

Good job. You proved to yourself why you're an American Citizen. Now go to my blog at www.myspace.com/muzzledmckay and tell me what you think of the questions.

Naturalization Quiz
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Life is an interesting place!

My son Michael has recently changed his plans. (See his comment to a post below)

Michael was originally planning to become a dentist. Therefore, he was working on majoring in Microbial Biology at OSU. Now he has changed his major and his planning on getting his BS in Political Science. His current plans are to go to law school.

After he announced this change to me and my husband, he looked at me and said, "I guess I have YOU to think for this!" While I admit I might have had a small role in this, I think there were greater exterior influences. First every day there is a news report on how our current government leader are messing things up. This results in daily discussions about our constitution, and how our leaders are going against it. Second, Michael has been greatly influenced by his current US Government professor. Third, Michael has really struggled in Biology. So while, I do take personal satisfaction in my son's decision, I also know my role was minor.

This is one of the coolest things EVER!

An Almost Daily Event in Our Home

Almost everyday or several times a week, our stupid dog, Truffles, finds a way to run off. This is Lillian's dog. She brought it home about a year ago. I remember she brought it home and asked me if it was cute. I replied without answering, "You can't keep it." Again she asked and again I ignored the question by saying, "You can't keep it." Then she asked if she could show it to her dad. I said she could show it to whom ever she wanted, because she wasn't keeping it.

Tim spoils her rotten!!!

Here is Lilly retrieving Truffles yet again.

Ummm . . . is that a refridgerator in your living room?

Yes we have a refrigerator in our living room, but this fact is not the amazing part. The story on how we got the fridge is an amazing story. We shop at our local Buy 4 Less frequently. The manager and all the employees know us, because feeding all these teens is a big job. Tim has an affection for Rock Star Energy Drinks, specifically the Guava ones. One day about 6 months ago, Tim saw the manager standing near the Rock Star Refrigerator/Store display and asked what it would take for him to get one. The manager quickly replied, “Ask this guy right here,” as he pointed to a Rock Star Representative standing on the other side of the display. So Tim asked the Representative. The guy said he would check.

The next day when we went back to the store the manager said the Representative had called his Regional manager who said there was an extra one in the warehouse. Shortly after this the manager said everything was approved at no cost to us, but the refrigerator would be shipped to the store. We were thrilled we were getting a free mini fridge! Three months later the manager told us it had arrived and we went into the back to get it. It was new in the box. A receiving manager approached us to assist us and said this other box goes with it. Tim and I were like, “No, we are just getting the refrigerator.” He said, “No, this box goes with it.” We got to looking and sure enough the refrigerator box was box 1 of 2. So we took both boxes. When we got home, we realized they sent us the base with the fridge. The base is a black metal shelf for the fridge to bolt to and holds the fridge up high enough so we can open it without hitting the arms to our couch and loveseat.

So we got the mini fridge AND this sturdy metal shelf unit for FREE!!!! Like Tim always says, “It never hurts to ask!”

So yes … that is a refrigerator in our living room!

What Our Kids Did Over Spring Break

When Michael wasn't working with Bryan or going to the dentist, this is generally how we saw him:



These two pictures were taken on two different days. Michael spends so much time with his computer he has named it, Alyson. Alyson is an Apple Computer.










Michael also loves his sister. No this is not an altered picture. Michael is actually hugging his sister.






And because he loves his sister, Michael plays Lilly's favorite game, Guitar Hero.









Here is Lilly in her natural state, with a phone hanging out of her head while sitting in front of the computer.









Spring Break wouldn't be fun unless you slept, and Lillian got tons of sleep!



















And last but not least is Joshua, and of course he spent his Spring Break '08 playing games on his DS.

Michael Comes Home for Spring Break!

We all looked forward to the day when Michael came home for Spring Break. Within 20 minutes of his arrival this is how he looked:

Family Time!

Last night was Family Night. We played a new game called Apples to Apples. It was a very fun game.
Here is Joshua and Mom playing










Lilly seems to be enjoying herself!

We purchased a digital camera!!!!

I will defiantly be posting more.

Plus there will be pictures!!!

Heck I even have a picture of our camera!!!!

Angela has knee surgery

Angela used to play soccer when she was in high school. She injured her knew then, and had surgery. However, her injury was not solved with the surgery. Therefore, she needed another knee surgery. After the surgery she said this was one of her easier surgeries. We all wish her a speedy recovery!

OOPS!!!

Lillian broke her middle finger on her left hand. For most people this would not be as bad, but Lilly is ambidextrous. So she uses her left hand as much as she uses her right. Furthermore, this means she will not be able to play the remainder of her basketball season. Moreover, in Lilly's mind another major problem is Guitar Hero. She has been playing it right handed, so now she plays it left handed. Luckily since she is ambidextrous, this wasn't much of a problem!!!

It's a Girl!!!

Bryan and Angela had a daughter so beautiful she is breathe taking!! Seriously, she is gorgeous, and I am not bias at all!!!

See for yourself:
Isn't she just the sweetest most beautiful baby?











Her name is as sweet as she is, Angelina Gabrielle. Her mother tells me she is also a very good baby! I think, "Of course she is a good baby, she is too sweet to be anything else!!!"

Christmas 2007

Christmas is one of the times when I really feel the size of our family, and I love it!! Additionally, I truly feel blessed! Tim's dad always comes over. Every year Christmas morning means a 'Lumberjack' breakfast. (Tim named it 'Lumberjack') Lumberjack breakfast means BIG breakfast. We have bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, banana stuffed french toast, home-made biscuits, gravy, orange juice, milk, and coffee.

**** Programing Note: JoAnn actually makes the home-made biscuits! I told you I do cook sometimes!

We always have this big breakfast before we open any presents. This year Tim's dad, Bryan, Angela, Jeseika, Michael, Joshua, Lillian, Tim and I had Christmas morning together.
Bryan, our oldest, always looks forward to the banana stuffed french toast. Tim makes it with french bread cut a couple of inches thick so he can cut a pocket in the middle to stuff with bananas.
Angela, our daughter-in-law, and Jeseika, our granddaughter always get Tim's pancakes.
Michael, our 2nd child, doesn't like eggs, but tried the french toast this year and loved it.
Joshua, our 3rd, always pigs out on biscuits and gravy.
Lillian, our 4th, eats like her daddy and has a plate full of each combination.

Then we opened presents:



Here is Bryan opening presents. Yes, even grown kids still love opening Christmas presents!









Michael is wearing AND opening Christmas presents!







Joshua and Grandpa Irminger ready for Christmas loot!






Lilly is so happy she began to cry!

Angela is an awesome daughter-in-law. I could have never dreamed my son could find such a great wife. She is also a fabulous mother! So we worked in some wonderful Christmas magic for her!

In this picture, Angela was 8-1/2 months pregnant with Angelina.


Angela and Jeseika are marveling over Angela's new mixer! Isn't Jeseika just the cutest 3 yr old ever in recorded history!!! Her hair is beautiful, and she is so smart. Oh wait, I was doing a Christmas blog not a Jeseika is wonderful blog. oops!




Jeseika looks alot like her mother, but she smiles like her dadddy!

She also has her daddy's nose and hair. Angela does such a wonderful job with her hair. Of course, Angela is such a wonderful mother.

Camping 2007

We have found our new favorite thing to do - camping!

We camped at Tom Steed Lake, Lake Foss, and Lake Murray.

Lilly caught her first fish in Tom Steed Lake! Way to Go Lillian!!!

We camp with a tent. I will sleep in a tent, but I will NOT sleep on the ground. So we got 2 king size inflatable air mattresses. Then we got a tent large enough to hold 2 king size mattresses!

We cook with a Coleman stove. (Actually, there is no 'we cook' it should read 'Tim cooks')

Furthermore, Tim does an awesome job of making amazing meals at our camp sites.



This is a picture of Tim, Lillian, and Joshua at Tucker Tower overlooking Lake Murray.

The flowers and plants going up to Tucker Tower were a sight to see! However, going into Tucker Tower with its Air Conditioning in August was the best!!!

We could see Tucker Tower from our camp site. Our tent opened to a direct view of it.

BTW, We graded each camp site along the way. We scored Tom Steed an A-, Foss a D-, and Murray a B+.

Lilly enjoyed swimming down under the water to find big rocks and swim up with them. She was diving in 8-10 feet of water.

She must have pulled up 5 rocks so big you had to hold with 2 hands! It sure made her a better swimmer.
Notice Tucker Tower in the distance.

Beginning

This is my first post on our Blog. More will come in the days ahead.