Hezbollah accuses Rice of favoring Israel

I saw the title of this blog entry as a news heading on the internet just a few minutes ago. Are you kidding me? Rice is favoring Israel? What a shock? You mean the USA isn't favoring Hezbollah? The same Hezbollah who is a terrorist group? The Hezbollah that killed over 200 of our Marines in Lebanon in the 1980s? The Hezbollah that has killed and kidnapped many of our own citizens over the years? How can this be? I can't believe Hezbollah is making such an extreme and outrages accusation.

Sometimes you just have to find humor in this stuff. We all better hope for the success of Israel. There is speculation that Hezbollah has sleeper cells in the USA and may have them start causing problems here. We have been lucky since 9-11 that we have not had a lot of terrorist acts on our land. Israel has to deal with it every day.

Happy Birthday, Lacey

Lacey Megan is 20 today.  Where has all the time gone?  When Lacey was born, we didn't know if she was going to be a boy or a girl until she came out into the world.  We really wanted a girl.  We were hoping for a girl.  When the doctor delievered her, we were so happy.  We got our girl.  The whole family was out in the waiting room at the hospital.  It was almost midnight, and I came out and they could see me coming down the hall.  I yelled to the top of my lungs: "It's a Girl" and a huge cheer echoed through the hospital.  What a great moment in my life!

 

Birthday Party

Lacey turns 20 tomorrow!  She is going to Shreveport, so we had her birthday party tonight.  Page made taquitos, homemade guacamole, beans and rice.  For dessert we are going to have cheese cake.  Page and I bought her tickets to Six Flags over Texas amusement park in Dallas yesterday.  Lacey, Sean, and her friend Tara went and had a great time. 

Lacey loves Pirates, so Tara made her day with this flag.

Tara was funny, getting Lacey a Happy Birthday, Grandson card.

Sean got Lacey a talking Neopolian Dynamite card. 

Grandma Sherry and Grandpa Art sent some nice gifts.  A purse with Lacey's initial on it.

And beautiful bracelet.  (not the Lance Armstrong one... the jewels!)  My baby girl isn't a teenager anymore after today.  She will be in her roaring 20's.  I kinda remember my 20's.  I remember I didn't have any gray hair!

Sean's Trip to Montana

Sean got his pictures back from his Montana trip in June. Thought I would post some of them.

Here is the hill overlooking downtown Livingston, just leaving the church. Some of the most beautiful views you will ever see are in Montana.

Here is Sean's friend Ron. He was about to go to boot camp and join the Army, so it was nice that Sean got to see him before he left.

The wonderful Yellowstone River. How can you ever get tired of that?

Sean and Stephanie. His old girl friend looks happy to see him doesn't she? They actually had a good time hanging out during his visit.

Her is the cutie, Chelsea. We were hoping Sean would take her out on a date while he was there, but he wasn't up there for romance.....

or was he? His old co-workers at Dairy Queen are looking all chummy. Who wouldn't want a hug from Sean?

Sant sending Sean home at the Bozeman airport. They had a good time together and Sant wished he could stay for his senior year at Park.

Sorry Sean, Sant still has bigger guns.

Happy Pioneer Day

The Mormon Pioneers arrived in Salt Lake City on July 24th, 1847.  I have many ancestors that made that trek.  I appreciate all that they did to follow the gospel of Jesus Christ.  A few of them died in Nauvoo because of the persecutions they faced or died along the trail during the journey.  My heart goes out to them for their sacrifices.  I am so blessed to have this heritage.  I have a great love and respect for the Mormon Pioneers.

Missionary Farewell

We went to Shreveport on Sunday to hear Seth Martin give his missionary farewell. He leaves in a couple weeks for his mission in Hawaii. What a great place to serve! After church we went over to the Martins for a Luau.

Here is Frank, Brent and Lynn. (Frank's Grandmother died early Sunday morning. We are sorry for his lose)

L to R: The Goletz from Minden, Stake President Brent Merrill, the Doans and the Morantos (Bishop).

Zach and Sean were avoiding me taking their picture

Brent thought he looked good with red hair. Lacey wouldn't let him keep any.

Lacey and her buddy, Seth. He leaves for the MTC on Aug. 9th, then 3 weeks later he is off to Hawaii. He did a great job on his talk. He is really ready to serve. He was like 12 when I was first made Bishop of the Ward. Now look at him!

Leta and Page. Leta did a great job with the Luau.

Deborah was serving some really good Hawaiian punch.

Bashed in the Bible Belt

At 5 pm every week day the talk radio station hosts a 30 minute Bible show where the pastor dude answers questions and talks about the Bible.  Today he was asked about added books to the Bible..... you knew what was going to happen.  Yep, it moved onto the Mormons and how Joseph Smith is a false prophet.  Just what I wanted to hear on my way home from a long day at work in 100 degree heat.... somebody bashing my beliefs on the radio.  And it came right after a great Sean Hannity show.....

Nutella

If you haven't  tried this stuff.  Get some today!  YUMMY.  Giada from Food Channel made some sandwiches with this stuff.  I got a jar and put it on a bagel, and it brought me to my knees.  Its a mix of cocoa and hazelnuts.  Soooo good.  It puts a smile on your face.

Spanish Shame

Here is the Prime Minister of Spain, Zapatero, wearing a Palestinian Scarf

after condeming Israel. I love Spain, but this government is so wrong. This guy would not even be prime minister if the terrorists didn't bomb Madrid right before the election, and the citizens wimped out and caved into the terrorists. Now this is what they get. A man who has stated he understands where the Nazi's were coming from. He is a socialist and hates Jews. The world is turning its back on Israel. I hear lots of condemnation of Israel, but very little of Hizbollah. What is this world comming to? I'm proud America is still standing with Israel in its right to exist and to defend itself. Please Spain, please come back to sanity.... and soon! I can understand France, but not you Spain!

When it Rains it Pours

The thunder is roaring outside this afternoon. It will help the drought if we get any rain out of it. Life was hard today too. So I guess it's true... when it rains it pours.

O Israel

When will Israel find peace? I'm really feeling for the Tribe of Judah, since we are related and all, since I am a decendant of the Tribe of Ephraim. It's really interesting to see how the world is condemning Israel for trying to defend itself. No big surprise that France has already condemned Israel, but Greece? And Russia (Gog and Magog!) needs to stop suppling weapons and enabling Iran and Syria to finance this whole attack. Of course Russia wants to do anything to keep USA in turmoil and this is a way to do it. And China wants Iran's oil and more dominace in the region too. But I know one thing, I agree with President Bush, Israel has a right to defend itself and we need to stand with our friend, Israel. Lost in all of this hatred and power struggle is that innocent people are getting hurt... Lebanese, Palestinian and Jew alike. My boy is 17 and I'm worried what "World War III" is going to look like when he gets a little older and if he will be drafted into the military. Like it or not, we are in War. Terrorism is everywhere, not just in Iraq and Afganistan. Look at the bombings in India, London, Madrid, the terrorist arrests in Germany, Canada, USA..... you think if we just be "nice" to the terrorists they will go away? I think they want to destroy us. Hasn't Israel given up lands to the Palestinians for peace? Pulled out of Lebanon for peace? What happened? Once Israel pulled out, the terrorists went in and set up camp and now those areas are were the missles are coming from to kill Jews. Terrorists have no problem killing innoncent civilians. Look at the people in the world trade center, on the airplanes, in their homes...... if an American bomb or Israelie missle kills a civilian the world is outraged and condemns us as loud as they can, but if a terrorist chops of the head of an innocent american there seems to be a deafening silence from these same people. Ok, Im on one of my long rants again, but I'm getting tired of the people criticizing freedom loving people for protecting themselves. Just last night I was dumb founded to hear Senotor Biden critize Bush because we are moving too slow in the Isralie conflict becuase we are bogged down in Iraq. I think a guy who insults an intire ethnic group (" can't go into a convenience store without having to speak Indian" or some crazy crap like that!) should work on his own short commings! This nation better get unified in its battle agains terrorism or we are in for even tougher times. "signs of the times" people.... that's what this is!

The Birthday Girl

Here is my favorite picture of Page.  It was taken while I was on my mission in Spain.  That is what I came home to... a true beauty!  No wonder I "popped the question" just months after getting back home.  Page sent me this picture while I was on my mission and I kept it by my bedside so I could see her sweet face before I closed my eyes every night.  She still takes my breath away.  Happy Birthday, Ally!

Lots of Birthdays today

Today is my Sister, Hope's, Birthday too. She turns 50 today!!!! I can't believe I have a sister that old. She is out in Utah so I don't get to see her too much anymore. Happy Big 5-0 Sis!

My neice, Taylor, celebrated her 15th brithday yesterday. I have an Aunt who's birthday was on the 14th. And Lacey's birthday is in about 2 1/2 weeks. We have lots of July Birthdays in our family. October must be a real fertile month for the women in my family..... hmmmmm.

Put Another Candle on your Birthday Cake

Happy Birthday to my wife, Page. She is another year older, but like property values in Southern California, she gets better as time goes by! Well it's official, she now has lived with me longer than she lived with her parents growing up... not sure if that is a good thing for her, but it a great thing for me. So here is a special poem for you Page on your special day:

Roses are red
Page is my honey
Happy Birthday to you
my cute Cuddle Bunny!

ok, maybe I'm not ready to publish my poetry just yet, but I love you more than you'll ever know Page Allyson!

Family Goal

We have been reading the Book of Mormon as a family and it has been a sweet experience.  We gather around the table after dinner and read a few chapters then discuss what we have read. The discussion has been more enjoyable than anything else.  It is so fun to hear the thoughts from Lacey and Sean.  Today we talked about the parable from the ancient prophet Zenos in the Book of Jacob.  He was a prophet in ancient Israel, but you only read about him in the Book of Mormon.  We had a good discussion on what it means when he said the first shall be last and the last shall be first. 

We are trying to get back to doing the 7 simple things that President Heap in the Bozeman Stake encouraged all of us to do over a year ago.  We were pretty good at it then, but had to get things back on track.  Page has posted the 7 simple things on the pantry door so we see it every day, since we all like to get into the pantry looking for snacks.  The 7 simple things are:

1.  Have personal scripture study every day

2.  Have family scripture study at least 5 days a week

3.  Have personal prayers, morning and night

4.  Have family prayer, morning and night

5.  Have Family Home Evening every week

6.  Attend all Church meetings

7.  Attend the Temple every month

I can truly say, that when we follow these 7 simple things the spirit is in our home and their is a peace that is there that isn't there when we don't do them.  So I wonder why we sometimes fail to do them?  But we are really trying again, and plan to finish the Book of Mormon together as a family.

 

My Mom's Birthday

Happy Birthday, Wilma Jean !!!

On July 7, 1939, in Midland, Arkansas, Wilma Jean Congo was born in her home to Sarah Gladys and Emmett Lafayette Congo.  Lucky for me she was born and years later would become my Mom.  She has a  heart of gold and is a great Mom.  She is out in California and here I am in Texas today, so I have to send my wishes across the miles.  I love you Mom!

Another Crazy Dictator

How do these crazy people get in charge of whole countries?

I haven't been too concerned about all the hysterical actions of North Korea with this missile business. I figure they just want more attention from the USA. We are too occupied with Iraq and Iran and they want in part of the fun. Aren't they a part of the axis of evil? So they want their just due recognition.

Well looks like they are getting it. They tested a few missiles on July 4th. I wonder if they picked that date for any particular reason? Just now on Fox News they have breaking news of a report coming out of Japan. The long range missile that was fired was aimed at the State of Hawaii. If true, now I'm a lot more annoyed at the North Koreans. The missile obviously didn't make it that far before it crashed into the ocean, but the projectory line was aimed right for Hawaii. I guess they have our attention now. I wonder if they really want it....

All you liberals complaining about us going in and taking out Sadam in Iraq. Better to take him out before he gets to the point of North Korea with nuke capability and test missles aimed at one of our States or Israel.

Are we in the last days yet?

Happy Birthday USA

The Greats Have Fallen

Andy! nooooooo! He loses in the 3rd round of Wimbledon to another Andy, the Scot, Andy Murray. Andy has been having one of his worse years ever. When is he going to turn it around? I did get to see him win his match in Houston this Spring. One of his few wins, I guess. Hey, I still stand by Roddick. But that picture says it all....

Agassi lost to Nadal today too. Ok, Roddick is my favorite tennis player, but Nadal comes in second (got to back the Spaniard!). But I do have to say it was sad to see Agassi lose and end his Wimbledon career. I thought he would win this match since Nadal has been poor on grass courts, but Nadal was amazing. The fans gave Agassi a standing ovation, and even Nadal said "It's Agassi's Day"- what class!

I watched Portugal beat England in the World Cup quarter finals and then the UNBELIEVABLE... I saw France beat Brazil. Nobody saw that coming, not even the French.... but now I know why Spain lost.... the French are THAT good!