English Rules

1. Verbs HAS to agree with their subjects.
2. Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
3. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.
4. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.
5. Avoid cliches like the plague. (They're old hat.)
6. Also, always avoid annoying alliteration.
7. Be more or less specific.
8. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually)unnecessary.
9. Also too, never, ever use repetitive redundancies.
10. No sentence fragments.
11. Contractions aren't necessary and shouldn't be used unless you don't want to seem too formal.
12. Foreign words and phrases are not always apropos.
13. Do not use more words, phrases, sentences, or other linguistic elements than you, yourself, actually really and definitely need to use or employ when expressing yourself or otherwise giving voice to what you may or may not be thinking when you are trying to say how many words you should use or not use when using words.
14. One should NEVER generalize.
15. Comparisons are as bad as cliches.
16. Don't use no double negatives.
17. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, i.e. etc.
18. One-word sentences? Eliminate.
19. Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.
20. The passive voice is to be ignored.
21. Eliminate commas, that are, not necessary. Parenthetical words however should be enclosed in commas.
22. Never use a big word when a diminutive one would suffice.
23. Kill excessive exclamation points!!!
24. Use words correctly, irregardless of how others elude to them.
25. Understatement is always the absolute best way to put forth earth shaking ideas.
26. Use the apostrophe in it's proper place and omit it when its not needed.
27. Eliminate distracting quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson is said to have once remarked, "I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
28. If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times: Resist hyperbole; not one writer in a million can use it correctly.
29. Puns are for children, not groan readers.
30. Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.
31. Even IF a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
32. Who needs rhetorical questions?
33. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.And finally...
34. Proofread carefully to see if you any words out

Father's Day

Father's day was wonderful this year. We celebrated early because David had to fly out to California on Father's day. (phooey!) If you read my husband's blog, you know that he has lost a great amount of weight and has developed a much healthier way of living. Well, this is awesome in most areas. But, if you go to the pool in a swimsuit that you wore 25 pounds heavier, you might experience some issues:) Let's just say, after sliding down a water slide with one of the kids, he discovered that a new swimsuit was a necessity not a luxury.

Emma thought of it first, to give him one for Father's day. She is a sensitive soul and didn't want her daddy feeling uncomfortable at the pool...her favorite place to frequent:)

We spent the day together as a family and gave David his new suit and some other clothes. We had a yummy dinner and a fun time. The next morning we ate breakfast at Einstein Brothers. A Sugar cookie for Jacob and a cinnamon twistie thing with frosting on it for Emma:). (Don't worry, they had "real" breakfast at home before we left!)

Here are a few pictures of David and his kids. They are so blessed to have David as their father. He loves the Lord, loves me, works super hard at his job so that I can stay home with the kids. We are so thankful for him in our lives! I love you honey!!

Wordless Wednesday

"The Past and the Pitcher"

This post on Angie Smith's blog really spoke to me. You just have to read it...

Prayer for the Chapman family

I am sure most of you have already heard about this tragic accident. I just think we need to unite in prayer for this family, especially the son/brother that was driving the vehicle. I just can't imagine what he is going through right now. You can leave them a comment or prayer here.

Happy Mother's Day

Before reading the following, check out my husband's last post. regarding the thankfulness of children:)


"Someone must see the family as worth fighting for, worth calling a career, worth the hard work of training a child in godliness, worth the relentless tasks involved in running a home...This 'someone' is the wife, the mother, and the homemaker and that, as such, she must embrace a life of being the giver. That's our role as mothers." ~Elizabeth George

"And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up."
Galations 6:9

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love. ~Mildred B. Vermont

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. ~Abraham Lincoln

My mom is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune. ~Graycie Harmon

No painter's brush, nor poet's penIn justice to her fameHas ever reached half high enoughTo write a mother's name.~Author Unknown

Birthday Celebrations

Last week we had the privilege of celebrating the birthday of my sweet twin nephews and my sister-in-law. It was a celebration at the zoo. What could be more fitting for four little kids under the age of five?!? It was great fun and perfect weather. The animal that I most enjoyed was the toddler gorilla. Man, they are cute. And, although I have two cuties myself, I would NOT turn it down if someone came knocking on my door to give me a baby gorilla. L-O-V-E them!

After the zoo we went to a little hamburger place in Ft. Worth. It was yummy and the cake was too. If you don't know about Texas Star Bakery, you better get there as quick as you can! Jacob and I have "cupcake dates" there often. They are delish. And always cute.

Here are some pictures from our day. Denise, if you ever get online to read my blog I want you to know how very loved you are. You are the sister that I always prayed for. I am so thankful for you in this family. Seriously, what would we do without each other?!?!

And Mark and Charles...we prayed for you two little miracles for so long. It has been such a joy to be your aunt and watch you grow into the handsome little men that you are. I can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for your lives!!