The Great American Cookie Company is having a “Reading is Sweet” book drive during the month of October. If you donate a new or gently used book, you will receive a free chocolate chip cookie. They are kicking it off this Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Go to their website to find a participating location near you.

http://www.greatamericancookies.com/fun-stuff

P.S. If you have never tried one of their cookies, this is your chance. They are very yummy!

There was nail-painting, cow hat-making, and duct-taping also going on, and 29 cows walking in and out of our house. It felt kind of like getting ready for a wedding…getting dressed up in black and white…painting nails…accessorizing…but in a different way.

The night before cow day, I found an old Nike t-shirt of BC’s that he was going to give away. That’s when the inspiration hit me…”Just Moo It!” (like the “Just Do It” slogan). So, I did it. I now have an official cow appreciation day shirt! Notice the tongue sticking out on “Air Elsie” (the cow), and the Nike symbol for her ears (BC’s Idea)…complete with a “swoosh!” by the tail! Oh, the hat read…”Incowgnito”.

Faith and I also had fun making her new ensemble this year.

This year, I thought of a new tradition. It involved having the one who graduated that year wear a black graduation gown with white spots on it. Maybe next year we will have a sign that reads…”I’m moovin’ on up!”, complete with cap and black and white tassel.

You know, we all felt totally normal, even special, when we were dressed like cows at Chick-Fil-A. In contrast, when two strangers knocked on my door, we were viewed as the strange ones, not to mention what all of our neighbors thought as we “moo-seyed” along into our cars. Later on, my friend and I were talking about the importance of who you hang around with because of the strong influence of what is perceived as “normal” by the group. Cow Day provided a very clear example of this.

Well, you know how cows just graze all day? This year, I asked the manager if it was okay if we went to another Chick-Fil-A for dinner. His reply: “Absolutely! After all, it’s National Cow Appreciation Day! You can come for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!” Well, my friend did not really desire to eat a chicken sandwich twice in one day, but..when we found out we could order anything on the menu…(I later found out that this depends on the manager)…we now had options…and late dinner plans.

As we were finishing our dinner, something came over my friend (…maybe mad cow? j/k) because at 9:45 she said to me, “Let’s all go get some shakes at another Chick-Fil-A!” What had I done to my friend? She went from not wanting to go twice to initiating our third visit! So, we rushed the kids out and we were really “moo-ving” on the road to a nearby Chick-Fil-a to get delicious shakes. I just knew some of the kids would get sick that night, but all was well.

Paige’s link to cow day
And the last bit of cow news…
Our dear friends brought the famous big cow bell (you know, the one that made the news last year) for me to ring…which, surprisingly, had a damper on it! They wrapped the ringer in a napkin so it would not ring so loudly like it had last year!

Some of our friends with their families…

I saw this wig-wearing guy in the crowd when I was in the parking lot on the way into Chick-Fil-A, and I said, “Now that dude really knows how to do Cow Day!” Then, someone told me that dude was Mr. I! Wow! I could barely recognize him.

Thank you, Michelle, for taking pictures, and for letting me take some with your moovalous camera (she even put white duct tape spots on her camera straps!)

We were pretty tired cows at the end of the day! It reminded me of the time when our young Paige told me that her “cows” were tired! What she really was referring to was her calves! Too cute!

Calling all cows…next year, on the second Friday in July…save a spot on your calendar and join us for the fun. We are not sure if Chic-Fil-A will have a spot for all our spotted friends, but it will be fun trying! No cow left behind!

"Orange" you glad to get free food?

What?…wear orange…get free Whataburger!

What do you know…we’ll be there!

We were going to be out of town for “National Cow Apreesheashun Day” at Chick-fil-A. Anyone who knows us, knows that we are big fans of Chick-fil-A (See other blogs for more proof). On the second Friday in July, Chick-fil-A gives you a free full meal for dressing like a fool full cow, or a free half meal (like a sandwich) for dressing like half or part of a cow (like wearing a shirt with spots, hat, etc). So, this has become a new little holiday for our family. Thankfully, we were with a sweet family that mostly didn’t mind dressing up like cows and saving some moolah (and they had a local Chick-fil-A).

Oh...the girls had to paint their hooves!

Are cows white with black spots or black with white spots? Well, the girls were white cows with black spots. They donned angel costumes, and a few girls wore white tops and white skirts. Then, we added black felt spots (from last year) using duct tape to stick the spots on this time (instead of pins). Some outfits actually had black spots that were cut out from duct tape.

How will the spots stick?...duct tape to the rescue!

Oh...the places you'll go! Thanks guys!

Most of the herd

Cowabunga, dude!

The guys were black cows with white spots.  We had some black contractor bags for the guys to wear. We cut  a hole in the bottom for their head, and cut out some arms. We used black duct tape to tape down the top and sides…giving the cows a more updated (less 80s) look. They all had white spots cut out from white duct tape. I used a pattern that Chick-fil-A had on their website. Oh, and some tails were created from duct tape which was taped together, then cut into thin strips leaving an inch uncut at the top. Some had yarn tails, and some tails were made from a brown plastic tablecloth.

Tails are important! I added spots to a friend from another family that went with us to Chick-fil-A. Thankfully, I added a tail, because that was the deciding factor that allowed her to receive a free meal versus just the sandwich. So, as you heard from my tale, the bottom line is to have a bottom line!

The purse was created on the car trip. I’m not exactly sure what mooved me to make this udderly bovine purse. I think it had something to do with having time (and assorted duct tape) on my hands.  It is so chic! However, don’t worry this purse will only be used by this crazy chick annually:)

This year, we made our entry a little more dramatic (like twenty cows mooving into Chick-fil-A wasn’t dramatic enough). I was thinking along the lines of more bells and whistles. Earlier, I spied a big ol’ cowbell down at our friend’s farm. They use it to call the kids in for dinner. So, I used it to call all of the herd in for dinner (and for laughs).

Little did we know that after our arrival, a man from the local news would arrive and start videotaping. I thought…Let’s show some Chick-fil-A spirit, and I picked up the cowbell and started ringing it. The ladies I was sitting with were laughing, and some quickly mooved to try to conceal their identities (hoping that we weren’t on the news). I guess I wasn’t thinking about the possibility of being  moo-vie stars when we dressed up for the night out. So, we watched some of the local news at ten, and sure enough…some of us locos were on there, including the “cow-cophonous” cowbell:).

The world needs more cowbells!

The news at tenMVI_6703

All in all, we had a great time and our sweet friends thanked us for the fun memories. Even one of the anti-dressing-up-like-a-cow girls thanked me. So, mission accomplished. I think it is safe to say that we will be supporting Chick-fil-A on “Cow Apreesheashun Day” until…well..the cows come home!

Cowgirls and cowboys sure know how to have fun!

So, there Dad sat in one of his favorite Mexican food restaurants (La Familia)…and his tongue was on fire! I’ve been there when they “fire up” people’s fajitas, but this fire was not a fire that water could put out. Three to four glasses of water later, he was still suffering. He recalled beads of sweat pouring down his forehead! A kind waiter proved to be of assistance. He shared a trick that helped when eating something hot. Okay, it was more like first-aid for victims of spicy food burn.

Desperate to try anything, Dad took his advice…with a grain of salt. The man’s instructions were for Dad to dab his thumb, or was it a finger, into some salt. Then, press the salty finger underneath his tongue. Thankfully , it worked, and Dad was quick to recover, and quick to share his new knowledge with us. Dad said, “It sounds silly, but it works!” So, in Dad’s honor, I thought this was something the jalapeno-eating world should know about.

Evidently, my kids also had heard (about a year ago) that if they experience a “brain freeze” when eating extremely cold foods, they should also push their thumb (preferably clean) onto the roof of their mouth. They have found this to help them with their “brain freezes” during ice-cream eating episodes.:) So dad, I hope you enjoy hot jalapenos or cold ice-cream on your birthday today, knowing that you have the remedy on hand (in the form of an extremity), for both extremes! I love you, Dad!

” And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity:…” James 3:6

We had a lovely time being with our co-op group, and spotting the beautiful “seas” of vibrantly-colored flowers along the way!

Texas Bluebonnets

So "Bluetiful"

http://www.whataburger.com/whataburger_serves/

P. S. Look around your house. If you have to buy something…uh…it’s not really a deal. We found an orange bandana, headband, ribbon for hair bows, bracelet, socks, flip flops, and orange nail polish. Thankfully, everyone had an orange t-shirt (I had no idea). Well, tonight at “Orange Night Out”, I think our faces might be a shade of orange as well!

I really don’t know how Chick-fil-A stays in business. The Lord must be blessing them for all of the food that they seem to always be giving away. Yesterday, Chick-fil-A was dishing out free sandwiches…so naturally, we were there. This one wasn’t so difficult. We only had to wear t-shirts with a sports team logo in order to order a free chicken sandwich.

When we walked into Chick-fil-A, I noticed some black and white pictures by the door. They really were not “black and white” photos, but rather, the people in the pictures were wearing black and white—dressed up like cows. These pictures were from the Cow Appreciation Day that we went to awhile back. As we herded our team through the door, I made a mental note to check out those pictures later.

So, I placed our order. Then, I went over to the picture board. I thought I might find our gang. I saw one cute kid, and I let out a chuckle. Well, then the man standing nearby said to me (as he pointed to a certain picture), “Did you see that one…she really went all out!”

I looked at the picture, then I burst out laughing as I told the surprised man, “That crazy woman is uh…actually me!” (I had forgotten about it, but in the blur of that busy day, the manager had asked me if she could take a picture of my cow nails…she said she loved them:)) So, I still don’t know if that man was laughing at me or with me, but I’m okay with that.

I still laugh when I think of that picture because nail paintings are considered somewhat of a low priority to me. I do paint my nails, but it’s usually less than five times a year, and it’s usually for fun…with my girls. So, there I was, modeling my udderly bovine nails, and wishing I could “moo-ve” that picture like…off the wall. Then, I thought about that man who made it a point…to point me out for a laugh, and I refrained from taking it down. I guess…deep down, I believe people should laugh more, so I resigned to get over it, and to be happy to bring a smile to total strangers.

Getting back to my point…I have been told that I really go “all out” for a lot of things. With birthdays, and everything I do, I like to do my best. Here is a picture of me on “Clash Day” back in high school. That same comment was made about me back then! I was in one of those silly moods that make you want to stand on your head. Next thing I knew, someone asked me if they could take my picture, and it ends up in the yearbook! Talk about another embarrassing and “off-the-wall” picture!

I guess, on a more serious note (see picture above), this phrase has made me wonder if I am going “all out” to bring glory to the Lord. Am I giving Him my best…my all…all the time? If He truly is my “All in All“, He deserves my full devotion, my praise, my heart, my life, my time, my all. I am reminded of the words to a most beloved hymn…”When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”. I think I will share these beautiful words, as I think of my beautiful Savior…oh, what love! As we begin another school year, I am encouraged to seek Him daily. He is the source of my real joy.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
Music: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872
Tune: HAMBURG, Meter: LM

1.	When I survey the wondrous cross
	on which the Prince of Glory died;
	my richest gain I count but loss,
	and pour contempt on all my pride. 

2.	Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
	save in the death of Christ, my God;
	all the vain things that charm me most,
	I sacrifice them to his blood. 

3.	See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
	sorrow and love flow mingled down.
	Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
	or thorns compose so rich a crown. 

4.	Were the whole realm of nature mine,
	that were an offering far too small;
	love so amazing, so divine,
	demands my soul, my life, my all.
Here is Fernando Ortega singing \"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross\":

Lately, like in the past few weeks, BC and I have been running…on the treadmill…like 3 miles at a time. No kidding! There is nothing pretty about us running, but we know this is good for us (at least that’s what they are telling us)! Twenty years ago, I ran 20 miles a week…no problem. Three weeks ago we tried that…uh…but we ran into a slight problem…we ran out of breath (not to mention I almost ran off the machine). So we are doing better, and we are trying to pace ourselves.

We have found it helpful to play mind games and make “deals” with the timer (run fast for a minute, slow down for a minute, increase our speed every minute for ten minutes, try to see how fast we can run a mile, etc.) One helpful tip I have learned is not to close my eyes while I run anymore…I tend to lose my footing when I do that.

Let me jog my memory a bit…I haven’t had a desire to run in over 20 years! When I was in high school, I was on the track team. I remember a time when I needed to run in my new neighborhood (Double Oak) because I was running cross-country. So, I took off running by myself one afternoon. I wasn’t aware that there wasn’t a leash law at this time, but I quickly found out that I was being followed by about two, then four, then six dogs (some not very friendly-looking). I was scared and did the most logical thing I could think of— I jumped on top of a brick mailbox, and kept on jumping (because those dogs were nipping at my heels). The only thing that was running then, were the chills up my back! Thankfully some kind, older man came running out of his house and rescued me! My hero! He reminded me of Teddy Roosevelt—He was walking softlyyelling loudly and carrying a big stick! So, thankfully the treadmill at the gym provides a dog-free atmosphere (not that I don’t like dogs).

Another memory I have of running cross-country involved directions. I was at a meet…listening to them explain where we were to run at this park, but I just assumed I would follow the crowd (mostly because I am directionally-challenged). Well, I ended up being in first place (surprise), but leading the entire group in the wrong direction (surprise again). Oops! So, the second benefit of the treadmill…I hopefully won’t get lost.

Years ago, we tried to run around our neighborhood, but we ran into two major problems:

• We live in South Texas, and it’s insanely hot.

• We developed shin splints from running on the hard pavement.

So, again…the treadmill is a great choice because we are running with better cushion for our bodies, and we are conditioning in air conditioning!

Ah…my mind is running away with running memories. One of my favorite memories of running in middle school was the Turkey Trot (I’m not sure if it was an 800 or a mile) in seventh grade. I was the fastest girl in the school, so I won a great big turkey! I remember just beaming as I rode home on the school bus with our Thanksgiving meal!

Food has always been a bigger motivator for me to run fast compared to a medal or ribbon. I still find myself wanting to run, so I can eat that gooey brownie. When I really want to run fast, I imagine I am chasing that gooey brownie…and those unfriendly dogs are chasing me!

Okay, so now you know I like food. I ran into my high school track-coach a few months ago. He asked me if I was still running. A big smile ran across my face, as I replied, “Do I look like I have been running? No way…the only running I’ve been doing is…running a household and running errands. I do play tag with the kids. Does that count?”

We have dear friends of the family who are avid runners. They are always giving us these nice marathon t-shirts. The only problem that I run into is when strangers ask me if I run marathons. Again, my response is: “Do I look like I run marathons?”. I seriously don’t look like a pro big runner…more like a pro big mama. Oh well, one step at a time, will shed some pounds…maybe. I am definitely sweating like I haven’t in years. Who knows? Maybe running will help me not to feel run down. I think I am feeling like I am in better shape, whether I look it or not.

I know exercise is important to keep our bodies running efficiently; however, balance is key! What about my Christian walk? I should be exercising myself in seeking His face everyday in prayer, and finding the beauty of Jesus in every chapter of the Bible. Jesus should be the first person I run to when I run into problems. These are great Bible verses that talk about running:

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”                                      1 Timothy 4:8

¹Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,²Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.                                                               Hebrews 12:1-2

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.       1 Cor. 9:24

What is black and white and red all over? Our embarrassed family walking into Chick-fil-A dressed like cows! Yesterday, we made total cows of ourselves (in more ways than one)! It was National Cow Appreciation Day at Chic-fil-A, and so we dressed the part and had a moo-valous time!

We were supposed to dress “head to toe” to get a free #1 meal. So, we spent $11.00 on supplies (black felt, safety pins, and cow material). We saved $59.00, and the memory of seeing my herd dressed up is so “udderly” worth it (you too, BC)! We even found white and black fingernail polish (I had no idea we even had these), and we painted our hooves (girls only)! We used angel costumes that we had made for our Christmas play. Then, we just cut out the black spots from thin felt, and used safety pins to attach them. We made tails out of black and white yarn. Then, with the cow material, we made scarfs for our heads, bow ties for some necks, and “moo shoes” (a few strips of cow fabric tied to our flip flops…really tied it all together!). We were last-minute “calf-sitting” for a friend. So, we quickly made an outfit for her (our little five-year-old friend). She was thrilled to get to eat at Chic-fil-A twice in one day. Who does that?

We “moo-zeed” on over there for lunch and dinner (at two different locations). We met some sweet friends for lunch, and they were adorably dressed up…painted faces too! Then, we met my sister’s cute herd for a late dinner. So, we were eating free with herds of friends and family…what fun! Unfortunately, we didn’t have the additional stomachs—like cows do—to digest all that great, free food! We definitely need to get mooo-ving! Well, earlier today we did help a friend pack and mooo-ve. That’s got to count for something! And no…we didn’t wear our moo-ving costumes.

At Chic-fil-A we sure felt like mooo-vie stars—people asking to take our picture (on their phones to show their friends how crazy some people are); signing autographs (waivers for restaurant photo contest); people staring and pointing at us (never mind the fact that they were exclaiming, “Look at the cows!”); people clapping as we walked in—some of us were wearing our mooo-vie star shades…to hide!

Then, reality…as I was clearing our trash from the table, a lady tapped me on the shoulder and asked, “When you get a chance, will you clean off that table in the back with a wet rag? To her shock, I calmly explained that even though I was wearing a cow costume, I really wasn’t employed by Chic-fil-A. But I told her I’d let somebody know. I laughed and remembered the times I have asked red-shirted people at Target for help, to quickly find out that they don’t work there.

Well, it looks like we took second place for “largest herd” at dinner (14 total). They will let us know what that means later. When I went to ask if I could get a refill, the manager said, “Dressed like that , you can have anything you want.” I was thinking, “Wow. I think I got some brownie points (and their brownies are the best), but I better just stick with the refill.” However, when I asked the managers if they had heard of the Chick-fil-A song by Tim Hawkins, they had not. So, some of us (those who wanted to, and didn’t “chicken out”) proceeded to sing that cute song to them. They loved it, and said, “Ice cream for all the singers”. You know, he reminded me of my grandpa and grandma. They jokingly loved to have us “sing for our supper”!