~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MERRY CHRISTMAS~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EVERYONE !

Here are a few words for you, about gift wrapping. By Lyle McCumber

He just enjoys wrapping my gifts so much.You know this Rhonda and Sam.....

This time of year when we think back to the very first Christmas, when the Three Wise Men-

Gaspar, Balthazar, and Herb-- went to see the baby Jesus and, according to the Book of Matthew, "presented unto Him gifts; gold,frankincense,and myrrh".

These are the simple words, but if we analyze them carefully, we discover an important, yet often overlooked, theological fact: There is no mention of wrapping paper.

If there had been wrapping paper, Matthew would have said so:And lo, the gifts were inside 600 square cubits of paper. And the paper was festooned with pictures of Frosty the Snowman. And Joseph was going to throweth it away,but Mary saideth unto him,she saideth, "Holdeth it"! That

is nice paper!" Saveth it for next year!"And Joseph did rolleth his eyesballs. And the baby Jesus was more interested in the paper than the frankincense.

But these words do not appear in the Bible,which means that the very first Christmas gifts were NOT wrapped. This is because the people giving these gifts had two important characteristics:

1. They were Wise

2. They were Men

Men are not big gift wrappers. Men do not understand the point of putting paper on a gift just so somebody else can tear it off. This is not just my opinion. This is a scientific fact based on statistical survey of two guys I know.

One is Lloyd who says the only time he ever wraps a gift is"if it's such a poor gift that I don't want to be there when the person opens it"

The other is George, who told me he does wrap gifts,but as a matter of principle never takes more than 15 seconds per gift. No one ever has too wonder which presents he wrapped ". George said"They were the ones that looked like enormous spitballs.

I also wrap gifts, but because of some defect in my motor skills, I can never completely wrap them. I can take a gift the size of a deck of cards and put it in the exact center of a piece of wrapping paper the size of a regulation volleyball court, but when I am done folding and taping , you can still see part of the gift peeking out.( Sometimes I Camouflage this sector with a marking pen.)

If I had been an ancient Egyptian in the field of mummies, the lower half of the Pharaoh,s body would be covered only by Scotch tape.

On the outher handf if you give my wife a 12inch square of wrapping paper, she can wrap a C-130 cargo plane. My wife, like many women,actually likes wrapping things. If she gives you a gift that requires batteries, she wraps the batttries separately, which to me is very close to being a symptom of mental illness. if it were possible, my wife would wrap each individual volt.

My point is tht gift-wrapping is one of those skills like having babies that comes more naturally to women than men. That is why today I am presenting--------------

GIFT WRAPPING TIPS FOR MEN

* Whenever possible, buy gifts that are already wrapped. If, when the recipient opens the gift, neither one of you recognizes it, you can claim that it's myrrh.

* The editors of "Woman's Day" Magazine recently ran an item on how to make your own wrapping paper by printing a design on it with an apple sliced in half horizonally and dipped in a mixture of food coloring and liquid starch. They must be smoking crack.

* If you're giving a hard-to-wrap gift, skip the wrapping paper! Just put it in a bag and Stick one of those little adhesive bows on it. This creates a festive effect that is sure to delight the lucky recipient on Christmas morning........

YOUR WIFE:" Why is there a Hefty trash bag under the tree"?

YOU: " It's a gift! See? It has a bow!"

YOUR WIFE: (perring into the trash bag): "Its a leaf blower."

YOU: Gas-powered ! Five horsepower!"

YOUR WIFE: " I want a divorce."

YOU: " I also got you some myrrh."

In Conclusion, remember that the important thing is not what you give, or how you wrap it . The important thing, During this very special time of year, is that you save the receipt............

Lyle says BAH HUM BUG

Lyle & I went to Pendelton on friday and stayed at the Wild Horse,went to the Wal-Mart Safty breakfast on Saturday morning.We started home pretty early because it was snowing very hard . Anyway we got home in time to go to the Timber Trucker Light Parade. There were only 35 trucks, so it has gotten smaller since Lyle drove in it . We had about 87 trucks the last year that Lyle drove. But it was very well put together and everything well lit.We had a great time..It was nice to just drive up there watch it and drive home. No decorating and no tearing it down in the snow and cold. All along the parade route people had fires burning in barrels, and it was a real party mood, what fun.Here are some photos. I'm also sending a picture of our house, its pretty lit up as well. I saw a friend of ours who lives pretty close, he asked me if we could turn the lights down at night.

Christmas

We went to the Holliday Music Festival in La Grande the other night. It was a great show as it always is. We use this event to kick off the holliday season for us.Anyway it got Lyle in the mood for the Hollidays, now he is walking around the house singing his favorite chirstmas carol----------------------------------- To the tune of Winter Wonderland-------------------------

Lacy things the wife is missing didn't ask for her permission,
I'm wearing her clothes,her silk panty hose walking round in Women's underwear.

In the store theres a teddy little straps like spagetti ,
They hold me so tight, like hand cuffs at night , walking round in women's underwear.

At the office theres a guy named Melvin, he pretends like I'am Murphy
Brown, he'll say are you ready, I'll say whoa man! wait until my wife is out of town.

Later on if you wanna, we can dress just like Madonna,
I'm wearing her clothes, her silk pantyhose, walkin round in women's underwear ....



Ok he's not walking around the house in my underwear, his only singing the song. LOL
Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!!!

Hot Air Balloons

We enjoyed the Hot Air Balloon festival in grant county this weekend. It Started out Friday morning at the football field in MtVernon with a sunrise launch.We were at the football field and our neighbors Dave &other neighbor Ron,were flying above it in Daves ultra light. Then big dinner at the comunity hall. Then last night up at the golf course they had a balloon lighting (afterglow). It was all nice, We enjoyed it.

BIG BUCK BONANZA - Guest Blog

Holy Cow...what a good season. Three tags, three bucks. Voila. Easy Schmeezy. We are pretty happy, tho, because we still have 'til next Wednesday to hunt, and we are all done! Stick a fork in us! :) Here are our little trophies...BUT, they will be better than that bland ol' tag soup!

Sam

food for thought

I got an e-mail this am, that scared the stuff out of me. Those of us who care so deeply about this nation , and have lost many loved one protecting it, need to read this. We need to think long and hard about the future of our great country. And what those men fought and died for. So please read this, check the authenticity of all the information.If you do I'm sure it going to keep you up tonight. So give me a call----- because I'm sure I won't be sleeping either-------Please keep this Great Nation in your prayers. As will I.

To All My Friends, this is long, but very important, please take the timetoread it.This election has me very worried. So many things to consider. About a year ago I would have voted for Obama. I have changed my mind three times since than.I watch all the news channels, jumping from one to another. I must say this drives my husband crazy. But, I feel if you view MSNBC, CNN, and Fox News,you might get some middle ground to work with. About six months ago, I started thinking "where did the money come from for Obama". I have four daughters who went to College, and we were middle class, and money was tight. We(including my girls) worked hard and there were lots of student loans.I started looking into Obama's life.Around 1979 Obama started college at Occidental in California. He is veryopen about his two years at Occidental, he tried all kinds of drugs and was wasting his time but, even though he had a brilliant mind, did not apply himself to his studies. "Barry" (that was the name he used all his life) during this time had two roommates, Muhammad Hasan Chandoo and Wahid Hamid, both from Pakistan.During the summer of 1981, after his second year in college, he made a"round the world" trip. Stopping to see his mother in Indonesia, next Hyderabadin India, three weeks in Karachi, Pakistan where he stayed with his roommate's family, then off to Africa to visit his father's family. My question -Where did he get the money for this trip? Nether I, nor any one of my children would have had money for a trip like this when they where in college. When he came back he started school at Columbia University in New York. It is at this time he wants everyone to call him Barack - not Barry. Do you know what the tuitionis at Columbia? It's not cheap! to say the least. Where did he get money for tuition? Student Loans? Maybe. After Columbia, he went to Chicago to work as a Community Organizer for $12,000. a year. Why Chicago? Why not New York?He was already living in New York.By "chance" he met Antoin "Tony" Rezko, born in Aleppo Syria, and a real estate developer in Chicago. Rezko has been convicted of fraud and bribery this year. Rezko, was named "Entrepreneur of the Decade" by the Arab-AmericanBusiness and Professional Association". About two years later, Obama entered Harvard Law School. Do you have any idea what tuition is for Harvard LawSchool? Where did he get the money for Law School? More student loans?AfterLaw school, he went back to Chicago. Rezko offered him a job, which he turned down. But, he did take a job with Davis, Miner, Barnhill &Galland. Guesswhat?They represented "Rezar" which Rezko's firm. Rezko was one of Obama's first major financial contributors when he ran for office in Chicago. In 2003,Rezko threw an early fundraiser for Obama which Chicago Tribune reporter DavidMendelland claims was instrumental in providing Obama with "seed money"for hisU.S. Senate race. In 2005, Obama purchased a new home in Kenwoood District of Chicago for $1.65 million (less than asking price). With ALL those StudentLoans - Where did he get the money for the property? On the same day Rezko's wife, Rita, purchased the adjoining empty lot for full price. The LondonTimesreported that Nadhmi Auchi, an Iraqi-born Billionaire loaned Rezko $3.5millionthree weeks before Obama's new home was purchased. Obama met Nadhmi Auchimany times with Rezko.Now, we have Obama running for President. Valerie Jarrett, was Michele Obama's boss. She is now Obama's chief advisor and he does not make any major decisions without talking to her first. Where was Jarrett born? Ready for this?Shiraz,Iran! Do we see a pattern here? Or am I going crazy?On May 10, 2008 The Times reported, Robert Malley advisor to Obama was"sacked"after the press found out he was having regular contacts with "Hamas",which controls Gaza and is connected with Iran. This past week, buried in the back part of the papers, Iraqi newspapers reported that during Obama's visit to Iraq,he asked their leaders to do nothing about the war until after he is elected,and he will "Take care of things".Oh, and by the way, remember the college roommates that where born inPakistan?They are in charge of all those "small" Internet campaign contribution for Obama. Where is that money coming from? The poor and middle class in this country? Or could it be from the Middle East?And the final bit of news. On September 7, 2008, The Washington Times posted averbal slip that was made on "This Week" with George Stephanapoulos. Obama on talking about his religion said, "My Muslim faith". When questioned, "he make a mistake". Some mistake!All of the above information I got on line. If you would like to check it-Wikipedia, encyclopedia, Barack Obama; Tony Rezko; Valerie Jarrett: DailyTimes- Obama visited Pakistan in 1981; The Washington Times - September 7, 2008;TheTimes May 10, 2008.Now the BIG question - If I found out all this information on my own, Why haven't all of our "intelligent" members of the press been reporting this?A phrase that keeps ringing in my ear - "Beware of the enemy from within"!!!Marlene

We had Andy and his band home for a practice this last Saturday. They practiced all afternoon. Then we had a serious shop party all night with our own live band..I have pictures of the band practicing but none of the party..... sorry. His Band will be here Saturday the 27th to practice in the afternoon and then they will be playing at the Branding Iron Lounge in Prairie City that night. So anyone interested come on up ------ We will find a place to put you up.Motor home, air mattress, a tent , or something. LOL " Dirt Water Fox" you've got to hear them.............

Nacho the stay at home bear.......

We have had some rumors going round. That nacho was just a bad seed. We however do not think Nacho is a bad bear. We think he is simply running (moving all over) with the wrong crowd. You know the type, Bookkeepers, Teachers, Laywers, not to mention the Leupold Crowd.

So we are trying to be better bear owners and keep Nacho on a little tighter leash.We are also going to try to monitor the company he keeps a little closer. So your help in this endevor , would be greatly appreciated........."Bearly " qualified Bear Owners????????

Top Ten worst songs for a wedding or funeral

Wedding

1.Your Cheatin Heart..... Hank Williams

2. I Won't go huntin with you Jake ,but i'll go chasin women...... Jimmy Dean

3. Father,,, I Don't Belive I Do........ The Big Bopper

4. You ain't much fun since I quit drinking..........Toby Keith

5. My boy friend's back......The Angels

Funeral
1. Sittin up with the dead. ......Ray Stevens

2. Are the good times really over for good............Merel Haggard

3. Just walk on by.........Lee Roy Van Dyke

4. Mister Walker its all over.............Bille Jo Spears

5. Its my party.............Lesley Gore

Nacho

This is the overdue story of Nacho the bear. Hes my bear, hence the name Nacho (not yo bear),

This is the bear that Kelly Hamilton made for me . He brought it to the family reunion at Champoeg park. He (the bear) was lost 3 different times at the family reunion. Was he kidnapped or did he wander away? It depends on wheather you belive his story or someone else's (Jan).We found him out behind the building. Next we found him in the restroom. Answering the age old question . Does a bear ____ in the woods?

Next we found him Strapped in the back of (Someones) pickup. Jan thought he must have strapped himself in .

Right Jan?

So at this point we wrapped the bear in a blanket loaded him in Rhonda's car locked the doors (so he couldn't get out) and sent him home.

So here he is safe at his new home. Now many of you would think that was the end of the story. WRONG--------

We were gone last monday to a family get together in Prairie City.We returned home a few hours later to find Nacho up to his old tricks. He was sitting in the recliner in the living room ,a beer in one hand and the honey in the other, with the a football game blasting on TV.

This was monday September 1st about 3:pm. I had two nephews in town on this day. Josh Komp and Elmer Dickens Jr. We discussed it andf we all agreeded Josh would not have known where to find the honey. I Called Jr and he said he knew nothing about it. I'm sure we can belive him he's a lawyer after all !!!!!!! So Jan where were you on September 1st on or about 3:pm ??????????

My criminal nature!!!!!

This is a confession............... I Stole a recipe from Amy'sBlog.................. I Would say that I'm sorry, But I'm not.................. It was yummy.

We took the kids up and picked the black berrys then we came home and made this cobbler. It was so good , Thank you Amy

Lyle and I have been traveling again. We have been on the coast crabbing. Down to Sand Lake riding the quad's, amoung other places. Here are some photos.We had a wonderful time ,but were very glad to be home.

Spring Creek

We just got home Sunday evening from the Spring Creek camp out . What a wonderful time we all had.There was the usual wonderful food. all the dutch oven cooking. All the B-S ing.Playing Music,Shooting, Playing Solo. But this year some friends of Roy and Leanna's came up on Sunday with a horse and a cart and gave all the kids a ride in the cart. Then she saddled the horse and gave the kids a short riding lesson. Then she gave them a very informative horse training session. It was a wonderful way to end a fabulous camp out. We had about 41 people there. Great turnout. Here are some photos of the fun we had.

look-a-like

I Took this piture of my goofy grandson, wearing my glasses and grandpas hat. It reminds me so much of Andy. Thought I would post them and see what you guys thought?

After everyone went home on Monday, The house was so quite that Lyle and I couldn't stand it so we went for a ride up Murders Creek . We saw some Deer and wild turkeys.

Picked some mushrooms and saw 5 head of wild horses. They are so pretty I never get tired of seeing them. The one stud in the back was a huge horse. Anyway thought I would share................If you have never seen these horses they are well worth the trip.. My brother and his wife went for a ride up there the other day and saw 27 head.

Well we had a Great time BBQ ing. Rhonda did that post for me and she said pictures too follow. But we forgot to take any. So here are some in the house.

Memorial Day Hilarity...Invitation

We are going to celebrate Memorial Day by having a BBQ, Friday evening May 23rd at 6:00. We will most likely play bocce ball (lawn bowling), pitch horseshoes, play cards, and do shop games. Come and join us, you can even hot tub if you like!! It would be great fun if you all could come and be hilarious with us. Call Aunt Linda and let her know if you're coming and who you're bringing, so she knows how much food to prepare. Looking forward to seeing you....pictures to follow.

Company

We had company last week for a few days. It was our friends Gene and Barb from Brogan, And Gene's sister. We had a wonderful time. Lots of visiting game playing & good food.We stayed up all night playing mexican train dominoes, At 3:30 the next am we went to bed.Lots of late nights, oh well it was fun. Anyway we went for a ride up Feilds Creek , first we saw 3 white tail deer. Which I have never seen in that part of the country before. Then we saw a black bear maybe 40 feet from the road. He just stayed right there eating , he would look up at us and then just go back to his eating. We watched him for about 20 mins. It was pretty neat......

Cactus

Ok crazy story, As you know we went to Arizona in February. Well while we were down there, I talked Lyle into cutting me some small pieces of Cactus we got Beaver tail, prickly pear and cholla teddy bear. He was much apposed to this from the start. His reasons being they have thorns and its not legal. Well I soon convinced him that, I would bail him out of jail (in a day or two). And here we are only a month and 1/2 later and he has all the spines picked out of his fingers. So I really think now he is glad he did that for me.LOL Anyway we brought the cuttings home to show the Grandkids. So I but them in a bowl of water in the kitchen window sill.Hoping they would stay fresh until I could show the kids.Well they didn't only stay fresh , they are getting new growth everyday. So when I went to pour myself a cup of coffee on monday, the Beaver tail had this magnificent bloom on it. I Couldn't believe my eyes. Maybe I do have a green thumb after all.

Spring Break

We had a good spring break. We went to Portland and watched the Trail Blazers Play Ball With Rhonda & Darin. Spent the next day playing games in the yard with the 3 grand kids.Sam and the kids were here the rest of the week. We had a great time fishing. feeding the new calves. Going for walks and playing games.Lots of Fun.