What a wonderful day it has been with all the sunshine, after the "lil" ole snow storm we had. It has been many days without sunshine, and now... it's peaking through.
Andrew had a doctor's visit in OKC this am and Ann and Jake went along and with Heather and Andrew to get his ears checked after his surgery. All is A OK! And he is doing quite well. They ran by Farmers Grain in Edmond to get bird feed for Ann's Quakers and her wild bird feed. Our "out side" birds eat as well as we do, haha!!
Ann put up a little train that she got several years ago for Christmas in our living room and Andrew found it today and played and played with it. Our home really looks nice as Ann has done a great job (as usual) decorating it up for the season.
We ended up having a great long Thanksgiving … We ended up having three special meals with most of the family at each… wow, what a deal! But, I think Ann was ready for it to be over and get Christmas underway!!
We received a special note from our niece Cortney Shaklee, in Florida, who just got back into the country. She and her mom went to Italy for some R and R! They had a really special time and truly enjoyed the trip. I can not wait to see the pictures of their trip. What a wonderful opportunity to spend that much time with your family, and see the Old Country in the process.
About it for now. More later! Enjoy the day!

Well, we had the good fortune of having our second Thanksgiving Dinner today. WE had it at noon, because Great Grandmother Moffat said she would be here, and everyone showed up but HER!! hummmmmm oh well, maybe she didn't want to see Kaitlyn... yeah, right.. haha. Anyway, Grandmother Ann got to see her and hold her and right now Grandma and I are watching Kaitlyn while her mom and Dad and Jake run into town for a while. Isn't she growing??? wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a great day! Oh, I have shared our web site with Tammy's 4th cousin today. Can not wait to hear from her again. She has lots of history on the family and even some copies of some pics.. wow!! Tammy is excited too! later...

Happy Thanksgiving one and all...!

Another Turkey Day come and went!!! I sure thought this photo sure told the truth about the day in lots of way. It's about getting together, sharing with those you love... and sometimes it's the little things, like the hand on the shoulder that seem to mean the most! Amazing how simple life can be sometimes, if we just take a bit to "smell the roses". And the roses were a bloom at our home this holiday. Lots of things to be thankful for this year. Yes, even in the mist of all the things we lost, there are wonderful things that are telling us how wonderful life is, and how fortunate we are to be alive, and living in the great USA! I among men am very richly blessed. I have one of the most awesome family's in the universe. God blessed me with the most wonderful woman on the face of the earth to stand by my side through thick and thin, and sometimes the really thin... and I love her deeply, and know that I am loved in return. I have four of the greatest kids in the world. They are richly talented, amazing smart, and great people kids who love to live life to the fullest, while helping others!! And then, how often does this happen. I have amazing son and daughter in laws! Again, they are richly talented, amazingly smart, and truly special, each in their own way. Again, I am richly blessed. And then I have three very special grandchildren who each are terrific in their own right. Each has something unique about them that makes them endearing to me, and I love them very much.
And I blessed with a great Mom, no other mother on the face of the earth could put up with me, yet she can. She gives me strength to go on, courage to face the tough times, and guides me by her actions to better things. And a super sister, and even though I lost my father this year, I had a chance to tell him the one thing I had put off all my life. On one of our last drives, we stopped the pickup and I told him he was the best father any kiddo could ever hope to have. He was simply simply simple and yet amazing in his own right. I told him that because of him, I am. And he understood... He is gone, yet on this day of Thanksgiving, I knew he was with us. You could see him in the sunshine that blessed this day, feel his arms around you in the wind that wrapped around our bodies this afternoon, and hear his laughter throughout our family all day long, and feel his spirit in my office as I send this note.
Yes, some are gone, others are new, and one is on the way.. but truly, Ann and I are richly blessed to be the parents of one of the greatest familys in the world!! We love you each and every one!
Have a great day.. and some pics are up now from today.. and Jonathan and Randi are coming up tomorrow to be with us.. so more after that too.. we get to see Jon, Randi and Kaitlyn.. can not wait!!! Enjoy the day!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!

Recited by: Doc Quinn To listen click here



Cowboy's Prayer
I was moping around the outer corrals
of a friend of mine's ranch one day.
When I seen this old gray haired cowboy,
kneel down to the ground to pray.

He said, "Good morning Sir, it's just me again,
and I reckon I'm feeling alright,
except yesterday's heat hung on for quite a spell
and I didn't sleep much late last night.

But, I thought I'd stop and kinda talk awhile
just to let you know I'm still around.
I haven't accomplished a lot lately Lord,
I'm just trying to hold this cow job down.

Now you know how it is in the cow game Lord,
when the moisture all leaves the ground.
The grass all dies and the sand starts to blow
and it kinda of keeps the calf crop down.

Ya see, the water holes are nearly dried up Lord
and the cattle's getting thinner somewhat,
but, five or six days of good heavy rain
it'd sure help out a mighty lot.

Now I ain't got no favors to ask for myself,
I reckon things are alright by me,
except that climb to my saddle gets higher everyday
or maybe my knees are getting weak.

So excuse me Sir for taking up your time
but I had a few things to say,
we could sure use a little bit of moisture Sir
if you'd care to send a little bit our way."

Well I slowly turned and I walked away
and I stepped thru the door of a shed,
and I was down right ashamed for standing so quite
eaves-dropping the way that I did.

Just to think this old man, just a common hard hand,
although he never asked a thing for himself,
yet he knelt and talked to God like a friend
as he prayed for somebody else.

Well, we missed that old man at breakfast next morn
when he didn't sit down to his plate
and when we went to the bunkhouse we'd found him dead
but he died with a smile on his face.

And if you should wonder if this story is true
or if maybe it's just a refrain,
when we buried that old cowboy that same afternoon
it had already started to rain.
© Doyle R. Quinn I 1963

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all~~!!

Clinton and Joanna sent this link along and it is AWESOME!!!

The song that silenced the cappuccino machine!!!!

It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square. Early November weather in New York City holds only the slightest hint of the bitter chill of late December and January, but it's enough to send the masses crowding indoors to vie for available space and warmth.

For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right. Apparently, we were striking all the right chords that night, because our basket was almost overflowing...............

To finish this wonderful story, you need to click here, and you will be glad you did!

Submitted by Paul Odle.... Yukon, OK.

A dietitian was once addressing a large audience in Chicago. "The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago.

Red meat is awful. Soft drinks erode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. Vegetables can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water.

But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have, or will, eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?"

A 75-year-old man in the front row stood up and said, "Wedding cake"

Rec. a note from Ward and Melanie and wanted to share it with everyone....

"How is everyone doing and we hope your winter doesn't set in too early. We made it thru the last hurricane OK. Since I was late getting home from work, and by the time I finished putting plywood up, the wind was already blowing about 25-35 mph. We decided to stick it out and not take the risk of driving in an approaching storm. Didn't get any sleep all night until about 5:30 am when it looked like the worst was over us. Fortunately in our area all the utilities are underground and we did not loose power during any of the storms. Some of our friends were without power for several weeks.

Damage on the beach side was significant and lots of places still closed or condemned. Further south was where the brunt of the storm caused real devastation. Some of our friends on the beach side lost a section of their roof on the first night and when they got back Monday it was a mess. About 16 folks went over and helped tear out their ceilings, dry wall and carpets. Only one room was still liveable. Problem here in Florida is that once moisture gets into the attic, the mildew and mold literally blooms overnight and you have a major problem on your hands. Only a few houses in our development had roof damage and they were on the east side of the development.

In just a few days the hurricane season will be over and we are so very happy for the end of this season. Lots of folks reassessing where they want to live and lots of retirees questioning if they should move a ways north.

We hope that all is going well and we send our love and prayers. So glad the election results were favorable for President Bush. It was amazing how much misinformation was posted by the large broadcasting companies. What is really amazing is that so many people still get all their news from them. Saw so much bogus info on Iraq that it was nauseating. Have several folks in our group who just came back and they said that our news doesn't accurately depict the progress and conditions overseas. Tough on our troops if they think their nation is trying to undermine their good works.

Say hi to everyone and keep in touch. Take care; Ward and Melanie"
(Shaklee,Melborne, FL., Ann's brother and sister in law)

Now if we could just get some pictures from them!! haha... maybe in a bit, huh????

It was great to get this note from them. And we all are relived they did not have much damage. We had sent several notes but knew they were busy helping others get their lives back. Ward and Melanie are true givers, always ready to help others at the drop of the hat.

Enjoy the day!!

K. Melanie sent this link along.. fun, check it out!

Don't Worry, Be Happy! Click on the link to view it.

This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan.

T'was the night before .......

T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND SOON DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL,
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE, WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

Pass it on!

Sent in by Heather.. The Little Things!

After Sept. 11th, one company invited the remaining members of other
companies who had been decimated by the attack on the Twin Towers to share their
available office space.

At a morning meeting, the head of security told stories of why these people were alive... and all the stories were just:

The 'L I T T L E' things .

As you might know, the head of the company survived that day because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One went back to answer the telephone.

One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn't get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone... all the little things that annoy me. I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated; God is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose.

Twas a special night Sunday night. What an awesome day! Paul and Heather had some feeder pigs delivered to them, uhmmm good deal! Phil, Tammy and Austyn became members of Lost Creek Church, and Austyn was baptized. Jon and Randi and Kaitlyn were on time for last nights get together in Shawnee.. (Yes, this is a big deal, as Jon is as bad with time as Bill Clinton!), Jake got our cattle fed so we could make the trip last night, and last evening, probably the best anniversary get together Ann and I have ever had! Everything was just right, and every one came, and the place we chose did not run us out ... Here is a pic of a very happy Grandma and Kaitlyn... The new pics are being uploaded right now, and there are a bunch of short videos from last night.. enjoy!!!

It happened not too long ago......

President Kennedy was shot in Dallas, Nov. 22, 1963

Austyn was baptized today at church.

A big day today on the ponderosa... Today is Kaitlyn's 1 month birthday, Ann and I's wedding anniversary, Austyn was baptized, Phillip and Tammy and Austyn joined Lost Creek United Methodist Church, which is half way between Perkins and Stillwater in the country, and half way between where we live and where mom lives (we had Dad's funeral there). We are really proud of them for joining and of Austyn being baptized.
Looks like our kiddos and Ann and I may get together this evening for a small family thing for our anniversary. It is so very hard to get just the kids together anymore since each has family and that family is growing, but Ann and I understand. It's really neat when we can get everyone together. And we are so very proud of each kiddo's family! What a deal.. but enough about me, how bout YOU? How is your day going? Hope all is well with you and yours! Enjoy the day.

Andrew stayed with us all day Friday and he and the kitten had a ball. He was doing magic with the kitten and all of a sudden he could not find the kitten and went to looking for him... ta daa.. the kitten was looking for him...haha... new pics and photo albums have been added for your viewing pleasure.... enjoy!!!

Wanted to take a second of your time to let you all know there are new pics and video, some of the old video that was left off of new list, now online. I used this photo because of several things that are important today! First, it is Kaitlyn's 1 Month birthday today, how cool, and Jon has a new album online. Another is that Austyn Lee Moffat will be baptisted at Lost Creek United Methodist Church today, and his Dad and Mom, Phil and Tammy, are joining the church, I think... so I hear through the grapevine... and last but not least, this is our wedding anniversary, and that is awesome in it's own right. Ann and I have been married since 1972, yelp, 32 years. Not sure how in the world I found someone as neat, loving and caring as Momma Ann, but she is the light of my life, and I am so thankful she chose to be my wife. I know it's not been easy, but I am forever greatful of her love. And I love her dearly! All for now, enjoy the day!

Found this photo of Mom and Dad.. thought I would share it with you all... enjoy the day!
Posted by PCCPA

From the Burlington Weekly Hawkeye (Burlington, Iowa), 28 November 1863

Clipping of the Day

From the Burlington Weekly Hawkeye (Burlington, Iowa), 28 November 1863, page 3:

DEDICATION OF GETTYSBURG CEMETERY.--The New York Dailies of Friday last contain accounts of the ceremonies at the dedication of the soldiers cemetery on the battlefield of Gettysburg. The crowd was great, the ceremonies imposing. The Oration of Mr. Everett was such as might be expected from his master mind. It is very long, and its deliver must of course have delighted all who heard it.

The dedicatory address of the President was brief and, as we think, most happily conceived. We print it below in full:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this Continent a new Nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. [Applause.] Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that Nation or any Nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure.--We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We are met to dedicate a portion of it as the final resting place of those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. it is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract. [Applause.] The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. [Applause.] It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work that they have thus far so nobly carried on. [Applause.] It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here shall highly resolve that the dead shall not have died in vain [applause]; that the nation shall, under God, have a new birth of freedom; and that Governments of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth. [Long continued applause.]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Today marks the 141st anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. For more information on this historic speech, see: Today in History, November 19: Gettysburg Address (Library of Congress, American Memory)

The One Dollar Bill, submitted by Uncle Ivan Moffat, El Reno, OK. Thanks for sending...

ONE DOLLAR BILL

Take out a one dollar bill, and look at it. The one dollar bill you're looking at first came off the presses in 1957 in its present design. This so-called paper money is in fact a cotton and linen blend, with red and blue minute silk fibers running through it. It is actually material. We've all washed it without it falling apart. A special blend of ink is used, the contents we will never know. It is overprinted with symbols and then it is starched to make it water resistant and pressed to give it that nice crisp look. If you look on the front of the bill, you will see the United States Treasury Seal. On the top you will see the scales for a balanced budget. In the center you have a carpenter's square, a tool used for an even cut. Underneath is the Key to the United States Treasury. That's all pretty easy to figure out, but what is on the back of that dollar bill is something we should all know.

If you turn the bill over, you will see two circles. Both circles, together, comprise the Great Seal of the United States. The First Continental Congress requested that Benjamin Franklin and a group of men come up with a Seal. It took them four years to accomplish this task and another two years to get it approved. If you look at the left-hand circle, you will see a Pyramid. Notice the face is lighted, and the western side is dark. This country was just beginning. We had not begun to explore the West or decided what we could do for Western Civilization. The Pyramid is uncapped, again signifying that we were not even close to being finished. Inside the capstone you have the all-seeing eye, an ancient symbol for divinity. It was Franklin's belief that one man couldn't do it alone, but a group of men, with the help of God, could do anything.

"IN GOD WE TRUST" is on this currency. The Latin above the pyramid, ANNUIT COEPTIS, means, "God has favored our undertaking." The Latin below the pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, means, "a new order has begun."
At the base of the pyramid is the Roman Numeral for 1776. If you look at the right-hand circle, and check it carefully, you will learn that it is on every National Cemetery in the United States. It is also on the Parade of Flags Walkway at the Bushnell, Florida National Cemetery, and is the centerpiece of most heros monuments. Slightly modified, it is the seal of the President of the United States, and it is always visible whenever he speaks, yet very few people know what the symbols mean.

The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for victory for two reasons: First, he is not afraid of a storm; he is strong, and he is smart enough to soar above it. Secondly, he wears no material crown. We had just broken from the King of England. Also, notice the shield is unsupported. This country can now stand on its own. At the top of that shield you have a white bar signifying congress, a unifying factor. We were coming
together as one nation. In the Eagle's beak you will read, "E PLURIBUS UNUM," meaning, "one nation from many people."

Above the Eagle, you have thirteen stars, representing the thirteen original colonies, and any clouds of misunderstanding rolling away. Again, we were coming together as one.

Notice what the Eagle holds in his talons. He holds an olive branch and arrows. This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace. The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns toward the arrows.


They say that the number 13 is an unlucky number. This is almost a worldwide belief. You will usually never see a room numbered 13, or any hotels or motels with a 13th floor. But think about this: 13 original colonies, 13 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 13 stripes on our flag, 13 steps on the Pyramid, 13 letters in the Latin above, 13 letters in "E Pluribus Unum," 13 stars above the Eagle, 13 bars on that shield, 13 leaves on the olive branch, 13 fruits, and if you look closely, 13 arrows. And, for minorities: the 13th Amendment.

I always ask people, "Why don't you know this?" Your children don't know this, and their history teachers don't know this. Too many veterans have given up too much to ever let the meaning fade. Many veterans remember coming home to an America that didn't care. Too many veterans never came home at all.

Share this page with everyone, so they can learn what is on the back of the UNITED STATES ONE DOLLAR BILL, and what it stands for... Otherwise, they will probably never know...

Austyn out in the yard playing with Andrew last friday night. I thought the light was interesting and expecially how it was making his jacket really yellow, and the shadows.. etc. Enjoy.. have a great day!

Caught the boys messing around Friday night, and Andrew telling Austyn about his day at school, and also, how the SuperHeros make things happen...

Forgot to mention that Jake hitched up the ole pickup and loaded up his Mom and Grandma Moffat, and headed off into the wild Northwest... (Oklahoma) last Friday to gather up parts for the 970 Case Tractor that lost it's front end last summer... (Never too soon, haha!). They had a great trip, went to Meno, OK to Sturgis to gather up the parts, and had lunch, thanks to Uncle David Shaklee, at his favortie pizza place, along with Uncle Mike Shaklee. Great time was had by all, the parts were not as expensive as expected, and the pizza was the best!! Thanks Dave and Mike!! Now if we can find a time when it's not raining to get into the field to get the tractor back together... haha... Pic shows the problem with the front end ...haha.. T'was a fast stop! No one hurt!

Only Mrs. Moffat's Baby Boy could do this...

Just when Mrs. Moffat's baby boy has things going good with new daughter and all, and is going to get his college degree, and he has it all lined out... he shares this amazing story with us... check it out! Only Mrs. Moffat's Baby Boy could do this... hahahahaha.. love ya Jon, too good to miss ... haha.. Jon had just shared this story with us, complete with picture... haha..

Here's the deal.. read the next post, pardner... and then..... Just Do It!!!

Get the word out.

Get the word out. We are significantly behind in the poll!!Go to

http://www.cottonbowl.com

and Vote for Oklahoma State to play in the Cotton Bowl.

Brett Owen Fields, Welcome to the world!!

Brett Owen, with Mom and Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Fields, our neighbors to the west. Bruce was a pallbearer for Grandpa Moffat, and worked and helped Oscar and Elinore Moffat for since he was dry behind the ears!! Congrat's to the Fields on the newest Sooner Fan! Photo from hospital website.

Andrew even wanted to have a turn at holding Kaitlyn, and so he did. He liked it for a bit.. but then decided it might be more fun if she was older.. haha.. Enjoy!!
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

Austyn before Kaitlyn wanted to be changed. Do you think he is proud of her. I think soo...~~!! His first time to hold her and he did very good!
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

Austyn in training... as Kaitlyn's Mom and Dad change Kaitlyn, Austyn is practicing on a Teddy Bear with a diaper. He did good!
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

Uncle Paul Blankinship, Husband of daughter Heather Ann holding his new niece, Kaitlyn. What a deal, she looked up at him and winked!! Bet she has him eating out of her hand shortly..!
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

and Grandma Moffat has a turn too... for those from the Snethen family.. Mom is Elinore Mae Snethen Siegrist Moffat! She is the daughter of Maude Clifton Snethen and grand daughter of James Bartlett Snethen. She is holding her first Great Granddaughter Kaitlyn Brooke Moffat of Roff, OK., daughter of Jonathan and Randi Moffat. Jonathan is Elinore's Grandson and son of Stan. Sorry to be redundant, but lots of new family looking in and wanted to share who is who with them too.
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

Lookie here who come to visit yesterday... oh my goodness, she is a sweetie! Grandma and I and all our family got together to visit with Kaitlyn and her Mom and Dad! What a deal to have a family that can all get together on such short notice, for such an important lady!! Our thanks to all, and to the cooks who made the noon meal special by cooking out!!
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

Clipping of the Day

Clipping of the Day

From the Freeborn County Standard (Albert Lea, Minnesota), 15 November 1877, page 2:

A million and fifty-five thousand men are reported to be on the military register of the German government. Of this number 398,000 are upon the so-called black list, for not having served, including 190,000 who have left the country to avoid serving. It is estimated that one German in every eight expatriates himself to avoid military service.

One of my most favortie poems...

Thought for Today

A Stumbling Block or a Stepping Stone
Isn't it strange that Princes and Kings
And clowns who caper in stardust rings,
And common people like you and me
Are builders for eternity?
Each is given a set of tools,
A shapeless mass, and a book of rules,
And each must make, ere life has flown,
A stumbling block or a stepping stone.

--R. L. Sharpe

Ok.... no more meetings with Grandma....haha...

I am suffering from Loser's Limp today. Seems we went to a meeting with Grandma last thursday night and did not win a thing. Mom always wins something.. always... but nope not at the cattlemen's meeting in Payne County last Thursday night... not a thing.. so let's not do that anymore...haha..
but a good time was had by all. Great food, good meeting... but entirely tooooooooo long!!! And we think they forgot to tell the Dinner Music .. they were "background" music.. they were so loud one could not visit with anyone without yelling.. but I bet these things are fixed next year... overall good deal.
Saw lots of old friends, neighbors... Mom enjoyed it too...

Later.. Enjoy the day!

Kaitlyn is going to stop in today and visit... ye..haw

OH BOY... Kaitlyn is coming up today... Ye haw.... Kaitlyn's Great Aunt Debbie wanted to hold her again so the kiddos are going to visit her and then they will stop in for a bit to see us, and eat lunch. But what a blessing it will be to see her again, no matter how short the time! Soon, there will be three grandkiddos in our home... oh boy oh boy....
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

In honor of our distinguished Veterans, we honor you this day! May God continue to bless you, and bless America.

Ragged Old Flag
I walked through a county courthouse square,
On a park bench an old man was sitting there.
I said, Your old courthouse is kinda run down.
He said, Naw, it'll do for our little town.

I said, Your flagpole has leaned a little bit,
And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it.
He said, Have a seat, and I sat down.
Is this the first time you've been to our little town?

I said, I think it is. He said, I don't like to brag,
But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag.
You see, we got a little hole in that flag there
When Washington took it across the Delaware.

And it got a bad rip in New Orleans
With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams.
And it almost fell at the Alamo
Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on though.

She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.
There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg,
And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag.

On Flanders Field in World War I
She got a big hole from a Bertha gun.
She turned blood red in World War II
She hung limp and low a time or two.

She was in Korea and Vietnam.
She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam.
She waved from our ships upon the briny foam,
And now they've about quit waving her back here at home.

In her own good land she's been abused --
She's been burned, dishonored, denied and refused.
And the government for which she stands
Is scandalized throughout the land.

And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin,
But she's in good shape for the shape she's in.
'Cause she's been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more.

So we raise her up every morning, Take her down every night.
We don't let her touch the ground And we fold her up right.
On second thought I DO like to brag,
'Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag.
Written by Johnny Cash

Thank you for all your sacrifices, for standing your ground, and for believing in this great country and us, enough to risk it all to defend it's honor and prestige among the nations of the world. We honor you this day!

Some awesome news from Jonathan.....

Be sure to check out his NEWS by clicking on this link ... I am so proud of you Jonathan!!!

The Wheat at Marilyn's is really coming up nicely.
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

sorry for the picture not being bigger of Mom, but the cattle in the picture are part of her pride and joy!! BUT, nothing tops this... Here is MOM at 85, carrying two post at a time to the ditch... This was about 100 yards and she made several trips, two post at a time and if you know Mom.. she steps it off pretty fast... What an afternoon... Mom leading Jake and I by example.. and Marilyn telling us she was a supervisor and as such did not need to do physical labor... that's why she had Mom, Jake and I... haha... all in fun.. I think?!
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

Also, yesterday, Jake and I helped Marily and Mom fix fence at Marilyn's. T'was an afternoon of fun! I promised Mom I would take a pic of her working on fence at 85... Here she explains to Jake how to correctly attach the wire... or maybe they were just visiting.. anyway... we did get the fence fixed! yeah...
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

Yesterday.... the "5 Desperado's" pictured here, were caught! haha.. These "bad girls" of Moffat Farms thought they did not need to stay in the fences, and were constantly visiting the good burmuda grass hay field nearby on our land. Finally had time to trap them in the pasture and fix the fence. I thought it was cool... how they lined up on the pond dam and watched me "fence" them in... Today will see if I can fix fence correctly... or not! time will tell...
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

This new tool, called "My Family Health Portrait" can be downloaded for free ...

U.S. Surgeon General's Family History Initiative
Health care professionals have known for a long time that common diseases - heart disease, cancer, and diabetes - and even rare diseases - like hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia - can run in families. If one generation of a family has high blood pressure, it is not unusual for the next generation to have similarly high blood pressure.

Tracing the illnesses suffered by your parents, grandparents, and other blood relatives can help your doctor predict the disorders to which you may be at risk and take action to keep you and your family healthy.

To help focus attention on the importance of family health history, U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., in cooperation with other agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a national public health campaign, called the U.S. Surgeon General's Family History Initiative, to encourage all American families to learn more about their family health history.

In addition to the Office of the Surgeon General, other HHS agencies involved in this project include the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

National Family History Day

Surgeon General Carmona has declared Thanksgiving 2004 to be the first annual National Family History Day. Thanksgiving is the traditional start of the holiday season for most Americans.

Whenever families gather, the Surgeon General encourages them to talk about, and to write down, the health problems that seem to run in their family. Learning about their family's health history may help ensure a longer future together.

My Family Health Portrait

Americans know that family history is important to health. A recent survey found that 96 percent of Americans believe that knowing their family history is important. Yet, the same survey found that only one-third of Americans have ever tried to gather and write down their family's health history.

Because family health history is such a powerful screening tool, the Surgeon General has created a new computerized tool to help make it fun and easy for anyone to create a sophisticated portrait of their family's health.

This new tool, called "My Family Health Portrait" can be downloaded for free and installed on your own computer.

The tool will help you organize your family tree and help you identify common diseases that may run in your family.

When you are finished, the tool will create and print out a graphical representation of your family's generations and the health disorders that may have moved from one generation to the next. That is a powerful tool for predicting any illnesses for which you should be checked.

For information on other activities of the Office of the Surgeon General, please visit www.surgeongeneral.gov.

Clipping of the Day.. Nov 10, 1824

Clipping of the Day

From the Adams Centinel (Gettysburg, Pa.), 10 November 1824, page 3:

Something new in Pennsylvania.--
A woman by the name of Nancy James, was indicted at Philadelphia, for being a common scold, tried and found guilty, and has been sentenced to be placed in a Ducking Stool, and plunged into the water. The sentence was to be executed on Wednesday last. This punishment for scolding women is rare in our state; but, as it is getting into fashion, we would advise those of the "gentler sex" who have a propensity to "wars of words," to be cautious, lest they go beyond the latitude allowed to "females in the Kitchen."

Since the above was in type, we learn, that an appeal has been made to the Supreme Court, to decide upon the constitutionality of the sentence.--There is no doubt it is sanctioned by a law of the land; but whether it may not clash with a provision in the Constitution, that "cruel punishments shall not be inflicted," is the question now to be determined.

~~~~~~Thank goodness times have changed....or have they..hummmmm haha.....

Uncle Ivan has clean bill of health .... yeah...

Even Andew is "tuning up" to spread the news... Uncle Ivan has a clean bill of health from the last series of test at Mercy Hospital in OKC!!! Whoa Hoooo!! This is great news!! I am sure Aunt Freda and Uncle Ivan are very relieved, as are all of us! ....

Looks like another busy day on the old farm. Yesterday Jake and Grandma Moffat and I helped Marilyn replace a bit of fence that washed out during the "rains of the summer of 2004"! We did get the fence replaced, even with my trying to turn over the Ford! Yelp, all by myself!! Forgot how things work in the mud up here in Payne County after it rains.. like the RED CLAY soil is really slick!! So the tractor ended up with 2 inches of the back tire setting on top of the 4 foot straight down creek. I was even afraid to get in on the side next to the creek. Told Jake and MK there was at least a 60% chance it would turn over. Jake got the John Deere and with DAD reminding me in spirit about using the front end loader to help me as Jake pulled me backwards, we got it out without much of a problem. Just a few heart felt moments, and we owe a big thanks to Dad for "reminding" me! I knew he was in heaven watching over us, this just refreshes my knowledge!

Today, Jake is heading out to cut trees in fence rows, and trim up some, and I am headed to move some replacement heifers to MK's for Mom, and then move some of mine onto the 80 east of Mom's, with some of our other ones. All I know for now.

Will try to take some pictures of the great stand of Wheat on the Kastle Place. One of the best stands I have ever seen, at least in the top 5 in the 44 years I have seen Wheat on it! Judges did good. Guess we never had expensive enogh equipment to grow that kind of wheat, haha! All for now, enjoy the day!
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

I like the dreams for the future...

I like the dreams for the future better than the history of the past.

- Thomas Jefferson

The state of your life ...

The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind.

- Dr. Wayne Dyer

The boys playing at Phillip's Birthday Dinner last evening. They really play good together for a while.. then they became tired... and short wired! Hey, You know.. I am a proud grandpa! Got to show the boys too... shame we don't get to see Kaitlyn Brooke very much, but guess we will just have to accept it. Jon and Randi could not come up as Randi's family was having their Thanksgiving Dinner this weekend. I think we will get to see them for about an hour I heard on Thanksgiving as Randi's folks will be having another Thanksgiving too. Life goes on... and on! Enjoy the day..
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

We gathered last evening in Phil and Tammy Moffat's home to celebrate his birthday, number 35 I believe, wow, no wonder I am feeling old... haha. A great time was had by all. T'was a great meal, and good fellowship. The two cousins even got along for a bit, before the length of the day caught up with them and they started getting tired. Phil received some great gifts, but in the end, the folks who came may have received the best deal, one awesome meal!!! Happy Birthday Phil. I know today is really it, so Happy Birthday to ya!!! But as the evening progressed, we discovered we had a couple of other accompishments to celebrate too!!!
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

Another look'ie here...... Tammy Moffat received her Teacher's Certificate from the Oklahoma Department of Education this past week! She can teach P-3 and then can also teach a couple of subjects in 9 - 12 grade. She is quite the homemaker and between her and Phil, their home is full of special things they have made over the years. I am so very proud of her, and Phil. They both decided to get their college degrees after they were married, and each did so, both graduating from OSU!! Tammy is one of the best cooks in Payne County, and has entered blue ribbon winning items in the County Fair, and other competitions. She will make a great teacher, if she decides to work in that field. The kiddos would be lucky to have her as their teacher!
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

Look'ie here! Sure was hard to get this fine young lady to stand still last night to get the photo... you know Marilyn, always on the go, but I finally cornered her and got her to stand still long enough!! Marilyn received the Distinguished Service Award, one of the highest achievements one can receive from OSU! You would not know she is one of the biggest supporters of OSU sports, and is one of the key employees at the Boren Vet. Teaching Hospital, located on the OSU campus. She has been employee there throughout her life, and I know from many of the Vets that teach and work in the field, that she is one of the most valued and respected employees at that facility. I know if you asked her what her job is, she would tell you exactly what her title is and what her responsibilities are, but I ALSO know you can find her leading tours, working on the landscape in front of building, helping shuffle the vets around during their conferences, working booths, and many many other tasks! She is very respected and one of the hardest workers on staff. She would never tell you this as she is very modest and humble, but I know personally, because of my dealings with lots of the folks who work there. And I am very proud of her and her accomplishments! Just wanted to share with everyone!!
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

From Jonathans blog this am...

Kaitlyn just growing and growing...
About 3 nights ago, the rest of Kaitlyn's cord fell off, so she is growing (I am told) haha.. So after that, we decided the next night we would give her a bath. And well, I am the son of Stan, so I have to take pictures (making you proud dad lol...) . So over on the right of the page under Picture Links is a link for Kaitlyn's First Bath. These are those wonderful pictures that I will get to save and show to her and her boys that she brings home. And I even have some video.. haha!!! Bring on the boys!! lol....

Anyway, we have our first outing this weekend. We have an early Thanksgiving get-together with part of Randi's family. So Kaitlyn will be more popular than the newest kids toy! haha.. Might have some more after that too.

Tomorrow, Friday, is Kaitlyn's first doctors appointment. We aren't really sure what to expect, but we are just mainly hoping that her jaundice is cleared up. So I will let all know what we find out then.

Be sure to click on the family photos link to see the photos.... or head over to their site to see....

Update on Uncle Ivan...

Aunt Freda and Uncle Ivan are at Mercy Hospital this am. Uncle Ivan is having some test done to see about removing a problem in his upper digestive track. The test was to start at 10:15am. Have not heard from them yet but expect to soon. Please, remember them in your prayers too.

An Update on Uncle Calvin Siegrist, Mom's brother....

Received this note from Aunt Agnes......

To update you on Calvin. We plan to leave for Loma Linda California on December 5. Calvin has to check in there on the 8th for the consultation and then we will see what from there. He has decied to go for their proton radiation treatment which will last from 8 to 11 weeks. We will get an apartment there as the treatments are every day M-F. The kids had planned for all of us to go on a Caribbean cruise and that is all off now. Not sure if David and Angie will go to Michigan or to California for Christmas.
Great news about the new baby girl! So sorry to hear about John Moffat.
Carl (Heinie) Wiedemann had pancreatic cancer surgery yesterday. He is still in ICU but Anna Belle said he knows people and is talking a little.
AS

Uncle Calvin and Aunt Agnes were at Uncle John's funeral and Uncle Calvin is in great spirits... let's keep them in our prayers...

Here is a sneak peak... at the princess!!
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

Yesterday......

Was a wonderful day weather wise yesterday. Went to Uncle John's funeral in Purcell with Ann, Jake, Mom, Marilyn, Phil and Tammy. Uncle John was the true star of the show. He looked great, without pain, and a slight smile on his face, letting others still know he was finally home! Bet he and his brothers, sister, mom and dad, son, and his wonderful wife Clara are all having a great time in heaven ...
(photo by stan click to enlarge)

Afterwards, we drove by my first home... where I was born and my dad's family, the ole Moffat place, west of Piedmont, OK. Such a sad sight. Lots of out buildings are gone, and the home and the barn were built in the 1920's. I can remember listening to the Grand Ole Opry over the airwaves of WSM, Nashville, TN. in the front room of this home... Dad and Mom visiting with friends, Bill and Geraldine Wallace, and many others. The family dinners, gathering eggs and keeping them in the true ice box in the west room. Learned to drive tractors with Dad here, learned lots of common sense things from him early in life... he showed me and turned me loose... but then, Mom would gather me up when I asked a question, and set me down and show me how and why of it... She never knew this, but I thought she was the smartest person on the face of the earth. She gave me such wisdom, and made it fun, and on the farm, you always learned something when you asked a question of her! Still can remember lye soap, the old wringer washing machine that "smashed" her fingers many times!! And I remember how wonderful it was when Mom and Dad brought home my baby sister... man, was she cute and I knew she was already smart as mom!! Ok.. sorry for remembering, but sometimes, you know, you just need to say things outloud to see if they are real...haha..~~!

One last memory, of Dad cutting wheat in the field in front of the house, and Uncle Ivan and a friend of his flying in his friends plane on a Saturday afternoon, flying so low over the field, that Dad just knew they were going to crash, and him hollaring at them, and all I could think of was .... people can fly~~!!

And I remember too, that every Sunday morning and Sunday night and usually on Wednesday nights... we'd head over to Mt. Zion Evangical United Brethren Church... but even more I can look back now and clearly see... my folks taught me about religion, not so much by "schooling" me, but by example! The way they lived their lives~! Never lectured me, just showed me... something really lacking in today's world. And I am greatful!

So, yesterday was a day of remembering a great father who is waiting on the rest of us, those that have went before us, getting the party started... and learning again how great family is, and are!!

"Everyone has a story, just make sure that along the way in this world you're writng the one you want to read in the end~~!" Oscar Lee Moffat .. to me one of the nights when I stayed with him at the hospital. Thanks DAD!

John Junior Moffat. Lexington, OK. passed away Nov. 2nd, 2004

John Junior Moffat

John Junior Moffat, 92, of Lexington died Tuesday, Nov. 2, at Lexington Nursing Home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel in Purcell. Committal service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Oakland Cemetery near El Reno with the Rev. Wayne Brown officiating. Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell is handling arrangements.

Mr. Moffat was born Aug. 8, 1912, in Piedmont, to John K. and Bertha Nelson Moffat. He married Clara Schumacher Aug. 18, 1936, in Chickasha, where they raised four children. They moved in 1946 to a farm one mile north of Lexington. There, Mr. Moffat was a farmer until he retired in 1977.

Mr. Moffat is survived by his son Jim Moffat and wife Delta of Lexington; daughters Joanna Wilson and husband Clinton of Norman and Doris Rowland and husband Jim of Lexington; brother Ivan Moffat and wife Freda of El Reno; sisters-in-law Fannie Moffat of El Reno and Elinore Moffat of Perkins; grandchildren Don and Joyce Wilson of Bixby, Deanna and Bob Boyd of Tulsa, Susan and Steve Rush of Porter, Jerry and Susan Moffat of Lexington and Cheryl and Travis Hyde of Lexington; 13 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and other family members and friends.

Uncle Ivan...

Heard that he has had a couple of "thingys" removed from his colon and now has one left and it is at the top... so means a bit of surgery. more later....

Bit of very sad news today....

Mom called and informed me that Uncle John Moffat died today. He went to sleep last night and did not wake up when he was asked to do so for breakfast. He will be missed.

Vote.... Vote.... Vote.... It's Your right of freedom...

Ok... enough, right!!

Ann, Jake, Heather and Andrew are in OKC this am. Andrew is having a checkup with his doctors there regarding his allergies, ears, etc.
And Jake and I all voted by absentee ballot this go round. Did not know where we would be or what we would be doing, but we wanted our votes counted.
We received over 3 inches of rain in about an hour and half last evening. WOW! What a deal!!! No storm damage, but what a rain.
It's a bit cooler, but not winter weather yet, maybe in a week or so. Jake can not wait!
All I know for now... enjoy the day!!

Ever miss a day?????

"If you don’t think every day is a good day, just try missing one."


Cavett Robert

Grandma Ann and Kaitlyn... 10 31 2004

Grandma Moffat and Jake went to see Kaitlyn, and her parents, Sunday afternoon. They had a great visit and I will have some new pics up shortly. Enjoy the day!!
(photo by stan click to enlarge)