Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a native of Mendon, N.Y. was shot and then captured the enmey and treated them...

Photo of soldier in video....... being shot... below

BAGHDAD -- Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a native of Mendon, N.Y., and a medic
with E Troop, 101st “Saber” Cavalry Division, attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th
Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was shot
in the chest by an enemy sniper, during a routine patrol in west Baghdad.

 

Warning.. you need to be ready to see someone being shot to watch this......

Soldier survives attack; captures, medically treats sniper (Video)




Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer is a native of Mendon, N.Y. —

During a routine patrol in Baghdad June 2, Army Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a medic, was shot in the chest by an enemy sniper, hiding in a van just 75 yards away. The incident was filmed by the insurgents.
Tschiderer, with E Troop, 101st “Saber” Cavalry Division, attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was knocked to the ground from the impact, but he popped right back up, took cover and located the enemy’s position.

After tracking down the now-wounded sniper with a team from B Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade, Tschiderer secured the terrorist with a pair of handcuffs and gave medical aid to the terrorist who’d tried to kill him just minutes before.

here is the link to the short movie of the incident....

Here is official press release...

Media Release
256th Brigade Combat Team
Camp Tigerland
Baghdad, Iraq
APO, AE 09326
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 5, 2005
RELEASE 20050705-01
256th BCT Soldier survives sniper attack
Spc. Chris Foster
256th Brigade Combat Team PAO
BAGHDAD -- Being able to react to and maintain control of a situation in a
combat environment can be a difficult task for Soldiers. They must be able to
quickly react and assess a situation, in order to ensure their survival and the
safety of those around them.
“Stay alert, stay alive” is the reminder that is driven into the minds of
Soldiers since the first day of basic training and echoes throughout their military
careers.
This axiom was driven home for at least one Soldier on June 2.
Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a native of Mendon, N.Y., and a medic with E
Troop, 101st “Saber” Cavalry Division, attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry
Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was shot in the
chest by an enemy sniper, during a routine patrol in west Baghdad.
While Tschiderer was relaying information to the truck commander of his
M114 Humvee, an enemy sniper team prepared to engage him from inside of a
cushioned silver van being used as a mobile sniper’s nest. This nest was lined
with numerous bed mattresses to muffle the sound of a Dragonoff sniper rifle
fired through a hole just big enough for the shooter to engage his target of
choice.
Tschiderer was knocked to the ground from the sudden impact of the
sniper’s bullet. The bullet only seemed to have fazed this Soldier as, adrenaline
pumping, he sprang right back up in order to take cover and locate the enemy’s
position.
The sniper was unsuccessful in his mission, due to the stopping force of
the Tschiderer’s daily wardrobe, his protective body armor, which saved his life.
“I knew I was hit, but was uncertain of the damage or location from the
hit,” Tschiderer said. “The only thing that was going through my mind was to take
cover and locate the sniper’s position.”
“The shot came from my 12 o’clock position from a silver van parked
across an intersection about 75 meters from my location.” said Tschiderer.
After Tschiderer alerted his fellow Soldiers of the enemy location, they
immediately began to pursue the terrorists.
Due to his heroic actions and quick decisions, Tschiderer located the
enemy while he took cover and alerted the rest of his team on patrol. As the
Saber team engaged and disabled the sniper’s position, two terrorists fled on
foot, leaving a blood trail that came from the wounds of the enemy sniper.
A cordon and search was immediately set up and Tschiderer assisted his
team in the search of the two terrorists. The driver of the silver vehicle was
detained by a team from B Co. 3-156th Inf. Bn. while Tschiderer and a team from
B Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade, continued to follow the blood
trail which led them to the yard where the wounded sniper lay in pain.
As Tschiderer secured the terrorist with a pair of handcuffs, he gave
medical aid to the wounded terrorist—the same one who’d tried to take his life.
-30-
BAGHDAD -- Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a native of Mendon, N.Y., and a medic
with E Troop, 101st “Saber” Cavalry Division, attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th
Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was shot
in the chest by an enemy sniper, during a routine patrol in west Baghdad.

You just gotta love the government....

If our government is helping storm victims, or earthquake victims... like they help farmers.. haha..

Yes, I wondered why the hurricane victims in Florida still had not done much after the damage last year and there was a lot of clean up that had not taken place. I am beginning to understand... slowly.

As a farmer, the government helps us in times of natural disaster, too. In our county in Oklahoma, we encountered severe drought in the year 2003. We started buying hay in August of that year, which is three months earlier than usual. We spent almost 11,000 on hay that winter.


About 5 months ago, ... in the year 2005, we got to sign up for help.... and we waited and waited and waited.. .. and now .. been told it might be first of August or later.. but it's on it's way...

To make a long story shorter... with the amount of cattle we run, and the land we own and rent, we will receive about 1500. first figures were 1900.... Now that seems like a lot ... but let me tell you... it's not. But we are glad to get anything that helps us continue on with our farming...


My point is this... I just wonder if the nice folks who suffered all the losses in Florida and other places along the gulf, are still waiting on help too??? Geeze, I hope not.... our loss was two years ago.. if they are.. can you imagine..???

Just wanting to share... haha...

From Uncle Ivan.. Mars and Jupiter on August 27th..... need to watch..

The Red Planet is about to be spectacular! This month and next, Earth is catching up with Mars in an encounter that will culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in recorded history. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2,287. Due to the way Jupiter's gravity tugs on Mars and perturbs its orbit, astronomers can be certain only that Mars has not come this close to Earth in the Last 5,000 years, but it may be as long as 60,000 years before it happens again.

The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles of Earth and will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear 25.11 arc seconds wide. At a modest 75-power magnification

Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. Mars will be easy to spot. At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10:00 p.m. and reach its azimuth at about 3:00 a.m.

By the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30 a.m. That's pretty convenient to see something that no human being has seen in recorded history. So, mark your calendar at the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively brighter and brighter throughout the month.

Share this with your children and grandchildren. NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN !!!

for Philliip.. and Paul.... Organic farming uses less energy than regular farming

July 19, 2005 9:55 AM PDT
Organic farming uses less energy than regular farming
Organic farming produces the same yields of corn and soybeans as conventional farming, but consumes 30 percent less energy, less water and no pesticides, according to a study that reviewed 22-years of farming results.

"Organic farming offers real advantages for such crops as corn and soybeans," said David Pimentel, a Cornell University professor of ecology and agriculture, in a prepared statement. Pimentel studied the results from the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial, the longest running comparison of organic vs. conventional farming in the United States.

The study compared a conventional farm that used recommended fertilizers and pesticides with an organic animal-based farm (where manure was applied) and an organic legume-based farm (that used a three-year rotation of hairy vetch/corn and rye/soybeans and wheat). The two organic systems received no chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

You have to see this to believe it...

What is our world coming too..... ????

Paul, Heather, Andrew and Madison...... again....

Yes..

Heard from the lady herself this am she is heading home hopefully today. The Doctors did find a 7cm bloodclot behind her bladder causing her discomfort she reported. They think it will dissolve on it's own, but it is a big one. She will stay on meds for about 10 days to 2 weeks.
Ann and I kept the kiddos last night... OK, for all you doubting thomas's in the world.. haha.... ANN kept the kiddos... and they did great. We will do this again tonight, according to Heather so her and Paul can get ONE night of rest before the storm.. haha.. and we don't mind. So guess this is what will be.

Will try to keep you informed on what else happens today. I am running water again.. 15 on and 15 off, trying to clear up our well...

Have a great day.... and here's a photo of Andrew and Madison near bedtime last evening...

Enjoy the day....

Today's Quote

If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.

-Morris West

from Uncle Ivan.. thanks.. haha...

A couple had been debating the purchase of a new auto for weeks. He wanted a new truck. She wanted a fast little sports-like car so she could zip through traffic around town.

He would probably have settled on any beat up old truck, but everything she seemed to like was way out of their price range. "Look!" she said. I want something that goes from 0 to 200 in 4 seconds or less. "And my birthday is coming up. You could surprise me."

For her birthday, he bought her a brand new bathroom scale.

Services will be at Downing funeral home on Monday the 12th. Due to the condition of the body; this will be a closed casket service. Please send your donations to the 'Think before you say things to your wife foundation', Dallas, Texas.

Heather.. etc..

Well, another day gone by... haha..

Heather is getting better. They were to do an ultrasound of her kidneys this afternoon. She is having a lot of discomfort, and the Drs. can not understand why in that area. Hopefully, they will figure it out soon.
Ann is going to pick up the two kiddos and take them by to see MOM this evening on her way home. I have been baby sitting our water well this afternoon. The well man and I are not sure but the new pump has not cured all the problems yet. I have to turn on the water for 15 mins and off for 15 mins in hopes of getting it to clear up, especially since the kids are coming to spend the night.
I was headed to the hospital today since I didn't get there yesterday, watching Madison Ann yesterday afternoon and evening so Ann could go in and spell Paul and let him and Andrew have some Father/Son time together... Paul mentioned they are having some health problems with their goats too and I think Dr. Dawson was to give them some medication for them and Paul and his folks were going to Dr. them this evening.
Not sure what else is going on. I know our baler is to be ready tomorrow evening maybe.. and I am to see about the John Deere tractor too, but just don't have time right now.. maybe later this evening... but I will not have time to put any hay up till next week anyway, with all of the other stuff going on, and believe it or not, haha... I have some work too... haha...
I think Jon and family are planning on coming up this weekend for Andrew's birthday.. which really is Wednesday, the 20th.

All I know for now... enjoy the day.. Got to go check on the well... S

First Live Cattle from Canada come in to USA today...

First Live Cattle Cross Border from Canada to U.S. - Canadian Cattlemen's Association Reacts to Historic Event
Monday July 18, 3:13 pm ET


CALGARY, July 18 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) is very pleased that today the first live Canadian cattle crossed into the U.S. since BSE was diagnosed in Canada in May 2003.
"This is an historic day for the Canadian beef cattle industry," says Stan Eby, President of the CCA. "I want to thank Minister of Agriculture Andy Mitchell and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns and their senior staff for all their efforts on this issue and for directing their agencies to quickly get the processes in place to get the cattle moving. I also commend staff of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture for the extraordinary effort they put in over the weekend working to ensure that all was in order to enable exports to quickly resume. It was only on Thursday that the preliminary injunction preventing the export of live Canadian cattle was overturned on appeal, and here we are on Monday with cattle actually moving. This is exemplary service on the part of regulators on both sides of the border."

Beef from the cattle exported today will join the 632,000 tonnes of Canadian beef that has been exported to the U.S. since the border re-opened to boneless Canadian beef from cattle under 30 months in August, 2003. Canadian processors are now also permitted to export bone-in beef from these younger animals. A fully competitive market with rational trade in both beef and live cattle will benefit both the Canadian and U.S. beef industries.

A hearing into R-CALF's request for a permanent injunction against Canadian live cattle and beef must still be heard in U.S. District Court, Montana Division on July 27.

"We look forward to the correct decisions being made in any future court actions," adds Eby. "We will continue working to ensure that adequate slaughter capacity is maintained in Canada to make us less vulnerable to border disruptions. However we all benefit from a North American marketplace that is permitted to operate according to marketplace signals."

Brown's Water Well Service replacing our water pump....

Here is what I been doing today... haha.. replacing our water pump. Got it done about 1:30pm. Ran to get a gallon of clorex to put in it and we are to let it run full blast this afternoon and all night.. but probably won't run that long, since Andrew and Madison are spending the night with us. Anyway, one of those joys of having your own well... nothing $700.00 dollars won't fix, haha...

Have a great afternoon, and enjoy the day!!!

 

Perkins Chamber of Commerce is busy......

The Perkins Chamber of Commerce is hosting the bridge dedication of the Highway 33 bridge on the east side of Coyle. This will take place at 10:30 this Thursday, prior to the chamber meeting. The Highway 33 improvements from Guthrie moving east toward Perkins are significant to our community and you’re welcomed to come support the efforts.



Also, the back to school business fair is coming up on August 15. See the attached flier for more information. This is always a great audience to showcase your business to.



Have a super week! We’re very glad to have Faith in Action cater one more meal for us (YUM!), so don’t forget to RSVP to Pat B. if you plant to attend this week’s chamber meeting. J



-Kendra

Randy Murray, CPA and his brother Jamie Murray helped with the Battle of Round Mountain re enactment this summer. Jamie and Randy are life long friends... 

Stillwater woman continues Boomer Lake quest
By Ginger Shepherd
Stillwater NewsPress

Sharon Robinson has spent the last
few months raising money for another
organization.
This spring, her efforts have been
geared toward raising money for a
fountain at Boomer Lake because she
thinks a fountain will be an asset to the
community. Her past efforts have
included raising money for the Ripley
High School Project Graduation �
even when she didn�t have children
due to graduate.
Originally, Robinson wanted to
raise the $12,000 before July 4 to get
the fountain installed for Boomer
Blast, she said.
But she didn�t met the goal. To date,
Robinson has raised $4,000.
�I�ve just hit people at the end of the
charitable giving plans,� she said.
That isn�t the only challenge she has
faced: as she has gone door to door,
she has found that people aren�t home.
�The heat has been a challenge,�
Robinson said. Depending on the day,
she can knock on doors of 10 to 50
people.
And in a week or so,
Robinson is scheduled to have
surgery on her foot which, she
said, has slowed her.
But all of the obstacles have
not deterred Robinson. While
going around neighborhoods
and talking about the fountain,
Robinson said a man gave her a
quarter. The coin wasn�t a
donation exactly, but it was
given as a sign of support.
Many people she has met
have told her they really support
what she is doing, she said.
The biggest sign of support
came from three Stillwater
girls: Victoria Eick, Jesie Eick
and Katie Sutton.
One day, Robinson said she
was out putting posters up for
the fountain. She came across
these three girls who were
happy and excited about the
fountain.
She said she asked them (and
their mothers) if they would
like to raise money for the
fountain by having a lemonade
stand. The girls� lemonade
stand raised $13.30.
Since she hasn�t made the
original goal, she said the reality
of the situation dictates that
the deadline be set for July 4,
2006.
She said with the longer
deadline, people could work
her into their donation plans.
And it forces her to look at
different ways to raise money,
such as benefit garage sales. 

Some important events coming up....... this month..

7/20/2005 Andrew Paul Blankinship (Born 2001) Birthday

7/29/2005 Paul Robert Blankinship (Born 1970) Birthday

7/31/2005 Jonathan and Randi Moffat (Wed 1999)Anniversary
 

Daddy... where do flowers come from, or, the lifecycle of a trumpet flower... kinda shows it all... Heather is doing ok this am. She has a new kind of soreness, the old feeling yucky and hurting is gone, but she is also still on pain medication, too. Ann is going up this afternoon to help her with her hair, and all, after showering. Yes, they told her to walk this am and she did, and she gets to shower this afternoon. She is available for phone calls too. Her number is 405 742 5513. I think Paul is heading home for a bit while Ann is there. Jake went to mow Grandma Moffat's yard this am, but quickly found it toooooo wet with dew.. so will do it this evening.. and fish some he said. I was to take photos at an auction for a client this morning, but been fightning a nasty bug in my computer. Think I got that critter!! Phil came by for a bit last night. He said he was pleased with his pottery firing. He will have some pics on line before long and I will try to get the rest online including some video of the pieces and them doing the firing the 'OLE FASHIONED WAY'. Jon called and he is mowing his yard this am, and true to the Moffat tradition, he is having some problems with equipment!! But he will get it done. I could hear Kaitlyn in the background playing with her Mom. Madison Ann is sleeping this am. We sent an email to Ann's brother Ward last evening regarding his ... birthday! Melanie wrote back that he was "too busy" watching a movie to respond.. hey... sounds like us.. haha... anyway, a very happy birthday to Ward and Happy belated anniversarys to David and Terry Shaklee and Jade and Julia Shaklee on the 12th of July. Sorry we missed them too. 

Flowers for me lady....  

Can you smell the dirt... this 11 year old boy was trying to get the field west of our home worked before it showered.. sure brings back memories.. that age and working.. course, we didn't have tractors with cabs half this size.. haha... but I do remember at 9 years old, farming the Mulvey place and Kouba's next to us on the south one summer, back of my hands bled from being sunburned but I was tough... haha... such is life.. don't mean to bore folks.. but ... this just made me remember... 

interesting shot looking up at sky yesterday afternoon. I had been to see H and had feed on the back of my flatbed, so I ran home.. it poured in Stillwater Downtown, but no where else! Just thought this was cool.... 

Our lady made it....

Thanks to the many wishes and prayers from lots of you guys!!! She is out of recovery and has been in her room now for about 2 hours.. She is sleeping and the Drs. said she will be very sore for about three days... she is on lots of pain killers.. to make it easier....

She is pale.. but she made it!!! Ann just drove in with Madison... I will be watching her this evening while Ann runs back to hospital and sets with Heather so Paul can run home and check on Andrew, and stretch his legs a bit...

Later.. Stan

Thanks to everyone... lots of family with her in waiting room too... She knows she is loved... darn.. I thought I had kept that from her all these years.. haha... thanks again all....

Here are a couple of photos of the things Uncle Ivan and Aunt Freda received on their 60th Wedding Anniversary. The tea pot in the middle with balloon is what Jake, Ann and I sent them. There is quite a story behind it, but will have to wait for another time. Thanks Uncle Ivan for the photos.... we really appreciate very much.  

Phil's update..

Check out Phillip's latest creation...!! Cool Phil!!

Heather...

Update...

Just talked with Heather. She is in decent spirits. Very anxious, as I would be too... Her Mom is there and Paul and she is waiting for them to come and get her and take her to the surgery wing of Hospital.

Stillwater Medical Center phone is 405 372 1480, the main switchboard. There is a surgery waiting room, Ann said, so if you want information, Ann will be there along with others waiting.

I have to run and get feed for the fatting calves and then will be there as well.

This is truly a testing time! No one seems to know exactly what the outcome will be, or exactly what they will do. But they and Heather are prepared for whatever they do.

It will be this evening before I update this again.

As a point of information... The surgery Heather had on Tuesday afternoon simply determined there was a much bigger problem than they thought. Therefore, this surgery will be a bigger task. She will be in surgery starting at noon they hope and it will last at least two hours, and probably more they have been told. Then she will be in recovery for a time afterwards, then back to her room which is 513. The phone in her room is 405 742 5513 and this number rings directly to her room. It will probably be this evening before she is back to her room.

All I know for now... Again, Heather says thanks thanks thanks... for all the prayers and calls and flowers...

Love to all.. Stan

Andrew Paul and Madison Ann Blankinship, July 14, 2005, at SMC 

Heather and Madison Ann last night at SMC, the day before her major surgery... more pics ... find the link below about last nights visit and click on the first link that is bold, it's a link to take you to the photo album of the trip.... enjoy... 

Welcome - Have not talked with Heather this am...

YET!! haha...

But I will.... Ann is feeding Madison Ann, who slept like a trooper last night. We will call her here in a bit and post a report...

hope all is well with everyone else....?

Enjoy the day... s

From Randi Moffat..... Run Through the Rain!

Run Through the Rain!

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in
Target. She must have been 6 years old, this
beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of
innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain
that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in
a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down
the spout. We all stood there under the awning and
just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because
nature messed up their hurried day. I am always
mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and
sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust
of the world. Memories of running, splashing so
carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome
reprieve from the worries of my day. The little
voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance
we were all caught in "Mom, let's run through the
rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked. "Let's run
through the rain!" She repeated. "No, honey. We'll
wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied. This
young child waited about another minute and
repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain." "We'll
get soaked if we do," Mom said. "No, we won't, Mom.
That's not what you said this morning," the young
girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm. "This
morning? When did I say we could run through the
rain and not get wet?" "Don't you remember?"
"When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer,
you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can
get us through anything."

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you
couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood
silently. No one came or left in the next few
minutes.

Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she
would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her
for being silly. Some might even ignore what was
said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a
young child's life. A time when innocent trust can
be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through
the rain. If GOD lets us get wet, well maybe we just
needed washing," Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling
and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes,
through the puddles. They held their shopping bags
over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But
they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed
like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material
possessions, they can take away your money, and they
can take away your health. But no one can ever take
away your precious memories... So, don't forget to
make time and take the opportunities to make
memories everyday. To everything there is a season
and a time to every purpose under heaven.

I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE
RAIN.

Heather... Update.. this night...

Here are some pics from Ann and I taking Madison Ann into see her mom in the hospital this evening...

The Dr. came by while we were there. Heather is very low on blood and they are going to give her 3 units tonight. She has a really bad infection in her pelvic area, they are not sure where. She will have surgery tomorrow if all is going according to plans. The Dr. told her and Paul they would have 3 very long days after surgery, those will be the critical hours.. since she has so much infection in her, but they truly need to get it out along with whatever is causing the problems.... they are very concerned and welcome your prayers.. The Dr. was trying to find folks to assist him tonight. It is very serious, and needs to be dealt with quickly, before it spreads into other areas. She was very excited... and told me several times that "Aunt Freda" called her... She was so excited about her Aunt Freda calling... Thanks Aunt Freda.... YOU MADE HER DAY!!!!!

She mentioned Jon called and several others and that she was too sick to talk very long... and she was very sorry...

Anyway.. Mrs. Moffat's baby girl (Heather) is feeling tough, it's gonna get tougher, and she needs your prayers..... for her and the doctor and their family to get through these tough times ahead.

Jon thanks for all the web help... Phil was going to take pics of the last night of his pottery class tonight... Randi and Kaitlyn went with her mom to Falls Creek tonight... Andrew spent day in Ponca City with Paul's brother Chris and his wife and their daughter in the Water Park there.. he was super excited...!!!

The folks in the pics are Roy and Joan Blankinship, Heather's wonderful in laws. They are very dear friends too... and have been good friends of ours for a long time. They farm, and Roy has devoted his life to law enforcement, retiring from the Stillwater Police Dept and is now a Dep. Sheriff for Payne County. Joan has spent her life in the health field, being a nurse, she has seen it all around the hospital, so she helps out bunches.... and knows the ropes too, which is wonderful.

All I know for know.. Enjoy the day.. S

Well, here we go again... haha.. lots of money in raising wheat, so we are adding acres to Grandma Moffat's wheat program. She is worried she is going to starve to death and we want to help see to it that she does not. Thought you might enjoy seeing this ground being turned this afternoon. Ken Judge is leasing it. We have added 60 acres to his 110 that he is leasing, so he now has a bit more to raise. They are thinking of stopping the wheat land and just running cattle... and this may happen to all of us... Anyway, this is the patch west of our home.. the tractor is headed west towards the highway along Mehan Road, 68th, Street. If you look real close you can see the diesel smoke bellowing out of the exhaust, and the dirt rising up behind the 30' offset disk. It has two drivers in it. One is Ken and Lesile's older son, opening up the field, then he will leave and go to working cattle, while the 11 year old son stays and finishes up the field. Have a great day... think what it cost per minute to operate this machine .... haha.. diesel along... 500 gallon's every 7 to 8 hours... times 2.37 a gallon... hummmmmm whew....  

Here she is wanting photo like the one on the movie Titanitc.... haha.. she was posing like "the Rose"..... except she has on her clothes...  

Madison Ann was putting on quite a show last night for Grandpa... she was really smiling and giggling... there are more pics.. but kinda blurry, as she was really moving around.. haha.. or was that just gas... ???? haha.. enjoy... 

looking towards okc this am... a big ole thunderhead popped up.. was really brighter than this about 10 mins earlier... haha.. 

Can You Love Your Neighbor If You Hate Yourself?

Can You Love Your Neighbor If You Hate Yourself?
The ability to love ourselves is the foundation of loving others and God.
By Brennan Manning
Excerpted from 'The Importance of Being Foolish' with permission from HarperSanFrancisco.

Two curious phenomena dapple Christian life in America today. The first is our tendency to criticize more than compliment. Listen in on conversations in coffee shops, living rooms, and churches. Pay attention to the pundits and the newsmakers. We tend not only to begrudge the value of others but to appear downright sad when a person is praised. Many hypercritical Christians quickly deny the presence of any value anywhere and overemphasize the dark and ugly aspects of a person, situation, or institution at the expense of their noble and valuable facets. They delight in exposing the flaws and imperfections of others and glory in the absence of goodness. Senator William Fulbright of Arkansas once commented on this insidious tendency in the news media: "That Puritan self-righteousness which is never far below the surface of American life has broken through the frail barriers of civility and restraint, and the press has been in the vanguard of the new aggressiveness."

The target may be the national government, the local police force, or the coffee shop waitress. It matters little. The focus is on the limits of reality, on what a person or institution is not. Shortcomings and character defects are cause for celebration because they allow us to feel superior and even noble. On the day of my ordination my father said to me, "Remember that it's impossible to overestimate the worth of anyone." His words fly in the face of our tendency to underestimate the worth of everyone.

The second phenomenon is not unrelated to the first. It is what might be called the preponderance of the negative self-esteem. Self-esteem consists of how we see ourselves reflected in the eyes of others. This in turn conditions our perception of the world and our interaction with the community. As Christians, those of us with negative self-esteem see ourselves as basically unlovable. We negate our own worth, are haunted by feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, and close ourselves off from the value of others because they threaten our existence. The exaltation of another is experienced as a personal attack. When a colleague is appreciated, we become upset and irritable, belittle their motives as vainglorious, and decry the perniciousness of personality cults. We say to ourselves in effect: "I am a clod, a wrong person; I'm in the way, nobody cares." In group gatherings we feel like intruders. We sigh, "Nobody loves me."

Negative self-esteem would not be so damaging except for the fact that we interact with others in terms consistent with our own self-image. We select from reality only those aspects that confirm our own dim view of ourselves. We single out the dimension of a situation that points to rejection. In a simple conversation with someone close to us, their lack of enthusiasm confirms what we already suspect: "I am a bore." On the street we pass a person whom we value. He ignores us. That night when we go to bed we ignore the pleasant, even beautiful experiences of the day and instead go to sleep dwelling on the one incident that enhanced our negative self-portrait. Consequently, every such encounter becomes a total proof or disproof of our entire being. Every incident becomes a blanket condemnation of self and a reaffirmation of worthlessness.
In order to love our neighbors as ourselves we must come to recognize our intrinsic worth and dignity and to love ourselves in the wholesome, appreciative way that Jesus commanded when he said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." The tendency to continually berate ourselves for real or imaginary failures, to belittle ourselves and underestimate our worth, to dwell exclusively on our dishonesty, self-centeredness, and lack of personal discipline, is the influence of our negative self-esteem. Reinforced by the critical feedback of our peers and the reproofs and humiliations of our community, we seem radically incapable of accepting, forgiving, or loving ourselves. In his opening address at the regional charismatic conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Father Francis McNutt touched an exposed nerve when he said, "If Jesus Christ has forgiven you all your sins and washed you in his own blood, what right do you have not to forgive yourself?

The ability to love oneself is the root and foundation of our ability to love others and to love God. I can tolerate in others only what I can accept in myself. Van Kaam writes, "Gentleness toward my fragile precious self as called forth uniquely by God constitutes the core of gentleness with others and with the manifold created appearances of the Divine in my surroundings. It is also a main condition for my presence to God."

Ironically, our self-loathing too often leads us to damage the self-esteem of others. Andrew Greeley writes:



God's mission in the world and his mission in his relationship with the individual believer is essentially a mission of overcoming self-hatred. For self-hatred is a barrier to love. We hate other people not because we love ourselves too much but because we are not able to love ourselves enough. We fear and distrust them because we feel inadequate in our relationships to them; we hide behind anger and hatred because in some deep recess of our personality we do not think we are good enough for them.

Heather This AM....

Talked with Heather about an hour ago. She is up and running.. well sort of. She is in room 513 at SMC. 405 742 5513 is the number to her room direct.
She is feeling tough. They have had her up and walking this am, and have taken her cathater out.. however it is spelled... sorry, mom!!
Paul is tired. The chairs they put in the rooms can be used to sleep in if you want and from spending many nights with Dad I learned you could throw a sheet or towel on the floor next to the wall and it sleeps better than a chair that does not lay flat.. haha.. but anyway... She will be there for sure through today and maybe get to go home tomorrow... or Saturday. Ann took Madison to work her day care this am and by to see Heather... Madison slept most of the night. She might have done better if Grandpa and Grandma would have let her alone, but we kept getting up to check on her.. haha.. finally about 4:30am Grandma got up and she woke up... and it was ON from then on.... haha...
Andrew is off to OKC with Chris and Jen to water park there for the day....
Don't know what else.. but for now.. this is it.. haha... enjoy the day... s

Today's Quote - Welcome

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

-Edith Wharton

Heather.. is out of surgery...

Ann just called. Heather is out of surgery and in intensive care.. she is doing ok.. they did not find much other than a lot of infection.. dah.....

Will up date later.. madison is crying.. haha..

Heather..

Just wanted to ask everyone to remember Heather in your prayers. The doctors are very concerned, finally, about her health. She has not been feeling well, calling the drs and they not calling her back. Finally today, she and Paul went in to see another Dr. who sent her straight to hospital before noon. they have been running test, etc. She has a very high blood count.. so is very infected and has had this for sometime they decided. The Dr. was planning emergency surgery this evening if he could find a surgeon to help ... Ann is up there with her, and along with Paul and I don't know who else. I am keeping Madison Ann. She is sleeping on the couch right now, so snuck in here to write this note to everyone. The Drs are not sure what they will find, but they know something is not right, so please remember her and the Doctors in your prayers this evening... and in the days ahead. I spoke with her about 4pm and she was in tears, scared, and wanting to feel better...
She is in room 317 at Stillwater Medical Center, 405 372 1480.. her room direct is 405 372 7317. All I know for now. love to all.. S

OH MY GOD!!!

The world is on fire! Hell has froze over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH, MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

all my kiddos updated their blogs........ oh my God........


How very very cool......... thanks.. kiddos...


haha.. love you all....

See I would not be able to wish Grandpa Roy Blankinship a Happy Belated Birthday, if Heather had not posted.... So HAPPY BIRTHDAY... Grandpa Roy!!!! Sorry to be late......

And Poor Randi, She must be in really bad shape today and in need of rest... after working so hard all weekend... hehe and then Phil, and his friend Randy... Those two can think up more ways to skin a cat, than anyone I know.. ... smiling...

And you know what, Andrew is not only growing like a weed, he is cool and super smart... He knows Madison doesn't need her ears pierced ... too! Andrew, you da man!! haha.....

Love you all.... enjoy the day! We are richly blessed!

Grandpa's Hands, from Randi Moffat

Grandpa's Hands
Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench.
He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands.
When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and
the longer I sat I wondered if he was OK.
Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check
on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK. He raised
his head and looked at me and smiled. Yes, I'm fine, thank you
for asking, he said in a clear strong voice.
I didn't mean to disturb you, grandpa, but you were just sitting
here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK
I explained to him.
Have you ever looked at your hands he asked? I mean really
looked at your hands?
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them
over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never
really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he
was making.
Grandpa smiled and related this story:
Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they
have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though
wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all
my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon
the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As
a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my
shoes and pulled on my boots.
They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my
life.
They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war.
They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.
They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.
Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was
married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters home
and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and
walked my daughter down the aisle.
Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a
foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friend's foot. They
have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of
anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face,
combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.
They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.
And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real
well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to
old in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and
the ruggedness of my life.
But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach
out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will
lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the
face of Christ.
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God
reached out and took my grandpa's hands and led him home. When
my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my
children and wife I thank grandpa. I know he has been stroked
and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch
the face of God and feel his hands upon my face.

From Joanna and Clinton.......

1. There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old
family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.
"Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk.*

"Only the Ten Commandments." answered the lady.*
========

2. "Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in
the world.
There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good
morning, Lord," and there are those who wake up in the morning
and say, "Good Lord, it's morning."*
========

3. A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large
city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space
with a meter. Then he put a note under the windshield wiper
that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park
here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses."*

When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer
along with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If
I don't give you a ticket I'll lose my job. Lead us not into
temptation."*
========

4. There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and
announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad news.
The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new
building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in
your pockets."*
========

5. While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an
Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a
sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage
was a hand printed sign... *

"Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution:
Do not step in exhaust."*
========

6. A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question,
Boys and girls, what do we know about God?" *

A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the
kindergarten boy.*

"Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked.*

"You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven... "*
========

7. A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas
just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked
quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the
attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. *

"Reverend," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the
delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to
get ready for a long trip.*

The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same
in my business."
========

8. People want the front of the bus,*
the back of the church, *
and the center of attention.*
========

9. A father was approached by his small son who told him
proudly, "I know what the Bible means!" *

His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know'
what the Bible means?" *

The son replied, "I do know!"*

"Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?"*

"That's easy, Daddy." the young boy replied excite dly, *"It
stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'"
========

10. Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter
what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be
scared, you'll get your quilt."*

Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the
pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that
morning's Sunday school lesson was about. *

He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming."
========

11. The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was
going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than
they were expecting for repairs to the church building.*

Therefore, he was annoyed to find that t he regular organist
was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last
minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play.*

"Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But,
you'll have to think of something to play after I make the
announcement about the finances."*

During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers
and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost
twice as much as we expected and we need $4,000 more. Any of
you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up."*

At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star
Spangled Banner."*

And that is how the substitute became the regular organist!*
________

Give me a sense of humor,
Lord, Give me the grace to see a joke,
To get some humor out of life

had no takers on the Sunday adventure and lunch at county line... so...

We stayed home. felt good to relax... tooo good.. haha...

Phil came by and visited for about an hour. Great to see him. He has some great photos online of a old fashioned way of doing pottery... using a pit and wood... instead of the gas fired klein.. really cool. Ann started mowing the yard... and I worked on the perkins livestock new website. sure miss seeing Kaitlyn... but Jon called and said we might get to see him this weekend, and that will be cool!!

Well, got to get back to it, just in case the equipment gets repaired that is broke.. the baler is at John Deere being worked on, and Vince took the radiator out of the John Deere tractor to be repaired... I will be back in the hay again. We have three auctions in town this weekend... if you need tools, one on Saturday is the one, and if you know a collector of MG cars.. it also has several in various state of repair...

All I know for now.. have a great day, and ENJOY! D

SO LUCKY TO BE AMERICAN

SO LUCKY TO BE AMERICAN

by: Baxter Black
DVM

I am writing this column on my veranda. The heat of the day is dissipating. Shadows are growing longer in the canyon to the south. The bottoms of the clouds are turning pink and the mountains to the east of the valley are glowing purple. Cindy is bustling in the kitchen. I think I smell Teriyaki sauce. My 12-year old is being mauled by 5 little cow dog puppies. The horses are fed. The cows are fat. The quail are chuckling and dusk is waiting in the wings.
As I take a sip of my icy beverage and relax I remind myself of my New Year's resolution; to stop once a day and remind myself that this is as good as it gets. But as that thought sinks in, I become fully aware of how many have given so much so I could be right here. “Right here” for me is to be an American.

Lucky enough to be born in a country where I am free to worship God, free to better myself as best I'm able. Lucky enough to born in a time when the knowledge of human kind is expanding exponentially, in medicine, physics, transportation, chemistry, extending and improving all our lives.

Lucky to be born while prejudices are fading, poverty is constantly having to be redefined, and America's light continues to shine as a ray of hope for the less fortunate worldwide. But the reality of the debt I owe comes home to roost every day in the papers when I read the names of those soldiers killed in the war on terror.

Every one of them is directly responsible for the freedom I enjoy. They are each one part of a long line of Americans from all walks of life; soldiers, civilians, policemen, firemen, CIA, research scientists, inventors, ministers, teachers, legislators and parents who have sacrificed, toiled, sweated and believed in what America stands for and put their money where their mouth is. Whether it's carrying a gun, a stethoscope or flowers to the nursing home.

I owe George Washington, Bill Gates, Grandpa Tommy, Lewis & Clark, Cochise, Federico Peña, Thomas Edison, Uncle Paul, Madeline Albright, Donald Rumsfeld and Pastor Blair.

Two hundred and twenty-some odd years ago a group of citizens as different as Jefferson and Adams or Bush and Gore, conspired to declare our independence and invent a country.

They did just that, like none other on Earth. And that I got so lucky to be blessed to be born here is a miracle I do not take for granted.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

Emma Kincade's auction tomorrow....

Some of you may remember the lady who helped Grandpa Shaklee when he managed Vincent Chevolet in Stillwater??? Anyway, her name was Emma Kincade in those days.. then she married Petty. They lived south on Western Street about a half mile south of 28th street on West side. They had horses, etc. Andy Kincade is their son. Perrin died some years back and Jake took feed to her for several years, till we quit.

Here is a link to the auction she is having tomorrow afternoon... saw the coach and thought of Phil and his horse Dan....

just wanted you to know.. a bit of history is in the making mode. End of an era...

This weekend...

Don't have a lot planned... have to go to Sooner Lake and east a bit on highway 15 to take pics of the auction there this morning. Then, work them this afternoon. I think we might keep Andrew and Madison tonight for Paul and Heather. They have baseball practice this evening.... and then tomorrow..


was wondering if anyone would want to meet us in OKC at either the Zoo or the Cowboy Hall of Fame at 9am, go through it, and then to the County Line for lunch and then home.... not a long deal, but something different... guess we could change that to the Kirkpatrick Planterium too if that was a better choice. Jake and Ann want to go to the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa sometime too ... so might have to plan that another time.. ahah..

If you are up to tomorrow and want to .. thats cool, and if not.. that's ok too... we could all use a day of rest....

oh .. i guess we could also meet at Jon and Randi's too....???? hahaha.... surprise them???? hehehehe.......

later all.. have a great day...

From Uncle Ivan... how cool

Stop telling God how big your storm is.
Instead tell your storm how big your GOD is!
In Phoenix, Arizona, a 26-year-old mother stared down at her 6 year old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia. Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams. Now that was no longer possible..

The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dreams to come true. She took her son's hand and asked, "Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?" Mommy, "I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up." Mom smiled back and said, "Let's see if we can make your wish come true."

Later that day she went to her local fire department in Phoenix, Arizona, where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix. She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her six-year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine. Fireman Bob said, "Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on ll the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if you'll give us! his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat-not a toy one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots. They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix, so we can get them fast."

Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his fire uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven. There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls. He rode in the different fire engines, the paramedic's van, and even the fire chief's car. He was also videotaped for the local news program. Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible.

One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital. Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition.

The chief replied, "We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire? It's just the fire department coming to see one of its finest members one more time.

And will you open the window to his room? About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window 16 firefighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room.

With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they loved him. With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, "Chief, am I really a fireman now?"

"Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand," the chief said. With those words, Billy smiled and said, "I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing.." He closed his eyes one last time.

Paul and Heather's Softball Schedule for this summer....  

Austyn stopped by after all the excitement and brought us his team baseball photo and his trading card... how cool!! This will be worth a whole lot someday...!!! 

Austyn's baseball card back..... 

Welp... we looked at the TV about 6:26pm and there on the TV screen was the two grandsons playing in Austyn's pool on July 4th eve! How cool!!! Even though they could not spell correctly Austyn... I really truly did!!  

Madison and Marvin....

More photos .. this is Marvin and Zoe ... and Madison... too... playing and messing around. Enjoy!

Second 4th of July get together with Mike Shaklee... and Phil's photos of Stillwater...

Here are some photos of the second 4th of July with Mike Shaklee and with Phil's photos of the 4th of July in Stillwater at Boomer Lake. Enjoy..

TONIGHT.... 6PM NEWSCAST ON CHANNEL 9 ...... GARY ENGLAND'S HOTSHOTS WILL BE....

GARY ENGLAND'S HOT SHOTS PHOTO WILL BE AUSTYN LEE AND ANDREW PAUL PLAYING IN THE BACK YARD SWIMMING POOL AT PHIL'S ON JULY 3RD.... AT 6PM!! ONLY BE ON ONCE... SO WATCH.. HAHA... NOT LIKE MOON PHOTOS THAT WERE SHOWED ALL DAY...

ENJOY THE NIGHT.. DAD

Austyn Lee Playing last night with Zoe..

Austyn decided to have his folks drop him by our home on their way to town last night.. so we got to see Austyn.. and watch him play with Zoe... man did they have fun, I am not sure who was the most tired, but I got tired watching them play... haha.... enjoy

Fair Book out

Payne County Free Fair schedule and book was published yesterday and comes with the Stillwater Newspress for Wednesday, July 6th.

Welcome - Our Moffat Family Blog

Here are some pics of Madison Ann at Grandma Moffat's this am. They are really getting along well. I have lots more pics to get online..but got to have some time...haha...

Phil has some neat family pics online.. new ones.. check them out.

And Randi.. what's the deal,huh?????

heather... red dirt needs some spurcing up....updating..haha...

Love to all.. have a great day...

Another great family get together.... or two...

Oh, my what a great weekend... again....

Started out at Phil's with homemade Ice Cream, and super meat smoked by Phil, and garden vegs... and lots of neat things added in... and the grandkids and fireworks.. and lovely flowers.... and baby birds, and boys in the pool, and Great grandma with posion ivy... holding Madison... Heather pooped...

and then again on Monday night, but we added in Mike Shaklee, Ann's bro from Helena.. came down and spent the night with us.
Lots more great food and the kids came over and he got to see almost all the family, and his great niece and great nephews....... and today Mike checked out ebay... and a car auction coming up in Stillwater... Phil took the camera to the fireworks last night in Stillwater... bet we will have some great pics before long...

Out of the hay for a bit, besides the fact it rained two nights in a row.. the John Deere has the radiator out for repair and baler is at John Deere in Stillwater being fixed so we can be ready to go when it dries up...

Enjoy the night.. oh yes.. Jon, Randi, and Kaitlyn.. we missed you both times... maybe later.. huh??? an update there would be nice.. haha...

love all, Dad

Great Grandma Moffat was stung by a hornet about 3pm this afternoon and went to the er this evening.. got med.... but is home really swollen up she said. It bit her on the chest.. and she said it swelled really fast and even was festering up about 6pm...

llllllllaaaaaattttttteeeeeerrrrrrrr........

From Phil...

Phil sent along this link to some cool space photos... really cool! Thanks Phillip, and thanks again for having the family over for fireworks and some GREAT FOOD!!!

New photos up on Philmo's Phamily....

Wanted everyone to know that there are new photos on Philmo's Phamily's blog... cool ones from the zoo.....

Happy 4th of July everyone...

A neat link for the fourth of July...

Link one.. Shoot off fireworks over Lady Liberty!

Speaking of Jon and Randi and Kaitlyn....

They were missed.... and we went to their blog.. and still no update since JUNE 26th... Hey Randi... you are in charge right?????? What's the deal... haha...


and Heather.. JUNE 11TH........ MY GOODNESS.... you guys alive over in Ingalls??? Do you have electricity in Ingalls? I mean come on guys... you get on me.. ...... hahahahahahahah......

Phil even updated his, FINALLY....... Now if we could get JON and HEATHER to update.... if they are still around, maybe they ran off ..... ??? Anyone seen them...... haqhaha...

later.. just had some spare time...

love... DAD

4th of July at Phillips this year.... Thanks for having us...

Here is the link to the Family 4th of July at Phillip, Tammy and Austyn's this 05 year. A great time was had by all.. super food, wonderful time, kids had fun and got along... the little flying insects only bothered me.... fireworks were cool... All in all, an very nice holiday fest. And yes... Jon, Randi, and Kaitlyn were missed bunches......

Identity Theft!

ATTORNEY'S ADVICE -- NO CHARGE. Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice!

A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his
company.

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first
name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first
name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.
2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID
REQUIRED".

3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the
last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number,
and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the
check processing channels won't have access to it.

4. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed,
anyone can get it.

5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides
of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your
wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.
Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport
when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about
fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security
number, credit cards.

Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet
was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive
monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit
line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or
someone you know:

1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the > key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit
cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were
diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation(if there ever is one).
But here's what is perhaps most important of all : (I never even thought to
do this.)

3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place
a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of
doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for
credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company
that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to
contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all
the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks
initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before
placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the
thieves threw my wallet away This weekend (someone turned it in). It seems
to have stopped them dead in their tracks.

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet,
etc., has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything.
But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help

Yesterday was a long first day ....

Yesterday was a long first day in the hay fields of summer! Jake and I and Great Grandma got all the tractors up and going... and things all hooked up to them to go to the hay field. Jake changed the oil and filters in all of them, cleaned out the mower, greased the equipment, and checked and filled the transmissions... we overlooked the power steering on the Ford, but on the trip over to the Kastle Place, I found out that we did... haha.. I could not hardly keep it in the road. It does have the cylinder under the tractor all wet, so it's leaking out... but anyway, we have it filled up and ready to go. Great Grandma made her usual 4 trips to town to get oils, filters, etc. It would not be summer if she didn't do that, haha..... Jake is going to mow this am while I catch up a couple of websites. Then he heads off to work, and we will rake it this evening. We will be working in the north love grass field on Kastle Place, as it's one of the smaller fields, and if I remember right, the baler is having a closing problem - one side is not catching and the back gate is sprung. It that's correct we will try to bale the North side tomorrow and zip the baler to John Deere to fix it for us...
Judge's have started working the wheat ground on Kastle Place. I have not asked Kenny how the wheat did, but probably not to well. They were getting docked about 10% for trash in grain.. rye, and the moisture was high, so not sure...
Looks like summer is here, 100 degree days forecast, and NO RAIN still... wow.. just wish it would shower some.. would be really cool... haha..
Austyn has his last TBall game this evening, and if I get home in time from raking, I am going to try to make it.
Ann did really well with Madison yesterday. She took off a couple of weeks to help Heather make the adjustment from home to work again.. and besides.. she is doing what she loves and is really good at.... actually she never misses work and has lots of time she is losing so she decided to take off some... I think she needs to do this when we can go back down to new orleans... yelp, I sure do...
welp.. gotta close this deal out.. have a great day.... I do know Jonathan is in Tulsa, Heather had a good first day back at work... Paul goes back to work this coming weekend. And I know that yesterday, Madison had on her WHITE dress.... wow.. Heather, how long will that last??? girl in white.. haha.. in the red dirt of Oklahoma? Bet Andrew will fix that deal, huh??? He will help her "color" it.. haha..
later all.. enjoy the day

some short videos from the family gathering in OKC Saturday for Elinore and Fannie's Birthday celebration.

to see these videos best... first download each...

put your mouse over the link, then right click and scroll down to the third link and click on "Save target as" then when big box opens, go to the top of it and in the box make sure it is pointing to or says desktop. If not, scroll to the Desktop and click ok....

It will then be saved to the desktop of your computer .. where you can view it by clicking on it, or by starting your windows media player and viewing with it... need more information.. send me an email at stan@paynecountyline.com.

Ok...

video one

video two

video three

video four

video five

video six

video seven

video eight

video nine

video ten

Photos from Saturday family gathering at Hometown Buffet in OKC.

Here is the link to the photo album from Saturday's get together in OKC at Hometown Buffet to celebrate numberous events.. Fannie Moffat, El Reno turned 92; Elinore Moffat, Perkins, turned 86. Paul and Heather Blankinship celebrated their 12th Anniversay. (I know I am leaving out some ... but Jake had his 23rd birthday on the 18th Uncle Ivan and Aunt Freda celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary...) and Ann's brother Michael's Birthday is on this coming Tuesday.... We think it's his... say this softly... and quietly... 61st.....

Upcoming events from Our Family Blog Family Calendar:

6/28/2005 John Michael Shaklee (Born 1944) Birthday
7/10/2005 Harold O Shaklee (Born 1918 - Passed Jan. 18, 1999)Birthday
7/12/2005 Jade and Julia Shaklee (Wed 2003) Anniversary
7/12/2005 David and Terry Shaklee (Wed 1974) Anniversary
7/15/2005 Charles Ward Shaklee (Born 1949) Birthday
7/20/2005 Andrew Paul Blankinship (Born 2001) Birthday
7/29/2005 Paul Robert Blankinship (Born 1970) Birthday
7/31/2005 Jonathan and Randi Moffat (Wed 1999) Anniversary

If there are others.. Please let us know... PLEASE??? We didn't overlook on purpose, just plain don't know!!

I will post links to some videos in a bit.. from yesterday.

later.. enjoy the day.. Dad

Wow.. the end of the week is here!

Hard to believe the end of the week is here. Seems like only yesterday we were all together last Saturday, having a great visit and celebrating Jake's Birthday and Father's Day. Then on Thursday, Great Grandma Moffat celebrated her 86th Birthday! Austyn called needing a baby horse to grow up and ride. I heard that Grandma Ann is taking off the next to weeks to help with Madison as Heather goes back to work on Monday. Austyn has a ball game tomorrow morning, and we all are heading to OKC to celebrate Fannie Moffat's 92nd birthday... She is the wife of Mervil Moffat, Dad's older brother who dairyed north of El Reno. And we also are re celebrating Great Grandma Moffat's Birthday, too. We tried to get Ann's brother, Mike to come along, but he is busy working the wheat ground at Helena, and won't be able to come. He has a birthday on the 28th of this month, too.
Austyn, I did call about something today, and we might need to take a short trip next Saturday morning to Circle F Stable, if this is ok with your mom and dad... I think you will like what I have arranged. It has to do with horses,learning about them, and getting to ride too.. haha..
Well, don't know much else.. Oh, yes, this is the week Kaitlyn found out she has asthma... and started medication for it. Jonathan moved to a new office at work. He can now see the door, and since he can, he is not sure what that means.. haha..
I had a neighbor stop by thinking of opening up a feed store in Stillwater last night. I had to be honest with him... and I think he is still wanting too.
And then.... I wish I had a picture of the new piece Phillip stopped by with last night, but it was a pottery piece that was really cool. kind of looked like an old piece for ancient Egypt!! Lots of design on it and very irregular. He had constructed it by hand in coils.. really cool. Will put a pic on here later. It was truly amazing! I am proud of him...
Heard Paul is heading off to a gun auction tomorrow. He has quite a collection, but I think he is always looking!! Heather is doing better, health wise too. Well, don't know much else, but wanted to share the few brain cells I have working.. haha..

Jake's at work. He is a bit tired, working three jobs. I think he needs a break, and time for Jake. Sometimes he is a bit gripy..haha...

Can't wait till tomorrow afternoon.. It will be cool being with everyone again.

We need rain badly... I mean badly!!

Love to all.... Enjoy the evening..

Ouch.. my toes are being stepped on.......

The Real Problem (from stumbling towards heaven)
We’ve been talking for the last several weeks about building relationships. What’s the real problem in our relationships? If you boil it all down, it’s this... Self-Centeredness. It’s at the root...behind every conflict...behind every argument...behind every relational strain....behind all of that is self-centeredness. James 4:1-2 (NCV) says this: “Do you know where your fights and arguments come from? They come from the selfish desires that war within you. You want things, but you do not have them...... So you argue and fight...”.
Now listen: If you want to have great relationships with your friends...with your husband or your wife...if you’re a single person and you want to get married...you want to have great relationships....it starts inside you...it doesn’t start with your spouse...it doesn’t start with your girlfriend...it doesn’t start with your child or your boss...it starts inside you. You need a major realignment of your own motivations. A major realignment of your motivations has to take place if you’re going to have good, healthy, and satisfying relationships.
Can you do good things for the wrong reason? Absolutely. Can you even do good things with a selfish motivation? Absolutely. Folks, self-centeredness stains everything we do! Even when we’re doing good stuff, we’re patting ourselves on the back...telling ourselves what a great servant we are. You can’t even be humble without getting proud about it! Every area of our lives are stained with self-centeredness. It is not my nature to think of you, and none of you were staying up late this week worrying about my problems....because you were thinking about your own needs....it’s human nature to think only of ourselves and it’s unnatural for us to think of other people. It’s my nature to be selfish and self-centered and it’s yours too, and if you don’t think it is, you’re only kidding yourself, because you think about you more than you think about anything else in the world. “How do I look? How do I talk? What’s my image? Did I do the right thing? Am I cool? Do people like me?” You think about yourself all the time.
And even with people you supposedly love, you still think about yourself first...that’s why you have arguments with them...living with people you love. The root of every problem is self-centeredness. You see, secretly, we think we’re pretty good if our outward behavior conforms to accepted standards...and we do the right thing and even put on a smiley face and appear like we’re doing it...but that’s not enough because God looks at your heart.
Jesus told the Pharisees, “You know, you guys look great on the outside, but inside you’re a mess! Outwardly, you’ve got this white-washed appearance that looks so great, but inside you’re like a tomb full of dead carcasses that are rotting...you stink!” He told the Pharisees, “You know what you guys do? You wash the bowl and the cup on the outside, but the inside’s still filthy!” What good would a dishwasher be that only washes the outside of the dish? It’d be worthless....and you may be able to clean up your behavior so you look respectable in society, but inside there’s still a core of self-centeredness that stains everything you do and everything that I do. Look at what Jesus said in Mat 15:18 (NIV): “But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' It’s not outward behavior that makes you unclean...it’s the stuff that comes out of your heart, and the Bible says that the heart of the problem is a problem of the heart...that’s our root problem.
The problem isn’t your tongue...you may have a sarcastic tongue...sharp tongue...an angry tongue...a filthy tongue...a defensive tongue...a boasting tongue...but all that is doing is revealing what’s in your heart. A judgmental tongue is evidence of a guilty heart. An overactive tongue is evidence of an unsettled heart...a boasting tongue is evidence of an insecure heart...a bitter tongue is an evidence of a resentful heart....a biting tongue is evidence of an angry heart....what’s inside your heart is given away by what you say. Your mouth betrays what you’re really like.
But you say, “When I said that, I just said it in anger...that’s not really me...” Oh, yes it is...it is exactly you, because in your anger, the mask and the layers are pulled away and your real heart is revealed in your anger. And what’s really inside of you comes out when you get ticked. Have you ever noticed how quickly your mood can change when somebody challenges your selfishness? When somebody says, “Drop what you’re doing and take out the trash”...how quickly your mood can change...because what’s in the heart is going to come out....it’s like a toothpaste tube...when you put pressure on it, what’s inside is going to come out.The Bible is very specific about how selfishness expresses itself. In Galatians 5:19-21 (NCV) it lists 15 works of selfish ...and here’s a few of them. It says this: “The wrong things the sinful self does are clear: being sexually unfaithful (did you know that infidelity is the ultimate expression of self-centeredness? “I don’t care what happens to anybody else...I’m doing what pleases me)...hating, making trouble, being jealous, being angry, being selfish, making people angry with each other, causing divisions among people, feeling envy, being drunk...and doing other things like these.” These are all expressions of self-centeredness.
Self-centeredness is so very destructive! It destroys homes...we see that with the rising divorce rate. How many homes have been destroyed by self-centeredness? It destroys little children...it destroys marriages...it destroys friendships that have gone on for 20 or 30 years and somebody does a self-centered act and BAM! It’s over. Self-centeredness destroys churches...it destroys community...and it can even destroy nations. And folks, we are seeing the decline of a great nation right now that is consumed with self-centeredness. Today’s attitude is, “What’s in it for me? I couldn’t care less what happens to anybody else...what’s in it for me?”

OK.... Randi, this is different.. haha.. but I think this will be my last one like this.. this one hits home to close.. haha..

love you all.. enjoy the day...

Ok Randi.. here is yet another. haha...

Today's Quote

Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies within us while we live.

-Norman Cousi

used my photos at 6:50pm weather too.....

Now the ole head is really big.. hahah.... later..

wow... kfor.. just used my two photos again... at 5:20pm ,,,

Oh my gosh.. I can not believe it! It's awesome to be setting in your home and see your pics come up on tv... wow.. DO I EVER HAVE THE BIG HEAD!!

These two photos were used on channel 4 this am... wow!! brag brag brag.. haha...

same ole moon but black and white.. shot 5 minutes later than the color one.. there, of course, are several, haha... later.. at least the 'skeeters' didn't eat me alive.. but did come close...


Just in... haha... Channel 4 at 10 mins of 7 this am showed both my moon photos crediting me with taking them and talked about the moon event for about a min and half! Mine were the only ones they used... guess most folks are sleeping.. haha.. but how cool for this ole man!!! Here are links to all the images from last night, the good, the bad and the ugly! 

AWESOME!!! the moon and Randi's update!!!

Did you see the moon last night... taken at 10:00pm June 21, 2005 just west of the yard light pole in our yard looking south east toward ....yelp the moon... haha.. enjoy!!


PSSS>>>>>>> Uncle Ivan and Aunt Freda are hosting a birthday party for Great Grandma Moffat and Aunt Fannie Moffat at Hometown Buffet west of Baptist Hospital on NW Highway in OKC Saturday at 4:30pm. If you can work it into your busy schedules... we ought to try and make this event. Elinore will be 86 and Fannie will bre 92 and still drives downtown El Reno to Senior Citzens Center each day. Everyone is invited. If you are going to try, let Mom and I know and we might try to by your dinners, ok.... ? We do have things to celebrate....

6/23/2005 Elinore Mae Siegrist Moffat (Born 1919) 86th Birthday (Kaitlyn's 8th Mo.
Birthday....
6/25/2005 Fannie Carter Moffat (Born 1913)92nd Birthday
6/26/2005 Paul and Heather Blankinship's 12th Wedding Anniversary (Wed 1993)

For Randi.. you beat me.. darn it!! Now if we could get some others to update.. haha... kidding eveyone... I know how hard it is..

 

What a great weekend!!!

What a great weekend, at least for me, haha!
All the kiddos and grandkids got together for Jake's Birthday and to Celebrate Fathers Day, and a pre celebration of Great Grandma Moffat's Birthday on Thursday. (We need to watch the weather on Thursday, normally it storms!)
Goodness, Kaitlyn is really growing like a weed. She is almost ready to walk, and will be doing so before long. Madison Ann is also growing after a slow start, she is really doing well. And then there is Andrew, who has been 21 since he was born... his vocabulary is really growing and his imagination too. And Austyn... Wow! This young man is going to be a force to be reckoned with. He is really maturing. He called last night to mention to me that he needed a horse to ride. Not just any horse, but a baby horse that he could care for and it would grow up and he could ride it. We talked for a while, and then he suggested that we get a black horse that was older he could ride now, and a brown baby horse he could ride later, well, that's sort of the way it went... haha... so if you know of anyone with a kid's horse... that is kid proof, let us know, guess we are in the market.
Wanted to remind everyone the fair is coming up. Might be time to look around and thing of things to put in it. There is an open divison the grand kids could put things in.. and some areas for the rest of us too.
But anyway, Saturday was a great great day! I love my kiddos, and in laws, and grandkids very very much. It is always a holiday to see any of them!! I thank God every day for each of them! I know I have been richly and deeply blessed! Thanks to everyone for taking time out to make these events happen!
Have a great day!

The pain.. the pain.....

OPHS.... I think her hands slipped off his legs??????? haha... oh the look only a man knows.... haha.. enjoy.. more photos are online now

and there are some videos... download to your desktop and save them. Then view them offline. It's faster!

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Video 4

Video 5

Video 6

... 

This.. the photo and the kiddo... just might be keepers! Enjoy the evening.. I think Mr. Jacob Daniel Jake Moffat has a big birthday tomorrow...  

Some more pics.. this time it's Madison and Andrew ...

Here is a link to some pics of Andrew and Madison at Grandpa's this am while Mom was having surgery.... Enjoy the day..

Heather is home and resting well. Her and Paul will have the home to themselves as the kiddos are staying with Grandma and Grandpa Blankinship tonight.. after spending the day with Grandma and Grandpa Moffat...

New phone numbers for Jon, Randi, and Kaitlyn....

email jonathan to get them...

jonathan@backroaddesign.com