Lurnus Gude

Prom 2009

2009-03-15T18:57:00.001-07:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-02T12:19:00.001-08:00

We enjoyed a nice dinner with friends at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.

My resolutions:
-Enjoy my family more
-Live in the moment
-Don't sweat the small stuff
-Give my daughter more independence
-Pray more
-Read more books(not school related)
-Learn a new vocabulary word every day
-Drink more water
-Drink less Milo's tea
-Tell my family I love them daily
-Call my parents more
-Call my mother-in-law more
-Go to bed earlier
-Do yoga or some form of exercise (I do nothing right now!)

Anniversary Weekend in New Orleans

2008-12-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

Great food, great music, great hotel, great husband!!

Merry Christmas from the Lurnus Gude family!!

2008-12-25T11:14:00.001-08:00

I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas and enjoy a blessed new year!
Lurnus
Here are some pictures from our weekend with Jeff's side of the family at the lake in Mississippi.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2008-11-26T20:09:00.000-08:00

Lurnus is thankful for:

On a serious note:
- my Savior
- a wonderful husband
- two amazing children
- healthy parents
- healthy in-laws
- my sister and her family
- my friends
- my students
- my church family
- my pastor and his family
- my favorite season.....FALL
- freedom
- health

On a less serious note:
- Starbucks
- Jimmy Choo
- chocolate
- reality TV
- microfiber throw blankets
- computers
- Edgar's Bakery
- high heel strappy shoes
- thick footies from Bath and Body Works
- sales
- rock 'n roll

Enjoy the holiday!

She's Growing Up Too Fast!!

2008-11-11T09:22:00.001-08:00

Tears for Auburn

2008-11-07T15:51:00.001-08:00

This is pretty funny.

Undefeated!!!!

2008-10-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

Jon's flag football team, the Chargers are undefeated up to this point. They have 2 or 3 games left this week, so I don't want to mojo the team, but I am so proud of their hard work. They have really played as a team and have encouraged each other throughout. It has been such a positive experience for Jon. He really needed this right now. It been good for him mentally and physically. He has lost 16 lbs. He has been trying to lose but the sport has helped.

He has grown up so much these past few months. He sounds and looks like a man. Where did my little baby go? I look up to him, literally. I did prove to him on one occasion that I am still in charge. : )

I tried to scan a picture of him as a wee one, but our scanner is on the blink. I will try later. In the mean time, here are a few pictures from his game last Saturday. He is #7.

Ashley has the ACT this coming Sat. so be in prayer for her. She is so smart, but tests make her so nervous.

Lurnus Is Headed Out Of Town!!

2008-09-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

Lurnus and Mr. Lurnus are headed to Panama City Beach for 3 days!!! He has CLEs (professional development for lawyers) and I have 98 days saved up that I could use, five of them personal. I thought, "Why the heck don't I take Monday off?" It's not like they can't carry on without me!

So, we shuffled the kiddos off to various people's homes and we are booking it out of town. Now, I am sad that I will miss Jon's flag football game today. I missed it last week because I was getting my hair colored and he scored a touchdown, of course while I was not there! I will also miss the best Saturday in SEC football. We will call in to the grandparents for Jon's update and we will listen to SEC games on the radio. Must......get.......to.......the........beach.

My house is a wreck but I don't care! I can easily leave it all behind. I have come to the conclusion long ago that in one year Ashley will be gone and in 4 short years Jon will be gone. After that I will be sitting in my pristine home, wishing I had piles of their clothes around and their school papers scattered everywhere. For now, I will relish in this mess I like to call "life with children". It won't last forever.

Have a great weekend!
Lurnus Out

Flag Football Rules!!

2008-09-07T15:06:00.001-07:00

Jon (#7) has begun playing for the Chargers. Yesterday was their first game and they won! Here are some shots from our fun day. P.S.He doesn't like the shots I got of him hiking the ball.

Happy 14th Birthday, Jon!!!!

2008-08-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

For Jon's birthday, Jeff and I took Jon and his friends to play paintball. Thank you, Paintball Quest in McCalla for a great day!! They had a wonderful time, but were worn out from the fun and humidity. I hope you had a terrific birthday,son! We love you!!!
(Check out the paintball field cake. It was Jon's idea and he put the decorations on top.)

Blog Break

2008-08-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry that I haven't blogged. As you know, I am a teacher and school started this past week. Can we say "busy"? Well, things went well the first two days. It seems like I have a fabulous group of boys and girls to teach this year.

Each year will be sentimental to me from now on, as long as I am in the classroom because I never know when it may be my last year to teach regular education. I may never leave the classroom, and that would be fine. I love my job. However, I have done a lot of work to get my administration certification and degree, and I would like to use it in some capacity. We'll see. For now, I am having fun planning and getting to know my new students. We are bonding. :)

Take care! Lurnus

Favorite Sounds

2008-08-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

I filled out one of those email questionnaires from a friend this week, and one of the questions was..."What are your favorite sounds?" So...here is my list.

-laughter
-my daughter's car pulling into the driveway
-the garage door going up when Jeff comes home from work
-Buddy's funny growl when Jon aggravates him
-Jon's laugh
-Ashley's sarcasm
-my parents' voices on the phone
-103.7 FM (Flo Rida and Kanye West) I have to admit this!!
-school bells
-Jack Johnson
-Keurig coffee maker percolating
-air conditioner on a hot night
-trees in the breeze
-silence
-my name being called at Starbucks when my frappachino is ready
-children during recess
-waves breaking on the beach
-Stokes, Connie, Adam, and the gang playing and singing at church

Okay, so what are your favorite sounds??

Mrs. Brumlow's Class cont.

2008-08-05T14:58:00.001-07:00

Mrs. Brumlow's Second Grade

2008-08-05T14:44:00.001-07:00

Here are the pictures. I am not totally done. I have hidden a lot but parents and students are coming to see the room Thursday night, so I had no choice. I had fun decorating. I wonder why I don't enjoy working that hard at home?

Friday Night Fun

2008-08-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

7:30PM- Pick up pizza for Jon and a friend.

7:45PM- Say good-bye to Ashley, who will go with friends to the Summit at midnight to be the first to get the new Twilight series book.

11:00PM- Take Jon and his friend to the movie to see The Mummy.

1:00AM- Return home.

1:30AM- Get a call from Ashley saying that she needs me to bring her glasses and contact stuff to her at her friend's house right away.

2:00AM- Return home.

2:15AM- Gaze at my husband, who is sound asleep and snoring, who has also been oblivious to the goings on from 10:00PM and on.

Only in the summer can I make it through weekends like this!

My Favorite Song of the Week

2008-07-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

I watched my fav reality show of the moment, "So You Think You Can Dance" last night and one couple danced to this. I love it! It is called "The Garden" by Mirah.

Supermom For A Day!!

2008-07-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

Jon has becomed obsessed with paintball. He has all the bells and whistles that are required to play, but nowhere to play. He told me of a place in Tuscaloosa, but there was NOWAY I was going to drive all the way to T-Town to let him play. I googled "paintball" and sure enough, there is a place in McCalla. Now, I know that is still a ways away, but not quite as far.

So, we load up the car, but need to stop for more CO2. No problem, Supermom will find some. CO2...check! Then, we had to get 5000 extra paintballs because this place doesn't allow just any paintball. Again, Supermom has it under control. Paintballs...check! Belts...check! Masks.....check! Helments...check! Vests....check (but aren't used once we arrive because not one teenager there wore a vest).

Here we go....Supermom, Jon and his friend, Tommy for a fun-filled day of paintball. I have never seen them quite so excited. They talked constantly on the way there and all the way back home. They were able to walk on with other players and they had a blast for a very reasonable price. They also have numerous fields with various large objects to hide in/behind while shooting. I am planning to take Jon and some friends back for his 14th birthday. Kudos to Paintball Quest in McCalla!!

Jon told his father that it had been the best day EVER!! Yes!!! I am not a loser mom after all. I did at least one thing right in the eyes of my son. Now, of course I don't believe I am a loser, but I need at least one bit of affirmation a year from my two teenagers.

"Back to School"....Or As I Like To Call It "Broke at School"

2008-07-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

Well.....it's that time of year again. I like to call it "that time of year when you have no money because you have spent every blessed dime on school stuff because the state of Alabama won't release your money for two more months." I have been up at the school almost daily for the last two weeks, working to make my classroom fantabulous for my new kiddos. For the last six years I have decorated my room with a Dr. Seuss theme. Now, I am not a theme person, but it just evolved over the years.

Well, even though I have an administration degree and may not be teaching in a regular classroom for many more years AND even though we will be moving our entire grade level to a new building next year, I have decided to scrap the Dr. Seuss theme and go polka-dot crazy. Why do I do this to myself? I have been buying everything polka-dots, including a lunch bag for me to carry from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I just couldn't live without it and I had a coupon. I will post pictures of my newly decorated classroom as soon as I get it just like I like it. Right now it is still messy. Today I scrubbed with Clorox until my fingertips began to disintegrate and my lungs began to sizzle. They don't tell you about these things that teachers do before school starts. It is NOT a 9 month job. Teachers are at our school all summer long at various times and on weekends. We love what we do, otherwise we wouldn't devote all these summer hours to our classroom.

Here is a picture of a very small portion of what I have bought. Notice the bedazzled stapler in the middle. I broke it today while putting up a bulletin board. It was the first time I had used it. Can I live without it or do I need to go get another one?? That is the question.

Bernie from Slapout, AL writes.....

2008-07-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hey, Lurnus! Did you hear about this new Batman movie coming out? Who is your favorite Batman? Can you believe some people would actually go to see the movie at midnight, just to be the first to see it? I have heard of some crazy things but this takes the cake!!

Bernie,
Well, I can believe that some people would go at midnight, because I DID!! I must admit that it was kind of thrilling to be in the middle of a packed (sort of) auditorium in the middle of the night. My son went with me and my daughter was there with a pack of friends. And then, who should appear but Stokes, our youth minister, with a group of guys from the church! It was really cool. Of course, there were the obligatory dressed up fans. One man bore an eerie resemblance to Heath Ledger's Joker. I loved the movie and thought Heath Ledger did a phenomenal job turning the Joker into a scary, psychopathic killer. What a shame to lose such a talented actor.

I did find myself yawning uncontrollably halfway through the movie. Jon wouldn't let me bring my blanket. Why, oh why do they turn the temperature in movie theaters to meat locker?? Why, oh why did I wear shorts??

All in all, I am glad I did it. The kids had a blast and I got to do something that typically is reserved for the young. Now, I will have my second cup of coffee and lay down for my mid-morning nap. Oh, here is a picture of my favorite Batman.
From American Psycho to Batman.......Christian Bale is the best! (IMHO) Who did you think is/was the best Batman? Adam West, Micheal Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, or Christian Bale?
Lurnus

My New Students

2008-07-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

I have gotten into "back to school" mode by starting my summer routines. I have gotten my story bit bags and have put the students' names on them. These are bags to hold a souvenir that I hand out every Wednesday to go along with a special book I read. They take the souvenir home that night and retell the story to their parents. Well, my friend Jamie told me today that a lot of the class roles changed Thursday. Uh, oh! I hope mine didn't change too much. This was a lot of work.

Fireworks at the Bakery

2008-07-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

Well, Ashley had a great time last night! She had 2 friends stay the night, which was not as many girls as last year but that was okay with her father and me. I think the holiday conflicted with plans.

Ashley had a wonderful idea for her cake. She wanted a cake shaped like sushi. I found a picture and printed it off and felt really confident that our go-to bakery could handle it. (Begins with a P and ends with an X) They had made a ridiculously difficult cake last year for her 16th. It was black and pink with skulls on it, and three full cakes high!! Sushi should be no problem, right? Well, I was wrong. They did not call to let me know a day ahead if they couldn't do it, like I requested. Then, they call the day of her party around 6:15AM to let me know that they would not be able to do it. I called back and explained that this really is not that hard and that I needed to have advanced notice so that I could decorate the cake. The lady at the bakery was actually short with me instead of apologetic. I told her that I fully trusted this bakery from past experiences, but apparently she didn't have the same confidence in their abilities. I told them that I would have to get the PLAIN white round cake at 1:00 so that I could get it ready. Now, when I got there it wasn't ready! She said that I told her I would be there at 3PM! I am now praying for patience and calling her many names under my breath. I explained that I said 1PM so that I could decorate the cake. She was even rude to me in person! Where has customer service gone??? Now, of course they are making pink castles and other difficultly designed cakes as I stand there watching. I guess putting pink and green icing on top of the cake and black spots on the side was too much to ask. They finally had my plain cake ready and I left, vowing to never darken the bakery doors of this place again. Now, the other part of the store goes overboard to please the customer. I have never had a bad experience inside. The manager would freak out if he knew how they had treated me, but I refrained from discussing this with him. After all, Jeff tried to tell me, they are minimum wage workers having to work on a holiday. After giving him the "Oh no you didn't" eye for not backing me up, I said, "Well, didn't they know that was a possibility when they signed up for this job?" The cake actually tasted pretty good. I couldn't even taste the spit from the bakery worker.

Her friends came over and they had a great time. I watched the fireworks over the tops of the trees from the Freedom Celebration at the mall. No traveling downtown this year due to gas prices. Here are some pictures from the night. Check out the sushi candies I put together! As far as the cake goes, it wasn't as easy as I anticipated. But, I am not a paid cake decorator either. Does anyone know of a good bakery? I will need a cake in August.

Happy 4th of July!!!

Congratulations, Jeff!!

2008-07-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my husband. He has left his law firm to begin a firm of his own. He will be working with another lawyer close by our home in Trussville. I know he will miss all his friends and coworkers at his old firm, but we will remain good friends, which is a blessing! They are great people and helped shape Jeff into the phenomenal lawyer he is today. In the mean time, his new office is in the process of being set up. Jeff had to bring everything from his old office home prior to getting the new office ready. Check out my dining room table. It's worth it!! Ashley is having her friends come over tonight for her birthday party. Do I dare touch anything on this table? Not on your life!! I will post pictures from her party soon. Lurnus

Happy 17th birthday, Ashley Beth!!!

2008-06-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Before you were born, we loved you. Every day since then our love for you has grown. You bring such joy to our lives. Enjoy your day, Sweet Pea!

The Lurnus Gude family has returned from the Bahamas!!

2008-06-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how wonderful the cruise was! The best part was being with my sister's family and my parents. It was good to reconnect. Our lives are just too busy. I would recommend going on the Carnival ships. They are top notch, especially the meals. Here are some of my thoughts regarding cruising:

-It's probably not a good idea to lay out by the pool for 3 hours. We were in open waters the last day and for some reason, ultraviolet rays have greater powers on ocean water.

-Piano bars on cruise ships are just not the same as the ones in New Orleans. They couldn't hold a candle to JB at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shoppe on Bourbon St.

-You can get knock-off name brand purses at the straw market in Nassau for NOTHING. If you are careful, you can keep the label on for at least a month. (Between my sister and myself, we bought 7 purses and 3 wallets.)

-The only downside to cruising, according to my husband, is the schedule of things to do on the ship. He has no desire to do anything on vacation except rest. I agree with him on this one.

-Men should NEVER wear Speedos unless they are competing in the Olympics. I am still nauseous from the image of the 50+ year old man in the hairy chest contest wearing one of these.

-Fresh fruit in Freeport was unbelievably mouth-watering. Yummy!

-I don't know how I am going to do it, but my son fell in love with the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake on the cruise and now he wants it for his birthday. I got the recipe but I think I need a blowtorch.

-While I am laying out, I can concentrate on what I am reading much better with songs like Sexyback and Low blaring in the background. My mom and sister could not.

-You can find a Starbucks anywhere!! I found one as soon as we got off the ship at Nassau. They won't accept your gift cards, though.

-You can make a living on a cruise ship with the fine art of towel origami. If they like you, you get things like a stingray, an elephant, or a dog. If they don't like you, you get a snake.

-Losing a camera on vacation is like losing an appendage. We did find it, though. It was NOT my fault this time.

-Having your birthday on the cruise is number one!! Thank you to my sweet husband and children for the pearl necklace and bracelet.

-While you are away, the kennel will calm your dog with sedatives. I hope we don't have to watch him go through detox.

-We are already planning to do this again.....to Jamaica!!!

Here are some pictures from the trip. We were not able to capture the third day, due to the camera being in the bag of scotch from Nassau.

Bucky from Relief, Kentucky writes......

2008-06-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Hey, Lurnus!! I wanted to share my senior portrait with you. What do you think?? I had my hair done special just for this day. I heard your daughter is getting her portraits done. How did it go?

Bucky

Bucky,

You are looking good, my man. Business in the front, party in the back!

Ashley had her senior portraits done today. Wow, I can tell you it isn't like the old days. We stood in line in the hot sun to get our ONE picture taken in the lunchroom. We had the generic drape picture. Well, nowadays they have many poses, many locations, and many changes of clothing. We drove to the photographers (shout out to Scott Buttram) and guess who forgot to get all of her outfits?? We had to go back home to get them and then head back to the photographers.
Ashley was beautiful. In fact, the lady taking the photos took way more than she was supposed to because Ashley was taking such beautiful pics. We got to the Civitan Park here in Trussville for her "outdoor shoot" and one picture was taken under a bridge. Ashley leaned up against some concrete that had been covered in graffiti. I thought that was a strange place to take a photo, but it actually looked really cool. I will post the pictures when they come in. In the mean time, here are a couple I shot. Sorry about the blurry and bright images. The flashes in the room interfered with my flash. I can't believe my little girl is entering her senior year. It seems like just yesterday when I was getting my senior portrait (1) made. Please time, STOP!
Lurnus

Happy Father's Day!!

2008-06-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

We met my mother, father, sister, and her family for Father's Day lunch. We went to a Super Buffet that has over 300 (yes, that's what I said) items including seafood, fruit, Chinese, pizza, salad, ice cream, and other items I didn't venture over to. This was Dad's place of choice and we all wanted him to enjoy his day. I can tell you that the fruit was delish.
I cannot begin to tell you how blessed I feel to have such a wonderful husband as Mr. Lurnus. He is an incredible father, who shows his love for Ashley, Jon, and me daily. They have gotten all their good qualities from him. :) I am also blessed to have a wonderful father as mine who has been married to my mother for 50 years. Here's to all the fathers out there who have been a godly role model for their families and whose impact will be felt for all eternity.
P.S. I hope you feel better, Honey. I am sorry you were feeling sickly on this special day.

Much love, Lurnus

Act of Congress- My Favorite Local Band

2008-06-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

Act of Congress - ''In the Middle'' and ''Clocks'' live at City

Act of Congress - ''The Well,'' live at City Stages

City Fest in Alabaster

2008-06-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I went down to Alabaster today for their annual City Fest. Jeff is a prosecutor for them and we also wanted to see the band, Act of Congress, which has Adam Wright as a member. He is our church pianist/musician extraordinaire. While there, we dropped by the CBS42 station and got a picture with their morning meteorologist, Charles Daniel. They had a poster of Jeff's friend Mark Prater, who is coming back to 42. We thought we would get a shot with the poster as well and email the pics to Mark. He loved them!! We are looking forward to having him back in town. When he gets here at the beginning of July everyone needs to start watching the weather on 42.
Lurnus

Ernie from Slapout, AL writes.........

2008-06-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

Lurnus,
I heard you have been busy these days. What's up???

Ernie,
I am doing two weeks of administration residency at my school and I am actually working principal hours. AHHHHHHHHH!
I have learned so much about running a school and this is a great way to find out if you are meant to do it or not. I will blog in a couple of weeks and let you know if I think I still do. : )
Well, tomorrow I have to be there at 7:30AM and I have class until 9:00PM. My poor children have been super sweet. I think they are like animals and they smell injury or maybe a nervous breakdown. :)
Thank you for your note. Take care and thank a principal.
Lurnus

Happy Birthday, Mom Brumlow!!

2008-06-01T16:00:00.001-07:00

Kelli from Slicklizzard, Alabama writes......

2008-05-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

Hey, Lurnus!
I hate to admit it but........I really only like to read romance novels. (Sound familiar, MG ?)Do you have any hate to admit it comments????

Dear Kelli,
I do, so here goes.....(Thank you, Paige for the idea.) I hate to admit it but.........

I love ACDC/Led Zeppelin/KISS/and hair bands =:0

I color my hair because the gray is getting out of control.

I sometimes wish we had had that third child when Jeff asked.

Jeff and I slept with Ashley when she was a week old and in the morning she was at the foot of the bed UNDER THE COVERS!!

I love reality TV.

Our laundry almost touches the ceiling in our bedroom walk-in closet.

I enjoy whiskey sours.

I have to think for a minute before I can tell you my parent's ages.

I have to think for a minute before I can tell you my age.

I would rather watch a shoot 'em up dramatic movie than a chick flick any day.

Sometimes I sleep until 10:00AM.

Sometimes I stay up as late as 3:00AM.

I love the smell of my husband's cigars.

I am the shortest person in the family now.

I would choose chocolate over healthy snacks every time.

I get a thrill out of watching scary movies, even though I can't sleep afterwards.

I haven't been to the dentist in a lonnnnnnnnnnnnng time.

I would love to have my daughter's hair. (Check out her picture.)

Take care!
Lurnus

Update from Lurnus

2008-05-25T12:10:00.001-07:00

My friend with liver cancer passed away this morning. I am in shock. (She is the blonde woman, second from the right.)

Current Happenings in the Life of Lurnus........

2008-05-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

School is out for summer, except for people (like me) who have to take one more class throughout the month of June to be certified in administration. I am very tired.

My daughter won a huge award - Most Improved Singer in Ladies Choir. I am incredibly proud!!

My son ended the year with honor roll for the entire school year...without ever opening a book. I am incredibly proud and envious!!

A teacher friend is moving to Ladera Ranch, California (Orange County). I am sad.

Another teacher friend who graduated with me in Dec. found out she has liver cancer and is going into possible kidney failure. I am very scared.

My sister's family and my family are taking my parents on a cruise for their 50th anniversary in June. I am excited!!

I just got the cutest polka-dotted bathing suit for the cruise. I am in need of a tan and exercise.

I just found out a friend is expecting a baby. I am glad it's not me.

I have to go get blood tests again tomorrow to see if my thyroid is still acting up. I am annoyed.

My niece just graduated and is headed to Alabama in the fall. I am feeling old.

I had three students cry on the last day of school and one boy kept looking back at me as he walked up the hallway toward the buses. I felt the reward of being a teacher.

Also on the last day of school, a student I had 4 years ago came to visit me. She told me that because of the journals we wrote she has decided to be a writer. I felt that I had made a little difference in the world.

I have two books to read and summarize, a binder of 15 activities to type up, and a two-week residency to complete by the end of June. I am procrastinating.

I just finished my 18th year of teaching, my daughter is going to be a senior this year, my son is going into the 8th grade, my parents are healthy, my husband is experiencing great joy in his career, and I look forward to what the future holds for me in education. I am feeling incredibly blessed!!

Lurnus

Penny Mae from It, Mississippi writes......

2008-04-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

Lurnus,

Guess what happened!!! This guy from school asked me to go to the prom with him in a couple of weeks. I am kinda excited but I need some advice. I really wanted to go with a bunch of my buddies. I think we would have a blast. I also like this boy a lot. He promised me we could go out to eat at a fancy place before the prom like Quincy's Steakhouse. What do you think I should do??? Penny Mae

Dear Penny Mae,

It is so good to hear from you. Well, I can't tell you what to do but I can let you in on what my daughter is doing for the prom. She is going with a bunch of friends. I must say I admire her carefree way of looking at these events. I began to worry about the prom and whether or not I would get asked MONTHS before the actual date. I fretted over every detail. She is going in a beautiful pink gown and pink Converse tenny shoes. Her friend is going in Converse also, but the color to match her dress. Before the prom they will eat at a nice restaurant called Carrabbas and afterwards, they are going to go see the movie "Prom Night." Doesn't that sound like a blast? If you want to have a carefree night with a lot of laughs I would say go with the friends. If you really like this boy and think you may want to date him after the prom, go with him. I will say that a good time with friends is a sure bet. A good time with a guy you don't know real well is questionable. I hope you go, though. You will make memories for a lifetime. Check out my daughter's picture (in pink) with her friend. Aren't they beautiful?

Love, Lurnus

Larry from Toad Suck, Arkansas writes......

2008-04-05T09:49:00.001-07:00

Lurnus,
Have you heard of the play, Spamalot? I am thinking about going to see it but I wanted to know what you thought first. I am not a fan of Spam. I prefer Vienner sausages. What do you think?

Larry,
Well, it just so happens that my family and I went to see Spamalot here in Birmingham last night at the civic center. I can't remember when I have had a more enjoyable evening. It really isn't about canned meat. It is a take-off from the movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. What I love about Broadway productions is the embellishment. They added so many funny parts and songs that keep you rolling in your seats. They do come back to the plot of the movie, though. My teenage daughter was not at all pleased that we were making her go on this family outing, but once or twice during the production I think I saw a smile and maybe a laugh. I think if you can get a teenage girl who has limited interest in Monty Python to enjoy the play, then it is well worth your time. I would say that it is money (quite a bit) well spent. I am not so sure this play will be making its way to Toad Suck anytime soon. I would say the closest to you may be Little Rock. Have a great week and remember, "Always look on the bright side of life."

Lurnus

Bubba from Hicksville, Ohio writes.......

2008-03-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Lurnus,
What have you been up to this week?

Dear Bubba,
I have been very busy. In fact, you probably won't see many updates from me during the work week. I am sitting at my computer, digesting the biggest BBQ sandwich I could get my mouth around (kudos to Jim 'n Nicks) and thinking about tearing into a bowl of Coffee Lover's ice cream from Coldstone Creamery. I have been a very good girl this week, having savored the delicious meals provided by Healthy Choice and keeping my snacking down to only 4 or 5 bites of chocolate a day. But right now, that ice cream looks deeeeeelicious.
My daughter has taken off with her best friend to go across town to the Galleria. Along with them are two boys (friends, they say). I must say that sending your 16 year old daughter down the road in her car, I mean my old car, really revives your prayer life. I am a little overprotective, I have been told. I just like to know where my children are and who they are with. I like to hear from them when they are out and about and I like to know when they are safely back at their destination for the evening. Is that too much to ask?? Well, I am beginning to realize that little by little I am letting go of her. I know that in a year and a half she will be on her own (maybe) and in God's hands totally. I find myself more and more saying, "Okay, Lord, she is off into the great unknown and I pray for her safety." I believe there are special angels who look out after small children and teenagers. I just pray that I have given her the guidance that I should have and that when she is faced with decisions that may have heavy consequences, that she make the right decision. For all those out there who have teenagers, I feel your pain but I also know the joy of living with these glorious beings. I wouldn't trade it for the world!!! After all, wasn't it just yesterday that I was making stupid choices and enjoying my independence for the first time? I learned from each stupid decision and learning from mistakes is some of the best learning of all.
Take care and pray for your teenagers!!
Lurnus

Easter Sunday with Lurnus' Family

2008-03-23T15:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Daddy!!

2008-03-23T15:36:00.001-07:00

Patsy from Monkey's Elbow, Kentucky writes.....

2008-03-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Lurnus,
Today is the day before Easter. What are your plans for tomorrow??
Patsy

Dear Patsy,
Well, to start off the weekend of remembrance for what Christ did for us on the cross, I am watching "The Ten Commandments." As I watch this epic of yesteryear I ask myself, "What in the world does this movie have to do with the resurrection of Christ?" I love the movie, mind you... Charlton Heston in all his glory and youth has always left me awestruck.
I have all the goodies for Peter Cottontail's visit in the morning. Yes, I know my kiddos are 13 and 16, but if the Easter bunny doesn't make a stop by here tonight, I would have two very upset teenagers on my hands. I don't think I will ever get tired of preparing baskets, no matter how old they get. They will even go egg hunting at my parents tomorrow after lunch. Of course, Dad does put money in the eggs. My nephew, who is 21, still likes to hunt eggs at their house. I wonder why???
With all the eggs, chocolate, and epic movies, I will take time to remember the price Christ paid on the cross. I did nothing to earn salvation, nor will I ever do enough to earn it. He did it because He loves me....that's all.
As long as we are talking about epic movies, at the end of "Saving Private Ryan" Tom Hank's character tells another character, "Earn this." Tom Hank's character was about to die in order to save another character in the movie. The movie ends with the boy who was saved, an old man at this point, still struggling with whether or not he had earned what the other man had done for him. When Christ died for us, that was it. We no longer have to worry whether or not we have "earned it." We are free to live our lives as His child. As humans we are constantly trying to do things to be spiritual, but because of what Christ did for us, He did the work and will make us into what He wants us to be. We just have to believe.
I hope you have a blessed Easter and that we will all remember His sacrifice, not only tomorrow, but each and every day.
Love,
Lurnus

Festus from Frankenstein, Missouri writes.....

2008-03-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Lurnus,
Here in Frankenstein we play some sports, like Skillet Tossing and Cow Tipping. Do they have sports there in Alabamer and if so, do you watch any?
Festus

Festus,
We do have sports here in Alabama but not the kind you are used to. Here is the south we have the sacred football, although this time of year you tend to have to endure the incredibly boring basketball. (Sorry basketball fans) I am going to attach a video that gives you a picture of what football is all about. Here is a tribute to the greatest college football team ever. I really miss them this time of year. Oh well, football season is just 6 months away. Enjoy!!
Love,
Lurnus

Agnes in Chugwater, Wyoming Writes...

2008-03-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Lurnus,
I don't have much to do here in Chugwater. What are you up to these days?

Dear Agnes,
I am currently enjoying my spring break and I am being as lazy as a human can possibly be. I did manage to type my paper for grad school. That feels so good not to have that hanging over me any more. I am enjoying the fine art of cooking for a change. I am a night owl so I am finding late night movies very enjoyable. For the last three nights I have watched the first three Alien movies, although I am sure if I took the time, I could find more thought-provoking movies. It just takes too much energy. Well, I am going to go relax. Blogging is fun but I need a nap.

Love,
Lurnus

Blythe in Cold Foot, Alaska writes ...

2008-03-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Lurnus,
You sure were the best teacher. How come you don't rite us a blog?
Yur formr student, Blythe

Dear Blythe,
It is so good to hear from you. It is good to see your spelling and grammar skills have improved. I have been considering a blog and you have just given me the push I need. I am very busy but I think this will be fun. I hope your family is doing well. We are doing great! Jon is in baseball and Ashley is singing in the choir at school. Jeff is busy but doing fine as well. Stay warm!
Love,
Lurnus