Beware the Webkinz!

Let me just send out a warning to all you intelligent, hard-working, God-fearing adults.

DO NOT PLAY WEBKINZ!!! It... (insert impressive pause)... is evil.

They used to say that cards are the devil's prayer book. Well, move over Hoyle--Webkinz reigns supreme over all vices. Allow me to explain.

Unless you have children, you've probably never heard of these ridiculously cute, entirely overpriced stuffed animals. If your Hallmark does not have a Webkinz display, the manager has, in all likelyhood, been recently fired because no sane person would dare pass up the mountain of gold these little critters are bringing in. I predict these things to be the next Tickle-Me-Elmo of the upcoming Christmas season. They're flying off the shelves, and most stores limit the number you can buy. To my knowledge, nobody's been killed over them yet, but it cannot be long in coming.

What are they, you ask? Webkinz are just cute stuffed animals, remininscent of the old beanie babies craze of a decade ago. What makes Webkinz so unique, and so evil, is the magnificently expansive virtual world that they unlock. Mozy on over to Webkinz.com and check it out on their little tour. When you purchase the toy, you have access to this amazing virtual world, in which you, quite literally, become caretaker for your pet. You must feed it, play with it, and nurture it to ensure its health and happiness. Think Tamigotchi on steroids. It's like having a child, but these furry little things don't backtalk. You can decide how to furnish your pet's room, right down to the color of the wallpaper.

In order to feed and provide for your pet, you must visit the arcade and play all of these awesome games to earn Webkinz dollars. These games are incredibly fun, and incredibly addictive. They have renovated versions of Battleship, Pong, and Frogger that put the originals to shame. They even have their own trading card game (remember Pokemon?). There are so many games, it would take hours just to play them all. There are several ways to earn money in this world, and I am telling all of you Addicts Anonymous out there--Webkinz is heaven for anyone with an addictive personality. Addiction to this world leads to Sloth, Greed and Envy, no doubt.

I have no idea where Webkinz came from, but I suspect (ATTN: all Conspiracy Theorists out there) that the Japanese had something to do with it. I mean, THINK about it! Insanely cute animals, computers and virtual worlds, trading card games--who ELSE could have come up with it?!?! The only thing missing is a manga series and anime. It screams Japan. The next step in Japanese economic domination of the world, if you ask me. Before long, people will be giving out their Webkinz handles along with their emails and IM names.

So, beware the Webkinz, people. Beware.

Alas, it's too late for me. I have embraced the evil and sold out to the corporate giants who want my money, nay--my very soul--in their pockets. My Webkinz handle is TumbleweedCrossing. If, like me, you have already been infected by the virus that is Webkinz, I invite you to come over and meet me in Webkinz World. I guarantee to offer you a mean game of Chef Challenge or Dogbeard's Bathtub Battles.

My Webkinz Info:
ID: TumbleweedCrossing

My Pets:
Clydsdale horse -- Winchester
Black Stallion -- Remington
Lil' Unicorn -- Weatherby
Google (fictional animal)-- Browning
Lil' Alley Cat -- Gatling
Persian Cat -- Chantilly

See you in Webkinz World, my fellow Sell-Outs!!!

Photo Album Updated

I have posted the photos from Donna and Brad's visit over the 4th of July. This page includes Haddie's Jack Daniel's photo session, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and American Village.

http://www.tumbleweedcrossing.net/Andy/july2007.html

Enjoy!

Martha and Richard's New Home

Well, after many years, ability finally caught up to necessity and we found a great Assisted Living facility for Terry's mom and dad. As it happens, of all the homes in Bham, the best one for them is just up the street from us about half a mile or so. I've been busy helping them with the move and setting up their new room this past week. The room is complete, except for curtains and recliners, which are forthcoming.


Family will be happy to know that, after only one week, they are thriving! I have never seen Richard more coherent, or Martha so happy. She is quite the social butterfly, and Richard can actually converse with comprehension. If you'd like their new address and phone number, email me privately.

Haddie's Lost Tooth

Andy learned a few months ago that baby teeth begin falling out at the age of six. When he turned six last month, he became excited, albeit a bit wary, to loose a tooth. He currently has no loose teeth, but we check on occassion.

A few days ago, Andy ran up the stairs, excited to the point of hysterics. He said that Haddie had lost a tooth. At first, I didn't believe him and I told him she couldn't have. He insisted, and claimed that she had just spit it out of her mouth.

Of course, I became worried:
A) Because Haddie is only 2 years old, and
B) Because I heard no crying.

Frightened that Haddie might have taken a bad fall that knocked her out, I shot up from the computer and raced to the stairs. There she was, chipper as a cricket, coming up the stairs with a tiny white lego in her hand.

Andy, practically jumping, said, "Mommy! Haddie lost a tooth! That means she's 6 years old now!!!!"

Our Jack Daniel's Photo Session

We were in Lynchburg, Tennessee at the Jack Daniel's distillery on July 3 with Donna and Brad. Andy wanted to go on the tour, but Haddie was too unbridled and energetic for an hour-long tour. Being cooped up for three hours in a car (with no nap) does not a contented two-year-old make. Therefore, I decided to keep her occupied in another way.



The grounds of the museum are so beautiful, and it was two years ago to the week that I discovered my unrealized photography talent on those very grounds. True to my Girl Scout days, I came prepared. After sending the others off on their tour (I've been on it four times already, so I wasn't missing anything), I, ready with camera, props and outfits, set Haddie up as my model. She was a natural, and is finally figuring out the whole "posing thing". It's a good thing I have photogenic kids.

Here are just a very select few of the pictures I got that day. The rest of the photos can be found here:
http://www.tumbleweedcrossing.net/Andy/july2007.html

Welcome to the Haven!

Hey pards,

Since our circle of friends stretches across the globe, few people ever see our family on a regular basis. I, alone, have the privilege of watching the children grow up, uninterupted by time and distance. It is time too precious to be lost, and should be shared with others. The insights into the minds of children are remarkable, and this blog is a place for me to share their lives with you. My children are a mystery to most, and I cannot be selfish. I must share them with others. They deserve to be shared.

I hope you enjoy their thoughts and deeds. I enjoy them daily.

Janie