The Sweetest Thing

Well, recently we have been swamped at the hospital were I work. I usually work twelve hours a day and they feel like sixteen. It's mostly because the flu has hit our area hard in the past month or two.

One day I went to work on evening shift and it was a beautiful day. My mom was watching the boys because Steve was still at work. The little one feel asleep shortly after I left so my mom maw (grandmother) watched him and my Mom took Ridge for a walk in the woods near our home.

On the other side of the mountain there is a railroad track. As they climbed off the hill they walked a short distance down the track. As they were stepping off the track my Mom spotted a train coming. She hollered at Ridge and told him it was coming and she watched as he jumped off the track and made his way up the hill like a goat. Ha, Ha.

She hollered again to stop him because she thought he was going to keep going. Luckily he didn't. He stopped right in a patch of Easter Lillie's. When Mom reached him they sat and watched the train go by. However, in Ridges eyes it was more like (Thomas the Train). He was so excited to be that close to a train and not in the vehicle; which is usually where he sees them from.

While they were sitting there my Mom asked him if he would like to dig me a flower. Of course he said "Yes!". They were tyring to dig with their hands and he said "Jesus help me dig a flower for Mommy". Is that not the sweetest thing?!!! My Mom said she would have dug till here nails came off if she had to, but they were coming home with that flower.

Ridge carried his special gift back around the hillside; eventually meeting up with my Dad and youngest son, Guner. They were coming to join the site seeing as well. Ridge brought back the Easter Lillie, dug a hole, planted it, and watered it. The next day he showed it to me and I gave him a big hug and kiss and thanked him. Within the next few days it had bloomed so pretty. It is a memory that will bloom every year.

Giving Back

With the WV Trophy Hunters Show in town, Steve and I decided to head down to check out the local vendors, browse through the various outfitters, and catch up with some old friends. It was a good time for sure. Of course, there was plenty to see and do; especially for the boys.

Walking through row after row of outfitters and product distributors, we were pleasantly surprised when we came across an organization that was there for one reason....to give something back.

"Beyond the Backyard" is a non-profit, charitable organization which introduces kids to the outdoors. Bobby Warner, an avid outdoorsman, was inspired by his passion for the outdoors to start West Virginia’s first outdoor youth organization dedicated solely to kids and parents. Totally free, members will receive quarterly newsletters and have access to a web site where they will learn about upcoming events, find out what the Mountain State has to offer youth and submit stories or pictures from their own outdoor adventures. There are also photo and essay contests in which the winners will receive a guided turkey hunt in Ohio and West Virginia.

"Beyond the Backyard is a kids-only organization, aimed specifically at the needs of young people ages 5 to 18," Warner explains. "And it's free. All a kid has to do to join is to visit our Web site, www.beyondthebackyard.org, or call our toll-free telephone number, 1-866-WV-WOODS. We'll send out the membership card."

We immediately signed-up our two young boys. What a wonderful opportunity for today's youngsters. With computers and video games ruling every aspect of their lives, children are becoming more and more "dis-connected" with the outdoors.

Certainly, Bobby Warner is on a mission to change all of that.

If you would like to get your kids involved, don't wait another day! If you know someone else who might benefit from being involved, pass along the information. Now is the time to plant the seed in our children that will bloom into a life-long appreciation and love of the outdoors.

We could definitely use a little more of that.

Until next time!


Jessi >>------->

Mathews 09'

With the local school systems shut down for a second day in a row, Steve and I decided to ease the "cabin fever" we were suffering from and head down to the local pro-shop to see what Mathews had in store for the new year.


As usual, they didn't disappoint.




While Steve test drove the new Reezen 7.0, I opted for last years jewel, the DXT.














I have been shooting an Ultra 2 for several years now and when I first drew back the DXT, I almost couldn't believe it! Expecting a harsh draw, I pulled with everything I had. I was shocked, and pleasantly surprised when the string came zipping back. Unbelievable smoothness doesn't quite sum things up. I shot better than I have ever shot; consistently placing the arrows in the spot 20 yds down range. Shooting a draw weight 5 lbs heavier than my current set-up will prove no problem at all. In fact, the DXT felt much smoother on the draw and after the shot.


My old Ultra 2 has sentimental values, but I think perhaps I may have to make room for a new favorite!


I want to send out a Special Thanks to Frank Addington of Addington's Bowhunter Shop for all of the help and hospitality on a cold, snowy, day.




By the way, ScentBlocker and Mathews have teamed up to develope a new carbon clothing line as well as boots, shooting shoes and scent control products. Specificaly tailored for Mathews fans everywhere.
More on this exciting news later!