Paw Print Press Serving Itasca “The Big Little Town” since 1997 Itasca, Texas 76055 Volume 2009 Issue No. 51 December 18, 2009 “Fear Not,” Still an Important Part of Christmas Message in 2009

Christmas is such a wonderful time of year! Itasca is lit up with beautiful lights and Christmas displays. Choral programs and pageants are presented. There are yummy Open Houses with good food and good fellowship. But what if you’re not feeling the joy this year? What if you or a loved one is in the Armed Services and far from home this Christmas? What if one of your loved ones has died? What if you’ve lost your job? What about the economy, the H1N1 flu, health care? Maybe you say “It just doesn’t feel like Christmas this year.” You might be surprised! If you go back and read the original Christmas story in the Bible, it’s full of things that didn’t go according to plan. There’s several “Fear nots”. And besides fear, there’s also grief. Imagine that you were Mary - a teenage girl, looking forward to getting married and then you suddenly find out you’re going to have a baby. An angel says “Fear not”. Imagine that you’re her fiancé, Joseph. Your heart is broken, and you’re considering having her stoned to death. And an angel says “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” Imagine that you go into labor miles from home and can’t even find proper lodging, so you give birth in a stable, surrounded by animals. Out in the fields, shepherds are doing their job, watching their sheep. Suddenly, they hear “Be not afraid.” And they leave their flocks and go in search of this newborn King. Imagine you’re the Wise Men, following a star. You’ve left your home and your friends and families to search for this King. And it doesn’t take much time in King Herod’s court to realize there’s going to be a problem, for Herod is already feeling threatened by this new King. Imagine that you’re Joseph, thinking the worst is behind you when suddenly - there’s the angel again, telling you to get up and go to Egypt! And imagine that you’re one of the many mothers of a baby boy, born in Bethlehem, watching soldiers come and take him away and killing him on orders from King Herod. We like to think of it like “Silent night, Holy night”, but the Christmas story is full of unexpected, inconvenient plans. Things didn’t go smoothly. And there was pain. There was grief. But now, in the midst of your pain or grief or busy life, hear these words - “Don‘t be afraid!”! A Savior has been born for you! He is Emmanuel - God with us. Maybe you can understand just how wonderful that knowledge is this Christmas. At least, that’s my prayer for each of us. Diane Barnes (President Itasca Ministerial Alliance) The Christmas Story HE Has a Place at School

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out Should federal courts be allowed to ban prayer and from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be Bible reading in school? An article titled “School Prayer” registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was in The Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia states that, governing Syria. So all went to be registered everyone to although it has been debated in federal courts that his own city. allowing public prayer in schools violates some people’s Joseph also went up First Amendment rights, supporters of public prayer from Galilee, out of the have long argued that if God can be invoked within the city of Nazareth, into chambers of the government itself, then children should Judea, to the city of not be denied prayer in school. David, which is called I believe the benefits of public prayer at school far Bethlehem, because he outweigh the negative claims made against it. was of the house and Prayer is the procedure of praising and worshiping the lineage of David, to be entity we consider our creator and future salvation. registered with Mary, his According to Joan Range, in her Grolier Multimedia betrothed wife, who was Encyclopedia article titled, “Prayer,” prayer is a part of with child. So it was, that every culture and does not belong exclusively to any while they were there, the particular religious group. Our ancestors believed days were completed for her to be delivered. everything good and worthwhile began with prayer. Continued on page 2 Continued on page 3 Page 2 December 18, 2009 Paw Print Press Churches of Itasca The Christmas Story Bethlehem Missionary Baptist W. Spurgeon 687-2800 Continued from page 1 Central Baptist Church 401 E. Monroe 687-2343 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him Church of Christ 200 N. Aquilla 687-2774 in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there First Baptist Church 107 S. Lamar 687-2783 was no room for them in the inn. First Presbyterian Church 106 N. Lamar 687-2243 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in First United Methodist Main & King St. 687-2475 the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, Loveview Baptist Church FM 2959 East of I-35 an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Second Baptist Church 120 W. Marrion 687-9134 Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then Shiloh Community Church 254-582-0487 the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring St. John Missionary Baptist 506 S. Weaver 687-2821 you good tidings of a great joy which will be to all people. For 3rd Day Worship Center 107 E. Adams 214 564-2185 there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who Itasca Nursing Home Sunday - 10:00 a.m. is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will Everyone Welcome Monday Evening 6:00 p.m. find a Babe wrapped in a swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Central Baptist Church heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the Sunday School 9:45 Worship 10:50 a.m. highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” R.A.’s & G.A.’s (1st-6th) - Youth (7th-12th) 5:00 p.m. So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into Sunday Evening Worship 6:00-7:00 p.m. heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now Tuesday - Ladies’ Bible Study 10:45-12:15 p.m. to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which Wednesday Supper 6:00 p.m. ($2.00 ea. w/$10.00 the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste max/family) Adult Bible Study and Prayer 7:00 p.m. - Youth (7th-12th) and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 7:00 Kids’ Choir 7:00 p.m. website - itascacbc.org Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told to them by the shepherds. But Mary kept First United Methodist Church all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the Guaranteed no-nap Preaching, or double your doubt shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the back. Where Worship Is Joyous things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them. Experience the energy of God’s promise in a Luke 2:1-20 beautiful, historic sanctuary. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 10:50 a.m. Itasca Church of Christ - 200 N. Aquilla St. Are we taking a test without reading the book? That is exactly what many are doing when it comes to the Bible. They go by what they feel, think, or what others have told them, but have never read for themselves the complete book. This is the most important test you will ever take! Join us at the Itasca Church of Christ? Sunday mornings - 9:45 a.m. - Bible classes- 10:45 a.m. - Worship - 5:00 p.m. – worship Wednesday – 7 p.m. - Bible study All are welcome. First Presbyterian Church

106 N. Lamar Itasca 254-687-2243 Mrs. Kim's Kids & Grandkids [email protected] www.fpcitasca.org "In mission to and with the Presbyterian Childrens Wishes You a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Home to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ." Sundays - 9:30-10:00 Fellowship in Barton Hall 10:00 - 10:45 Sunday School for All Ages 11:00 - Worship Service 6:00 - Praise and Worship in Sanctuary Holiday Open House 6:30 - KFC and Hour of Power Itasca Citizens State Bank Tuesday and Thursday - 10:00 Exercise Class in Barton Hall Friday, December 18 Wednesday - 6:30 Vespers Service at PCH Chapel 7:15 Choir practice 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ANGEL FOOD SITE Everyone is Invited!!

Page 3 December 18, 2009 Paw Print Press

HE Has a Place in School Continued from page 1

The ritual of prayer was implemented in the foundation of our country, the creation of our democratic government, and establishment of our public education system. Although our ancestors believed strongly in the use of prayer to aid in public solidarity and homogeneity, our modern society ap- pears to have changed its perspective toward this time-honored custom. Our government still uses prayer for important occasions, such as swearing in a new President, and opening each session of Congress. Why then have our learned leaders decided it is unconstitutional to invoke God’s blessing on the education of our children each day? In the early 1960’s, at a school in New York, the students began each day with the following prayer: “Almighty God we beg Thy Blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our coun- try.” In 1962, Steven Engel took exception to this prayer and brought suit against the New York State Board of Re- gents, saying “…the prayer violated the First Amendment’s prohibition on the establishment of religion.” The deci- sion that came down in this case set a precedent that made it almost impossible for any prayer to be recited in the public schools, according to Robert Steamer’s article on “Engel v. Vitale.” I contend that the messages we are sending our young people today by this decision are contradictory to the beha- vior we expect them to exhibit. Parents and the rest of the society expect young people to have and practice high moral standards and to follow the teachings of the Ten Commandments, admonitions that condemn cheating, lying, stealing, or killing. When these young people turn to gangs and other violent activities, we wonder why they have gone wrong. Americans need to start thinking about God and how to raise children in a country that has lost much of its connection to God. Have we worried unduly about individual rights, allowed our social morality to decay, and sent a message to the young that individual feelings are more important than the good of the community? Studies have shown that young people need discipline and guidance. They also need a sense of a greater being and the com- fort and hope that religion provides. Since school and its functions demand almost half of a young person’s time, the school’s teachings should be consistent with the values that promote honorable, moral behavior. When the govern- ment tells our young people that prayer and the Bible are not appropriate at school, are we also telling them that the behavior that the Bible teaches is inap-

propriate at school? Another reason that this trend to ignore Biblical teaching creates a hardship for students is that allusions to the Bible are widespread in the context of both history and literature. For example, it is impossible for a high school student to under- stand some of the literature included in the curriculum of an English class without some knowledge of the Bible. Usually, when these references appear in their read- ing, students are interested and inquisitive. At times it appears that the student is looking for someone to explain the mysteries of life through the Bible. Often his teachers are compelled to steer the conversation toward a more secular topic. It is a shame that teachers have the right and the duty to discuss sexually transmitted disease, drugs, and suicides, but don’t have the right to lead their students in a prayer or a Bible reading. As a teenager preparing to enter the world of adulthood, I believe that a ma- jority of my peers feel as I do about allowing prayer in school. Some of my class- mates come from environments that leave them without adequate guidance from parents. The only adult leadership they receive is from their teachers. The posi- tive influence that school could have on these students is diluted by directives such as the prohibition of a morning prayer in the classroom. It is my contention that a young person who has a belief in a higher being, who has the comfort and hope of a better life through good behavior, and who has the knowledge that he or she is cared for by a loving God, is not as likely to commit violent acts against society. For the future of this nation, it is up to us to see that the important insti- tutions of public prayer and Bible reading, which aided in the development of our great country, are reinstated once more as customary parts of our citizens’ lives.

Note: This original writing appeared first in HIGH SCHOOL WRITER-Senior High Edition May 1997. Publ. Do- nielle Petrash Hernandez is a 1997 graduate of IHS. Page 4 December 18, 2009 Paw Print Press Dear Santa, I would like to have: Transformer Car and the Dumbo Early Childhood movie. Cash McIntyre A fake horse and high-heel shoes. Play tools and dinosaurs Kirstyn Sword Hector Duron Star Wars toys and a truck. Dinosaurs and Play Doh Joseph Davis Xavier Fontanez Monster truck and a puzzle. Bubbles and moon sand Alex Andrade Billy Watts Baby doll & stuff and a cat. Lori Johnson Pre-Kindergarten Talking Robot and Power Rangers Star Wars light saber and Star Wars suit. Gavin Grisham action figure. Ryan Volcik Blocks and cars. Spiderman and a Shrek toy. Quentin Seward Aidan Hughes Kindergarten House and Hannah Montana A kitty and a dog. Ava Rugh toy. Aliyah McGill White cat and China dog. Bike and a doll. Alyssa Jackson Cadence Edwards I Phone and Baukagmon. A key and a dog. Michelle Chavez Victor Garcia Moxie Girl and Pixo’s. A star and a bike. Omar Zavala Alley Baskett A doll like me and a car. Barbie Castle with pony and a pet Laney Bell Cars and a football game kitty. Becca Salinas Go-Kart and a Spark Scooter. Oscar Alvarado Dora Doll and a Toy Vacuum Cade Gordon A baby doll and a teddy bear Cleaner. Seianna Massey A picnic house. Daisy Morantes Beth Ankney Teddy bear and frogs. A trampoline and a Barbie. An X. Box and DSI Daneila Castillo Adriana Ramirez David Arellano A truck. Mason Hyder Spike the Dinosaur and a real horse. A motorcycle and a real monkey Mustang Toy and a Barbie dolls. Haley Jenkins Kayleigh Blair Hayleigh Arellano Hannah Montana camera & a bike. A bike and a cupcake maker To go snow skiing and have skis. Amiyah Wills Naomi Chavez Kierstyn Moore Barbie and a baby doll. A princess doll and a doll with Puppy and ninjas. Gabby Rodriguez clothes Yakziry Garcia Braylon Stafford Bike and a unicorn. A dirt bike and a smoke gun Lots of cars and a boat. Alondra Ramirez Cameryn Hyles Jose Gutierrez Iron Man and Optimas Prime. A transformer and a robot Buzz-Light Year and Spiderman De’Reyon Mayberry Brinden Johnson web. Brayden Cole Barbie dolls and Dora dolls. A remote controlled car and a race Racecars. Cole Billingsley Jada Kellum track Caden Lyons Sea horse and a 4-wheeler. Make-up and Princess stuff. A DSI and Pokemon Wyatt Beam Heaven Gonzales Martinez Firestation Puzzle and Power Make-up and Princess stuff. A bike and a dog Noona McGee Rangers. Seth Jackson Tyra Crawford A truck and a trailer Chase Price Barbie and dolls. Gracee Cole Candy Jewelry Maker and Barbie A guitar and clothes Pink towel and a cow. Dr. set. Casey Hernandez Jasmyn Rodriguez Alyssa Botello Monster truck and a book. A DS and 2 For Real Friends Pets and a toy Kayd Lightsey Natalia Savala phone. Hannah Brakin Star Wars game and Halo. Robot and a dinosaur. Kaden Cordell Samantha Forbus A trampoline and Buzz-Light Year. Trains and a boat. Alexsandra Comer Canaan Richters A truck. Tomas Castillo

Page 5 December 18, 2009 Paw Print Press Santa Letters from Elementary A rabbit and drums Kindergarten 1st Grade David Hernandez A dollhouse and dolls A car and a SpongeBob game Arly Zavala Erick Diaz A Nintendo DSI and a PSP A guitar and a Taylor Swift CD Joe Gonzales Kalee Payne A Nintendo DSI and an Angel Barbie Nintendo DSI Marcus Yanez Alanna Jeffers Remote controlled helicopter and a and Barbie A twelve gauge and drum set Police Man Jacoby Searcy Emmersyn Cardona Bryson Nipp Tinkerbell Dish Set and a Tinkerbell A bicycle and a dog A Barbie and Nintendo DSI costume Abby Weaver Jeremiah Jackson Brenda Morales Optimus Prime and a Star Wars ship A Wii and a game Jeremy Ables Joshua Cardona A CD player and colors A Battle Gun Game and a bike Grace Anderson Juan Hernandez A Nintendo DSI and another DS A razor and a basketball goal A Sparks Scooter and a camera Marshall Woods Ricky Arellano Lane Burt A dollhouse and a doll piano A Spiderman Airplane and a Trans- A little dog and a little kitten Anna Anderson former Dh’eveon Barlow Orlando Hernandez Nintendo DSI, game, Tiger & Robot A train and the Polar Express A guitar and a microphone Anthony Ramirez Michael Battleson Aleesia Sarli A Nintendo DSI and a Wii A baby doll and books A horse and dolls Alexis Murr Ashley Tetreault Kodey Benitez Legos and a baseball bat A Nintendo DSI and Legos Cowboy boots and a Rock Star Braeden Castro Ashton Tinkenberg Willie Bible A firefighter car and toy cars A Nintendo and Barbie doll swim- Hannah Montana and new shoes Bryan Bautista ming pool Susie Balch Daniela Chavez Dolls and a bike Chloe Sherber A four wheeler and a Wii A motorcycle and a toy gun A Screecher dinosaur and a pet di- Justin Seward Brendon Heath nosaur Dustin Latray Some DS games and balloons A big doll house and Bratz girls Ice skates and the Hannah Montana Courtney Upton Mackenzie Hernandez CD Elizabeth Brown A telescope and Wii Fit A drum set and a cowboy suit Jimmy Heath Morgan Holliday Make up and dress up stuff A robot puppy and a telescope Elizabeth Wright EJ Montes A X. Box 360 and Halo 3 Barbie dolls and a kitchen Logan Strona Madison Rodriguez A Wii and X. Box 360 An art set and a bicycle Kyle Kirkpatrick Abby Salinas A kitten and a dog A pink guitar and a puppy dog A big Care Bear and a pony Felicity Cockerham Lola Hoard Kylee Sherber Lipstick and nail polish A Wii and a Pokemon game A Barbie doll and a puppy Hannah Whitlock Angel Diaz Kylie Sayers A DS and toy cars A Hannah Montana guitar and a Rafael Martinez Merry Christmas from Barbie Doll Anyah Villereal Sparks Scooter and a camera Elementary Principal Roller skates and a play gun River Gordon Garrett Slagle Moxie Girl and make up Ms. Karon Farquhar A teddy bear and two dogs Tempest Arellano “I wish each of you a restful Jacey Wilson Moxie Girl and make up and enjoyable Yeni Delgado Christmas vacation!” Playstation and X.Box Raymond Arellano Page 6 December 18, 2009 Paw Print Press Dear Santa, I would like to have st Backugon & Pokemon toys More 1 Grade Michael Kirkpatrick Pokemon cards & Pokemon game An IPod & PS3 Bernardo Garcia Ryan Markwardt Stuffed dog & stuffed horse A real puppy & kitty Anahi Botello Jennifer Martinez Spy gear & golden sunglasses An 360 & a Wii Freddy Gonzales Donavon McGill Yu-gi-oh & Pokemon cards A DSI & a PSI game DS & New Moon Kaylei Cole Eli Jacks Clay Pittman Drum set & a DS Mason Griffin & Pokemon cards A go cart & a Lego Star Wars PSP & a Benlo game Weston Helms John Wesley Rhea Parker Richters Computer & a phone A guitar & Wii games A DS & a phone Vanessa Ramirez Aidan Sargent Kyerra Rockuemore MP3 player & a PSI A nutcracker & a stuffed horse A DS & a guinea pig Annalisa Marquez Jesse Harris Alicia Whitlock Hot-Wheels car & flying helicopter A marshmallow shooter & Pokemon Barbie dolls with clothes & a Barbie Matthew Ankney cards Alberto Cruz Doll House Nathalie Willman Nintendo DSI & Sparks Scooter A big teddy bear & a big puppy dog A DS & a puppy Tori Schmidt Toriah Brooks Allison Strickland A big train set & a bikes ski Nintendo DSI & make-up An electric guitar & Pokemon cards Bobby Murr Bree Brown Jacob Ramos A PS3 & an XBox game Nintendo DS & MP3 player A baby & a boy Desi Rasco Devin Gorman Breona Castro A new ball & a guitar A telescope & a microscope Nintendo DS & remote control car Jaedyn Campos Patrick Runyon Dionicio Cruz A new bat & a new PSP nd A guitar Easton Hoard 2 Grade Blaine Vaughan A real puppy & new bike Glitter lava & Bendaroos A’Leayah Hogan Hannah Verhaagen A real puppy & doll Wii basketball game & XBox foot- Trinity Jacks ball & baseball game Terry Harris Wii & Ben 10 Alien Creation game A truck toy & a toy puppy Nicky Johnson Sammy Bonds Remote control car & a light saber Bio bear & DSI Johnathan Bustin Deacon Lair An IPod & PS3 player A Playstation 3 & XBox Remote control car & Pokémon Travis Abbott Chris Diaz cards Danny Molla An XBox 360 & Call of Duty 2 DS & new games Cherokee Carr Nintendo DSI & Hummer Limo Ethan Agreda Laptop & a scooter Eric Mozon A PS 3 & an XBox Niccona Olson Nintendo DS & a remote control car Andrew Arellano A phone & an IPod Jared Persons A pink or red MP3 & a Fur Real Morgan Ward Nintendo DS & a PlayStation 3 Friend with a white head PSP & Xbox Hunter Abeyta Dakota Price Alex Gonzalez Tinkerbell book, DS & Tinkerbell Fake high heels & shoe organizer for A fake laptop & a Wipe off Board game Lily Cleveland my closet Destini Ramsey Avery Barfield An IPod & an XBox 360 PlayStation 3 & a pellet gun An IPod & a DS Anthony Salazar Chase Rutherford Aerianna Boudreux I Phone & a paintball gun Fur Real Friend Cat with a brown Damian Sanders head & the Littlest Pet Shop with a Nintendo DS and a Barbie house Husky puppy Gillian Brackin Fayth Searcy Two new Nef Gods & a new game Nintendo DS and a bike Trevor Cockerham Rene Saldierna Page 7 December 18, 2009 Paw Print Press Santa Letters from Elementary rd Teddy bear & some big earrings, but Cake maker & to have the best 3 Grade not too big though Christmas ever Brenna Barnes Chasity Roberson Laptop & with Mario Beanie Baby & Nintendo DSI Games Priscila Castillo Haley Hubbard Wii for the family & a laptop Pocket Rocket & Pokemon games Blaze Payne for my DS Ethan Greeson Map of the world & the Twilight 223 Buck Rifle & 223 shells collection Malacia Guy Wyatt Helms Hat & an airplane Ryan Hoard Cars Race-O-Rama PS2 video game Nintendo DS with a game & Wii & Bumble Bee Helmet & Blaster games Kristen Clary Bike & a hang monkey Cameron Hight Maxes Dragonoid & DS Cheat Katy Sherber IPhone & Cooking Momma 3 for DS Codes Jordan Shelby New dog & a new light clock Kenzie Boyd Bo Barnes DS & that T-Rex Laptop & a dollhouse Mariah Whitlock Elisa Persons DSI Red Mario Hoops game, Mon- Clothes & toys Aileene Diaz Vampire Diary game, game for my ster Trucks Maniac & Pastrand 199 XBox & a new XBox CD IPhone, Nintendo DS, IPod, & $20 Nolan Davis Hillie’s Jewelry Stephen Upton 2010 Video Game Wrestling & XBox Bendaroos & a Pet Shop doll La’Kashia Frederick 360 John Cardona Watch & a necklace Katelyn George Animal Ark Books & Tutenstein Computer & a skateboard Imelda Hernandez movie Alan Freeman Meadow Valeriano Super Mario 4 Play & a shotgun I want clothes & a Nintendo DSI Neo Arellano Rabbit & PS3 Timothy Jacks Armando Yanez gun & BB gun Rowdy Rhea Wii & Mario & Sonic at the Olym- Yughi-O cards & Yughi-O Tag pics Snow Games James Savala DSI and laptop Ariel Gonzales Force Four Dean Adams Laptop & swimming pool Skateboard & the teeniest, tiniest, Transformer Toys littlest pet shop Katie Younger Kaylie Soward Jacob Farquhar Stilts & welding machine Skateboard & a soccer ball PSP, computer, club house & foot- Wesley Frederick Harley Finley ball Kobe McGruder IPod & laptop Drawn to Life DS & Rabbits Go An elf & a puppy Home DS Isabel Avila Bethany Kirkpatrick Anistashia Rockeumore Skateboard & DS Keilan Harris Pokemon cards & a football Hannah Montana CD & drum set Nathan Ramos VV Pets & a little puppy Sabrina Massey Brianna Bolden Monster Vs Aliens Movie & $20 dol- Guitar, amp, a pick & XBox 360 lars Austin Karr Phone & IPod Hannah Bruton games Jonathan Ramsey Drums & sword Brandon Sifford Touch Screen IPod & a Hannah Four wheeler & MP 4 player Montana wig Sophie Hennig Jeff Knight Nail Printer & a Nintendo DSI IPhone & an Easy Bake Cake Itzayana Pacheco Maddie Reyna Skateboard & a Bitty Twins Password Journal & Fur Real Rachele Wood Friend JaMesa Long Blue DSI & a rug that you can put Summer of High School Musical & a your cars on Samuel Sulak laptop Lupita Gobellan Wii & a Wii games Dylan Beam Electronic elephant & a black lab Nintendo DS & Playstation ITouch & PSP Whitley Alverson Hallie Runyon Jerry Watts Nintendo DSI & Razor phone Pillow Pet & Taylor Swift tickets Puppy & DSI Brooklyne Soward Justin Bayse Samantha Faries Pink laptop & a pink bike PSP game & DS with a game Caring Corners & a Touch & Brush Alyssa Andrade Cameron Brandstetter Ladybug Mayberry Page 8 December 18, 2009 Paw Print Press Santa Letters from Elementary th PSP & a Nintendo DSI IPhone cover & I Tunes card 4 Grade DeAjanae Diggs Payton Kimbrell Nintendo DSI & a phone Money, money, money & IPod Chloee Dumas Landon Lain Dirt bike & IPod Nano IPhone & a puppy Melissa Maya Ruben McCray Phone & IPod touch Emili Sarli Pixos Portable Pack & a digital Boots & a touch screen IPod camera Brenna Durham Katie Nalley Nintendo DSI & a PSP Guitar & Hannah Montana doll Destiny Fennell Breannah Olvera Laptop & phone Yadi Garcia Fishing rod & Xbox 360 DS Game about a hero & Naruto William Rodriguez DSI & laptop Alexis Arellano Shippoden movie Eric Gonzales Computer & a soccer ball XBox & a mini motorcycle Black berry touch & a Nintendo DSI Elisandro Salazar Isaac Benavides Tamera Jackson My dad & my entire family Plane & boat Nicholas Butler Go cart & a stunt bike Baylee Smith PS3 & an XBox 360 Ethan LaFountain A computer & a panda bear Danny Coronado Skateboard & skates Kristen Whitlock New bike & cowboy hat Augustine Marquez Heidi Delgado Laptop & a Rock Sampling of Guitar & a Wii Alessandra Diaz Rick Ortega Guitar & a Woody doll Dirt bike & a new motor cycle Middle School Dee Jay Dulaney Jeremiah Perkins Video camera & a dirt bike Black XBox 360 & Call of Duty 3 My Christmas wish is to spend qual- Justin Feazel Julio Rodriguez ity time with family and friends and DS & a bicycle Wendy Garcia Nintendo DSI & Sweater for my have a safe flight to and from Penn- IPod Nano & a four wheeler dog, Chloe Halie Sarli sylvania. Payton Gonzales Skateboard & a game cube game Mr. Keith Hannah (IMS Principal) Camera & shoes Destany Graham Lucas Sayers Twilight Movie &Touch screen IPod IPhone & IPod Amber Stephens 5th Grade Kyra Henderson My BFF never to leave & gerbils Real breathing Dachsund puppy & a Amanda Arellano trip to Beaumont Ranch A cell phone & an IPod Phone & IPod Chrystal Sanchez Halie Ramos Zachery Barnes Bike & a Wii Calvin Roberts Blue laptop & Madden NFL for Pink IPod touch & Déjà Clark IPod Touch & a cover for it XBox 360 Chalo Cavazos XBox 360 & college football Alexcia Rodriguez Phone & more stuff for my drum set Jacob Lacy Rockband 2 & a mini four wheeler Layton English Nintendo DS and IPod touch Tito Savala Lego Indiana Jones: The Adventure Nintendo DSI & a pink guitar Continues video game & toys Nicole Liles Pink IPod touch and IPhone PJ Stephens Dustin Feazel IPod & a 24 inch bike Summer Abeyta Sydney Williams IPod & Phone Fernando Chavez IPod touch & an X Box 360 Guitar& Guitar amp Rogelin Zavala Kenneth Fails White IPod & my own library of Laptop & IPhone touch books Jocelyn Ann Ali Dana Schuman Legos of life & IPod Touch Nintendo DSI & a cell phone PSP & a DSI Brayden Hennig Rebecca Arellano Henry Martinez Hannah Montana outfit & new baby IPod touch & Clothes. Snow globe & books about Christ- doll Jennipher Ignacz mas spirit Angelina Botello Gracie Rugh Birds & a dog Damerya Jarrett Jump rope & a Wii Wendy Chen Page 9 December 18, 2009 Paw Print Press The Christmas Holidays By Carl Sweeney

It seems only yesterday that we were taking down our Christmas de- corations, and now we are putting them back up again. Jeff Foxworthy says that if you leave your decorations up year round, you might be a Redneck. I am sure a lot of us are tempted to do just that. As we get old- er, we think that this year we will stop making an effort to decorate but then when the season comes we are glad we made the effort. You have heard us say time and time again how austere it was back when. However, we enjoy the look back to when we hung our stockings on the real fireplace. Then later we got the coal heater. In most cases the living room was large and the fireplace or heater was in this room. There was also a bed in the room where our parents slept. When they went to bed at night, Dad put a large semi-green log in the fireplace. Next morning he got up and added some wood to the still burning log. He jumped back in bed in the room to warm before getting up for the day. In case of the coal heater, we kept a can of coal oil soaked corncobs to light the coal with. We still hung our stockings over the fireplace, it was still there, and we simply blocked it off and ran the stovepipe up the fire place chimney. We had no modern toys such as video games, remote controlled toys or cell phones in our stockings, just fruit, nuts, and some candy with our small gift, which was often homemade. There is one thing I miss now that we always had for Christmas and that is a mince meat pie. We seldom see them now, and I wonder why. However, we still have the fruit cake. I remember during World War II while in New Gui- nea the Christmas of 1943 my mother sent me a fruitcake and lo and behold! it arrived two days before Christmas. My buddies with whom I shared it enjoyed it too. It would be almost two Christmases before I would be at home during the holiday again. This reminds me that recently on TV I saw a soldier griping because it took him two hours to get to the phone to call home, well la de da! It was over two years while being in the Pacific and not even having the possibility of calling home and even if we did our parents did not have a telephone to receive a call. When we think of Christmas it conjures up thoughts of snow and sleigh rides, snow men and such, also very cold weather. However, here in Texas we seem to get by just fine without all that, especially driving under hazardous conditions. We just sit back and listen to Bing Crosby sing “White Christmas”. There is a group of people who have mixed emotions about certain aspects of Christmas. They are the ones who have a birthday close to Christmas, something most of us might not think of. I have a sister who was born on Decem- ber 23. To begin with, this messes up the mother’s Christmas. In the early days, the baby was born at home and the mother stayed in bed for four or five days. You can imagine what that does to Christmas with the main person out of commission. I don’t know what they do now, but my sister says when you have a birthday close to Christmas you only get one present, a combination, birthday and Christmas present. This reminds me of the little boy who had the same experience as I did. His poem goes like this: I wrote to Santa early last June, I knew that Christmas would be coming soon, I told him things I wanted for play- A top, a B.B. Gun, a ball- but say, What do you think he brought me instead? A baby sister with no hair on her head, She sleeps all day and cries all night, I don’t think Santa treated me right, But mom and dad are pleases as can be, And say, what a wonderful Christmas for me. All that time I couldn’t see what a wonderful Christmas it was for me Now 85 years later I am glad to see that I still have my little sister, Frances Marie. When the holidays are over and we are hesitant to leave. We must realize that life moves forward. But sometimes memories tug us back to the past for a brief “visit,” and then we go forward again to share contented lives with family and friends. Page 10 December 18, 2009 Paw Print Press Paw Print Press 123 N. College Itasca, Texas 76055

2009-2010 Lady Wampus Cats

It Is With Pleasure That We Pause From The Usual Routine of Business to Say Thank You For Your Friendship, Good Will and

The Itasca Lady Cats are very merry this Loyalty. May The holiday season. The girls are currently 8-2, Blessings And Hope and are playing in the Axtell Christmas Of Christmas Be Classic Tournament. The girls are just about to finish up their preseason play, and they Yours Throughout look forward to starting district on January The New Year. 8, 2010. The Lady Cats are Seniors Chantel Courtnier, Mary Maddox, Megan Goff, and Jessika Rodri- Lloyd Ford guez, Juniors Jasmine Guy, Autumn Pelham, and Christina Manasco, Sophomore Sha’Monica Anderson, Freshmen Be- ruke Namaga and Ashley Spain. The girls are coached by The Dwight Lloyd Family

Clint Wallace, Justin Wood, and Calvin Wright. Statisticians for the girls are Larry Maddox and Stacey Mayberry.

Lloyd Ford – Proud Supporter of the Wampus Cats Insert December 18, 2009 Paw Print Press Middle School IISD Personnel 10th Grade 6th Grade Wish List A car & some money Jaciel Gutierrez New vehicle, new shoes, lots of clothes & a truck Shakeal Mozon IPhone & new boots Jessica Castro Ball Python & Laptop New guitar & good quality family time Tanner Graig Kenneth Clary Clothes & Shoes Tiffany Ramos Phone & spend time with my girlfriend, IPhone & Friends Luigi Ortiz Jasmine Emilio Amaya Puppy & Phone Angel Stephens Camcorder Courtney Conway New clothes & Playstation 2 I want everyone to have a safe & A car & Schechter Avenger Guitar Danelle Whitefield joyful holiday Robert Duby Halo 3 & Xbox Live Superintendant Glenn Pittman IPod touch & digital camera Harley Germer I wish everyone a Merry Raven Nichols Blue Nintendo DSI & Nail Printer Christmas & Happy New Year Some money & more money Stephanie Pacheco & hope everyone receives the Andrew Clarke To stay & live in Itasca & not move gifts they desire but remember Class ring & a truck Dakota Cox & for my sisters to move back Fathe Altum that you are not the reason for th th the season 11 Grade 7 Grade IHS Principal Rickie Harris Car & IPod touch Dmytro Nayda I want to go with Ms Camp on Sleep & quiet Garrett Bruton Car & money Philip Thomas her vacation & for everyone to The best Christmas ever & lots of Lexus & my girlfriend back remember the reason for the sea- sleep Cody Mote Martell Wallace son Mrs Melissa Wilson Laptop & IPod touch A new alternator for my car An Escalade & an IPhone Luis Montoya Bob Slotvig Ms Anissa Bell Guitar hero for my DS & family Some money to go hunting New dry erase markers & Roset- time Emilee Ross Kendrick Carranza ta Stone Mrs Connie Grogan WII game & guinea pig New truck & boots BJ Jackson A vacation to the Bahamas & Megan Scoggins Guitar & video games Chris Carlson th nice rule-abiding students 8 Grade Peace on Earth Dillon Losciuto Ms Kim Camp

John Deere tractor & T-Max car A new refrigerator & world th Cody Lewis peace Mrs Debra Scott 12 Grade

To see my dad & Move from the th home Jazmin Rockuemore 9 Grade A new car & new Laptop & Horse Melissa Prosser Camera & an IPod touch clothes/ Jordan’s To see my dad & my grandma to be Katisha Hall Desmond Guy better Jackie Joe Green A better phone & car New clothes & new My family to be together again & Jessica Zint car my mom to come back & live with A camera Alaina Valentine Isaac Perez me Jack Daniel A camera & money New clothes & a To go home & some new shoes Becca Durham new phone Ciera Thompson JJ Helms Some shoes & Lady Cats to win Something amazing Justin Zint Get into college & a Blackberry state Beruke Namaga A new phone & Romeo to have a good Casey Carranza A monkey & charger to win the Christmas Elizabeth Olguin My aunt home from China & Peace Super Bowl Marcos Martinez Bike, car or motorcycle, some money, & in the world CJ Bruton Some gas for my vehicle & a new new clothes Stanley Johnson My mom to be healed from her jacket Eric Garcia A bike, skinny jeans & an IPod sickness Elsa Castellanos A truck & a pair of boots Tevin Mayberry Mercedes Delatorre A guitar Center Dillon Payne A four-wheeler & some money New boots Cody Reece Brandon Kelley Merry Christmas from the Paw Print Press Staff

Dear Santa, We have all tried very hard to be on our best behavior this year. Although it may seem impossible at times, we always make sure we make our deadline no matter what. We hope you will be generous to us this Christmas. We have made a list of what we would like for Christmas. We promise we will continue to work extra hard this coming year. Love, the Paw Print Press staff

**Peace of mind and plenty of holiday cheer Megan Goff **I GOT A CAR!! Mary Maddox **Money for Oklahoma State University Ashley Durham **To see my family & stay nice and warm Devin Corbitt **Clothes Eva Mayberry **An IPod touch Brittany Reid **A baby Rottweiler Shelby Ledwig **To get an electric drum set Ashley Spain **ITunes gift cards, crazy socks & to have fun with my family Hannah Johnson **40” LCD TV & a new home theater system for my room Aren Barton **Swords & the chance to get to see my whole family together Michele Ignacz ***Hungry Hungry Hippos and a star named after me Martin Martinez ***For everyone to have a good Christmas Brittany Bourland