The best Christmas ever?

I'm not sure, but I think this might be one for the record books (at least my own personal "record book"!). This Christmas has been wonderful! My entire family was home...my brother from college in Springfield, MO, my step-brother from Dallas, TX, and my DH, kids and I were all there. My sister is living at home while pursuing her masters, so we were actually ALL together. My kids got exactly what they had asked Santa for (thank God they only asked for one thing each! LOL). They were so excited for Christmas, and their excitement was contagious. Christmas Eve service was at the church my Grandmom attends, which is what we did when I was growing up. We also even went to my Uncle's house after the service, just like old times...but without the tension that used to be there. It was really a perfect Christmas! My grandmother and great-aunt came on Christmas morning to watch the kids open their gifts, and my kids were so patient while waiting on them to arrive! :) I'm so proud of them!!! Here are a couple pics:

My beautiful, precious kiddos on Christmas Eve:

My brothers, sister and me:

Having fun:

Lions and tigers and doctors, oh my!

The more I see of my kids' pediatricians, and the more I talk to other moms with small kids, the more I feel that medicine isn't a science; it's a guessing game. Every doctor you see tells you something different. My two older kids have both had MRSA, as have DH and myself. Each different doctor, nurse, PA...whatever...we've seen has given us different information (and I'd say we've seen at least 12 different practitioners with this). One will tell you to try a certain treatment...the next tells you that treatment is completely ineffective. The same with croup treatments. My kids' pediatricians (and the AAP) recommend hot steam. They advise going into the bathroom and turning the shower on as hot as it goes. Let the room steam up and sit in there on the floor or commode. This has worked for my oldest many times over. He's had croup at least 8 times. Well, wouldn't you know it, someone else's pediatrician told her that steam makes it worse and at best, doesn't help at all. Their advice is cool, night air. *sigh* I don't understand how so many doctors can all tell you with certainty that they know what they're talking about when they all say DIFFERENT THINGS!?! I suppose they're "guessing" just as much as us moms are. :)

Expectations vs. Expectancy

Expectations - something expected; a thing looked forward to, a prospect of future good or profit, the degree of probability that something will occur.
Expectancy - anticipatory belief or desire

Many times, we have expectations for certain events, conversations, situations or even people - how we think things will or should go. Most times, we're disappointed because those expectations are not met. After all, can any person really meet our expectations all the time? We expect a person to respond a certain way. We expect our husbands to do certain things. We expect a situation to be resolved in a certain manner and with a certain end result. However, when we place our own expectations on things, does that leave room for God? Where's the flexibility for God's will to be done? In our minds, we've already figured out how it should be, and we expect it to be so.

As Christians, I believe that we are called to live in a state of expectancy - not expectations. We should be anticipating what God will do in situations...how He will lead conversations...how He is going to move. Instead of putting our own expectations at the forefront of our minds, we should be focused on being a part of how God's will is going to be accomplished in that circumstance. Going into situations with our own expectations will leave us bitter, angry and frustrated. However, if we can approach situations with a state of expectancy, we end up amazed, excited, refreshed and encouraged.

Fun mornings...

Here's to "fun" mornings. :) Emma Grace woke up to tell me that she had wet her bed. Mind you, the child wears pullups at night. I was not home when the kids went to bed last night, since I had a meeting. So, guess who was in charge? ;) Anyway, I asked her where her pullup was. She told me, "Daddy said I could wear panties to bed." Niiiiice. So one quick phone call to DH later (to thank him for the lovely "gift" this morning) confirmed that he had not, indeed, told her that. What a little spitfire I have! The sheets go in the dryer in about 10 minutes. *sigh*

After all that drama, I thought for sure we were in the clear. No such luck. You would think that at 6 years old, EJ would just know that you can't climb a bookshelf. Unfortunately, that is not the case. But, I bet it is now! I'm not even cleaning it up until I get home this afternoon.

No children were harmed in the filming of this event (though he came awfully close to a good old-fashioned beating LOL). Please don't send me hate mail about not wall-anchoring my bookshelves...allowing my kid to be in a room unsupervised...having too many toys...the fact that they have their own TV...or to let me know that my baseboards need to be repainted. :)

Busy days

Today is one of those busy days...that is going to lead into a busy week! I helped set up for a meeting tomorrow. Ran home to grab lunch and then got Gracie to ballet. (She's so cute in that little leotard!) Back home to put kids down for a nap and then grab EJ off the bus. Now, I *should* be straightening up the house and getting my stuff together for my small group for church tonight. But instead, here I sit blogging for whoever actually reads this stuff! LOL As if anyone really cares about my day...you all have busy days of your own! :)

December already?!

I can't believe that today is December 1st. Elliot had his birthday party last Saturday (he hated the whole cake concept and wouldn't touch it!). Christmas is right around the corner! My kids are so excited for the holiday, and their excitement is so contagious. Their eyes light up every time the Christmas tree does! We hung our outside lights last night. My husband keeps joking that you must be able to see our house from outer space. I don't think it's quite THAT bright, but... This is the first year that we've really decorated the the outside. We've hung a few strands of lights before, but this year, we really lit it up. We haven't done any lights since we've lived here, and now that this is our last Christmas in this house, we decorate it! LOL I told DH that we are definitely decorating next year! I wonder how palm trees look all lit up??? LOL

My last "first" birthday

Elliot turned one on Saturday. So sad...and happy. I can't believe my baby is a year old! Happy first birthday, big boy!!!

The Cheese Stands Alone

Last night, Elliot learned a new trick. He now stands on his own! My big boy :) As soon as I can find my camera (what in the world did I do with that thing?!), I'll snap a pic and try to figure out how to upload it on here. Maybe LP can give me some pointers. I probably should "pretty up" my blog, too, at some point. Here's to things that can be put off to a later date! LOL

Sunshine!

It never ceases to amaze me what a difference a good night's sleep can make. I've been so "blue" lately...holidays, milestones, missing my best friend, going through old photos and reminiscing (and feeling cheated out of time with my Dad). It's been a very rough month or so. Last night, though, I fell to pieces crying when DH asked me about our plans for dinner. All of the sudden, I realized I hadn't planned anything, and I felt like such a failure. I mean, we've been trying to save money to work on the house so we can sell it, and I couldn't even remember to make dinner? Nevermind the fact that I was dealing with a sick child all day long! Fortunately, my DH saw the situation for what it truly was...exhaustion and the blues and gave me the night "off". I went upstairs by myself and watched my show (Dancing With the Stars...poor Brooke had a bad first dance, and I was so upset for her. She rebounded, though, and I voted for her! I hope to see her next week in the finals!). I got to go to sleep early and slept all night. I woke up this morning to sunshine outside and sunshine in my heart. Today is definitely a good day (though I am still looking forward to nap time this afternoon! LOL). My son is back at school...was just a 24 hour thing. The little princess has ballet this afternoon, and at some point, I have GOT to go to the commissary. I'm kinda out of a few things...like toilet paper...deodorant...milk...juice. Nothing major, LOL. Guess I'd better go put my list together! :)

A Tree, a Holiday, a Milestone, a Memory

I put my Christmas tree up this weekend. It looks beautiful...one of my secret pleasures of the holidays. I love to sit and look at it in the evenings when the kids are in bed and the house is quiet. I have so many favorite ornaments on there. Picking one as my most favorite would be impossible. I'll upload a pic as soon as I can find my camera!

Christmas has always been a love/hate holiday for me, and this year is no different. Most of my memories of my Dad are centered around Christmas morning, so while I love the excitement of my own kids, the little girl in my heart is saddened at the loss of her own childhood Christmases. This will be our last Christmas in Norfolk...our last in the continental US. We'll go up to NJ for Christmas morning again this year, and it will be wonderful to be surrounded by family. Unfortunately, I'm already depressed about next year. We'll be all alone on an island. No family to share dinner with. On top of that, we may be getting ready to say goodbye to Daddy for a year. There's a 50/50 chance that my husband will have to go to Afghanistan for a year beginning in January 2010. We would have only been on Oahu for about 6 months.

Another love/hate moment is coming up this Saturday. My baby will turn one year old on Saturday. He's my last one, so this is an extremely bittersweet milestone for me. I'm not ready for him to grow up, and I find myself feeling like I blinked and his first year is over!

I'm really looking forward to Dancing With the Stars tonight. It's my "guilty pleasure" this season. I've even been known to put the kids to bed early just so I can watch, uninterrupted! Does that make me a bad Mommy??? LOL

I guess maybe I'm so melancholy and reflective since I didn't get any sleep last night. EJ is sick and was up all night, so I'm pretty tired. The kids are down for naps, so I think I might get a shower, put in a load of laundry or two and lay down for a few minutes. This afternoon, I'm cleaning the carpets (thank you, EJ! LOL).

Grandfathers, Fathers, Funerals and Questions

So, I'm finally getting to this. It's been a rough couple of weeks for my heart. My grandparents on my Dad's side have always been extremely close to my family. I used to spend every Friday night sleeping over their house until I was probably in middle school. My Grandmom took me shopping every Christmas season for my parents and siblings. They spent every Christmas morning at our house while we opened presents. My Grandmom made many of my pretty dresses...and always made a Christmas and Easter dress. One year, she even made me a white fur coat...I felt like a princess, which has always been her nickname for me, "Princess". My PopPop was a man of few words...my Grandmom a woman of MANY. That man, however, had the best sense of humor. She'd be telling a story for the umpteenth time, and he'd just stand behind her, flashing his fingers over and over (this is how many times we've heard this story now...). She is also very strong-minded, which he responded to by putting one index finger on either side of his temples like horns....his way of saying she's stubborn as a mule! Quiet and unassuming...a WWII veteran who fought in Germany in the Battle of the Bulge...my grandfather was a man of many stories. When his unit marched into one town in Germany, they cut down a large fabric banner that had been stretched across a street. Red fabric framed a large white and black swastika. My PopPop cut the white part out and gave the red fabric to a young child that was nearby so his mother could make him some clothing. The white and black swastika was used as a "signing" item...all the members of his unit wrote their names and hometowns on the back. His pride at recounting that information was palpable. He had countless war items...a breakfast ration still in the box, the top of a German bayonnet, shrapnel, German medals...fascinating items.

After my Dad died (their oldest child...their firstborn son) when I was 13, my grandfather overcame his own personal devastating grief to be the "man" for my family also. He was our installer of garage door openers, our bat killer, dead mouse remover, lawn maintainer, home maintenance man...Mr. Fix-It. He gave of himself so selflessly to my mother, a grieving widow, and her three children. He was always there whenever you needed him.

About mid-September, my grandfather hurt his back while working on the house. The doctors did a CAT scan, which showed a shadow on the liver and some fluid in his abdomen but was otherwise "clean". The drs wanted to siphon off the fluid, but when they went to do the procedure, there was no fluid. They assumed his body had reabsorbed it. He never fully recovered from his pain but seemed to be stable. Then on Columbus Day weekend, he took a turn for the worse. He was in so much pain...could not sleep...could not get comfortable...could not eat...could not void. He had my grandmother call an ambulance that Sunday morning. The drs in the ER ordered a CAT scan which showed that he was "full of cancerous lesions". In a month. Seriously. The dr basically told him that he was too weak to endure cancer treatments, so they weren't sure what to do for him. They did siphon 3 liters of fluid out of his abdomen, which gave him some relief. 3 liters? That's a lot of fluid. That Thursday, he was sent home from the hospital with an order for Hospice. I packed the two younger kids up in the car, and up to New Jersey we drove. I prayed the whole time that he would just survive until I got there. He did. I was there when the Hospice nurse came for the first time...a wondeful lady. She said that he was already showing the physical signs of the body shutting down. He had discoloration on his feet and extreme shortness of breath whenever he moved. He was so thin and gaunt. It was heartbreaking. In and out of consciousness, he was irritable and very childlike. We did have a great visit, though, and when we were leaving on Sunday to come back to VA, he was very alert and acted like the PopPop I remember. However, when I kissed him, he grabbed my hand and gave me "the look"...the one that says goodbye without ever having to say a word. I knew it would be the last time I saw him. That Wednesday, October 22, he died around 10 am, with my grandmother and the Hospice nurse by his side. It was peaceful and quiet...just like he would have wanted.

Evan, the kids and I went up that Friday to spend some time with the family. The viewing was Tuesday night. The funeral home did a great job...he looked really good. It was hard, though, answering my 6 year old's questions in the midst of my own battle with grief. He wanted to know..."Is he gonna move?" "Where did the box come from?" (the coffin) "Who put him in the box?" "HOW did they put him in the box?" The kids were there for about 20 minutes, and then Evan took them back to my Mom's house. The viewing was crowded...my grandparents have always been pillars in the community...and it was very moving. The American Legion performed a small ceremony, and the fire company, which my grandparents have both been involved with for many years, performed a ceremony. The funeral was Tuesday morning. During the ceremony, the pastor asked if there was anyone who wanted to share a memory of my grandfather. The memories shared were priceless to me...funny and poignant. After the ceremony, his casket was loaded into the hearse (he was to be cremated). EJ had a ton more questions..."Why are they putting him in a limousine?" "Why are they leaving him out there?" "He's all alone!" Thank God Evan was there to answer many of those questions. The ladies of their church had prepared a very nice luncheon for the family and friends. As we were eating, I happened to look up and out the window. It was snowing! In October! I told my very excited kids that Poppy (what they called him) had sent them snow from Heaven as a very special gift for them. They were ecstatic and were outside within minutes. :)

This was a very different death situation for me than with my Dad. He was gone so quickly and was not even in the country, so his death was traumatic on so many levels. A phone call, and *poof*, it's over. There's so much more to that story, but that's for another blog. This time, however, I got to experience the ability to say goodbye. It's been so very sad for me, since part of me feels like I'm losing my Dad all over again...one more link to his memory has been severed. I take great comfort, however, in the knowledge that my grandfather was a strong, Bible believing Christian who was READY to meet God. I'd like to think that he and my Dad are up there having a joyful reunion as they await our arrival to join them one day. My heart breaks, even now, as I mourn the loss of someone I love so dearly.

Cutest video clip ever :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPoQWclfqOY

Don't know how to embed the video, but you have to watch. Big thanks to my sister for showing me this!

Elections and fears

A lady in my Christian military wives' group posted this message:

"You know what I noticed?? so many of us Christians are talking about the election and people are saying they are worried and all that, but none of us are saying well lets pray about it together. i mean doesnt It say 'where two or three are gathered" ?"

I wrote her back, and during my writing to her, I realized this has affected me far more deeply than I was aware of:

"I will admit, I've been battling a sense of fear and dread when I think of the elections. I'm not thrilled with the direction our country has been heading, and I know that it's not going to change any time soon. One thing my Mom reminded me of is the verse that says (and I'm paraphrasing here, since I'm too lazy to go look it up), "all authority in heaven and on earth is from God". No matter who is elected, I have to believe that he/she was given that authority from the hand of God for some reason. I may not know why...we may NEVER know why...but we have to trust that God allows these things for a reason. (Yes, I'm trying to convince myself of these even as I'm typing it!) Will I breathe a small sigh of relief if McCain is elected? Probably. Am I guaranteed if that happens that things will get better? Absolutely not! If Obama is elected, will I be scared? Yes! However, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind." I must cling to these scriptures, as I firmly believe they are the truth!

And you are correct, we MUST be on our faces before God. And really, what better way to vent about how you're feeling and air all your fears and concerns than to lay them before the feet of the only One who has the power to affect the situation??? :)"

Co-signing

I got this email from a friend. I wish I could claim that I wrote it, but I didn't. I LOVE the perspective she puts on this:

No surprise the big Presidential vote is here. You know it's near when you go into a bakery for rolls and force yourself to buy the red, white and blue cupcakes believing yourself to be more patriotic if you do. I think I heard one of the candidates say they had no calories, and they wouldn't lie would they?

I don't follow politics, but I do pray for them all. The truth is I'm just a simple mom of two. I'm a wife of a man who loves my hot dogs and a teacher of many wiggly and talkative First Graders. I once got to school and realized I still had my slippers on. Did you pick up I'm not a deep thinker especially before my morning coffee?

I try not to get emotional over issues. I just want to know facts and make a reasonable decision. Throughout my day I hear so many talk about who they'll vote for and why. It seems we all have one passionate heart issue we tend to over focus on but sometimes it is possible to be...wrong. Have you ever been?

This is the way I look at this election: Donna's Voting 101
1. I vote for a President and then he wins.
2. Everytime he votes for something it's like putting my name next to each document he signs because I voted him in. (even if I disagree with it). I'm now a co-signer to everything he does.

Hmmmm...serious meetings in an office. I've had many.

For years now I've often found myself in the Principals office. Growing up my parents often joked that if I was ever lost it'd be the first place they looked. I was an "A" student but loved humor. In Junior High it was for innocent practical jokes like reprinting the face of the Vice Principal on one of those bogus "Elvis Sighted" magazines. All grown up as a Teacher on staff I once sent my students down for a hearing screening and told them to repeat "What?" everytime the nurse asked them if they heard the "beep". I was scared, nervous and had a pit in my stomach but the joke was always funnier and overshadowed the serious meeting with "The Head Honcho".

However; recently I sat in the office of someone I really respect. He's wise, he loves me...but I found myself in the doghouse. Why? He told me the truth and didn't accept excuses for my signature being somewhere. I was really disappointed in myself and realized what I allowed to happen by the signing of my name. It really sobered me up to the power it had and to the power I gave away.

After that last meeting it hit home with me just how down to the basics this election is.

Is money your passionate issue at the polls? Is energy, the war, business rights?

To me it's extremely simple. I believe God wants me to vote for someone that votes with God.

There's one candidate who doesn't believe in abortion. That same candidate doesn't believe in homosexual marriage. He also believes parents do have rights over their kids in education. Don't shoot the messenger, just writing what I read in His book and compared to our candidates views. Check it out for yourself.

Voting for the other who opposes what God holds dear? I already had my "office meeting" scare this month and now I'm VERY careful who I'll sign my name next to from now on. I don't think God will even care about the energy ideas or war strategy I co-signed for. However; you better believe He'll take note to any name next to a vote to abort a child of His, or a vote to approve of gay pride celebrations.

As a teacher I'm reminding everyone to do your homework. Please be careful who your co-signing your name to for the next 4 years. After the election, one day on a divine appointment we'll all meet with God. I don't want Him to ever say to me, "no excuses......

"depart from me, I never knew you".

Hope to see everyone at the polls,
Donna

Some days are like that...

"It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." Okay, so I can't claim those lines as my own, but I honestly think life as a SAHM can be summed up by that famous quote. There are times where it is the absolute best. I see his first grin. I catch her first steps. The first giggles. The look of wonder on his face as he discovers something new. Her awe at the newness of the everyday occurrances. Going on the first field trip. Making Rice Krispies treats for the soccer team. Going to the pumpkin patch. Days at the beach. Volunteering my time to help others.

However, at times, being a SAHM is the worst. Many times, I feel isolated and alone. Getting out of the house is not always easy with little ones, and many times, I just don't bother. I feel like I don't really have any deep, lasting friendships here, which breaks my heart. I miss my best friend...I miss my family. Sometimes, I just want to feel like a productive member of society. I get sad...lonely...depressed, even.

Yes, "some are good and some are bad. I don't know why. Go ask your Dad." (sorry, couldn't resist) I have a sweet lady in my moms' group (I'll bet she's reading this, too! I sure hope so.) who is having a sad day today. I can totally empathize with her. She may not be feeling sad for the same reasons, but the sadness can be very overwhelming at times. She is loved, not just by me but by a whole slew of ladies whose lives she has touched with her genuinely loving, giving, generous, Christ-like heart.

Life is a roller coaster of ups and downs. I think the downs definitely make me appreciate those high moments even more. How else would I know just how great the ups are if I never experience the downs?

Can You Relate???

Got this email and seriously sat on the couch, laughing as I read:

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2008 WHEN...

1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You email the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have email addresses.
6. You pul up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic, and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :)
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list

and finally...

Now you're laughing at yourself.

Where Did I Go?

An old Suave commercial depicted an invisible “Mom” going through a normal day…putting a bandage on a scraped knee…getting dinner to the table…feeding the dog…grocery shopping…changing baby’s diaper (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH8UcZYWwW4 if you want to watch!). Even though it was a hair products commercial, it really spoke volumes about the day-to-day feelings of many mothers.

I have often felt invisible, much like the inner binding of a book. I’m there, holding my family together, yet I’m not truly seen by them. Once upon a time, I had dreams, hopes, interests and goals that didn’t only include the never-ending shoveling of food into constantly open mouths or playing the “Who’s Stinky Now?” diaper sniffing game. I had talents and gifts that I enjoyed using and sharing with others. Many times, these dreams and gifts tend to fall by the wayside as I struggle to keep up with the daily life of being “Mom”. Where did I go?

While dinner does not make itself, the dog cannot pour her own food, the diapers do not change themselves and groceries do not magically appear on the cabinet shelves (wouldn’t that be nice???), we need to remember that we are not only Moms. We are sisters, aunts, friends, granddaughters, daughters, wives and women.

What is your passion? What do YOU enjoy doing? Make some time this month to do something you love that does not necessarily involve being a Mom. Do a scrapbook page. Dust off that old musical instrument, and play something. Go see a movie. Take some time to be you.

Emma Grace

My daughter seriously is a hoot. A few weeks ago, I was looking for EJ's lunchbox to pack his lunch in the morning. I found it inside his backpack and got a little steamed. He knows he's supposed to empty his backpack, put the ice pack in the freezer and the lunchbox on the counter in the kitchen. So, I pull the lunchbox out only to discover that it's got stuff in it. I take it to the kitchen, unzip it, and what do I find? Two zipper sealed baggies. One had a piece of cheese and cluster of grapes (both wooden play foods), and the other had chicken legs and an orange slice (plastic and wood, respectively). Come to find out, my daughter had decided to "help", so she packed his lunch for him! I think he'd have been mighty hungry at lunchtime that day!

So today, we're outside playing. Emma Grace is walking around our very large backyard with her wagon. She brings the wagon up to me and says, "Look, Mommy, I have sticks." Which, sure enough, she did. She pulls about 6 sticks out of the wagon and tosses them on the ground. A few minutes later, she tells me she needs to go inside to get "something". I let her in, thinking she's getting a toy or going potty. Noooooo, not my child. She comes back out a minute later with a lighter in her hand. That's right, a L-I-G-H-T-E-R! I asked her what in the world she was doing. She told me, "I'm gonna put a fire on those sticks." Yep, my little redneck child was going to light a bonfire. After a very serious discussion on how the lighter is something only Mommy or Daddy is allowed to use...it can hurt you...etc., I put the lighter up on the counter, all the way back against the wall. I called my husband to let him know about the drs appointment I had scheduled for this afternoon and to tell him about his pyromaniac daughter. As I'm telling him about Emma Grace, I notice that the lighter is missing. Looking around, I see that my daughter has now moved the pile of sticks out into the yard, under the tree, and is trying to light them on fire! Guess Daddy putting his extra lighter (he uses them to burn the threads off his uniforms...we don't smoke, so we're not sure how she got the idea of using the lighter) in the drawer for me to use to light my candles wasn't his best idea...

MRSA, round 112

We're currently in the midst of yet another go-round with MRSA in our home. Emma Grace had one pop up on her outer thigh, so we went to the dr and got a big bag of medicine. That was last Tuesday. Yesterday, EJ had one pop up on his knee. So, I'll be calling the dr to get him an appointment as well. I'm so tired of dealing with this. On a positive note, neither Evan nor I have had any outbreaks in several months, and Elliot has not had it at all. He has, however, gotten a pretty nasty head cold, and last night, he started throwing up. I hate it when my kids are sick. 'Tis the season for illnesses, though. Many of the moms I know are dealing with it with their kids also.

My friend posted a blog that they had lost their appeal for custody of her step-daughter, who she loves as if she were her very own. Sometimes, there are things I just do NOT understand. This would be one of them. The story is extremely long, so I won't go into detail now. Let's just say that I know the family...both the biological mother and the father/step-mother...very well. I had the bio. mother's older daughter in my Kindergarten class and went to church with the father and step-mother. Coming from all I have seen and know, the little girl really should be with her Dad. To me, this is another failure of the judicial system to do what is really best for a child. Things like this completely infuriate me. I will say, however, that my friend has remained positive and steadfast in her faith. She really is following in the example of Job..."Though He slay me, yet I will trust in Him." She really is an inspiration to me. I don't know that I would have the strength to endure that situation.

Happily, today looks to be another beautiful fall day. High in the low 70's, sunny. I have so much to do this week!

Hong Kong...WHAT?!?!?!

So, we have Boomerang Network...the network with all the old cartoons on it. We watch Scooby Doo, Smurfs, Snorks, Pound Puppies, Pink Panther, Top Cat (which my Mom remembers watching as a young girl) and many others. One that I had never heard of is Hong Kong Phooey. Emma Grace, my 3-year-old verbal confuser, swears up, down and sideways that the title of the show is Hong Kong Boobie. She argues with me every time it comes on and even sings the theme song, "Hong Kong Boobie, number one super-guy!" TOO funny.

Hanna?

So, Hanna was a bust. I was actually a little excited to be getting some wet, stormy weather, but nothing materialized. I had friends calling to see if we were prepared...they're praying for us...do we need a place to crash if it gets bad... Yeah...and then...nothing. Sure, we got a little wind (WOW...the trees actually swayed a tad! LOL) and some rain, but where was the STORM?!?!?! Oh, well. I'm not sad that there were no destructive winds, property damage or lives lost, but c'mon! Can't we get a decent storm here? :)

I don't understand.

I have an acquaintance...a woman I went to church with in New Jersey...who is a total Obama fan. She changes her Facebook status constantly to reflect how enamored she is with the man. Her latest status says "_______ believes Obama is the best choice for President because for one he gets it!.."A house divided can not stand"..He will unite us and make us strong again!!.." Hmmm... Not to be petty, but IMO, no man can unite a country. Not Obama, not McCain, not Bush, not Huckabee, no one. We as a country have to choose to be united. It's nice to say that "a house divided cannot stand". It's even a Biblical concept! However, unless the people decide that we will be united and make changes in our country toward that effect, no one person can unite us. I fear for our country's future. I'm not a political analyst or expert, but I don't think you have to be in order to see just what's happening in our country. States like Colorado (who passed a law forbidding the publication of any materials that speak out against homosexuality...HELLO...that's the Bible!) are dividing our country just by the laws they pass. In trying to "force" us to all get along, they are ripping us apart. Please tell me just how Obama thinks he's going to fix this!

Finally

Several of my friends have been blogging, and since I'm so susceptible to peer pressure, here I am! I'm not sure what exactly I'm doing with this....or if I'll even give out the address to anyone. It might be nice to keep this as a place to record my thoughts without having to worry about how politically IN-correct they are. I"m so disheartened sometimes at the fact that I cannot freely express my conservative, Biblical point of view in the mother's group I'm a part of. If I mention Christianity or even any Biblically-based thought on a topic, I'm immediately lambasted for being narrow-minded, judgmental, etc. I definitely have started keeping the majority of my thoughts to myself, which I'm sure isn't what God would want either. After all, who would stand up for Him if everyone felt the same way I do? I'm tired of tapdancing all around the issues so as not to "hurt" anyone's feelings. You know what? I AM narrow-minded...I believe the "straight and narrow" is the ONLY way. Do I think I have all the answers? Of course not. Do I think how I feel about every single issue is the only right way? Absolutely not. However, things that I know go directly against Scripture are WRONG. No ifs, ands or buts. And no one is going to change my beliefs by attacking me (or by any other means). It just amazes me that the very people who attack me when I express my beliefs want me to accept their beliefs without saying a word. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that pretty much the definition of hypocrisy?!?!