I am thankful that I have loving family and friends, that we are in good health, that we have a roof over our heads and pillows to lay them on. Jeff has a good job with good benefits. Even though we miss those that we love, we're thankful for what God has given us and continues to bless us with.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

So Jeff and I had talked about making a list of all the parks we've visited in Washington State. As you can imagine, it's a pretty extensive list!! There are so many parks out here and Jeff, Buster, the boys, and I have visited many of them. Although we have tons more to visit and explore, I've started a list with links on my links list (see left).

When I get all fancy with the site, I'll start posting slide shows of the pictures we've taken on our various excursions!!

Ina, co-owner of Madras 641, had sent me a link to a blog with cheap photocards for Christmas. I just ordered mine last night from Winkflash -- 40% off cards with the promotional code: greatcards8

Good luck with yours -- and hopefully you'll be getting yours soon :)

Kel

Thanks for forwarding, Jeff . . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the CFO of this business that employs 140 people, I have resigned
myself to the fact that Barrack Obama will be our next President, and
that our taxes and government fees will increase in a BIG way.

 To compensate for these increases, I figure that the Clients will have
to see an increase in our fees to them of about 8% but since we cannot
increase our fees right now due to the dismal state of our economy, we
will have to lay off six of our employees instead. This has really been
eating at me for a while, as we believe we are family here and I didn't
know how to choose who will have to go.

 So, this is what I did. I strolled thru our parking lot and found 8
Obama bumper stickers on our employees' cars and have decided these
folks will be the first to be laid off. I can't think of a more fair way
to approach this problem. These folks wanted change; I gave it to them.

 If you have a better idea, let me know.

 Sincerely,

The boss

A Different Christmas Poem  The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,  I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.  My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,  My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.  Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,  Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

 The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
 Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
 My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
 Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
 In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
 So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

 The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
 But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
 Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
 sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
 My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
 And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

 Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
 A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
 A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
 Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
 Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
 Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

 "What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
 "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
 Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
 You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
 For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
 Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

 To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
 Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
 I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
 "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
 That separates you from the darkest of times.

 No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
 I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
 My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
 Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
 My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
 And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

 I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
 But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
 Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
 The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
 I can live through the cold and the being alone,
 Away from my family, my house and my home.

 I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
 I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
 I can carry the weight of killing another,
 Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
 Who stand at the front against any and all,
 To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

 "  So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
 Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
 "But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
 "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
 It seems all too little for all that you've done,
 For being away from your wife and your son."

 Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
 "Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
 To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
 To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
 For when we come home, either standing or dead,
 To know you remember we fought and we bled.
 Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
 That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

 PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many
 people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
 U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these
 festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people
 stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

  LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
 30th Naval Construction Regiment
 OIC, Logistics Cell One
 Al Taqqadum, Iraq

Thank you, mom, for passing this along . . .



















Prayer chain for our Military.... Don't break it!

Prayer:

'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us - Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need.   In Jesus name we ask, Amen.'

So, in the first month of moving to Washington State I met a really nice girl in a playgroup who had a son between Xander and Xaven's ages. She invited me to a park playdate and I was happy to accept.

While at the park, she laughed when she saw me interacting with my boys.

She said, "Oh, you're a Hover Mom".

I looked at her questioningly. She laughed, and if I remember right, bent over in laughter, slapped her leg in her own amusement.

I was not amused.

I asked, "What's a Hover Mom?"

She was kind enough to stifle her laughter and explain that a "Hover Mom" is a mother who hovers over her children. She said it like it was a bad thing, like it was something to be ashamed of. As if to say, ". . . the cool moms leave their children to thier own devices in the park so they can sit and gab on the sidelines and drink mochas."

Seriously?!?

I admit, I do like to interact with the boys. I do like to help them play at the park, chase with them, and interact with them. I love who they are and I enjoy the time I have with them. The reason I choose to stay at home with the boys and not work, putting them in someone else's care, is in part because I just love to be with them (and I want to raise my children and teach them the values I value).

That being said, we've seen this mom and her children on a few playdates, but we didn't decide to set another separate playdate for ourselves. I've found a lot of this in Washington, mocking the parents who actually parent while allowing their own children to run amuck. Not enforcing the playground rules: "You slide DOWN a slide and climb UP the ladder", "Take Turns", "Be Aware of Others", and "Safety First". I realize that these rules will be broken in time as the children get older, but at 2 and 4 my job is to teach the children the correct way to live life. To model it as best I can and hope that a little of that gets carried on throughout their lives.

Although as a young woman, I thrived on chaos and bending the rules. As an adult, and a mother, I understandably see the major impact I have on my children. I see that if I spit in the grass, they follow in suit. I see that what I do, my older son does. What my older son does, my younger son does. It's definately a trickly effect. The compounding potential of my actions, the actions of my children, are great.

So, call me a "Hover Mom" - whisper it like it's a dirty word. I know the next thing that is sure to be said is, "Christian?!?" in hushed, sinister tones. I'm ok with that. I'm ok with being the odd ball out - at least I'm getting more used to it ;) I've always marched to the proverbial beat of my own drummer, and this is no exception.

I am far from perfect and have countless opportunities for improvement, as I'm sure most "Hover Moms" would say. But, at the end of the day I can detail what my children have been doing. I can give outlines of the information we're tackling and educational opportunities we've found. I try to be aware that my actions have reactions.

So, the next time you're sipping your mocha on a park bench, ignoring the atrosities your child tries to inflict, know that there are plenty of us "Hover Moms" out there - trying to look out for your kids and repeating the playground rules loudly enough for at least them, if not you, to hear (if you'd get off your phone).

I've been ranting on my blogspot blog about politics, and I'll still be able to rant about economics, but now what?!? What kind of bickering will we have to listen to on TV at night; read about online?

I guess we'll actually have to become productive and work together to make the USA less divided, less hateful, less bitchy . . .

Well, I can dream can't I?!?

Congratulations Senator and President Elect Obama. You have ran a very strong campaign and I pray for your strength in leadership, as well as your ability to unite the country.

I was disheartened when McCain supporters booed McCain's concession to Obama. I know they were disappointed, I know they probably wanted a fight to the end, but Senator McCain is a very fair and evenhanded man. When he asked his supporters to rally behind Obama, to support him in his Presidency, he did the right thing. He could have pulled a Gore, or a Kerry, and sulked and cried in a corner when the votes didn't turn in his favor. He didn't. He's a stand-up guy.

Thank you, Senator McCain, for conceding in a timely manner and not putting the nation through any further turmoil -- to allow Obama and his supporters their night of celebration unmarred by partisan politics.

I am hoping that Obama unites us as a nation, reaches out to everyone, like he said he would do in his eloquent speech tonight. Either candidate would have a difficult road ahead, and in the heat of the moment, either sides supports would be disappointed at a loss. Disappointed they didn't win and that there wasn't a long drawn out delay in recounting votes and investigations into voter fraud. However, as I said, McCain did the right thing conceding in a timely fashion; in encouraging his supporters to get behind Obama, which I will; in stepping out of the way and allowing this to be Obama's night.

Obama was gracious in his speech to the hard fought battle with McCain and noting McCain's service to this country. Obama stuck to uniting the country in his acceptance speech which I both admire and appreciate. He stated that the change may not happen in a year, or in one term, but they will be listening especially to those whose views differ, and work together. I want to believe that will happen. I know he will be able to implement change as his Democratic Party has control of Congress as well. Now that he has the presidency, the Congress, and the ideas -- I want to see what he will do. I want to see the change he will bring.

Although I'm ready to set aside my differences with him on several issues, I'm not sure the nearly 50% of the popular vote is. I hope that after taking a night to sleep on it, they will.

Although I've voted for McCain/Palin -- and I would encourage you to do the same . . .

However, the most important thing is that you get out and VOTE - don't be fooled.

ONE VOTE DOES COUNT - YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

Get out and do your patriotic duty, your right, your obligation -- if you're going to bitch about the country, this is your way to influence it.

Not only is there the presidential election, but also many guvenatorial, senate, issues, as well as EVERY HOUSE SEAT.

Every election is important -- make your impact TODAY!!

This is a forward from my friend, Anita, who served several tours in Iraq and Afganistan. She is currently a captain in the Army and I am very proud, and thankful, for her service.

I have not "snoped" this, because the message is clear:

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As a Company, Southwest Airlines and TheNetworkMarketingMagazine.com is going to support 'Red Fridays.'

Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia, attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was  abruptlyto their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me.  I'm not alone.  I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi.'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other service men pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. 

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying  'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

 RED FRIDAYS

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

 We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.
 
Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar  will wear something red.
 
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.
 
If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long  before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on.
 
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is...We need your support and your prayers.
 
Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by  example; and wear something red every Friday.