A Giving Thanks kind of day -

I could make a list a mile long of things that I am thankful for. But I won't. Instead, I will list the top 5.
1. Mike - a wonderful and supportive husband
2. Sam - a smart and thoughtful boy
3. Sarah - an independent and loving girl
4. Joe - a jolly and trusting little boy
5. Mary - a dependable and happy little girl

I couldn't post on Thanksgiving day without a picture or two or three.
Joe helping me with potatoes
Kids at the 'kid table'
Mary looking cute

Monday messes are just the beginning of the week...

What a mess! It is time to rearrange my kitchen and box-up and lock-up anything and everything that is or can be opened! Have you ever wondered what a 25oz. box of cereal spilled out on the floor looks like? Check out these pictures - in no particular order! Can you see how Joe likes to stomp and crush the cereal while Mary likes to pick out the marshmallows?

On a lighter note -
Joe learned how to put on his own shoes!

A New Week!

My aunt sent me this link and I am happy to pass it along to all who wish to learn more about what life has to offer. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2AibapAJfE
I don't know how to put a link in a post. Highlight the address, copy and paste it in the address box above.

It's the weekend, finally!

Need I say more?

Thank a Vet! Happy Veteran's Day!

This is a shout-out to my brother, Jake, who is currently serving in the U.S. Army. He spent a year overseas with the infamous 82nd Airborne in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a Ranger, a skilled shooter and is as tough as nails. This year he is on his way to train as a Green Beret. GO JAKE! Our family thanks you and your fellow soldiers for your (their) service!

Happy 7th Birthday, Sam!

Sam came running in my room this morning with a grin that stretched from ear to ear and announced that it was his birthday! Finally! He has been counting down the days for the last 3-1/2 weeks. I was half awake (or asleep) and wasn't in the same mood he was in so early in the morning. Not wanting to crush the spirit of a newly 7 year-old I said, "You're right, it is your birthday. Happy birthday!" He then asked to open his presents. Oh uh! I told him I hadn't wrapped it yet. I gave him the choice of waiting for it to be wrapped or me telling him where I hid it. He wanted to open a wrapped present. "I'll wrap it while you are in the shower," I told him. Off he went (without a fight). Who knew a wrapped present could equal a showered boy?
He opened his present with delight and, thank goodness, was thrilled with his gift - an Air Hog saucer. His grandma Lee gave him transformers, greatgrandma Smith gave him a $2 bill, grandma Whetten took him to the golden arches last night and will bring him his 'real' present today. He wants Hawaiian haystacks for dinner and ice cream cake for dessert.

Post-Election Day, Blah!

I am tired! I have talked and talked about the presidential election and various propositions so much that my political gas tank is empty. A side note: I am happy to report that according to Obama supporters, I need not worry. He will fill my gas tank, pay my bills and relieve me of my mortgage payments. Ha Ha.

Election Day! Horrahhh, Horrrayyyy!

One of my favorite songs is Stars and Stripes. I hum it constantly and sometimes clap my hands or tap my feet to the beat of this inspiring song in my head. It's a quick pick-me-up or tension breaker. Try it and let me know how it works for you. Moving on....
Although there is no magic ball to see exactly how this year's election will fair, I can see great personal growth as I work towards improving my attitude towards opposition. Some of the best advice I got regarding opposition was this: You have to recognize it for what it is; opposition.
A Monologue that's not that hard to swallow:
I thought about it and realized that I run into opposition daily. Most of the time it's with my kids; they have a different idea of how their day should be spent - mostly playing, seldom working. I run into opposition at the store; I don't think I should have to pay so much for gala apples but the grocer disagrees. I run into opposition at the gym; someone is using the piece of equipment I want to use at that moment. I run into opposition with my friends; mostly over the election. What does this mean? That no matter what we do, there will be opposition. The key is to be prepared. Plan ahead, know your strengths and weaknesses, keep healthy and strong, hold onto your values, teach your children how to love and forgive, educate yourself, pray. The list can go on and on but I won't let it - make your own.
Enjoy the rest of the day!

Post-Hallowing BARF!

I just want to puke from all the candy that is in my house. I thought I could handle the 4 mini Kit-Kats I downed this afternoon. NOPE! I think I just threw-up a little in my mouth!