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I took John Parker and Avery to see Santa Saturday afternoon at Highland Village. From the moment Santa came out, Avery said "no" and clung to me. She wouldn't let me put her down. When it was our turn, she started crying and screaming--wouldn't even get close to him. So, John Parker had his picture made with Santa instead. Avery did wave and say Bye to him when it was time to go. I managed to get a few shots of them when we got home......
I can't believe how much John Parker and Avery have grown up over the past year. John Parker is in "big school" telling me that he wants to wear "cool" clothes and have his hair longer in the front where it "flips up"; and Avery is just a little diva--showing off her new clothes and shoes. We are so blessed to have these sweet, precious children. I don't know what we did before they came along, but whatever it was--it wasn't near as fun!! I've attached a couple of photos recently taken by Jeanelle Caraway. She is so sweet and does a great job. Her website is http://www.jcarawayphotography.com/
Ok. I am a self professed nerd. I love the holidays and being "festive" as one of my good friends calls me. I also like lists--mainly so I can mark things off. I've been known to write things down that I've already done just so I can mark them off. So to combine all things nerdy, here's my thankful list for 2008. I encourage everyone to do the same. It reminds us how blessed we are.
1. God--without him I'd be lost and he has blessed me with more than I deserve.
2. My husband--without him I'd also be lost and probably poor. I'm horrible with $$.
3. My beautiful children--They are the light of my life--sweet, precious babies...I'd have 5 or 6 if I could afford it (somewhere, John Bret just fainted)
4. My parents--They taught me to love God and my neighbor. They are such wonderful role models and grandparents. I cherish the fact that my children love them so and they are such an important part of their lives.
5. My sister--She is 10 years older than me (ha Kerry, had to get that in) and so smart. We talk and laugh just alike and I think that's funny. She's always been my favorite sister (and my only sister) ha.
6. My in-laws--I am EXTREMELY lucky to have good in-laws. I've heard horror stories from others and am glad not to have to go through that.
7. My friends--John Bret and I have such good friends. We may not get to see them as much as we like, but always have such fun when we do. The girl talks (and you know who you are) are so much fun!! We need to have them more often.
8. My job--What can I say? I am blessed to work where I do. I love this state and feel privileged to work as a public servant. The politics can sometimes give me a headache, but I secretly love it. This agency is filled with loyal, hard-working people and I love coming to work every day. And my work friends are great too.
9. My church--I absolutely love my church. They do such wonderful things for the community and have such great leaders. It's a second home for us. I wish I had more Irish in me....haha
10. My home--I am blessed to have the home that I do. I enjoy coming home everyday and knowing that my children will have fond memories. It's a great, safe neighborhood--where Halloween is like I remember it as a child.
I'm sure there are many more, but I'll stop at 10. Happy Thanksgiving to all!!
This is from a section of an article that I read this morning:
One supporter muttered, "I'm feeling like doom is coming."
In closing, Kyl cited a Bible passage that seemed as appropriate an ending to McCain's campaign as any.
2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith."
Before McCain took the stage, Nathaniel Eyler, 29, of Phoenix, mouthed the words as the song "God Bless the USA" played.
"Scared," he said in response to how he felt about the outcome, calling Obama a "socialist."
"I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I'm scared. Just the idea of Barack Obama as president of the United States scares me. It does not embody the idealism I grew up with and am passionate about. We're Americans. We're resilient. We'll bounce back. Our government's idiot-proof. There's nothing he can do that we can't fix in the end."
Still, he said, "We're going to be taking steps backwards."
I am a strong believer in the fact that we live in the BEST country on earth--regardless of our economic situation or other problems we face, it is an extreme blessing to call the USA home. John McCain's speech last night brought tears to my eyes--he said that America had spoken and we needed to support President Obama and stand together and work together for what is right--and he said it with such sincerity. Obama may stand against everything that I am for, but he will get my prayers and support as President, because I think that is what God would have us do. This is not a time for bitterness. Because however our beliefs may differ--I know that we all agree that the United States of America is truly the land of the free and the home of the brave. We can never forget that. So, let's join together and pray for our country and our President.
