Hello '09! I'm excited to meet you. Hopefully we'll become good friends and accomplish great things!

All the best to everyone in the upcoming year!

A force for good

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Hallelujah

I was walking through WalMart last night (it truly pains me to admit it) shopping for some "Stitchwichery" stuff for my son's scout group project. As I was perusing the sewing notions aisle I heard The Hallelujah Chorus come over the sound system. I couldn't help but be keenly aware of the fact that I was listening to music expressly written to glorify God while I was surrounded by everything commercial about Christmas. I paused a moment to consider this when the music was interrupted by the PA and a man's voice requested a manager to assist in a gun sale. For me, it was a moment flooded by paradox and disappointment and a sincere desire to keep the reason for this season's celebration on my mind and in my heart.
I am deeply and utterly grateful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for their unyielding help and intercession on my behalf. I am so thankful for the blessings of realization, growth, humility and the chance to do better. This is truly a glorious time of year!

This is what happens when you're busy and your children aren't!

My husband prides himself on knowing nothing about home repair. I have in fact, discussed this here before. I have been happy to encourage this attitude in life because I have seen his handiwork. However, I have been known on some occasions to do small jobs but more often than not, I call someone or chuck the broken item. It took a broken ornament to make me think otherwise.
On Sunday, my daughter broke a Christmas tree ornament that I was given when my husband and I married. It was on our first Christmas tree and every one since. It's not a particularly gorgeous ornament but it was personalized with our names and like I said, it has emotional significance.
As my daughter brought the broken memento to me I had the thought that "Oh well, it was a cute ornament." As I looked it over and tried to place the broken pieces together I realized that I could in fact, fix the problem. It was then that I realized I had no glue that would work for the task at hand. A thought came to my mind that there are many things in my home I could mend if I had the correct tools but sadly, my home is very devoid of such necessary things. I wondered, in my times of physical and emotional plenty have I "chucked" a few too many precious things that could have been mended had I the time or tools to fix them? Have I assumed that the objects, physical or spiritual, could be replaced because I had abundance in my life?
These thoughts have stirred a resolve within me to become someone who mends things. Not only that, but to become one who sees the value in things whether they are of use at the moment or not. I want to fill my home and my life with the things that mend whether it be Duct tape or prayer.
For these realizations I am grateful and I fully believe they have come about because of the hardships that abound in our lives today. It is a great time for Heavenly Father to teach us about the importance of every little thing and remind us (me) how valuable each blessing is in our lives and not waste the wonderful things that come to us each day.

I've had such a nice Sunday today. Church was really nice. Our lesson in Young Women was given by one of our Mia Maid leaders (Mia Maids is the 14 & 15 year old girls' class) who talked about being dependable. She ended her lesson with an experience she had this week. While she was cleaning her house she somehow had lost the hose attachment to her vacuum that worked for stairs. She said she looked around and couldn't find it and kept having the thought "say a prayer". She mentioned that she kept pushing the thought back thinking it wasn't that big a deal and she'd find it eventually. Finally she had the thought "do you lack the faith to pray?" She decided to exercise her faith and pray to find her lost vacuum attachment. As soon as she finished her prayer she had the thought to look in a certain place and wouldn't you know, there it was. As she began to attach the nozzle to the hose she said a prayer of thanks that Heavenly Father would help her find something that seemed so insignificant in the world. It was a great lesson in dependability, especially that we can always depend on God to help us no matter how small our need.

I really believe that God answers our prayers, no matter how small. I'm grateful that I have learned this principle and seen it in action in my life.

What a great Sunday.

I came across this article today during my daily news intake. "Atheist Sign Stolen from State Holiday Display." I found it quite interesting. It's a case of a stolen sign representing Atheist views on display near a Christian Nativity. I think the phrase that caught my attention was the quote from the display; "There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

Yeah, it's pretty blunt but nonetheless, they get to express their thoughts. The other line that caught my attention was this; "The U.S. Supreme Court has been consistent and clear that, under the Constitution's First Amendment, once government admits one religious display or viewpoint onto public property, it may not discriminate against the content of other displays, including the viewpoints of nonbelievers." I whole heartedly agree. The problem is this, the atheistic sign deliberately attacked the beliefs of those who practice Christian beliefs under the protection of the First Amendment. There was no sign at the nativity stating something like- "Those who refuse to see God's hand in all things are complete morons."

I wonder what kind of response that would have raised.

I'm going to our local Messiah sing-a-long tonight. I had such a great time last year that I have been anxiously awaiting this performance tonight. In honor of this beautiful music I've added the Hallelujah Chorus and For Unto Us A Child is Born to my playlist.

During the week of Christmas I use the scriptural references from the songs for our daily scripture study. My children enjoy listening to the scripture in music form. I think it's a pretty good way to learn about Christ during this season.

The discussion of the existence of Santa is in full swing right now at our house. My older two boys have decided against while my younger two really want to believe. We are a house divided. When my children used to ask me if Santa was real, I felt a twinge of uncertainty- would they resent me when they got older for alluding to his existence? Would they hold it against me later, accusing me of lying? I've come up with my answer for them when they ask. I simply ask them "do you believe in Santa?" and then I tell them I believe in Santa and that there are good people all around the world who help Santa out during Christmas. It doesn't matter if we understand how he gets everything done or how he knows how everyone behaves, what matters is that we are kind. (Feel free to draw your own parallels.) It seems to be doing the trick. I don't feel too guilty and they seem to be happy with the response. I'd love to know what anyone else tells their children at this time of year.

I love this time of year! I know many don't enjoy the shorter days or the earlier darkness but I find it very comforting. It seems I always feel a desire to make things cozy and simple at home. I wonder if the change of season is more than just a planetary event and also something that is meant to instill in us a desire for reflection and family togetherness? I can only imagine that in days gone by when the fields were plowed and the animals brought in from pasture if humanity itself discovered the beauty of taking shelter for the winter. This season could mean so much more to us than the lack of sun and heat. Couldn't it be our time for rest and contemplation? With the early setting sun each day, slowly enveloping the world in silent darkness, don't we feel the same need to close out the rapid world and gather with the ones we love?

I hope that you all have many pleasant evenings spent in the company of family and friends!

My son is obsessed with time. I probably spend one quarter of my day talking about it; "How many days in a week?, How many days until my birthday? How many hours in a year?, How long until dad gets home? Is it the first day of Christmas?"
His questions are frequent and repetitive. I have to laugh because I think that a great majority of my life has been spent doing the same thing; "How long until graduation?, How many days until summer vacation?, How long until the wedding?, When will this baby get here?" Even the past few months have been "when will it be December?" It's struck me the last few days that time is starting to pass faster and faster. As a child, summer vacation was an eternity. Now I wonder did we have vacation at all? Are the years of childhood slower so we can learn more and then the years of adulthood sped up so that we have less time to make mistakes? Ultimately I have decided to make the most of this Christmas season and maybe learn some tricks on making the most of the year to come.

Memory Lane

I've been exploring Facebook over the past few weeks and have been connected with my old high school graduating class. I will be completely honest, I have avoided all association with high school since I graduated. But during a bout of curiosity, I Googled my best friends name and found her phone number. As I sat staring at my computer, all the avoided feelings of high school came rushing back. It's weird, sitting here at my desk and remembering the grey skies coming out to the parking lot after classes. The smell of the moss on the cement in the quad at lunch. The rain, always the rain (I went to HS in Washington state). I remember the sheen of my headlights on the asphalt at night driving home from games. Most (worst) of all, I remember the undying urge to be popular, the need to be adored. The constant friction between wanting to fit in and wanting to be myself.
There are some key people in my memories. Some are fond, others not so much. It's a funny paradox, wanting to see them again and hoping to never see them again. I wonder, do other members of my class have this aversion to their high school memories or is it just me?
In a few weeks I will be visiting my parents who still live in the home where I basically grew up. Every time I go back I wonder- who will I see at the store? Will I run into an old friend? Will they think I've changed?
I want to scream out "Look at me, I'm so much smarter than I was then! I know who I am and she's somebody who is settled and happy." I guess there is still that need to be accepted by those same friends and part of me that is still afraid of not being accepted. But the rest of me realizes that The best thing about being this far out is that now I know if I were to run into someone I had not seen for years their reaction would not change who or what I am now. I have atoned for my high school mistakes with the life I am living. There are strange ideas about how I left high school that I have carried with me for a long time but as I write this post I realize I have carried this silly ideology with me for far too long. I am just grateful that the best part of my life is yet to come and isn't something that has already passed.

Here's a little poem that I love to read this time of year;


Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings each morning, thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes tightly closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you Lord, that I can see. There are many who are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off the effort of rising, thank you, Lord that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, and tempers are short, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord for the food we have. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for the gift of life.

-Author Unknown

Headin' Out

We're going to the cabin this weekend for some much needed R&R. I'll post pics when we get back. Have a great weekend!

Does anyone have any tips on getting sponsors? I need to help the local youth theater raise some money and I want to be as effective at it as possible (and spend as little time as possible). I'm sending letters out this week and will follow up with phone calls but that just seems so impersonal. I'd love any suggestions anyone has.

I'll Admit It

We listen to High School Musical 3 music around here all the time. I will happily admit, I really like it. I know, it's kind of corny but as Kate Winslet's character in "The Holiday" says, "I like corny, I'm looking for corny in my life."

I thought it was funny to read a review about HSM3 saying that Disney missed a great opportunity to teach teenagers about real life situations, that the show was too wholesome.

What about the lesson that you can be happy without alcohol or drugs? You can have a fun relationship with the other sex without, well, sex. The lesson that you don't have to totally screw up your life at 16 in order to be a knowledgeable adult. I'm glad someone finally put out some movies that actually teach helpful lessons.

So we've been struck by the curse of the stomach virus (again). I've now done 3 extra loads of laundry and sprayed five gallons of air freshener. I'm not even sure what else to say other than I'm looking forward to a nap this afternoon and I'm grateful most of my children can make it to the bathroom on their own.

Masterpiece 2008

Here is the gingerbread house Jessica and I worked on (late into the night) for the Gingerbread House Festival sponsored by the PTA. We think it turned out pretty good.

I Need a Breather

I don't know about you but I've had enough of the news lately. I found this great website goodnewsdaily.com and had a great time perusing their site. If you've got a minute and need a little something nice in your life today, take a peek.

A Sticky Situation

I was watching the news last night and reading this morning. There was a protest in front of the LDS temple in LA and one planned tonight at Temple Square in Salt Lake. My heart just aches for everyone involved. On Wednesday morning I woke up and thought about all those couples who were married in California whose marriages may not be legal now and I can only imagine how devastating that must be for them. After seeing the news I thought of all the members of the church who went to the temple yesterday and had to walk through a crowd shouting at them as they passed. What a sad situation!
I'm really grateful for those members (of the LDS church and other denominations) who have remained steadfast in the face of what I can only assume is very daunting opposition.
I know one protester yesterday mentioned that this is merely a civil rights issue, not a moral one. Let's say for the sake of argument that they are correct. I would say then, what happens to Mormon members who-if gays are allowed the chance to marry- when gay and lesbian couples request that their unions be solidified in the Mormon Temple? The church will of course, say no and then I'm sure that the state will remove the church's right to marry and couple by state authority. So, members of the church will have to be married civilly first, then wait to be married in the temple later. (It's a one year waiting period to be married in the temple if you are married civilly first.) What about the ability of the members of the Mormon church to practice our faith? The consequences of this decision are far reaching and long lasting. This issue, even if only considered a civil rights issue, creates a plethora of legal problems and ramifications we, as US citizens can't even begin to fully anticipate.

As for those who insist that the LDS church is inserting it's morality into the civics of our country, I believe the same could be said for the other side.

Heavenly Friends

My Daughter's best friend. Her mother and I think they were twin spirits in Heaven.

It was a great, long day yesterday. I don't know about anyone else but my home was filled with political talk and questions. As the day ended and numbers were called in, we sat as a family in front of the television and watched as our country selected, in a peaceful manner, a new leader.

Voting was a different experience for me yesterday. I went to the polls feeling uneasy about my candidate of choice and about the future of our country. For the record, I voted for Senator Obama. As I touched the screen to select his name I did so with hope that he would be what he has promised, no, better than he has promised. I have pinned all my hopes on this man who, on many issues, I disagree with. Why? Because he has promised me it's safe to hope and that he will listen not only to the concerns of those who agree with him but mine also.

To President Elect Obama- please sir, be the man who is the servant of all the people. Be the man who encourages the good and inspires greatness. It is what you have promised and our nation has trusted you to deliver.

Candidates in the Making!

I was at the school today getting some stuff done for our mock election tomorrow. We had the Young Republicans and Young Democrats come to campaign for the presidential candidates during lunch. First they made a little spiel over the PA system and then they stayed for lunch to talk with the kids. While they were passing out little flag stickers and talking to the students all of a sudden the student body erupted into a "Go McCain" chant. It was so loud and sudden it surprised all the adults in the room. The lunch ladies started yelling at the kids to be quiet and then they scolded me for "getting the kids riled up." It was awesome! I was so impressed that they even had an opinion that I just laughed as they said their little chant. I'm pretty sure how our mock election will turn out tomorrow but irregardless, I'm happy that our students seem to be taking an active interest in their country's electoral process.

Thanksgiving

I'm so excited it's November. A friend of mine put all her Christmas decorations up and has them turned on already. I have to say, I'm tempted. However, I'm going to wait and make the most of Thanksgiving. This year, I'm going to have a Thanksgiving Wall like we did last year. We just put up a large piece of paper with a pen and anyone can write what they are Thankful for during the month then we read it on Thanksgiving. I love doing this and I think my children enjoy it when they find their names on the wall with something that their dad and I have written.
I think we'll also do the thank you note to the garbage man too. Last year we just taped a big sign that said "Thank you Mr. Garbage Man" to the garbage can and left if out on trash day. I don't know if he cared or not but my kids had fun! Any way you want to slice it, it's a great time of year.

Here They are

My two oldest opted out this year so it's just the three of us. I think we look pretty good.

Yummy

This is the Caramel Apple Cider that I serve to adults who come with their children trick or treating. It's super yummy and keeps your hands warm on a cool night.

Recipe for Caramel Apple Cider

4 quarts- apple juice
1 quart-Cranberry juice
1/2 can-frozen orange juice concentrate
3 T cinnamon (you can also use cinnamon sticks)
1/2 t ground clove
1/4 t nutmeg

Make early and allow to steep during the afternoon, will be great during trick or treating

Top with whipped topping and caramel

Serve in Styrofoam cup or it will burn your hands as you carry it.

The New Indentured Servant

I have attended a few political meetings in the past week or so and come away with a new theory. I have come to believe that those who hold public office have become the new indentured servants. Think back to your history lessons in school and remember the chapter on slavery. A small section of that typically included a description of the indentured servant. If you remember correctly, indentured servants were those who sold themselves as cheap labor for a variety of reasons and at some point were set free after a contracted amount of time. Accounts of indentured servitude typically consist of conditions tantamount to slavery. Poor treatment by those who "owned" said servants often leads the list of negative aspects of this practice. As I listen to the constituents of various politicians complain and place ever increasing demands on their representatives, I can't help but feel that these elected officials are expected to work miracles in poor to miserable circumstances all the while taking severe beatings from those who "own" them. Don't get me wrong, I don't for one minute think politicians are the pillars of community they are intended to be (with exceptions, of course.) But I can't help but wonder, have we created our own monsters by treating good people (I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt) so abusively that we turn them into the shady, cynical politicos they seem to be?
There is much online about indentured servitude and it's origins. One website goes so far as to say "Wherever you find slavery, you first find indentures."

My point is this-if we want good people to seek election, shouldn't we treat our elected officials like they're good people?

Here's a little impromptu dance party we had today. Notice how my daughter can shake it!

Getting Ready

Halloween Fun!

Hey Good Lookin'

We had some fun in the kitchen today! We got "Booed" a few days ago (someone drops off a plate of cookies with a poem and the request that you share the same poem and a new plate of cookies with three other families.) so we were making our cookies to deliver when it got dark. It was fun to look down and see a chocolate face smiling back at me.






We made turtle cookies which are so fun and easy because you cook them on the waffle iron. Here's the recipe from my friend Jessica:

Turtle Cookies
1 C melted butter
1 1/2 C sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2/3 C cocoa
2 C flour
2 t vanilla

Beat butter, sugar and eggs. Add cocoa, flour and vanilla. Drop by spoon fulls on hot waffle iron, sprayed with Pam. Close and bake for one minute. Frost with chocolate frosting.

Chocolate Frosting

1 lb. pd. sugar
1 Cube butter, soft
1/4-1/2 C cocoa
1 t vanilla
1/3 C milk

Combine until smooth

To Maureen

So about a year ago I posted about and anti-Mormon tantrum that took place on a national television show. I can't remember the man's name but I remember that I wrote I was surprised to hear someone so verbally caustic about Mormon's in general and that I had never experienced that before. I went on to discuss how surprised I was at what I really felt to be hate for what I believe in.

I had a comment from a woman I've never met who questioned me about what I believe and really, I feel, continued the attack on the LDS faith. Over the course of a few days we exchanged comments and ultimately I concluded my end of the discussion. I have been told by other readers that there is another comment from her but I have never read it. I chose to let it go, it bothered me so much.

For several weeks after I had a lot to think about and I pondered, quite extensively, what I thought about our exchange. It was the first time in my life that I have ever been "called to the mat" to defend my beliefs. I look back now and wish I had not been so afraid of her misunderstanding as to keep me from really expressing myself. The exchange ultimately caused me to develop more confidence in talking about what I believe to be true.

I have thought about that post and the subsequent comments often throughout this year and developed a deep appreciation for that exchange. I am a better person for it and I'm thankful that it caused me to really look at my willingness to share my beliefs but also to accept others for theirs. It has taken me this long to be able to say "thank you Maureen" for providing a learning opportunity.

Had a great chance to attend a town meeting tonight on some bond issues we've got coming up. Got some clarification on a few things. I'm still undecided about Bond 1, it's just got a nasty mix of necessary things and pork.
The cemetery bond is a no-go for me. The land that the city wants to purchase is way too expensive and it has been known for some time to have pretty severe water table issues. Not a good place for a cemetery. The Art-Dye park will have to wait. It's a great idea (with a little thorn in my side about the Art-Dye trail) but with the economy as it is, it's just too much right now.
The 560 W bill is another no-go. (the most expensive) It's a better idea to put a light or round-a-bout on 400 W. It's also not very clear in the pamphlet on what the other two rail-road crossing closings will be. It turns out that UDOT/UP wants AF to foot the bill for the (very premature) preparations on the future TRAX line by re-routing traffic and putting in lights. I say if they paid for it up north, they ought to pay for it here.

I've come to realize politics isn't about knowing everything. It's about learning as much as you can, making the best decision and then being able to say why you are going to stick with it. Sometimes the decision you make will be unpopular but I like to remind myself that the men who founded this country spent many hours debating and rebuffing each other's ideas. I think that we should spend less time worrying that our opinions might offend, and more time sharing what we know, even if it's only a small amount. I hope we decide as a community/country that it's okay to debate and express ideas about the direction of our society. I think we'll get a lot more done.

Yeah, this is probably true.

You Are Monday

Like this day of the week, you are ruled by the moon. More than anything, you are flexible. You are moody and impressionable. You are easily influenced by the world around you. And while you can be temperamental, you eventually adjust. While Mondays tend to be the hardest day for people, you don't mind getting back to regular life. You're the one waking up early and making the coffee while everyone else complains.

What Day of the Week Are You?

Trash Receptical

I just wanted to confirm that the old cliche about boys putting everything in their pockets is true. This is what I had left from their two loads of laundry. Looks like we need to have another lesson on where to put our garbage.

Huh?

A conversation I had with my daughter yesterday-

(her) "I'm a princess, you're a prince."

(me)-"I'm a girl, I can't be a prince. I'm a queen and daddy's a king and you're a princess."

(her) "I'm not a princess and you're not a queen and daddy's not a chihuahua."





I'm still confused.

New Space

I'm finally getting around to posting pics of the new house. Here's the front and entry way.




Here's the kitchen and the front room along with what I call the fireplace room.






And finally the boys bath, master bath and of course, my daughter's bedroom (can you say Pinkalicious?)








I'm still getting around to decorating as you can see but all in good time. We're enjoying the new space and hoping to live up to this blessing.

What's That Smell?

So this is just a really great idea. If we can eliminate %50 of cow's methane emissions by just adding garlic that's just awesome!

Tinsle Town

I was working out this morning and watching an old episode of "The West Wing". Great show! It was the one where the president is shot and so is Josh Lyman, one of his staff. During the hours of Josh's surgery you go on flashbacks of the past campaign. In each scene different staff members are seen leaving their jobs, changing their lives to come be a part of this man's campaign. Not because he's going to win, not because he's more attractive or has made no mistakes but because he has good ideas and is truly interested in the betterment of his country.

This is what I want, the Hollywood version of the White House. Where is the man who wants to make his country better? Where is the staff who want to work for him because he is good? Where is the candidate who hasn't surrounded himself with those who have bankrupted companies. Where is the candidate who isn't surrounded by war mongers?

I will vote in this election and will, in my mind, choose the lesser of the two evils. But the next day I will begin praying that somewhere, some man or woman will begin to be prepared to lead our country and that when the time comes, I will be able recognize him or her for who he/she truly is.

Musical Monday-Annoying Children's Songs

You hate them but your children love them! Here are the most annoying songs I could think of just because it's a Monday and I'm feeling sassy.

T.P.

This is just one more reason I love my new house-

The "No Excuses" toilet paper holder.

Say My Name

You can call me Mary P. because my house looks practically perfect in every way right now. It's a rare day when it all comes together so I'm going to brag, brag, brag! Yee haw, now I just need to keep the kids outside forever and it's all good!

No Way!

It worked! It really did. I was surprised that is was as effective as it was. The only drawback that I could tell was that it seemed to only last for about four hours. Either way, it's lots cheaper than cough syrup and far less invasive to the internal organs since it doesn't have to be processed through the liver, kidneys and whatever else.
I'll definitely keep a jar on hand this winter.

...But on Your Feet?

My mom sent me an email a few weeks back about an unusual cough remedy- Vicks Vaporub on the feet! My son has developed a pretty good cough over the last couple of days so I'm giving this a try. I put a healthy dollop of Vaporub on the bottom of his feet and put his sock back on. He's been instructed to just take it easy for a while. I have to admit, I'm curious.

It Rained

Bless the heavens above, it rained this weekend! In fact, Saturday it rained from early morning to after midnight the following morning. It caused soccer games to be canceled and everyone to stay inside.
I did venture out to buy some books and found myself spending the better part of the day reading. I finished one book and started another. My kiddos played and watched a movie and we all enjoyed the day. It was what I call a mental health weekend.


Here is the book I read, just in case you're interested.

Moment of Truth

I watched the debate last night, Sarah Palin did pretty well although I think the truly knowledgeable debater was Biden. I have to say I've enjoyed the two debates I've seen thus far. It feels like they are actually doing what debates were intended to do. I've come away feeling like I've learned a little something, not just witnessed a verbal version of WWE Monday Night Smackdown.

Unfortunately I don't feel any better about the candidates.

My one ray of hope is my perception that more Americans are interested and educating themselves about where our country is and about those who would ask for our votes to lead it. I couldn't help but think last night that now is the time for Americans to be the people the Founders of our nation thought we would be; actively interested in the welfare of our country, anxiously engaged in it's future and well-being, participants in the events of democracy. I think many feel the way I do when I say this seems to be a turning point for us. We can choose to make our country better or allow it to sink into the abyss of apathy and corruption. My vote is to make it better. Now, if we can just select the best leader.

Well Said

During our tour of the Capitol I was able to see many of our nations leaders immortalized in sculpture. One such sculpture touched me deeply with it's engraving of the subject's words. The statue is of Miss. Frances Willard, a major leader in the women's suffrage movement. I had to read through most of the congressional record of the acceptance of her statue in order to find this beautiful sentiment and had the opportunity to learn more about her. She was an amazing woman. Here are her words:

“Ah! It is to women who have given the costliest hostages to fortune. Out into the battle of life they have sent their best beloved, with fearful odds against them. Oh, by the dangers they have dared; by the hours of patient watching over beds where helpless children lay; by the incense of ten thousand prayers wafted from their gentle lips to heaven, I charge you give them power to protect along life’s treacherous highway those whom they have so loved.” –Frances Willard

What a beautiful testament to the role of mothers.

A Source of Aggravation

In the process of moving I have had the indescribable pleasure of dealing with many service reps via the telephone and Internet. Some are pretty okay to deal with, others-not so much. With the overlap of bills from my current address to my new, I have missed a couple of bills. I hate getting late notices in the mail. It makes my heart beat fast and my eyes tear up and I swear someone is waiting at the door to take me to jail. I am very good about righting situations like this and always call as soon as I am notified. What really gets me is how the service representatives treat me. I've dealt with the "you must be a delinquent felon" attitude and the "I don't care what you say, we're right, you're wrong" attitude and my personal favorite, the "I'm having a bad day and you will pay for it." attitude. I've been in tears many times and one such time I had to hang up because I was so frustrated I couldn't speak. (I cry when I get frustrated.) I truly believe that it is because of these people that the bumper sticker "Mean people suck!" was invented!

I feel a little better now.

Dark Skies Ahead

I have very mixed feelings on this bailout thing. While I absolutely don't want a "deep recession", I don't think that this huge bill is necessarily the answer either. What scares me most is how secretive and rushed the whole thing is. There are very few details to the general public (except the price tag) and a huge push to get it done right away. Every time I turn on the news there is another expert telling me why we need this done and why it needs to be done now but no one seems to really explain how it's going to work. I've been reading about the bill and feel like it has good intentions but I don't like that it seems to be a knee-jerk reaction. I did learn that the bill allows for only $250 billion to be paid at first, then the President can wait to see if more money is needed.

There has been a lot of talk about how Wall Street has screwed the folks on Main Street but I think we're missing part of the story. I think blaming the whole kit and caboodle on the financial institutions is like blaming McDonald's for being fat. The general public has to take some responsibility for our own financial mistakes. We borrow way too much! We don't save enough and we leverage things like there will never be a rainy day. Well, I hate to point out the fact that it's raining and now we want the government to provide the umbrella

What a Trip!

Here are some of the New York/DC pics. We had a great time!