What a great idea!!

We have been discussing witnessing to others in Sunday School.  Well I can tell you first hand that that is not one of my strong points.  I know I love the Lord and I do not mind telling people.  But I am not good with the questions that come along with witnessing.  I admit, I have not read all of the Bible and I do not know all the answers.  I just know I believe and I love the Lord.  So, to get back to the idea....we were asked to give any examples that we had had recently of witnessing.  This man had a wonderful idea that he had been using while he is on the road for business.  When eating at a restaurant and the waitress says "Is there anything else that I can do for you?", he asks "Is there someone I can pray for for you?" Now that screams Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Wordless Wednesday

She is flying!

Thinking....

I hope everyone is finishing up their shopping and wrapping.  One day I will finish.  I am determined to have it all together this year and not be running around on Christmas Eve trying to finish.

Around the holidays, there is one constant thing that I tend to think about.  I do not talk about it much for not many understand or even want to hear about it.  I think about it very privately for fear that I may shed tears or question why things are the way they are.  I think about our son Maddux who is in heaven celebrating Christmas with Jesus himself.  It brings joy in my life to know that he is running around with other children and laughing and swinging.  Sometimes I wonder what life would have been like if he were still with us.  But I know God had other plans.  It is so hard to believe that Maddux would be almost 6.  I always wonder who he would have looked like.  What he would have wanted for Christmas this year.  But I know he is getting the best gift of all...to be with Jesus and to be able to sit on his lap and listen to his stories.  

In reading another blog, I found this great verse.  

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Hebrews 12:1-3

It reminds me of last year's Vacation Bible School and the theme of running the race for God.  I feel like sometimes God is pulling us to continue on in the race, but we keep calling out "I am too tired" or "Let me just rest for a minute".  My prayer for 2009 is that I will continue on and not get weary.  God has great plans for us and all he ask me to do is TRUST.  Easy enough, right??

Keith and his first girlfriend

This is Keith's girlfriend Kate.  She is so adorable.  But we found out on Keith's birthday that she is moving this summer.  I do not have the heart to tell him.  He will be crushed!

Holiday Spirit

This holiday, I am having such a hard time getting into the spirit.  Do not get me wrong.  I was moved by Walk through Bethlehem.  I am excited that my entire family will be together for the holidays.  I am so undeserving and blessed that God loved me so much that he sent his son to save me. I guess with the economy and all the financial woes, the looming expense reduction consultant creeping around work, Brian having to work out of town every week, Brian's mothers diagnosis, and then a co-worker's mother passing away unexpectedly, I feel like I am reaching for some happiness.  

Luckily, when I go home at night, this is where I can always depend on finding it......

Thomas, Thomas, and more Thomas

Since I do not have much time to blog today, I thought I would sum up what Keith did his entire Thanksgiving vacation.

Marriage Survey

I'VE BEEN TAGGED WITH A MARRIAGE SURVEY!  HERE GOES....(I did it in the color "RED" for love)

How long have you been married?

10 years and 19 days

Is this your first marriage? 

Yes.

Is it how you imagined it would be?

Yes and no. The first six months was really tough.  We fought about stupid things (my control issues with money).  Now our life is so chaotic that we do not even have time to fight. 

What would you change?

More time together. 

Are you married to your soulmate?

Yes. 

What do you argue about the most?

Money. 

What do you see eye to eye on the most?

God and our children. 

Where did you meet your spouse?

Out to dinner with friends. 

Where was your first date?

Depends on what you call a first date....When we were first dating we always went out with friends. 

Where were you when you became engaged?

Brian's apartment. 

Did you live together before marriage?

No. 

What was your wedding song?

Random music.  Brian always tells everyone we walked in to Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do With It". 

Who was in your wedding party?

My girls....Joy (reason I met Brian), Judy (my sister-in-law), Crystal (my BF), Paige (my old roommate from college), Angie (friend from high school), Ami and Amber (Brian's nieces).  The boys...Hud, Brian F, Chris (all friends of Brian),Frank (Brian's brother), and Brian's dad. 

Do you get along with the in-laws?

Yes. 

Whats your view on children?

When I married Brian, he said he wanted an entire football team of children.  After 2, he is done.  We love them and hope to raise them to love God.  All our friends are having children now so we love holding their babies and loving on them. 

Does your spouse feel the same way?

Yes. 

Are you a 2 peas in a pod or opposites attract couple?

That is a hard one.  When we first got married, everyone said we were "like peas and carrots".  Is that opposites or the same?? 

Do you go out without your spouse?

Yes. But with other married or "taken" girls usually. 

How long are you away from your spouse before you start to miss him/her?

1 minute.  But is is okay...I will survive. 

Have you ever compared your spouse to someone you have dated in the past?

No. 

Do you trust your Spouse?

Yes. 

Does your Spouse trust you?

Yes. 

How well does your spouse know your favorites?

That is a good question.  I usually buy my own gifts so I guess not too well. 

Do you get along with your spouses friends?

Yes. 

Does your spouse get along with your friends?

Yes. 

Did you go on a honeymoon?

Yes.  We went to Cancun and we were suppose to go back for our 10-year anniversary but with the economy the way it is...we will have to wait until later. 

Do you watch the same TV shows?

Some.  Private Practice, The Biggest Loser, and Dirty Sexy Money. 

Can you agree on Pizza toppings?

Yes, Meat Lovers. 

Who takes out the trash?

Him more than me. 

Who does laundry??

Me. 

Who cooks dinner?

Neither. 

Do you have any traditions?

I cannot think of any right now. 

Do you know your spouses passwords/pins?

Yes. 

Does your spouse know your social security number?

No. 

Do you ever nag your spouse?

Me? Nag? What a silly question! 

Do you admit wrong doing?

Sometimes. 

Does your spouse?

Sometimes.

Okay Heather and Morgan, your turn!!! 

 

Fun in our Pajamas

On cold, dreary days like we had last week, it is just fun to stay inside in your pjs....

But on other days........we can go BOWLING (the only sport that mom is competitive at).

Okay Ryan and Kayce, it looks like I still need help with this new camera and on blogging.  

God, where are you?

I know a lot of people who are asking this right now...unemployed, sick, mourning, etc.  I know when we lost Maddux, I probably thought it.  But the great thing is that he was right there, holding my hand, loving me, comforting me, and leading me closer to him.  I never thought loss in my life would be the eye opener to the glory that God brings.  Every day when I read blogs from people who are dealing with infertility, loss of a child, economical stress, there is always one thing in common.  They are still glorifying God and praying to him to show us all the way.  Sometimes it is so hard to understand.  But what is the other alternative......not believe???

How can I look at these two faces and not believe in Him!

Not Me Monday!

I have been tagged in the tradition of this new blog trend:

1.  I did not send my daughter to school in shoes she could hardly walk in so I would not have to run upstairs and get a different pair.

2.  I did not let my daughter sleep with me last night because I do not like to sleep alone.

3.  I am not 30+ years old and still scared to stay by myself at night.

4.  I do not have steam blowing out my ears because of Wachovia (I know it does not have anything to do with my kids but right now it is big to me)

5.  I am not continuously looking on the internet for a puppy and telling my husband I am not ready to get one.

Maybe next Monday I will have more exciting ones...Sorry.

Answering Prayers

James 1:2-8

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Today I am praising God for so many things.  Yesterday, another prayer was answered for a woman I don't know physically but we share the same God.  After 9 years of infertility, her twin babies were born.  The mother was rushed to ICU and was in and out of a coma, having seizures,  and her blood pressure was spiraling out of control.  So I prayed.  Heather prayed. Carol prayed.  The family prayed.  Last night they brought her babies in her room and she woke up.  It bring tears of joy to my eyes even typing this.  (But we all know I am an emotional wreck over children.)  Also yesterday, a prayer was answered regarding our finances.  I try really hard not to pray about money, but God knows my heart more than I even know it.  God has always provided and he continues to do so every day.  The list goes on and on....... 

Thank you God for being in my life and loving me even when I don't deserve it!

  

A Name......Now I Gotta Find A Cure

I have found a name for my funk that I have been in lately.....seasonal affective disorder.  Of course..the seasons have changed and not only did it bring cooler weather, but also brought my change of mood.  Thank goodness I was born in the south.  As most of you know, I have goose bumps in 70 degree weather.  So today my goal is to get out of this funk and embrace the cold.  Now I am not going to do anything crazy like run outside in my underwear (sorry Andy and Ryan, I know that would have given you quite a laugh), but I am going to enjoy the fall and winter seasons and all that they bring.  Thanksgiving, Christmas, maybe snow (doubt it), family gatherings, Brian's birthday, Octoberfest, annual friendship dinner, etc.

Exhaustion

I am so tired.  I feel like I have been non-stop for the past few days.  This weekend was a whirlwind.  Then last night was Bunco.  Tonight is Keith's birthday.  Tomorrow is church.  Thursday....could it be....nothing!  Friday is a jewelry party in Moncks Corner.  Saturday is a baby shower in the morning and Octoberfest that night.  Sunday is church (extended session) and handbell practice that night.  Then we start all over again.  Hopefully I can find some time to sleep in there.  How am I suppose to spend time with the kids, read my book, and study for the CPA exam?  Oh yeah, and what about TV?  I know I gave up some shows, but I cannot go cold turkey!  If you walk by my office and see this.. 

Don't be surprised!

Brotherly sisterly love

If you look around my parents' house, you will not find pictures like this of me and my brother when we were little.  I hope their love for each other only grows stronger.

One More Day

As I sit here and think about those words and how we have one more day until we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, I also think of a song that use to be one of my favorites.  I don't know if any of you remember many years ago, there was a song by Diamond Rio called "One More Day".  Of course, those who know me can only imagine that I cry every time I hear it.  In the song, the person that he is singing to has left this earth and he would give anything to spend "one more day with you".  As I think about that song and the title of my post, I just thank God for the 10 years that he has given me with Brian.  I know that there are no guarantees for tomorrow or the next day, but I will cherish all the times that we have together and the memories that we have made.  Brian and I talked yesterday about all the plans that we had made for our 10-year anniversary that we are not going to be able to fdo.  I am okay with that.  I do not need expensive gifts, fancy trips, or elaborate dinners to celebrate how much I love my husband.  Those come and go.  Our love is forever!

To my Husband...

How do I begin to tell you

how lucky I am to have you in my life?

I'll start by saying what an honor

it is for me to be your wife.

You're my best friend in the good times and 

my rock in times of sorrow.

You're the reasons for sweet yesterdays and

my promise for tomorrow.  

Author Unknown

Anniversary Week Day 2

I am God, the only God you’ve had or ever will have—
incomparable, irreplaceable—
From the very beginning
telling you what the ending will be,
All along letting you in
on what is going to happen,
Assuring you, ‘I’m in this for the long haul,
I’ll do exactly what I set out to do,’
- Isaiah 46:9-11 (The Message)

It is so strange to think that from the beginning of my life, the beginning of time even, that God knew that Brian and I would be together.  Of course, you date other people and say the "I love yous" and think "is he the one", but God knew all along that Brian and I were meant to be together.  God knew from the first day I met Brian that I would fall in love.  He knew that we would only date 6 months before getting engaged and then another 6 months before we got married.  He knew it all.  He knew that the birth of our 3 children would change our lives forever and that that would make us both stronger, not only in our relationship with each other, but with him.  The story of how Brian and I met is a classic example of how God works.  We had no reason to meet that night.  I had no business trusting someone I had never met.  But God knew that we were soul mates, and he had made us for each other.  I know that our marriage has lasted 10 years and will last many more because God is at the center.  

10 Years......and counting

I cannot believe it!  This week Brian and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary.  I have decided to dedicate this week to me and Brian and each day post a picture of us or something that have made us stronger over these years......We sure have been through a lot these 10 years but through all of it..... our wild club days, moving to Charleston, losing a child, having 2 more children (only 15 months apart), and changes in careers, our love for each other gets stronger and stronger.  Sometimes we could kill each other and sometimes we cannot stop holding each other.  He is my life and I know that he will always be there for me.  Thank you God for not only giving me a man who loves me and our kids, but also loves you.

The reason I breathe..............................

Happy Halloween

From our home to yours.....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The Halloween Fun has Begun

The kids were busy yesterday beginning all the fun things that Halloween brings.....baking Halloween cookies and

Painting ssscccaarrry pumpkins.

31 THINGS-SENT TO ME FROM ANOTHER BLOGGER

1. Where is your cell phone? plugged into my computer as I work
2. Where is your significant other? at the office
3. Your hair color? dark brown
4. Your mother? Joyce
5. Your father? Gary
6. Your favorite thing? {at this moment} the heater under my desk....I work in an icebox
7. Your dream last night? Did not have one
8. Your dream/goal? There are so many......to raise my children in the best way possible
9. The room you're in? Office
10. Your hobby? shopping....I need to find a cheaper one
11. Your fear? I hate discussing fears.  I guess that someone will break in my house while we are home.
12. Where do you want to be in six years? same house, same job, out of debt
13. Where were you last night? at home
14. What you’re not? concentrating on what needs to be done
15. One of your wish list items? remodeled bathroom
16. Where you grew up? Lancaster
17. The last thing you did? ate a mini Twix candy bar
18. What are you wearing? jeans and pink top from BR
19. Your TV? is always on Noggin for the kids
20. Your pet? passed away about 2 months ago from liver failure
21. Your computer? MAC at work, SONY laptop at home
22. Your mood? always good
23. Missing someone? my babies
24. Your car? Yukon
25. Something you’re not wearing? my watch (needs a new battery)
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your summer? the beach
28. Love someone? God, my husband of 10 years, my kids, family and friends, etc.
29. Your favorite color? green
30. When is the last time you laughed? When my Keith said "refrigefrator"
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday watching about Eliot and 99 balloons on Oprah

Heather and Kayce......YOUR TURN!!!

Sometimes We Need a Reminder from Above

Every week we get an email from someone in our Sunday School with the week's prayer requests, praises, updates, etc.  Suzanne Piper sent out this week's email since Becky is on bed rest (she's expecting twins in January) and it contained something that I really needed to hear.  She quoted the verses from Romans 8:26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."  Every night when I say my prayers, I feel like I have to list everything that comes to mind.  Sometimes I forget that God is all-knowing and he knows my heart and my mind before I even speak it.  Thank you Suzanne for reminding me.

Kid's Say the Cutest Things

Is is bad to make your child continuously repeat things because they are saying it so cute but so wrong?  Keith wanted something to drink and when I asked him where his drink was, he said "in the refrigefrator.  I think I asked him 5 times just so I could hear him say it.  I guess a good parent would have corrected him and made him say it correctly.  Oh well....maybe next time.

It seems as if it is time for......

TOP 5 TUESDAY

Today's topic is...What are 5 things that you hope to pass down to (or at least teach) your children?

1.  God is the creator, good, almighty, number one, a rock, always there, etc.

2.  Respect everyone, not just your elders.

3.  Life is short...treat everyone that comes in to it with love.

4.  Always be honest, even when it hurts.

5.  Mommy and Daddy will always love you.

Goals

I have never been one to set goals....I did not want to let anyone down (especially myself) if I did not succeed.  But after a lot of thought yesterday and a talk with my trainer and coach, I have decided to set my new goal.  Get ready everyone, it is a doozie if I say so myself.  Next Ocotber, I will be sporting my pink in honor of breast cancer, but this time I will be doing it a little differently.  As Brian and I normally try to walk in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure (well I walk, Brian runs), we have not been able to in the last 2 years due to our Las Vegas trips.  Well no more of that.  Next year, you will have to look fast to see me because, yes brace yourself, I will be running. 

My goal is....to run in the 2009 Susan G Komen Race for the Cure 5K.  Not only do I want to do this for myself, but for all the women out there who have been affected by this terrible disease.  I not only feel great because I can dedicate this to Brian's aunt Karen who we both loved dearly who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2002, but it is something we can do together (Brian and me).  I am really excited, but a little scared.  But I have a year to get ready...I hope that is long enough.....I have not run in probably 13 years.....You may see me on TV as the person being taken away on a stretcher but I am determined to make it.

Okay so the pic is not me....but it could be after I train.....and dye my hair, and get a boob job, and get younger...But it could be...

I've Been Tagged.....by Heather

8 things I did yesterday:

1.  1 load of laundry

2.  Read some more of the book "The Shack"

3.  Went to dinner with Morgan, Grady, and Keith to Andolini's

4.  Watched Keith play with his Thomas the Train set

5.  Worked on a development project for HOURS

6.  Heard from my good friend Kristie Rooks

7.  Watched Dirty, Sexy Money...my favorite show

8.  Welcomed my hubbie back home

8 favorite places to eat:

1.  Chick fil a

2.  Tao in Las Vegas

3.  The Boathouse in IOP

4.  Red Drum

5.  Firehouse Subs

6.  Myabi's

7.  Nakato's in Columbia (where Brian and I first met)

8.  Outback

8 favorite TV shows:

1.  Dr. 90210

2.  Dirty Sexy Money

3.  Private Practice

4.  The Hills

5.  Two and a Half Men

6.  The Biggest Loser

7.  The Real Housewives of Atlanta

8.  The Mentalist (my new one)

8 things I am looking forward to:

1.  Seeing my children tonight

2.  the economy to get better

3.  to hear if Becky is still having twin boys or if one of them is a girl

4.  Reading some more of my book tonight

5.  Hopefully watching The Mentalist that I tivo'd

6.  Hannah's soccer game on Saturday (although it is going to be cold at 8:30)

7.  my 10-year anniversary

8.  Cooper to arrive (that one's for you G and R)

8 things on my wish list:

1.  The economy to get better

2.  I had more time to spend with my children

3.  I was a better Christian and had more time for devotion

4.  I could snap my fingers and the house would be clean

5.  That Cooper would hurry up and get here

6.  The grass cutting fairy would come and cut our grass

7.  Brian and I could go out to eat for our anniversary

8.  Heather's baby Jule would feel better soon

I guess now I will tag.....Gillian, Morgan, and Kayce (if they have not been tagged already).

Thomas the Train vs. EBAY

My son is obsessed with Thomas the Train.  There are many, many trains and he knows all of their names, their personalities, and the stories that they have participated.  As soon as we walk into the house, the first thing he asks is "Can I go play with my trains".  So, the great idea person that I like to think that I am , went on ebay and thought I could get several Thomas the Train characters that are already used for next to nothing.  HA!  Everyone else in the United States thinks that Thomas the Train is just as wonderful.  People are paying crazy amounts for these things.  Are they going to be worth something one day...i doubt it.  They are just trains.  But to a small boy/girl and their parents who use ebay to make money, I guess they are like nuggets of pure gold.  

Don't worry, Keith.  Mommy will keep trying.  I am on a mission.

Old Chips

I never thought the day would come again where I would be in trouble at school.  This morning I got a "talking to" at Hannah's school.  You ask, "for what"?  What could Elissa have possibly done that was so bad?  From what I understand, I gave my child "old" chips for breakfast, which in turn made her stomach hurt, which made her have an accident at school.....how could I?  What kind of mother am I?  I started to defend myself, but I thought, why bother.  And unfortunately for me, I just laughed.  Needless to say the school administrator was not laughing.  

For everyone out there who is wondering what my story is......There was a bag of Doritos left over from the night before on our trip back from Columbia.  She ate three out of the bag on the way to school.  I know this is not what you would call an average breakfast, but it is Doritos people.  That is an American staple.  

I think Brian and I probably know what could have caused this....she was with her Granny and Grandaddy in Chimney Rock all weekend.  Need I say more......

Someone get me a Dictionary

Who would have thought that every conversation that I have with my 4-year old would be a spelling bee....For example, she heard me use the word assume in a sentence.  She says to me, "Mom, what does assume mean?" So I make up some crappy definition to try and get her to understand.  She attempts to use it in a sentence.  "Keith assumes that he will get to play with his trains if he poops in the potty".....WOW, that was a good one.  She used it correctly.  Then she wants to know how to spell it.  So we sound it out. A---SSSSSS--uuuuuu-mmmmm.  Tricky word in the spelling department.  I know that the words will get tougher and there are just some words I do not know a definition for, I just know how to use them in a sentence.  I really think my daughter is trying to outsmart me....

Still Sad....

Keith had show and tell this morning at school and each student had to bring a picture of their house.  This morning I looked through several photo boxes trying to find some picture that incorporated the front of our house.  Instead I came across tons of pictures of my beloved "Brew". Pictures ranging from the time we picked him up at the breeders until the time before he passed away.  I thought I was okay with him being gone because I knew he was in heaven with Maddux and Oscar (Oscar is Frank's puppy that passed away two days before Brew).  But I am still very sad.  As most of my friends know, I am glutton for punishment.  I do it to myself.  I sat there and looked at all the pictures I could find.  A normal person would have said "Wow I need to get to work and not sit here and look at all these pictures that will make me cry!", but of course, I am not normal.  There is no denying that.  It was crazy looking at pictures from our old house when he was a puppy and life was so simple.  No worries about money, day care, etc.  It really made me think of how wonderful a life God has given me.  My beautiful children who fill my day with laughter, my husband who constantly reminds me of why I married him (his sense of humor and of course, good looks), and family and friends who will always be there to support me and be there when I need them.  So today I remind myself to look forward, do not dwell on the past, only learn from it.  

Soccer

Hannah absolutely loves soccer.  Now I am not saying that she will be a Mia Hamm, but she tries so hard.  She runs and runs as fast as her little legs will go.  Now needless to say, if she is tired or hot, she will stop and ask to be put on the bench.  Her daddy and our neighbor are the coaches so they are use to the drama that we call "Hannah".  There is one kid on the team names Jacob and he is definitely going to be a star player.  Maybe even the next David Beckham.  Hard to say at 4 or 5.  Here is a picture that Gillian took at the game last Saturday.  Thanks to all our friends who come to support her.  She loves showing off for you!

Coming Up for Air

Do you sometimes just feel like you are drowning?  I have felt like that the last couple of days. I don't know why.  I am constantly reminding myself that my life is so blessed and I should be embracing that.   So why do I feel this way?  Isaiah 41:10 says "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand."  I am going to continuously read this and pray that all my fears and worries are taken away.  Only God can do that.  Then I will be able to come up for air.

With all the Halloween decorations and the pumpkins out at John Wesley, it is truly starting to seem like fall.  The weather definitely is not a clue.  Here are some pics of the kids from last year at Halloween....still trying to think what we can conjure up for this year. 

Man, I am tired.  I do not know why Mondays are always so hard for me.  You would think the weekend would have left me well rested.  Never happens.  I went out on the boat yesterday with Morgan, Andy, Ryan, and G which was so relaxing.  Something about being on the water is so wonderful to me.  It is definitely one of my favorite places.  I could stay out there all day.

I started playing handbells with our church.  Yesterday was my first practice.  I thought since I had played piano for 9 years and read music that it would all come back to me.  It took a while but I finally got on track.  Those poor women (and 2 men)....they are going to have to be very patient.

NINE days until we leave for Vegas.  I am starting to get excited.  I guess I need to start figuring out what clothes I need to take.  Us women do that.....And we start way ahead of time.  Most men pack 10 minutes before heading out the door.  Can't do it...

The Beginning

Well here it is.....the first post.  Who would have thought we would ever get to this day...puting our life out there for all the world to see and read.  

I do not know really where to begin.  Everyone says the first one is the hardest.  We both have been known to ramble on so it should get easier.  

Right now the thing to talk about seems the debates.  I have never been a true follower of politics, but during Bunko last night, all the girls wanted to watch.  So I watched.  I watched the back and forth, the dodging of the issues, the blaming and the he said, she said.  I get so lost with who is really and truly in it for the love of our country and the hopes of making it better.  Unfortunately, the world is in such disarray right now, who knows what is going to happen.  I just pray to God everyday to not only bring peace and love to our nation, but bring us a strong Christian leader who can make the difference.  And God will answer that in his own time and own way.

Things are very exciting around the Pulaski home right now.  Keith has gone an entire week with no diapers.  He has only had one accident.  Needless to say, he still wears a pull up at night, but it is always dry.  We have not gone crazy and thrown all the extra diapers out.  We do not try and kid ourselves.  We are hoping by Christmas we can pass those diapers to another child.  We are also leaving for vacation in 11 days.  Las Vegas here we come...again.  We went last year at this same time (to see Jimmy Buffett) and thought we have been once and would probably not go back.  This time I hope we get a little bit luckier in the casinos.  I was the crazy girl that put $.50 in the machine and cashed out if I won $1.00.  Hey, I doubled it.  And don't think I was quiet about it.  I screamed with excitement as if I had won a jackpot.  I have never put $.50 in anything and doubled up.  Most of the time I put $.50 in a drink or candy machine and get nothing.  

I read a lot of my friend's blogs and they write such inspiring words or use cute metaphors.  I always failed in that department.  I hope I get better with time.  I even noticed that my vocabulary has changed over the years...instead of saying restroom like most grown ups, I tell everyone I have to potty.  Thanks to Hannah and Keith for that.  

Until next time.....Chao!