A weekend well spent

There is always a good deal of wrestling fun when the family is all together. Don, Jack and I made a trip to Iowa this past Friday and Saturday to take care of our house there. We had a lot of cleaning and mowing to do but there was plenty of time for fun.

Jury Duty: What a way to spend a morning!!

I can't hear the words jury duty and not think of this clip from the movie "The Grinch". And that is what I did with my Monday morning. This was my first time as a perspective juror. I was a little nervous, as I always am with new experiences. What I found interesting in the process was the questioning of the jurors before selection. The two questions addressed to me were about my family member in law enforcement and if I would have a problem concentrating on the trial with my children at home. Well, being a mom of 8 means I can not only concentrate on the trial but work out my schedule for the week, knit a sock, as well as return a responsible verdict for the court. I didn't worry about my children because the oldest three are very responsible and the younger three are well watched by their siblings. So, after all the questioning of the jurors we were returned to the courtroom to be dismissed from our duty. It seems they must have settled. So, I got to go home before one o'clock and try to salvage some of my day. Overall it was an interesting experience and I was glad to be able to participate in something that makes our country great.

9/11/08

I remember the day this date seven years ago as a warm and sunny September day. We had just set down to begin our day with lessons in the living room. On the radio WHO out of Des Moines, Iowa was reporting an explosion in New York City at the Twin Towers. The kids and I turned on cable news to learn that an airplane had hit one of those incredible towers and we watched as a second plane hit the second tower. It was a day of holding my breath for more horrible news. It just didn't seem possible that it could happen on American soil, how blessed we had been. In the days that followed I was so proud of our President George W. Bush. He had inherited the problems of lack of attention to the acts of terror to Americans on foriegn soil before he came to office. He didn't go out to blame his predecessors but he took a stand and did what needed to be done. No one likes war but freedom isn't free. In the spirit of this day and the upcoming election I am posting the URL for a video supporting John McCain but more than that supporting all those people who have given something to protect us from more attacks.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

Pretty is as Pretty Does

Grandma always said "Pretty is as pretty does" when someone would compliment me. I know the point was to say that actions are really more important than the outward appearance. She was right. Just imagine how blessed I am to have girls who are beautiful in both how they look and who they are. From Brittney who is a super mom and wife as well a daughter I can depend on, to Janna whose quiet strength is a calm in the storms of our daily family life. And Morgan who is the spice that makes me smile and always remember my Mom who went on to better things in January of 2005. Someone once said that if Brittney got married and became a mom she would be good at it because that is what she was raised to be. I never thought I was raising my girls to be anything in particular because I believe that God had a plan for them from before I was involved. I hope I taught them to "when you work , work with your might, things half done are never done right" lol (Family joke) I love my girls and am more thankful for them ever day. And I just have to wonder why 3 girls and 5!!! boys. lol

Ooops!!

This little bird hit our living room window awhile back and left a nasty steak on the glass. She laid on the porch twitching for a few moments, then was back on her little feet. When I finally went out to get a picture, she hopped away from me and soon flew to a destination unknown. I like birds but not so much when they are crashing into my windows.

Happy Birthday, Scatterbrain!!!

Scatterbrain turned 15 on the 23rd. Where have all the years gone. Who knew the thumb-sucking, sibling biter of yesteryear would turn into lovely,talented young lady that she is. (ok I hear you sniggering)