SPT- To Here and There and In Between

The Middle Child

Grandma D came across this photo of Jillian in preparing for the second grade's Grandparent's Day this coming Tuesday. It's a favorite of mine. I think Jillian was 3. Enjoy.

Twilight- the movie

Okay, so I saw the movie! No, not the crazy midnight one, but soon after, and here's what I thought....






No, you first! What did you think? Did the actors do alright? Who was the most believable? Who was terrible? What did the producers botch up? I will say that I loved that line Bella said to Edward about how his mood swings were giving her whiplash...I'll have to use that sometime.

Anyway, Let me know your thoughts if you've seen it. If you haven't and want to- do- it's worth it......there- that's as much as I'll say here.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am Thankful for my children and my friends who love me unconditionally.

SPT- 27 degrees

Thankful Thursday- Free Speech

Okay, I'm not eloquent or highly educated. I do not have the thought process of professors, lawyers or politicians. But I do have beliefs, opinions and thoughts. Today I am thankful that in this great country, we currently have FREE SPEECH to express ourselves.

I just watched a bit of news coverage on the aftermath of the Prop 8 passing. I think it's disgusting. Blacklisting anyone who supported funds toward passing Prop 8, picketing religious buildings (mostly Mormon) and trying to sell the whole "discrimination" bit. Makes me sick to my stomach. I support Prop 8 defining a marriage as only between a man and a woman. It is my belief that marriage is ordained of God, and that having a father and a mother in the family to jointly raise children is in the child's best interest.

I also believe strongly that this issue has been open for review TWICE and the majority of the country (or state involved) has spoken up TWICE. I think that if the shoe was on the other foot and if Prop 8 did not pass, I would lose my responsibility, right and freedom as a parent to choose to teach my own children my beliefs in morality and the family unit. THAT IS DISCRIMINATION.

How many times does the majority need to voice their beliefs on an issue for it to be settled? Do we vote for president more than once? No. Do we now target anyone who voted for McCain? No- it's not the democratic way, nor is it something anyone with integrity would do.

The fabric of society lies in the family unit. Families treat each other with love and respect, always- and no matter their beliefs or actions. I do not think that these protesters are going about their intentions with the slightest bit of love and respect.

Responsible Woman or Puffy Guy?

Most days I feel like this...

But today I feel like this...

SPT

Thankful Thursday

An email circulated recently that claimed to be a letter from David Letterman. It doesn't matter who wrote it, but the gist of it was that Americans have become a bunch of selfish brats and we really ought to be putting our energy into realizing the fantastic blessings we enjoy in the greatest country in the world.

Considering the election results and the storm clouds that may be on the horizon, I've been thinking of that email, and I agree. But instead of listing a bunch of things that so many of us take for granted on a daily basis, just find ONE THING that strikes you today that in another country you would not necessarily have.

For me, there's this tree that we planted a couple years ago. I was told that this tree would become "blazing red" in the fall (I love red trees). This year is the first year it's beginning to come to fruition....

And the tree is on our property. A speck of land that we own (well, you get the idea) and can do what we wish with (well, again you get the idea). On it is our home, where we dwell in peace and safety. I'm truly thankful for that.

So I ask you, is this a great country or what??

A nice surprise

This is what greeted me when my DH came through the door yesterday.

Thank you for being so thoughtful. I love you!

Self Portrait Tuesday (SPT)

To Host or Not To Host

Okay, friends, I need some help. The Great Turkey Day is approaching and I'm trying to decide to Host or Not To Host (and I don't mean Stephenie Meyer's book- although it's another good one!).

Turkey Day is a big family event, and a closer examination of the past reveals DH and I traveling (thankfully around town) to the HIS family and the HER family (truth be told the scales tipped way in favor of the HIS, but who's checking?). Along came children, and it's more of the same. (wait- is that a blessing or a curse to have both in-laws in the same town.....)

So here's the gig- if we Host this year, my parents are away for another year out of state, so that takes them out of the mix. The HIS side would be 14-17 bodies in addition to our 5.

And I've never cooked a bird before.....okay, truth be told, I'm more of a dessert girl in the kitchen. And coordinating such an event involving food is not my forte- perhaps only because others have been happy to do it. Honestly, it scares me.

So, Pros- I wouldn't have to travel. I'd have help with all the side dishes, etc. I'd get to really utilize the new dining room furniture. There must be more....

Cons- I've never cooked a bird before. Do I own enough forks for everyone? The clean-up--before and after. There must be more....


What would YOU do?