I finally have something to say...

Several of you have been asking why I have not blogged lately and I guess the main reason is I haven't had anything to say. Well look out friends, I finally have something to say!

Yesterday, was an amazing day in the history of our country. Innaugurations always inspire me, but this one was obviously unique. There are two things about yesterday that leave me inspired and rejuvenated. For one, I think Americans take for granted how blessed we are to live in a country that every four to eight years has a peaceful transfer of power. If you look around the world in war torn countries, that we are trying to secure, that is what they are fighting for - the balance of power and we have it. When I looked at the pictures of all of those people on the mall in Washington, D.C. yesterday, I thanked God for the fact that they could stand their and witness history without being afraid for their lives. That is not the cases in many nations. 

The second reason yesterday was special is obvious - we have our first African American president. You realize that fifty years ago Barack Obama could not have even attended the white high school in Alabama and now he is president. I believe that can be used as an inspiration to all Americans regardless of our political party. In the Declaration of Independence, our forefathers wrote, "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal..." (that's a loose quote). Well we now know that they meant all white men, excluding black men and women. This is no longer the case. You can literally tell any child that they can be anything they want to be. A barrier has been broken and guess what ladies, I think we are next! Again, regardless of how you voted, this is a significant moment in history that can't be denied. 

My one regret for yesterday is that many American people used it as a time to hurl insults and disrespect at George Bush. God bless that man. I know from our perspective he could have done so many things differently, but I do have confidence that he did what he thought was best for our country. I pray that people will soften their views of him as time goes on. We have to remember he was an elected official, not a wizard. Most importantly, he is HUMAN! And let me remind you, so, my friends, is Barack Obama! 

My daily prayer is that President Obama will have the courage and the strength to lead a sagging economy and a country at war. I pray that he can accomplish things that will benefit the country as a whole so we can be brought back together and not torn apart. Because at the end of the day, especially yesterday, we should all be thankful that we are citizens of United States of America! God bless you all.

Oh and P.S. didn't Michelle Obama look great in that yellow get up! I loved it!

2009 - Off and Running

Here is what we have been up to the first few weeks into the new year. (None of these pictures are in the right order. I can't figure it out! Sorry!)

Sutton got braces last week. Here is the before (modeling Mommy's make-up) and the after! 

Manning lost his first tooth and for those of you who read my last post, you know how sad I am about that! The tooth fairy came last night and Manning actually put his tooth under his pillow. You see, the boys share a room and in years past when Jackson has lost a tooth, Manning has demanded that we put it in the mailbox so the tooth fairy does not have to come in their room. So we were a little surprised when he was okay with the tooth under his pillow. Everything turned out fine. The tooth fairy left four quarters and Manning was thrilled!

Also, two nights a week and four hours on Saturday Sutton and Jackson are playing Upward Basketball. Jack is head coach for Jackson's team and assistant for Sutton's. He loves it, but it will keep us all very busy over the next six weeks. Both of the kids are doing great and Manning is just waiting in the wings. Actually he has decided he wants to play flag football when he turns six. I am not sure I can take it!

Stay tuned for more updates!

I have been TAGGED!

My friend Julee has tagged me. I suppose that means that I have to share with you 10 things about myself - and be totally honest. I don't know that anyone is that interested, but I have been thinking about it, so here goes. 

1.  I worry about things that I can't control, which leads to my number 2...

2.  I am scared to death, literally, of dying. I lay awake some nights worrying that I will not be around to raise my children, which leads to my number 3...

3.  If I am scared of being gone, why do I waste energy while I am here fussing and screaming at my children? Honestly, there are about three days out of the month that I feel like I constantly raise my voice and fuss at my kids and then I hate myself for doing it. 

4.  I hate drama. I really don't even like watching it on tv, but I definitely can't stand it in my own life. Life is too short and precious for drama. 

5.  I am on a mission to understand my faith better and strengthen my relationship with God. I have made a resolution to pray more on my own and with my family. I want to improve myself as a person in this area especially.

6.  I want to go back to work. I have loved being at home, but when Manning starts school, I want to have something to occupy my time and add to the family pot at the same time. 

7.  I love to shop for bargains. I love digging through the Clearance racks at TJ Maxx and finding an unusual top to put with what else - jeans. I can't remember the last time I paid full price for something.

8.  There are days in my new life that I miss my old one. Sometimes I miss Eufaula. I love living in Auburn, but there are days when I miss the familiarity of Eufaula. I knew how to "do" Eufaula, I feel like I am still learning my way here. 

9.  I don't want Manning to go to kindergarten. I want him to stay this age. I am so glad that I kept him home one more year. It has been great. I love having him home with me for even a small part of the day. He is about to lose his first tooth and I can't stand it, I don't want it to come out. I feel like my kids are growing up too fast. I know everyone says that, but I wish I could freeze time. (This seems to conflict with wanting to go back to work, but I think the reason I do is because I don't want to spend my days alone). 

10.  There have been more than one occasion when I wanted to take my family and Jack's family and live on a deserted island. Where no one could get sick or fight or get hurt. I know that is childish and ridiculous, but there are times when I think it would be so much easier. 

Well, there it is - 10 things about me you might not have known. From the heart and spilled onto  the page.