Did you know Strawberry Shortcake

Was a princess?



She didn't like her hat!





Her big brother was nice enough to carry her to the haunted house!

Did he grow into....

His Fred Flintstone feet?

You betcha!

Paging Dr. Korndog!

Somebody wanted to play doctor!

Hope you all had a great Halloween!

Red Shirt Fridays!

Red Shirt - Red Friday

If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for a man...

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together..

After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

No, he responded.
Heading out I asked?

No. I'm escorting a soldier home.

Going to pick him up?

No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I'm taking him home to his family.

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.

I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you, Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant salut ing the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.

Red Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday ... and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that ... Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women a far, will wear something red..

By word of mouth, press, & TV let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is. "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.

Bribery

It was bribery on both ends! I wanted her to stay completely off her leg since Friday morning when she went to physical therapy. She wanted her hair darker. I kept telling her I would see how good she did about staying off her feet and having ice on her leg. Well, obviously she did good!

She was so proud of it when she woke up and saw it dry this morning. She now wants it permanent. I think it's a good bribery tool. So no go on the permanent :)

*no, her sweatshirt isn't weird like that. I blocked out her school name.

Isn't Lake Tahoe Beautiful?

Enjoy this only pic of it because I didn't exactly get out of the car to take pics!
It was a little on the chilly side!



As you can see!



Suzi wanted to know if this was a blizzard :)



I really enjoyed it from the inside of the car!



I mean, isn't this gorgeous!



How do you like THIS firepit?! I want that for my back yard!



The kids (Suzi and Studmuffin) had to make a snowman! She was quite proud of it!



I stayed VERY clear of their snowball fight though! You know, I had to protect the camera :)



The above pic is looking away from the lake, and below is looking towards at the southern most tip.

We want to live with Jules!

All of these cats told me so!



Especially Chester above. He asked that I please request that she have Cheetos when he gets there tho!



The lion didn't even want to TALK to me unless he could have the window perch.


When I told him he would have to share it with Lilly, he seemed to perk up a bit!

Great America Competition

Last week started our competition season, and we were in San Jose at Great America. Poor girls have to get up early and go compete and ride rides ALLLLL day. Don't you feel sorry for them?




I'm beginning to think that none of my children look like me. Except for maybe the elusive one...a little. But even he is looking more like dad!

This competition they won first place in cheer and first in dance! Congratulations, girls!

Happy Autumn!

I get a splash of fall color here and there :)




No, our lives didn't come to a screeching halt. They got busier than I ever imagined possible. I have lots of catching up to do here, and have lots of things to add. I'll try to catch up this week!