In the season of giving

MckMama over at My Charming Kids has started a raffle of sorts. Make a donation to a very worthy cause and you could have a chance to win a new Canon rebel XSi plus a boat load of other fantastic prizes. Head on over to her site to check out the details. Good Luck!

A MUST Read

My dear friend Libby over at Blessings and Glory has a fabulous post today and I think everyone should read it. You can click here to read her very well put, very true words about a crisis in our country that everyone needs to pay attention to.

A Time to Remember

Today is a a sad day. Its a day of remembrance and in our house we are remembering one special person today.

Today would have been my sister's 38th Birthday.
Happy Birthday Cari!
We miss you and love you.

I don't think anyone will ever forget where they were 7 years ago today. I can remember the whole day as if it was yesterday. I remember calling my parents who were on vacation in Montana but decided to cut the trip short and just go home. I remember going to class but all of us trying to figure out what it was we saw on TV this morning. I remember going to work and writing God Bless America on the white board and talking to customers who just didn't know what to say or think. I remember watching hours and hours of tv not only that day but for the many days that followed.

Carson had school today. His biggest excitement from the day was bringing an apple to class so they could make applesauce. I'll note that he didn't actually eat any of it but he was pretty excited about the apple itself. Oh and I hear there was cupcakes too and some playing on the playground. All innocent activities that made his day.

Someday he'll go to school, both boys will, and they will begin to learn the history of this great country. And they will eventually learn the history of this world changing day. They will learn just how cruel some people can be. But that won't happen today or tomorrow and hopefully not for a few more years. I'd liked to think I can protect them from such cruel truths forever but I can't. So today I will hug them a little tighter, kiss them a little extra and tell them that I will always keep them safe.

May God Bless this great country, my sister, all those who lost family and friends 7 years ago and all the men and women who are so proudly serving this country. Because it IS a great country!

Staying Home

I love my job. I love being home with the boys every day. I know I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to be with them during such an important time in their life. We've made sacrifices, we've cut out any wants and we've made a conscious decision to do this no matter what. I know I am lucky, I know this.

Most days the boys are great. We have truly been blessed with two boys who are very well behaved. Most days they get along beautifully and I get lots of compliments on how well they get along, care for each other, etc. Most days I feel like the luckiest mom in the world.

Most days.

Today.......not one of them! Today is the day I've considered two things 1.) Applying for a full time job or 2.) Sell the boys....to the highest bidder. I wonder which would happen faster?

There has been more whining, crying and complaining in the last 6 hours since they got up then in the last 6 weeks.

Don't touch me, That's mine, No brother, my turn, mooommmmmyy, nnnnoooo, leave me alone, mmmmooommmmmyy brother is taking it, mommmmyyyyy, crying, loud screaming, more crying, get off of me, brothers touching me, mommmyyyyyy and on and on and on. You get the picture. How I made it to naptime without losing it is beyond me.

A few weeks ago we had a similiar day. I decided that we all needed to take a breath, say a little prayer and hopefully start over with a little (or maybe alot) less whining. So I made up a little prayer for Carson to say to help him slow down a little. Now its his favorite thing to say and usually request it be said before bed every night. So, I think it's my turn to say the prayer....

Dear God,
Please grant me patience and self control.
Amen

Prayer Request

A very close friend of ours needs your prayers. She's 15 and is struggling with an eating disorder. She's in an inpatient treatment facility and needs lots of prayers. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

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 right hand.
~Isaiah 41:10

Please Pray

A good friend of ours, Andy, fell last week and suffered a brain injury. Please keep him in your prayers for a full recovery.

Here is a link to his Caring Bridge site.

Please Pray

Please pray for Baby Copeland and her family.