Hope....hope for the future, hope for the present, hope that things turn out okay. Isn't that a big thought, a big word, a big "idea"?  Elections are done, Christmas is on its way and everyone is hoping for the best.  The best.  If you are political it is time to put away the disappointment and move forward to change the things you perceive to be wrong.  No, I didn't say give up but move on.  Maybe that means that you get more involved with local politics, school issues, church issues, whatever has been bothering you the most.  Maybe it just means to go on living, providing, and hoping (there's that word again) for a future brighter than you expect.  Maybe it's time to return to church or start going to church or maybe just including God in your everyday life.  Tis the season! and without Him, there would be no celebration or season or much hope.

On a lighter note, we had a fun Thanksgiving, how about you?

A bounce house was a GREAT idea!!!! Ryan and Caleb had all kinds of fun, Amanda got to rest while they did, Morgan helps measure something with Dad and Epaw and Caleb enjoyed the slide and football tag with Mom, Susie!

This is Morgan.  Do you like her giant necklace?  Those are the letters to her name that generally hang on the wall in her room.  On this day, they were in a box in her new room!  Ryan, Susie, Caleb and Morgan have returned to the Valley.  Sad that their escape from here was so short, glad that they are closer and I can see them more!!!  I am trying real hard not to be a pest and let them settle in.

Here she is again, helping Epaw, although I think she is looking for the bunny that Epaw said was under the storage room.  Epaw is her best friend and they are crazy for each other.

Caleb wasn't home but here is a photo of him.  This was his second day of school. No, there wasn't a Norther that week.....it's just cold in his room.

On another note.....If you normally don't vote, please change your mind and do so this year.  Our country is in dire need of that "change and hope" promised by the man holding the highest office in our country.  He hasn't been able to produce it and won't in 4 more years.  We need to get our respect back as a Nation and as individuals.  Counting on the government to support us isn't going to do that, it will do nothing but slide us closer to socialism.  We don't need to be a "Robin Hood"' nation.  Do you really think the tax burden will be on the wealthier citizens?  The middle class always shoulders the burden.  Small business is being drowned in paperwork and quotas and now our government is demanding that we provide health insurance.  This used to be a "perk" you got with a job, not a requirement.  How is charging someone $1200 for not having insurance supposed to help them?  If they can't afford insurance, how are they going to afford the fine?  At present, I don't have insurance and I pay less for my Dr. visits than those who do.  Shouldn't we be changing the insurance industry?  It has become such a huge business because of law suits...but that's another story.
A closing remark.....let's stop sending aid to countries that are harming our embassy personnel and that don't like us....we could use that money at home and to buy a little freedom from China.

Letting go....

It's summer time and I suppose everyone is feeling the heat! Here is a great way to beat it! Or, maybe this way....

Spending family time at the Frio helped but wow, it's still hot!

Love my grandkids, they are sooooo cute! And yes, I am partial!

Which brings me to something else......letting go.....I have been trying really hard to just "let go" of things that bug me, large or small.  If you've tried it, you know what I mean when I say it is hard to do.  How do you let got of the anger when someone hurts your child mentally or physically? (whatever their age) How do you stop the angry response when someone speaks to you condesendingly (sp?)? How do you over look being over looked?  I am not an openly religious person, guess you would say I am "closet" religious, I think it's my business and not particularly anyone else's.  Ive been thinking alot about Jesus lately and maybe it's just my thoughts,but I think the one of the greatest things he did, and perhaps it is a miracle in it's own right, is "let go".  Think of ALL the things He had to "let go" of!  Talk about tremendous faith in what His Father was telling him! So in my quest to "let go".....my hurts, wounds and injuries seem easier and less troublesome  when I think of His.  Lord help me, I will get better at "letting go".