Happy Veterans' Day

I am so grateful for the sacrifices of so many soldiers and their families to preserve the freedoms I often take for granted. I really can't imagine how scary it would be to go off to war or to send a loved one to war.

JD's grandma, Billie, was widowed in World War II when her husband JD Holzheauser was killed. She had a very young son at the time. JD's grandpa, Edward Kitch was JD Holzheauser's best friend in the service. They fought side by side in the war. Ed sought Billie out when he returned and they fell in love and were married. Even though there was a happy ending to her story, when I think of Billie hearing the news that her little boy had lost his dad, I am reminded of just how much veterans and their families have given up for all of us. (The picture above is of JD and Ed.)

My Grandpa Alma also fought in World War II as a fighter pilot. He and my grandma were married soon after meeting because he was going off to war. That's about as much detail as I know, but I plan to learn more.

Not for the Faint of Heart

Do you think an unparalleled love for ketchup may have a genetic link? Jonny used to dine on ketchup sandwiches. Yep, a bun and a whole lotta ketchup. I believe Brookie also used to lick up the sauce and Rosie has been know to take a gulp or two.

But Macy seems to have taken it to a new level of disgustingness. She loves the "num, num" as she affectionately calls it. She goes to the fridge, gets out the ketchup, goes to the drawer and gets out a dinner plate. She then gets up on the chair at the table, pours herself a little dab and then dips whatever food she can find.

Here she is with a nice fruit snack aand ketchup snack:



I am grateful for the quirks in all of us. It is the spice of life, no matter how distasteful.

The Saints at Church

I am so grateful for good, caring nursery leaders. Fifteen toddlers to two adults is a scary ratio but they manage for two hours. To all the nursery teachers out there, you rock!

Abundance

I read that if you own more than two pairs of shoes, can eat six straight meals, and have a change of underwear you are one of the richest 5% of the world. This is so sobering.

I am so grateful that we are blessed to live a comfortable life, we have two cars that are reliable, warm clothing, plenty of food, shoes and a (somewhat*) warm home to sleep in.

* JD likes to keep the house at 66 degrees.

Convenience

Tonight, I am very thankful for restaurants. After a long week what did the pioneers do? No Cafe Rio!

Not to mention all the chores. I could not survive without my washer, dryer, vacuum and dishwasher. And especially Tivo.

Talent

I am thankful for talented artists, writers and musicians that enrich our lives.

Here is the link to our favorite music video. I have watched it dozens of times and never get sick of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM_n2lKjlRQ

Dedicated to Greg

I have a few thoughts about President Elect Barack Obama.

Politics aside...

I think it is awesome to have a black President. I was very moved watching the emotions on the faces of the people in the crowd during his victory speech. What an incredibly huge day for blacks and all of America.

I think he is an exceptional speaker.

I am eager to learn more about how he became the man he is.

I think it is a heart wrenching twist that the grandmother who helped raise him passed away 48 hours prior to seeing him become president.

I will be praying for him.