We Made It!

After a perfectly smooth flight and landing on a teensy-weensy plane, we arrived in New York City almost an hour ahead of schedule due to a nice tailwind. Unfortunately, we made up for lost time in the ride to Manhattan. Traffic was HORRIBLE. It took almost an hour and a half to get to our hotel, but we were entertained by our driver's foreign curse words and a little stint we had next to a guy in a black limo who had his window down and was belting out "Music of the Night" with enough passion to put Michael Crawford to shame. You have to love this city.

By the time we left our hotel, it was after 8:00, so we thought we might have a chance at getting into Carmine's for dinner. We were right, as it was only a 1/2 hour wait. When Jeff and I were here in 2005, they were closed for renovations, so we were really excited to get to eat there. It was more than worth the wait.


We had garlic bread, stuffed mushrooms, whatever their special penne/eggplant dish was for today with a side of Italian sausage. It was all delectable. Even Bradley liked it. :)
Times Square is as energetic as always, and the kids are just blown away by it. At one point, I bent down with my head at Bailey's level so I could see what she was seeing, and I understood why she was intimidated! That's an awful lot of backs and stomachs to a little girl. We passed Toys R Us and M&M World, and they are filled with anticipation to go in tomorrow. I'm sure it will be one of the first things we do.
And since there is a Starbucks every 20 feet or so, we decided to cap off the night with a little decaf white mocha and a gingerbread snowman.

Let the good times roll. :)

Christmas already?? Indeed, the festivities have begun. Because a very dear friend of mine is being baptized in New Jersey on Sunday and I wouldn't miss it for the world, our family is taking a little trip this weekend. Jeff and I decided that we couldn't go to New York at Christmas time without taking the kids, so we're all heading to the Big Apple on Thursday. (Well, not Bryant. I might be crazy, but I'm not stupid.)

Since this is the kids' Christmas present from us and we wanted to make sure they fully understood that, we wrapped up a bunch of stuff for them to open tonight.Right down to their brand new long johns, which my children have never had a reason to own before now!They each got a new hat and gloves as well. Brad's sports "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," which he thinks is pretty darn awesome. He was so crazy tonight, I couldn't get him to be serious for anything. But this picture strangely foretells of his teenage years, I have a feeling.Bailey's hat, not so much. It's strangely reminiscent to Cousin Eddie. I didn't know the ears would stick out that much. But oh well...

This is where they get to see how much their plane tickets cost... did I mention we wrapped everything?
They also got to see their reservations for Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty on Saturday morning and we ran down the entire itenerary with them that we've planned out so far, including our reservations for Serendipity on Monday. (Yes, that is Jeff holding the map, thank you very much.)
And my favorite shot of the night is when they opened up their tickets for Friday night. We'll be heading to the New Amsterdam Theater to see Mary Poppins. This, I can't wait for! Broadway, here we come.

So to the Cyberworld at large that now knows we'll be out of town this weekend, I'd like to mention that we do have a security system and a very scary watchcat. And two goldfish.

More pics to come in a few days. First, I must pack...

Thanksgiving

Yesterday, we headed to Anniston, AL, to have Thanksgiving with all of Jeff's family. We were all there this year, and that is a bunch of folks. Jeff's grandparents had three daughters, Freida, Gale and Tricia...
They each had two children, Jeff, Gena, Kristie, Stacy, Kelly and Jamie. Yep, Jeff's the only guy in the bunch.Between the six grandchildren, there are currently ten great-grandkids, ages 2-19, Hunter, Bryant, Bradley, Nathan, Sadie Grace, Justin, Amelia, Bailey, Emily and Carrie Beth.Throw in all of us that married into the family and you have one gigantic picture. Unfortunately, my camera wasn't in the mix for the big picture, but I should have it soon. Here's Freida's family...And Tricia's...
And ours...
We had a fantastic day of food, family and thanksgiving. It's a long trip to do in one day, but totally worth it just for this...






Happy Thanksgiving!

Where I've Been

It seems forever since I've been blogged. Last week, beginning Tuesday, we became a family of four kids. My nephew, Cooper, joined us while my sister and her husband went to Philadelphia for a wedding/much-needed vacation. While he was with us, we still attempted to homeschool, and I also had the bright idea of putting up my Christmas decorations. I'm not sure what I was thinking. But we all had a great time, even if we did crawl to the bed at night.

We have been busy doing some fun things. This year we had the opportunity to participate in Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, an organization run by Franklin Graham. To participate, you fill a shoebox or similar size package with miscellaneous things like school supplies and small toys, and then label the box by sex and age. Bailey and Brad each chose a 5-9 year old, and he took a boy while she took a girl. We had so much fun picking things out and imagining who would open the box. I hope to make this a tradition. Here they are getting ready to drop off the packages.
On Saturday, in addition to decorating for Christmas and getting ready for family to come in, we also decided to squeeze in blowing the yard and disposing of all the leaves. No problem for four industrious kids such as these!
Saturday night, Mimi and Poppa G arrived with Carrie Beth in tow. They all came in for a very special occasion, because Bailey was baptized on Sunday morning. It was a great day!Mimi and Poppa G had to leave Sunday afternoon, but Carrie Beth got to stay with us for the week since we would be heading to Alabama for Thanksgiving and could take her back with us. Monday morning we had a field trip to the Nashville Children's Theater to watch "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Before the show, the kids got to participate in an acting workshop. It was a lot of fun, but they were worn out by the time we got home. This is where Carrie Beth "sculpted" Bailey to look like Charlie the first time he sees the big chocolate room.
This was Bradley's interpretation of the same event. :)

On Tuesday morning, I heard some tinkering on the piano that didn't sound like Bradley's current "Star Wars Theme" or Bailey's "Jolly Old St. Nicholas." I rounded the corner to find our newest maestro. The book being upside-down didn't seem to deter him any.Wednesday afternoon we took the kids out to Opryland Hotel for our yearly pilgrimage. Mom and Dad met us out there. Carrie Beth had never been, so the kids loved showing her their old favorites. The fountains were definitely the highlight of the evening.



So that's what we've been doing. I never thought I'd think three kids was easy, but after a week of four and sometimes five, my own three seem like a piece of cake! My hats off to you, Jane Anne! :)

Bradley told me today that one of his friends told him that Barack Obama wants to kill babies in their mommies' tummies. I am sick to my stomach over this. When did partisanship in this country get so far out of control that our children are being painted a picture of a monster in the White House? This is beyond disturbing to me. This man is going to be the President. What are we teaching our kids? I personally want mine to grow up respecting the office and respecting its inhabitant, no matter which side of the aisle he comes from.

He also picked up somewhere that President-elect Obama plans to change the Constitution. While I don't think he really understands what that means, he's sure it's bad and he's practically obsessing over it. It's been a great opportunity to teach checks and balances in the government, but I'm bothered that he's so disturbed about the man getting ready to take office. I asked in my elections class today how many of them thought it would be fun to be President. Not one of them said they would want the job. That blew my mind. When I was a kid, we all wanted to be President some day. What has happened?

It's time to take a breath and give the guy a chance. Yes, I'm frightened by some of the things that I think he plans to do if he lives up to his campaign promises. And I don't agree with him on abortion. But I hadn't planned on introducing Bradley to that topic this early in his life. I'm shocked and alarmed at how many people seem to have no problem preaching hate to their kids. It doesn't seem that far removed to me from Palestinians teaching their children to despise Jews. To be a Republican is to hate Democrats, and vice versa. This is not healthy for our country, and certainly not for our kids.

Elections have consequences. Our nation has chosen a different direction. It's our duty to pray for the new administration and to do everything we can to mimic the life of Jesus. I don't remember him saying anything other than to honor the government. He was far more concerned with restoring sight to the blind and bringing hope to the poor and oppressed. Remember that pundits on our side were doing everything they could to paint the worst possible picture of Barack Obama in an attempt to win the election. Far from everything said about him is true. Let's wait and see what he actually does before we attempt to stone him.

I may sound like a hypocrite to some of you. Certainly my son has heard more than he should from his outspoken and highly opinionated mom. But the aftermath of this election has caused me to really take pause and consider the reaction of my Christian brothers and sisters. I'm having to backtrack and work especially hard now to teach Bradley that we respect the President simply because he is the man God has put on the job for now. It's an uphill climb.

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall." God help us if we raise a generation of children as partisan or more than the one we have now.

More to come from last weekend at Lake Cumberland, but this one was too good to wait. How old does Bradley look here?!

Let me preface this by saying that I in no way believe that Barack Obama is the anti-Christ, although I know that rumor is out there, just as it was when Bill Clinton was elected. It's a ridiculous notion. But having said that, I can't help but find it a tiny bit ironic that the nation's newly-elected messiah has chosen a second-hand man whose name means "God with us."
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And can we talk about Rahm Emanuel? I had to just shake my head in disbelief this morning as GMA gave a glowing report entitled, "Who is Rahm Emanuel?" If you knew nothing about him, and you believed what you saw, you might come away feeling a happy glow that the President-elect had chosen a grandma-helping, apple pie-eating, ballet-dancing boy scout to shape the nature of his administration. No mention of his steak-knife wielding days in the early Clinton years where he rattled off names of political enemies as he plunged the knife into the table and shouted "Die!" This man makes Howard Dean appear bipartisan.
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As I watched, I just laughed as I remembered those early days in the Clinton-Bush transition period where stories came out about W's staff picks. Remember the stories entitled, "Who is Karl Rove?" If you weren't frightened enough by the picture they painted, the subliminal messages might have done it. I could have sworn if you looked hard enough you could see horns, a tail and a pitchfork superimposed into the image. It's laughable.
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I wonder if the media has any concept of what they've done to themselves. Do they even care that over half of this country believes they are slightly less partisan than al-Jazeera and the other half knows but just doesn't care? They have zero credibility left. If 2000 was the election the Supreme Court hijacked, then the media certainly gets the credit for stealing this one.

To quote a brilliant lyricist, "It's the end of the world as we know it... and I feel fine." I can't explain it, but I have the weirdest sense of peace about this. I was perfectly calm last night and I've been pretty upbeat so far today. My overwhelming emotion today is relief. I am so glad that this is finally over and we can just move forward from here.

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If you didn't stay up to see Obama's acceptance speech, you need to go to You Tube and watch it in it's entirety. There can be no doubt that this man is a gifted speaker and has brought this nation to a place I've never witnessed in my lifetime. Watching last night was truly remarkable. I just sat in disbelief at the images of crowds gathering in Chicago, NYC, Washington DC, Seattle and all over the country as people celebrated Obama's victory with a jubilation usually saved for a winning sports team or, dare I say, a messiah? It was breathtaking and sobering all at once.

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While there were certainly parts of the speech that bothered me and felt foreboding of what is to come, there were moments I appreciated as well. President-elect Obama said, "As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too." The fact is, he will be our President and he deserves the respect that title holds, as well as our prayers. I believe that God has a purpose for His people in this. Let's not miss it.

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I know a lot of people in this country have great fear about an Obama administration. I have to say, the only time I've felt physically ill about the outcome was this morning when they began discussing the potential players in his cabinet and staff. The idea of John Kerry being the next Secretary of State causes bile to rise to the back of my throat even as I type the words. I can't even think about that right now, and I refuse to force myself unless or until it becomes a reality. But it's the arrogant Democrat leadership right now causing me an ulcer, far more so than Obama himself. But perhaps this is what it will take to cause the Republican party to head back to true Conservatism. Clearly, catering to the moderates didn't help John McCain too much. While he headed to the right in an attempt to win the race, a 32% Republican turnout showed that he was unable to erase the memories of a lot of people in the base and they just couldn't get excited, no matter how great his running mate was. I will miss her.

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As for the race issue, that was incredible to watch last night as well. If you can believe what you saw on TV, it seems that the black population of this country, in large part, feels vindicated now that they have a black president. I'm hoping that that will be a good thing for race relations in this country. In my view, the majority of racism over the past few decades has come from the African-American population still feeling like second-class citizens and holding grievances towards white people because of it. It was beautiful to hear a woman express her belief for the first time that her son could be anything he wants to be now, including President. And if this can get Jesse Jackson to chill out even for the short term, perhaps we can count that as a good thing.

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Overall, I know it is a disappointing loss. I know that things in this country are about to change dramatically. But there has been an inevitability about an Obama win that makes me believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has placed him in this position for such a time as this. And He promises to work all things together for good for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. Even four to eight years of an Obama presidency.

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Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

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It's going to be okay. You are the same person today that you were yesterday, and God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Let's see what He has planned for us.

I'm Ready

Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. (Daniel 2:20-22)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

From Lord, I Want to Know You by Kay Arthur: He gives us a peace that does not alter, regardless of circumstances, because the peace He gives us is ever resident in the One who promised, "'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,' so that we confidently say, 'The LORD is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Therefore, when others about us are fainting for fear, we can "exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (John 14:27)

I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121)

No matter how crazy things get today, tonight and over the days to come, our Rock will not be shaken. He has known who would win this election from before the beginning of time. It is impossible for Him to be taken off guard. Today, join me in praying that His perfect will, will be accomplished. Let's keep our eyes on Him; the anchor will hold.