Thinking of the Soldiers....

This morning I watched the movie "We Were Soldiers" - a fantastic movie I came across while trying to find something to watch on television. 

It really is a great movie, but not necessarily something that sits well with you when you have a number of good friends, Soldiers (AND their families!) facing deployment in the near future.  In fact, it's heartbreaking, and it made me cry...a lot.

So today all I ask is that you, the reader, put your political thoughts and personal feelings aside and remember to support the Soldiers fighting in our wars. Remember that whether they agree with it or not, they still go out and fight for our country, risking their lives and exhibiting great bravery. I ask that you say a prayer to keep them safe, and a prayer for strength for the families left behind.

Life Lessons from a 6 Year Old....

As I sit here this afternoon, looking at the gray sky and rain outside my window... I realize that some of the things in my life are out of control... and it's time to take the power back. I don't like it when I'm not sure what's going to happen today, I don't like the feeling of worrying about every little thing, and I especially hate it when things that bother me throughout the day decide to follow me to dreamland, making me wake up in a panic: not a good way to start the day.

So this afternoon I'm going to sit down and start making lists... things that will have to change, things we will have to do, things that are going to get us back straight, let me sleep through the night, and let me realize that sometimes life can be fun, instead of full of worries and concerns all the time. 

I want to have a carefree day like my daughter... who gave me an lesson in life today that struck me in just the right way. As she flipped through the channels and Dora came on the tv singing "River...Forest... Blueberry Hill" and Jocelyn announced "you're already on Blueberry hill, so you can SHUT UP now" and changed the channel. If you don't like it, turn it off, change it, and find something you like... who knew just how much a 6 year old can teach you?

Did you ever feel like you're just REALLY off-kilter and unable to stand up straight???

Well, I do, and it's time to make some changes... and away we go!

My Brother the Daddy on Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July Everyone! I hope you're all having a great day/night enjoying the holiday!

For me, it's a rather strange holiday indeed. My daughter is in Fort Myers, Florida, My husband is in Toledo, Ohio, and my mother, sister and I are in Charlotte, NC. What's even stranger is that friends of mine from all over the place (Iowa, New York, Michigan) are all in Toledo, while I'm away.

We're here to meet the newest member of the family, Caden John Stallsworth, who is just over a week old, and absolutely beautiful. Visiting with my brother and his wife and son is nice, and getting away from a couple of days is nice, even though I do miss home quite a bit. Luckily, my daughter will join the party when my father gets here from Florida on Wednesday, before we hit the road back home on Thursday... it will be nice to see my monkey again, I've missed her terribly.

Today was kind of a "chill out and relax day"... as Caden decided to give Mommy and Daddy some grumpiness this morning, and after a short visit I came to realize that everyone at the house was really in need of some sleepy time... so back to the hotel I went... hanging out here messing around on the computer, doing my nails, reading, and playing some Sudoku... soon we'll head back over for everyone to have dinner together.

For now though, I'll just share this great picture of My Brother... The Daddy on Independence Day!