Merry Christmas Eve..

I took Mon-Thurs off this week, so I have enjoyed just being home with the girls and trying to get a few things done. I really haven't got a lot accomplished but I have enjoyed doing a couple things with the kids.

Monday,Jaycee and I went to Fisherman's Village and walked around the shops. Jordan didn't want to get up, so she stayed home and slept. I couldn't argue with her, she has gotten up at 4:30 am every morning since school started so that she could be at Early morning Seminary. So I was happy to let her sleep in. Jaycee and I had fun, I got my ornament for this year, Jaycee got Comet some doggy treats at the Pet store. Then we walked around a few more stores. It was fun. I like going to Fisherman's Village. Monday afternoon Greg & I finished up a few things for the girls.

Yesterday I worked on laundry and wrapping up the rest of the presents. This morning Greg & the girls made mini-cinnis (mini cinnamon rolls). Greg makes these every year. They are YUMMY! We are going to take some to a couple of friends, and to the missionaries.
Tonight will be our new "Holiday Feast" tradition that Greg started last year. KFC meal...the kids love this. I like it just because I don't have to cook. Then we will have our family program, and open one present each. Then off to bed after watching a Christmas movie.

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Story

So I don't know if anyone knows this or not, but I love Glenn Beck. Yesterday on his radio show, he shared The Christmas Story. It is beautiful.
Merry Christmas to you and your families and may God be with you always.
Love Shalee

The Christmas Story: By Glenn Beck

This is a story, this is a story that has been told so many times. We all know where it begins and how it ends. It's a story of birth and death. Of hope and despair. Of great doubt and even greater faith. That's the part we're going to concentrate on, great doubt and profound faith. As anyone can tell you who has stood at the foot of Abraham Lincoln, the Memorial in Washington D.C. and gazed up into his face, our historical figures are so often painted with such bold strokes that they become more giants than men, yet I believe to truly understand their brilliance, their courage or their faith, we need to see them first as who they really were: People just like us, people with hopes and dreams and fears. Just like us.
In Luke just before the Christmas Story, it talks just a little bit about Mary, the mother of Jesus, being visited by the angel Gabriel. It simply says, "And the angel came to her and said, hail, thou art highly favored. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women." And then it says, when she saw him, she was troubled. "Fear not, for thou hast found favor with God and behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shall call his name Jesus." That's the bold stroke of history here. A simple woman called Mary, a young girl from a very orthodox Jewish community and unmarried. And yet, the story only tells us that she was troubled. Imagine the great doubt: "Was I truly visited or was it just a dream. How will I tell my friends, my family? How will I tell my fiance?"
The great doubt, the questions that must have crept into her mind: "Why? Why me? Am I worthy? How am I worthy? How am I to be the mother of the Lord God? He's my savior. How am I to raise him when he's here to literally raise me." How she must have prayed. How much time before that first Christmas did she spend on her knees begging for peace, begging for comfort and guidance. How she must have pleaded for the constant companionship of the comforter, the holy spirit, the breath of heaven.
Now, on the long journey to Bethlehem from Nazareth in Galilee, Joseph walked and I suppose Mary rode. They were on their way for the census. You see, Joseph was a descendant of King David and he needed to register in Bethlehem, David's hometown. And his fiance, Mary, was heavy with child. We've already talked about her great doubt: "Was I truly visited or was it just a dream? How will I tell my friends, my family? How am I going to tell my fiance?" When she did share the news with Joseph, he planned on leaving her, but he felt enough for her to do it privately, to not publicly shame her. Yet before he acted on his doubt, and no doubt anger, he was visited in his dreams and an angel spoke to Joseph saying, "Joseph, fear not to take Mary unto you as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost and she shall bring forth a son and you shall call him Jesus, and he shall save his people from their sins. And they shall call him Emmanuel."

Matthew only tells us that after Joseph was raised out of a sleep, he did as he had been told and took unto him his wife Mary. Great doubt? Even greater faith. You know, we almost run by this part of the story every year. Every year we just speed by these two people called Joseph and Mary so we can get to the Christ child part. But let's stop. Let's stop again here and examine this man named Joseph, a guy whose fiance had just told him that "I'm pregnant and not with your child. But don't worry. An angel came to me and said that the child was the son of God and this would be a virgin birth." Great doubt? And then in a dream an angel comes to him.
Now, I don't know about you, but I've had dreams that seem pretty real, the kind that stick with you all day. Let me ask you, what do you think was easier for him to believe? Yet Joseph chose to believe his dream. He chose to believe his fiance. Joseph, the simple man, chose his God. Still, his great doubt couldn't have ended there and now he had to be faced with the same kind of self-doubt that Mary had to confront: "Why me? How can I be a dad to the son of God?"

I remember the Christmas when I feel I began to really become a man. I must have been about 30. And for the first time in my life I wasn't really sure how I was going to provide for my children. Now imagine the fear, the doubt, the profound apprehension Joseph must have faced on that journey knowing that the woman he was now responsible for was about to give birth, not to his son but the son of his heavenly father. And he had yet to find out where.
There really is very little written about this lonely trip to Bethlehem. I suppose one could imagine Mary was uncomfortable. And Joseph was nervous. And there in this little town in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of a desert, in a stable, Mary gave birth. Such a simple beginning for a man that was born a king. His mother, after counting his fingers and toes, I suppose marveling at his delicate features, his tiny little hands, his feet. Holding him near her and them, laughing together, crying together and giving God praise for all of his blessings, she wrapped the babe in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, for there was no place for them in the inn.
So here we have these two people, not bigger than life. Flesh and blood. Life size. No larger. Just two people like us. Can you see them? No, not painted with the bold strokes of history. Just a man and a woman filled with trepidation, filled with fears and doubt just like any other expecting parent. Yet these two had exchanged presents with each other even before the reason of Christmas had arrived. Each giving to each other the gift of faith, profound faith. Faith in God, faith in their purpose and faith in each other. And in that region there were shepherds out in the field keeping watch over their flock by night, and an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shown around them and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, be not afraid, for behold I bring you good news of a great joy which has come to all the people, for to you is born this day in the City of David a savior who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you. You will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, glory to God in the highest and on Earth, peace among men, with whom he was pleased.

And when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us. And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying which had been told to them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds had told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard.
For unto us a child is born, a son is given. And the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.

"TRADITION...TRADITION..."

As Reb Teyve says from 'The Fiddler on the Roof', " A fiddler on the roof. Sounds crazy, no? But here, in our little village of Anatevka, you might say every one of us is a fiddler on the roof trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck. It isn't easy. You may ask 'Why do we stay up there if it's so dangerous?' Well, we stay because Anatevka is our home. And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word: tradition! Traditions, traditions. Without our traditions our lives would be as shaky as, as... as a fiddler on the roof! "

I love traditions especially around Christmas time. When Greg & I got married and we had our girls, I wanted them to grow up having fun traditions that they would remember and love. Sometimes the girls like to complain and make comments, but I hope that they will look back and like the things Greg & I tried to do to make Christmas a special time of year for them and for us as a family.

Here are a few of the things we do. Please leave your comments and tell us some of your traditions:

- We usually put up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving..(notice I said usually..depends on how tired Mom is) When we do we usually have "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" playing.

- We have two sets of Christmas trees. We have our Santa tree that the kids decorate. And we have our Jesus trees. These are full of pictures of Christ, angels, stars & clear lights. When we had two rooms for the trees we would put our family gifts under the Jesus trees and then Santa would come and put his gifts downstairs under the Santa tree.

- Each year the girls get to pick out and buy a new Christmas ornament. These they will get to take with them when they move out and have their own homes. (Hopefully that will be a long time)

- Christmas Eve Greg started a new tradition. He calls it "Our Christmas Feast". The Christmas feast consists of a huge meal from KFC. The girls love it.

- After the new "Christmas Eve Feast", we have a little program. We read the Christmas story from the Bible or something that relates to Christ that one of us wants to share. Then the last thing I read is "It Was a Holy Night" it is something I wrote a few years ago that has everything I feel about Christmas & Christ.

- For about the last five years I started a new tradition. I give the girls a "Mystery Box". I wrap them with shipping paper then decorate them with whatever type of thing I feel they are interested in for that year. The first year I did a soccer theme for both of the girls, the next year was Sponge Bob for Jaycee & horses for Jordan. The next year was puppies for Jaycee, and a moving from UT to FL for Jordan. Last year I did a baking theme for Jaycee & Jordan got a friends theme box. This year I am doing....not telling yet. I try to keep it a surprise until I bring the boxes out. Here are a couple of pictures of the girls boxes from last year. They take about an hour each to do, but they are really fun.




- The last tradition we do on Christmas Eve, is every one get to pick ONE present to open. They can pick...unless it is something that Mom or Dad say they can't open until Christmas day.

- We miss our Christmas Eve tradition w/Greg's family. We would have a dinner, Christmas program & Gingerbread House Contest. It was a lot of fun.

- After all the Christmas Eve festivities, the girls put their stocking where they want Santa to leave their gifts. (Unless of course they are getting coal that year, then there is no need) ha ha

- Christmas Day the girls can't come out until Greg & I tell them they can. When they do we open the presents from Santa, then we have our Christmas breakfast before opening presents from family & friends.

- Christmas Day we always have our "Christmas Breakfast". We used to do this with my sisters and their families every year and my Mom & Dad & brother if they could come. This is something I miss as well. But we still do the same thing with our family. We have our yummy breakfast casserole that Greg & I have had every year since the first Christmas we were married. Our neighbors, The Christensen's from North Ogden invited Greg & I to there house Christmas morning; the first year we were married. We watched their kids open presents and had breakfast with them. The casserole Barbara had was SOOOO yummy. I got the receipe and we have had it every year since. We have the casserole, german pancakes & orange juice or milk. (Dt Coke for Shalee) It is yummy.

- The rest of the day is pretty laid back. We just relax and enjoy watching "The Grinch" or "The Christmas Story". Another tradition we have had since we moved to FL, is going to the beach that afternoon. Just because being in Florida you can. The weather is beautiful and there is never any snow. Gotta love that.
I love our traditions, it makes it a fun & special time for our family.

I would love to hear what your traditions are...drop a comment.

Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas!

I wanted to share with you a part of Christmas that is special to me and helps keep Christ in CHRISTmas.

This is something I put together probably 12 years ago, and it helps me really remember the reason for this Christmas season. For a long time I had looked for something that really put into words how I felt about Christmas, and the love I have for my Savior.

I could never quite find what I was looking for. So I went to work. After several months and MANY scriptures. This is what I came up with. Every Christmas Eve I read this to Silent Night by Mannheim Steamroller. It brings the spirit of Christ in our home and really helps us remember our Savior and all he has done for us.

I am posting this as a gift from our family to yours this Christmas season.

Love
Shalee

'It Was A Holy Night'

And the angel said unto her, "Fear not Mary, for thou hast found favor with God."
With that message a child would soon be born, His name would be Jesus, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and
laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for him in the Inn.
And when the shepherds saw the new star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great job.
For they knew the Son of God was born.
And when the wise men came upon the babe with Mary His mother, they fell down
and worshipped Him, and opened their treasures to Him. They presented unto Him
gifts of gold, frankincense & myrrh.

It was a holy night.

And Jesus, when He was baptized, went straight way out of the water; and lo the
Heavens were opened unto Him. And he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him.

And lo a voice came down from the heavens saying. "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."
Jesus went all about Galilee teaching the Gospel, healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people. Many miracles He performed, making the blind see, the
deaf hear, the lame to walk, and the dead brought back to life.

Then cometh Jesus with His disciples unto a place called Gethsemane.
And when He was about a stone's cast away from them, He kneeled down and prayed.

And being in great agony He prayed more earnestly. The sweat falling from every
pore was as great drops of blood. He prayed saying, "Father if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; Never the less not my will, but thine be done."
Then Jesus was taken before Pilate. Pilate asked the priests. "What will ye then that I shall do unto Him whom ye call The King of the Jews?" And they cried out,
"Crucify Him!!"

And the soldiers led Him away. They clothed Him with purple and platted a crown of
thorns and put it about His head. They began to salute Him, mocking Him, saying
"Hail, King of the Jews!"

They smote Him on the head with a reed. They spit on Him, and bowing to their
knees worshipped Him.
And after they had mocked Him, they took the purple from Him, and put His own clothes
on Him and led Him out to be crucified.
They drove nails through His wrists, hands and feet. And in the 3rd hour they
crucified Him.

And after they crucified Him, they pierced His side, parted His garments, and cast lots upon them. 'What every man should take'.

"For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son. The whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
It was a silent night.

And when the Sabbath was past. Mary Magdalene and Mary His mother had
brought sweet spices, that they might anoint Him.
And when they looked they saw that the stone was rolled away from the sepulcher.
And upon entering the sepulcher there was a young man. And he said to them. "He is not here, He is risen."

Jesus appeared to His apostles and said to them. "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."

And after Jesus had spoke to His apostles, He ascended into Heaven and sat at the right hand of God.

It was a Holy Night.

Just checking in...

We had a nice Thanksgiving. We went to our friends house and had a fun time and great dinner. Friday Greg was home, I had to work but did get out a little early. I got home and we took the kids to dinner then dropped them off to a movie, while Greg and I finished up Christmas shopping. I think we are done..Which is nice. Now I just have to wrap up things, then can relax..(At least as far as shopping goes)

Last night and today we got the Christmas decorations up. It still seems strange to me to see Christmas tree lots with no snow or cold weather. Not complaining though. I love the warmer weather in the winter. I never was a snow person, so this fits me perfectly.

We finally got an updated family photo. We had this taken while we were at the Beer's home for Thanksgiving. It was a beautiful day outside.

Have a good week!

A Day of Thanksgiving..

Happy Thanksgiving. Last night Greg & Jaycee made pies, Greg is the baker in the family. This morning I got the turkey in the oven, I'm the cook in the family. Jaycee is getting the veggie tray together, she is the baker & cook. Jordan is staying out of the way since she has a habit of breaking things when she is in the kitchen. She is a good taste tester though..(o:

We are going to our friends the Beer's for thanksgiving. It will be fun and nice having more people than just us this year.

I'm thankful for Greg, Jordan & Jaycee. They are amazing! I am very blessed.
Hope you all have a great day.

Saturday

Saturday Jordan, Jaycee & I had planned to go to a movie with the Anderson's, our friends. There was a free movie early that morning at the theater to any movie you would like to see. So we got up early and left the house a little after 8. However, me not thinking that the movie may NOT be in Port Charlotte, didn't even think to confirm with Holly the location of the theater. I just thought it was in Port Charlotte...we got there excited that there weren't many people there at all. Only to be very disappointed when we got inside and saw NO ONE in line at the theater. So we called and found out it was in Venice...uuugh..Oh well. Now I owe Jordan and Jaycee a movie next weekend.

The day wasn't totally lost. I took the girls to breakfast, then we went shopping for shoes and dresses for church. Didn't have a lot of luck for the girls, I found me a pair of shoes, Jordan found some shoes she had been wanting & 1 skirt. Jaycee...nothing. We will keep trying. It is so hard to find skirts for Jaycee's size.

After clothes shopping, we went grocery shopping. I hate grocery shopping. It is just not something I like to do. But ya gotta eat. We got home from shopping, then got the house picked up a little, threw some laundry in the wash. Then was asked by the missionaries to take them to Tampa for a baptism. It was for Bro Loney's daughter, and I was very happy to take them. The Loney's Granddaughters are in YW's and Sis Loney recently passed away.

It was such an AWESOME baptism. The spirit was amazing, and I know Sis Loney was there in spirit. It was a nice drive and as always Jordan & Jaycee LOVE being with the sister missionaries.

We got home around 7:30 and pretty much crashed the rest of the night. I love my girls and love the times we spend together.

Greg was doing Scouting duties. They had a 10 mile hike at Myakka State Park. He left around 6:30am and didn't get home until around 3ish. He had some cool pictures from it. I'm glad he is able to do this. I'm sure the boys will learn a lot from him.

It was a good Saturday.

Read 'The Christmas Sweater'

Above is a little video from Glenn Beck on his book 'The Christmas Sweater'. I have listened to the book on CD three times and am now reading the book. It is an amazing, touching & inspiring book. One that will make you think of what is truly important in life. If you get a chance please read it. If you want to borrow my book or CD let me know. You have to read this book.

Glenn is currently going on tour for 'The Christmas Sweater' on stage production. For those of us not close to where he is going, it will be in selected theatres on Dec 17th. For more info you can go to:

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/books/

If you have read it, please leave a comment and let me know what you thought.
Love
Shalee

Finally Updating..

It's been a little while since I actually had a real update. So here it goes. Two weeks ago Greg was called as Scout Master in our Ward. He has had one hike and the scouting for food on Saturday. His next hike is this weekend. The last one wasn't so great, so hopefully this next one will go better for him. He will do a good job, he is good with kids and will be great!

The girls are done with soccer for the season. Their last games were Friday, Jaycee won theirs Jordan's team lost theirs. They have a big party with pizza and games in the fall, so they had fun with that.

Jaycee is now 12 and in Young Women's. She really enjoys it and has looked forward to going for a long time. Jordan is in Seminary, and although it is VERY early, she enjoys it and has really changed because of it. It has been good.

I now have a new calling at church, I was called to be 2nd couns. in the Stake YW's Presidency. Very humbling...I have some very neat women that I will get to work with and look forward to the things I will learn with this. I am going to miss my YW girls & my wonderful counselors. I finally got them for a little over a month and now they are breaking us up. I've been in YW's for almost three years and it has been great. Here's a picture of all the girls..with the exception of a couple.


Other than that, next week is Thanksgiving. We will be going to some friends for Thanksgiving dinner. This will be fun, especially since we can't seem to get any family to fly out...HINT HINT!!! ha ha.

Hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I have SO much I am thankful for, I am so blessed. I love my family, I love life and I love with all my heart the Gospel.

Pull for America...

This past week with a new President elected, there has been so much ugly, bias comments in the press about both the Obama and McCain campaigns. At this point and season we HAVE to pull together as Americans and not as separate parties, regardless of who won the election. This is what our country is all about. Today on Glenn Beck he shared the follow point. Please take time when you can to read it has some very good points in it on Americans pulling together...
Love
Shalee
(Here is the link if you would like to read more)http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/18121/

We live in different times. When I was very, very upset and it was almost three years ago maybe, I was very upset at President Bush. I was upset about the border, I was upset about the way the war was being handled and I was very outspoken about it. And as you know, I was invited to the White House and we had quite a conversation and it was a conversation that I could not tell you. I wasn't allowed to bring a piece of paper or a pen or a recording device or telephone, anything. I could not walk into the Oval Office with anything and I could never repeat any of the words that he said. I could tell you impressions if you remember listening to that show the next day. I said my impression is, the impression that the President gave me was, but I couldn't quote. Well, since it's out now in the open I can tell you that this is just the surface that was shared with me. This secret special forces squads that are going in and looking for Osama, the squads that are going in and looking for Al-Qaeda and killing them, I knew they were happening because he told me. And the numbers are staggering. The numbers of enemies that we have killed are staggering. I mean, sucked the air out of the room. And I remember sitting there and thinking why, why wouldn't we say this? This is exactly what people need to know. They need to know that we're to the fooling around. They need to know that we're doing the things that we have to do. They need to know that we're still going into the caves. They need to know that we're in Pakistan. And for reasons that I still will not share, honorable reasons and international reasons, we're not revealing everything, nor should we, if we believe our government is just, if we believe -- this is why it is so important that we believe in our institutions. Men will fail us, but our institutions were divinely inspired with checks and balances. We must believe in our institutions, not in people per se. People will fail us and they will go away or they will go into prison or they will be voted out, but our institutions are solid if we trust that our institutions and the people that are guiding, people collectively that are guiding, the people who are voting are good, decent, God-fearing people. We will make mistakes but we will correct them.

This was shared to me at the same time George Bush said, doesn't matter who gets in the office to replace me; they will make many of the same decisions, the critical decisions I believe, he said, they will make the same ones because when they get the briefings that I get every day, they will see we have very few options left. This is why I found it interesting the other day when everybody was looking at President George Bush and said, "Oh, look how gracious he was," as he brought in Barack Obama. "Oh, I wonder how tense that was." It wasn't a tense meeting. I wasn't there. It was only the two of them, but I believe it wasn't intense. I believe it might have been intense on Barack Obama's side because he may have went, holy cow, but it wasn't a tense meeting because they are rivals and the rivalry that goes on between the Republicans and the Democrats. It was tense, I'm guessing, because of the download of knowledge, because of the situation.

When I sat in that room with him, I realized the burden anyone -- and this why I said when it comes to Barack Obama, I will not sell out my values. I didn't sell out my values with George W. Bush. When I thought he was wrong, I said he was wrong. When I thought he was wrong and he was pushing in one direction, I was pulling in the other. I'm not a Republican. I'm an American and so are you. And so is he. And so is Barack Obama. And we should expect the push and pull. It's what makes us better, E Pluribus Unum, from many one, from many different opinions, but one. And there's one President and he's passing the torch to the other. And I can't imagine sitting in that room seeing George W. Bush say to me and saying it with conviction and saying it with full knowledge that he will be. He said, "I'm prepared to be the most hated President for the next 50 years but I truly believe that after 50 years people will see what I did was push the course because we were on the verge of annihilation. We had to change course." And he said, "Others will come to understand that." I wonder if that's true, and we'll watch Barack Obama now on what he does. When he gets the briefings every day that the President gets, will he believe in them. Does he believe in our troops. Will he have the honor that President Bush has had with our troops? I don't mean that as a slam. I just think there are different kinds of people. I think there are a lot of people that support our troops but they don't see them necessarily in the same way. They see them as a necessary but not all that favorable kind of thing. I see them as amazing people that give me hope. I see them as amazing leaders. I see them as people that understand the Constitution, understand what's going on, may not agree with the President all the time but have honor and will follow the orders, not orders that break the Constitution but will follow the orders because they have honor. Amazing people, and I hope he views them the same way and I hope he protects them in the same way. One of the reasons why you haven't known about this is for their protection because there are unscrupulous people in our own country that will do and say whatever they want, do and say whatever they have to, to be able to destroy others so they can grab power.

Keeping Faith In America

I've really stayed clear of putting anything real political on here, for one; not too happy with the last two candidates that were left to vote for. Both have their bad points and reasons I didn't want to give them my vote. But we are blessed to have this right so I voted for the less of two evils.

The election is now over and the country prepares to move on to an new administration, I have two thoughts and then a wonderfully worded email from my cousin & friend Jack Alexander.

First thought; We need to stand up as American's and fight continually for the freedoms & rights we have be given. Get involved, write to your Senators & Reps. It is the only way your voice can be heard. Support our President regardless of party. Pray for him and our leaders to do the right thing for our country.

Second; Remember that with whatever happens in the years to come, we need to be prepared. Prepared temporally & spiritually. 'If we are prepared, we need not fear'.

Now for Jack's note: (Thanks Jack!!)
Dear Family and Friends,

To no ones surprise, I am quick to admit to being a staunch Conservative from before my first opportunity to vote. I follow the basic Conservative line of thinking on most matters. If I alter my thinking, then I lean toward being an Independent but never a Liberal or Socialist.

Having served two years active duty overseas in the US Army, I am all for the Constitution and I seek and support an honest and fair government. But I am mature enough to realize that things are not always as I see them, and things will not always be resolved to my satisfaction. But just as I remain loyal to my country, I will always respect and sustain the office of the President. I feel our primary obligation is respect that office and understand that the man or woman holding that office, like us, is not without human flaws of judgment or deed.

Though disappointed that John McCain lost yesterday, I do feel somewhat righteous in that from the beginning I never thought him to be the correct choice for the Republican party. Especially when younger, and I feel, more qualified leaders were available such as Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee. I do feel the primary reason McCain lost is that our party simply chose a fine man, but at this time, the wrong guy.

But no matter who they voted for, I do respect the will of all my fellow citizens and their right to vote as they did. I continue to feel it a blessing to be able to live in this land, at this time, under our inspired Constitution which allows us to exercise our religious freedom. Therefore I will pray daily not only for our country and the office of President, but also for whoever holds that office. I will do the same for those whomever the President selects to provide appropriate advice and counsel.

Yes, I will sustain President Elect Obama as my President and I will pray for him daily, as I have for Presidents before him. I pray to God Almighty that President Obama will make decisions that are best for the country, our security, our economy, better world relations and our children as well as our futures.

As we know from our own history, our nation can pull itself together to overcome any problem. When our land is truly united in purpose, no enemy, tragedy or social situation can destroy us.

At this time, may we put aside our many differences and become a land of unity. May we share the love of country more than self, and may we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

May God bless President Bush and President Elect Obama. Just as God blesses all who come seeking His blessings, inspiration and guidance, may we as individuals also seek to have charity for all our sisters and brothers.

Sincerely,
Jack Alexander

Glenn Beck with Sen. Hatch: 'Constitution is hanging by a thread'*

Read the transcript from Glenn Beck's radio show today. He spoke with Senator Orrin Hatch from UT. Very critical point we are in our country. Things have changed so quickly the past one to two years...We need to be prepared..Please read link below.

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/196/17711/?ck=1

HaPpY HaLlOwEen!!

Happy Halloween! The girls had a good time tonight. Jaycee and Gabi (our neighbor & adopted daughter), went trick or treating together. Gabi's Mom made he CUTEST costumes for the girls. She made Jaycee's Bee costume & Gabi's Ladybug costume. We have such awesome friends.

Jordan went trick or treating with her friend Taylor, and is still out and about. Hopefully not getting into too much trouble.

Greg & I were home. I ran to Carrabba's to get us some dinner. On my way home I called my sister. I am very homesick for her today. We've been here for almost three years, and I love it here; but I really miss my sister on holidays. Every Halloween we used to get the kids together for trick or treating or just showing off costumes. It was fun. Greg & I usually dressed up. Haven't dressed up since we have been here. I need to snap out of it...

Jaycee & I are watching Ghostbusters together. You have to watch something on Halloween right?!?

Here are some pictures from Halloween pasts...










Happy Halloween!!

The Locator

Just a reminder...If you haven't watched 'The Locator', Sat nights on the WE channel..don't miss this show. Very uplifting show for the whole family. I guarantee you can't watch an episode without a tear in your eye or a lump in your throat.

Please watch! We need shows like this in the world today! Keep watchin'

World Series comes to a sad end....

So tonight was part II of Game 5 of the World Series. Sadly my Rays lost 3-4 against the Phillies. What a bummer! But it was an awesome year for the Rays and we won the AL Championship, which is awesome from a team who was the worst team a year ago. I love my RAYS!! Can't wait for spring training and for next years season.

The Rays' dream season ended against the Phillies in Game 5, which was completed two days after the contest was suspended by rain. However, nothing can be taken away from a Tampa Bay club that shocked the world by making the Fall Classic in its first playoff appearance.

Next year, we will be back!