What I'm Thankful For

(Among other things)

Chloe's Latest Accessory

Even though the Pedi didn't think so. Even though she was barely limping by this morning and she didn't react in pain when her foot was turned every which way. Even though she never once complained from Monday (when she fell -or maybe jumped- from the 4th step down to the bottom of the stairs) until this morning (when she finally said "my bones hurt")....she's got a broken leg.

I wish I insisted on an x-ray on Tuesday when I brought her in. My gut told me to, but I didn't. So my tough girl limped (and jumped, and climbed, and danced, and skipped, and ran) on a broken leg until today when I called back (for the third time) to demand an x-ray of my still-limping daughter's foot.

I knew she was a tough cookie, but WOW, I have a whole new respect for her now!

Today is the Last Day!

If you haven't donated to help bring Owen home, today is the last day! And, maybe more importantly, please also pray that TODAY is the day they receive their LOA, so they can prepare to finally travel to China to meet their son!

The Very First Noel

If you want to help your kids understand the true meaning of Christmas, this is the BEST Christmas DVD out there. It is called The Very First Noel, and it tells the story of Jesus' birth from the perspective of the 3 wise men. It is narrated by Andy Griffith, the animation is so rich (and kid friendly), and the new renditions of Christmas carols that make up the soundtrack are excellent. It really is a classic. 

If I could have only one Christmas DVD, this would be it. It is easily appropriate for kids as young as two, but would captivate kids up to 5th grade as well. We had a snowstorm last year one Sunday morning, and only 11 kids showed up for church: 5 of which where my kids and the pastor's three kids. We watched this movie as a special treat, and the kids were ALL riveted (ages 1-10)! 

And, if you haven't met Boz yet (also put out by Exclaim Entertainment), you should.  He's fantastic too! Chloe LOVES him.

Random Fact

Tonight on Jon and Kate Plus 8 on TLC, they are having some sort of wedding special (I don't watch the show, so I'm not really sure what the scoop is). I just saw the commercial for it and apparently, they all go to Hawaii and stay at the Grand Wailea Resort- the same place Scot and I stayed in July when we went. 

So, I never did post any Hawaii pictures (with the exception of the one above), but you can tune in to Jon and Kate Plus 8 tonight and next week (it is a two-part special) to see the abundance of luxury we lived in for a week! 

Oh, I'd love to go back! :)

A Movie Worth Seeing

Last night, Scot and I finally watched the movie Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed a documentary created by Ben Stein ("Anyone? Anyone?"). I had heard it was good, but WOW, I had no idea. This movie is a must-see in my opinion. It is a documentary starring Ben Stein in which he investigates the idea that  "educators and scientists are being ridiculed, denied tenure, and even fired- for merely believing that there might be evidence of 'design' in nature" (quoted from the back of the DVD). It was really incredible to hear the stories that many scientists tell of how they can explore ANY option about the origin of life unless they start saying, "Well, maybe there was some design involved" (even if they don't necessarily mean God as those of us who believe in creation would believe). 

Ben Stein is not a Christian (he's Jewish), and his premise is not to prove that creation is the only answer. His take on this debate is one of freedom: why don't we have the freedom to at least acknowledge that there may just be another explanation. And, his interview with a leading Darwinian expert at the end is worth watching the whole movie for......but I thought the whole movie was completely riveting because it is unbelievable to me that people are so afraid to even discuss the idea that intelligent design is at least one possibility for the way all of life got here. If you have SO much overwhelming evidence for evolution, then why be so afraid to talk about (or let other scientists talk about and investigate) the possibility of intelligent design?

In my opinion, this movie is worth watching no mater what you believe about the origins of life because it will enlighten you and/or challenge you on several different levels. If you have older kids (middle school and higher), this is absolutely something I would (after previewing it) recommend watching with them! 

Election Day

At the very least today should be interesting. Either the election will make history or there will be a huge upset. Come what may, I love election day. I just love seeing Americans pouring into the polling places to exercise their right to vote. I find it exciting even if my candidate doesn't win.

And, if I keep my political thoughts to myself (for the most part), I'm happy to share the thoughts of my two year old. The following video is a testament to what happens when you take a child out in public during a campaign rally and they learn a really catchy little ditty. Oh, and that was a year ago! Apparently catchy little ditties are the way to go- I took this video last week. (I can't seem to get it to load here, so you'll have to follow the link to see it!)

Today, when we got back, I decided to ask Chloe who she voted for. You can see that video here. Scot's pretty glad she isn't old enough to vote. :)

(Why can't I get my YouTube videos to post here? Grrr.....)

I know I told you to skip Starbucks, but.....

.....now you can go and not pay (so you can still save your money and donate it to bring Owen home!)! Head to Starbucks tomorrow after you vote. Tell them you voted and you'll get a *free* cup of coffee (or so I heard). If you tell them you voted for McCain they'll probably spit in it, so I wouldn't recommend mentioning that! :)

I don't drink coffee. Too bad they aren't giving away hot chocolate.

Halloween

Sawyer was tired of smiling, hence the goofy smile! :)

Prince Caspian:
Fancy Nancy:
How proud was I that both of my kids dressed up as characters from books? Be still my heart! 

(Yes, Prince Caspian is a movie, but Sawyer doesn't know that! He's only read the picture book).