An Incredible Little Book

I have not read a book that has had such effect on me in such a long time. I started it the other night (a short read) and decided to finish up the last chapter at lunch this afternoon. WOW! I want to find someone else who has experienced it so that I can talk to them -- like when something has happened and you need to talk it over with someone.

It's the story of a friendship between two 9 year old boys and their innocence as to what is going on around them during the Holocaust. A remarkable story that leaves you wondering how on earth anything like that could have ever happened. My heart hurts right now for all of the innocent, as well as, guilty people involved in that horrible chapter in history. The movie is out in the theaters right now also. I would read the book first, though it's so simple that I'm sure the movie will be good.

What an incredible thought-provoking read. I think its good to not let us forget.

Playing House in the White House

I saw this article this morning when I was looking at highlights from yesterday's festivities and thought it was so sweet. I guess it is tradition for the former President to leave a letter for the New President at the White House. Evidently, President Bush's daughters decided it would be fun to leave a letter for President Obama's girls. It's a letter about when they were little and played at the White House. I thought it was a very touching thing to do ... you have to read it.

Playing House in the White House

Proud to be An American

I am so grateful in so many ways this morning. Thankful to live in these United States with the freedoms and privileges I enjoy as a white, American, woman. Thankful that my husband has a good job which enables me the luxury to stay home, take care of my children, and be able to watch this historic event this morning without having to be at work. While I did not vote for President Barack Obama, I am grateful for this day in history. Thankful that we live in a country where now ANY American citizen, male or female, any race, or with any religious background, even my very own children can have the dream of becoming the President of the United States. I will pray for this man and the others that work with him that he will lead our country through this tough time and that he can help us, hopefully with God at his side, to be a more united people.

Kelsey's Biggest Audience So Far ...

Kelsey was asked to play the piano for a huge Youth Conference on Saturday -- about 1,000 kids from all over our area. She was nervous but didn't miss a beat! I was so proud of her. It was quite the day and evening. Special speakers, special musical numbers and then they fed everyone Chipotle Burritos. The highlight (for the youth) was a dance right after from 7-10pm. I stayed to Chaperone and to secretly spy on my son who was able to go for the first time. You have to be 14 or older to stay for the dance. It was amazing -- 8-900 kids dancing and bopping up and down to the music. (Couldn't get pics because it was too dark in there). What was MOST amazing was when I finally found Jacob, he was dancing with a girl and I could see his mouth moving -- he was actually talking to her too! MY BABY!!! I kept threatening them that since I seem to listen only to "20 on 20" and know all "their" songs that I would have to show them some of my dance moves! They were mortified! (Didn't end up dancing - even though when Womanizer came on it was hard to resist)!

My New Toy

Not to be a blogger "blagger" or anything but thought I would show off my new toy. I really didn't want to use my free upgrade ... I really liked my 3 year old Razor just fine ... but the hubby talked me into the new Verison ENVY2 and I LOVE IT!!! Got a cool cover for it and now I can text so much faster -- almost as fast as Kelsey (yeah, right!).

I'm having a hard time focusing on cleaning the basement today ... can you tell.

It's Spring Inside My House

My plants are all flowering in my house and I LOVE it! Gives me hope that Spring will come outside too!

A Long 9 Days . . .

Some New Year's Resolutions really suck ...

No more Diet Coke is one of them!!!

Little Black Incentive ...

I found this cute dress at Target yesterday. Don't usually buy many clothes there -- other than workout stuff -- but this little number caught my eye. Tried it on and it's a bit snug through the tummy and the upper back. Soooooo ..... it inspired me to lose my next 10lbs quick so it will fit and I can have my husband take me some where fun in it!!! It's all lined and everything -- can't beat the price -- 50% off!! Only $12.48!! Don't you just love when stuff like that happens!

My Favorite Christmas Book

My sister, Cathy, gave us this book the first year we were married! It has spaces for 25 Christmas entries. I am amazed that I have faithfully kept up on it all these years (just missed one). We love to look back through the years at all our wonderful Christmas memories and to "read" our own Christmas Story. I'm sure some of you have helped to fill these pages.

We started our story in 1990 and just finished writing this year's entry this morning. I find I have to write while the memories are still fresh. I've been able to include some pictures -- an extra Christmas card we sent -- and a copy of our Christmas letter, too. I love it!!! Great gift Thompsons -- we enjoy it EVERY year!

New Look for the New Year

Had to create a new blog because after using that format for a while, I realized that I never had enough room to post pictures -- this one gives me lots of space! Still in the fine-tuning stages but not bad so far!

Had a GREAT trip to California to visit family for New Years and Jessica was there as the family photographer (you should hire here for your family vacations) to take lots of pictures. She did a fantastic job of posting them on her blog so I thought those of you that don't already look there ... you can look there now! Click here!