Educational Roadtrip

A few nights ago, the girls and I piled into the car with the Murray's and headed to ECU to attend a campaign rally that featured the Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

The "Pro-life hockey mom" addressing the Republican crowds

Read my lipstick: It was one of the most educational experiences of my life (don't laugh, I know that is not saying much!) . Amazingly, on some level, this seemed to open both Austyn and Landon's eyes as to exactly what was going on in our country's future. It is one thing to study about the presidential election, but a whole new story when those become living, breathing, speaking people right before your young eyes.

Young Republicans :-) Landon, Austyn, Helen and Joey

The next morning before Landon left for the 5th grade, she stopped me in the kitchen with the strangest look on her face. When pressed, she admitted that she had watched the news and was worried because John McCain's opponent was reported 4% ahead in the polls. I had to laugh. I assured her that one candidate will certainly be elected as president and we will just go on with life as usual no matter the outcome. Ack! Too much pressure for a ten year old, huh?

The sound of freedom

We took the kids to the air show at MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station) this weekend.

It is always a treat to watch the jets fly overhead in a gripping display of speed and agility.

The sheer noise alone will send chills up your spine. To me it is overwhelming to think that on the other side of the world the very freedom we enjoy is being defended by jets and fighters just like those flying over our heads. Our country is clearly blessed as evidenced by the top of the line aircraft and excellently trained pilots and wingman. Saying "thank you" sometimes just doesn't seem like enough for the thick blanket of security we sleep under..does it?

Thank you Marines, Sailors, Airman and Soldiers.

The kiddos (Austyn was in VA at a chorus competition) climbed on every apparatus that was available to them. Guess who loved the artillery and guess who loved the vehicles with steering wheels? I bet you can.

Anything with wheels...

Anything that fires or explodes...
See, I knew it wouldn't be hard.

Ever since Saturday I have been trying to figure out a way to get someone to let me ride with them in an F-16 jet. I just know I would love to feel the G force going 600 mph straight up. Jon says I would never make it because the cockpit would feel alot like Mission Space at Epcot and I am NOT up for that. Shoot! Perhaps one day I will have a son who desires to be a fighter pilot...hmmm.

______________________________

Now, guess whose kiddos received the good character award for TRUSTWORTHINESS? It sort of made me smile that they both got it for their individual classrooms. Way to be trustworthy Landon and Wilson...you rock!

America! God shed His grace on thee...

Yesterday I was driving past the MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station) and the huge sign at the front posted "Pardon our noise...it's the sound of freedom". As I finished my drive I whispered a prayer for our mighty nation, its leaders and the men and women of this country who give their blood, sweat, tears and often their lives, so we can move about freely in this land that was born so many years ago out of the overflowing blessings of our God! Tomorrow, make a special effort to thank God and possibly someone else who put their life on the line, for this amazing blanket of freedom that we enjoy. Remember all that we stand for: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance" Psalm 33:12

God bless America, land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home.

(Irvin Berlin 1918, revised 1938)