How many were there?

There seems to be some disagreement over how many people actually showed up in Washington DC on the National Mall for this historic inauguration. Was it hundreds of thousands, one million, 1.2 million, 1.8 million, 2 million? I have watched the coverage and seen the pictures, and one thing is clear. The entire nation seemed to be involved in this moment in history. I couldn't even watch it live online because every major news station was overrun with viewers. I was told on CNN's website that I would be placed in line to wait for space to open up.



Crazy!

But, at the same time, exciting. Exciting that so many Americans would be involved in the political process; that so many people would be clinging on every word looking for hope, looking for commitment, looking toward the future.

May God's blessings be upon our Nation, and may we never lose sight that we are His and He is ours. Amen and Hallelujah!

Riley's Birthday

So, my stepson Riley turned three years old on Dec. 29th. We had a great time celebrating this past weekend at Jump Extreme, the ultimate bounce house. Usually I am anti-bounce house. It's always very hot and sweaty, and there's lots of yelling. You know how much I enjoy my peace and quiet. :) However, I must say that NiNi (that's what Riley calls me), had a great time! This place was incredible. There were like 8 different jumping things, all spread out in these huge arenas (which cuts down the noise considerably). There were bouncers for toddlers all the way to grown ups. Here are some pics:


The Spiderman Cupcake Extravaganza




Daddy getting stuck down the slide



Hannah taking a break from jumping to pose for a photo op



Devyn flinging himself down the slide



Riley and cousin Callie taking their turn



DO I have to take a break already?



Our guests



More guests



We ALL got stuck in this spot. But I'll not show any of the really incriminating photos!

A Blog About Blogging

So, I am still having fun with the whole blogosphere thing. The only trouble I have is finding the time to write up something. I use Twitter (follow me using the link on the right hand column of this blog), and so am used to the 140 character limitation. However, I OFTEN have more information that I want to share. I just can't seem to find the time!

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to update blogs on the go? Can I do this with my cell phone? It's pretty fancy...I have NO idea what all it is capable of. But I believe that there MUST be a way for me to type up 500 or so characters so that my blog can be more fresh and up-to-date...following my stream of consciousness throughout the day.

Thanksgiving

It's right around the corner. I just want to take this opportunity to say what I am thankful for:

~My salvation, courtesy of Jesus Christ. The fact that He would die, so that I might live with Him for all eternity is staggering. Thank the Lord that He chooses to take the least and use our meager talents for His glory. Thank you!

~My family (my rocks of strength and compassion)

~My friends (in good times and bad, thank you for choosing me)

~My job. I know...I'd rather not have to work at all. But I sure am glad to be somewhere that allows me to spend more time at home, and be creative!

I hope you all find at least one extraordinary miracle to be thankful for....because my life is full of miracles!

Proud Auntie Candace

There was a day when my nephew Devyn called me "Tauntie" (pronounced tan-tea). Those days are gone and my little boy is growing up. He has turned into a great little football player. Please enjoy the highlights below.

Auntie Candace loves you Devyn!

Let this not be the end of a Nation

My good friend Mindy Dixon just sent some great words regarding the upcoming election. I would like to share some exerpts:

"We stand on the eve of a defining moment in our country’s existence. This election season offers 2 candidates bearing fundamental differences. We are choosing between excellence and mediocrity. Excellence is defined as the state of excelling or possessing good qualities in high degree. Mediocrity is the ordinariness of something as a consequence of being average and not outstanding. Which do you prefer? I am not insinuating that either candidate’s character is defined either way. I do mean that the policies and philosophies subscribed by each are defined as such. The governing compass of these candidates promotes differing ideologies. Our nation was founded on paramount principles and over time we have lead the world towards freedom and democracy. We should not be working towards blending in with the world, but leading it. Leadership is not always popular or embraced. But men and women of real leadership stand out and up for their convictions and commitments.

Personal Responsibility. The policies of the left offer crutches and band-aids for mistakes and bad judgement. Their desire is to inject government regulation and involvement in every area because their confidence in the American citizen is low and degrading.

Strength. Our military’s purpose is freedom: from England, from slave owners, from Nazis, and now from radical terrorists. We are living in times that require experience and wisdom to command our military. Our situation is too delicate and our position too important to elect someone that has neither experience at boot camp or full support of those that do.

Every one of us has a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I do not want it to be taken away under the guise of political correctness, socialization, and redistribution of wealth.

We have about 2 weeks left before this decision is final. Our conversations and convictions can open opportunities to help others understand this is more than a popularity contest. Our future is at risk."

Thanks Mindy. Remember, leadership doesn't mold, it SETS the mold. We must be in the world, but not of it!

The Lost Pencil

Let me start by saying that I am a real fan of the mechanical pencil. But recently others have gone so far as to mock the traditional pencil. Sure...it may not sharpen itself, and the eraser may wear down before the "lead" runs out...but it is still a useful tool. There is certainly no reason for cruelty toward the pencil.

Let's trace back the root of the pencil, shall we?? Sometime before 1565 a large deposit of graphite was discovered in England. The locals found that it was great for marking sheep. It could also be sawed into sticks. The value of graphite was soon realized to be enormous, and graphite had to be smuggled out for use in pencils. Graphite sticks were at first wrapped in string or in sheepskin for stability. The news of the usefulness of these early pencils spread far and wide, attracting the attentions of artists all over the "known world."

Pencil "lead" is graphite (carbon) and not the chemical element lead. Residual graphite from a pencil stick is not poisonous, and graphite is harmless if consumed.

So, while that information provides some fun facts, it is true that there are some problems with standard graphite and wood pencils. You have to sharpen them. No body likes to twist forever attempting to achieve the perfect point. But that's why we made a game of it. Remember...who can get the longest unbroken pencil shaving?!?! That is just good, clean fun.

Instead of mocking low-tech, let's remember how simple life used to be in the day of the #2 pencil. Sub-prime mortgages barely existed, the stock market was as confusing as it is today, but it certainly didn't make headline news. Life was pure. SO, maybe that's a stretch, but you see my point. Enjoy the gains of technological advancement, but honor the past!