I've Learned From You...

Okay...My AMAZING mom is at the half-way point in her battle against the big bad cancer, and the next 6 weeks is going to be alot harder than the first (which is almost impossible to imagine). Its more than a little discouraging for her to think about what's ahead and she's been praying for strength in whatever ways it may come. So my inspirational thought is a line I heard from a song the other day and it immediately made me think of her.
" I've learned from you that STRENGTH IS SOMETHING YOU CHOOSE."
Just think about it for a minute.
The strength to fight the emotional battle when the physical one is taking all you have, the strength to see things from an eternal perspective, the strength to keep smiling despite all the reasons to cry, the strength to believe that it is all for a reason. I am amazed and inspired by strength that my mom continually shows in the face of all the overwhelming trials. I am so blessed to have her as a mother and a friend and I am so grateful that, despite the total crapiness of the whole chemo thing, we will have many more years together because of it.
I love you, Mom.

First and Last Political Post

Okay...I've purposefully stayed away from talking about politics on my blog. Honestly, I'm depressed about the two canidates that this country's voters have put up for nomination and the future of this country in either of their hands. So when I got this email last week I had to cheer...I want a canidate who thinks like this:

Bill Cosby says:
I HAVE DECIDED TO BECOME A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE.

HERE IS MY PLATFORM:

(1) 'Press 1 for English' is immediately banned. English is the official language; speak it or wait at the border until you can.

(2) We will immediately go into a two year isolationist posture to straighten out the country's attitude. NO imports, no exports.
We will use the WalMart policy, 'If we ain't got it, you don't need it.'

(3) When imports are allowed, there will be a 100% import tax on it.

(4) All retired military personnel will be required to man one of our many observation towers on the southern border. (six month tour) They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND aliens.

(5) Social security will immediately return to its original state. If you didn't put nuttin in, you ain't gettin nuttin out. The president nor any other politician will not be able to touch it.

(6) Welfare - Checks will be handed out on Fridays at the end of the 40 hour school week and the successful completion of urinalysis and a passing grade.

(7) Professional Athletes --Steroids - The FIRST time you check positive you're banned for life.

(8) Crime - We will adopt the Turkish method, the first time you steal, you lose your right hand. There is no more life sentences. If convicted, you will be put to death by the same method you chose for your victim; gun, knife, strangulation, etc.

(9) One export will be allowed; Wheat, The world needs to eat. A bushel of wheat will be the exact price of a barrel of oil.

(10) All foreign aid using American taxpayer money wil l immediately cease, and the saved money will pay off the national debt and ultimately lower taxes. When disasters occur around the world, we'll ask the American people if they want to donate to a disaster fund, and each citizen can make the decision whether it's a worthy cause.

(11) The Pledge of Allegiance will be said every day at school and every day in Congress.

(12) The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc.

Sorry if I stepped on anyone's toes but a vote for me will get you better than what you have, and better than what you're gonna get. Thanks for listening, and remember to write in my name on the ballot in November. Bill Cosby
God Bless America !!!!!!!!!!!

My New Toy!

Okay, since some of you asked...Here's the top ten reasons I love my new
Canon PowerShot G91. Killer 3" LCD viewer screen ( I think its bigger than my parent's first TV!)
2. Compact size is easy to slip into my purse when I don't want to haul around the bulky SLR and lenses.
3. Dial ISO right on top for quick film speed changes without all the menus.
4. Face Detection and Image Stabilization software make quick shots really easy.
5. Option for adding a flash attachment.
6. Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery just plugs into the wall (no expensive AA battery changes)
7. Even though its a point-and-shoot, I can attach a wide angle or telephoto lens
8. Cool color settings like Vibrant, Sepia, and Black and White
9. 12.1 megapixels turn out some TIGHT pics!
10. I like shiny new things. :)

Photo Shoot

I bought a new camera and i wanted to practice with the different settings so Amy and her friend Erin agreed to come be models for me. We went downtown Idaho Falls and spent the morning just messing around but I got a few cool shots.

Ticket to Fun!

Its fair time again! We decided that tonight was going to be our only chance to get to this year's state fair so we packed up after work and headed out. We enjoyed to usual fair food (corn dogs and tiger ears!) and visited the many fun booths. Riley LOVED the petting zoo...but he DIDN'T love the carosel...benson took this cool pic

Labor Day Weekend

We went to Island Park on Friday night and spent Saturday just playing around in the dirt

Riley LOVES riding around in the ranger but both times we took him out he fell asleep :) The weekend forecast was calling for cold and rain so we came home on Saturday night.

Monday was spent indoors cleaning since it pretty much rained all day, but that evening we went to my parents for baby Samantha's blessing. Here is Grandma Jo and all her grandkids.

Riley always seems to find someone to play with

Cutie pie Samantha in her blessing dress

Family Pic