Guest Post: Marisa

Get Out There and VOTE!!!
I voted. Not only did I vote, but I thoroughly researched the issues and the candidates before I did so. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I am mortified at the people all around me-- the gym, the preschool, the church, the store-- who haven't sought out any information for themselves, but get their information from other people's opinions or political ads. Some people I have talked to don't even know if they are going to vote at all! One of the saddest things is how simple things like the rain affect how many people show up to vote. Throughout history, people would, have, and do kill for the right to vote and it is not something we should take lightly.
This is, no doubt, a treacherous time for Americans, and we cannot afford to be in the dark about the future of our country. Have we gotten so lazy that we can't even spend a few hours of our time to educate ourselves, and then get out there and vote?
It was less than a century ago that women in the United States couldn't vote. Most of our grandparents lived in that time. Thankfully, in America we have a democracy- where we can and do bring about well-deserved change.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to live in a country, which is not perfect, but at least gives people the chance to create change and progress and have a say in our government. If we don't want to help govern ourselves by being informed and active citizens, then we really can't complain about the people we allow to be voted into office. There are so many who have made this country the wonderful blessing that it is- The Founding Fathers, the troops throughout history, and active citizens everywhere. God Bless America.

~Guest Post by Marisa

They Clean Up So Well!

Karate

Election

Friends from Church came to the Fall Fest dressed like this!

Fall Fest: Abby aka Pippi Longstocking

Fall Fest: Jacob

Fall Fest: Melissa

Fall Fest: Alexander

Abby's Birthday: Part IV

Aunt Sherrie made the cake. Thanks!

This is Abby's classroom. This was one of the things that she wanted for her birthday. Along with a cash register (a REAL cash register, I'm thinking that she just raised the prices on her Neighborhood Lemonade Stand.) Imagine that.......

Happy Birthday Abby!

Abby's Birthday Part III

Abby and her friend *L* making pizzas!
Black olives and cheese.

Extra Pepperoni.

Opening presents

and more presents.

Chocolate cupcakes!

Matching PJ's = SLEEPOVER!

Incredible Pizza: The Others

Melissa Golfing.
Sam and Derrick.

(The lighting was crappy for taking pictures.)

Sam claiming to be Number 1.

Andrew shooting....figures.....

Go.....SpeedJake......Go

Mr. Cool Alexander.

It was Derrick's Birthday too!

Abby's Birthday Part II

On Thursday, we had a day off! So we headed to Oklahoma City for pizza. Incredible Pizza that is. Lots of fun and food. Thank you Uncle Bobby and Aunt Sherrie!

Abby's Birthday Part 1

Straighten her hair AND let her wear a crown, yes a REAL one.
Birthday favors for her classmates.

And to top it off she MADE her OWN birthday sign since we obviously couldn't be trusted :)

I'm going to chronicle Abby's birthday into Parts. AS she is the "baby" of the family or "the spoiled one" she will fortunately/unfortunately have MANY birthday celebrations each year (of which you will see in the coming days, her real birthay being the 18th).

Oh Hail

Hair Straightening

Abby wanted her hair straightened "like Kayla's" for school the other day. Without all of her usual curls we were surprised at how long her hair really was!

Marching Band: Alexander