Election Day

You might think that Election Day is still a week away. Well, you would be wrong. Today is election day!! My brilliant daughter is running for Student Council and giving her speech to her class today. I can't wait to hear the results of this nail biting election!!

Kenners wrote her speech over 2 weeks ago and has been practicing it ever since!

Today is also band. Kenners is playing the baritone horn at school.

Vote for me, Kenners Evans!!

Councilman Evans

After months and months of campaigning, my husband has won a seat on our town's council.

I am so proud of him!

I Love This Man

I have not seen much of my hubby in the past few weeks. Either he's been away on business trips or he is busy campaigning ('tis the season!). I am an early riser and DK is a night owl. When he leaves for work in the morning I jokingly say, "See ya in the morning!" It's not a far stretch of the truth. Generally speaking, like tonight, I will be in bed fast asleep before he even gets home!

Yesterday was such a special treat. The girls and DK had the day off from school and work (Columbus Day for those of you who may not have realized) and we went for a drive to ooh and ahh at the beautiful fall foliage. During the drive DK leaned over, took my hand and said, "You have made such a happy life for us." I found this to be so touching and took it as a huge compliment. I strive each and every day to make our home, our little world, a happy and safe place. A refuge from the world. Some days are so crazy that I think I have not succeeded. It was such a nice affirmation to hear those words from my husband. I teasingly responded, "Thanks for financing our happy little world!"

This morning when DK was leaving for work I felt a deep sense of gratitude for all that he does for our family as well as for others. He is an honest and hard working man. I cannot imagine sharing my life with anyone else.

Tucson, AZ ~ Pinnacle Peak

Sorry, Charlie!

I have a quick moment while JK is napping and before I have to go and pick Rand up from school. I must confess since my  computer went in for repairs I haven't opened Google Reader. I'm kind of afraid to do so...I will probably wait until I have my computer back! Please know I will catch up with your blogs but it will probably not be before next week!

I can't believe we are a week from Election Day. I have been listening to all of the Election coverage and am on pins and needles for the final outcome. Over the weekend I was thinking how the two major parties, Democrats and Republicans, are pitted against each other and was wondering if the two parties ever unite to work together or fight for the common good.

While pondering that thought I drove past a building here in town that has been part of many heated debates and fights. This building was bought by an owner of a sleazy adult store chain and it was his intent to bring such smut into our town. Normally most people would not think twice about this type of establishment and it wouldn't be cause for a battle. But in this case the building is located near a residential area and people came out in droves to show their disapproval. Fortunately, our former mayor had written an SOB (Sexually Oriented Business) ordinance that did not allow zoning of such establishments within a certain parameter of residential areas and our then Town Council adopted this ordinance. Over the past two years our town has been fighting the owner of the  building and his lawyers who said it was not an SOB but it was a regular retail store. In April this case was heard in our State Supreme Court. The smut shop was not allowed to open because of the town's existing ordinance and the Court deeming the chain an adult store.

The whole town was united in the effort, in the fight. Democrats alongside Republicans alongside Independents. Party lines did not matter. What mattered was what was best for our town. I am happy to report the building is up for sale. The owner who stated at the beginning of this debacle, "We usually see some opposition to us coming but once we are permitted the use and we start our construction we have only seen happy eager customers greeting our constuction workers and staff member with questions as to when will we finally open our doors. The opposition stops once we receive the permit....(The name of my town) will never win and we will open there." Sorry, Charlie, but no such luck!

During this time when there is so much negativity about the different parties I really felt the need to share this particular experience with you. It was a good reminder to myself as well. There are times when people are able to see beyond party lines and take a stand for the things that matter.

Givin' and Receivin'

Pedaling, a good blogging buddy of mine, had the wonderful opportunity to attend the RNC earlier this month. While she was there she picked up some good loot to give away on her blog. Well, I was one of the lucky recipients and was given the choice of what I would like her to send me. I had a hard time making up my mind (I usually do not have this problem but she had some great things to choose from) and so I asked her to choose for me. Can I say that was the best decision, ever! Look what I came home to on Saturday!

Thanks, Pedaling, for such great stuff!

Can't wait to drive around in my Odyssey with my NObama bumper sticker!

I'm actually praying for a bad hair day so I'll have a great excuse to wear my new hat!

It's so much fun to receive good mail but it's also fun to give good mail. So, without further ado, I present to you my Time Out for Women giveaway! I brought back for one lucky (or as a friend of mine says, blessed) winner a Time Out care package. This package includes the following:

Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Orange Ginger

Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion (travel sizes)

I stayed overnight at the Marriott and they provide this wonderful line to their guests.

I, in turn, must share them with you!

Hershey's Bliss Chocolate

What's a time out without chocolate?

And let me tell you, there was a lot of chocolate to be had!

Going to Time Out is a blissful getaway but returning home

to your family completely rejuvenated is even more blissful!

In addition to hearing amazing presenters I was also able to browse through amazing books! Ever since reading Merrilee Boyack's book, Strangling Your Husband is Not an Option, I've been a fan of hers. Come to find out she is also the best friend of a new blogging buddy of mine, Diane. What a SMALL world! Okay, enough rambling; I'll stop now.

I am giving away Merrilee's newest book and (of course) it is an autographed copy.

Nothing is too good for my blog readers!

For the past four years I have worked behind-the-scenes for Time Out for Women. This year I was asked to take on an additional responsibility: stage decor. For the high round table in the front corner of the stage I bought red gerber daisies. Look what is on this book's cover:

How could I resist?

I could not! Therefore this book is also included in the giveaway!

Lastly, I will include all of the above listed goodies in the official Time Out for Women tote bag!

Viola!

Sooo, if you would like to be included in my Time Out giveaway here's what you must do:

Leave a comment on this post.

That's it! I am not making it complicated at all!

You do not have to go back to your blog and post about this giveaway, blah, blah, blah (though if you would like, you are more than welcome to do so) and then get back to me, etc., etc.

No, no, no!

Just leave a comment!

And good luck...or would that be good blessings?

(Package must be sent to an address within the United States.

Winner will be selected Friday, September 26th @ 12 noon EST)

Free From Terrorism

September 11th. You will always remember what you were doing 7 years ago, this day, when you received the surreal news of hijacked airplanes being flown into buildings. You will always remember how you spent the following days glued to your tv or radio. I will always remember how President Bush declared our country strong and would not be shattered by these horrific acts of terrorism. 

November 4th. In 54 days we have the opportunity to elect a new Commander-in-Chief. I pray we all remember, "Freedom is ALWAYS worth the price".

(thank you Sarah for sharing this video!)

I Thought I'd Take a Moment...

...during the Democratic National Convention...

...and let you know...

...who we are supporting!

Happy Birthday, Mr. President

Happy birthday, President Bush. I personally want to thank you for your selfless service, dedication and God-fearing beliefs. May this year bring boundless joy to you and to your loved ones!

My Political Profile

I was a tad bit surprised with my outcome. The personal responsibility was what surprised me the most...I'm not sure what to think! Take the quiz and let me know which end of the spectrum you land on.

Your Political Profile:

Overall: 70% Conservative, 30% Liberal Social Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal Personal Responsibility: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal Fiscal Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal Ethics: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?

via Pedaling Fast

via Get Up and Play

Keeping Up Appearances

She's beautiful, skinny (size 0 Lucky jeans) and RICH. The Washington Post's recent article is titled, "Letting Her Hair Down, but Still Keeping Up Appearances". CNN reports, "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful, hate me because I'm rich." Personally, I think it's fabulous that she takes such great care of herself (she ran a marathon 8 months after having a stroke!) and I could care less that she won't release her tax returns for all of us to see. I don't think the fact that she is gorgeous or has millions of dollars makes her any less American than the rest of us. I think it's un-American to begrudge her of her money (even though it came from a beer company). I would much rather see Mrs. McCain as our nation's first lady than Michelle or heaven forbid Bubba!

Future First Lady? All-American, Cindy McCain

Completely off subject (though it does have to do with keeping up appearances) I have always loved the BBC comedy of the same name. Each episode cracks me up as I observe the great measures Hyacinth takes to make her life seem oh-so-perfect while everyone thinks she's a complete lunatic. DK teases me that I am like Hyacinth. I want everything to be just so. Well, I do like things to be perfect, that's the OCD in me, but I am willing to admit that my life is not always a dream. There are days when it's a nightmare, plain and simple.

Richard & Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced 'bouquet')

Keeping Up Appearances

Platypus' and Democrats

The world's first platypus twin puggles born in captivity are shown at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney in 2003.

Check out the WSJ Health Blog's post about the latest discoveries concerning platypus' genes. Weird stuff...but definitely cute little critters!

I found a particular comment to this post quite humorous:

"This article could have also been about Democrats, a curious species that defies explanation."

A very interesting comparison...if you ask me!

A Sad Announcement

It is with a heavy heart I write this posting. DK and I voted for Mitt Romney two days ago. Though he did not win the state we live in, I am still proud to say he not only received our vote but in my opinion deserved our vote. I do not regret voting for Mitt Romney and will gladly do so in 2012 if he decides to make the run for President again.

I took Kenners to the pediatricians office on Tuesday for her annual well visit. I asked her doctor if he had taken the opportunity to go and vote. He said he had. He knows that my family and I are Mormon and I said to him, "Well, I'm here to tell you, I did not vote for Romney because he is Mormon." Kenners pediatrician turned and looked at me and said, "I'm here to tell you that I DID vote for Romney because he IS Mormon." Wow! 

Romney had many supporters but unfortunately he did not feel he had enough to win the amount of delegates needed to take the nomination. I respect his decision to suspend his run for the White House and wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors!

Don't Forget to VOTE

DK and I went to the polls today to cast our VOTE. After watching many a debate and reading countless articles, we VOTED for MITT ROMNEY. I won't get into all of the reasons as to why we decided to VOTE for Romney (though economics is definitely at the top of the list) but I can honestly say it was NOT because he is Mormon. Don't get us wrong, we are thrilled for the values he clings to and think it would be wonderful to have a President that could bring such moral convictions into the White House. It certainly would be a far cry from Bubba Clinton. 

Even if you are not a Romney supporter...though you might want to think a bit harder before heading to the polls! :O)....Don't forget that it is our duty as citizens of this country to get the VOTE out. So, please, make sure your own personal voice is heard and go VOTE!

Mrs. Comeback Kid

All I can say about this is: Ugh!

Okay, so now you know I am NOT a Clinton supporter. Not for Mrs. nor was I for Mr. When Bubba (Bill) ran for office 16 years ago my family was bound and determined to move back to Europe. My father's saving grace was retiring from a U.S. Naval career before Clinton took office. His discharge papers and certificates have Bush's signature on them. He made it just in the nick of time. Bubba took office in January 1993 while my father retired in December 1992.

If Mrs. Clinton takes the Democrat nomination I guess it will be time to send DK's resume out for an overseas position. Anyone have any leads for me?