Numbers

As simple as I would like my life to be...sometimes...simple is just not in the equation. Maybe due to the blur of activity, lack of sleep, stress, etc. I find numbers running through my head. I am, as most are aware, a concrete, black and white person. Numbers fit that bill. They are very solid and reliable for a person like me. So, my blog tonight consists of some of these numbers that are floating around up there... and hopefully it will explain a little of our lives the last while.

53
The speed at which I was driving when our cat, Scamper, hurled herself from the top of the SUV.

13,564
Pictures I accidently uploaded on my ipod before heading to Idaho.

8
Flights Dave and I have taken over the past 2 weeks.

4
Unexpected days spent in the hospital with my mom.

3
Goals Pookie scored in each of his first two soccer games.

1
Karate graduation for Bubba who leveled up to a Green Belt.

2
Lessons Sis successfully completed in Piano. She really enjoys it.

12
Work days Dave has under his belt, back at Microsoft.

103
Kisses for Pookie before he would let me leave his side tonight.

5
Family members who made it to Dallas to visit- if only for a short while!

43
Kids who made me one proud Primary President on Sunday. The Sacrament Program was wonderful!

3
Women who I am priveledged to work with in the Presidency, You are amazing!

1
Tough Cookie for a Mom! You are the best example!

1
Husband who patiently deals with his busy, stressed, emotional wife. My hero!

Countless
Times I need to be reminded of all that I have to be grateful for.

258
bubbles I counted on Dave's screen saver the other night before I realized it was way past my bedtime...just like now...

2
Number of Nighttime Alkaseltzers I took to help ease the pressure in my head from my head cold....

I am fading...the numbers are floating away...good nighhhhhttttttttt

Bubba in karate

Lots of room for growth in that uniform!

Loved having the Pace's share a hot Dallas afternoon with us.

Why I Love America and Texas

My second grader came home from school with a paper. It read...

Today we remembered 911 in a safe and honorable way. I reminded them that we are free because of our brave men and women going to battle and our brave President leading the way. I told them we are Safe, Strong, and Steady. Parents: Please discuss with your child the importance of freedom. Please talk about the day of 9-11 and where and what you were doing and thinking. Student: Please write down 3 "Special Feeling Words" about our country. Please also draw 1 symbol representing the USA.

As I sat reading this, I got teary eyed. I love that in Texas, it isn't bad to be patriotic. I love that in Texas, my children are taught about 9/11- it isn't forgotten. I love that in Texas, we still pray at rodeos :). I love that in Texas, the school children start each day with a moment of silence (where they are allowed to pray if they chose). And I love that in Texas, there are restrictions to the size of belt buckles allowed at school!

Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of akwardness that comes with living in Texas, or should I narrow that down to Forney. How about the neighbor that mows her grass in the dead of night (sure she has a headlight, but really lady, you just mowed two days ago...and grass doesn't grow that fast here!)? Or the sweet old man in the doctors office waiting room, reading the magazine upside down. He was really into the article and was distraught when the nurse called him back. Or how about our own little statue of liberty...yes, Pookie thinks it's the real deal. But you can't deny the Patriotic nature of those around town.

Since moving here two years ago, I have been impressed at the support our military men and women get from the Texan people. So, on this 7 year anniversary, I hope that we all stop to remember and pray for those still fighting for our freedom. I hope that we never forget and pass on our patriotism to our children.