Paid In Full

Paid in Full--yes, that's right, Jack is paid off....or in more detail...Jack's conception is paid off.  We are & will still be paying for a long time.  He wasn't that happy/cooperative about holding my sign...maybe, I'll get a better picture another day!

Jack & Sean at the park--after his first sleepover!  Seeing Jack around another child for 24 hours is a wonderful thing...Wow...how do you parents of more than one child do it?  It wasn't hard with Sean...he is the kindest, easiest child ever.  Now, Jack on the other hand, misbehaved alot.  He was not accustomed to sharing his toys & especially, his Mother!

How Will You Be Remembered?

Some men and women, buried at Arlington, will be remembered for their ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the ideals & freedoms of our great country.  It was awe-inspiring seeing Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in my recent trip to DC with my Mom.  Each tombstone represents a beloved son or daughter, wife, husband, sister, brother, father or mother...a lump automatically forms in my throat when I think of this.

My beautiful Mom!

Even though it was HOT...the soldiers didn't have any sweat running down their faces/necks...how? Maybe they have some type of absorptive material in the band of their hat.

Most of us won't be remembered by a white stone on the hills of Arlington...but how will we be remembered?  As I contemplate this...here's what came to mind...a loving parent, an encouraging friend, a helpful wife, a cheerful lady, a helping neighbor, a hard working colleague...& of course, a Tarheel basketball fanatic, a loud & boisterous talker, a person with a zest & passion for life, not afraid to do the right thing or try new things....How will you be remembered?

Great smile, not enough light!

Perfect light, no smile.  It's a serious, serious look...the look of deep thought..."How will I convince Dad to buy me a horse?"

Sometimes, fatigue takes over before Mom finishes her lunch!

A Blow Up Ramsey at the annual Tarheel BBQ...I'm brainwashing him already...after I tell him, "Night,Night & Sweet Dreams", I say, "You hate Dook!"...sending subliminal messages!

Freedom is Never Free

Last month, my Mom & I visited Washington, DC together.  It was such a GREAT time (even the conference that I had to go to)...we are easy traveling buddies.  We learned how to take the metro together and she "forced" me to walk for over 4 hours in 90 degree heat.  DC is such an incredible place...so patriotic, such inspired history...

It's important to pay tribute to the sacrifices of our forefathers...& it seems to me, each generation has it's own new set of issues & sacrifices to make.  What vision it took for Thomas Jefferson & Abraham Lincoln!  Despite our differences, we Americans, can proudly agree, the United States of American is a great place to live in freedom!  And freedom is never free.