Flags of Our Fathers

I just finished reading "Flags of Our Fathers" by John Bradley, and feel compelled to write about it.
Let me first say that I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in World War II. I have never read anything like this before, so I wasn't sure I would be able to get into it. Although the book does describe historical events and details surrounding WWII, it is primarily about the lives of six young soldiers. John Bradley is the son of one of the six flag raisers in the famous Iwo Jima photo. He spent several years interviewing old buddies who served with these young Marines (and one Navy corpsman) to compile this story. I don't believe he ever intended to write a book. He was just trying to find out information about his father and happened upon a remarkable story in the process. It is a very moving account of all six men's lives, and it was incredible to read about how our country came together during this difficult time. The movie that came out last year doesn't do the book justice.

I'm really glad I read this book. And one last thing. The Japanese were mean...

Parent Night

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Last night we went to Parent Night at the church where Sophie will be attending K-3. She did great! She was very excited when she saw the classroom set-up with different play areas. When her teacher walked in, she said, "Hi, Ms. Morgan!" We had to leave her in the class to go to the parent meeting, and when I told her we would be back soon, she barely paid me any attention because she didn't want to stop playing. When we came back, she was busy playing with the dolls and "fixing them tomatoes" in the kitchen area (I don't know where that came from because she doesn't even like tomatoes!). She was really proud of the blue school bag Ms. Morgan gave her when we were leaving. I took pictures tonight because when she starts school on Monday they encouraged us not to linger.

She will be attending school on Monday and Tuesday mornings from 8:30 - 11:30am. She is excited about "spending time with Ms. Morgan", as well as playing on the playground and eating snacks. Life is good.

Girl's Night Out - August 17, 2007

Well, a few of us celebrated our monthly Girl's Night Out on Friday night. For those of you not familiar with GNO, here's a little background info:

Last November, I asked a few of my single friends from Upward if they wanted to have a "Girl's Night Out". Translation - dinner, a movie, and Barnes & Noble. My brilliant logic was by asking single women, they would more likely be available and I was desperate for a night out with the girls (I'm not trying to imply y'all didn't have a life, but hey, it worked). We had a great time, and after the first of the year decided to make it a monthly occurrence, as well as extend the invitation to our married friends. GNO attendees have included: Trisha, Jeannie, Julia, Julie, Debra, Neva, Brooke, Catherine, and Anna. We've yet to see everyone who has been invited (you know who you are), but don't worry. We'll keep asking. It is so nice to hang out with people you care about and catch up.

(Let me warn those of you who have not attended a GNO yet. Some of the movies we have seen have been bad. Real bad. Stinking bad. Like walking out of the movie theater and asking the manager for our money back bad. We've done it. We might do it again. GNO is not for the faint of heart.)

So, this past Friday night, me, Trisha, and the ever hilarious Brooke ate at Jason's Deli (that's tradition) with a real sweet temp from Upward named Diane. Since we had time before the movie, Jeannie met us at Christian Supply (two bookstores in one night = H-E-A-V-E-N!). Then we went to see "Hairspray" at Spartan 16. I have to admit I was a little worried when the opening song began (if you've seen the movie you know what I am talking about). Honestly, the movie was so cheesy you couldn't help but laugh. At least I think so. Or maybe it was just because Brooke was there. She laughs at everything. You can't help but join in! Lastly, we went to B&N and talked until they closed. Oh, and thanks to Brooke's friend, I learned a new song:

Chicken wings,
chicken wings,
hot dogs and baloney,
chicken and macaroni,
chillin' with my homeys...

Uh, yeah. I'm just now getting it out of my head.

We had fun. Sorry you missed it.

13 lbs. and counting....

Well, it's been a long time coming but I finally decided it was time to lose weight. (I know vacation has something to do with it.) I started about 3 weeks ago and have lost 13 lbs. It feels like it has been a lot longer than 3 weeks! The first week I tried to just eat sensibly and exercise, but that didn't work. So, the second week I started the South Beach diet. Things are going well except that I miss drinking milk and would love a piece of fruit! I have extended the first phase of the program because I am afraid if I start introducing foods back into my diet I will start gaining weight and I am no where near the weight I want to be. I am existing on lean protein, vegetables, nuts, low-fat string cheese and low-fat cottage cheese. How's that for boring! It is a complete change of lifestyle to train yourself to "eat to live" not "live to eat" which I have done for years. But I am determined this time to lose the weight and keep it off. I'll keep you posted!

Disney World

We're going to Disney World! All 9 of us - Mom, Steve, Jimi, Amanda, Jaxon, Scarlett, Brian, Sophie and I are leaving at the end of October for an 8 day Disney land/cruise vacation. WOO HOO! Our trip has been reserved since last September, so by the time we leave we will have waited 14 months for this vacation. Mom, Amanda, and I are so excited we talk about it practically every time we are on the phone. Among other things, we have obsessed about what purse we are going to bring, what shoes we are going to wear and where we are going to eat. We can't wait!!!! I'm sure that I will write much more about this topic in the months to come. Thanks, Mom and Steve, for this trip of a lifetime!!!!

My Girl

The Lord has given Brian and I the priviledge of raising the best daughter in the whole world! She is a loving child with a social personality. And she's a Mama's girl! She has brought unspeakable joy and love into our lives and is truly a blessing. She loves to play with her Groovy Girls and play dress up. Thank you, Lord, for choosing us to come together and be a family.

My Man

My husband, Brian, is truly my soul mate. I can't imagine being married to anyone else (sorry, Joaquin!). We really do compliment and respect each other. I have never met anyone with more God given abilities and he does an amazing job of taking care of our family. He's the best husband and daddy in the whole world! Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to serve You together. I love you, Baby!