But I always thought that I'd see you again...

Today the nation observes Memorial Day commemorating U.S. men and women who perished while in military service to their country. For some of us it is much more personal. For my mother it is a loud reminder of a memory that is usually quietly tucked away in the safe recesses of her heart. A memory of a high school sweetheart, an earnest young husband, a new daddy and a war gone wrong. For me it summons stories told by a wistful grandparent who loved a boy as her own. Stories of love. A boy crossing the street hiding the Bible his dad hated under his shirt and sneaking to church. A teenager asking out the little sister of his one true love so he can tag along and watch his love with another. A young man in uniform vowing to have and to hold until 'death do us part'. The new father holding his newborn baby girl up to the large mirror in grandma's living room insisting, "Grandma, isn't she the prettiest baby you ever saw? Isn't she?" A dreaded telegram and a Valentine's card he sent but didn't arrive until after he was gone. This is Memorial Day for me. Today I honor Dana Randolph Barker (July 21, 1947 - February 13, 1969). 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Causality number 37551. The father I never knew.

I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
Stands up for
the innocent and the weak
-"If You're Reading This" by Tim McGraw

mercy, Jesus, mercy

This is horrific news. The 5 year old daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman, Maria, was killed this evening in their own driveway (pictured to the right: Maria and Steven) Apparently, one of his teenage son's was backing out of the driveway in an SUV and didn't see her. I am sick. Jesus, sweet Jesus, please be with this family and this boy.

Larry and I had just worked his South Bend concert in March and were so moved by his passion for the orphan and adoption. For the full story click here or on the picture of Maria and Steven.

In the words of Jen Zug, "I think I'm throwing up a little in my mouth..."

Little did you know with the title above that we would be discussing American Idol 2008 finals! And, yes, fully knowing that my husband thinks I'm taking this a little too seriously, I have to say that I have never in my life seen such Flagrant pimping from the judges. And frankly, I'm not sure I understand the reasons why. In my mind, the mind of a consumer, I would think that David Cook is the bigger money maker with a more definitive radio-friendly sound. David Archuleta, who arguably has one of the most accurate and pure voices to ever grace the AI stage, is a "crooner". When was the last time you heard a guy sing a cheesy ballad on a top 40 station? And, yes, people. My radio is often tuned to top-40. I have kids and I can't always be listening to talk radio, NPR or alternative adult contemporary folk/rock. Besides, sometimes I actually enjoy it! And I would enjoy it even more if David Cook was on it!!!! Someone who takes more risks with his song choices and arrangements and is old enough to make those risks and choices on his own (without parental interference). I have a feeling I am going to be disappointed tonight.

Landen Leaves for DC

Landen taking his suitcase to the bus.

Each year the 8th graders at Landen's middle school go on a tour of Washington DC. This is his year! He left tonight in a caravan of 5 charter buses full of 8th graders. He is going to have SO much fun and I am so excited for him.

The Roomies (Landen is 2nd from the right in the "strongbad" shirt)

Our little spring discovery...

We have three very new, very naked, very tiny friends under our deck...

Mama was close by keeping watch over her babies while we checked them out. We are very excited about watching them grow over the next few weeks!

My new favorite thing...

And I am NOT getting paid by anyone to say this (although those of you who try it and end up saving thousands of dollars in pedicures, may want to treat me to lunch... I'm just sayin').

A while back I saw this little device being reviewed on some morning news show and was surprised by the fact that it looked as if it actually worked.

Now, I am a barefoot girl. I hate shoes and the shoes I do like to wear are ones I can slip on and off very easily (didn't go so well living here in Indiana in the winter after being used to San Diego weather). Because of my distaste for covering my feet in soft socks and closed shoes, my feet are very tough and rugged. This means that on the rare occasion that I can get an extended amount of alone time and the funds to get a pedicure, the poor nail tech has to work a miracle to get my feet to look pretty and feel soft.

Fast forward to yesterday as I was picking up prescriptions at our friendly neighborhood WalGreens. Sprinting through the aisles my eyes glimpsed the PedEgg display on an end shelving unit with a SALE sign directly above. The SALE sign is what made me stop. I thought, in a impulse buying moment, "wth?" and threw one in my little basket.

Let me tell you, people... it is worth it's weight in gold and so much more! I cannot rave enough about the results... I will be saving SO much money on pedi's!!!!! My feet are like new... they feel fabulous and I am one happy little thrifty mama.

Empower Some Girls in Africa

Buy my friend, Jen's, zine today! I did.

There are limited quantities!

Read about it and buy here: http://tinyurl.com/6gk4ag

I am so proud of her and her dream!

* Illustration used with permission

Should I be worried?