Notes from Afghanistan

With all of the political talk, campaigning and war protesting going on I wonder what is really going on over in Afghanistan and Iraq. I have decided to post a quote from my brother, Cpt. Jamie Bryant - he is currently at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan - I hope he doesn't mind - if he does - too bad, I'm older and what I say goes!

This is in response to an email joke about Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton and then he goes on a little bit...

That is pretty funny. You would get every Soldier if it was Palin. We all love her. I do not know all of you on the address line, but I just wanted you to know that even though you hear in the news that it has been a bloody year in Afghanistan (which is true), you can be sure that we have kept them busy digging graves for themselves as well. And sometimes shooting them as they dig the grave and getting a two for one deal (that is for you Uncle Charlie. I can see you laughing your butt off right now) Say a little prayer for all of the Soldiers here and just know that they are giving it everything that they can and shedding blood for you (and the pansy liberals) each and everyday.

So please try to remember to pray everyday for our soldiers - they are working hard at establishing Democracy over there so that our world is safer - I think we forget the real reason they are there.

I love you little bro - keep your chin up and thanks for all you do. beck

Economic Stimulus Plan

With all this talk about the economic crisis, I am having an uncontrollable urge to single handidly try to revive the retail market! I don't know what it is about someone (or more like my bank balance) telling me that I can't spend any money, but I just get the sudden urge to remodel the kitchen, finish the bonus room and redecorate the kids rooms - all this weekend! What could I do to quench my desire for some retail therapy? I say it involves my laundry room piggy bank and my favorite overpriced clothing boutique and a pair of 7 for all mankind jeans! Bravo to me I have just done my part to stimulate the economy!

What's your Preppy Name

http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpreppynamequiz/.

North Gorham Ives the Sixth But most people know you as Buffy


I'm cracking up at this one - it's funny because my "the name people know you as" is Buffy which is what my Uncle Charlie used to call me growing up! Who knew?

Accessories

One of my favorite lines from one of my fave movies (Steel Magnolias) is "The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize." Well I don't think we have to worry about Avery's ability to accessorize - last night after she was fast asleep, no doubt dreaming about her next fashionable conquest, I went in her room to turn off her lamp and out of the corner of my eye I noticed in the window seal she had lined up her trophies and had accessorized each player with a heart sticker - see photo. It just warms my heart to think about her ability to brighten her little world with some cheap heart stickers (I believe they are left over from Valentine's Day! Did I also mention that she is my little pack rat?)

GOAL!!!

Last night marked the beginning of Soccer season! The Sharks were unbeatable in their efforts! Avery scored a goal and promplty ran over to the stands and said - "Hey Momma I want to sign up to play soccer again next year!" I just wanted to say - ok what about the next 9 games are you up for them too? But I left the sarcasm off and just grinned and said "sure thing girly!" And since this is all about me, I guess I am officially a Soccer Mom!

Rock Bottom

What is your rock bottom? Mine is pretty much when there is no order - out of control laundry, kids not getting enough sleep, a week without a home cooked meal, no groceries in the pantry. Those are the things in my life that constitute rock bottom. In order to lift myself up from the "bottom" I just treat each task like eating an elephant - one piece at a time and in a matter of time my life becomes manageable again. For others they just wish that is what rock bottom meant. Over the course of our married life, rock bottom for Travis has gotten lower as time passes - and each bottom takes less time to reach. This past weekend held the lowest point yet - hit and run DUI. The consequenses for our family are uncertain but are not good. Upon reaching the bottom you hope that this is as bad as it gets - there is almost a certain amount of relief each time that bottom is reached because you have hope that the only way to go is up. My hope is that I am the Mother and Wife that God intends for me to be throughout this challenge. Keep us in your prayers.

Christian the Lion

Get out the tissues! I have cried until I can't breathe! Do you think I may need to call my therapist? Please check out this video, it is the most touching reunion story I have ever seen, and believe me, I am at home in time to watch Oprah and she ain't got nothin on this one!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/25796645#25796645

I hope this works - you know I am technically challenged!