Happy Veterans' Day to Me!

This morning, I heard shuffling and whispers in the wee hours of the morn. Soon after, there was a knock on my bedroom door. I stepped out to find this:
And this:

Allie and her sweet friend Cayli had made me a yummy breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, strawberries and fresh whipped cream! Allie made me the sweetest card, too! Bryce helped me eat my feast :o)

What a great Veterans' Day! Happy Veterans' Day to all my brothers and sisters in arms, to my late father who served in the Navy in the Korean War, and my Uncle Wm. who retired from the U.S. Navy!

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Cheetah Toes

Yesterday Allie painted her fingernails in such a cute cheetah pattern, I begged until she relented and agreed to do my toes:

She's so creative and talented!

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Giddy With Russian

Saturday I Googled for "Russian Markets" in the Phoenix area and found a few. I was so excited, I talked Todd into driving me to a couple (I DO NOT drive in or near Phoenix). I was hoping they would have some Zemfira CD's, but no luck on that.

BUT, I did buy some Russian food (oh my Holy Yumminess) and lots of Russian candy.

AND the lady at the first store asked me, in Russian, if I was from Russia. I said, in Russian, "No, I'm American and I speak Russian badly!" She laughed and told me I speak Russian well. I know she was just being kind, but it totally made my day!

Outside that store, a young, adorable Russian guy was wandering around looking totally lost. I had a short, broken conversation with him. He told me he had only been in the U.S. for one month. He looked so lost I just wanted to take him home and teach him how to get around in Phoenix. Oh wait, I can't get around in Phoenix. Never mind! Good luck, cute Russian guy!

I got to speak Russian with the owner of the second store, too. He was funny and nice. He said I was Russian.

I was giddy the whole drive back. We picked up lunch and hung out all afternoon with Todd's parents. It was a great day!

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Walkie Talkies are Cool

Click if you're cool!

President Elect Barak Obama

Okay, I can see that you've all been waiting for my commentary on the results of yesterday's Presidential election, so I shall keep you in suspence no longer. :o)

And this is all I will say:

President Elect Obama is in my prayers. I will pray for him regularly. I will pray that he keeps the true Gospel of Jesus Christ in his heart and comes to understand it better; it will help him in the rough years ahead. I will pray that he does a good job for this country and brings us out from the financial crisis we are drowning in. I will pray that he will keep us safe and that he will protect family values.

That's all I can do. Best wishes and good luck, Mr. Obama.



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Crazy Rubbery Dude

WAIT FOR THE 3rd GUY...you'll know him when you see him (orange shirt).




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I Am a Russian Magnet

If there is a Russian or Russian speaking person within a mile of me, I will absolutely find him/her. I think I mentioned that when I took Allie to the dentist last month, we had a "sub" dentist and she happened to be from Russia. So, I to put forth a little bit of my Russian skills and decided I was ridiculously insufficient. Hence, the relearning of Russian every Monday.

There are many other instances I could list in which I have had the great opportunity to exercise my Russian tongue, but I won't go into details just now.

But yesterday, Todd and I arrived early at our Church's Regional Conference (we wanted good, cushy seats and not the hard ones way in back). The only empty bench was way up front--3rd row from the very front. Behind us sat a tall, sleepy man and his small, alert child. Soon, his wife and a few more kids joined him. Conference began and we started to sing our first hymn of the event. As I sang, I was quickly silenced by the words coming from the man behind me. He was--seriously--singing in Russian! I was so excited I leaned over to Todd and whispered,

"That guy behind us is singing in RUSSIAN!!!"

So Todd and I are quietly listening and Todd couldn't really hear it. He said I was nuts. Well, that may be the case, but the guy was still singing in Russian.

So, when conference ended, I stood and whipped around to face the guy in the pew behind us.

"So, I'm dying to know what language you were singing in!"

"Russian," he answered nonchalantly.

So in Russian I say: "That's what I thought! I speak a little Russian, too."

And so ensued a little conversation in Russian. It was absolutely thrilling!

I can't wait for my lesson today!

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November is so Yummy!

Halloween was fun; we let the older kids loose on the streets with their friends while Todd and I visited neighbors and let Bryce take in the flurry of activity and taste the excitement in the air (and the candy in his hands).

At home late that night, I began to drift away in thoughts of November, which was easing it's way into the spotlight.

One thing about November, I have loved it no matter where I've lived, from Virginia to Japan, California to Texas. And now, even in Arizona, I find I still love November. The crisp air, cool mornings, juicy apples in season. And this year...


many fun events are happening! For one, on the 13th, the 3rd book from the Vampire Academy is being released. Sure, it's a teen series, but I love it!

Then on the 21st, Twilight the Movie is opening. I am on the edge of my seat for it! Have you bought your tickets yet? If you buy them on Fandango now NOW PEOPLE, NOW! they will give you a code to download a song from the soundtrack, Bella's Lullabye!



And of course, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I can already taste Thanksgiving dinner...juicy turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, my secret recipe cranberry sauce, hot buttery rolls, pecan pie. Four days in a row with Todd!
.

Ahhh, November. Thank you for coming.



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