Happy Birthday, Tony

Today is Tony's birthday, and we are going to celebrate with a karioke party tonight. I can't sing, but I can cheer on the other singers. Happy Birthday, Tony! You are the best son-in-law a mother-in-law could hope for.

A good scripture for today from 1 Thess. 5:16-18

Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ.

AMEN! Have a great day.

A Photo from Phoenix

Got this from Chris today. It's the George Hallas NFC Trophy. Of course, he is rooting for the Arizona Cardinals this weekend. I guess I will become a fan too! I have not watched one football game this season. But I will watch the Super Bowl on Sunday and cheer them on. Go Cardinals! And I think I have heard of that quarterback before. :o)

Carrie is still recovering from her fall on the steps last Wednesday. She is up and around, but has to take the meds for pain and muscle relaxer. A bruise about 4-5" wide is appearing on her lower back. We are hopeful that in a few days, the area will heal, and life will return to normal for her.

Video

Go to CatholicVote.com and click on the short video.

Prayers for Healing for Carrie needed...

Carrie fell hard on her back yesterday on some slippery steps. She was carrying a baby in his carrier; thankfully he was packed in with lots of padding and hit the landing squarely with no injury. But to protect him, she took the whole weight of the fall on her back and is in a lot of pain and unable to do anything. She's been to the doc and the chiropractor. Looks like days of rest and healing are needed, as nothing is broken. Tony is home with her today, and I will go tomorrow if needed. She is shaky and weak, uncharacteristic for Carrie. Lord, do your healing number on her!

Hannah's 7th Birthday Celebration

There was something for everybody at Hannah's birthday party at the Y on Friday evening. Balloon bopping, ping pong, fooseball (sp?), and air hockey, cake and punch, presents, pinata, and swimming. We all had a great time helping Hannah celebrate her 7th birthday. Tony and Carrie and Mario and I went together on a gift--a child's video camera. This should be fun. Kids love making their own movies. I wonder who will end up on the internet first with a naked behind? Better not be any of MY grandchildren:o) Happy birthday Hannah.

Joy

Don't let the world steal your joy.

Today I studied John 15:10-11

It was a rich day for me. Had a great time at the Tea Room, although I had to quit early because I ran out of steam. I came home and rested, then Mario and I went to Hannah Grace Dede's 7th birthday celebration. I took many photos (as requested by Momma Dede), but I would have anyway, and I will post those tomorrow. She is a happy birthday girl tonight. Then Mario and I moved on to the basketball game--QND vs. Pittsfield. I sat with my friend Lori, and we talked the whole game. We are in the same Bible study group...she is the leader of my group, and I have a lot of admiration for her. She has battled many health problems and is one of the most joyful people I know.
"Surround yourself with like-minded people who are heading in the same direction you are."
Can't remember who said this, but it works! :o) Blessed weekend to all.

Fr. Daren at Right to Life Mass in Washington, DC

I have frequently referred blog readers to Fr. Daren Zehnle's blog. He is the young priest in the center of this photo--I scooped it off his blog. If you saw any of the mass from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Washington last evening, he was onscreen a couple of times, and his students from St. Anthony's in Effingham were also there.

Makenna

Makenna's latest pics from Arizona. And there is news....she is trying to walk. Taking 3 steps at a time. Watch out world....here she comes!

KHQA (Quincy's station) is doing a follow-up report on the ISD trip on their 6PM news tonight if any readers are interested. It will likely be posted on their web site also.

Today I have enjoyed a good walk, lunch with Judy at the Buffalo Wings restaurant, and some fantastic shopping at our TJ Maxx, 15% off already drastically cut prices. I am now listening to the news of the day. Looks like Hillary has hit the path running, and Barack gets to have a "limited" blackberry. Well good for him. A president should get to have his blackberry.

I keep thinking of the part of the closing prayer at the Inauguration, "White, do what's right." I must replay that prayer, because he commissioned just about every race and ethnic group to do something. I can only remember what I am supposed to do!!!

So I am winding down from the excitement of blogging the Inauguration experience using the vantage point of people who were there. I did travel several years ago to Washington DC with Mom and had such a moving experience seeing everything there. Now I wish I could go back and see it all again. We did it with a tour group, which is a marvelous way to see everything and get an education about everything at the same time. It is just the bus ride there and back that is hard for me! Well I might have to look into it.

We have some fun things to look forward to. Saturday evening is Music Trivia Night, a fundraiser for QND students who need financial assistance, and that is always fun. I will work the Tea Room job Friday afternoon, and we celebrate Hannah's 7th birthday Friday evening at the Y. Lots to look forward to.

Photos from Washington, DC

On the jumbotron

ISD Group before they head home

ISD Staff at the Supreme Court building

ISD Students in front of the Supreme Court Building

At the deaf university where they stayed

Interpreter on the Mall for the kids

Ben the reporter from WICS in Springfield

At last....

About 2 million people on the Mall at the Inauguration

Aretha. Sing it girl!

God bless our leadership and our citizens. We need to get it together. The rest of the world needs our leadership and our hope for the future.