Popcorn Popping!

I looked out the window and what did I see?
Cannon’s Scout Troop selling POPCORN! YUMMY!

Cannon’s Cub Scout pack is selling gourmet Trail’s End Popcorn in an effort to raise money for their summer camp and year-round scouting activities.

On average, 70% of Pack 435’s popcorn sales remain local to support their scouting program.

There are all kinds of ways to order – but the easiest (since this is being sent via the internet) is for you to check out:

WWW. ORDERPOPCORN. COM
Be sure to enter the following KEY WORD: TEQ8X48

Delicious popcorn - -with all types and sizes available…

Chocolatey Caramel Crunch, Go Nuts (w/Almonds, Pecans & Cashews), Caramel Corn Light, Unbelievable Butter Microwave & Butter Light Microwave - -just to name a few!

Popcorn makes a great family treat – or gift for friends or co-workers. So, why not try some today? Odds are, you’ll return to order more…

And while you’re at it…why not send some popcorn to our troops in the military? You can donate a gift of popcorn to those serving our country and fighting to protect our freedoms. They’ll thank you for it and so will we!  (Check out what the scouts have done for the military.)

http://www.supportourtroops.org/popcorn-project/sailors-and-marines-in-us-pacific-fleet-get-238-702-good-will-gesture-from-civil-2.html

WWW. ORDERPOPCORN. COM
KEY WORD: TEQ8X48

Thank you in advance for your support!

Election Update

Well...we were 1/2 as far as the elections were concerned. Cannon came home thrilled last week because he won the "vote-off" in his class.
Unfortunately, despite her poster, speech, "Vote for Me" t-shirt and necklace...Addysen wasn't as victorious. There were 9 kids running in her class -- so literally 2-3 votes is about all they each got. She was disappointed -- as much because "a GUY" won... However, neither of her two best friends (in other classes) won either - -so that helped to ease the sting. (As did the birthday party she attended tonight.)

Personally, I was just proud of both of them for trying. They've only been at this school and known these kids for about 7-8 months. Yet, that didn't even seem to register.

And, there is always next year...

Mormon Women - Dr. Suess Style

Mormon Women:
If you, or someone you know has ever felt overwhelmed by all they feel they need to do, Vickie Gunther of Redlands , California , wrote a hilarious poem, Dr. Seuss style, about how much LDS women try to take on. David B. Marsh used it at Women's Conference, and Vickie has given permission to share it.

The Girl in a Whirl by 'Dr. Sue' (a.k. A.. Vickie Gunther)
Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.
I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classrooms! I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!
I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.
I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My checkbooks all balance!
Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!)
I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I track my bad habits 'til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed! My toenails are polished!
Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.
I do genealogy faithfully, too.It's easy to do all the things that I do!
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!
I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.
I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It's the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)
I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each "lost lamb" on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write "thank you's" to those I admire.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A's! And their bedrooms are clean!
I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.
I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car's tires! I fix the sink's leak!
I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-years' supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!
These things are not hard; 'tis good if you do them;
You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!
It's easy!" she said........ and then she dropped dead.

Advice From Elder Busche

If you've got a few minutes...this is worth checking out.

Future Presidents?

We've had a lot of political conversations around our house this week...and it's not because Greg and I are so politically minded.

In fact (go ahead, strike me down now) I really can't stand politics these days. I hate all the garbage that surfaces and name-calling that takes place. I don't even like to discuss politics with my own family members - -and we lean the same way.

But, we've been discussing politics because Addysen and Cannon both decided to run for Student Council. (Admitedly, I've made more than my share of signs, posters, pins and t-shirts over the years. I always loved student government.)

On Tuesday, they attended the informational meeting. They returned home to report that they had to bring in a poster and prepare a quick speech. They weren't allowed to promise anything: no extra recesses and no vacations from homework, for example. They also weren't allowed to bribe. So much for bringing candy to school. Ha ha. We actually discussed that people should vote for you because they think you'll do the best job - -not because you paid them off.

Yesterday in the car, our conversation went something like this:

Cannon: Joey and I are running against each other because we are opposite.

Me: What do you mean?

Cannon: Joey wants Obama and I am for McCain.

Me: What about Dillon? (Cannon's good friend and fellow opposition for the position of class representative.)

Cannon: Dillon isn't happy with either of his choices for President, but he says he'll settle for McCain.

Addysen: I wish Hillary Clinton was still in it.

Me: You do? Why? (Good thing Grandpa doesn't read our blog.)

Addysen: Because I think it would be so cool to have a lady president.

Me: Well, if McCain wins, Sara Palin will be Vice-president. What do you think about that?

Addysen: I don't know who she is...but it would be cool to have a lady.

This morning at breakfast:

Cannon: Wouldn't it be cool if the real presidents could vote for us?

Addysen: Yeah - that would be awesome.

Cannon: McCain would vote for me. Obama would vote for Joey.

Addysen: And I'd have George Bush vote for me.

And later:

Addysen: The candidates are allowed to vote. Can we vote for ourselves?

Me: Sure, why not?

Addysen: Because some kids say it's selfish to vote for yourself.

Me: Well, if you think you'll do the best job....go ahead and vote for yourself. I'm sure Obama and McCain will do the same thing.

And so it continues. Cannon's poster is done. Addysen's is almost finished. The speeches are written...the campaigning begins. (And ends soon - I think Cannon's class election is tomorrow.)

My only question: is it wrong that both kids made the exact same poster, same slogan and are using the same speech -- aside from their name differences, of course?

Their campaign manager just isn't feeling too creative these days.

Happy Birthday Brynnley Boo

5 years goes by WAY too fast! But what a fun 5 years it has been!

Want to Save Money on Your Gas Bills?

If you live in Ohio, Michigan or Pennsylvania and want to save money on your gas bill this winter - -call Greg at 216-548-7313. He just began working with a company that provides natural gas service. (No - he's not quitting his day job.)
There's no cost to you to switch providers...just call him and have a copy of a recent gas bill handy. We just switched and are saving several dollars per unit. That adds up! Especially when the cold weather hits.
For those of you in Cleveland Heights (or other cities) that are locked into an aggregate program...check and see when your contract expires - -many of them are ending soon.
If Greg can't save you money -- you are only out a phone call. If he can save you money....well...here's to a warmer winter...enough said.

Also, if you are in the market for cell/home phone, internet service, etc...check out this website: www.teamccm.com/freedom There are some great deals available and **SHAMELESS PLUG** while it doesn't cost you anything additional...Greg earns a commission.
You don't have to live in Ohio, Michigan or PA for these deals...only to switch your natural gas.

So...check it out. What do you have to lose?

The Next Survivor Series

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.

There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework,
and complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.

Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives,
and send cards out on time-no emailing.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment.

He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care.

He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.
Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable
at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes,
keep fingernails polished and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties.

They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.

They will need to read a book to the kids each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and
comb their hair by 7:00am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information:
each child's birthdate, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name.
Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.
The kids vote them off the island based on performance.
The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18 to25 years eventually earning the right to be called Mother!

**********************************************
If you don't appreciate the humor...you must not live it. And, quite frankly, if you don't live it...I don't want to hear about it.
Ha ha - of course, I'm kidding. I always want to hear from my friends....and I'd love to learn about how the other half lives.

Finally!

Today was Brynnley's first official day of preschool. She has been eagerly anticipating this day for months. Literally. (She was attending preschool last year - then we moved. We didn't find a new school for her so she's been wanting and waiting for the past several months.)

The morning started out early -- and a bit crazy, given that it was also picture day for Addysen and Cannon. (That didn't really impact Cannon so much - -but Addysen wanted her hair curled.)

I was less-than-thrilled to discover that Brynnley cut her bangs, yet again, just last night (after she was already in bed.) She cut her hair for the first time last year about this time - -just in time for school pictures.

Just as we were getting ready to leave for preschool -- Kenzie grabbed the hot curling iron and burned her hand. Lovely. That explains the ice on her hand in the picture.

Aside from all of that...we made it to the school, attended orientation....Brynnley is excited...and all is well.