The Marriage of Wall-E and Mo

On Friday I had the distinct pleasure of attending the marriage of Wall-E and Mo. Some of you know that I have a love/hate relationship with the movie Wall-E. Julia fell in love with the movie and so the last year we've had lots of Wall-E viewings, as well as Wall-E toys and accessories. I enjoy the quiet that Julia falls under when she watches it. Of all the robotic stars of the movie, Mo is my favorite.

Here are some pictures of the blessed event. Wall-E and Mo were married surrounded by friends and family on the turbo scratcher, donated by the Haney cats.

The giraffe is Mo's mother and the princess is Mo's sister
The large elephant is Wall-E's mom and the smaller one is his sister
Julia shows-off the line of cars, including the car 'cup' for Mo
The entire wedding party, including the wedding planner Julia Haney

It was a gorgeous wedding with tears and smiles. No word yet as to where the honeymoon is; but I'm sure it's somewhere with lots of 'space'. Congratulations, Wall-E and Mo!

Packing for Space

Yes, it's been a long time since my last post. It has been a strange year, but I'm going to try to get back to writing again. So we'll start with a funny post.

During this week's trip to the library, Julia found the "Star Wars Cookbook" and decided to check it out. Then yesterday the Spike channel showed Star Wars episodes IV, V and VI. These elements quickly brought out a very excited Julia. She decided this morning that she wanted to have Chewbacca as a pet. We told her that she had to go out into space to get one and Steve told her that she had to pack because it was a long trip. She then ran up to her room. This should have been the first indication that something funny was happening.

She arrived a few minutes later carrying her overnight bag stuffed full of the items that she would need on her trip. What does Julia need for her trip? Here's the complete list: Gertie Giraffe, Smarkles Cheeta, Other Smarkles Tiger, Jimi Kitty, Mario, taggie blanket, little blanket, Qtips, hairbrush, SHIP cup, strawberry shampoo, chlorine shampoo, Johnson's Oatmeal wash, Tinkerbell box, Star Wars Cookbook, toothbrush holder, Aveeno baby wash, Suave soap, Tinkerbell Pez, Kitty Pez, towel, magic cards and sandals. Here's what it all looks like:

We're not sure if this would exceed the weight limit for a space trip, but we thought it was a pretty good compilation of items. What a creative little girl :)

What A Difference A Year Makes

One year ago today we went to our OB for a follow-up appointment. We were excited to see the baby and hear the heartbeat again. As the doctor and I chatted about my queasiness, the baby's image flashed on the screen. But there was no movement, no heartbeat or fetal blood flow. A second doctor came and reached the same result. Then the walls came crashing around us - we were told that our baby was no longer living. The heartbreak was unbearable.

And so one of the longest journey of my life started. Unbearable heartache, constant questions and rivers of tears caused me to dig deep within myself just to survive. Steve was my rock - an amazing source of strength when he was also grieving. Close friends provided entertainment for Julia, prayers and meals. Did they help? Tremendously. Did they fill the void? No. Only time was able to do that.

As I started to leave the comfort of my house in the following weeks; I would be reduced to tears when I saw a baby, pregnant woman or a box of diapers. I worked thru the 'stages of grief' and tried not to blame myself. That was so much easier to say then to actually do. I also became keenly aware of the things in my life that shouldn't be there. I purged, I cried, I surrounded myself with those who I love and who really love me...and I became a stronger person.

On November 14 we took a pregnancy test (two, actually) and received a positive result. Of course I was excited but I was also terrified. But I trust in God that what was meant to be, would be. As I said before, this baby has the best guardian angel - ever.

It's a year later and we're at week 15 of our pregnancy. Everything is going well, but I'm still cautious. And I'm also aware that I may be the cause of another woman's heartache because I am expecting something that she either lost or cannot have. It's a strange tightrope to walk on. But God doesn't give us what we can't handle, right?

On a side note - if this ever happens to someone you know and you don't know what to say, it's okay. Sometimes the best thing for them to hear is that you love them. The best comfort to me was when I heard this "I don't know the pain that you're going through, but please know that I love you". Don't try to pretend you know what they are going through. Don't tell them that they are going to have a healthy baby soon. Don't smother them with calls, messages and words. Just tell them that you love them and say a prayer. Sometimes the simplest response is the most comforting.

Just Call Me Flipper

Last Wednesday we had our genetics counseling appointment. Nothing alarming, just a routine check for any abnormalities. Of course, my nerves were a mess before the appointment. However they were quickly calmed after we walked into the waiting area. Smack in the middle of the room was a 150 gallon salt water fish tank complete with the entire cast of 'Finding Nemo'! While we waited we watched two blue tangs (Dory) swim around. My nerves went away and I even laughed a bit as Steve and I watched several crabs stand on their heads.

After I gave some blood (where was the aquarium then!?), it came time for the sonogram. This is the first time since our 8 week appt that we were able to see the little one. Steve and I both smiled as our baby's image appeared on the screen. It is always so neat to see the little ones in the first trimester, especially when you can't feel them yet. Then came the really amusing part...

Although the nurse found s/he right off the bat, it wasn't for long! After a few seconds of seeing their profile, the baby completely flipped around and showed us the butt! The nurse tried again - the baby flipped again. She goes "Wow, this one doesn't want to be bothered by me! Stop poking! I'm sleeping!" (Our nurse was Russian, so this was said with an accent - she was so funny!)

The last few minutes of the sonogram the baby was flipping and kicking and waving like crazy. Not cooperating...but it gave us more time to watch it as the nurse tried to get the info she needed. Steve and I chuckled a couple of times when it would give us a good profile, then flip their back to us...as if mooning us. Although I couldn't feel it, I have a feeling I definitely will in the coming months! Thankfully she was able to get the measurements and pics we needed.

Here are some of the pics they were able to snap during the sonogram:

Here the baby is face-up; profile is on the right -

Here the baby is face-down; profile on the right but this was taken in mid-flip. You can see an arm and leg (bent) in this one -

Yesterday we received a phone call from the office saying that my blood tests looked wonderful. Paired with the good measurements, no signs of excess fluid in the spine and good skull structure; we should have a very healthy Haney in July. And by the high activity level; it looks like s/he is taking after their big sister! (Help!?)

There's Another Haney on the Way!

That's right, the newest Haney will make their debut in July. The exact due date is July 26; but since Julia was 3 weeks early...we'll just say July :)

Here's the little one's first photo taken on Dec 15 at our 8 week appt -

You can see its little arm buds waving, or as Uncle Eric said "It's already flashing gang signs!"

Today was our 12 week appointment and we heard the heartbeat again (unfortunately, they had some issues finding it and that made me completely panic) but didn't get to see the little one. However, after a check-up, everything seems to be going well! Yay!

The past few weeks have literally been hell on earth for me. I haven't been able to eat (except jello, gatorade, toast and saltines...yum!) and have been violently ill all day. I've lost 8 lbs in the past month! Drugs did take the edge off of it at times and they help to keep me vertical during the day when I'm home alone with Julia. Steve has been a saint doing all of the housework, as well as dealing with a job move. Love you, babe!

Thankfully the past few days I have been able to eat tiny bits of 'real' food. But I still cannot be around cooking food or people who are eating it. This has made it very hard on Julia who is used to family dinners at the table. While Steve makes dinner I hide in our bedroom. Not very nice :(

Of course, the weeks leading up the the first appointment were very hard on my soul. Although I was so happy with our 'positive test', I was terrified that we would miscarry again. I am very thankful for such an amazing husband, supportive friends and the wonderful OB practice that I go to. Our 8 week visit was very positive and the doctor completely understood my nerves. It was so refreshing to have them not sweep the miscarriage under the rug. And I have to smile when I think that our new baby has the best guardian angel ever.

Julia doesn't officially know yet but we have a feeling that she knows something is going on. And she keeps telling me that I'm going to hatch soon (but that may be because of the Dinosaur Train). Since her concept of time is interesting to say the least, we'll most likely tell her closer to July. For goodness sakes the girl thinks that Santa is coming again next week!

That's all for now...I need a nap :)

The Whale in Our Garage

Several weeks ago when Steve was away on a 7-day business trip; I found out that we had a whale in our garage.

Seriously, I thought I was hearing things. I was trying to be patient on our first full "Steve-less" day...asking nicely over and over for her to put her sneakers on, only to be told that her Sketchers weren't sneakers. "Mama, they aren't sneakers. They are Sketchers". (However, her Vans are sneakers, not Vans. Go fig) Then asking nicely for her to go out to the car as I set the house alarm. Then came an odd request: "Mama - don't turn the light on. I need to see the whale".

Excuse me? I asked her to repeat it and she did: "Mama - don't turn the garage light on and don't open the garage door. Just the car door. I need to see the whale." So, I honored her request. I remotely open her van door while setting the alarm (like usual) and then while going into the garage I didn't turn on any lights or open the door. As soon as I walked around the front of the car (using the lights inside the van) she exclaimed "Mama! This is my whale!" and pointed to the floor.

The lights inside the van help to cast a shadow on the floor of our garage. It does look like a whale...in a 4-yr-old's imagination sort-of way...but a whale none the less. This continued for the entire week. Every time we left the house she requested that I not turn on the lights. Finally, on Friday, she said "Mama, I'm going to see Amy". From that moment on our whale has been affectionately called "Amy". When Steve arrived home from his trip she was so excited to tell him about Amy.

We're going on four weeks with Amy. Instead of asking her to go out to the car when we leave, I ask her to go out and see Amy. How much longer will this last? Not sure. But I'm taking advantage of every moment :)

Our Guitar Hero

You can say Julia has a lot of heart and soul. She loves to sing, dance and use her play Dirt Devil vac as a guitar. While we were canning pickles this weekend she gave us quite a show! Watch out, American Idol! Here comes Julia and her guitar!

Our Bug-a-Boo

This past week was Julia's first 'camp' experience. She went to Grace Children's Learning Center every morning for "Bug Camp" and thoroughly enjoyed herself! Here's what I saw running towards me at Tuesday's pick-up: My little caterpillar! She wore her 'antennae' for the rest of the day until Papa came home :)

The rest of the week she brought home several buggy crafts:

This one is a favorite - her firefly. She is able to hold the string and the wind catches it and it 'flies'! She even took it to my hairdressers to show her how it flies in her floor fan. It's a well loved bug.
We gave the week of Bug Camp two thumbs up!

The One Famous Person

Everyone knows the question "If you could meet one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be?" Well, my answer would be George Washington Carver.

In 5th grade, Mr Keesey read us the fascinating story of this man and his journey. It was my first real "taste" of how the United States used to be. It was also a story that taught me that no matter where you started out; you can go anywhere as long as you work honestly and work hard.

When my family went on a two-week driving vacation down south; I requested we make a stop at Tuskegee University in Alabama. This is where he worked and where you can still see his library. It was an amazing little place to visit. What an extraordinary life - from slavery to a masters degree and honorary doctorate.

If you haven’t heard of him, I urge you to spend a little time researching his accomplishments today. It will definitely make you think. And give your dreams a little hope.

Happy Birthday, George Washington Carver!

"Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses”
~ George Washington Carver

How Long Will I Slide?

For the past few weeks I've been sliding backwards on the road of life. It didn't matter if I reached out for something to stop this reverse tumble. My hand would end-up empty and I would continue to slide.

It all started when I was asked "What would you do if at one point in her life, Julia stops all communication with you?" It took a moment to digest the thought. My heart broke at the fleeting thought of never being able to hug or talk to her again. The question stemmed from my current state with my family. Truthfully, my life has been so much better now that we have no contact. I slowly answered...pausing between sentences to make sure the words came out right.

I would be terribly sad, I would wonder and ask why. But because I love my daughter for who she is, even if I don't like her at times, I would hope that it would never come to that. Even though she's a preschooler I respect who she is. Every day I tell her I love her. When she does something that makes me proud, I tell her. Much more than I ever received. I never want to lose contact with Julia. But because I'm working right now to keep our communication lines open - I believe I've started the building blocks for a sturdy relationship. Now I'm not saying that it will be perfect. But I believe we'll be okay.

That question made me think. It made me question me as a Mom. Bad memories were stirred. And a little peace of mind came out - I think I'm doing okay. (Since then I was asked to think about my relationship with my family...which I don't want to...but I have to in order to find a little bit of peace. URGH.)

Then I was asked another question that rocked me to my core. I was asked when I was going to find out the sex of our baby. I wanted to run. I wanted to hide. I felt sick.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to leave the situation. Fortunately I really like the person that asked the question, so I wasn't mad at her. Unfortunately, they hadn't heard that I had lost the baby.

For a few days I was a basketcase. My heart felt like someone had ripped off a bandaid that was permanently stuck to it. I was trying to be strong for my little girl. But I must admit that I didn't do a good job at times. My soul was under an emotional assault and had lost its armour. One of the sticking points about my miscarriage is that I did not know the sex of the baby. Sometimes I feel that I cannot mourn properly because I cannot place a name on the baby. But then again, it may hurt more.

Right now I'm at the home where I grew-up. Not necessarily my childhood home, but the home where I have most of my happy memories. Where I learned that I was a unique individual, to respect myself and about family love. I'm watching my daughter enjoy her Grammy, Grampy and Uncle Eric. Now she's making her own memories. It's such a neat experience.

This visit is just a small step on my healing road. I've slid backwards for a couple of weeks but now it's time to move forward. I just hope I'm done sliding for just a little while.

A Moment of Silence

"No one has greater love than the one who gives his life for his friends."
~ John 15:13

Today, take a moment and say a pray of thanks to all of the brave men and women who died in our nation's service. They witnessed the horrors of war and strife so that we can live in a free land. They gave all they had so that we could enjoy all that we do. And whenever you see an armed service member, thank them for all they do for us. I'm sure they don't hear it enough.

Happy Memorial Day!

Celebrating the Day Reserved for "Mom"

First I would like to extend a very Happy Mother's Day to all of my Mommy friends. We've been given a very tiring but rewarding job raising little ones to be the best they can be. Here, here!

Mother's Day has always been rather interesting for me. Growing up, I never had a close relationship with my Mom. Picking out cards always drove me crazy since I never felt any of the sentiments expressed by them. I never felt like giving a gift, card or flowers. I just filed it under "Hallmark Holiday" and left it at that.

Don't get me wrong. I did have two very important people in my life that have acted like Moms - Sandy and Nancy. Sandy is the mother of my best friend, Jess, and Nancy is the mother of my globe-trotting friend, Abby. I grew-up in Sandy's house since Jess and I were inseparable since 2nd grade. Nancy I met in high school when I joined the Cornwall United Methodist Church and became friends with Abby. Then I started working for her and her husband at a local bed and breakfast. They discovered that I was actually a hard worker and invited me to work on their farm.

I've learned so much from both of them. Too many items to list. But most important they love me for me. They accept my faults and guide me when I need a little help. They taught me something that I never received at home - unconditional love. Wow, what a gift.

Then I had my daughter, Julia Grace. Named after her great-grandmothers (Julia Marvich and Grace Gibble) she is the light of our lives. As much as she drives me nuts; I love her dearly. When I became a mother I felt that "primal" feeling - protect her at all cost, provide and care for this beautiful gift from God.

It also made me a little confused about my own situation with my Mother. She always said to me "You'll understand when you become a Mom" when she would get into a funk with me (which was almost all the time). But now that I have Julia; I really don't understand. I could never treat Julia the way I was treated. There is something to say about a Mom that can walk away from a heated situation before it becomes a wild fire.

This year's Mother's Day is once again one with feelings of love and thanks to Sandy and Nancy, pride thanks to Julia and sadness thanks to my Mom. It's also the first Mother's Day since I miscarried in February. So I not only have Julia in my heart but the little one that was too good for us and was needed as an angel in Heaven. Talk about a hurricane of feelings.

So, what am I going to do today? Enjoy my family, like I do every time we have a chance to be together. I love Julia and Steve with all of my being. I love the life that we built together and look forward to all the adventures that are coming our way in the future. Thanks you two for making me a happy mother!

Happy Birthday to My Better Half

Dear Steve,
You're my best friend and the best thing that ever happened to me. You've stood by me thru both awesome and awful times - never complaining and so strong. I love you with every bit of my heart and soul. Happy Birthday! Lova, Me

Here's the "cake" that Julia made for you! Complete with pop bead candles - awe!

Hallelujah, He Is Risen!

Wishing you a very Happy Easter from the Haney family!

The Striped Diva and Her Pet Pineapple

The day began in a calm manner - she ran into our room at 6:45 am, turned on all of the lights and proclaimed that she needed peanut butter and bread. I fumbled around our room and was able to get into the shower. Before I knew it, I had a visitor. Yep, in she came with her kitty wash cloth, shampoo and tooth brush. So much for a peaceful shower. Thankfully she had taken off her pajamas before she entered the shower stall.

After a small temper tantrum (I wouldn't let her use the hairdryer by herself) we proceeded to her room to pick an outfit. And this is what she had to wear:

I chuckle because yesterday a topic of discussion was one of our little preschool friends who dresses herself in the most colorful outfits. What's even better is that her Mom lets her - she chose not to fight that "win less" battle. Amen to that! Just take pictures and bring them out at prom.

Now to her pet pineapple. While I was upstairs gathering towels for the wash I heard laughter, running and a bit of thudding downstairs. Believing it was just Julia and Jimi preforming their morning romper room routine; I did think anything of it. As I was going down the stairs, over the mountain of towels I see a pineapple fly by on the floor below.

Apparently we now have a pet pineapple. A ribbon had been wrapped into the top greenery. She was using that as a leash, dragging her new pet all around the house. "Come on, it's time to go!" she yelled at the poor pineapple. Hmmm... The pineapple was rescued as soon as I was able to put the towels down. No, I did not get a picture. She's starting to realize that pictures are taken of something cute - and this definitely was not a behavior I wanted her to keep, or think was cute!

And now for the rest of the day...*sigh*.

Sun and Fresh Air

It's been cold and rainy for the past week here in Virginia. Now I don't mind a rainy day here or there but we're talking 6 days of cloudy, cool, damp weather. That spell finally broke today as the thick clouds turned to wisps and the sun smiled on Northern Virginia.

After school Julia and I (along with Teri and Peter, Sandy and Craig and Mary) picked-up Chick-Fil-A and went to a local park. We had a lovely picnic and then watched the kiddos play and play and play and play. It was wonderful to feel the sun. It was also wonderful to watch the kids run and use their imaginations. I was able to capture two pics on my phone of Julia (and her awesome smile):

Here she is on the 'firetruck' ready to jump down.

Coming down the tube slide (with Peter getting ready to join her).

We all agreed that this was a much needed energy release for all of us. And for me, there was something about the sun and kids laughter that lightened my heart. It's ached for such a long time. But for a few hours it started to feel whole again. And even a few genuine smiles spread across my face. The sun and fresh air were God's band aid for me today.

Deep Thoughts Part III, By Julia Haney

Here we are for our third installation of Deep Thoughts! (Visit Part I and Part II for the previous installments)

Mudbug Milk
Steve and I have a special place in our hearts for the glorious city of New Orleans. You can be an adult by day and crazy child by night. On our last trip there we both purchased "Mugbugs Bayou Brew and Chew" shirts. The graphic on both the front and the back feature a Crawdaddy holding a very full beer mug. After seeing Steve wearing his; Julia exclaimed -"Mama! Papa! The mudbug drinks milk!"

Our thoughts: Sure, you keep thinking that!

Breanner
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? But does it really matter what you eat? Just as long as you eat something, right? One morning while getting her ready for school she asked me for tomato soup. Huh? Yes, I heard correctly. And anyone that has raised a child knows that at times they ask for something, take a bite and then not eat the rest. This is what I was afraid of!

But what can it hurt? So a reheated the soup I had made the previous day. She ate all of it and then a bowl of oatmeal. Okay...

The following weekend Steve made meatloaf and garlic bread for dinner. It was fabulous. So fabulous that Julia had to eat it the following morning for breakfast. Yes - even the garlic bread. Steve and I just stared at her silently as she happily ate 'breanner'.

Our Thoughts: As long as she's eating, who cares? At least she has stopped asking for milk in her Chex Mix.

For the Love of Mater
Last week my poor minivan, Reggie, decided not to start. Of course, we had to call a tow truck. As Steve assisted the tow truck driver with getting Reggie hooked-up, Julia and I watched from inside the house. Everything was okay until Reggie started to be pulled up on the bed of the truck. Julia immediately started to cry. I explained to her that the tow truck was taking my car to the doctor's. She gasped and screamed "MAMA! IT'S MATER! MAMA'S CAR IS GOING TO THE DOCTORS WITHOUT ME! IT'S MY MATER"

Our Thoughts: Yikes. Does this mean she'll fall in love with trash compactors next?

The Great Pant and Panties Hunt
This incident happened yesterday while I was on a cooking spree making three different meals to freeze. It was around 4:30 and Wall-e was over, the credits were rolling and I was in the middle of making egg noodles. My hands were covered with flour and dough. I also needed to attend to the potatoes on the stove. So, yes, I wasn't really paying attention to my surroundings unless it had to do with the stove.

After I drained the potatoes and added the dough to the pot pie, I noticed something interesting. Julia was running around with her shirt on. And nothing else. The pants and panties were no where to be seen. Her response when I asked her where they were - "I don't have them right now". This continued until I left for my staff meeting at 6:30. It was time for Steve to take over the pant/panty hunt.

When the meeting was over I went out for a drink with the gals. While calling to let Steve know I would be late, he informed me that the pants were found and he would tell me the entire story when I returned home. Upon returning, this is what I was told:

"Julia took me to where her pants/panties were. She opened the laundry door, went straight to the dryer, opened it and pulled out her pants, socks and panties. She then told me that 'Mama was busy with food when I went potty, so I put them in the washer'."

So, yes, she had wet her pants. But instead of screaming or telling me that she needed help (because I was apparently busy with food) she decided to help me out. That's all fine and dandy - but for a few hours I was a bit concerned about where she had stuffed them!

Our Thoughts: Very cute and funny. At least she didn't try to put Jimi in the dryer! (Last week she was chasing him around the house giving him a 'bath' by spraying him with water from her spray bottle. Now that was hysterical.)

Happy Birthday, Jammin' Jessica!

It's a friendship that has spanned almost 25 years, heated arguments, torrential tears, down-right silly memories, brutal honesty and insane amount of laughs (and Williamsburg trips). Ever since we met at the corner of Hemlock and Aspen on the first day of 2nd grade in 1984; I think we've pretty much lived the saying "Chance made us neighbors. Hearts made us best friends".

We've created millions of memories that I hold close to my heart. You helped make me a better person. Miles have separated us but they haven't squelched the friendship. And, although you're not a 'kid' person, you and my daughter have formed an unbelievable bond that truly shows how big your heart actually is.

I'm proud to call you my friend. We've certainly had one wild ride - but I can't wait to make 25 more years of memories. Happy birthday - I love you.

Deep Thoughts Part II, By Julia Haney

It's been a rough week here but we're getting through it. Maybe sometime I'll post about it, but right now the feelings are too raw. Julia is still making us smile. Here are some more of her "Deep Thoughts" (Click here for the first installment):

Julia was never a good sleeper. A few hours of shut-eye and she's ready for adventures. Now, Grammy and Grampy call going to sleep "making Peep-pees". So after a 3 am showdown with Steve, this is what she said to me in the morning:

"Papa was in my room last night. He was mad, said 'get on your bed! time to make peep-pees!' And I made peep-pees before he got mad again."

Our Thoughts: We wish she would just sleep without the showdowns.


It's been a "Cars" movie festival for about 3 months in the Haney house. Over and over and over and over. It's so bad that she handed me the DVD remote and said:

"Mama! This is the Lightning McQueen remote."

Our Thoughts: Lightning McQueen needs a vacation.


Afternoon snack time is one of my favorite times with Julia. We watch Sesame Street and Curious George curled-up on the couch. Somewhere in this hour-and-a-half we have a snack. One day it was Chex Mix Snack Mix. I put some in her bowl and in mine. When I finished, she put her bowl back in my lap and asked:

"Mama? Can I please have milk on my cereal?"

Our Thoughts: YUCK.


Last week we had an ice/snow mix in Virginia. The side of the roads and parking lots now have that brown sandy mix all over them. As we walked into A.C. Moore she kicked the grit around, looked up at me and said:

"Wow. There is peanut butter on the road!"

Our Thoughts: DOUBLE YUCK.


Thanks to Luci, Steve and I are now addicted to the Facebook application "myFarm." We have a ridiculous amount of fun placing trees, planting crops and moving animals. Both of us have chickens corralled in a fenced area off of the coup. Julia loves to watch them. This morning she was watching them and exclaimed:

"Mama! Look! The chickens are in class, dancing!"

Our Thoughts: We're confused. We thought her class was a bunch of turkeys! Ha!

God Bless the USA

As you can see, election season at the Haney house was a little amusing. However, we kept it civil and the roof is still on the house. Thankfully we have enough respect for each other, and our opinions, to have intelligent conversations about our political views. So yes, it is possible to have a democrat and republican under one roof. Now we just have to work on keeping Julia out of the middle...since she somehow learned to say both "Vote McCain" and "Vote Obama".

So here's wishing all of you a Happy Inauguration Day! And a big thank you to all of our armed forces who fight for our freedom - and the chance to have this day. And a special thank you to our frozen friend, Andy, who is keeping watch over the ceremony. God Bless the USA!