Thankful Thursday (Dear Mr. President)

Last week Jon and I were watching a movie- The Switch. Totally not kid appropriate which wasn't an issue, or so we thought. Cooper wandered in at the very end of the movie and it was on track for a happy ending so I didn't think there would be a problem. Except I was wrong. And so the fact that not all dogs lead happy lives became abundantly clear.



The below is the result of that knowledge....and was accomplished all by himself.

*********************

Dear Mr. President,

I am writing to you because I think that one thing that is very cruel is dogs being killed in killing shelters because they can’t find a home. How I discovered this terrible thing is I was watching a movie called The Switch and it talked about it, so I thought I would write you a letter and see if you could do something like tell the workers to send less dogs to the killing shelter and more dogs to the S.P.C.A. so more dogs could be saved! I have a wonderful golden doodle and can’t believe such brilliant mammals could be killed.


Also, I think that you sir should be on a ONE MILLION dollar bill!

Thank you.

Sincerely,


Cooper N. age 9
20 Cxxxxx Road, Virginia.
(The one with the basketball goal)


**************
I am thankful for an innocent 9 year old with a huge heart, a great sense of humor (even if he doesn't realize it), the gumption to follow through with what he believes in and faith in what our leaders may be able to accomplish.

I adore that kid.

And yes....the letter is on its way to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (along with a disclaimer that we didn't let him watch the whole movie- I do have standards!!)

My Almost 15 Minutes of Fame

We went to visit my parents this weekend- a weekend with nothing special, just the chance to spend some long overdue time together.

My mom had a little surprise up her sleeve though....on Sunday, HGTV was filming a new show nearby and the public was invited to participate.

I was totally on board- and so this morning at 11:30, we headed out the door. We were determined to see the spaces, but didn't hold out much hope of being one of the 1st 100 people- the lucky ones who actually get to vote & be on TV.



This is what we saw-



Hmm- that doesn't look like more than 100 people.....maybe we're in luck.

WE WERE!!!



My mom with her ballot.....we're going to be on TV!!!

They had us all standing together as they got the opening scenes for the show- we must have done 5 takes.....and that was before the "star" of the show arrived.



Anyone a Bachelor fan?? Yup, the guy in the suit (on a 100 degree day) is Bob Guiney- the former Bachelor star who has a decorating side that we don't yet know. He's debuting as the host of the show.

We stood in the blazing hot sun while the cameras took multiple shots and the director yelled at us to make sure we were "in the know".



We were at the bottom of the steps....just mere feet from the door- and the chance to rate the space, give our opinion and vote for a winner when tragedy struck.

I started to feel a little dizzy....and then stars started to appear in front of my eyes....and I had to borrow my mothers travel stool....and I had to put my head between my legs so I didn't faint.

OH THE HORROR!!!

I couldn't go on...there were just too many people, the sun was too hot and my body decided that it couldn't function any longer. My sweet mother walked me out of line, explained to concerned on-lookers that I was ok, and we took refuge in the shade. A kind stranger brought ice water and I slowly recovered.

And while my blood sugar returned to normal, 98 other people toured the houses and offered their best decorating advice.

I was devastated.
And so, my 15 minutes of fame (and my moms 15 too) were squashed....

Maybe we'll be in the intro of the episode....and maybe we won't.
Regardless, it was a fun few hours and a super way to spend some quality time with my fabulous mom!

Thanks Mom- I sure do love you. Sorry we couldn't see the houses.....at least we can say we were there.

xoxo-

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for...

My boys...they're sweet, silly and not afraid to break it down on the dance floor


Happy couples (who have mad technical skillz and offer their expertise freely!)


Sister-in-laws who are also dear friends


Fathers and their little girls




Dads and their sons


Nieces from far away and their sweet, sweet "plus one"


Moms who are proud of their sons


And love them more than anyone can imagine




Aunts and Uncles




Brothers and sisters




Moms and dads





Following in the footsteps of those who have gone before you


Reliving memories and making new ones (we celebrated here 12 years ago at our rehearsal dinner)



Hanging out with family (and having SO MUCH FUN!)




A helping hand




New experiences (and conquered challenges) for my little one




Perfect weather on a wedding day


The bond between 2 boys (one big & one little....both obsessed with video games!)


A happy groom


A joyful bride


Sharing a laugh with someone you love (even if he's not quite sure what's so funny!)


Uncles who aren't afraid to do "the TWIST"


Comfy shoes


Being able to sing at the top of your lungs (and knowing every word by heart!)


Happy Endings!


What are you thankful for?

2 Word Wednesday

Go Coop!

nothing better-

Cooper is a big fan of the present.
Big presents, little presents.....he's not picky. He loves them all.

He didn't realize that being an usher comes with a thank you in the form of such a gift.



He decided that he wanted to wait to open it- so with a hug, Wade headed to the Rehearsal Dinner with his groomsmen.



And then couldn't stand it anymore and opened the card.



I love his concentration, and that he's old enough to read "grown up" handwriting.

If you had given that little kid a million dollars, he couldn't have been more thrilled. When he opened the bag, the 1st thing he found was a T3rvis Tumbler that says "Don't Mess with Texas".

Perfect! For some reason, he thinks that slogan is awesome. He begged me for a shirt with those words and actually won the "Sharpest Dressed" at camp while wearing it. (clearly, the stakes were high!)

And then..stop the madness.........could it be????



Oh my word......it is...



Cooolllll!!!!



A genuine basketball jersey. Could anything be better??

Why yes. Yes it could.
The last words that Wade said to me before he walked across the street were-
"Tell him he can wear it tonight....and tomorrow night".

OH.MY.WORD.



Nana and Aunt Leslie watched the whole exchange and knew full well how happy he was-



He may as well have done cartwheels!



Me, not so much-



At least he's happy.

Tune in tomorrow to see the jersey in all it's glory at the WEDDING.