A Week For Being Thankful

By MAD21

" We don't give thanks because we are happy.
We are happy because we give thanks."

Following the tradition of Thanksgiving, I thought I would share just a few things I'm thankful for this year:

My Hubby: The love of my life. Who took the time to chase me when I was not the least bit interested in being pursued. Who works hard to take care of our family and is the best father I could have ever dreamed of having for my children. For his love of learning and ability to actually remember things when it's important (which comes in handy a lot considering I lost that ability when I had kids!). For all of our 'inside jokes,' travels together, and for being my best friend.

Click to read more ...

Checking For Bombs

By Peter (Rediscovering the Church)

My father once worked in an office which shared a parking lot with an army recruitment office. This was in England, back in the 1980's and, back then, England was going through a rough period where we had frequent terrorist threats and attacks.

Every now and then there would be a credible threat against all military offices and bases and the army guys would come by my Dad's office and nicely tell him that he should check under his car for bombs before going home.

It was all very exciting, but no bombs were ever found. We lived in a far too insignificant town for terrorists to come around our way. The threat was still real though, and the checks were necessary.

As I was reminiscing about those 'good old days' recently I started to really think about how important it is for us to check for hidden bombs. I'm not talking about C4, high explosive devices that will make your car jump three feet in the air like in a movie but rather hidden bombs in that threaten to destroy your life and your relationships.

Click to read more ...

You Know You Have A Big Family When...

By Megan (Steps for Brady)

1. Your lineup of plates at dinner time resembles what you remember your elementary cafeteria counter looking like.

2. Your recycling bin fills up by mid week because your kids eat a jar of applesauce during one meal.

3. Sorry mom, you can't ride with us, we don't have any empty seats in the van.

4. After looking at the pile of socks you are buying, the check out lady at Target asks you if you are a teacher doing some sort of art project with your class.

5. Hmmmm...where to put the baby's Christmas stocking on the mantel...things are getting tight up there!

6. You start to consider all the benefits of buying a conversion van.

Click to read more ...

Best Laugh of the Week

By MAD21

Have you ever noticed that if someone around you is smiling or laughing about something, that it's hard to resist? Kind of like the whole yawn-thing, once you see someone do it, you feel inclined to do the same.

A good friend of mine sent me a link to this video yesterday. If this doesn't brighten your day, nothing will.

The New Miss Manners

By Alan

Back in the day when Emily Post was the ruler of all things polite, and her book Etiquette was the definitive work on how to conduct yourself at home, business, and even politics. Her syndicated column (currently written by her great-grandson has been read for over 70 years, and many of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren all have decided to follow in her footsteps.

However much people try to think about how politeness and manners are outdated, and out of fashion, they are not only relevant but even more important than ever.

Imagine if we had civil and polite activity in politics? Shouting over top someone during a national speech would be impolite, and therefore avoided. Listening while someone else is talking would be the standard. Incorporating the ideas of the counter-party in points of your own during healthy debate would show that each was paying attention to the other.

Click to read more ...