About a month ago, our adopted soldier asked that instead of sending care packages to him, could I ask my friends and family to gather shoes that he and his unit could distribute to the Iraqi children.

In his email he said that so many of the children don't have any shoes and their feet are cracked, bloody and infected. That about broke my heart into thousands of little pieces and I sent a message to family and friends asking if, rather than taking their kids' gently used shoes to Goodwill, they could give them to me.

I also sent a message to a local radio station, to Ellen, my neighbor's school and my son's school. I sent a pair of Drama Kids' hardly worn sandals as a "test" pair to see if they would be well received since they're not brand new. Sgt. said the people in the villages are rather proud. When he got the package he said they were perfect and he'd let me know once he'd given them out.

I have about 20 pairs of shoes in my garage right now, but I really hoped I'd get a better response from the schools. I've been bummed and mopey and disappointed that I haven't been more successful at the ONE thing Sgt. has asked of me. Then I got an email today that lifted me out of my funk a little.

This is the kind of stuff we don't see enough of on the news. I'm happy someone was successful. I've tried but can't pick out my son's pair. Knowing they are there and will go to a child in need makes me smile.

On a side note, several people have asked how to get involved with adopting a soldier. I received two emails recently from Adopt A US Soldier and for the first time in years there is a surplus of soldiers waiting to be adopted. The weather in Iraq is about to change and fleece blankets, hats and gloves are on the soldiers' most wanted list.

Wordless wednesday Sunset at the Beach

Either I caught the sun in the split second it was about to implode and then changed its mind or there was something on my camera lens.

History in the Making

In all honesty, I didn't think I'd see this day until I had grandchildren. Millions of people are casting their votes for a party that will put either a black man or a woman into the highest offices in our government. I was so proud to stand in the booth today and choose the candidate I feel will best represent and work for the needs of the American public. No matter which candidate wins, history is being made today.

It is our duty as Americans to know the issues and the candidates and to make our opinions known by going to the polls. Those who say they will not vote, that their vote doesn't matter, that they do not like the candidates so why bother should be ashamed. Voting is privilege and honor not to be taken lightly and to ignore that responsibility is like taking a shit in the middle of the Vatican.

I cast my vote this morning because African American blood was shed for my right to do so.

I cast my vote today because women before me spoke up and demanded their voices be heard within the political arena.

I cast my vote today because men and women in the armed services fight and die to protect my freedom, rights and the democracy of our great nation. I cast my vote because I am a parent who wants her child to see how important it is to be involved in the political process. I voted today because I want our country to be great again.

In the Blink of An Eye

Yesterday morning, before Drama Kid's second birthday party (yes, two I'm a sucker and softie, sue me). I watched the video from his first birthday and got all teary.

I cannot believe how fast the time has gone. Before I had him life seemed to move at a normal pace. Slow even. But the minute the doctor put him in my arms, time seems to have accelerated tenfold. Maybe pushing a baby out releases something into the atmosphere?

I look at him when he doesn't know I'm watching and sometimes the love, pride, honor at being his mom, protectiveness and fear for the day he strikes out on his own overwhelms me. He is such an incredible little man.

Dear Drama Kid- In the blink of an eye you have gone from baby to boy. You bypassed crawling, hit the ground running and never looked back. Your fearlessness has stopped my heart more times than I like to count. Your sensitivity, empathy and loving nature makes me smile.

You are the light and joy in our lives and we thank God for blessing us with you. We wish you love, health, peace and happiness in your sixth year. You are, and always will be, my precious cargo. Happy birthday! We love you so, so much!