Terroism and Terror

According to 'Quia' the top five US cities for public transportation are: Portland, Washington D.C, San Fransisco, New York, and Chicago. Having used two of those systems, I'm quite excited for Phoenix to have a light rail! May it be as helpful as we taxpayers hope for! For it's Grand Opening, they had a few days of free rides so some friends and I decided to take our kids while they are on 'Holiday' from school.
Chris commented in his loving way; "I know this is silly, but mass transit is a big target for terrorism so please keep your eyes open!" "You're right" I agreed. "You are being silly!" I actually do agree with him but traveling with kids gives me more to worry about than terrorism. ( I not asking to be blown up, but if your gonna-let me be with my kids when it happens)
Today the thing I most fear in public transportation actually did happen. Hailey got on the train with out me! We'd had a fun adventure into Tempe and were on the platform with 15 kids amongst three moms. Because it was so crowded, we had tried to squeeze on the train and when we couldn't all fit on, we got back off. All except Hailey. It took me 2.5 seconds to realize what happened and then I started pounding on the manual release button on the outside of the door. At the same moment, people inside pushed their manual release and with a little mommy muscle, we got the door open and out came a crying Hailey. The train hadn't even moved, but we hugged and cried at the sheer idea of the experience. Funny to happen after all those years of traveling public transit in the past.
In all, I give our new light rail a thumbs up. The boys loved it, but I have promised Hailey that we won't ride again untill the hype has settled and it is less crowded.
P.S. Thank you to whoever kept their eyes open for true terror and let my Hailey out!

Earl K Lulloff

Brother Lulloff was my sister's best friend's father. He passed away December 13th because of caner. My sister Joy lives in Albuquerque and could not attend the funeral, so I went to represent her and our family and give the Lulloff's our love and condolences. Earl Lulloff was a veteran of Vietnam. His young wife, Susan Lulloff received a telegram informing her that her husband had been wounded, and because of his wounds he became a paraplegic. After the war, they adopted five children and now have 12 grandchildren.
As I watched a video montage of parts of his life, I saw a young Brother Lulloff that I had not known growing up. I can not imagine losing some of my freedom fighting for some one else.
I've read that each time the last survivor of a war dies, it is the end of an Era. Albert Woolson, the last known Union soilder of the Civil War died in 1956. Frank Woodruff Budles is the last male soilder of WWI, but the last update did not have a death date(The first female soilder was WWI and she died last year). Our WWII veterans are considered the 'Greatest Generation" and their numbers are dwindling. Each war has its veterans and its era. For some reason, having them amongst us makes me feel safe. I'm not sure I can describe it, it's not that they could stand up and fight, but that we are reminded to be humbled by our blessings of freedom and have tangible evidence why we still have that freedom. Society cannot forget while they are around.
I'm sorry for the Lulloffs, and thankful to Brother Lulloff.

Twilight

My husband finally got sick of listening to the hype around him for the Twilight series, and he picked up the book. Two weeks and four books later he has developed his own opinion of the books. I don't think I'll watch the movie with him unless one of us just had our Wisdom Teeth taken out and have no where else to go. I would love to hear your comments on this man's point of view. I hope this link works. Check here to see what he says about Twilight. Any men care to add their two cents?

Meet Michelle!

Michelle Ross, a good friend of mine lives in Nepal. She is as interesting as her surroundings. She lives in Nepal because her husband works for the government and shipped the family there for his work. Michelle has 7 children, which she makes 'tow the line' but cares for wonderfully. Because of her, they are great kids. She said when they would walk through the streets, people would stop, look, smile and sometimes touch her children. Maybe because they hadn't seen Americans or because they hadn't seen so many. I love the visual of this good Mormon Mom walking down the streets of a foreign land, making a good impression on the people she meets. Talk about good missionary work. She's very creative and sensible, which makes a great mix of Martha Stewart style without to much wasteful "frufru"(or jail time). (Frufru= my husbands word for those little touches women like to add that sometimes are too much). The last I heard, they are coming home for a year and then being sent to China. Imagine a Mother of seven in China! Just being a great Mom should be enough to bring celebrity/hero status. Moms deserve that! Go Michelle!

Harmony

Opposites attract, viola' : My husband & I! So many things we differ on, so much fun in trying to figuring things out! When my husband is playful, I am serious. He loves to spend, I wish he'd save. I love leftovers, he cooks something new. He like to make his omelets with just the egg whites, which in truth are healthier, but I try to use everything and not waste.
So when I pulled out my gingerbread recipe for the Robinson Gingerbread house decorating party, (Lasts years party as shown above!) and found that it calls for egg yolks, I was thrilled! Harmony Ten houses; ten egg yolks; ten egg whites left over. We're a perfect fit.
P.S. If your in Mesa during December and stop by the Mesa Public Library-check out our houses on display-they've agreed to let us show them.