it's been awhile....

I know, I know... it's been ages since I last updated. Pathetic really. Although, I've been up to my ears in boxes, packing, sorting through our crap (which I had no idea just how much crap we actually had until I had to put it all into boxes...), and getting ready for the big move. Which, by the way, happens on Saturday! Two more days. Two more days. We are almost into our beautiful home. I can't believe it. I'm beyond ecstatic. The kids rooms are almost finished -- just a few pieces of furniture need to be moved, but they got to see them for the first time this past weekend, and they went NUTS! It was great to just sit back and watch them be so happy over something that we were able to provide for them. They got brand new beds, new sheets, curtains, new pillows, comforter, not to mention they are finally in their OWN rooms -- no more sharing! Lucky little monsters. It brought tears to my eyes -- although we know that I'm a sap.

Things have just been all over the place for the last week or so... no time for much of anything -- other then preparing the house, ourselves, and packing. It's going to be a little bit of an adjustment not having my best friends down the road 10 minutes... and now it's an hour drive -- but, really, what's an hour? I'll survive. It's all worth it. Every single time that I step out onto our deck, and look around at the huge backyard that the kids now have free reign of, I'm reminded just how lucky we are. We began purchasing a few little things that are more our style or decorating taste. We found a new chandelier... why am I bothering? I'll post pictures as soon as everything is unpacked, and we are finally settled in. Hopefully by Monday evening, we'll be able to call it our own.

I hope that everyone is ready for the game on Sunday... Jesus Christ, I'll have an aneurysm if my 'boys lose this game. We'll be grilling and shouting I'm sure -- as much as we try not to, this game always sends Christopher and I into a tailspin. Not to mention, the kids are divided as well. Connor sides with Chris cheering for the Redskins, and Marleigh and I sport the blue and white jerseys of America's Team. That's right, bitches... the biggest rivalry in the NFL is on Sunday at 4. STOKED!

On a lighter note -- there are some fabulous fall fundraisers (how'd you like that alliteration) coming up in the near future... all the info. is posted on my other blog, HERE. Check it out!

September 11th, 2008

To those that lost their lives 7 years ago, today in the Twin Towers, in the Pentagon, on Flight 93 -- we will never forget. To the firefighters and other emergency personal that willingly gave their lives, after making phone calls home to their families, we thank you. To the men and women that answered the call and deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and other places unknown to the American citizens, we are grateful.

I am at a loss for words, as tears stream down my cheeks. We all know where we were when we heard what was happening that day. We should remember that day as if it were yesterday. I especially remember the anger, the rage, the pure hatred that I felt when they confirmed that this evil was attacking our innocents, simply because they were American. Because we are AMERICAN, you hate us?!

My husband sent me this essay awhile ago...
It was a response (by an Aussie mind you) to an add in a Pakistan national newspaper, offering a monetary reward to anyone who killed an "American".

An American is English, French, Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek.
An American may also be Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Iranian, Asian, Arab, Pakistani, or Afghan.
An American may also be a Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navajo, Apache, or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.
An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, Buddhist, or Muslim.
In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.
An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.
An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each man and woman to the pursuit of happiness.
An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country.
As of the morning of September11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan. The best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best athletes.
Americans welcome the best, but they also welcome the least. The national symbol of America welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed.
These in fact are the people who built America.
Some of them were working in the Twin Towers on the morning of September 11, earning a better life for their families.
I've been told that the people in the Towers were from at least 30, and may be many more, other countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.
So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and every bloodthirsty tyrant in the history of the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself.
Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.
So look around you. You may find more Americans in your land than you thought were there. One day they will rise up and overthrow the old, ignorant, tired tyrants that trouble too many lands. Then those lands, too, will join the community of free and prosperous nations.
And America will welcome them!




I sob every single time that I read those words. I am so grateful to be an American, To be from the United States of America.
I look to my grandparents, and all that they survived throughout their lives... The Great Depression (my grandmother had 12 brothers and sisters, during a time when it was damn near impossible to feed a family of three), my Grandfather landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day and continued to fight for this country's freedom through several more European campaigns - including The Battle of the Bulge where he earned his Silver Star. He did all of this while my Grandmother was at home, raising their son, whom he had never met. When he did finally make it home, at the whopping age of 22 a decorated war hero, he was met at the door by a two and a half year old whom he had never laid eyes on.




And, every single time I bring up politics, or the economy with my Grandmother she puts it in perspective....
"Shannon, when I was your age -- I was working at Lockheed Martin, your Pop-Pop had just come home from the war, and we were so damn grateful that we could feed our family, and had a roof over our head that nothing else mattered. Your generation is God Damn spoiled."

And, it's true. It took something like September 11th, for us to realize just how precious our freedom really is and remind us that we need to be willing to defend it, and protect it. And, here 7 short years later, and there are people that have forgotten. The people that lost, and gave their lives that day and in the months that have followed deserve for the American people to stand up and say -- "We will never forget."

I never will.

FRIENDLY REMINDER!

Okay folks, last chance to get your tickets to the benefit Saturday evening for Luke's Wings! They are expected to sell out this afternoon! You don't want to miss this!

It's monumental for Andy's Dad! It's our very first bit of public promo!

Get your tickets here: http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/146594

Not to mention, your $20/bracelet gets you into the after-party at Caddie's in Bethesda, with drink specials! Who can pass up drink specials??
It's sure to be a hella good time!

I digress....

I know that it's been ages since I've posted. Things have been a little bit hectic. I've been babysitting during the day for a girlfriend of mine... her son's name is Kingsley, and he's just about 7 months old, and possibly the sweetest and cutest little boy ever.... well, other then Connor of course -- and the strangest thing happens when that little boy arrives into our home. Our kids, turn into ANGELS! You'd think that it would be the opposite, you'd assume they would be jealous. Nope, they dote on him like he's a little prince. It's amazing. I was telling Christopher about this the other day, to which he responded -- "Well, we should have another baby then!" Then I choked on my wine, and he had to give me the Heimlich to start my breathing again. Right.

In the last week, the kids and I have been sick, and things have just been crazy between trying to pack, and get ready for this move, my poor husband working like he's a slave to the Egyptians building one of the pyramids! I'm serious, that poor man is EXHAUSTED all the time. I'm so grateful for his work ethic.... he really is your traditional support the family, work like a dog so that I don't have to, and give us everything that we could possibly want Daddy/Hubby. I've said it several times before. I'm one lucky broad.

Today brings the rally for McCain/Palin... which I planned on attending, however, with the kids and I being under the weather -- I'm not sure if being outside in nasty weather will do us any justice. Hopefully, he'll come around again. I'd love to see them both speak in person, and who knows... maybe they'll kiss some babies....

So, with nothing exciting to report, and still feeling as if I need to just sleep off whatever this is that is ailing me... I digress. I promise more worthwhile updates, soon.

another political tirade...

So, pardon me while I rant - yes! of course about Politics! You've been warned.

I have several bones to pick. Actually, before I start picking at issues that I've got at the moment, can we please talk about how damn proud I am of our ticket, and the GREAT speeches that the two of them put on Wednesday and Thursday. Splendid. Palin came out and made herself know for who she was, what she believed in, and her resume. She's more then capable for this position, and I'm proud that she will be the first woman to run on the GOP ticket. It's taken long enough. Yes, I may fall to the fairly far right on most issues -- but, you know what, I've been dying to see a woman stand proudly at that podium and accept a nomination, which happened on Wednesday. Yes, I got goosebumps, and yes, I teared up. Call me a douche bag, but I call myself a proud American. She even threw a bit of humor into the mix...
"What's the difference between a Hockey mom, and a pit-bull??" "Lipstick!" HA, I loved it. that's my kind of woman! In fact, I got into bed after the Governor finished her speech, and told my husband that I wanted to have a lesbian threesome with Cindy McCain, and Sarah Palin. No, of course I'm not a lesbian -- I just think that those two femme's are every Republican woman's wet dream. Seriously.
And, if I could be so hasty as to make a prediction... If our ticket is elected, and Cindy does become the First Lady, I believe that she will rival Mrs. Jackie O - in her sense of fashion. She's iconic in the way that she pulls herself together. Everything from her shoes to her pearls stand out from the crowd, and she just works. I'm jealous, can you tell? Sarah Plain doesn't look half bad herself. They both generally look, fabulous!
McCain's speech was simply grand. He also brought tears to my eyes as he recounted those horrible years in Hanoi. He's a maverick. He's strong willed. He's compassionate at the same time. His platform has made me more proud of my conservative beliefs then I have been in years. John McCain is who we need to lead our party, expand our party, and bring the GOP back to what we really stand for. Anyone else thinking about Reagan?
We all know that I feel this way, so I'll stop swooning. On to what has been seriously pissing me off for the last week.

Obviously the media has a serious hard on for Governor Palin. Would we have heard all about this, even if she wasn't nominated to be the VP candidate for the GOP? I think not. And, furthermore -- since when does our liberal media, or liberals in general have conservative morals?! Since when does having a baby at 17 bother the liberals? Since when does having a baby out of wed lock bother the liberals? I thought that women were in control of their bodies and could make all of these decisions on their own? Right?! AND, Since when does a woman need to stay home with her 4 month old? I am pretty sure that it was the left wingers that started women's lib, and burned their bras in the first place. If it were Mr. Palin, not Mrs. Palin running for VP -- there would be no talk about their newborn, and why isn't he staying at home?! Nope. I'm over it. Leave her family the fuck out of the media. I bet people don't even know the names of the McCain kids. And, fair dues to Obama for stepping up and telling the media to fuck off, and leave Sarah Palin's family alone.
It's not fair to go after politician's families. I understand that it happens... it always has, but before 24 hours had even passed the media was tearing Palin apart. That woman has more executive experience then Obama/Biden combined, and furthermore doesn't vote present. She's a maverick herself. And, I'm damn proud to call myself a Republican and support the McCain/Palin ticket.

Alright, I've got kids to play with, laundry to do, and I feel a tiny bit better now that I have gotten all of this off my chest. Happy Friday!

fall fundraising

As I laid my tired head down on the pillow last night, and believe you me -- it was TIRED... my husband rolled over, looked into my eyes like I was the most beautiful woman on the face of the planet and asked me sarcastically if I realized just how damn lucky I really am to be married to him?! We giggled, and chatted until way too late for us, and as we talked -- I really started to think about, just how lucky I really am! My biggest concern on a daily basis is the well being of our children. Dinner, lunch, breakfast, laundry, the vacuum, and fitting a shower into the schedule follow closely behind. It's a pretty cushy life.

I've been afforded the opportunity to take on my dream -- and make serious progress in accomplishing it. I've been so lucky to have to time to really focus on a charity, and trying to be a part of something much bigger, and more important then little ole me. I've had the chance to promote -- if only from the blogs, other non-profits. The way that I look at it, if I've put the info. in the face of a few people, and use my word of mouth, hey - you never know. Especially when I send out the pushy E-Mails! I am one lucky broad was the conclusion that I came to last night as I drifted off to sleep. I really am.
On that note, I'd like to take this opportunity to shove a couple of things in your face! There are two very important events coming up in the near future. Both of which, I will be attending -- therefore, I expect everyone else to attend.

First of all, the 5678 Improve group is putting on a one time comedy show and art auction to benefit Luke's Wings on Sept. 13th. 7pm - 10pm @ The Bethesda Theatre - 7719 Wisconsin Ave. Not only will you laugh your ass off, and donate to an amazing cause, but "Andy's Dad", my children's book will be getting it's very first bit of public promotion aside from the blogs, and facebook! Monumental for me, to be honest.

And, secondly --



Suited for Change is throwing a gallery soiree! Anything deemed a soiree just seems and sounds fabulous... not to mention it's another amazing cause. For more info., check out www.suitedforchange.org or www.awomensalliance.org!

I hope to see you all (yes every last one of you) at the upcoming functions!

Connor and Marleigh strike agian!

This picture is here to remind me just how special my babies are, and to have patience... even when they do turn into little monsters.... **sigh** BREATHE MAMA BREATHE!

Other then the fact that my children have been attempting to get their names into the Guinness Book of World Records for holding the most amount of time-outs for a four and three year old, nothing new going on in The Jones' household. **shakes head** If one more person tells me that it's a phase, I might lose it. I get that it's a phase, I know that it's all about Independence, and becoming their own little person, but -- I had to keep them in time-out, I am not joking for damn near two hours throughout the day yesterday. Well... it's just a phase, right? Ha.

I've had a lot of girl time this week, in light of the recent decision to move.

Tuesday was the traditional, Merren, Shannon, Amy, and Lori sit on the back porch and polish off a ridiculous amount of wine, laugh too loud, and talk about boys... including Chris who just rolls his eyes at me every time he walks past the sliding glass doors (probably because we get loud enough that he can hear the things that we are saying about him and the other men in our lives). It's necessary.

Thursday evening, uh -- last night, was spent with Devon and Marleigh. Yes, she gets included on the odd occasion. Being that she's only three she gets terribly excited for Girl's Night, and sometimes doesn't have the best of behavior for the outing. However, last night -- she was an angel. This time the locale was Devon's balcony, and it involved Marleigh explaining to us about her invisible friend -- who's name is Bingo, and HE - yes, HE is a Hula dancer. We laughed our faces off. I believe the exact quote was.... "His name is Bingo, and he's a Hula dancer -- seee! He's shakin' it, shakin' it!!" as she shook her little booty with the best of him. Pure hysterics.

Per usual, the two of them have already had one time out this morning, and they are cruising for another. I'm sure that it has something to do with the simple fact that it's been raining for three days, and there isn't much opportunity for getting their "exercises out" -- which is what they call playground, pool, outside time. I've convinced them to watch a movie, I'm sure that it's just the quiet before the storm though... in fact, Connor has taken to avoiding Marleigh all together at times because he realizes that she's going to drive him crazy to the point that he gets in trouble. Sibling interaction is fascinating.

This weekend should be a good one. Friends of ours, Becca and Anthony are finally tying the knot after over 7 years. Tonight brings the rehearsal, and rehearsal dinner as I am doing a reading (which I think is quite beautiful) at the wedding. And, tomorrow the real deal, and festivities afterwards. The reception is outside... everyone cross your fingers for beautiful weather tomorrow. No bride deserves to get rained on.

And, on a side note -- some very exciting news with my book. Check out the other blog, to catch up! www.andysdadandlukeswings.blogspot.com

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone!