Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Women

The last post was ideas for men, this one is ideas for the women's and girl's stockings.

1. perfume or cologne
2. bath beads
3. jewelry
4. nail files
5. grooming kit
6. comb/hairbrush
7. pocket makeup mirror
8. gum
9. candy
10. watch
11. scarf
12. socks
13. gloves
14. hair accessories
15. fruit
16. nuts
17. chocolate
18. nail polish
19. flashlight
20. movie tickets
21. gift card for her favorite restaurant
22. gift card for a spa
23. scented soap
24. lotion
25. gift card for her favorite attraction
26. CD
27. DVD
28. candles
29. flavored teas
30. tights
31. tea infuser
32. mug
33. stainless steel water bottle or coffee mug
34. ear buds
35. deck of cards
36. small puzzle
37. usb memory drive
38. purse sized photo album
39. lighted key chain
40. flavored coffee
41. pink tool set
42. snow scrapper with a heated handle
43. cute tee shirt
44. lipstick
45. chapstick

Stocking Stuffers for the Guys

Yesterday I spent some time with a friend, and the topic came up of what to give for stocking stuffers.  We had a few ideas, and I thought I'd share them.  This list is what to get the men in the family.

1. Batteries
2. Flashlights (because us girls borrow and lose them)
3. Tire gauge
4. hot sauce or BBQ sauce (especially for those 'grill masters')
5. belt buckle
6. socking hat or ball cap
7. gift card to his favorite theatre, restaurant or store
8. small tools
9. pocket knife
10. small bottle of his favorite cologne
11.  soap on a rope
12. gloves
13. gum
14. deck of cards
15. ammo or arrows (if he shoots)
16. toothpicks
17. socks
18. fruit
19. nuts
20. hard candy
21. coupon to get his automobile detailed
22. snow scrapper
23. key chain
24. car leather cleaner
25. personalized checkbook cover
26. Does he collect anything?  How about something to add to his collection?
27. coffee
28. CD from his favorite music group
29. DVD
30. metal or wood puzzle
31. tickets to a football game
32. tickets to a basketball game
33. pocket sized devotional book
34. box of his favorite Girl Scout cookies
35. golf balls
36. golf tees
37. ping pong balls
38. tee shirt
39. pass to his favorite attraction (museum, park, art gallery)
40. billfold
41. seed packets if he is a gardner

A letter from Hobby Lobby re: the new Government Health Care

A Letter from Hobby Lobby Stores CEO
By David Green, the founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.

When my family and I started our company 40 years ago, we ...

were working out of a garage on a $600 bank loan, assembling miniature picture frames. Our first retail store wasn't much bigger than most people's living rooms, but we had faith that we would succeed if we lived and worked according to God's word. From there,Hobby Lobby has become one of the nation's largest arts and crafts retailers, with more than 500 locations in 41 states. Our children grew up into fine business leaders, and today we run Hobby Lobby together, as a family.

We're Christians, and we run our business on Christian principles. I've always said that the first two goals of our business are (1) to run our business in harmony with God's laws, and (2) to focus on people more than money. And that's what we've tried to do. We close early so our employees can see their families at night. We keep our stores closed on Sundays, one of the week's biggest shopping days, so that our workers and their families can enjoy a day of rest. We believe that it is by God's grace that Hobby Lobby has endured, and he has blessed us and our employees. We've not only added jobs in a weak economy, we've raised wages for the past four years in a row. Our full-time employees start at 80% above minimum wage.

But now, our government threatens to change all of that. A new government health care mandate says that our family business MUST provide what I believe are abortion-causing drugs as part of our health insurance. Being Christians, we don't pay for drugs that might cause abortions, which means that we don't cover emergency contraception, the morning-after pill or the week-after pill. We believe doing so might end a life after the moment of conception, something that is contrary to our most important beliefs. It goes against the Biblical principles on which we have run this company since day one. If we refuse to comply, we could face $1.3 million PER DAY in government fines.

Our government threatens to fine job creators in a bad economy. Our government threatens to fine a company that's raised wages four years running. Our government threatens to fine a family for running its business according to its beliefs. It's not right. I know people will say we ought to follow the rules; that it's the same for everybody. But that's not true. The government has exempted thousands of companies from this mandate, for reasons of convenience or cost. But it won't exempt them for reasons of religious belief.

So, Hobby Lobby � and my family � are forced to make a choice. With great reluctance, we filed a lawsuit today, represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, asking a federal court to stop this mandate before it hurts our business. We don't like to go running into court, but we no longer have a choice. We believe people are more important than the bottom line and that honoring God is more important than turning a profit.

My family has lived the American dream. We want to continue growing our company and providing great jobs for thousands of employees, but the government is going to make that much more difficult. The government is forcing us to choose between following our faith and following the law. I say that's a choice no American � and no American business � should have to make.
The government cannot force you to follow laws that go against your fundamental religious belief. They have exempted thousands of companies but will not except Christian organizations including the Catholic church.

Since you will not see this covered in any of the liberal media, pass this on to all your contacts.
Sincerely,
David Green, CEO and Founder of Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.

THE SEWING DORK: Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Noow that Thanksgiving (and Halloween) are over, what are you going to do with all your pumpkins that you used for your indoor decorating??  This is where mine are going!  She shows the same method I use for my pumpkins to recycle them into pie, bread or fritter base.  You can then can it or freeze it.
THE SEWING DORK: Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Thanksgiving Dinner

Today was our first Thanksgiving Dinner for the season, with my family.  We still have one more to go for my husbands side.  I wish I had taken a picture of the tables before and after.  We had 2 types of ham, 2 types of turkey, 3 styles of potatoes, stuffing, salads, 2 types of rolls, pasta salad, green bean casserole---just to name a portion.  It truly was a feast.  When we finished eating, we discovered we had barely made a dent in the food.

After we ate, the men, neice, nephew, daughter and cousins went out to the farm to shoot.  (Does that make us rednecks?)  That is becoming sort of a tradition with our family to eat then go shooting.

After the target practice, we had to eat again (round 2.)

Rebecca made a bunch of pies and cake.  So did my mom, along with breads.  Emily did the math, and we had enough pies for each person to have half a pie.  That's my kind of meal!

Happy Thanksgiving

Psalm 95:1-6

"O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker." (KJV)

Psalm 100
"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (KJV) 

Remember our troops who are not with their families.

Planning your 2013 Vacation? Check this out first!

The National Parks System has announce the dates for 2013 when there will be no fees to enter the parks.  Some parks are free everyday, but for others there is usually a charge.  Visit the National Parks System blog to see when these free days will be.  

Help Sandy victims

On a personal note, IDES is an organization I have worked with following the Joplin tornado.  I have been a team leader and taken volunteers in to work.  I will vouch for them 100%.  It is very rewarding to the volunteer, and very much appreciated by those in need.- The below is a copy of an email I received from IDES. -April "IDES has found a place where we can house teams of volunteers on Long Island. "It may be slower at first as we are getting projects lined up, but we can house 30 and will be working in various towns on projects for up to a year. The great part is their housing will be free." Call the IDES office if you want to send a group because we do not want to overwhelm this location with help. Be prepared when you call to give us how many people will be coming, for how long, what skill sets your team has, and what tools you can bring. IDES office : # 765-947-5100 If your congregation can provide overnight accommodations, or serve as a base of operations for volunteers in an affected community please contact us by phone or by email at: ides@ides.org Projects so far: - $25,000 to assist Nesconset Christian Church as they respond to needs in their community, the community surrounding South Nassau Christian Church, and several other low lying areas of Long Island. - The South Nassau Christian Church in Baldwin, NY (Long Island) suffered significant flood damage to their church building and parsonage. IDES sent $10,000 to aid with initial clean-up and recovery efforts. Additional funds will be requested after the church meets with their insurance adjuster. - IDES sent $25,000 in preliminary funds to Orchard Group as they respond to known needs among their church plants in Brooklyn, Manhattan and other affected areas. Orchard Group has representatives assessing the situation in surrounding communities. Once the need is fully known, they will present us with a longer-term response plan and request additional funds. - IDES send $2,500 to Pioneer Bible Translators International to help one of their translation associates who lives in NY and had flood waters to the ceiling of her apartment. Ways you can help: The best thing to do now is to give. Can you or your church give today to help with this crisis? Donate Online If you would like to donate by check or money order you can send your gift to IDES (Write "Sandy" on the memo line) PO BOX 60 Kempton, IN 46049-0060 If you cannot give please pray. You can help a family in need: Help A Family for $100 - We are working through local Christian Churches / Churches of Christ and missionary groups to bring help and hope to survivors of Hurricane Sandy. We recently got a request to help with a families basic needs. This family lost everything because their apartment was flooded. Nine feet of water was present in their apartment and everything was ruined. You can help families like this one get back up on their feet by donating $100 or your best gift to IDES. Help A Family By Clicking Here Please forward this message to anyone you think might be able to help. Feel free to post this information on your facebook and twitter pages. We will be posting updates as we receive them on our website at: http://www.ides.org/hurricanesandy.html and on our facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Disaster-Emergency-Service/78027527419?ref=hl Thank you for your support, IDES -www.ides.org Contact Info International Disaster Emergency Service P.O. Box 60 Kempton, IN 46049 765-947-5100 www.ides.org IDES has found a place where we can house teams of volunteers on Long Island. "It may be slower at first as we are getting projects lined up, but we can house 30 and will be working in various towns on projects for up to a year. The great part is their housing will be free." Call the IDES office if you want to send a group because we do not want to overwhelm this location with help. Be prepared when you call to give us how many people will be coming, for how long, what skill sets your team has, and what tools you can bring. IDES office : # 765-947-5100 If your congregation can provide overnight accommodations, or serve as a base of operations for volunteers in an affected community please contact us by phone or by email at: ides@ides.org Projects so far: - $25,000 to assist Nesconset Christian Church as they respond to needs in their community, the community surrounding South Nassau Christian Church, and several other low lying areas of Long Island. - The South Nassau Christian Church in Baldwin, NY (Long Island) suffered significant flood damage to their church building and parsonage. IDES sent $10,000 to aid with initial clean-up and recovery efforts. Additional funds will be requested after the church meets with their insurance adjuster. - IDES sent $25,000 in preliminary funds to Orchard Group as they respond to known needs among their church plants in Brooklyn, Manhattan and other affected areas. Orchard Group has representatives assessing the situation in surrounding communities. Once the need is fully known, they will present us with a longer-term response plan and request additional funds. - IDES send $2,500 to Pioneer Bible Translators International to help one of their translation associates who lives in NY and had flood waters to the ceiling of her apartment. Ways you can help: The best thing to do now is to give. Can you or your church give today to help with this crisis? Donate Online If you would like to donate by check or money order you can send your gift to IDES (Write "Sandy" on the memo line) PO BOX 60 Kempton, IN 46049-0060 If you cannot give please pray. You can help a family in need: Help A Family for $100 - We are working through local Christian Churches / Churches of Christ and missionary groups to bring help and hope to survivors of Hurricane Sandy. We recently got a request to help with a families basic needs. This family lost everything because their apartment was flooded. Nine feet of water was present in their apartment and everything was ruined. You can help families like this one get back up on their feet by donating $100 or your best gift to IDES. Help A Family By Clicking Here Please forward this message to anyone you think might be able to help. Feel free to post this information on your facebook and twitter pages. We will be posting updates as we receive them on our website at: http://www.ides.org/hurricanesandy.html and on our facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Disaster-Emergency-Service/78027527419?ref=hl Thank you for your support, IDES -www.ides.org"
Contact Info International Disaster Emergency Service P.O. Box 60 Kempton, IN 46049 765-947-5100 www.ides.org

Rebecca's Egg Experiment

Rebecca took a chicken egg, and soaked it in white distilled vinegar for 2 days.

Her theory was that since vinegar was  used to dissolve calcium buildups in household cleaning of bathrooms and kitchens, it would also dissolve the chicken egg shell.

At the end of 2 days, she checked it.  The shell was completely gone, and the egg was rather rubbery.  If you hold it up to the light, you can see the yolk and the inside of the egg.

 You can see the yolk in the center of the egg, as a light is behind it.  The shell is gone, and the egg is rubbery.

Kind of a neat homeschool science experiment that anyone of any age can do.  This would make a good experiment for younger ones for a science fair, such as the one in St Joseph MO every February for homeschoolers.  Soak the egg in other liquids and see if any other liquids can have the same effect.  We always here how bad soda pop is on our teeth, I wonder what would happen to the shell if an egg were soaked in soda pop?

Christmas!!

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Todays Project

I live in a fairly new house, but when my husband built it, he built it to look like an old farm house. (Only fitting for a house on a farm).  As a result, we have the thicker walls, great insulation and energy saving windows of a newer home, and the style of an older home.

Our home is full of antiques, many which we still use.  (That makes it easier during a power outage)  Some are from his family, some are from my family, but most are auction and flea market finds.

So, fitting in with the style of the house, and antiques in it, we try to add more character when and where we can--sometimes its in the form of a light fixture, or antique door knob.  One thing we have both always liked was wainscoting.  Been talking about putting some up for over 6 years.  I finally did some today, in the kitchen.  There are several other areas in the house that I would like to put more wainscoting (behind the kitchen door for one, where the doorknob hits the wall making a dent in the sheet rock).

Before--this is the kitchen color that a couple years ago my husband picked out. Yes, it is John Deere yellow. Had to be mixed special just for us.....But, a yellow kitchen is ok, and in one corner is a John Deere collection  so, it works.  Besides, I like a bright (ok, blinding) kitchen.

We used pine, and I put it up unstained.  Mainly I didn't have the patience to wait all night for the stain to dry, and I didn't want to go out in the dark to the barn to dig up the saw horses to make a work table, which probably were in use anyway.  I used liquid nails adhesive, and finishing nails.  This is 3 inch pine tongue and groove from Home Depot.

Rebecca helped with the staining.  I actually think it was easier staining it while up on the wall, than laying it flat .

Here is the finished project.  That's my potato bin in front of it.  When we pulled the tape off, we found a small bit of stain on the wall, but tomorrow after church I plan on touching up the paint in the kitchen as several places need it.

In case you wonder how I stand on the issue....

This is what we all looked like at 12 weeks in the womb. Legal to kill in all 50 states. Anyone think its not a person?

This is one of the very first things I consider about a candidate before I vote, at any level, even on the local level.  (After all, they all start somewhere, no one runs only for president, they work their way up).  This is murder.  A woman may control the health of her own body, but this is NOT her body.  It is a whole other body.  It has its own body, own mind and own soul.  No one, has the right to terminate that.  They mother is to protect, nurture and love, not to kill.


From the Family Policy Institute of Washington.

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Operation Christmas Child

This year our family is participating in Operation Christmas Child.  Operation Christmas Child is operated by Samaritan's Purse.  "Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world."


If you are not familiar with OCC, visit the website.  But, in a nutshell, people-like you and me, fill a shoebox with the contents directed for either a girl or a boy.  Then you pay $7 for the shipping of the box.  The box and its contents are then matched up to a boy or girl who is the right size and age for your contents.  Worldwide, children receive these boxes at Christmas time, along with a book about Jesus and God's love.  OCC directs you with suggestions as far as what to pack and what not to pack in the box.

All around the USA there are locations where you can take your packed box.  The website will direct you to the nearest location after you enter your zip code.  Boxes need to be at the pickup locations by November 19 to ensure delivery for Christmas this year.  However, you can send boxes at anytime through out the year for the following Christmas. 

9 X's the easy way

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Homeschooling in the St Louis MO area??

If you are a homeschooling family in the St Louis MO area, check out this link.  This is a website that lists a whole bunch of fun and interesting upcoming events for homeschoolers in your area.  You can also subscribe to it (its a wordpress blog) and receive updates as they occur in your email.

What is Veterans Day??

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”


In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

 An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."


On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.
In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good."
From the US Department of Veterans Affairs.  http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

Emilee Irsik Found Safe in Germany

If you have been following the posts about Emilee Irsik, you will be happy to know she has been found!!
From her family and friends facebook page....

"We have wonderful news! Emilee's family is happy to confirm that Emilee is safe and with the German police at this time. We have no more information at this time. We are incredibly grateful for everyone that has joined in this effort. To everyone that has hung a flier, made a phone call, written a story or just said a prayer, our gratitude has no words. We don't know when she is coming home at this point or any other details but will keep you posted as we know more. Thank you!!!!! It's a great day!"

No reason given, no reason needed.  The important thing is she is safe, and her parents and family have great reason to celebrate. 

Being the mom to 5 girls, and living not far from her home in KS, we were following this story closely.

I voted. Did you?

Edmonds woman faces hair loss with humor, grace | HeraldNet.com - Life

This article is about my cousin Sue, from Indiana who now lives in Washington.  She has alopecia areata, a incurable autoimmune disease that causes hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere. 

Following our typical family attitude, instead of hiding from it, she uses it as a tool to help others who may have the same disease.

Edmonds woman faces hair loss with humor, grace | HeraldNet.com - Life

A Message for Emilee Irski

Emilee Irski, 

There are a lot (a whole lot) of people very worried for you and praying for you.  I am a mom, to 5 daughters.  I can not even begin to imagine what your family is going through.  

To worry about a child who lives away from you, regardless of if they are at college, in a different town, or even a different county is one thing.

But, to not know where you child is, or if they are dead or alive is another.  Its a feeling no parent or sibling or family member should every go through.

You are not in trouble, no one is angry with you.  We only pray that you are ok and can see this message.  We beg you to contact someone, anyone that you know and let them know you are ok.  If you need help, you will have help sent to you.   If you don't want to contact your family, you can send a note here, as a comment.  But, please also put something that only your family would know, to verify that is is indeed you writing.  

We are coming into the holidays, a special time for families.  I am sure your family wants no other gift than the gift of knowing you are alive and safe.  Please, send word.  

Daylight savings time ends tonight

Daylight savings time ends tonight - Set your clocks back 1 hour and change your Smoke and CO detector batteries

My Confused Garden

My garden this summer was disappointing.  Even though I watered, faithfully, the drought took its toll.  We didn't get as much as I had hoped we would.  Some things never even came up, or only gave one harvest, such as the peas.

We have already had our first heavy frost/light freeze.  The last time I was in the garden, it was dead.  All dead.

Tonight, I wandered over and found stuff sprouting, and stuff ready to be picked.  A whole lot of stuff was taking advantange of the recent rains and cooler weather.  So, until the darkness ran me inside, I picked about 10 lbs of onions, 15 lbs of carrots, spearment, peppermint, a bucket of brussel sprouts, peppers, some tomatoes (green, as the vines are dead).  My herbs are coming back-dill, cilantro and garlic.
There is more to pick, that we will get to over the next few days.  I will also be watching the weather and if it is to freeze soon, I will be covering the beds, as that is another advantage to raised bed gardening--so easy to cover.

Not sure how to vote??

Check out this site.  Its isidewith.com.  Basically you pick how you feel on certain issues (like taking a short quiz) and then at the end it tells you which canidates feel the same way you do.  This would also be a good one for the kids to take as you study the election and the issues.

Old Bo

Today we will be burying Bo, our oldest black lab.  He died while on night duty, protecting the chicken coop.  Bo was between 13 and 14 years old.  He was a good dog, but had been sick lately.  His black whiskers had long turned white.  We thought of putting him down, but didn't have the heart to as he still enjoyed life, and still gave his signature tail thump to greet us.

Bo followed the younger girls everywhere, and stood on lifeguard duty while they swam in the pond.  If they went out too far, he would bark for them to come back in, and if they ignored him, he would jump into the water and swim out to them.

Allie dog and Bo, 2009.  The girls had a "wedding" and married the two dogs...

Elizabeth, Allie and Bo (in his younger years) 2009

He was huge, much larger than the average lab, and had huge jaws. In this huge mouth, he would help carry up firewood.

He used to be a cat chaser, and when younger his favorite game was to chase a cat up a tree and not let it down.  However, with time, he mellowed, and cats became his friend.  Often, the kittens would curl up with him and sleep in his warmth at night.  He was lame in one front leg, as was one of our black cats.  He took a special interest to that kitten and they were pals.

Bo and kitten, 2012, taken about 2 weeks before his death.

In his younger days he could be spotted on the FFA float, but the last 5 years he was on the 4H float.  He was in several 4H dog shows and literally stopped one show by decided in the middle of it that it was nap time.

He could play fetch for hours at a time.  If a visitor showed up with a kid, he would take a piece of wood to the kid and drop it at their feet.  That was his way of saying "hello, lets play".  He could not play with a ball, as he would pop them each time with his huge teeth.

If given a plastic soda pop bottle, he would first take off the lid, then he would chew the rest of the bottle.  But, always the lid had to be removed first.

I think Bo knew he wouldn't be around much longer.  He had been training Duke, the next black lab in farming 101 and childcare 101.
He also taught Duke, that when JD was to BBQ, it was the dogs duty to stand by.  JD always had to cook extra hot dogs and "accidentally" drop at least one or two for each dog.  If you forgot to drop them, Bo would remind you.

Rest in peace Bo, you were sure a good dog.