The Power of Prayer...

I found the following prayer on a website and found it fitting to post as Jimmer leaves for Iraq.

Dear God,

This prayer Lord, that I say tonight

Is for our troops who all must fight.

These are the troops that we all love

And so I pray dear Lord above

Please keep them safe while they're away

And bring them home to us someday.

This prayer is not for ours alone

But for all military far from home.

I ask you to keep them safe and sound

On their way to where they're bound.

We love them all that are asked to fight

So keep them safe for us tonight.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the selfless acts

they perform for us in our time of need. Amen. (www.mamarocks.com/military_prayer.htm)

Happy Birthday Grandma Darlene

We'd like to wish our mother, mother-in-law and grandma a very Happy Birthday on Tuesday. She is a remarkable woman of character, strength and inspiration to her family. I came upon this Bible verse that I think fits her completely, "My child...do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you." Proverbs 6:20-22. Thanks mom, for your guidance, support and love. Happy Birthday:)

Celebrating in Sioux Falls...

The girls and I drove to Sioux Falls today to help Grandma Darlene celebrate her birthday. We had a nice lunch at Minerva's with Tim, Deb, grandma and grandpa. Then we went to Tim and Deb's house for birthday cake and to see their new countertops, which are gorgeous! Grandma received a very nice white diamond cross necklace which she wearing in the picture. It was a wonderful day!

Dissertation....

As many of you know, I was in Vermillion today for my dissertation proposal meeting. My presentation went well and my committee agreeed to let me move forward after receiving approval from the Human Subjects Review Board. So, I will be spending some of my time this weekend filling out the appropriate forms for that process.
Eric is in Huron for a basketball tournament until late Saturday evening. He holds a position on the Dakota Oyate Challenge Board, so has to work and attend the games. The girls and I are going to Sioux Falls on Saturday to celebrate mom's birthday with her. We are going to meet at Tim and Deb's house and then go have lunch. Have a good weekend everyone:)

Happy Anniversary Ted and Pam!

We'd like to wish Ted and Pam a very Happy Anniversary! We hope you have a great day! Where did 19 years go? I think it's been 19 years...

Sunday Night Sleepover

We spent most of Saturday in Watertown with the girls and their friends. Courtney's friend, Kyler celebrated his birthday at the ice skating rink. It was pretty amazing to see eight adults with thirteen kids on the ice!

Courtney is having a sleepover this evening since she/we do not have school tomorrow. The girls and I spent the day at church cleaning out five Sunday School rooms. It was quite a large task, but it was nice to get supplies, books and curriculum organized. Courtney originally invited two friends to spend the night, but Kyler was not feeling well after supper, so he went home. The picture shows Courtney and Jalen listening to Courtney's Ipod.

I am busy preparing for my dissertation proposal on Thursday in Vermillion. I have my powerpoint, three chapters and references all ready. It's possible that I may be able to graduate in May, but I'm thinking August may be more realistic. Stay warm everyone and have a great week!

Happy Birthday Shelly!

We'd like to wish our aunt and sister-in-law, Shelly a very happy birthday on Friday! We hope you have a great day! Love ya:)

The Life of a Cat...and other Ponderings

I took this picture of Skittles today. He looks very comfortable. I never thought we would ever have a cat, but we enjoy him! The girls are back into their school and ice skating schedules. They both have birthday parties to attend this week and are keeping busy. I am getting ready for my dissertation proposal, which will be the end of January in Vermillion. Eric stays busy with home basketball games and watching NFL football:) Have a good weekend!

Presidential Candidate Quiz

To find out who you should vote for go to the following site and take the quiz: http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html My opinions on issues were matched with Mike Huckabee and Fred Thompson.

Election 2008

Eric and I went out for supper with some friends (2 couples) this evening in Claire City at Deano's Restaurant. We had a nice time and talked briefly about the Iowa Caucus results and our presidential hopefuls. Hillary Clinton and Mr. Huckabee were discussed as favorites by our friends. I am still undecided at this point-I think it's too early to decide. Who do you like in '08?

More pictures...

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! I just wanted to share some photos from the Smith Christmas and our New Year's Eve fun in Sioux Falls. My friend Carrie turned 40 on the 31st-we had a lot of fun celebrating her birthday with friends. Enjoy the photos and have a great 2008:)