Supporters of P.O.O.P. Unite!!!

Okay so the acronym isn't all that great but I'm behind the concept 100%. It stands for People Offended by Offended People. Earlier this month, a local school canceled their 7th graders' field trip to see Miracle on 34th Street because some parents complained that there was (gasp!!!) Santa Claus in the play. If I found a field trip objectionable, I'd keep my kid home. But, keeping their children home would take away the complainers feelings of triumph in this case. If Jason or Jess went to that school, I'd take them out for the day and go see it with them myself. Yesterday I heard about a school in Ohio that canceled a play that the students were putting on only a couple weeks before it was supposed to open so all of their time learning lines, making sets, etc was for nothing. The offensive play? Agatha Christie's 10 Little Indians. According to WTKK, one member of the NAACP called and complained about this play. Was the NAACP concerned that Native Americans would be offended by the title? No. What the issue was that 60 years ago, in England, the book was released under the name 10 Little N's (inappropriate word for African Americans). It was never released in this country under that title and the title was changed in England 60 years ago. I know extremely few people who actually know the original title. As Michael Graham of WTKK said, (paraphrased because my memory isn't all that great at verbatim speech) "I'm tired of a small number of people who appear to be easily offended dictating what is allowed. You're offended by Santa Claus? Well, I'm offended that you're offended so need to stop being offended so that I won't be offended anymore! "

Happy Black Friday!!!!

OMG!!! Why didn't anyone tell me how much fun Black Friday is?!?! Since we weren't going anywhere this holiday, I thought I'd check out this shopping phenomenon. I was up at 3:15 this morning. Those who know me know I'm not a morning person (exept on vacation, especially if it's Disney - then I go by the late to bed, early to rise rule). I was at Kohl's by 3:45; there were probably 100 people in front of me waiting for the store to open at 4. I talked to a woman behind me for a few minutes. I didn't get a carriage but I was able to snag a bag so I did okay with carrying everything. I was done by 4:20 and on my way to Toys R Us. That was a bit more crazy. I was there at 4:30 and the store opened at 5 so I talked to the 2 women behind me for a while. One went to get carriages and grabbed me one which was very nice. I got what I wanted and then waited in line. And waited. And waited. The line went around 3 sides of the store. Some people tried to cut in line but I wasn't about to go for that. I kept my carriage right behind the woman in front of me. I brought a book with me so I read that to pass the time. I was out at 6 and on my way to the mall. I hit Target, Gymboree, Borders, Children's Place and Hallmark. Unos was serving a breakfast buffet - all you can eat for $8.00 so I had home fries, english muffin, bacon, and sausage. My last stop was Michaels where I bought myself a present from the kids. I knew that Mike wouldn't have gone shopping yet and there was no way I was passing up an Ott light for $15.00. These are usually $60. I am finished shopping for everyone except 2 grab gifts!!!!

Thanksgiving

A year ago last Friday we were approved to be matched with Jess. What a year this has been! I am so thankful that our daughter is home with us and that she is healthy and happy.

Our first picture Our Christmas picture

Jess and Riley. Riley is Mike's cousin Erin's dog.

Halloween

Jessica loved Halloween. On Friday, we went to our church Halloween party. Jess wore her Red Sox outfit with a long sleeve onesie and tights to stay warm. Jason wore his Jason costume from last year and a mask that pumps blood. The mask was courtesy of Mike as I wasn't wasting $15 for something I knew he wouldn't keep on. After a dinner of spook-etti and meatballs, we played games and the kids had a blast. Then it was off to Jason's school for haunted hallways. People sign up to decorate doorways in the school and the kids and families go trick or treating. Jess was a little spooked since it was pretty dark but it was fun. On Halloween, I rushed out of work to get Jess from the sitter's. We went home and I got her dressed in her cheetah outfit (warmer and I could layer clothes underneath). I wanted to expose her to trick or treating in a lighted, familiar place so we went to the mall. I had to carry her at first but once she figured out people were putting candy in the bag, she was good to go. After that, we went home and met up with Jason's friends and parents and went around our neighborhood. When I dropped Jess off at home, she was not happy about missing out on the rest of the treats. When I took her to people's doors, she meowed at them which was so cute. It was a great Halloween. I can't wait to see how she likes Christmas!

Jessica meeting a new friend at church.

Jason and Jess at haunted hallways

Jess getting the hang of trick or treating

Jess ready to hit the neighborhood.

Jason in bloody mask