This story is most likely made-up, but accurate nonetheless.
"The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade. The presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest. I decided we would have an election for a class president. We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote.
To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members. We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot.
The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids. I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support. I had never seen Olivia’s mother. The day arrived when they were to make their speeches. Jamie went first. He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best. Every one applauded. He sat down and Olivia came to the podium. Her speech was concise. She said, “If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream.” She sat down. The class went wild. “Yes! Yes! We want ice cream.”
She surely would say more. She did not have to. A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn’t sure. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it. She didn’t know. The class really didn’t care. All they were thinking about was ice cream. Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a land slide.
Every time Barack Obama opens his mouth he offers ice cream, and fifty percent of America reacts like nine year olds. They want ice cream. The other fifty percent know they’re going to have to feed the cow."

"A day hemmed in prayer never unravels."
I just want to encourage you to spend some time with God each day. It is such a big help to me as a mommy and all my other roles, as well. If you haven't noticed, there is one book that is perpetually on my blog as one of the books that I am currently reading. It is "Then Sings my Soul." It is a devotional that tells the history behind some of our favorite hymns and gives s scripture verse on which to meditate as well. Today's was especially good, it was about the author of "It is no secret." He was converted at a Billy Graham crusade and was inspired to write the song by none other than John Wayne himself. That's pretty cool. He also wrote "This Ole House" which is one of my favorite gospel songs. (It's on my playlist sung by the Cathedrals.)
Today is Halloween, Brilyn will be a lady bug, Cade a bumble bee. Collin, Brilyn's imaginary friend, is going as a dinosaur. But, don't worry, he's not dangerous, he's just PRETENDING to be a dinosaur. For Halloween. Brilyn wants you to know that.
And, two days till Clara comes! Yesterday, I had Joe buy what I hope to be our last gallon of "store milk" for a very long time.
Also: If any of you interested in buying some WONDERFUL soy candles (No fossil fuels, no lead!) triple scented, double wicked, super lovely scents, let me know. These make great presents and the Christmas Pine is the best smell in the world at Christmas time. I am currently burning the Holiday Memories candle, it smells like a mix of vanilla, orange, clove, and cinnamon. I LOVE it. 18.95 for a large jar candle. (They have the same burn time as the large Yankee Candles, and they are more powerful, they scent my whole house.)

Fruit & Citrus Scents

Angel Wings
Apple Cinnamon
Apples & Peaches
Apricot Freesia
Asian Plum New!
Black Cherry
Cactus & White Peach
Chili Vanilli
Coconut Mango
Coconuts & Lime
Cucumber Melon
Forbidden Fruit
Fresh Apple
Fresh Sweet Mango
Japanese Pear
Juicy Ripe Watermelon
Lemon Verbena
Liquorice & Grapeseed
Oranges & Clove
Peach & Papaya
Pomegranate New!
Sex on the Beach
Sicilian Lemon & Rosemary
Strawberry Kiwi
Sweet Fig & Wildberry New!
Sweet Orange & Chili Pepper

Fresh and Clean Scents

Antique Lace & Linen
Baby Powder
Fresh Laundry
Fresh Linen
Ginger & Cedarwood
Heart of the Ocean
Mediterranean Spa New!
Mountain Pine
Norwegian Wood
Rain
Rainforest New!
Sea Breeze
Texas Cedarwood

Scents From the Kitchen

Anise Cookies
Apple Berry Cobbler
Banana Nut Bread
Blueberry Cobbler
Blueberry Muffin
Butter Cream Frosting
Caramel Apple
Chocolate Kiss
Cinnamon Raisin Bun
Coffee Break
Cotton Candy
Creme Brulee
Gingerbread
Hot Apple Pie
Hot Orange Danish
Key Lime Pie New!
Orange Creamsicle
Pastry Shoppe
Peppermint Truffle
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Sangria
Sugar Cookie
Tequila Sunrise
Vanilla Cookie
White Chocolate & Coffee

Holiday Scents

Christmas Essence
Christmas Pine
Holiday Cookies
Holiday Memories New!
Hollyberry
Hollyberry Balsam
Home for Christmas
Mulled Cider
Night Before Christmas
Pumpkin Spice
Spiced Cranberry

Perfume & Spice Scents

Bayberry
Cinnamon
Country Spice
Eucalyptus
French Vanilla
Green Tea
Mulberry Spice
Patchouli Spice
Sage & Lavendar
Sandalwood
Slate & Stone
Spice Shoppe
Tahitian Spiced Vanilla

Floral Scents

French Lavender
Gardenia
Hyacinth
Lavender
Lilac
Victorian Rose
Water Lilly & Jasmine

Too busy for a real post today...but I thought I would state why that is.
To do: (Not in order)
20 lbs apples sauce, cook and can
Fish chowder for supper
Buy 500 lbs dairy ration
300 lbs layer crumble
Go to orthodontist to get bottom braces off! YAYAYAYAY!
Wash baby's clothes
Sew Joe's barn jacket
Pick up milk jars from Ace
Be glad fence is up
Think briefly about whether and what I should dress up as for Halloween
Listen to Brisingr (book on tape, while doing quiet jobs)
Carve pumpkins with kiddos
Bake delicious bread to go with supper
Other un-listed items
XOXO
Joce

Wordless Wednesday
(A direct rip-off from Pamela.)

Octobers Past
2005
A Halloween Snack
Some Pumpkins

2006
Before the Storm
After the Storm
Yeah, she was a cheerleader

2007
Look what the cart dragged in
A couple of wild animals
Man in the moon
"Big Buck Deer" hunter

The Perfect Molasses Cookie
(According to my nephew, Kaleb.) (And, me.)(Also, it's a one-bowl-wonder)

Cream together:
1/2 stick margarine
1/2 stick butter
1/2 C brown sugar
1 C molasses
1 egg

On top of that, dump:
3 C flour
1/2 t salt
2 t baking soda
1/2 t cloves
1/2 t nutmeg
1 t cinnamon
1 t ginger

Sift those together nicely by stirring just the dry ingredients that are on top. Once those seem mixed pretty well, start mixing all the way to the bottom until all ingredients are combined.
Chill for one hour. Roll tablespoon-sized dough balls in sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F for 8 minutes or so. DON'T OVERCOOK THEM.
Cool on wire rack.

Make sure you have milk or coffee all ready to go with these cookies. It's divine.

XOXO
Joce

Well, we officially have an electric fence (that means I am a big toughy pants and worked my bummy off today) (and Joe helped, of course)- so that means by next weekend we will officially have a cow. Clara is coming to be our family cow. She will provide us with lovely delicious, raw, whole, grass-fed, real milk. And cheese, butter, yogurt, sour cream, etc.
This isn't Clara, but this what she mostly looks like.
I will be making cheese, yogurt, butter, etc. pretty regularly (and by that I mean constantly) since my nice small 1,000 pound darling Clara gives 5 1/2 gallons of milk a DAY. So, although I would like to try to use it all because I really like milk and anything made from milk, I probably shouldn't single handedly consume 5 1/2 gallons of milk a day. That said, I am now accepting applications from people who want to get their milk here. For their pets. Because in New York State, I could get in big doo-doo for selling raw milk for human consumption. So, if you have a pet (wink wink) or know of someone who has a pet that needs some milk, feel free to pass this info along and let me know. If you are wondering why the heck someone would want raw milk (for their pets, of course), check out this article.
And because, otherwise, we'll be swimming in milk...
XOXO
Joce

Okay, three thoughts for the day:
1. ANTI biotics. So, the sinus infection? Not really a sinus infection- Cade is just not-so-gracefully pushing four huge molars through. So, that means, my doctor wanted to write him a prescription for antibiotics for, that's right, teething.
2. Cade the not-so-graceful teething boy has been crying for two weeks straight. Yeah, so I am ready for the asylum. Willingly, mind you, I would go if my insurance would cover it. But that's not going to happen, because I can't find anyone to babysit. And Joe's out in the (insert expletive here) woods. So, that means my days go like this:
Cade cries all morning. And by that, I mean he follows me around moaning with the occasional shriek thrown in. If I pick him up, he BEEPS my nose a few time, then struggles to get down. At which point he resumes the followin/moaning/shrieking cycle. This crying acts on my brain like some kind of interference or reset button or something and I constantly forget what I am trying to do. Like empty the dishwasher, or wash diapers, dry diapers, fold diapers, put away diapers, etc. Every few minutes I look up and wonder where I am and why I am here. I take a loop around the house (complete with following/moaning/shrieking baby entourage) and try to locate whatever I job I was trying to do. This isn't as effective as you might think because I either find more jobs that need to be and start those, or, I find more than one job that I have started. So, by the time my dear sweet following/moaning/shrieking child is ready for his blessed nap, my house- is a disaster. So then I am faced with a decision. Do I take a nap? Or do I try to complete some of the many unfinished tasks around my house? And, this my friends, is a great example of the proverbial "rock and a hard place." If I take a nap, I wake up to (surprise!) a crying baby! A still-tired mommy. And a messy house. AHHHH! And if I clean my house, my house cleaning frenzy will certainly come to an end with (surprise!) a crying baby. And an exhausted mommy. And, in ten short minutes, a messy house. It all seems so hopeless.
3. Finally, I have a question. All you mommies and or logical/rational/problem solving folks out there: What is the correct order in which to clean up a baby after a meal? Here are the steps, you put them in order for me please.
Wash baby's face, wash baby's hands, clean up the floor, wash the tray, brush crumbs (by that I mean entire meal) from high chair seat, brush off baby's clothes, take bib off. Please, somebody tell the RIGHT way to do this. Because no matter what order in which I have done them so far, something that has not been cleaned yet gets something that has been cleaned dirty again.

Okay, that's all for now, must go make dinner for husband in the woods. And let me tell you, he's not out of the woods yet.
XOXO
Joce

To cure a sick baby:
Sinus infection-
Pau D'arco (fights infections) Free, thanks Pamela
Colostrum Supplement (boosts immune system) 50.00 (ouch, luckily that's for like 5 lbs and it last forever)
Fenugreek and Thyme(clears sinuses) 6.00, Olive Branch
Benedryl (Dries sinuses, allows infection to clear. Helps little man sleep) Priceless.

Why all the fuss just to avoid antibiotics? Because antibiotics are now being linked with hyperactivity in children. (And also, I get a weird sense of accomplishment when I can say that my son has never been on antibiotics. It makes me feel like a supermom)
(excerpt from http://www.unhinderedliving.com/ADHDcauses.html. Want to read the whole article?)
"The #3 trigger is antibiotic use. There is a correlation between repeated childhood ear infections and ADD/ADHD. Why? Because antibiotics given for medicinal reasons as well as the antibiotics injected into the animals used for meat in this country both set up conditions in the intestines for the overgrowth of trigger #4...... (candida)"

Okay, that's enough for now, I should stop neglecting my children and general household chores.
XOXO
Joce

Here's my garden report for the year:
From Jung:
H Rainbow Heirloom Mix Tomato: C. Very pretty, but not great growers or tasters.
Royal Burgundy Purple Pod Bush Bean: A+. Very pretty, awesome grower, very yummy.
Ruby Queen Beet: A. Pretty, good grower, tasty. Nice and tender, and won me second place for my pickled beets at the Genesee Country Village and Museum Agricultural Society Fair.
H Nantes Or Coreless Carrot: B+. Pretty good in all three categories.
H Straight Eight Cucumber: C-. No luck with these. The (very) few we got weren't overly delicious.
H Long Island Mammoth Dill: A. Prolific grower, very flavorful and aromatic.
Catnip: A.Pretty, good grower, tasty.
Lavender Munstead: N/A My chickens made a dust bath there.
H Jungs Heritage Mesclun Mix: A+. Very pretty, awesome grower, very yummy.
H Ailsa Craig Exhibition Onion Seed: A+. Not special in the looks category, but get this: We planted them from seed in JUNE and got a lovely crop. ANd they taste GREAT!
Sugar Ann Snap Pea: A. Pretty, good grower, tasty.
H Sparkler Radish: A. Pretty, good grower, tasty. However, I won't grow radishes again, there is no way I will ever eat them again. AHHH! TOO MANY RADISHES!
H Early Golden Bantam (an heirloom variety corn): F. It was gross. Really- it tasted like, umm, something gross. And, I was really disappointed because it was my way of sticking it to the man by planting a corn that isn't a hybrid. That means I could save the seeds and not have to buy seeds EVERY YEAR like they expect me to. Anyway, next!
Bohemian Horseradish Sets: A. Average looks, great grower, tasty.
Heritage Everbearing Raspberry: DIED
Latham Summer Bearing Raspberry: DIED (Perhaps due to the black walnut trees nearby. They produce an evil chemical that kills some plants.)

(The H's stand for heirloom seed varieties.)
Would like to get from friends and neighbors next year:
Rhubarb, lemon balm, spearmint, chamomile.

XOXO
~Joce

Meme'd indirectly by Pamela
Where is your cell phone? Nope.
Where is your significant other? School.
Your hair color? Red.
Your mother? Tea.
Your father? Beer.
Your favorite thing? Sleep.
Your dream last night? Scary.
Your dream/goal? Heaven.
The room you’re in? Family.
Your hobby? Books.
Your fear? Dark.
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Quiet.
Where were you last night? Here.
What you’re not? Wishy-washy.
One of your wish-list items? Contentment.
Where you grew up? Adirondacks.
The last thing you did? Admonished.
What are you wearing? Comfy.
Your TV? PBS.
Your pet? Shep.
Your computer? OLD.
Your mood? Pooped.
Missing someone? Jake.
Your car? V8.
Something you’re not wearing? Hat (yet).
Favorite store? Lantz's.
Your summer? Gone.
Love someone? Much.
Your favorite color? Green.
When is the last time you laughed? 1 hour.
Last time you cried? 6 hours.
Seven others? Nope.
XOXO
Joce

Thanks Mel- this is cool.
XOXO
Joce

I wrote this as a comment on another blog- but it pretty much sums up my thoughts on abortion. So I figured I would post it in this pre-election time. Think about the candidates please. And consider carefully. This is an important topic.

(Please excuse the lack of a lead-in.)
I cannot say that abortion is a reproductive right. Or that making it legal makes it better. Abortion is not a good choice. I refuse to choose. Between women and children. I believe it is wrong to force women to choose between sacrificing her education or career plans and sacrificing her child. Women deserve better. Abortion is one more way for men to exploit women. "FREE SEX! NO BABIES! NO WORRIES!" For whom? For him. Because it is not free for her. Abortions are invasive- physically, emotionally, and psychologically. For whom? For the woman. Keeping abortion legal keeps it easy for the culture to keep telling women that their primary value is sexual.
And keeping it legal is confusing- we say, "It's wrong and awful, but we need to keep it as a right for the people it hurts the most (Almost the most, I think it hurts the baby more, but stay with me here). And finally, there are such things as absolutes- and killing little people is absolutely wrong. And keeping it legal keeps it looking like it must be the only choice and keeps women thinking that giving up their bodies and their children is the only thing of value that they have to give. And it makes them kill their babies. And that is not good for anyone's heart. Indiviually, and as a nation. Abortion is bad for our hearts.
XOXO
Joce

PS, Check out Feminists for Life: (And, I just found out, Palin's a dues-paying member.)

Show and Tell:
These are some things I have received via email. And, since I don't do forwards, I will share this week's best with you here. (These first few are rated R for Republican, viewer discretion advised)

















If you are wondering why I feel the way I do, check out a post on my other blog: "Hooked-Up"

This is NOT Cade, but it certainly could be.
And finally, laugh a bit:

Hi all, I just received this email from Kathy Kuss- I think I personally am suffering from a little bit of lung imbalance, and this garlic recipe sounds really good to me, so I thought I would share.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the fall weather arrives, you begin to feel the changes as your body adjusts to, and prepares for cooler weather. Fall is a time of harvesting, of pulling in and building up energy reserves for winter. It is a time of planning, regrouping our thoughts and evaluating our goals. I often reflect on the fall as a time when the winds of change are blowing, a time when you need to listen to your body and your life and make changes where they are needed.

In Chinese medicine the Metal element rules the fall season. The Metal element is a poetic description that represents your lungs, colon and skin. This is the time of year when we become susceptible to colds, coughs, mucus congestion, bronchitis, constipation and skin conditions. The Metal element is represented by the symbol of the sword and shield, because it is considered the controlling force that governs your immune system and protects your body from invaders. This is the time of year to pay special attention to building your immune system so it is strong during the winter months. It is also the time of year to do a colon cleanse, especially if you are constipated or have a sluggish colon (less than 2 good bowel movements per day), this will indirectly improve your lungs, sinus and immune system. Emotionally this is the time to let go of negative old ideas and make room for new and positive thinking. Let go of past mistakes and losses and reach for what is new and promising before you.

Signs of Metal (lung energy) Imbalance

Asthma / mucus congestion/ bronchitis / allergies/ sore throats
Weak immune system prone to catching colds and flu
Shallow breathing, shortness of breath
Skin eruptions like acne or rashes
Self-Protective armor/defensiveness
Deep seated grief or sadness
Meticulousness / perfectionism
Difficulties being emotionally open to new ideas or relationships, withdrawn.

Herbs that balance your lung energy…
At this time of year it is good to choose spicy foods like garlic, horseradish, onions, and hot peppers. These foods increase circulation, open the bronchioles and help thin mucus.
I often recommend Garlic soup at the first signs of a cold:

6 cloves garlic

16 ounces of vegetable or chicken broth

A variety of vegetables including spicy ones

Sauté the garlic in a little olive oil for about 4 minutes, add broth and vegetables. Cook at a low simmer until veggies are soft. Discard the veggies (unless you want to eat them) and pour out the liquid and put aside.

Drink a 6 oz. cup of hot garlic soup 3-4 times a day while fighting a cold or cough. It really helps shorten the duration of the cold.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not going to wait for a cold or cough, I'm making it today.

XOXO
Joce

A certain topic has come up twice in two days, and so I will put my thoughts about it here.
How much should we, that is, us women folk, put into our physical appearance? What does a God-fearing woman look like on the outside? Where does she shop? How often does she get her hair done? How much make-up? How often? On and on these questions can go. I think that the answer will be slightly different for different women because of their God-given gifts. And I don't mean their physical gifts. I mean that some women are artists and enjoy cultivating and decorating things that God has made. Which could include themselves. God made women to be prettier than men, and it's okay if some women want to enhance that a bit (or at least maintain it better than some of us).
But here' the nitty gritty of what I have to say: Two Rules.
1. Your body and grooming should allow you to do the things you like to do. (Possible exmaples: Walk up stairs, play with kids on the floor, ride horses, walk in the woods, etc.)
2. Your spouse should find you attractive.
That's about it.
Here's how that translates for me personally. I can do the things I like to do (pretty much the above examples) and Joe thinks I'm hot.
And now, one more point. Vanity. Vanity pretty much means "things that are pointless." And, um, curly girls who straighten their hair everyday? That's pointless. It's not getting straighter ladies. You're just frying your dead cells. That's gross. Anyway. Back to vanity. Consider the amount of time you must spend to maintain the image that you are currently trying to maintain. Does it equal the benefits you reap? Does the money you spend on your nails improve your life proportionately? And, here's one more thing about vanity. The things we do to improve our looks, does it positively affect those around us? And how long does it last from now? 10 years? 20 years? For the lucky (or rich) few, maybe 30 years? Eventually our faces fall off. There's nothing for it. But, the people around us who we've helped, or the ones for whom we have been a light in a dark world, or for those whom we've been Jesus' hands, feet, arms, or ears? Those deeds are eternal. God cares about that, not our nails or our hair or if our clothes. So keep yourself presentable, brush your teeth, keep your body odor down, and try not to look so scary that you can't be of any help to people. But remember what's important. What do you want on your tombstone? "Here lies a beautiful woman who had really good eyebrows, perfect nails, and always had a very fashionable shirt on her back?" or "Here lies a beautiful woman with caring hands, a gentle expression, and who gave me the shirt off her back"
Tell me what you think about this and how you find your balance on the subject.
XOXO
Joce

http://www.ninaplanck.com/index.php?article=Whole_Milk

Cool article on milk. In case some of you are still scratching your heads as to why I want a cow.

XOXO

Hello!
Just a quick post here. We are thinking of buying a milk cow. Her name is Clara, she is a Jersey cow. Here's why.
If you, or someone you know might interested in helping us use the 5.5 gallons of delicious, nutritious milk per day, let me know.

And now for something that I read and liked enough to post it here: (It is written by Lewis Napper, not me.)

'We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, and delusional folks who seem to be everywhere. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.'

ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.

ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.

ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes. Get an education and go to work. ..don't expect everyone else to take care of you!

ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)

ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill o f Rights.

ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from!

ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!

Well, I am off to class after this, and guess what? I only have 7 more classes after this! For ever and ever, unless I decide to go for my doctorate. (Not likely at this point.) December 2nd will be a day of much rejoicing let me tell you. Red Osier, here I come! Anyway, leave me some comments folks. It's nice to know who is reading.

XOXO
Joce

Family with Down Syndrome Child Meets John McCain and Sarah Palin (from Rush Limbaugh show)
September 9, 2008
BEGIN TRANSCRIPT

RUSH: Kurt in Pittsburgh, hello, sir. Nice to have you on the EIB Network, and how about the Steelers defense?

CALLER: How about those Steelers, huh?

RUSH: How about that?

CALLER: Hey, listen, Rush, longtime listener, first-time caller, one of those Bible, family, gun clingers from western Pennsylvania.

RUSH: Thank you.

CALLER: And I wanted to share a story with you. A week ago last Saturday we went to the Palin-McCain rally in Washington, Pennsylvania, was the day after he announced her, and we have a five-year-old daughter with Down syndrome, and we made a sign that said: 'We Love Kids with Down Syndrome.' So when they pulled in in their bus the sign did catch their, McCain and Palin and the rest of their family, it caught their eye, we could tell, they gave us a thumbs-up from the bus, so we were all excited just by that --

RUSH: Wait, wait, wait. Who gave you the thumbs up, McCain and Palin?

CALLER: McCain, Palin, Cindy McCain, we could see them from the bus. We were in a position where we had eye contact with them --

RUSH: Oh, cool!

CALLER: My wife was holding our daughter.

RUSH: Very, very, very cool.

CALLER: It was really cool, Rush. I was like, 'Wow, that's awesome,' because I love Governor Palin and so I thought that's really neat. So then we moved around as the bus was getting ready to pull out, we kind of positioned ourselves so we could just wave them on and a Secret Service agent came up to us and said, 'Hey, can you come with us?' I was like, 'Do we have a choice?'

RUSH: (laughing) You shouldn't have worried. It's not the Clinton administration.

CALLER: Right. So we accompanied them up the hill, we went right to the bus, where it was, and Governor Palin, Senator McCain, Cindy, Todd Palin, they're all standing there. We're in this inner circle with just us and them, and the Secret Service agent, and they came right up to us and thanked us for coming out, said they loved our sign, and Governor Palin immediately said, 'May I hold your daughter?' and our daughter Chloe, who's five, went right to her, and I have some pictures I'd love to send you maybe when I'm done here, but Governor Palin was hugging Chloe, and then her little daughter brought their baby Trig who has Down syndrome from the bus, he was napping, and Chloe went right over and kissed him on the cheek, and my son Nolan who's nine, he thanked her.

RUSH: This is amazing.

CALLER: I will send you all the stuff, Senator McCain was talking to my son, and we thanked him for his service, and he asked my son if he wanted to see the bus, and we were hanging out and it was very surreal. I felt like we could have had a pizza and a beer with them, they were so warm.

RUSH: You know what? I want to put you on hold. I want Snerdley to give you our super-secret, known-only-to-three-people here, e-mail address.

CALLER: I will send you everything, Rush.

RUSH: And then could you send us these pictures? Would you mind if we put them on the website?

CALLER: I would be honored, and my main thing is they are warm, kind, genuine people, and they represent the best of this country.

RUSH: That's right. And when you send these pictures, make sure you identify them. I mean, we'll know Palin and McCain, of course. Identify yourselves.

CALLER: I will, I will identify everybody in the picture, Rush, and God bless you for being a beacon of hope and truth in this country.

RUSH: Oh, no, no. It's nothing, it's nothing. You're doing the Lord's work.

CALLER: Well, we're very blessed and I want people to know what a blessing it is to have a child with Down syndrome. These kids, they're angels.

RUSH: That's the thing. There's always good to be found in everything that happens. It may be a while before it reveals itself.

CALLER: Absolutely.

RUSH: Right,

CALLER: And when she hugged my daughter I said, here's the difference, this candidate embraces life and all its limitless possibilities.

RUSH: All right.

CALLER: That's what she is.

RUSH: Terrific, okay, I gotta run here, but I'm going to put you on hold.

CALLER: Thank you, Rush.

RUSH: Thank you, Kurt. I really appreciate it.

END TRANSCRIPT

Oky-Doky!
Just a reminder that our super-de-duper party was rescheduled for this Saturday, October 4th.
Come around 5:00 p.m. and bring warm clothes, a snack to pass, an apple dish to enter in our best recipe contest (there are prizes), your favorite yard game, etc.
Come for the hayrides, contests, pumpkin paiting, apple cider pressing, the resulting very fresh cider, the mulled cider, bobbing for apples, donuts on a string, bonfire, and all the other cool stuff we'll be doing. RSVP. Which means, please tell me if you are coming or not.
XOXO
Joce