We've got ANOTHER holiday to worry about. It seems Thanksgiving Day is upon us. - Charlie Brown

It's almost Thanksgiving again. This time last year our family was dealing with such sad news affecting one of our closest family friends that we didn't feel much like celebrating. So, we stayed home and had a modest dinner with just the 5 of us. We didn't have tv so there was no Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on. Watching the parade at our house means playing parade bingo which I make boards for every year. I buy prizes for the winners and it keeps the kids busy for a few hours while I prep the Thanksgiving feast. While last year was very sad, we enjoyed staying home and relaxing in front of the fire. Nice and quiet.

As I'm thinking of things I'm grateful for...thank you Jaime... I realized how grateful I am for the love of such amazing friends and family. It's so comforting to know, as we approach the season when we celebrate the ultimate gift to us, that I give the gift of friendship and love to those around me because I feel it so often given to me. I hope you feel that as much as I do! Lots of love to you and Happy Holidays!!

I know I'm not alone

Before I started blogging I told my husband- I don't need a blog because I don't have anything to say. Well, I've got something to say- I've been very disappointed in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints recently because of their involvement politically. In the past I've taken pride in being a member of a church that so boldly encourages it's members to "vote their conscience" and not be "led blindly". And while the LDS members in California were probably voting their conscience I often wonder whether the church's involvement in passing this legislation crossed the line in so many ways. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind about the rights or wrongs of gay marriage....but I am saddened by the discrimination that has been so tolerated and encouraged. The history is plain- the LDS church fights against the Equal Rights Amendment (late 70s through early 80s), the LDS church refuses priesthood for blacks until the late 1970s and now Proposition 8.

This is not just a California issue for those of us in the LDS church who believe in equality for all. There are people who feel they can't worship at church because of the hostility going on in California wards. That kind of feeling has NO place in our houses of worship. I'm obviously going out on a limb here because like some of our California brothers and sisters I may possibly loose friends over my views- but I can no longer keep silent. Thank you to Barbara Young (wife of Steve Young) for voting her conscience and encouraging me to speak mine.

Barbara Young had sent a statement earlier Friday through the gay-rights group Equality California, saying: "We believe all families matter, and we do not believe in discrimination, therefore, our family will vote against Prop. 8."

"Twilight" in MY life

Last night at a chilly soccer practice I pulled out my newest purchase- Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. I have to have this book read before my friends and I go to see the movie in 3 weeks. I thought this would be a stretch due to my busy full-time Mom position but, ha ha ha- I'm now on page 426 out of 498. Imagine my surprise to find out on page 5 where this story takes place. Just south of the city of Port Angeles, Washington- home to my sister, Pam, niece, Chelsey, and my father, Brian. I took the kids there in September 2006 and we LOVED it! The first picture is from Brian's backporch, then us at the top of Hurricane Ridge, the last picture is from the ferry on the way back from Canada coming into Port Angeles. Enjoy the pics! Can't wait to start reading book 2!!

Our latest trip!

Home again, home again....jiggity jig.

Here are the pictures of our trip to New Jersey with Bryan and then most of the pictures of us at Barbara Ann's wedding in Topsail, North Carolina. We stayed on the beach in a fabulous 6 bedroom house with our cousins, aunt & uncle on the Mooney side of our family. We could have stayed all week it was so fun. Imagine sleeping in your bed by the ocean and feeling the wind sway the house and your bed! The wedding got moved indoors for fear of being blown away- 30 mph winds! Bryan's cousin, Barbara Ann, was married to her true love, Chuck Price in a silent and emotional Quaker ceremony two weekends ago. During the reception Chuck sang a song he wrote to Barbara Ann. The guests were quickly divided into 3 groups by the groom's family and were led by them in singing harmony parts to the song while the newlyweds danced their first dance. It was so moving that we could all barely sing our parts because of all the tears. All of your closest family and friends encircling and serenading you and your true love. What an amazing experience to be allowed into such a priceless moment in their lives. It will never be forgotten.

Anyone who wanted to sing with the band was welcome to sing or play along- so the girls (Jewel, Riley, Maddie, Olivia, Lara & Lola) decided to sing together to Chuck & Barbara Ann. They practiced all day before the wedding and sang "Our Song" by Taylor Swift. They got a standing ovation! It was adorable. They are now preparing something to sing for Thanksgiving, too.

It's good to be home and back on schedule. We're anxiously awaiting the results of the election here.....we're gearing up for a late night. I hope you've all voted your heart and not what you've been reading in emails. God bless all those are undecided to see what's real and true. Good luck, America. There's no going back!

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Just another Cochran Saturday

Quick blog- we're off to the pool.

The kids surprised me at the Auburn Fest by asking to jump on the high bounce. They NEVER want to do it all the mall. It was right next to Aunt Marsha's & Renee's hair bow booth. Even the Bug was loving it. Then Grammy, Grampa, Uncle Randy, Audrey & Kelsey joined us for Reed's soccer game at the YMCA. This is his first season playing soccer and he's really enjoying it.

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Lola's Birthday Party

We just LOVE our cousin Lola. She is 5 years old now! Her birthday party was at the Red Door Playhouse in downtown Roswell. The girls had a fabulous time dancing, singing, doing the limbo, cha cha slide, hoola-hoop relay and running around smacking each other on the head with balloons. Reed watched from the safety of the balcony:) Happy Birthday-Lola

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Mooney Fall Festival 2008

Well, we've been looking forward to this past weekend all year. It's time for the annual Mooney Fall Festival at Camp Mooney in the Boonies:) That would be Clint, Michele & Carson's house in Dawsonville, GA. There were six families who co-hosted the festival this year. We played games, bounced, had a bonfire, hayride, movie under the stars... you name it. Everyone brought side dishes and dessert and we enjoyed the BEAUTIFUL weather. The kids bounced in the bouncer until midnight- all we could see were their glow in the dark necklaces going up & down & up & down. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this year's festival such an amazing day. Ya'll enjoy the pictures!

PS- If the pics seem small, just click the back arrow on the picture page and when you click back to the page they should have adjusted:)

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