Dirkmonster

Sianora 2008

Happy New Year everyone!

There are those years no one will ever forget, like 2001.  Others register instant memories for me: 1976 (Bicentennial celebration in DC), 1987 (Mom died), 1996 (I got married) and 2002/2005 (our children were born).

Other years, I'd have to think about it order to come up with something hugely significant.  There's something every year of course, but not every year is attached to my brain's random access memory.  I'll throw one out: 1983.  Eh?

Folks, I have a feeling 2008 will be one of those significant years for me.  I won't forget this was the year the Titans surprised everyone with the best regular season record in the NFL.  I agree with those who suggest 2008 was the best sports year ever.

I won't forget 2008 was the year Barack Obama was elected President of the United States.

I won't forget 2008 was the year I realized God didn't want me to drink.

I won't forget watching Lyn work harder than she ever needed to and ride a professional roller coaster in the process.

I won't forget watching Ross go to Kindergarten in a wonderful public school in the fall of 2008.  And by Christmas he was 6 years old reader and writer.  Jenna Claire is in preschool for the first time and loves all things Princess.

<--And just when you thought 2008 couldn't get any more wierd, my Dad asked me to be his friend on Facebook.

Tonight we'll close out the year with old friends in a new way.  I'm not worried about 2009 yet.  I'm waiting until next year for that.

"Barack the Magic Negro"? Oh Chip, that's no stocking stuffer

Chip Saltsman probably had no chance to be elected Republican National Committee Chairman anyway, but this pretty much seals the deal.

The chairman of the Republican National Committee said he was "appalled" by a song called "Barack the Magic Negro" on a CD distributed by one of his political rivals...

Chip Saltsman sent RNC members the parody CD "We Hate the USA" for Christmas, which includes the controversial tune. He defended his decision Friday, telling CNN the song was clearly intended as a joke.

"I think most people recognize political satire when they see it," Saltsman told CNN. "I think RNC members understand that."

Yeah, that's the problem.

Saltsman, a former chair of the Tennessee Republican Party, was a top advisor to former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and managed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign.

He is one of several candidates running to replace Duncan in the closely contested race to lead the Republican Party.

Republicans need a leader with a better sense of humor and plenty of common sense.

Ross brushes off sickness for a Merry Christmas

We learned about Fifth Disease this Christmas as Ross broke out in rosy cheeks, a rash and woke up with sore legs.  He was sick on his birthday a week ago as well.  It did not slow him down.  Notably, this Christmas was the first one where we could sit back and have Ross deliver gifts from under the tree - he's reading!

Jenna Claire was overjoyed that Santa brought her a dollhouse, lots of Barbie and Princess related items and pretty clothes that matched.  Ross is excited about his basketball goal, a Nintendo DS and some video games.

See some pictures here.

This Christmas reminded me more than any what the Gospel teaches, that "With God, nothing is impossible".

Ross' "Mii" Cake

Ross had his 6th birthday party today.  For his cake design he wanted his "Mii", his alter ego on his Wii game system.  I'm just glad he didn't want Daddy's "Mii" which Ross likes to make gain weight. Ha Ha.  Anyway, I thought Darlene's in Nashville did a great job.

Ross and his classmate Bryson, who is a great kid, combined their birthday parties after discovering both invited their class to Glow Galaxy on the same day.  Two birthday boys, two birthday cakes, twice the fun!