Election day 2008.

I thought I'd document this historical day, even though I'm sure it'll be weeks before the confetti settles enough to either clap or cry, lol. To commemorate this historic day even further (I think we say that every year, that this is a "HISTORICAL ELECTION" as if it's something special compared to EVERY election) we will be glued to our television stations and coloring in maps as results are tabulated. I also have a coloring sheet rocket that we'll color in for every 25 electoral votes each candidate gets so we can track that as well. Of course, the kids have to be in bed at 7:30 (I may let them stay up later if they're really interested) so *I* will likely be the one doing the coloring. Let's hope this doesn't drag on to an anticlimactic finish like the last election does. As most of you probably know, I'm an ObamaMama. I really like him. My misgivings about McCain stem from his age and his lack of any sort of connection to the kind of life I lead. It's not his fault, but a guy who owns 5 homes probably doesn't really understand what it's like to be barely holding onto 1. A guy in his 70's isn't necessarily too old to be president, but he sure doesn't remember what it's like to have a baby keeping you up all night either. And I wonder when the last time McCain did any sort of grocery shopping or stressed out over his grocery budget. Sure, Obama isn't poor, but he had to take out student loans to get an education. That says something to me. I just really genuinely like Obama. No matter what happens though, please, PLEASE let things get better.

We've been struggling for so long on so many issues. The whole time Neall was in school it was "things are bleak now but as soon as you graduate life will be better". And then the housing market crashed and just as we were getting ready to refinance (Neall had good time at his job, had gotten his review and raise, things were settling down with other bills) WHAM, housing market starts to wobble. We were just not high enough in the credit ratings to get a better loan. So we got behind when the rates adjusted and things went haywire from there. We ended up in an 11.75% fixed rate (it was sign those papers or come up with several thousand dollars by tomorrow) and here we are. We can't afford our monthly payments but we can't afford not to either. So, we continue to struggle. Things were supposed to be better, and they aren't. This has been a theme for about a year or so in my blog. Dang it, now I'm depressing myself.

Now that Halloween is over it's time, yet again, to turn our faces and thoughts toward Christmas. I thought I'd get a jump this year in changing my mind set regarding the holidays. I always start off with good intentions, but find myself caught up in the hype as Christmas gets closer and closer. This year I have no grand ideas about making each child something fantastic (never gets done). Nor do I have delusions about those who love us believing me when I say "really, we don't need anything". So, I am already creating a list of items I think the children really would enjoy. I'm also creating a list of items we, as a family, would like to have. I know the kids are covered this year so I'd like to find something special for my dh and focus on him. For me this is important for several reasons. First, Neall does not get his fair share of attention. Many days I am resistant to this fact, but honestly it's just me being stubborn. He had me first, he should get me when he needs me. There is, of course, less black-and-white-ness to this issue than I've typed out here, but suffice it to say that I think he is correct about not getting enough of my attention. The trouble with Neall is that everything he wants is EXPENSIVE, lol. Men and their toys (I know, women should talk, huh?). I promised him a television which didn't happen. I'm still on the hook for the television so I have to come up with some other grand idea. The wheels are turning. Honey, if you're reading, drop me some hints ok? I know you'd like the pennywhistle book/video/whateveritis. I can't think of anything else on your list though, so be subtle and email me a list ok? Prices and the place to buy them would also be helpful. Second, (you thought I forgot about my several reasons didn't you?), this is important because it will allow me to focus on one special thing, get caught up in the spirit of the season, have some winter-y fun, without that understandable urge to go overboard. With 4 kids it takes all of 1 afternoon to lose it and go on a shopping spree. With just one dh to worry about I can focus on keeping my eyes on the prize (which would be the perfect gift surprise).