a day in the woods...

Back to DC

To continue with our DC trip last month – here is a picture that took my breath away. I did not take it. I believe it was taken by a staffer from WLC.

It so perfectly captures the solemn atmosphere at the Vietnam Wall, or any of the memorials for that matter.

This is sweet girl’s entire group that was together for the week. I enjoyed the time I got to spend with them and get to know some of them. They were a great group of kids. Sweet girl loved getting to know so many people from so many states. I do believe she made some friends for life – again.

The Metro. I think every time we rode the Metro it was an adventure. What was amazing to me was that the conference leaders were able to coordinate ALL THOSE KIDS and get every one of them on the Metro AT THE SAME TIME. Seriously, that is no small feat. It was hard enough just to get the 6 of us from the airport to the hotel on 1 subway. But over 100 kids?! They did it. It was fun to watch too.

This was the start of our night tour. They loaded everyone on charter buses and toted us around DC to some of the major memorials.

And the kids were none too happy to be in “official dress”, it was still over 100 degrees outside.

World War II Memorial. It’s one of the most recently opened ones – 2004.

Each state had a pillar. We found Texas!

And one of my other heroes – Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

 

And on to the FDR Memorial. This one was very different – very spread out – lots of water.

 

And sweet girl thought she was so funny - “Look Mom! I’m taller than Montana!”

 

The Korean War Memorial – very creepy.

The Lincoln Memorial at night was just as breath-taking and awesome as it was during the day.

And this was where we ended. It was an awesome tour, even though our tour guide mistakenly called Eisenhower - “David Eisenhower”. That one hurt, but she is a native of Sweden so I guess I can’t get too upset.

Tomorrow – FFA goes to the Capitol.

One Sunday Morning

It was Sunday morning

We ran a little late

Nothing new

Par for the course

On a Sunday morning

Scrambled to the car

Buckled ‘em all in

Honked the horn for #4

To “GET IN THE CAR”

On a Sunday morning

Off we went

Down the road

Hit the highway

Thankful there was no traffic

On a Sunday morning

Then I thought about it

And I got sad

Because

There was no traffic

On a Sunday morning.

Defeat is not an option

 

George Washington did not consider the tragic winter of 1776-1777 as a defeat. Before the onset of winter, Washington’s army had suffered a great number of setbacks and defeats. What began as an army of 20,000 diminished to 3,500 within a mere 3 months. Of those remaining, at least half were too sick or weak to contribute because of the harsh winter. But still, Washington pressed on, rather than allow the word “defeated” to enter his conscience. Because he did this – our great country is free from the control of a monarchy on the other side of the ocean.

 

General Sam Houston did not consider the complete catastrophe of the Alamo as a defeat. On the heels of that incredible wipeout, he marched on and continued his fight near San Jacinto. Because he did this – our great state is now part of the United States of America, something that should not be taken lightly.

These men give me courage and remind me that it’s not the small battles that should be our focus. It’s the big picture, the goal, the path set before you. It is these men that I remember when I look at this face:

And consider the daunting task of potty training that lies ahead of us. I will not surrender. I will not be defeated. Though he may win the battle, the sun will rise, and tomorrow is another day.

Isn’t She Lovely?

Stevie Wonder comes to mind when I see these pictures. His song – not that she resembles Stevie. It’s his song that plays in my head. I love it.

Just listen (read) a snippet:

Isn't she pretty
Truly the angel's best
Boy, I'm so happy
We have been heaven blessed
I can't believe what God has done
Through us he's given life to one
But isn't she lovely made from love

Now really – how perfect is that? Just describes what my heart feels about my daughter.

I’m looking forward to another fun-filled school year with her! I love to follow along with all her adventures. Never a dull moment in her world.

I love you sweet girl. God definitely rocked our world when He gave you to us!!!

Mount Vernon

This was the day that I had been looking forward to. Every since I became obsessed with history, George Washington has fascinated me. He’s my hero. If only we had more of him.

I was glad I had planned my visit to Mount Vernon early in the morning. I hopped on the subway, again all by myself, rode to the end of the yellow line. There I hopped on Fairfax County bus #101 and rode to Mount Vernon. Easy as pie! Again, my sweet friend gave me all the instructions.

I made a beeline for the mansion. I was a little disappointed that they were refacing the front of the mansion. A process called “rustication”.

Very interesting, but all the tarps and scaffold made for some not so attractive pics of the front of the mansion. Bummer.

But just look at the view from Mr. Washington’s back porch. Spectacular. Can’t you just picture George and Martha relaxing right in this spot?

No pictures were allowed inside the mansion. They have done a lot to keep it as authentic as possible. Much of the dining room furniture and fixtures were all original, as well as the master bedroom upstairs where George took his last breath.

This room is part of the kitchen house. It was separate from the main house, attached by a covered walkway.

Mount Vernon was very nearly completely self sufficient. They wove their own clothing, although much of George & Martha’s wardrobe was still ordered from finer clothing makers overseas. All of the clothing and shoes for the staff and slaves was made on site.

Everything was just so beautiful.

Staff quarters on either side of the green house.

 

And here is the Washington family tomb. Martha is on the left, George is on the right. Behind that black door lies the rest of the family. This had me spellbound. I was in awe at the fact that I was standing at the foot of George Washington’s grave. Again, words can’t describe what I felt.

This is a memorial placed at the top of a hill that is believed to be the slave burial grounds. The memorial stands in honor of all the slaves that lived and served at Mount Vernon.

The 16-sided barn.

One of the slave houses near the barn.

Mount Vernon was perhaps my favorite site of the entire week. It’s hard to say “favorite” because each place, each memorial, each museum represents a different part of the whole of our history. It is all fascinating to me.