Chatting with Todd and Sarah Palin - WOW!!!!

Sarah!

As many of you know, Jonathan and I had the opportunity to attend a Sarah Palin rally last night in Jeffersonville, Indiana with two ladies from our church. We arrived early, so we were able to get right up to the runway - not really knowing if she would come in near us or not. I had made a sign saying, "I'm 'X-tra' special - just like Trig" hoping Sarah might see it. When we got in line, someone came down the line saying that we couldn't have signs or food in the building. I was so upset. I ended up just folding up the sign and putting it in the bottom of the stroller. Believe it or not, it made it through security. All the signs you see on the video were passed out after everyone got in the building. I guess it keeps people from putting ugly things on their signs that might be seen on tv. Funny, though, my sign was the only homemade one in the building, and that is the one she referred to!!!

Sarah's bus pulled right up to the runway, probably about 15 yards from where we were standing. When she got to us on the runway, she put her hand over her heart and grabbed her husband Todd's arm and said, "Todd, he looks just like Trig!" Then she blew our Jonathan a kiss. She went on up to the platform and began her speech. About 38 minutes in, she began talking about something that was dear to her heart - children with special needs. She stopped and said, "And I just have to say something about this sign." - gesturing to us. She then (which you can watch in the video link) began to speak of us and to Jonathan directly for a few minutes. It was INCREDIBLE!

That is not all, though. After the rally, two people from her staff came and found me and Jonathan and escorted us to a private place to meet Sarah and Todd. They placed us at the end of the line because they said she would want extra time with us. When we got to her, she immediately took Jonathan and loved on him the entire time we talked. She said, "He was the first person I saw. He just stands out." I had the opportunity to share with her and Todd that we love the Lord and that we knew - much like they did - that Jonathan had Down syndrome before he was born. I shared with them that we had to live out what we had talked about regarding the sanctity of life. I then told them that the "unknowns" of having a baby with special needs are so much more difficult than actually having one. She said, "That is exactly how we feel. That is what I want the world to know." They asked me about Jonathan and his heart surgery. She just couldn't believe how much he and Trig favor. Todd patted me on the arm and said, "Thank you for being such a great mom." I told them how much we as a family appreciated them and what they were doing for people like us. I asked her what WE could do for them. She said, "INTERCEDE FOR US." So... that is what I am asking you guys to do. Election is drawing near. Please pray.

I am including pictures and links to various places online that we have found stories about last night. I have Sarah's assistant's e-mail address so that we can stay in touch with pictures and things. What a privilege.

Just thought you guys would want to know.

LINKS:
www.wave3.com - go to video links and scroll through to the raw video of the rally; go to about 38 minutes in and watch

http://gretawire.foxnews.com/2008/10/29/latest-from-governor-palin-on-the-campaign-trail/ - I actually just submitted pictures to them from last night telling them "we are the people" she talked to

http://www.whas11.com/video/index.html?nvid=298117 - another video of the speech. she talks to us right at the end of this one - part one, and then you can click on part two to watch the rest

Hank Jr....

So, I went to the Palin rally - see next post - and I got my picture made with Hank Jr. and his wife. Her shirt says, "I hunt, and I wear high heels." She told me she shot a wild turkey in high heels one time...wow. My brother's comment was: "Well, shoot. Anybody can kill a turkey in high heels ---- the poor thing probably kept tripping as it tried to run away."

Fun with Friends

We had the privilege of keeping Broc Chesney last weekend and a little Yorkie named Truman. It was loads of fun. Broc was born the same week as Jonathan, so the boys had a good time. Here are some fun pics...

Buzz Lightyear To the Rescue!!

Jonathan is "on the move" - FINALLY!!! Hooray!

Memommy, this is for you...

We came home from church tonight, and we had a message from Memommy. Memommy is always worried that Jonathan won't know who she is because she lives so far away and doesn't get to see Jonathan very often. Well, he heard her voice and went nuts! I grabbed the camera and played the message again. Watch...

Okay, so he hates strawberries, too...

Lange and the kids kept Jonathan while I visited a friend at the hospital this past Sunday evening. Lange decided to "experiment" with Jonathan on some new foods. Just watch. Poor Jonathan is trying so hard to be happy about strawberries, but he just can't quite do it.

The many faces of Jonathan

Jonathan has to be one of the most expressive babies I have ever seen. Here are a few pics we got of him this week. The first two are "peek-a-boo", and the third one is a BIG "all done" to his sister.

BALL!!!!

By far, Jonathan's favorite pastime is playing ball with daddy. Enjoy the video!

Fly fishing with friends

Lange had the wonderful opportunity to go fly fishing with one of his best friends for the day last Saturday. The weather was perfect, and Lange caught the most fish - at least that is what he told me. Jeff, you will have to let me know if that is true or not...

Bedtime giggles

Justin, Jailyn, and Jonathan all piled in our bed the other night. It is sweet to see the older two enjoy Jonathan as much as they do. He is beginning to really want to be with them and do everything they do now.

Dishwasher disaster

Our thoughtful almost 12 year old decided to run the dishwasher while we were at rehearsal Tuesday night. Our babysitter walked in the kitchen a few minutes later to see suds moving across the floor. Justin had put Palmolive in the dishwasher rather than the correct detergent. It took several hours to get it straight...

Bathtub fun

Jonathan LOVES bath time. This was too cute not to include.

I HATE BROCCOLI!!!

Yes, our sweet little child has opinions now. Just watch.... First, you see the "all done" sign, then the shake of the head, then the ANGER!!!

Uncle Rico

Lange was kind enough to shave for me after I got home, but not until he tried to convince me he was a "mustache" kind of guy. All I can say is "Uncle Rico."

October 7th

The first thing we did after we got off the airplane on Tuesday was hug our "men". Then we headed to Outback to celebrate Jailyn's birthday. Lange - you will notice - was still sporting his "mountain man" face. Needless to say, he shaved later that night. See future posts...

The end of the trail...

More of the trail

Appalachian Trail

While we were in North Carolina, Lange and Justin hiked about 27 miles of the Appalachian Trail in three days. They went with some of our close family friends and had a great time. Here are some of our favorite pictures!

Homecoming with Papa and Memommy

Jonathan playing "pat-a-cake"

Jailyn and I got to sing at Homecoming for Memommy and Papa's church. We really enjoyed ourselves. Plus, we got to eat NC BBQ for lunch. YUMMY!!!!

Happy Birthday, Jailyn!

NORTH CAROLINA

Jonathan and the "girls"

Jamie and niece Sophia

"little man" Jonathan and mommy

All the grandkids

Papa and Jonathan

Jailyn, Jonathan, and I made a trip to North Carolina to celebrate Jailyn's birthday and see all our family. We had a wonderful time. Here are some pictures from a celebration in downtown Graham near where mom and dad live.