Video Time!

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You.

Rated VS (very silly)

Written and directed by Julie (with some help from her parents)

Starring Julie Cannon, David Cannon, Joshua Cannon, James Cannon, and Deborah Cannon. And Jesse Cannon's hand.

Julie's Opinion of The Inaugural Ceremony

Julie watched the swearing-in ceremony at school. When we asked her what she thought about President Obama's speech, she said that he said a lot of things about what he wanted to do. But she raved about Yo-Yo Ma and the amazing song he played with his "band."

WOW!!!

I spent the morning watching the inaugural ceremony on CNN.com. I have been very struck by the timing of this inauguration - the day after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We watched the "I Have A Dream" speech last night as part of Family Home Evening, then we sang My Country, Tis of Thee with the kids. It was absolutely thrilling to listen to Aretha Franklin sing the same song this morning before President Obama took the oath of office.

I have said before that I don't agree with all of Pres. Obama's ideology, but I have great respect for him: for his abilities as a writer and especially as an orator; for his dedication to wife and family; for his ability to inspire multitudes with love of country; for his ability to unite vastly different people in a common cause. I expected a stirring inaugural address, and was not disappointed. His mood seemed somber, but I recognize his acceptance of the great responsibilities as President of these great United States. Following is my favorite part of his address. Even two hours later when NPR replayed a part of the second paragraph, I was moved to tears - again.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

God bless America!!! And may the Lord protect President Obama and his family from harm and bless him with wisdom as he makes decisions for the people of the USA.

Would you believe me if I tried to convice you that our kids have joined the rodeo circuit and become wild bronco riders? After all, they are Texans, right? They don't start the little kids out on pigs or sheep here like at the Oakley Rodeo... its all or nothing.

Don't worry, David survived the fall. He's used to it by now.

Video Time

My mom shared a special Christmas song with us this year. Jesse thought it merited a video. Enjoy!

Video Time!

Celebrate the 40th year of Sesame Street with me by taking a trip to the Crayola factory! I loved this segment so much when I was a little girl, that I have wanted to share it with my own children. I have often thought about writing to CTW to request an episode with the clip in it. I was overjoyed when I found it on youTube today (much less work!). ;)

Edible New Year

Rochelle (Jesse's sister) and her family helped us welcome the new year. We celebrated with chocolate (Do you think I could celebrate any other way?): the letters and party favors are dyed white chocolate, and the chocolate "bowls" are filled with homemade cheesecake and topped with berries. Julie was very excited to help me spell "happy new year," and the boys were happy to eat the white chocolate I didn't mold. I must say, I have always loved chocolate-covered strawberries, but I discovered how delightful blueberries and raspberries taste when eaten with chocolate.