Where Your Heart Is, Your Treasure Be

Off to NOLA

2010-04-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Next week for Spring Break I will be headed down to New Orleans with a group of Students from BBHS and surrounding Catholic High schools to rebuild houses throughout the New Orleans area. I am really excited and hope that we all have a safe and enriching experience. Hopefully I will have time to keep a journal of everything we encounter and blog about it upon my return!

Luckily, my pals from work got me a really cool tool belt to use when I am down there- a must have for any home building extravaganza!

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we embark on this journey together!

For More information, go to:
http://www.stbernardproject.org/v158/
http://www.shirtsacrossamerica.com/main.htm

Updates

2010-03-09T21:00:00.001-08:00

We took a mini road trip to Oregon... Hood River, Eugene and Forest Grove- such a great weekend! Went to Full Sail, went on a wine tour, saw good friends, saw some good nature stuff- went to a dam- it rained a lot but it was such a great get-a-way!

Nick continued to grow the "who dat" stache Thankfully for Nick (and me), the Saints won the Superbowl- so the stache was shaved. Although he did rock the creepy mustache man look pretty well.

Mom and Dad celebrated 35 years of wedded bliss:) Jan 25

Also-
Nick starts student teaching next week
Cheer is finally over so I have my evenings back!
I am really excited about my Spring Break mission trip to NOLA with BBHS kids
Nick learned how to Skype yesterday and did so with his brother in Louisiana... could be the start of a whole new activity for him!
All is good in the Meaux house!

WHO DAT!?!?!?!?!?!

2010-02-09T20:55:00.001-08:00

Catching Up

2010-01-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

Phew its been a while...I'll work backwards!

December 26th after Christmas with my family we headed down to Louisiana. The photo above is the whole Meaux family- first time since our wedding three and a half years ago we have all been in the same place, at the same time!

Nick and I went to the Saints game (a sad loss) with the siblings and cousins. It was so much fun to be in Who Dat nation!

We spent New Year's in New Orleans with Nick's brothers and my sister flew down an celebrated the New Year with us too! What a city!

Ms. Milne (my sister) is the bst 4th grade teacher ever. She told her students (she only has 14) that if the brought in 500 cans for their schools food drive, the school goal was 2000, she would let them all throw a pie in her face. Needless to say, her class of 14 brought in 520 cans (1/4 of the entire schools goal!) and so she had pie day... of course Nick and I went to watch.

Halloween was fun- we went to an range and black party so we didn't have to come up with costumes- but Homer asked to be a devil, so we let him.

We hosted the First Annual Race for Lois in Bellingham. We did the race in honor of our grandma who passed away in October. We were able to donate $1000.00 to Whatcom County Hospice, thanks to all those who participated!!!

We were able to hit up the last few games of the Seahawks season... a little disappointing- bu fun nonetheless!

Thats a brief synopsis of what's been going on with us.... more to come in the near future!

Linus Monologue - A Charlie Brown Christmas

2009-12-13T20:11:00.001-08:00

Forever in Our Hearts

2009-10-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

Grandma Lois, you will be missed. You are the best grandma a girl could ask for. Cheers to you and Grandpa Leroy- save a place at happy hour for us :)

Lois M. Flammang Lois M. Flammang, 80, of Bellingham, died Friday, October 2, 2009 at her home surrounded by family and loved ones. Lois was born August 8, 1929 to Daniel and Avis Mulvihill, in Minot, ND, where she graduated from Minot High School. She married shortly thereafter, and gave birth to son Daniel (1948), and daughter Mary (1950). She and husband LeRoy moved to Whitefish, MT where their daughter Roxanne (1952) was born. The family moved to TX in 1960 where LeRoy was employed by the US Border Patrol. In 1963, the family moved to Blaine, WA. After LeRoy's retirement in 1980, they spent much of their time traveling. They began the snowbird lifestyle, spending winters in CA and AZ, and summers in Whatcom county. They finally settled in Casa Grande, AZ for their permanent winter home. After LeRoy passed away in 2000, she continued to travel, going on cruises and road trips. This year, she met and fell in love with Chuck Schwarzenbacher, to whom she was engaged. In July, she became ill with cancer. Lois is survived by her son, Dan Flammang and wife Judi Joyner, of Blaine, daughter Mary Huntley and husband Bob Stevens of VT, and daughter Roxanne Milne and husband Mike Milne of Seattle, WA. She is slso survived by granddaughters Natalya Maybo, of MA, Caroline Milne of Seattle, and Laura and husband Nicholas Meaux of Seattle, and fiancé Chuck Schwarzenbacher, of WI. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Dan and Avis Mulvihill, brothers Frank and George Mulvihill, and husband LeRoy P. Flammang. The family wishes to thank all the caregivers who helped her during her illness, including the staff at Ferndale Family Medical Center, the staff at Peace Health, the wonderful people from Whatcom Hospice, the family friends who provided food and support, and especially to her friend and neighbor, Elizabeth Suel, who gave so much of her time and energy to comfort and care for Lois and her family. She is an angel on earth. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church at 604 H St, in Blaine, at 11:00 Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice House, or the Diabetes Society.

Leavenworth

2009-08-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

Better Late than Never!!!!

2009-07-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

To My Hubby- Three years ago (July 15) we were married!!!! I love you more than I ever knew possible!!!!

Happy 57th Dad!!!!

2009-07-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

Happy 57th Birthday Dad... A tribute to you... our dad!

57 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT MR.MIKE!

1. His mustache- never known you with out it!
2. His BBQ... aka free meals
3. Your grandfather abilities... Homer appreciates them
4. How he talks with his hands
5. His semi celebrity status
6. His "Vacation" and "Sick" days
7. His momma- we love grams!
8. His almost entirely gray head of hair - sorry about that, we take full responsibility
9. His eyebrows.. and their hugeness.. lick your fingers :)
10. His sense of humor... or what he THINKS is his sense of humor
11. His slippers- same ones he's had since 1954
12. The new electric guitar... and the old acoustic one... and the amp!
13. The new heat lamp- that has never been used
14. The fire pit- that has also ever been used
15. The rainbow umbrella- pride
16. His badge... intimidating!
17. His iPod- the new one and the one he drowned in iced tea, or lemonade (I don't remember)
18. You on the Stephen Colbert Report... nailed 'em!
19. His bag of ice
20. the UCLA cup
21. His "bling" magnet
22. His rub...(on the shrimp)
23. The mini computer "for emails"
24. Who's a good doggy?
25. True story....
26. Keeping Order at the border!
27. Microwaved eggs
28. Leeeeeeiiiiiiiiii-la
29. Sock and watch tan!
30. Best game of golf?
31. Truck canopy
32. Digging out of driveway on Christmas
33. Your "small" plasma tv
34. Spider killer
35. The blue chair...and how we envy it!
36. Email forwarding obsession
37. Free printing at work
38. Nap time at work
39. The foosball table
40. The presidential suite... aka bathroom
41. Always nice weather on July 10th
42. Customs dog trading cards
43. The Ron Dog AFU
44. You and your "twin" Don
45. Pajama pants
46. Setting up daughter up with married p.t.
47. 8 track, record, and all other old stuff players
48. Frozen berries
49. Your other house we will never be invited to!
50. You as the taxi cab driver to the bars!
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!!!
51. You're devotion to your wife and children and family. After 34 years of marriage, 28 years with children and a son in law and grand dog later you are still the best dad/husband/father in law/ grand dog dad ever!
52. The love you have for your mother, you will never stop helping her! It is a true example of how we should strive to love our mother
53. You always drop what you are doing to do us a favor- or schedule your day around how you can help us... always
54. You always ask how our day is... "tell me more"... and are interested in what the response is
55. Your sense of humor... even though we laugh at/with you... you always make us laugh
56. You always do what you can to help anyone, anytime, anywhere
57. You always make sure that everyone is having a good time, you talk to anyone, you love everyone and you are such an engaging and loving person.

We love you dad!!!

-C, L and N (and H)

RIP 1st Lt. Brian N. Bradshaw

2009-06-26T18:53:00.001-07:00

This is a Picture of Erica (my camp BFF) and me and Brian in 2001- we were babies!!!!

Brian was killed in a roadside bomb in Afghanistan this week. He had a great sense of humor and he was such a cutie! (Erica had the BIGGEST crush on him:)) He always had a great sarcastic comment, which I appreciated, and he worked at camp- which is one of the many standards to which I measure how decent of a person you can be! He is loved and he will be missed.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

http://www.adn.com/news/military/story/844748.html

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104223&id=610026816&ref=share

8 Things on June 8th!

2009-06-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

8 Things I am looking forward to:

1. Summer in Seattle!
2. The Anna/Joe Wedding
3. Seeing all four of the college roomies in July!
4. My sister in law spending her summer in Seattle
5. Nick having a normal schedule again in September
6. Weekend vacations around Washington
7. Another year at Bishop Blanchet High School with a new group of girls
8. Nightly BBQ's on the deck

8 Things I did Yesterday:

1. Hung out with my 79 year old grandma and got to her about her new boyfriend
2. Went to Java Jane and got a double punch and now my next coffee is free!
3. Went to the store and bought Sponge Bob mac and cheese and ate the whole box for lunch
4. Watched some of I am a celebrity, get me out of here and finally realized what is wrong with the world!
5. Played Kanasta with Nick on the deck, enjoying the evening weather- and won
6. Had Papa Murphy's Take and Bake Garlic Chicken Pizza with my sister and Nick
7. Got the red wine stain out of my white pants that some guy spilled on me at a wine tasting at BBHS on Saturday
8. Designed a t-shirt for our kids cheer camp we have every summer

8 Things I wish I could do:

1. Get a job
2. Go to Europe
3. Be a better stay at home wife
4. Be more focused
5. Gymnastics
6. Play the guitar
7. Remodel the condo
8. Go to sleep earlier

8 Shows I watch: (kind of a bad time for shows since it is summer and they all had season finales!)
1. The next Food Network Star- premiered yesterday and I think I am now hooked
2. Family Guy- guilty pleasure
3. Friday Night Lights
4. Gilmore Girls
5. Army Wives
6. Brothers and Sisters
7. Lie to Me
8. The Office

Back on the Grid!!!

2009-06-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

Wow- a lot has been going on since my last post in April! We have been busy- Nick has work and school all the time and I am still on the full time job hunt but my BBHS work has kept me busy. I haven't been into the computer and blogging and facebook so much lately... been busy with other things I guess and whenever Nick is home he is working on the computer- so there is a lot to catch up on!

Here is the last month and a half of our lives in a nutshell.
*Summer finally came to Seattle and the view from one of our favorites Edmonds spots is amazing!
*Our friends welcomed a baby girl, Allison Emily Hart (the recipient of the diaper cake)
*We celebrated Mother's Day and my mom's birthday (both on May 10th)
*Nick Turned 27
*We went to a place called Northwest Trek with this huge roaming area for tons of animals and went on this really cool tram ride through it
*My mom and sister and I spent a "Girls Weekend" with friends from high school and their moms in Allyn Washington- so fun!
*The pool at the condo opened and we have been swimming a few times (the days it was 90 degrees) and it was great!
*Nick went to Mt. Rainier for a class field trip- we can't wait to go back later in the summer when there is less snow!
*Homer (our dog) continues to be too funny for words and recently discovered himself in the mirror
*Nick went to Denver to the OAR concert with his brother and visited our nephews who are so funny!

Zoo Membership = Best Investment EVER

2009-04-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Cutest Nephews Ever... Denver 2009

2009-04-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

Yes.. Easter threw up on us... but we love it!

2009-04-13T02:02:00.000-07:00

And have since decided... no Easter Bunny in the Meaux House!... for now!

2009-04-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

This Made me Cry...

2009-04-08T01:37:00.000-07:00

I am a loyal follower of Newsweek. I don't always enjoy their main headlines or their human interest stories, but my parents have given me the Christmas gift of subscription for the past few years.... and I think it is one of the best presents I have ever received, and they re gift it to me every year, which I really appreciate. I enjoy Newsweek... there are always articles that touch the heart an encourage the spirit and enrage the humanity inside us... that is why I love Newsweek so much.

This week, however, was a different feel. the cover all black, with a red cross written out as: "THE DECLINE AND FALL OF CHRISTIAN AMERICA" making, of course, the shape of the cross.

Please note, I admit to not being an every Sunday Church going Catholic.... but I am a Catholic... no matter what...

I opened and read the article titled "The End of Christian America"... and cried.

The picture above had no caption, other than who took the photo...trying to show, I suppose no one behind the pulpit... for dramatic purposes, I suppose.

After reading this article, I was not compelled to run out and search for the mass I have been missing or the spiritual guidance I have been longing for... I have had those all along.

Instead, I found sadness and hopefulness in this article.

"America, then, is not a post-religious society - and cannot be as long as there are people in it, for faith is an intrinsic human impulse. The belief is an order or a reality beyond time and space is ancient and enduring." All men, said Homer, need gods.

Augustine said "a nation should be defined as a multitude of rational beings in common agreement as to the objects of their love"

http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583

Read the whole article above...

As a relief from this semi sad article, I turned to Anna Quindlen, who usually has the last GOOD word in Newsweek... her title was "The End of an Error... There's no need to wasted time with further study. The policy on gay's in the military must be overturned now."

Wow... please subscribe to Newsweek.. if nothing else... it is literally, life changing... every week!!!

Carly and Lance

2009-04-08T00:26:00.000-07:00

This is an Ode to one of my dearest friends Carly and her new husband (also a dear friend) Lance. Carly and Lance met many years ago and I can honestly say I was the one friend who asked Lance all the questions everyone wants to know... but most normal people don't really ask... (this seems to be a trait of mine, so if you want to date one of my friends, take note!) I asked things like: "what are you're intentions with Carly?" "What can you offer her?" "She is an independent lady.. how will you deal?" "Do you want a family?"... Basically over protective... but in a loving way! They got married this past weekend and it was so beautiful... brought tears to my eyes. To see the love these two have for each other is just amazing, an even though I didnt think I needed to be reminded, it reminded me how much I love my husband, and all my over protective friends! Here are some photos...

Not a Liar...

2009-04-08T00:23:00.000-07:00

So I promised to do a reflection and intention for each of the days- honestly, I have been... just not on the blog.... which is really good for me I think... I have been keeping up in readings, just not so much in writing.

I have other posts... this was just the explanation that I was not a liar in my Lenten Goal!!! :)

Lent

2009-03-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

Intention: for all children and young people, that they will be formed in authentic human and Christian values.

Resolution: I will strive to be an example and model to my own children, reflecting Christ in my speech and behavior and tempering corrections with love. (And if I have no children, I will apply this resolution to all the young people I encounter regularly on a daily basis through work, ministry, etc.)

Catching Up

2009-03-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

Saturday:

Almsgiving

My friend Alanna wrote this on her blog.

It has made me think a lot about how we need to be better about giving. So today:

Carrying the weight of poverty, millions of parents struggle to provide for their children. 16% of Egyptians live in poverty.

Give 16¢ to your Rice Bowl for each member of your family, as an expression of solidarity with families in Egypt.

Sunday:

Based on the First Station:

Help me be grateful for what you did for me. Help me to accept criticism and unfairness as you did, and not complain. Help me pray for those who have hurt me.

I need to remember to be grateful for more things in my life as well. I want to be more positive and complain less and be able to forgive... which isn't always easy for me.

Monday:

"Through fasting and praying, we allow Him to come and satisfy the deepest hunger that we
experience in the depths of our being: the hunger and thirst for God."

As a kid- I never really understood fasting, to this day I wish I had a better explanation for when people ask why we do it. I think the Pope (quote above) explains it pretty well because my explanation has always been, when explaining it to first graders, we fast so that we leave room for God to come in and take up the rest of the space. We have to leave room in our hearts for Him to enter- otherwise we will be full of too many other things (literally and figuratively).

Tuesday:

In the story of the Last Judgment, Jesus reminds us to care for those in need. If we ignore those who are hungry, thirsty, ill, without clothes, in prison, or strangers, we turn away from Christ. When we act with compassion, generosity, and commitment to justice for the “least among us,” we act as his true disciples.

This goes back to Almsgiving as well- but another organization- The Catholic Relief Services- is a great face of Catholicism all around the world. I need to remember all of these places and people around the world helping others- while I sit at home... I need to challenge myself to get up and help more- no better time than Lent to begin!!!

Lent

2009-02-27T11:14:00.000-08:00

In today’s reading from Isaiah, we hear that the fasting God desires involves addressing injustices in our society and world.

Intention: For all the injustices in society and our would, that we recognize and work toward peace and justice for all.

Resolution: During the time of fasting and reflection, donate time, donate funds, pray, be grateful for what I have and give as much unto others as I can.

Lent

2009-02-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

So- for Lent I decided to follow the Catholic Bishops website and have an Intention and Resolution for each of the forty days.

Catholic Bishops:
Intention: for all Catholic politicians, that they will be faithful to the Church and promote laws that uphold the dignity of the human person and protect life at its most vulnerable stages.

Resolution: I will enthusiastically support Catholic public servants who use their authority to promote public policies that protect and defend life at all its stages.

Meaux:

Intention: Through these next 40 days I am able to remember what Lent means and reflect daily on how important my faith is in my life.

Resolution: PRAY (sounds like the easy out, but this is something that I have really been slacking in, and no better time than now to work on it)

upates

2009-02-22T23:37:00.001-08:00

working on a new look... keep checking in!

New York New York

2009-02-19T10:06:00.001-08:00

From Keeley's Blog:

This trip is just what I needed. Laura and I are sitting in our hotel having a drink after a long full day.

Day 1:

Here is our run down of how yesterday went, our first day in the big city:

We got in at 6 AM yesterday and caught a $50 cab to our hotel (clearly not Washington anymore). We thought we were only going to be able to check our bags in, but thankfully, we were able to check in early into our VERY nice new hotel that Laura was able to find for $80 a night! After our nap and a three hour time different, naps were in order, though I have to admit...I slept A LOT more than Laura did. For my benefit though, after been all stressed out Thursday and Friday, I needed some real sleep and that morning was the first time I was able to in awhile (I've also gotten my appetite back and don't feel like I need to throw up, which is good too). I apparently slept through Laura getting up, showering, and getting ready...without even hearing it. Like I said sleep was much needed, as was this trip so I am not sitting at home...thinking...

After our naps, we were able to meet up with Evan for brunch, which was of course enjoyable. It was great to see our old pal and eat some good breakfast food. Well, Evan and I had brunch food...Laura had a grilled cheese....with tomato...and a grape fruit...and diet coke. The anorexic girl's diet, as Evan called it.

Evan led us to the Empire State Building..The good tour guide that he was...he told us to "look up." Thank Ev. At the Empire State we where were waiting in line for 15 hours. Or so it seemed. Each time we turned a corner...it seemed like we were in another line. But the top was worth it and I am glad we made the decision to go up there. Our tour guide Saul (via our head-seats) told us ALL about the glory days of NYC and the immigrants of the past. Again, at leas the views were incredible. Like in "An Affair to Remember" it is "the closest thing to heaven we have in New York". Great views.

Next we met up with Nicole and had drinks at the brewery under the building. Laura and I enjoyed a wheel of beer and Nicole...vodka...straight up. :-) Nicole beat out Evan as our tour guide and took us all around town...including the American Doll Store. Hello 10 years old, welcome back. Don't worry Andrea and Taryn...I took lots of pics for us to relieve our youth. We also went and got drinks were we saw: DANNY TANNER!!!! AKA Bob Saget. Full House and American Girls in one day? I felt 10again. Thanks Nicole. After was dinner was dinner with Lukas, Nina, and Josh. Camp friends are always a good times. Then we went out after dinner for drinks: Nina, Josh, Laura and I. I hadn't seen Nina and Josh since the summer so it was so good to catch up on everything.

Day 2:

We woke up and went to Times Square and then the Museum of Modern Art for a few hours. I was most excited about the Picasso parts of the exhibit.

Met up with Melissa afterwards for lunch and had a great time at lunch. Funny how far the three of us have come since the summer of 2005. Definitely all a lot more grown up. We shared stories about the home of the GGR and past memories. Some we'd relieve and some we'd rather not remember. Or fellows we'd rather not remember.

After a lovely lunch we rode the Subway downtown to the Bookstore Strand, where we met up with Nicole and where we also spent a long time walking through the rows and rows or cheap books. A few book purchases later we headed toward a fun place to sit and drink. We ended up at a quiet little bar and had a few drinks. When we were done there we jumped back on the Subway and headed to Times Square. It was totally different at night, but still as bright out as daytime!

Drinks at an "Irish pub" and had, as you guessed...more beer and exchanged more G'lock stories. We stayed there for a long time and Laura and I walked back to the hotel and got Mickey D's on the way home because we'd realized we'd only been drinking since lunch. That leads is to now. Drinking in the hotel lobby. Watching crazies playing indoor Frisbee. Venting. Much like when we got "home" last night.

Sometimes. We've also cried. Overall...good times.

All in all, I have some really great friends and this trip is just what I needed.

kittens inspired by kittens

2009-02-12T14:46:00.001-08:00

hahaha

Good Times

2009-02-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

Time to turn the page

2009-01-21T00:48:00.000-08:00

Laura did not vote on one issue, nor do I judge you if you did. I hear your opposition and do not ignore you point of view. I expect the same respect from you. I look not at one, but many. I look now at the history being made, not the legacy that will be left behind. I am pro-life, pro-America, but do not salute at the National Anthem. I stand at attention.
I salute the American Flag and Pledge of Allegiance and support the troops. I support the President, his ideals and where he is taking this country, I am not speaking of Obama or Bush solely. I speak of Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush. I speak of Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Adams, Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, Tyler, Polk, Taylor, Filmore, Pierce, Buchanan, Lincoln, Johnson, Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, Harrison, MCKinley, Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower. The men who led our country through the best and worst of the American people.
Lincoln and Obama. The same Bible is not symbolic. It is not finite. The possibility, the dream, the hope, it is real, it is now. Whether or not we share the same possibilities, dreams or hopes, it is still real, it is now, it is urgent. It is not war, it is not peace, it is not abortion, it is not the economy, it is not energy, it is not fear. It is hope. Hope that we can move forward, hope that we can overcome, hope that we can find the balance between choice and life, hope that we can remember family, hope that we can choose peace. Hope that we can move forward and hope that we can believe in our leader. I am not the Democratic States of America. I am not the Republican States of America. I am the United States of America. I am a woman. I am Catholic. I am pro-life. I am an advocate for appropriate health care for ALL Americans. I believe in freedom of religion. I voted for Obama. I make no apologies for the Democratic, Illinois, Senator winning the hearts of the people of this country, This country wanted change and that is what we got. I make no apologies or concessions for my candidate. He is now the President of the United States of America, I am no less Catholic than you, I have not compromised my morals, I did not vote on one issue, my candidate won. I make no apologies and no pardons, This is America. I am an American.

Barack and Roll

2009-01-20T10:54:00.001-08:00

My Favorites:
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned... Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
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.
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

2008 In Review

2009-01-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

Highlights from 2008
January: New Year, New Dog!
February: Laura turns 25!
Marrrrrch: Pirate Auction
April: Laura goes to Denver, Nick goes to Houston and becomes a Godfather, Trip to Portland to see BFF'S
May: Nick turns 26! Trip to Florida
June: California!
July: Beerfest Seattle
August: Camping at Leavenworth and Kitsap
September: Nick starts school! Puyallup Fair
October: Pumpkin Patch!
November: Thanksgiving with great friends!
December: Snow!!!

Linus Christmas Monologue

2008-12-05T12:26:00.001-08:00

My Favorite part about Christmas

No Meaux Hair

2008-11-23T21:46:00.001-08:00

Locks of Love, here comes 10.5 inches of hair!

The best and easiest charity to donate to, ever!!!!

On Family... According to O.A.R.

2008-11-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

I feel home when I see the faces that remember my own
I feel home when I'm chillin outside with the people I know
I feel home, and that's just what I feel
Cause home, to me, is reality and all I need is something real
Home to me is reality and all I need is something real, I feel home

Cheers to Family!!!!!!

Barack and Roll

2008-11-06T23:19:00.000-08:00

Dear President-elect Obama,

I write to you, in my capacity as President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to express our congratulations on your historic election as President of the United States. The people of our country have entrusted you with a great responsibility. As Catholic Bishops, we offer our prayers that God give you strength and wisdom to meet the coming challenges.

Our country is confronting many uncertainties. We pray that you will use the powers of your office to meet them with a special concern to defend the most vulnerable among us and heal the divisions in our country and our world. We stand ready to work with you in defense and support of the life and dignity of every human person.

May God bless you and Vice President-elect Biden as you prepare to assume your duties in service to our country and its citizens.

Sincerely yours,

Francis Cardinal George, OMI
Archbishop of Chicago

President

and Laura Meaux

Pumpkins, Family Guy Style

2008-10-29T23:23:00.001-07:00

on Voting

2008-10-27T00:48:00.000-07:00

thought about it, blogged about it, couldn't publish post- all I can say about voting is:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.

AMEN!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-20T15:46:00.001-07:00

Unemployed=Time for crafting

2008-10-18T00:14:00.000-07:00

Made this t-shirt blanket for my sister, after I made one for myself! Not having a job isn't all that bad...

Literally, You can register when pooping, if you have a laptop.

2008-10-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the video Keels

Updates

2008-08-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

It has been a whirlwind of a summer lots to report...

1. Nicholas got accepted to the University of Washington, Bothell Teacher Certification program so he starts in September and goes one year part time then one year full time then he will teach!

GO DAWGS!!!!!

2. We had bunches of fun taking weekend trips, camping, playing outside and enjoying life:

Lots of sunny days at Safeco Field

Trips to the Dog Park

Outdoor Concerts at the Zoo

Friends Weddings

Beerfest, Seattle 2008

Floating down the River in Leavenworth

3. We celebrated our 2 year Anniversary on July 15th, which was great! The two years have flown by!

4. Laura got laid off form her job at the construction company (hence the economy) and is currently looking for new employment. She also returned to Bishop Blanchet High School for her second hear as the Cheerleading Coach which filled her summer days with high school fun!

5. Still working on the Blog title....

6. Sure there are other things we can't think of right now- will try to update more often!

Under Construction

2008-08-05T22:38:00.001-07:00

working on the blog... taking suggestions for titles

Two Years and Counting!!!

2008-07-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

July 15, 2008= Two year Anniversary... new blog title is in order... more to follow later!

It's been a great two years- would not change it for the world!

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Soap Box... A Looooong and Sudsy Soap Box

2008-06-23T08:58:00.001-07:00

There are a few things in this world that really bug me about people. Not many, but a few. People who are so disillusioned and lost, which by itself isn't necessarily a bad thing, but when they try and rope in other people- that is when it bugs me. Here is a rant about one of them.

I stumbled across this article on the front page of msn.com when I signed out of hotmail this morning. I gasped.

Here is the article titled "How to Leave Your Husband"

I am almost speechless about this article because I cannot form into words what I want to say about this. The main point of the article is how to be financially stable when you leave your husband. They offer advice such as- plan ahead, make sure you take two to six months planning your divorce so you don't lose any money.

I can think of about 1000 other things to do in two to six months. Instead of taking two to six months to work on your marriage, they suggest you plan your finances. Instead of spending time in thought and prayer, go to the bank and get your own account. Instead of going to marriage counseling or seeking spiritual advice, please read a book about cheap divorce.

I just feel sad for the people who wrote this article and the people who will read this article and take the advice of MP Dunleavey, who, in fact, " lives in the Catskills with her husband and son and more house repairs than she bargained for, but she's still pretty happy." She also wrote a book called "Money Can Buy Happiness"

I can't help but feel bad for her and the people who read her books and articles. It's pure Rubbish.

I just cannot help but think about my marriage, almost two years!, and how completely happy I am with my husband. Of course, as almost everyone does, we have our disagreements about who takes out the garbage, or who loads the dishwasher- but overall those small things don't matter and that is what we realize at the end of the day. God has blessed us with so many wonderful things. We have great friends, a loving and wonderful family, a home, jobs, and most importantly we have each other. Although we both struggle with maintaining our connection to our faith, rooted at the center of our marriage is our love of and appreciation of all the things God has blessed us with. I am undoubtedly so blessed and I know Nicholas feels the same way.

I pray for all the married couples- that we may continue to work, because it does take work, to stay connected and close to each other and God in these times that the world is giving us an easy out.

I also pray for those who see the article on the website and now feel they have an easy out and can leave their husband. And for MP, that she really is happy in her life and marriage.

I leave you with this.
MARRIED COUPLE'S PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART
O most Sacred Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts, dwell in our hearts and be our King; grant us by Your grace to love each other truly and chastely, even as You have loved Your spotless Bride, the Church, and have given Yourself up for her. Bestow upon us that mutual love and Christian forbearance which are so highly acceptable in Your sight, and a mutual patience in bearing each other's defects; for we are certain that no living creature is free from them. Do not permit even the slightest defect to mar that full and gentle harmony of spirit, the foundation of the mutual assistance in the many and varied hardships of life, that is the end for which woman was created and united inseparably to her husband.

O Lord God, grant that between us there may reign a perpetual holy rivalry toward a life perfectly Christian, by virtue of which there may shine forth more and more clearly the Divine image of Your mystic union with Your Holy Church, as You have deigned to imprint it upon us on the auspicious day of our being made one. Grant, we beseech You, that our good example of Christian living may serve as a powerful inspiration to our children to conform their own lives to Your holy law; and finally, after this exile may we ascend into heaven, where by the help of Your grace, for which we earnestly pray, we may merit to be joined with our children forever and praise and bless You through everlasting ages. Amen.

The Happiest Place on Earth

2008-06-12T23:12:00.000-07:00

Nick's favorite- Goofy!

Sleeping Beauty Castle

The best start to any day!

The most famous of all...

Welcome to the Happiest Place on Earth

FUN!

This is what the end of 12 hours at Disneyland looks like.

Florida

2008-06-05T20:58:00.001-07:00

Why I LOVE the Mariners

2008-05-08T22:20:00.001-07:00

Something completely different: a Mariners team willing to fight

Posted at 12:01 am by By Kirby Arnold

On their way to another ho-hum, tweedle-dee-dum performance by the Mariners' offense, something utterly shocking just occurred in the fourth inning against the Rangers. No, not a two-run rally.

The Mariners actually showed a little fire. They finally decided they weren't going to take any more of what's been happening to them.

It started when Felix Hernandez hit Ian Kinsler between the numbers with a fastball in the top of the fourth inning in Kinsler's first at-bat after hitting a two-run homer in the second inning. Kinsler took one step toward the mound and then stopped, and the clearly agitated Hernandez held out his arms as if to say "bring it on." In the Rangers' dugout, catcher Gerald Laird leaped to the top step and shouted to the mound, obviously angry after he'd been hit on his left elbow by a Hernandez pitch in the second inning.

Then it all blew up in the bottom of the fourth.

Rangers starter Kason Gabbard, a left-hander, threw a couple of breaking pitches high and tight to Raul Ibanez and Yuniesky Betancourt -- with no response from the two Mariners. Then Gabbard threw a chin-high fastball to Richie Sexson -- it was over the plate, not inside -- and Sexson snapped.

He threw down his bat, took off his helmet, carrying it in his right hand as he sprinted to the mound. He met Gabbard with a hard right with the helmet to the pitcher's back, then tackled him and tried to get off a few punches. Laird was in quick pursuit, steamrolling the Sexson-Gabbard embrace.

Then it turned into a classic baseball fight, with lots of pushing and yelling with no big blows delivered. Oh, there was anger. Hernandez, being held back by Kenji Johjima and, of all people, Rangers reliever Eddie Guardado (a former Mariner), did his best to go after Kinsler, who was barking from across the field. Laird also stayed at the edge of the pile and yipped at the Mariners, until Rangers DH Milton Bradley picked him up like a 50-pound bag of potatoes and carried him away.

When the game resumed, Sexson had been ejected, with a good-sized suspension likely to be coming his way. Gabbard remained on the mound, although he was pulled after two more hitters, more than likely feeling the bruises from his confrontation with Sexson.

While a baseball fight is one of the goofier things you'll see in sports -- Miguel Batista ran onto the field without shoes -- this one was the first evidence that this Mariners team has a pulse.

Whether that translates into anything meaningful, like hitting with runners in scoring position, we'll see.

New Catholic and Godfather!

2008-05-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

Nicholas is a Godfather! Christine is a Godmother, good job you two! Elijah is lucky to have godparents like you!!!

Denver!

2008-04-24T19:16:00.001-07:00

Portland with the BFF's

2008-04-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

This is why you get booed when you come up to bat at Safeco

2008-04-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

I am usually not this upset about people and things that are completely out of my control- specifically player salaries. Sorry if you love him, you must not be a Mariners fan.

Dear A-Rod (in case you read this blog)

There is a reason your nickname is A-Rod. It is because you are a big fat ROD. I read this online today and I threw up in my mouth a little.

Boosted by his new deal with the New York Yankees, A-Rod tops the major league baseball salary list at $28 million, according to a study of contract terms by The Associated Press. The 33 players on the Marlins' opening-day roster and disabled list total $21.8 million.

You can read about it here.

In case that went over your head... your 28 million dollars is more than all 33 Marlins COMBINED!

And you go on to say about that:

"The Marlins? It's amazing, and they still seem to find a way to be very competitive. They have a great pool of talent; they made some unbelievable trades, so they have great personnel people. To win two championships in 11 years, that's really admirable, and I'm very proud of that organization, being from Miami."

I am glad you are not a Mariner anymore, and yes, I will boo you when you come up to bat at Safeco. I might even throw the monopoly money at you. We will just have to see.

Thank you for your time.

Laura

WOO HOO

2008-03-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Good Job Caroline!!!!! OLL is lucky to have you!!!
We are so excited, yay!!

Holy Thursday

2008-03-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on the day:
Washing the feet
The last supper (on someones arm!)
The Eucharist
Judas kissing Jesus
Garden of Gethsemane

Al the Catholic school I used to work at we celebrated the last supper together as an entire school. It is truly an amazing experience. We all went into the gym and sat around tables with one cracker and a little cup of grape juice while the 8th graders re-enact the Last Supper. I think it is the best way for the students to really understand what happened and it is really cool- I am sad I am not there this year for that!

Also, I think it is interesting that it is the first day of spring. Think about that one as we go through this Holy Thursday!

Photo Fun

2008-03-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

2008-03-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

The newest member of the Meaux family- Homer

2008-02-22T21:14:00.000-08:00

Deep Thoughts

2008-02-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

Because everyone needs a good laugh once in a while.

If you saw two guys named Hambone and Flippy, which one would you think liked dolphins the most? I'd say Flippy, wouldn't you? You'd be wrong, though. It's Hambone.

Laurie got offended that I used the word "puke." But to me, that's what her dinner tasted like.

We used to laugh at Grandpa when he'd head off and go fishing. But we wouldn't be laughing that evening when he'd come back with some whore he picked up in town.

If you go parachuting, and your parachute doesn't open, and you friends are all watching you fall, I think a funny gag would be to pretend you were swimming.

The crows seemed to be calling his name, thought Caw.

When you die, if you get a choice between going to regular heaven or pie heaven, choose pie heaven. It might be a trick, but if it's not, mmmmmmm, boy.

I think a good gift for the President would be a chocolate revolver. And since he is so busy, you'd probably have to run up to him real quick and give it to him.

If you ever catch on fire, try to avoid looking in a mirror, because I bet that will really throw you into a panic.

I believe in making the world safe for our children, but not our children's children, because I don't think children should be having sex.

If you're in a war, instead of throwing a hand grenade at the enemy, throw one of those small pumpkins. Maybe it'll make everyone think how stupid war is, and while they are thinking, you can throw a real grenade at them.

I think a good product would be "Baby Duck Hat". It's a fake baby duck, which you strap on top of your head. Then you go swimming underwater until you find a mommy duck and her babies, and you join them. Then, all of a sudden, you stand up out of the water and roar like Godzilla. Man, those ducks really take off! Also, Baby Duck Hat is good for parties.

A funny thing to do is, if you're out hiking and your friend gets bitten by a poisonous snake, tell him you're going to go for help, then go about ten feet and pretend that *you* got bit by a snake. Then start an argument with him about who's going to go get help. A lot of guys will start crying. That's why it makes you feel good when you tell them it was just a joke.

I remember that one fateful day when Coach took me aside. I knew what was coming. "You don't have to tell me," I said. "I'm off the team, aren't I?" "Well," said Coach, "you never were really ON the team. You made that uniform you're wearing out of rags and towels, and your helmet is a toy space helmet. You show up at practice and then either steal the ball and make us chase you to get it back, or you try to tackle people at inappropriate times." It was all true what he was saying. And yet, I thought something is brewing inside the head of this Coach. He sees something in me, some kind of raw talent that he can mold. But that's when I felt the handcuffs go on.

If I ever opened a trampoline store, I don't think I'd call it Trampo-Land, because you might think it was a store for tramps, which is not the impression we are trying to convey with our store. On the other hand, we would not prohibit tramps from browsing, or testing the trampolines, unless a tramp's gyrations seemed to be getting out of control.

Lent

2008-02-11T14:10:00.000-08:00

Purple blog for Lent

http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0108.asp
Clearing out the Clutter

New Blog...

2008-01-28T15:28:00.000-08:00

Working to bring a new blog... stay tuned

33 YEARS!

2008-01-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

Happy 33rd Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

Thank you for giving Nicholas and I such a wonderful example of selfless love. We hope to be as happy in love as you two in 31 and a half years from now!

Louisiana

2008-01-12T21:16:00.001-08:00

Holidays

2007-12-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Jesus!
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
The Meaux's will see you in 2008!

Linus Christmas Monologue

2007-12-03T22:16:00.001-08:00

Meaux Updates

2007-11-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

We had a very fun-filled, rainy, exciting and labor intensive weekend. The weather in Seattle has finally turned into the rainy fall we all know and love. Daylight starts around 7:30 and ends around 3:30, never actually getting very bright during the day. Laura loves it, Nicholas is still adjusting.

When we say we had a labor intensive weekend, here is what we mean. Friday night we went to this place called Gallagher's in downtown Edmond's. http://www.whereubrew.com/ This is where you brew your own beer. We went with two other couples and ended up making a huge batch or beer! It is very fun. You choose your beer flavor then you get to weigh all the ingredients and mix them up and stir the pot, very scientific. The whole process took about two hours, during which we ate pizza and drank beer. Our kind of an evening. We get to go back in about 2 weeks and bottle our creation. Apparently it makes about 6 cases of beer... A LOT!

Friday was followed by another labor intensive day! First we ordered tickets for the Milne girls to attend the Celine Dion concert next October. Merry Christmas mom and sis! Then we headed out for Woodinville Wine Country with the folks. At Silver Lake winery, we got to bottle our own wine. Very Exciting! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R57WNBN1eXc The video pretty much explains the whole process without us having to type out that many words. We were able to get some Christmas shopping done as well! We rounded that day out with a trip to Red Hook Brewery for some lunch and headed home. It was movie night after that, Laura proceeded to sleep through 95 percent of the movie. Nicholas enjoyed it, and would recommend it. The movie is called Peaceful Warrior and is about a male gymnast.

Sunday was a disappointment for Nicholas. He went to the Ram to cheer on the Saints, who ended up losing, bummer. Good news about the Seahawks though!

Anyway, that is just a weekend in the life.

Veterans Day

2007-11-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

We honor those who fought for our freedom as well as those continuing to serve. God Bless America!

Ok, this go around was much better

2007-11-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

Laura and her Celeb Look Alikes

2007-11-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

In all fairness to Caroline and Nicholas, I purposely put unattractive pictures of them on the site, in order to get some funny results. However, karma is a bitch because when I put a nice picture of myself on the site it came back with results that made me angry.

Two words: Christian Slater

I do not like myheritage.com anymore.

Nicholas and His Celeb Look Alikes

2007-11-05T14:15:00.001-08:00

I personally think he is much more attractive than all these other peeps.

Caroline and Her Celeb Look Alikes

2007-11-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

Victoria, Canada

2007-11-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!!!

2007-11-01T07:21:00.001-07:00

Saints vs. Seahwks... A House Divided

2007-11-01T07:19:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!!

2007-10-31T21:52:00.000-07:00

Keeley's Blog "I don't care if it's Halloween, you still look like a slut"

I couldn't agree more. What happened to Halloween???

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change

The courage to change the things I can

AND the wisdom to know the difference!

Happy Halloween... good photos of our Halloween to come!

Videos

2007-10-24T07:47:00.003-07:00

The following videos are from the Grassroots Film company. They have AMAZING videos. Check them out!

Fishers of Men (Part 2) AWESOME

2007-10-24T07:46:00.005-07:00

Fishers of Men (Part 1) AWESOME!

2007-10-24T07:46:00.003-07:00

The Human Experience Grassroots Films

2007-10-24T07:46:00.001-07:00

Look for this film coming soon!

God In The Streets of New York City

2007-10-24T07:45:00.001-07:00

AMAZING video.

Be Careful of the News you Read, more Importantly, the news you BELIEVE!

2007-10-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

Recently this news story broke, first on MTV, or so they say, and it is now circulating through the news wire. I think it is very interesting the way the news is presented to us these days. Surprisingly, of all of the news coverage of this event, I think MTV takes the cake for the most thorough and accurate reporting!
To read their take on the situation visit:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1572314/20071018/death_cab_for_cutie.jhtml

As for the AP, who seems to be a reliable and accurate news source, they sure do not have the same spin as MTV.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h6EKf3KIf2c5Aj60a07evp8myB8w

When you type Chris Walla into Google and search the news, there are 149 news articles about this incident.

I just find it interesting in the society we live in, a totally neutral, unassuming newstory can be twisted and reported so inaccurately that it is hard to distinguish what is right and what is wrong.

It's funny all the old farts (I mean that in the most loving way mom and dad!) who think MTV is a bunch loud music that a bunch of idiot kids are watching... MTV may not be so bad after all, at least when it comes to news (and The Hills)!

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-10-10T11:13:00.001-07:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-10-10T08:08:00.001-07:00

What is this world coming to?

2007-10-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

So again, last night we sat down and watched the wonderfulness that is Kid Nation. The show was all fun and games until...

In celebration, the kids were all in the saloon, drinking. Now, mind you, it was only root beer, but these kids were taking shots, of what I assume was water and chugging root beers as though they were engaged in adult drinking games! Not only that, they were reenacting what most people know as the "Irish car bomb" or other such drinks where you drop the shot into the beer and chug. How the heck did these kids know about this?!!?!? Maybe I was just really naive, but I had no idea what kind of stuff that was until I was MUCH older.

I realize that by watching the show I am helping boost its ratings, but after last night, I don't know if I can watch again.

Also, they had the Greg character, the 15 year old swearing and cussing at kids who were only 8 years old! (oddly enough, he was the instigator of the drinking games)

I just worry as Nicholas and I begin to talk about starting a family someday how our children will be influenced by the actions of those around them. I suppose all we can do is look to our wonderful parents for guidance and trust that we will be good parents who will be able to raise strong, independent children. It is shows like this and children like the ones on the show that make me realize the need to pray for our unborn children who will be raised in this world.

All I can say for sure is that my children will not be participating in the social experiement that is Kid Nation and I pray for those who are brave enough to allow their children to participate in such antics.

I Heart History

2007-10-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

So, since it is my love, I will pass on to you some historical information about October 4th. "Today in History"

1777: In Pennsylvania, the Battle of Germantown is fought.
An engagement of the American Revolution, fought on October 4, 1777, between Americans under the command of General George Washington and British and Hessian troops under Sir William Howe.

1895: Horace Rawlins receives $150 as the winner of the inaugural U.S. Open golf championship.
In 2007 the U.S. Open purse will top $19.6 million bones

1909: The first airship race in the United States begins in St. Louis, Missouri. Four hydrogen-filled dirigibles compete for a prize of $1,000.

1957: The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1 into orbit.
Named after the Russian word for “traveling companion of the world” it was a small satellite measuring only 23 in across. It circled the earth once every 96.2 minutes and transmitted atmospheric information by radio. After three months aloft, it was destroyed while reentering the atmosphere.

1958: Transatlantic jet service begins.
Thank you Charles Lindbergh

1965: Pope Paul VI makes the first papal visit to the United States, attending a public mass in Yankee Stadium before departing.
Was Pope from 1963 to 1978, he presided over most of the Second Vatican Council and guided the Roman Catholic church in a time of change.

We live in a great time, however things would be much different if history had been different. Isn't it fascinating!?!?!?!

2007-10-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hello internetizens. We have returned from my web logging hiatus. You may be asking yourself, “what happened to the Meaux's all summer?”

Shut up. It’s none of your business.

Just focus on the present.

In this case, the present has two meanings. In its first usage, it is temporal. The present is the here and now.

It is also being used to mean “a gift.” This web log is a present from us to you, the reader, because you do not pay for it and we are giving it to you.

Enjoy your present (both meanings).

The Office

2007-09-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

We support "Michael Scott's Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run For The Cure"

Kid Nation

2007-09-27T11:39:00.001-07:00

Last night while Nick went to the baseball game, I enjoyed some quality tv time. I decided to watch Kid Nation again, both Nick and I watched it last week and he loved it, so I figured I could watch it and fill him in.

This show is like a horrible car accident that you drive by, you can't help but yell at all the cars in front of you as they slow down to look, but then you practically cause another accident as you cannot take your eyes off the overturned car. Same is the story of Kid Nation.

The premise of the show is that 40 kids are sent to this deserted town and have to fend for themselves, no adults. Sounds like kid heaven to me. (More like adult heaven for the geniuses who sent their kids away for over a month!)

So, the show. I think my favorite part of the show would have to be when the kids decided to cut off the chickens heads so they could have meat. Not without protest and tears from the chubb girl with no friends. The best part was when they cut off their heads... Picture two young boys, one with a huge ax, the other holding the chicken on a stump. This was the scene that did it for me. i could not take my eyes away as the ax was raised and a 1-2-3 countdown ensued. I loved it, emmy nominee in the making.

The other best part about the show is the no name host who is a Survivor host in training. I love how he gives the play by play of kids, just like the guy on Survivor. It is the part of the show where the mute button usually comes in to play. I don't think I will be seeing this guy on a sports cast anytime soon. His comments were like this: "Susie is grabbing a pipe. Steve is telling here how to connect it. Susie looks confused. Steve is getting angry at Susie. Susie doesn't know what to do. Steve is yelling. Susie is crying. They are not going to win the prize." Again, emmy nominee in the making.

Anyway, there is so much more to the show, a really complex scrip and fantastic acting. More like lots of dirty kids, boys with too long of hair, whining, crying, homesickness, braces, candy, giant water slides in the middle of the desert, gold stars worth 20000 big ones and a town council that has convinced me to not have kids.

All this from the same people who bring us CSI and Without a Trace (my two faves)!! Good work CBS, you stay classy!

Life in the Working World

2007-09-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

So, as many of you may know, I started a new job a few weeks ago. My work day consists of arriving at work at 7am, which I don't mind at all, checking my messages, which I never get, reading my emails, which are few and far between, and looking things up on the internet. Now, don't get too excited that might be actual work, because it is not. When I say look stuff up on the internet I mean things like email, facebook, google, and other things that keep me entertained. I occasionally answer the phone or make copies or call baseball players (high school boys who play on my bosses team). Overall my job is a BLAST. The people I work with are fun, lots of youngsters and my boss is hilarious. I am really happy here! Woohoo!

9-11-01

2007-09-11T22:30:00.000-07:00

Nicholas and I would like to take the opportunity to remember the victims and the heroes of Sept. 11. "We will meet the worst of humanity with the best of humanity" Please do not forget those who fought for and are still fighting for us. WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!!!!!!!

Laura Gets a Job!!!!

2007-08-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

The hunt is over! After MONTHS of searching I finally found a job! I will be the office manager at a home building/ construction/ a lot of other things. The people who hired me are the family friends Nick and I house sat/babysat for while they were on a cruise. I am super excited, it's good pay, great hours, good vacation and benefits! All things that I need! I get to run the office and they want me to start some new systems and manage their IT company. I think this will be a great job for me! Hooray!!!

Mt. Rainier

2007-08-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

At the Top!

Nicholas and I had such a great time at MT. Rainier. We stayed in a log cabin with a hot tub and a cute loft! We had so much fun. One day we hiked to the highest part of the mountain you could go without any equipment and it was a blast. We walked in the hot sun across fields of snow! It was such a great way to spend a long weekend.

Coming soon... trip to Spokane

Attempt Numero Uno

2007-08-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here we go...

This is our first attempt at "blogging" and we hope it works...

Year number one of marriage is complete and we are so excited! Nicholas and I are doing to best to keep each other happy, grounded and complete.

We hope you enjoy our attempt at letting friends and family around the world keep in touch!

P.S. I am not flipping off the camera, it just kind of looks like it.