I was like a daisy among weeds(with no make-up)

I am here in balmy Akron, OH and figured I would blog before Mass. We are staying at a nice hotel here that has a breakfast buffet and today was just too eventful not to mention. Last night, as we came home from dinner, 2 huge buses pulled up and unloaded members of the AFSCME that were here for Hillary. We got word they were heading to the pool so we got the kids down there so we could get out before they took over the pool. It was close to the pool closing time so we made it. A friend of Mr. Thorn's came over and chatted most of the night so there was no conflict until this morning. They took over the breakfast buffet, cheering at every mention of Hillary on television and making lots of snide comments about McCain and Republicans. Uncomfortable does not describe our breakfast adventure. I was only one of about three women with make-up out of almost forty or so women that I saw milling about(there was a definite lack of femininity in the room). Then we had the kids asking why they are all wearing the same shirts, why they are cheering at the television and other embarrassing questions. Here we are, conservative, traditional Catholics having a bite before check-out and Mass and they were preparing for a campaign stop later in the morning. Mr. Thorn tried to behave, it was difficult for him(the poor dear). What did I learn from the whole experience? Even when you feel like you are the majority, don't assume everyone shares your views and that you won't offend someone by your words. While I don't share many of the views of McCain, I still consider myself a Republican(I am registered) and the example you set, goes a long way. I bit my tongue, said nothing, although many around me were making Republican/conservative cracks galore. If you want others to understand or support your cause, be aware that you are setting an example. Did we behave because we were out-numbered or because that is what we were taught? I don't know, because I really didn't want to behave. I am very opinionated and uncompromising in my beliefs. I think I went by the rule of just "not arguing with a Democrat". The odd thing was I looked at them as abortion supporters. It was haunting and creepy to be in a room with people who have no problem supporting the killing of innocent babies. That was the ugly part of my day and I can do nothing but pray for them at Mass today. Well, that and not vote for Hillary. Prayer is more effective than any arguement. Especially when any arguement would have fallen on deaf ears. God save our country. The next 4+ years are going to be rough.

Yeah, I'm still here

We took a break for station identification and went to an Embassy Suites with the kids last night. I actually escaped the real world for something besides work. They didn't know we were going and I was trying hard to be vague. I met my husband at the hotel and we checked in and then went to the Manager's Reception in the atrium for about a half hour. Free drinks(yes, the adult version too) and lots of snacks, dips and such. So much for dinner. We then went to the pool and hot tub which was very cool(it had a waterfall) and we tried to wear them out. It got very crowded so we left in the early evening, cleaned up and went to dinner at Applebee's. By that time, they were falling asleep at the table to we came back to the hotel and we were all wiped out. In the morning, they had a complementary breakfast bar complete with made-to-order pancakes and omelets, bagels, meats, cereal, etc. So that was our night. Today I am back to real life and dealing with customers, and trying to get work done.
I had a meeting regarding my oldest son which went very well at school yesterday. I am praying so hard for everything to work out for our family. I know the priest that is staying is such a good man and he really has his plate full with such a growing parish. He is going to need our prayers and support but I have faith in him. If I think my last year has been difficult, I can only imagine what his has been like. I heard we have a most excellent seminarian who will be with us this summer too. Things are definitely looking up and I really can't ask for more.
Oh, also, I had a meeting with the nursing facility that will be providing respite for the boys(or for me, I should say). I have to use 80 hours between now and July 1st. That's 80 per boy. I know the boys will like it and hopefully they can work on some sensory issues with them, especially my oldest. I am off to sew and get something accomplished. Did I mention I lost 12 lbs.? That's very cool too. I hope this lasts...
Addition: I forgot to add that I found out our new choir/music director wants to become Jewish. Um, wow. My kids pegged it, I didn't give any opinion on her and the first day she played my middle son said "she's not Catholic". Kids know. She has never acknowledged the altar or gone to communion. Now all the crazy music makes perfect sense. It didn't matter if it sounded Catholic, Protestant or Buddhist. She has no interest in the Church. Oh Lord help us!