The National World War I Museum

My home school group and I visited and had a tour through Kansas City's National World War I Museum yesterday. It is the only World War I museum in the Western Hemisphere and it is here in KC.

I think World War I is the War that most of us know the least about. Our tour guide was a sweet, older man whose own father had fought in World War I.

We were amazed at the sacrifices the soldiers made during the war and the countless lives that were lost as the commanders figured out the correct strategy to win the war. It put today's loss of life in context. History always has a way of doing that. Which, IMHO, is why liberals should do a lot more studying of history.

As always it inspired me to do even more research and studying on World War I. If any of you have read any good books and/or have any good recommendations, please let me know.

Previously on this topic:
My Review of Flyboys

My Favorite American Idols--Top 10--Season 7

1) David Cook--He chose to do this amazing version of Michael Jackson's song, Billie Jean. It was pretty incredible. Simon called it amazing ;-)!! He is by far my top choice to win.


2) Michael Johns--He has this neat Australian accent going on and I just really like him and his singing ability. This was his best performance by far singing Creed's, We Will Rock You.


3) Brooke White--She is my favorite chick but I do think that the women are weaker this year in comparison to the men. Whereas, it was the opposite last year.

Chikezie got voted off last night and I couldn't have been happier. I thought he should've been history long ago. I was happy to see David Cook and Michael Johns do so well. Its turning out to be a fun season.

I also found this fascinating article about Ryan Seacrest which I talked about at length on the radio show this past Monday.

Some Best of Clips of "The Office'

1) The Bouncy Ball Clip!~~This first clip is probably my all-time favorite and funniest moment from the Tv show, The Office. It isn't the best video quality but it is just a great moment between Jim and Dwight. Jim is always pulling the greatest pranks on Dwight.


2) Jim pulling another fast one on Dwight, you gotta love it!!


3) The great couple Jim and Pam!!~~They are one of my favorite "real to life" Tv couples of all time. They are very believable and very real and down to earth. They aren't movie star good looking and they are just themselves, honest and have generous hearts. All which is adorable. Throw in some great humor and they make an outstanding couple.


4) Some more great Pam and Jim moments!!

If you haven't watched the Office and you enjoy comedies you need to take the time to do so, it is a great show. It is only the 3rd show that my husband and I both enjoy watching together.

UPDATE:
My MRI went well. I'm still feeling a little groggy from the drugs but didn't panic at all during the MRI so very relieved. Thanks for all your prayers. I have another 45 minute one next Wednesday but don't anticipate any problems.

Encouragement

“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success”

"If you think that praise is due,
Now's the time to show it,
'cause a man can't read his tombstone when he's dead."--Anonymous

"Appreciation can make a day--even change a life, Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary."--Margaret Cousins

"As it is our nature to be more moved by hope than fear, the example of one we see abundantly rewarded cheers and encourages us far more than the slights of many who have not been well treated disquiets us."--Francesco Guicciardini

"Correction does much, but encouragement does more."--Goethe

"There are high spots in all of our lives and most of them have come about through encouragement from someone else. I don't care how great, how famous or successful a man or woman may be, each hungers for applause."--George Matthew Adams

I've noticed that there are quite a few of us not in the mood to post on politics right now. I wanted to find a Calvin and Hobbes to go with this post and the above one seemed perfect. I'm making my kids memorize important history documents right now and lets just say that my oldest daughter especially is not happy about it. Her and Calvin would be in absolute agreement.

There have been lots of talks in my house lately about not complaining, having a good attitude, being thank-ful, etc... Parenting and home schooling is definitely not for the faint of heart. Just one of the many reasons I glared at the Doctor the other day was he assumed I had no stress in my life because I don't work outside the home. What do you even do with that?

So, onto why I gave this post the title I did. Tonight I'm going to be writing encouragement cards. So I thought I'd encourage everyone else to take the time to encourage someone in your life. We never say enough kind things to others while we have the time to say them. Take the time today and let someone know you appreciate them. You'll be glad you did and so will they ;-).

Where Do You Want to Be?

Doesn't this look like an awesome place to be? I do!! I can't remember the last time I was sick of winter this early and wanting to escape to someplace warm.

Wouldn't it be nice to leave all the stresses of life behind and take a fun trip? I do, so since I'm not in the mood to post on anything depressing (and thats all there seems to be in the political realm right now) I thought I'd post a nice picture and ask you where you'd like to be?

If you already live someplace warm and exotic like Mike in South Carolina, where in the world would you like to go if money and time weren't an option?? Leave your destinations in the comments. Also, if you have already traveled to some place great that was extremely memorable you can bring that up too.

Just some of the places I hope to travel to in the future (if money and time aren't a problem ;-)):

1) Scotland (to see the statue of William Wallace :-))
2) Hawaii or any other tropical place like the Bahamas, etc...
3) Egypt (pyramids)
4) All the Presidential Museums
5) To all the Great Wonders of the World

Representative Doug Ervin's Lincoln Days Speech

Representative Doug Ervin gave an outstanding speech on the philosophy of the Republican party at the Clay County Lincoln Days. The Speech was so good that I asked for a copy and he graciously sent to me and gave me permission to use it. Below you will find the entire speech, it is worth reading in its entirety. It is a reminder on why the Republican party is so great, despite the fact that we don't always get the candidates that we want.

"The Republican philosophy can be summed up and epitomized in a single word: FREEDOM."--Rep. Doug Ervin

“With malice toward none; with charity for all…”

These were the words of Abraham Lincoln, our first Republican President in his second inaugural address as the sun began to set on the carnage of the civil war.

And they reflect the founding principles of our party’s beginnings in the 1850’s by anti-slavery activists and free soilers.

They symbolize a party of principle standing for the rights of the enslaved and the disenfranchised.

The Republican Party filled a void in history, reclaiming the Jeffersonian views of federalism, limited government, free markets, and individual liberty.

Our party, along with 5 bloody years of war, brought back to life the immortal words of the Declaration of Independence and affirmed that we do indeed, “hold these truths to be self-evident, that ALL men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Let’s not forget, or allow history to brush aside:

o That it was President Lincoln who delivered The Emancipation Proclamation.

o It was the Republicans of that day who worked to pass:

o the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery;
o the 14th Amendment providing equal protection under the law;
o and the 15th Amendment giving blacks the right to vote.

o It was the Republican Party who played a leading role in the women’s suffrage movement with 26 of the 36 state legislatures that ratified the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote being Republican led legislatures.

o And without significant Republican support the 1964 Civil Rights Act would not have passed.

Yes, we believe that “ALL men are created equal”.

And we would be terribly remiss if we failed to acknowledge that it was a Republican president standing before the Brandendburg Gate, in a far off country, who demanded, “Mr. Gorbachev – tear down this wall!” ushering in the fall of the Soviet Union and bringing hope and freedom to millions.

The Republican philosophy can be summed up and epitomized in a single word: FREEDOM.

From our very beginning as a Nation, the freedom of the individual has been the hallmark of the “American Experiment” in self-government.

Republicans believe that the strength of our Nation depends on the strength of each individual and traditional family values.

o That the rights of each individual proceed from the Creator, not from government.

o That government authority proceeds only from the consent of the People.

o That each individual has the intrinsic right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

o That each individual has the freedom to decide his or her own religion and worldview and to acknowledge God individually and collectively within the public square.

Republicans believe that individual respect for our laws guarantees the rights of each individual.

o That where there is no law there is no freedom.

o That no person is above the law regardless of social status, wealth, or station in life.

o That free men are not equal, and equal men are not free.

Republicans believe that government operates best when it operates least, and it is most effective when it is close to the people.

o That government should be limited in its role in accordance to the 10th Amendment and the powers enumerated in the federal and state constitutions.

o That government, like our families, should live within its means and be responsible stewards of taxpayers’ money.

You know I can’t mention taxes without telling you what I read last week.

Warren Buffet said, “We paid the IRS tax of $1.2 billion on our PetroChina gain. This sum paid all of all costs of the US government defense, social security, you name it – for about 4 hours.”

I can’t help but remember that a government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you’ve got.

o That nobody spends somebody else’s money as carefully as they spend their own.

o That government should not take from one to give to another without the consent of both.

o That the individual’s rights in property and free enterprise should not be infringed.

o And I think even Warren Buffet would agree with Will Rogers that we should be glad that we are not getting all of the government that we are paying for.

We believe in peace through strength.

o That a strong national defense is paramount to our ability to live free.

o That the Constitution of the United States, its Bill of Rights, and all of the laws of the land could not be protected without the 2nd Amendment.

o That the men and women serving in our armed forces are heroes deserving our support, respect, and our prayers.

o That - as Reagan would say, “No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.”

o That freedom isn’t free; it is bought with blood and washed with tears.

Remember the old adage: “If you don’t stand for something – you’ll fall for anything.”

What we believe today will set the course of where we will go tomorrow.

The freedom we have to make our own choices and to live our own lives relatively free from government interference has made our great Nation a beacon of hope around the world.

Our party’s dedication to a limited and Constitutional role for government, a strong national defense, the protection of individual and property rights, and the preservation of traditional family values stands alone in America today.

Our party’s heritage is one of freedom – the belief in freedom – understanding the full measure of what people can accomplish when given the chance.

That bondage and servitude have no place in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Reagan noted in his Farewell Address:

Once you begin a great movement, there's no telling where it will end. We meant to change a nation, and instead, we changed a world.

Our party has much to be proud of, but our work is not over.

The great tide of liberalism and socialism ebbs and flows upon the shores of America, its ability to soak into the fabric of our great Nation depends, as Benjamin Rush stated, upon “every citizen of a republic . . . . to watch for the State as if its liberties depended upon his vigilance alone.”

The only people standing between us and our liberty is us.

I began these remarks with the words of President Lincoln and I’ll close by allowing him to offer our charge:

…with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan--to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.

Let’s hold firmly this election season to our Republican heritage and, “Give Liberty a chance!”

Justice Antonin Scalia Rocks!!--Part 3

Scalia made so many good points during his lecture that it was hard to get it all written down. I took 9 pages of notes and I still wasn't able to capture everything. I had called about getting into the media section being a blogger and radio show host and I was told that I could. The problem was that I didn't see much of an advantage and I wanted to sit with my friends. In hindsight, I see that had I done that I could've recorded it and gotten good pictures but it was probably still more enjoyable being with friends.

As I mentioned in my first post Scalia went out of his way to point out that being an originalist has nothing to do with conservative or liberal. When you interpret the constitution instead of re-writing it or making it say what you want it to, you will tick off both conservatives and liberals.

To illustrate this he told a great story about a case that made conservatives, even his own wife, not happy with him:

"I was the fifth vote in the flag burning case, which said it violates the First Amendment to enact a law saying that a person cannot burn the American flag if it's his own flag. And I was there because I think the First Amendment means you are entitled to express contempt...for the government, for the president, for the Supreme Court, for the flag. As long it's your own flag that you're burning - a law that is intended to prevent you from expressing your contempt is a bad law.

I didn't like that result. If it was up to me I would have, I would have thrown...this bearded sandal wearing flag burner into jail. But, it was not up to me..."

He then went on to say that the next morning he came down to breakfast and the Washington Post was lying on the table with the case in the headlines. His wife was cooking and humming the song, "The Grand Old Flag". He joked that he bet the Justices who believed in the living constitution never had to deal with grief like that.

Another wonderful story

Scalia gave a moving account of a conversation he had with a European Judge. The story is detailed at this site, here is the account:

"On September 11, 2001 I was attending in Rome, Italy an international conference of judges and lawyers, principally from Europe and the United States. That night and the next morning virtually all of the participants watched, in their hotel rooms, the address to the Nation by the President of the United States concerning the murderous attacks upon the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, in which thousands of Americans had been killed. The address ended, as Presidential addresses often do, with the prayer “God bless America.”

The next afternoon I was approached by one of the judges from a European country, who, after extending his profound condolences for my country’s loss, sadly observed “How I wish that the Head of State of my country, at a similar time of national tragedy and distress, could conclude his address ‘God bless ______.’ It is of course absolutely forbidden.”

Scalia isn't going to bend the constitution to say what he "wants it to say". Yet, he points out the constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that nowhere in the constitution does it give a woman "the right" to an abortion. Here is some of what he had to say regarding both issues:

Religion

In response to a question about the separation of Church and State, he made a passionate case on how America has never been a country that was neutral on religion. He said this:

"The state must be neutral...it must be neutral between religion and non-religion. Well, this is simply just not a description of America. It's just never been true. And the cases that come before the Supreme Court we prove that it's not true. We have, even though while mouthing this nonsense we have approved paid chaplains from the Congress..."

I wish I could remember more of what he said on this subject and how he said it. It was very good.

The Big A (Abortion)

"Do you think that those who, on both sides, bear in mind both sides of this issue, would like to read it into the Constitution? One side succeeded, but the other side would have done the same thing, uh, in the opposite direction. Having the court say, that the state must forbid abortions, whereas in fact, the court has said the opposite that you cannot forbid abortion.

The reality is the Constitution doesn't address the subject at all. And it's one of the many subjects not addressed by the Constitution which are therefore left to democracy. You want a right to abortion? Persuade your fellow citizens it's a good idea and pass a law. And if you feel the other way, persuade them the other way and repeal the law. That's flexibility. But once the Supreme Court has found that the death penalty is unconstitutional, or once it has found that there is a constitutional right to abortion, that is the end of the play. It's no use discussing it with your fellow citizens anymore. You can't do it. You can't have a death penalty. You cannot forbid, uh. You cannot place any restrictions on abortion on demand. That's flexibility? No. Those, those who want the Constitution to evolve wanted to do so precisely so that their favored positions can be made law coast to coast, now and forever, or at least until the Supreme Court changes its mind."

I will conclude with this excellent point that Scalia made:

Can we do some good things by ignoring the constitution and by embracing the living constitution? Yes, So What? Does that make it better? A broken clock is right twice a day.

**Disclaimer: I have tried to be as accurate as I can in relaying the information I heard in the lecture. I tried to get exact quotes when I could but some of it is from memory.

Previously:
Part 1
Part 2

Articles:
Justice Scalia Speaks at UCM

Justice Antonin Scalia Rocks!!--Part 2

Justice Antonin Scalia was invited to the University of Central Missouri by James Staab who is the Chair of the Department of Political Science. Staab wrote a book entitled, "The Political Thought of Justice Antonin Scalia". I have yet to read it but Heidi said it was pretty good although she didn't agree with everything.

The title of Scalia's lecture was "Constitutional Interpretation". He started out by saying that there were 2 thoughts, Originalism and those who believed in a "living constitution", he belonged to the former. Originalism used to be orthodoxy but now it is the minority view. He now says that "You could fire a grape shot out of a cannon over the best law schools in the country - and that includes Chicago - and not hit an originalist". It all changed with the Warren Court.

He then talked of the youngest Justice to ever serve, Joseph Story (who I had just learned about by listening to A Spiritual Heritage Tour of the United States Capitol by Dave Barton) and John Marshall.

He said the Founding Fathers wrote the bill of rights because they knew that future generations wouldn't be as wise or as virtuous.

He then proceeded to elaborate on how those that believe in a living constitution want it to "evolve" so that they can have their way on the different issues. They will rewrite it to say what they want it to say. Scalia was confirmed 98-0 but he said that would never happen today. Why?? Because liberals have figured out that originalists aka strict constructionists will not make the constitution say what they want it to say. Thats why at all cost, people like Bork and Thomas were to be stopped.

There is also this perception that those who believe in the living constitution are for more freedom. Yet, this isn't really true because he said often it takes away old freedoms.

The Living Constitution theory can be a seductive argument--There is this perception that if you care passionately about something that means it must be in the constitution. Scalia says, "How do you talk someone out of this?"

Arguments against the Living Constitution:

--If you don't believe in originalism, what do you want judges to be looking for?

--What else can be used besides the constitution?

--What is the alternative to originalism? There isn't a theory called, non-originalism.

--The alternative is letting judges govern you.(Think about how scary that is)

He concluded his speech by saying it was an unhappy ending because he didn't have a lot of hope for getting more originalists. Yet, he concluded with this awe-inspiring
quote that says it all for me on why I'm involved in politics:

"It is a battle worth conducting, and you should know what the battle is about."

Favorite phrases:

--"Get Real!"

--"Whatever that Means"

--"I confess, I'm a social conservative."

--Talking about the case BMW vs. Gore he said, "Not Al, this is a different Gore. Thank God. Once was enough..."

--"pox on both their houses"

--"I should be a pin-up guy for criminals."

--"If it was up to me I would have thrown this bearded, sandal wearing, flag burner into jail."

--"Tell the people to get lost"

--"If you are going to believe in a living constitution, at least let it be an American one."

--"Classes of little kids from grammar school come to the court now and then and repeat, 'The Constitution is a living document.' And I have to tell them it's dead."

Tomorrow, I will conclude with Part 3 where I will detail his comments on abortion and religion. I will also tell his great 9/11 & Flag stories.

Previously:
Justice Antonin Scalia Rocks!!--Part 1

Others who attended the event and blogged about it:
--I'm Hear to talk about Constitutional Law (Heidi's post)
--Scalia Commentary, Part 1 (High School Teacher & Coach who took a bunch of his students to the lecture)
--Antonin Scalia in Warrensburg (parts 1-4) (This is a liberal site but he gives a very accurate accounting of what was said in the speech.)

Prayers For Patrick Swayze!

As I'm sure most of you have heard, Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It appears that it was first reported in a tabloid that predicted a much more dire situation. This is what Swayze's Dr. had to say:

"Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far," Dr. George Fisher says in a statement. "All of the reports stating the time frame of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic."

What woman between the ages of 15-40 didn't fall in love with Patrick Swayze during the 80's when he starred in Dirty Dancing? At the time many of us pretended for awhile that we hadn't seen the movie because we were decent, Christian women. Yet, most of us now freely break down and confess that yes, we saw the movie and still love it to this day. What I find ironic, is even my husband loves the movie.

My other favorites that he starred in were:

--The Outsiders
--Point Break
--Road House

So today, I wish him the best and extend many prayers up to heaven for him. To sign a get well card for him, go here!

2008 Clay County Republican Lincoln Days!

I've been in political heaven this week. On Tuesday I got to go hear Scalia speak and last night I got to attend our county's Lincoln Days.

Radio Talk Show Host Chris Stigal MC'd the event and did an excellent job. The above picture is of he and I with Representative Doug Ervin (although the date on it is wrong).

There were a lot of wonderful speakers and people in attendance. Governor Matt Blunt was the key note speaker and I found myself sad that he isn't going to be running for re-election. Aside from Missouri's Amendment 2 he has been an excellent Governor.

Congressman Sam Graves made a surprise appearance and announced that under Pelosi's leadership the Democrats are still keeping the House from renewing the FISA bill. Completely despicable!!

Missouri Treasurer Sarah Steelman and Congressman Kenny Hulshof both whom are running for Missouri Governor spoke. I don't know enough about either one of them to know who I'll support but they both seem like great candidates. Although, I did think Hulshof gave a better speech and is just better at public speaking in general.

State Senator Brad Lager spoke and is running for Missouri State Treasurer.

Representatives Jerry Nolte, Tim Flook, and Bob Nance all spoke. Senator Bill Stouffer presented an award to a Teen Wrestler. I'm not sure, but I think his name was Colin Pearce and he was a State Champion for all 4 years of his high school wrestling career.

Representative Doug Ervin once again gave the best speech of the night (IMHO). It was so good that I asked for a transcript and he said he would email me a copy. When I get it I will do a post on it because it was a stellar speech on the philosophy of the Republican party. Sometimes when we are stuck with the likes of John McCain we forget how awesome our party is.

Speaking of McCain, Colonel Jack Jackson spoke and gave an illustration on why we needed to give our all and wholeheartedly support McCain. No disrespect to Colonel Jackson but I wasn't persuaded.

Commissioner Craig Porter presented the Clay County Republican of the Year Award to Tom Brown.

Justice Antonin Scalia Rocks!!--Part 1

I can't even begin to describe how wonderful last night was getting to hear Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia speak at the University of Central Missouri. I went in with high expectations and Scalia EXCEEDED them! I took 9 pages of notes and there is so much good stuff to share that I am going to make this at least a 2 part post if not 3.

First, I want to extend a huge thank-you to my friend who got the tickets for us. She teaches at the school and by the time the tickets were made available to the public they were all gone. If she hadn't gotten the tickets, I wouldn't have been able to go. I took 2 friends and Heidi also joined us, so it was a lot of fun. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

How do you describe Scalia?

I don't even know where to start. He is not only an intellectual powerhouse but one of the wittiest speakers I have ever heard. It is hard to count how many times the audience burst out in laughter. He has the greatest demeanor and behind it is a man who is passionate about his strong beliefs and principles. He is passionate about the constitution and is a scholar in every respect. He is a strong Catholic with a wife and 9 children.

He is an Originalist to the core and says this is not a conservative or a liberal thing. He made a big deal out of this and yet, he said, "I confess I am a social conservative." Originalism doesn't have anything to do with whether you are a conservative or not but he also wasn't afraid to proudly declare that he was a conservative. It impressed the audience and we all applauded.

He is about ready to turn 72 but you would never know it by the way he looks and talks. He described himself as sometimes feeling like Frodo in Lord of the Rings. The comical thing to me is that he was short and when he walked he kind of made you think of someone like Frodo.

I adored him, laughed and learned a lot!!

Humor Quotes:
I can't begin to tell you how many humor quotes there were that caught my attention. Some of them were ones that I had seen in his other speeches but many of them were ones I had never heard. I doubt I will have access to a transcript so the quotes below are loose translations of what I heard and was able to get written down.

"I am the only one left to defend the dead constitution. Maybe, enduring would sound better."

When talking about what some judges must have based their bad decisions on, he said he didn't know what they were using, maybe, "the sexual preference clause" or the "excessive damages clause" in the bill of rights.

"What are evolving standards? I'm afraid to ask."

At the end Scalia was asked questions that audience members had written down on cards. One of the questions was, "If you could have dinner with any member of the Supreme Court, dead or alive, who would it be?" He replied that he had dinner with Ruth once a year. He then went on to say, "I certainly wouldn't want to have dinner with a dead person."

There should be a stamp I could use on documents that says, "Stupid, but constitutional".

Another question asked about what Senators should be allowed to ask Judicial nominees. Scalia's response was, "They are entitled to ask whatever they want but nominees should answer as little as possible."

When asked a question about Obama, McCain and Hillary he said, "Next question." He then went on to say, "I have a deal with the Senate, House, etc... I leave them alone and they leave me alone."

Check out part 2 tomorrow.

Clay County Republican Lincoln Days

When: March 6, 2008

Place: Annunciation Center--705 N. Jefferson in Kearney, MO

Time: Reception--6:30 pm, Dinner at 7:30 pm

Featuring:

Key Note Speaker: Governor Matt Blunt

Missouri State Senators: Senator Luann Ridgeway, Senator Bill Stouffer

Missouri State Reps: Rep. Doug Ervin, Rep. Tim Flook, Rep. Jerry Nolte, Rep. Bob Nance, Rep. Ryan Silvey

Others: Jack Jackson, Jack Cashill, Bonnie Sue Cooper, Senator Brad Lagar

If you are interested in attending, please contact me via my email address in my profile.

My Book List So Far...Part 2

Right now I am listening to Facing Terror: The True Story of How An American Couple Paid the Ultimate Price Because of Their Love of Muslim People by Carrie McDonnall on CD. It is an inspirational true story. Here is a brief description:

"Carrie McDonnall is the author of "Facing Terror," which tells the story of her and her husband’s life and ministry together. Carrie served as a missionary to Iraq with her husband, David, aiding the Iraqi people in relief and development work. They desired to bring True Hope to a people who have only known darkness and oppression.

On March 15, 2004, she and her husband were attacked by terrorists along with three of their coworkers on the crowded streets of Mosul. Their three co-workers (Larry and Jean Elliot, and Karen Watson) died that day. David survived long enough to see his wife to safety the next day. Carrie is the lone survivor of this horrific attack."

I am also in the middle of reading Sue Grafton's T is for Trespass. I have finished the Stephanie Plum series except for her latest, Plum Lucky. I am like #500 on the waiting list to get it from the library.

Below I have updated my list. The titles in blue are the ones that I've read since the last post.

Here are the books that I have read so far:

1) The Faith of the American Soldier--Stephen Mansfield
2) My Grandfather's Son--Clarence Thomas
3) A Patriot's Handbook (CD)--Caroline Kennedy
4) 1776 (CD)--David McCullough
5) One for the Money--Janet Evanovich
6) Two for the Dough--Janet Evanovich
7) Three to get Deadly--Janet Evanovich
8) Four to Score--Janet Evanovich
9) High Five--Janet Evanovich
10) Hot Six--Janet Evanovich
11) Seven Up--Janet Evanovich
12) Hard Eight--Janet Evanovich
13) To the Nines--Janet Evanovich
14) Ten Big Ones--Janet Evanovich
15) Eleven On Top--Janet Evanovich
16) Visions of Sugar Plums--Janet Evanovich
17) Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom
18) Twelve Sharp--Janet Evanovich
19) Lean Mean Thirteen--Janet Evanovich
20) Plum Lovin'--Janet Evanovich