THANK YOU!

This past week has marked the end of one adventure and the beginning of another. It has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but what I'm left with now is a profound feeling of gratefulness. We've been challenged, inspired, and encouraged. We've experienced the thrill of success, the agony of defeat, and the peace that passes all understanding. I'll be forever thankful for every donor who believed in Jesse enough to give financially to the campaign, for every volunteer who saw fit to give their precious time, and for every American who trusted him with their vote.

I'm not sure what our next adventure will entail, but I'm encouraged by one of Jesse's favorite phrases: Adversity breeds innovation. Whatever the Lord has in store for our family will be sure to grow us up even more and lead us into new places of influence and opportunity. In that, I am confident. Meanwhile, we'll just trust in Him and cherish the memories we've made this far into the journey. Here is a sampling of a few favorites:

Joseph loved to help at the Kitsap Whaling Day Parade! Any excuse to ride on Daddy's shoulders. (Of course both of the boys took turns!)

We homeschooled the kids all throughout the summer. At Jesse's campaign office, the kids even had their own room where they could do schoolwork, play games, watch videos, and do craft projects! It was perfect, because I got to help out with campaign stuff and Jess could have the kids close by all the time. Part of the nature of campaigning is an intense, chaotic activity level that seems to have a snowballing momentum. Having the kids at the office definately brought joy to my husband's heart and brightened the general tone and atmosphere of the place. (When they behaved, anyway...)

There were a few times when we brought the kids along to events that were retrospectively not the most appropriate for kids. Any parent who's tried to keep an active gaggle of kids under the age of 7 quiet for more than an hour or two knows how difficult this is! Thanks to a well packed bag of activities and a brilliantly thoughtful gift of eBay-ed Leapsters and games from my mom, we managed pretty well (most of the time). Another trick we had was to let them play 'fort' under our table at certain events. Poor Brandie Didier had to share legroom with the fort play at the Pierce County Republican Picnic... what a good sport!

We took the kids on a few sign-waving adventures. This picture was taken the time we went to the Bremerton Shipyards to sign wave and chat with the men and women who worked and commuted through there. The kids were far more interested in the Navy Museum and all the fun monuments around it. We also made a stop at Starbucks to watch the ferries come in while we noshed on gluten-free treats.

The 'Youngest ones' loved promoting their Daddy! At festivals, parades and fairs, we gave them each little stacks of palmcards to pass out. They could be seen and heard passing them out saying, "Vote for Daddy, U.S. Congress!" Cutest thing ever.

I just love how children find entertainment in the funniest things! In this case, Luci decided to use a dividing rope as a limbo stick. She led all the kids in a rousing game of limbo, complete with singing and dancing. 'Jack be nimble, Jack be quick... Jack go under limbo stick..." All this while Mommy and Daddy were networking with Mason County Republicans closeby. Such a great memory!

Jed and Jojo riding in the back of the campaign truck during a parade, waving their little American flags, shouting, "vote for Daddy!" How many kids in the world get a chance to do that?

I took the kids on a walking tour of historic Port Townsend while Jesse gave a speech at a nearby civic meeting. As a rare splurge, we decided to have lunch at a retro 50's diner with outdoor deck seating and ocean views. Just 4 of the sweetest kids in the world and me sharing a table and a milkshake. We talked about table manners while watching a sailing class just off shore. After lunch, we walked the pier, read about local sea life, and wondered at the big big boats in the water. It was a beautiful Northwest day, and one that I will never forget!

In all, it has been a joy and a dream come true! We have loved getting to know so many of the wonderful families and leaders of the 6th District. I truly think that Jesse's campaign had the world's most talented volunteers, dedicated staff, and loyal supporters. The creativity they all have brought to this project has been inspiring and the love shown to us has been heartwarming. I am excited to see what God has planned for all of us as we move into this next season of life... More than a few times this past week, the closing words of the Declaration of Independance has echoed in my mind: with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. I'm proud to be the wife of one who's dedicated himself likewise to the future of our great nation. He has run this race with integrity, honesty, and faithfulness. The adventure is only beginning!