The Fear of a 2 and a 3 Year Old

I love my nephews...I really do. They are two of the most amazing people I have ever met in my life. Their laugh completely makes my day. When they sleep, the whole world can stop for all I care. When I see them play, it just makes me laugh. I am completely in awe of them.

Tomorrow is my cousin's bridal shower, and my Mom and sister are going. I was asked to take care of my nephews. I have not spent any kind of time with them in a while, so I said yes. The thing is, I have never actually taken care of them by myself. I have always had another person with me every time I spent time with them. I must say that I am very nervous about this.

I do not want to screw this up. I do not want to see them have once ounce of pain or hurt. I so do not want to cause that pain or hurt. Mind you, I am only taking care of them for like 4 hours...but I am still anxious about it.

I have been told that I do really good with them...I hope that is true. I guess I will find out tomorrow. More news to follow my friends.

Until then, I am Your Eternal Bud.

Happy Veteran's Day

"Citizen Soldier" by 3 Doors Down

"Beyond the boundaries of your city's lights,
Stand the heroes waiting for your cries.
So many times you did not bring this on yourself,
When that moment finally comes,
I'll be there to help.

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I'll be right here.
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we

guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We'll always be ready because we will always be there.

When there are people crying in the streets,
When they're starving for a meal to eat,
When they simply need a place to make their beds,
Right here underneath my wing,
You can rest your head.

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I'll be right here!
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We'll always be ready because we will always be there...

There... there... there...

Hope and pray that you'll never need me,
But rest assured I will not let you down.
I'll walk beside you but you may not see me,
The strongest among you may not wear a crown.

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I'll be right here!
On that day when you don't have the strength for the burden you bear,
I'll be right here!
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
(Citizen soldiers)
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We'll always be ready because we will always be there."

God bless everyone who puts themselves in harms way so that we can have our freedoms, and be stupid when we want to be.

Your Eternal Bud

Bonus Blog: Election Burnout

Eight years ago, I was in my first grown up apartment with two of my favorite people in the world...James and Eric. We were watching the 2008 election coverage of George W Bush and Al Gore. The three of us stayed up until I think four in the morning waiting and watching as the election unfolded in front of us. It had more drama and suspense than any drama on TV or movie we could have watched. Did W win Florida? What is Gore going to do? CBS called the election too soon. We hooted and hollared and booed at every single moment. And then after a LONG night, it was over with.

Now it is eight years later...and both my roommates are now Pastors...they are both married, and each have a child Bryce and Logan. And here is another election. And the three of us are in three different places in our lives. It is kind of cool and sad at the same time. I miss rooming with those guys. It was one of the best years of my life. But I will have those memories. A lot of great memories...and especially of that one election night.

Sadly, the only memories I will have of this election is a lot of bitter feelings, and divided friends. Oh, to remember eight years ago.

Until tomorrow....

Your Eternal Bud.