One out of three ain’t bad?  I’m no fashionista, BUT, I’m no fan of our 1st Lady’s choices for big moment dresses :)  The one she chose for the balls wasn’t horrible, but the other two (election night on the left, inauguration day on the right) were kinda ugly IMO.  What do YOU think?  Leave a comment at the bottom of the blog with your thoughts.

Jenna & Barbara Bush left a letter for Obama’s daughters that I think is an AMAZING peek inside the lives of kids in the White House:

Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our beloved grandfather was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. We stood proudly on the platform, our tiny hands icicles, as we lived history. We listened intently to the words spoken on Inauguration Day service, duty, honor. But being seven, we didn’t quite understand the gravity of the position our Grandfather was committing to. We watched as the bands marched by — the red, white, and blue streamers welcoming us to a new role: the family members of a President.

We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children. We stood on the North Lawn gazing with wonder at her grand portico. The White House was alive with devoted and loving people, many of whom had worked in her halls for decades. Three of the White House ushers, Buddy, Ramsey, and “Smiley”, greeted us when we stepped into her intimidating hallway. Their laughter and embraces made us feel welcome right away. Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you will live:

– Surround yourself with loyal friends. They’ll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history.

– If you’re traveling with your parents over Halloween, don’t let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.

– If you ever need a hug, go find Ramsey. If you want to talk football, look for Buddy. And, if you just need a smile, look for “Smiley.”

– And, a note on White House puppies–our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there’s Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you’ll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.

– Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.

- When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.

– In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!

For four years, we spent our childhood holidays and vacations in the historic house. We could almost feel the presence of all the great men and women who had lived here before us. When we played house, we sat behind the East sitting room’s massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls. Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.

In late December, when snow blanketed the front lawn, all of our cousins overtook the White House. Thirteen children between the ages of two and 12 ran throughout her halls, energized by the crispness in the air and the spirit of the season. Every room smelled of pine; the entire house was adorned with thistle; garlands wound around every banister. We sat on her grand staircase and spied on the holiday dancing below. Hours were spent playing hide-and-go-seek. We used a stage in the grand ballroom to produce a play about Santa and his reindeer. We watched as the National Christmas Tree was lit and admired the chef as he put the final icing on the gingerbread house.

When it was time, we left the White House. We said our goodbyes to her and to Washington. We weren’t sure if we would spend time among her historical walls again, or ever walk the National Mall, admiring the cherry blossoms that resembled puffs of cotton candy. But we did return. This time we were 18. The White House welcomed us back and there is no doubt that it is a magical place at any age.

As older girls, we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel. We dined with royalty, heads of states, authors, and activists. We even met the Queen of England and managed to see the Texas Longhorns after they won the National Championship. We traveled with our parents to foreign lands and were deeply moved by what we saw. Trips to Africa inspired and motivated us to begin working with HIV/AIDS and the rights of women and children all over the world.

Now, the White House ballrooms were filled with energy and music as we danced. The East sitting room became a peaceful place to read and study. We ran on the track in the front lawn, and squared off in sisterly bowling duels down in the basement alley.

This Christmas, with the enchanting smell of the holidays encompassing her halls, we will again be saying our good-byes to the White House. Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter.

And finally, although it’s an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities, it isn’t always easy being a member of the club you are about to join. Our dad, like yours, is a man of great integrity and love; a man who always put us first. We still see him now as we did when we were seven: as our loving daddy. Our Dad, who read to us nightly, taught us how to score tedious baseball games. He is our father, not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV. Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school, or how much you both love being his daughters. So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is.

Jenna Bush is a writer and educator, the author of the book ‘Ana’s Story’ and the co-author, with her mother Laura Bush, of the picture book ‘Read All About It.’

Barbara Bush works for a public health-focused non-profit, Global Health Corps, and previously worked for The Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.

USD480 Events Today: No Events, so let’s look at announcements:

Please remember to access the Counselor’s Notes link on the LHS website for updated scholarship opportunities and helpful college & career web resources for all ages.

• Ft. Hays State University offers “The Nightingale Experience” for sophomores and juniors interested in a nursing career. Deadline is February 9th for application, but this 2 day experience on April 1 through April 2nd fills up fast.  This is a great opportunity to learn about the nursing field. The cost is $75 but Southwest Medical Center will pay the cost.  See Mrs Wilson for an application.

• The Ku School of Engineering is offering 2 camps to introduce girls to the field of engineering. See Mrs. Wilson inthe Counselors’ Office for more information.

Students:  Remember, you need 20 hours of community service to graduate! By 3:30 p.m. on Friday the week before prom:  Freshmen need to have 5 hours turned in, Sophomores must have 10 hours, Juniors must have 15 hours and Seniors must have 20 hours turned in to the counselor’s office to attend prom.  Listen to the announcements and watch channel 16 throughout the school year for Community Service opportunities.  Any service, other than what appears on the announcements or on the “Community Service Approved List” should be approved in the counselor’s office prior to completing it.

• Four volunteers are needed to help keep score and books at Kids Inc. 8 & 9 year old girls’ basketball at South Middle School. It starts on January 18th for 6 weeks from 1 to 5 p.m.  Contact Stella Lucero @ 624-7856 or 391-3472 and leave a message.

• Community service opportunity for students on Saturday, January 24 to help at the Liberal Wrestling Club Tournament. Students are needed from 7:30 to approximately 4:00 in the LHS Gym.   Workers are needed for the concession stand, keep score at wrestling tables, run brackets and score to head table. Please sign up in the Counselor’s Office by January 21.

• Students - Once again we need volunteers to be “Happy Bear” at Southlawn and Washington Elementary. The costume is provided for you.  You will need to be in good standing and have your own transportation.  If you are interested, please talk to Mrs. Dirks in the Counselor’s Office. The dates are February 3rd and 4th.  You must sign up by Friday, January 30.
  

• LHS Lunch Menu:  BBQ Rib on A Bun, Baked Beans, Potato Wedges 

Upcoming Events from liberalisozsome.com

• 1/28: Chamber Board Meeting - 11:45am at the Depot.

• 1/29: After Hours sponsored by Convention & Tourism Bureau - 5 to 7pm @ 1 Yellow Brick Rd.

• On to the show …I’ll talk today about kids and technology, the inauguration’s affect on the net, a cow crash, an eyebrow trimming, a karate kid, the return of some tv shows and much more!

• WIN a Total Health Kit today on Ten O’clock Trivia! It includes a walking kit with a waist belt, storage compartment and water bottle.  Plus, a $10 WalMart gift card and a free box of Total Cereal!  (Retail Value $30)

• That’s all for now … Peace/Out
  

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January 21st, 2009