by Trudy Thomas, excerpt from the Gazette's Life section

The Red Baron?
Cari Pemberton's husband, Rod, is a huge fan of country music. When he learned that Hank Williams Jr. had been nicknamed Bocephus by Hank Sr., he knew that someday he would have a dog with the same name.The Pembertons have owned their 4-year-old yellow Labrador, Bocephus, or "Bo," since he was a pup. A bird dog, Bo was born and bred at Eichhorn Kennels in Calhan.Bo's parents are registered champions with the American Kennel Club. His father, Kacey's Cuban Cigar, is a certified pedigree and senior hunter. His mother, Black Forest No Biz Like Show Biz, or "Norma," was thought to be named for film legend Marilyn Monroe. Bo, who once tipped the scales at 103 pounds, lives with the Pembertons, their 12- and 6-year-old daughters, and two cats.Cari Pemberton, a native Coloradan, says that even though Bo outweighs the cats several times over, he's not the boss. Spike, the cat they've owned the longest, rules the roost."Spike is the patriarch," she said. "Bo knows he has to have permission to get on the couch. But if Spike is there, he's afraid to get up because he's not sure Spike will like it."Even though he's afraid of a cat, Bo's a physical kind of guy. He loves to swim, and there's nothing he likes better than to "fetch up" the morning newspaper.Also impressive is Bo's ability to do tricks. He can roll over, or when asked, give a high-five - to the right or the left.For the photo competition, Bo is dressed in goggles and a flight jacket with a Fort Carson Ghostriders emblem on the sleeve. He's doing what looks to be his best Snoopy and the Red Baron imitation. "We've had a lot of fun with that picture," Pemberton said. "It's been on our Christmas newsletter."
Click below to see photo #2: http://www.gazette.com/articles/kids_42455___article.html/pumpkins_.html

Getting involved

Whatever your beliefs, it is important to make time to support them by saying "no" to demands on your time that are not in keeping with your mission and goals.
Today, I was up at 4:59a.m. after a night of little sleep (it didn't help that our alarm clock which displays the temperature in the garage read 64.1 at 1:49a.m. - my dear husband woke me up, thinking I had overslept!). The weather was cool and cloudy, but that didn't stop several thousand of Sarah Palin's supporters from turning out for a rally at what locals call Sky Sox Stadium, about two miles from my home. I met up with a friend from church and two of her houseguests, visitors from Wisconsin.
A fun surprise for me was the performance by Hank Williams, Jr., aka Bocephus (yes, the reason our dog is named the same). I only wish my husband could have been there for his rendition of Johnny Cash's "Walk the Line" and his a capella version of the national anthem.
Accompanying Gov. Palin was Alaska's "First Dude" and two of their daughters. Turned out, they stayed at the Marriott last night and even stopped for an ice cream, baby boy in tow, at the same parlor where Bethany held her birthday a couple years ago.
After a well-rounded speech on the McCain/Palin platform punctuated by enthusiastic cheers, the rain held off just long enough to get most of us out of the stadium.
So, get out there and share truth about your candidate of choice. If you don't know which candidate or ballot issues to support, it's not too late to get educated. As the saying goes, if you don't vote, don't complain!

The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Life

On Tuesday, ten ladies began a study of Kathy Peel's latest book. Judging from the lively discussion, each took something valuable from the first meeting.
We meet from 9-11:15 a.m. at Chapel Hills Baptist Church, 2025 Parliament.
It's not too late to join us! Just contact me to find out how.

Upcoming Cordera Community Center event

Bring your lunch to 11894 Grand Lawn Circle at noon on September 16 or October 14, and eat while you learn! I will provide useful tips on how to prepare homes to sell for more money in less time. This is a FREE informational event, so bring a friend along as we explore these secrets!
Would you like to receive staging tips on YOUR home listing? Please email your photos to cari@thecluttercutters.net by the previous Friday. I will address your photos during the event and provide tips specific to your listing. All attendees will be automatically registered for a $15 discount off their next staging service provided by me (must be used within 30 days of the event). Light refreshments will be provided.

Meeting the McCains and Gov. Palin

On Saturday, September 6, my family had the opportunity to meet and even speak with John McCain, Sarah Palin and Cindy McCain at a rally here in Colorado Springs. (Please see photos, below and to the right.)
After leaving home at 8am and working our way through the security checkpoint at 9:30, we staked our spot along the fence separating us from the taxiway. The two campaign aircraft, one a Boeing 737 and the other was an Embraer 190, were already parked. The 737, which they ultimately boarded a few hours later as we watched, was only about 15 yards from us.
After their speeches, the Secret Service and local police officers took their places. From black Suburbans, out stepped the McCains and Gov. Palin to thunderous applause and much waving of the flags previously discarded by the DNC.
Moments later, Sen. McCain was thanking my husband, Rod, for his military service - before Rod even had the chance to say the same to him. Touching the VIP detachment patch on Rod's flight jacket, Sen. McCain told Mrs. McCain, "Look." Dressed in bright green and orange, Mrs. McCain also thanked Rod for his service. I told Mrs. McCain that I am an adopted child and that I had enjoyed hearing her adoption story very much.
As Gov. Palin approached next, I noticed that she is even prettier in person than on TV. She also seems slimmer - how, with a four-month-old?!? Seeing our six-year-old Erin, she stopped and asked for her name. When Erin replied, Gov. Palin proceeded to ask her age. The three also met our 12-year-old, Bethany, who was busy snapping cell phone photos. Now, if I can just learn how to extract those photos . . . I may not, so ask me to show them to you on my phone if you see me! Growing up, I was told I could be anything I wanted to be. Being a mother is definitely tops on my list, especially now that I've experienced motherhood with my two precious girls. (Helping families get organized is up there, too.) Now, my girls have seen first hand what opportunities await women in this great country of ours. Please encourage the girls in your life, especially those approaching voting age, not to take these opportunities for granted.

I began organizing around the age of 9, when I would alphabetize Grandma's spice rack. After moving to Colorado Springs in 1992, I founded The Clutter Cutters and became one of the city's first professional organizers. Later, as a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, I was asked to join other seasoned leaders in the prestigious Golden Circle. I am also one of Colorado's first Certified Family Manager Coaches and serve as a mentor coach to five women in three states.