<p>I just want to say to all the parents on this forum that I truly appreciate the discussions we are having here. We don't see eye to eye on some topics, but we have some truly special things in common, namely our fantastic kids and the wonderful country they have chosen to serve----
It's been great discussing, debating, and kidding with each other. The respect we show for one another despite some disagreement at times is certainly appreciated I am sure by all of us.
Everyone have a great weekend!!!</p>
<p>I most definitely agree with you, shogun. And I vote to put you on the eloquent poster list that Jamzmom started in that very long thread. You can join Bill, the reluctant yet articulate addict, and aspen, the leader of our comedy group.</p>
<p>I just saw a group of moms of friends of both of my daughters. They were talking about fraternity/sorority parties and giggling about their kids drinking and staying out all night. I couldn't wait to get back here after being gone for a few days to talk about some topics that have become more comfortable to me - the incredible kids we have and the fabulous parents we are. :) Allthough I've only met 1 person from this board (and you know who you are, shogun) and of course the most lovely and talented twin_b, I really think there is a collegial feeling that I can't describe to anyone else. We really are sharing an experience that is different from our friends. </p>
<p>I thank each and every one of you for the precious time you give here. You help me get past the angst. I love hearing about each of your kids and I hope the parents of candidates going through the application process get the opportunity to feel the pride soon.</p>
<p>Cheers to us! Its an ugly world outside of our group. LOL You guys are the only people I know that actually want to talk about underwear with me. We do have some funny things to talk about most days. But when we do have a serious topic, its especially interesting to read the different views. Some with such great passion. It gives one such food for thought. I would hate to think myself so stuck that I couldn't consider another view (well, except that one time I got kinda mean...). How dull & boring would this place be if we thought completely alike. We have that one common ground. We do have great kids! Agreed! I like your kids better than ya'll though. Can they come to my house next Christmas? Thanks Shogun for taking a moment to say kind things.</p>
<p>Now that we're complimenting ourselves and thanking each other I'd like to thank Jamzmom for making me laugh so much. I'm positive it's not just the merlot making me laugh.</p>
<p>And I'm positive that it is the merlot that makes me post so much in here. Momoftwins, you're a nut, thats why you laugh. LOL
C'mon in here Bill & Aspen. Its all fuzzy warm. Group hugs!</p>
<p>Everybody's wonderful! Happy?</p>
<p>Yeeeees. As a matter of fact, I am. But then again, I always am. I'm especially happy today as the hubby went off to a golf game & I snuck out after some really baaaad deep fried junk food. Then the kid called and I got to hear some academy sea stories and about some good grades. Life is AWESOME! And you people are too! The only downside about a lovely day like today is when you have to hide a KY Fried Chicken box way deep down in the trash so as not to be caught, then your Mom pops over with some nasty cake made with those fake eggs & fake cream cheese. Kinda put a damper on my fun.</p>
<p>My wife and daughter are on a raw food diet. There is nothing to eat in my house. I have to sneak out to buy candy bars at the local CVS.</p>
<p>Ooooo BigGreen. You have it way worse than I do. I'm so sorry for you. If they try to take my chocolate, things are gonna get rough. Hey, wait a minute! Chocolate could be considered raw. A Hershey bar is only melted at a low temp before poured into a mold. :)</p>
<p>my wife does have dark chocolate in the house - like red wine it's supposed to be good for you, but I like milk chocolate</p>
<p>BigGreen,</p>
<p>Only dark chocolate has any medicinal value. Milk chocolate is just good.</p>
<p>This xmas I discovered the joys of bananas dipped in chocolate fondue........I was like an addict for 3 days!</p>
<p>Sorry I missed the earlier group hug. I got so engrossed in the compelling and unpredictable story line of Annapolis that I had to see it several times. As I read all this talk about chocolate, I thought the thread must have something to do with New Orleans.</p>
<p>With nearly 500 posts on this forum during the last year and countless hours enjoying the posts of the other contributors, this group of service academy parents and candidates/plebes has certainly been a huge and positive part of my life.</p>
<p>Heartfelt thanks to all. </p>
<p>As the axiom goes: Never underestimate the power of misguided people in large groups.</p>
<p><em>Sigh</em> I dunno you guys. I kinda miss all academy speak.....</p>