Honestly, when I talk about election stuff, I try to keep it to a minimum. Why? Because there is so much election stuff, it gets lost in the noise.
Here is my opinion. We have a right to vote. It is an amazing right. We have the right to vote because our forefathers bought that right with their blood on the battle ground of the Revolutionary War. Our forefathers recognized it as a huge right and privilege. I remember tearing up a few years ago when Iraq held it's first election, and seeing the huge pride well up in people as they proudly showed off their purple index finger from dunking it in ink to vote. It was a badge of honor.
Another right that was bought and paid for with the blood of our forefathers, is the right to free speech. There are women, right now, around the world, who don't even have the right to show their face, let alone what their opinions are. The soldiers of the Revolutionary War thought it was worth shedding blood over.
Every time we have a presidential election, it gets nasty. I have learned my lesson, I keep my opinions to myself, and let my voice be my vote. Why? I have lost friends because we differ on political views. Not because I wanted to end it, but because they did.
Can we all agree to one thing? Can we please embrace the fact that we have the right to agree and disagree? That we can each have and own our opinions without persecution from the powers that govern our land? I have opinions that would get me killed in other countries, especially as a woman. I may disagree with my neighbor about their views, but goodness, I revel in the fact that we all get to vote, and it matters. I want my neighbor to go cast his or her dissenting vote!
Before anyone goes and severs a friendship because they disagree politically, can we stop for a moment and enjoy the fact that we have that right? Can we please separate the two? We can still be friends, we can still disagree, and we can enjoy such wonderful rights! How cool is that?
Nov 4, 2008
Nov 3, 2008
That Season Again
Remember back in May when I shared about the car conversation I had with JM about writing letters to the kids birthparents? We all ended up needing a box of Kleenex?
It's that time again. Creeps up on you huh? We need to get another letter and batch of photos off to BH's birthparents before we enjoy Thanksgiving. Because it's something you can't just throw together, I do start planning a few weeks ahead of time.
First thing, I download any pictures I need to one of my favorite photo websites. Snapfish.com is the one I am using this time because I have a freebie coming from them. My usual place is shutterfly.com. I have about 50+ photos ready to be ordered, and will do it this week.
I have also required JM to write a letter to include this time. Last May, it was optional. Not this time. He's old enough to write sentences, and I have let him know, he needs to do that this time.
I have also got to think through the special events we've done since May. It's been a lot! Parade in June, meeting AC Green, Fourth of July, trip to Colorado (and the emergency room), starting preschool, going to the apple orchards and pumpkin patch. You have all seen many of the pictures I will be sending.
Then I need to also write anything developmentally that he has done recently. Well, his little sense of humor is way beyond his years. He certainly can't be looked at too long because his little smiling gaze will wrap you around his little finger. He has learned how to shake his boom boom, and makes getting dressed a whole different adventure. It's these sorts of thing that we get to write about.
We don't have ongoing contact with JM's birthmom. So I always make it clear, he can write a letter to his birthmom, and I will save it in a special place and get it to her when I am allowed to. Again, tears! How special it will be to hand to her letters he has written to her over the course of his childhood. I would love to be able to hand that to her as a gift someday.
And it always brings me back to the same place. I am so privileged and blessed that these generous people gave me a slice of their soul, entrusted their flesh and blood to me, to raise. How amazing is that? And again, God being the author and example of what adoption means. I am such a blessed person!
Sigh......Need another Kleenex again.....
It's that time again. Creeps up on you huh? We need to get another letter and batch of photos off to BH's birthparents before we enjoy Thanksgiving. Because it's something you can't just throw together, I do start planning a few weeks ahead of time.
First thing, I download any pictures I need to one of my favorite photo websites. Snapfish.com is the one I am using this time because I have a freebie coming from them. My usual place is shutterfly.com. I have about 50+ photos ready to be ordered, and will do it this week.
I have also required JM to write a letter to include this time. Last May, it was optional. Not this time. He's old enough to write sentences, and I have let him know, he needs to do that this time.
I have also got to think through the special events we've done since May. It's been a lot! Parade in June, meeting AC Green, Fourth of July, trip to Colorado (and the emergency room), starting preschool, going to the apple orchards and pumpkin patch. You have all seen many of the pictures I will be sending.
Then I need to also write anything developmentally that he has done recently. Well, his little sense of humor is way beyond his years. He certainly can't be looked at too long because his little smiling gaze will wrap you around his little finger. He has learned how to shake his boom boom, and makes getting dressed a whole different adventure. It's these sorts of thing that we get to write about.
We don't have ongoing contact with JM's birthmom. So I always make it clear, he can write a letter to his birthmom, and I will save it in a special place and get it to her when I am allowed to. Again, tears! How special it will be to hand to her letters he has written to her over the course of his childhood. I would love to be able to hand that to her as a gift someday.
And it always brings me back to the same place. I am so privileged and blessed that these generous people gave me a slice of their soul, entrusted their flesh and blood to me, to raise. How amazing is that? And again, God being the author and example of what adoption means. I am such a blessed person!
Sigh......Need another Kleenex again.....
Oct 31, 2008
Cows Part II
Okay, we have "ordered" the cow. Several of my blogging buddies responded to my post a few days ago wanting to join us in our cow purchase.
My pastor's wife, R, called to place the order. The person at the farm said these exact words, "We have a cow with your name on it." She is feeling oh so guilty and referred to herself as a "cow hitman".
JR, another friend joining us on this excursion, has insisted we refer to this whole transaction as the "beef tree" that needs to be harvested. I told her we need to have a moment of silence on Wednesday for our cow. When I said that, she almost lost it.
Oh my. Good thing none of us sissies came to the Pacific Northwest with Lewis and Clark. Sacajawea would have laughed her leather smock and moccasins off at us.
My pastor's wife, R, called to place the order. The person at the farm said these exact words, "We have a cow with your name on it." She is feeling oh so guilty and referred to herself as a "cow hitman".
JR, another friend joining us on this excursion, has insisted we refer to this whole transaction as the "beef tree" that needs to be harvested. I told her we need to have a moment of silence on Wednesday for our cow. When I said that, she almost lost it.
Oh my. Good thing none of us sissies came to the Pacific Northwest with Lewis and Clark. Sacajawea would have laughed her leather smock and moccasins off at us.
Feeding the Wolves
I listen to Dr. Laura when I can. Her show isn't for young kids, so when I am in the car while she is on, I try to listen. I love her! I have listened to her for 10+ years, and her wisdom is great. She is a little rough on people but her advice is rock solid.
I had a moment yesterday to listen to her. I want to share with you a little story she shared with a caller. The young gal called in and just starting crying. She is a young mom, has a huge history of abuse, and is wondering what in the world she is doing thinking with her history she can mother, etc. Just completely fell apart at the words "hello" on the call.
Dr. Laura gently, and encouragingly shared this story.
A grandpa is sitting with his young grandson on his lap. Grandpa shares how he has two wolves in his brain. One is ferocious and mean. He will tear you up if he were near you. The other wolf is happy go lucky, enjoys life, likes to have fun and loves people.
Well of course, this startled the little boy a bit. He asked with trepidation, "Grandpa!! Which one will win?!"
Grandpa replied, "The one I feed."
I had a moment yesterday to listen to her. I want to share with you a little story she shared with a caller. The young gal called in and just starting crying. She is a young mom, has a huge history of abuse, and is wondering what in the world she is doing thinking with her history she can mother, etc. Just completely fell apart at the words "hello" on the call.
Dr. Laura gently, and encouragingly shared this story.
A grandpa is sitting with his young grandson on his lap. Grandpa shares how he has two wolves in his brain. One is ferocious and mean. He will tear you up if he were near you. The other wolf is happy go lucky, enjoys life, likes to have fun and loves people.
Well of course, this startled the little boy a bit. He asked with trepidation, "Grandpa!! Which one will win?!"
Grandpa replied, "The one I feed."
Oct 30, 2008
List of Facts....And Opinions....
In our lessons right now, we are distinguishing between facts and opinions. I feel bad for JM. At his age, it is hard to see the gray area of opinion. Here is my list of facts in my life right now, as well as my opinion....
Facts:
1) I am voting for McCain/Palin.
2) I have my ballot ready to fill out.
3) I have not a clue on the ballot measures I have to vote on.
4) I have precious little time to read the ballot measure pamphlet/book.
5) I have to send in my ballot in the next 48 hours for my vote to be counted.
6) I don't know when I'll be sleeping in the next 48 hours.
Opinion:
1) I think that once we get anyone in the White House, it could be Elmo at this point, the economy will relax.
2) I think Sarah Palin has had enough mud thrown at her.
3) I think the press, and it's fear mongering headlines, has caused a lot of the fear we have in our economy right now. In the words of a network executive "I use the headline that will get my shareholders the most money." Yep, and because of that, the rest of us just lost our 401K's and won't be retiring until we're 90. Thanks.
4) I think the press needs to be fair, and dig up dirt on Joe Biden, mix it with water, and throw it at him. It's only fair. They are doing it to Sarah Palin, they should do it to Joe Biden.
5) I think we have a great nation that needs to remember back to the basics of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and what it means to protect our country.
6) I know my military upbringing has a lot to do with my opinions of our country, national security, and conservative attitude. I am glad for it. I think all of us should experience sacrifice for our country. I didn't have my dad for many Christmases, holidays, birthdays, etc. because of his service. Many times he was on secure missions where we honestly didn't know where, literally, in the world he was--for months at a time, during a very tenuous time in our history with the Middle East. He could very easily have not come home even though he didn't see combat.
7) Bottom line, I think Barack Obama hasn't a clue how to handle the future of this country in regards to the Middle East. Why do I care so much about this? Because I don't want any more planes flying into our buildings. I don't want a war on our soil.
Okay, I am done. As you were....
Facts:
1) I am voting for McCain/Palin.
2) I have my ballot ready to fill out.
3) I have not a clue on the ballot measures I have to vote on.
4) I have precious little time to read the ballot measure pamphlet/book.
5) I have to send in my ballot in the next 48 hours for my vote to be counted.
6) I don't know when I'll be sleeping in the next 48 hours.
Opinion:
1) I think that once we get anyone in the White House, it could be Elmo at this point, the economy will relax.
2) I think Sarah Palin has had enough mud thrown at her.
3) I think the press, and it's fear mongering headlines, has caused a lot of the fear we have in our economy right now. In the words of a network executive "I use the headline that will get my shareholders the most money." Yep, and because of that, the rest of us just lost our 401K's and won't be retiring until we're 90. Thanks.
4) I think the press needs to be fair, and dig up dirt on Joe Biden, mix it with water, and throw it at him. It's only fair. They are doing it to Sarah Palin, they should do it to Joe Biden.
5) I think we have a great nation that needs to remember back to the basics of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and what it means to protect our country.
6) I know my military upbringing has a lot to do with my opinions of our country, national security, and conservative attitude. I am glad for it. I think all of us should experience sacrifice for our country. I didn't have my dad for many Christmases, holidays, birthdays, etc. because of his service. Many times he was on secure missions where we honestly didn't know where, literally, in the world he was--for months at a time, during a very tenuous time in our history with the Middle East. He could very easily have not come home even though he didn't see combat.
7) Bottom line, I think Barack Obama hasn't a clue how to handle the future of this country in regards to the Middle East. Why do I care so much about this? Because I don't want any more planes flying into our buildings. I don't want a war on our soil.
Okay, I am done. As you were....
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