I remember as a kid time could not move fast enough and the days seemed like years. Now, time moves so fast the kids grow and I have no idea what happened.
It is hard to believe that my baby turned 1 yesterday. It hardly seems possible, but ,sigh, it is. They grow so fast.
In the past year, she has learned to smile, laugh, roll over, sit up, crawl, grew five teeth, and even learned to walk. She says a few words like night night, no, more, ma ma, and da da. She enjoys playing with her older sisters and following them around the house. She just adores them and looks up to them like they are the best little people in the world.
It is times like this that as a mom, I have to remember to treasure each and every moment of cuddling, hugging, and loving from them I can get as they grow so fast and one day they won't be here to cuddle and hug and love on. I sometimes wonder if I am doing enough with them as I don't want to miss any precious time that I have as it is so little.
For her birthday, we took her to Toys R Us where they gave her a little crown and balloon and we went through the store trying to keep the crown on her head while I picked out some toys for her birthday.
Yesterday (her official birthday), my husband ended up being off (see previous post) so we went out to dinner (bonus of that was we found out that kids ate free after we got there and we were still able to use a 10.00 off coupon on top of that) then just came home and enjoyed the time together as a family.
On Saturday we will celebrate it by having Uncle and Aunt over to have pizza, cake, ice cream, and open gifts. Hopefully get a few games in as well. My other two kids can hardly wait for her to open her gifts as they have been waiting patiently. I think deep down inside, they think that the toys are theirs. Oh well, reality bites.
Happy 1st Birthday, Brookelyn. May it be one that we will cherish for always.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Interesting thoughts of a rambling mind
Try mentioning whiteout to someone who lives in Orlando, Florida!
Tell that same person that it is 20 degrees and listen to their reaction when they think that 70 in February is chilly.
No joke, I went to Florida a couple of weeks ago. We went to Disney and she suggests that I take a jacket because it might be chilly. Granted, in the evening I did wear my jacket because it was a damp chilly, but knowing that it was 0 here in Illinois that same weekend and I was in 75 degree weather -- that was priceless. I honestly and truly felt sorry for my family and wished that they could be there with me.
The more it snows, the more I think that buying a condo in Central Florida for the Winter months is a great idea. You could rent it out in the Summer to your friends and/or tourists for a week at a time to pay for it.
I know, it seems like I am complaining, but when you see nothing but snow outside for 6 weeks, it gets kind of tiring.
Tell that same person that it is 20 degrees and listen to their reaction when they think that 70 in February is chilly.
No joke, I went to Florida a couple of weeks ago. We went to Disney and she suggests that I take a jacket because it might be chilly. Granted, in the evening I did wear my jacket because it was a damp chilly, but knowing that it was 0 here in Illinois that same weekend and I was in 75 degree weather -- that was priceless. I honestly and truly felt sorry for my family and wished that they could be there with me.
The more it snows, the more I think that buying a condo in Central Florida for the Winter months is a great idea. You could rent it out in the Summer to your friends and/or tourists for a week at a time to pay for it.
I know, it seems like I am complaining, but when you see nothing but snow outside for 6 weeks, it gets kind of tiring.
Friday, February 22, 2008
potholes
As most of you know, I hate Winter in the first place. This Winter is particularly bad for a couple of reasons. The first one is that it is cold and the cold just won't go away and it is getting annoying and I am tired of seeing snow. This particular snowfall has been on the ground for about 3 weeks.
The second reason is that it has been so wet and cold that potholes are showing up in the streets. I had a friend post on this a few days ago and after driving on the roads today, I couldn't pass it up. Some of the potholes are getting so big that I fear that they will open up enough to swallow a car. Seriously, it is that bad. On some of the roads you could set up an obstacle course and on some others you could wash clothes because of the washboard effect. The manholes are getting manholes.
Now the city says they have no money to fix them. EXCUSE ME!!? What happened to all that money that they city is bringing in from our "unwanted--at least by me" sales tax increase that was put through last year to cover road repairs? I think, sometimes that these cities are in league with auto repair shops. Come on, people, lets get those roads fixed before all our teeth fall out from being banged together when we go over all the holes in the roads.
The second reason is that it has been so wet and cold that potholes are showing up in the streets. I had a friend post on this a few days ago and after driving on the roads today, I couldn't pass it up. Some of the potholes are getting so big that I fear that they will open up enough to swallow a car. Seriously, it is that bad. On some of the roads you could set up an obstacle course and on some others you could wash clothes because of the washboard effect. The manholes are getting manholes.
Now the city says they have no money to fix them. EXCUSE ME!!? What happened to all that money that they city is bringing in from our "unwanted--at least by me" sales tax increase that was put through last year to cover road repairs? I think, sometimes that these cities are in league with auto repair shops. Come on, people, lets get those roads fixed before all our teeth fall out from being banged together when we go over all the holes in the roads.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
funnies
Now for what you have all been waiting for, the next edition of Readers Digest funnies.
1. I called a company in Nashville to order some country music CD's. After hanging up, I said to my wife, "The woman on the phone had such a heavy accent, I could barely understand her." Apparently the problem had been mutual. My CD's arrived in a package addressed to "Smoked Ham, Washington." by Tom Burk,of Spokane Washington
I thought that one especially funny because I could see that happening, since I have had to explain the pronunciation of that city many times in my life, since I am originally from there.
2. One Sunday, a minister played hooky from church so that he could shoot a round of golf. St. Peter, looking down froom Heaven, seethed. "You're going to let him get away with this, God?" The Lord shook His head. The minister took his first shot. The ball soared through air 420 yards and dropped into the cup for a hole in one. St Peter was outraged. " I thought you were going to punish him!" The Lord shrugged. " Who's he going to tell?" (by Philip Lazenby)
Obviously I don't agree with the theology, but the joke was funny.
3. Three dolts are in the forest when they spot a set of tracks.
Dolt #1 says, "hey, deer tracks!"
Dolt #2 says, "No, dog tracks!"
Dolt #3 says, "You're both crazy -- they're cow tracks!"
They were still arguing when the train hit them.
submitted by Mike Thomas
and finally, last but not least.
4. One day at a local cafe, a woman suddenly called out. "My daughter's choking! she swallowed a nickel! Please, anyone, help!" Immediately a man at a nearby table rushed up to her and said he was experienced in these situations. He calmly stepped over the girl, then with no look of concern, wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. Out popped the nickel.
The man returned to his table as if nothing had happened. "Thank you!" the mother cried. "Tell me, are you a doctor?"
"no," the man replied. "I work for the IRS."
submitted by Mike Thomas
I thought that last one was appropriate since we are all beginning to think of tax time (some of us have all ready reported, yay).
1. I called a company in Nashville to order some country music CD's. After hanging up, I said to my wife, "The woman on the phone had such a heavy accent, I could barely understand her." Apparently the problem had been mutual. My CD's arrived in a package addressed to "Smoked Ham, Washington." by Tom Burk,of Spokane Washington
I thought that one especially funny because I could see that happening, since I have had to explain the pronunciation of that city many times in my life, since I am originally from there.
2. One Sunday, a minister played hooky from church so that he could shoot a round of golf. St. Peter, looking down froom Heaven, seethed. "You're going to let him get away with this, God?" The Lord shook His head. The minister took his first shot. The ball soared through air 420 yards and dropped into the cup for a hole in one. St Peter was outraged. " I thought you were going to punish him!" The Lord shrugged. " Who's he going to tell?" (by Philip Lazenby)
Obviously I don't agree with the theology, but the joke was funny.
3. Three dolts are in the forest when they spot a set of tracks.
Dolt #1 says, "hey, deer tracks!"
Dolt #2 says, "No, dog tracks!"
Dolt #3 says, "You're both crazy -- they're cow tracks!"
They were still arguing when the train hit them.
submitted by Mike Thomas
and finally, last but not least.
4. One day at a local cafe, a woman suddenly called out. "My daughter's choking! she swallowed a nickel! Please, anyone, help!" Immediately a man at a nearby table rushed up to her and said he was experienced in these situations. He calmly stepped over the girl, then with no look of concern, wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. Out popped the nickel.
The man returned to his table as if nothing had happened. "Thank you!" the mother cried. "Tell me, are you a doctor?"
"no," the man replied. "I work for the IRS."
submitted by Mike Thomas
I thought that last one was appropriate since we are all beginning to think of tax time (some of us have all ready reported, yay).
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Valentine's Day Tragedy hits close to home
I am sure most know by now about the tragedy at Northern Illinois University last week. A former student opened fire on a classroom and killed himself after killng 5 and wounding 17 others, physically, and causing mental damage to many more.
Last year after the massacre at Virginia Tech, obviously it was tragic and we felt sympathy for the families, but it seemed so far away. It is amazing how it changes when tragedy of this type hits close to home. NIU is only 45 miles away from where I am and we see the news and aftereffects of it on a daily basis. We are constantly bombarded with new information and updates on the people involved.
We know people who know people who knew someone who was there. The checker at my usual grocery store knew someone who was sitting next to one of the people who died. It hit most area families in some way.
One would think that college would be safe, but nowhere is truly safe anymore. It is a reminder of the depravity of man and the times that we live in. It also reminds us that we, as parents, need to give our kids over to God and trust Him for His perfect will in their lives, no matter what that will may be. I know it is easier said than done. I just pray that one day, I will be willing to do just that.
We need to remember to keep the living victims, present students, and families of the dead in our thoughts and prayers as the healing process has begun. Their memories will live on and the hurt will remain for years to come, but true healing will eventually occur. The community will eventually heal and probably emerge stronger than before. God bless them.
Last year after the massacre at Virginia Tech, obviously it was tragic and we felt sympathy for the families, but it seemed so far away. It is amazing how it changes when tragedy of this type hits close to home. NIU is only 45 miles away from where I am and we see the news and aftereffects of it on a daily basis. We are constantly bombarded with new information and updates on the people involved.
We know people who know people who knew someone who was there. The checker at my usual grocery store knew someone who was sitting next to one of the people who died. It hit most area families in some way.
One would think that college would be safe, but nowhere is truly safe anymore. It is a reminder of the depravity of man and the times that we live in. It also reminds us that we, as parents, need to give our kids over to God and trust Him for His perfect will in their lives, no matter what that will may be. I know it is easier said than done. I just pray that one day, I will be willing to do just that.
We need to remember to keep the living victims, present students, and families of the dead in our thoughts and prayers as the healing process has begun. Their memories will live on and the hurt will remain for years to come, but true healing will eventually occur. The community will eventually heal and probably emerge stronger than before. God bless them.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Small Annoyances of Life
How ironic. I go from the happy post of pictures from my glorious trip to Florida to this annoying pet peeve post.
Today I went grocery shopping. I wanted to load up before the snowstorm hits. I was in the checkout line and the little girl behind me dropped one of those gum by the foot roll things on the floor of the checkout line. Apparently it opened up and the gum fell out because I saw whom I was assuming her dad, put it back in the package and put it on the shelf. How disgusting. Be careful what you let your kids take off the shelf.
Sometime ago at a different store, I watched a little girl eat some candy out of a package and put it back. I am a mean person. I handed it to the cashier and told her that the little girl in front of me had opened it and ate it. She made the mother pay for it. I didn't do that this time, but I probably should have. It might teach that parent a lesson to watch their kids.
I know that I am not perfect, but things like that annoy me. That parent had ONE child to watch, not several.
One more thing that bothered me was while I was in the parking lot looking for a place to park at another grocery store, I was waiting for someone to find a spot in front of me, a nice retired veteran (that is what it said on his hat) offered me his parking space. He pulled out and lo and behold, there was someone trying to steal it right before my eyes. Not happening. Sorry, my selfish depraved soul showed its ugly head today. What can I say, besides I am sorry Lord, I sinned.
Today I went grocery shopping. I wanted to load up before the snowstorm hits. I was in the checkout line and the little girl behind me dropped one of those gum by the foot roll things on the floor of the checkout line. Apparently it opened up and the gum fell out because I saw whom I was assuming her dad, put it back in the package and put it on the shelf. How disgusting. Be careful what you let your kids take off the shelf.
Sometime ago at a different store, I watched a little girl eat some candy out of a package and put it back. I am a mean person. I handed it to the cashier and told her that the little girl in front of me had opened it and ate it. She made the mother pay for it. I didn't do that this time, but I probably should have. It might teach that parent a lesson to watch their kids.
I know that I am not perfect, but things like that annoy me. That parent had ONE child to watch, not several.
One more thing that bothered me was while I was in the parking lot looking for a place to park at another grocery store, I was waiting for someone to find a spot in front of me, a nice retired veteran (that is what it said on his hat) offered me his parking space. He pulled out and lo and behold, there was someone trying to steal it right before my eyes. Not happening. Sorry, my selfish depraved soul showed its ugly head today. What can I say, besides I am sorry Lord, I sinned.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Disney Pictures
This is Captain Jack Sparrow at the show outside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. He is no Johnny Depp, but he did a good job.
I am standing outside the Hall of Presidents show. It amazes me how they are able to get the movements, eye blinking, and talking of the late presidents. That was a great show.
My friend Tina and I with the star of Disney, Mickey Mouse. I apologize that the pictures are sideways and viewing will present a crick in the neck, but I could not get them to change direction to post. Maybe someone could give some pointers.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
COLD Chicago
I arrived back in Chicago late last night and it was cold. My husband warned me earlier in the day of an approaching snow storm and asked me if I could get my tickets to return home changed so that I could arrive early enough to catch that last bus as the last bus to Rockford left Chicago at 11:00 and my plane was scheduled to arrive at 10:51. I felt that it cut it too close and had asked him to pick me up. I tried to change it and they said it would cost me more and she suggested I leave it alone and check back later on the status of my flight.
I am glad that I did not change it as I would not have had the glorious warm sunny day at the botanical garden (www.leugardens.com) and I would have had to go through the hassle of changing the flight when the snowstorm didn 't really start until later. It was snowing in Chicago when we arrived, but was not snowing really anywhere else.
I went outside to meet my husband and kids in the van and I told him that it was cold outside. When I left Orlando, I cried because 1. I had never had any problems in security when I have flown in the past and they took away a couple of things from me; 2. I was tired; and 3. I did not want to be cold as I was really enjoying the warm temperatures and knew what I was in for when I got home.
Hopefully Spring will come really soon and I can stop being cold and looking at snow. Wake me up when it warms up
I am glad that I did not change it as I would not have had the glorious warm sunny day at the botanical garden (www.leugardens.com) and I would have had to go through the hassle of changing the flight when the snowstorm didn 't really start until later. It was snowing in Chicago when we arrived, but was not snowing really anywhere else.
I went outside to meet my husband and kids in the van and I told him that it was cold outside. When I left Orlando, I cried because 1. I had never had any problems in security when I have flown in the past and they took away a couple of things from me; 2. I was tired; and 3. I did not want to be cold as I was really enjoying the warm temperatures and knew what I was in for when I got home.
Hopefully Spring will come really soon and I can stop being cold and looking at snow. Wake me up when it warms up
Still Florida dreamin'
The weather was still spectacular for February in my mind. The funny thing is that people there think 75 degrees is cold and run around in sweaters. Me, I am enjoying it in my short sleeved t-shirt. My friend told me that it might be chilly and I must have looked at her like she had 3 eyes or something. Too me it was great. I think I acclimated so quickly that I came back home and my normal house temperature is freezing and I had to turn the thermostat up. Welcome back to the Arctic and reality.
On Sunday I attended her church. That certainly was a little different experience than I was used to. The worship music was awesome, and the message was okay. I missed my own church and the depth of the sermons.
Then we went to the Vietnamese restaurant for dinner. Forgetting that it was Chinese New Year, we were amazed to see a dancing dragon and the restaurant was unusually crowded. While we were waiting for our food, we were able to catch a glimpse of the dragon dance. After our meal, we watched a drum performance in front of the market. It was truly a unique experience. I got to thinking that the only New Year traditions that Americans have is to get drunk and make noise. It was neat to see another country's traditions. We were able to capture pictures, so I will try to post those later.
On Sunday afternoon, my friend was really tired (I tired her out at Disney) so her husband took me to pick oranges while she took a nap. That is one thing that most tourists don't get to do, pick real oranges from an orange tree. It was an abandoned orange grove in the Orlando suburb that they live in and no one cares for it, so the oranges are free for the takers. It was one of those only in Florida experiences. When we were done, we went to check out a tree that had pecans on it (It was a pecan tree growing in an orange tree). At the bottom of the tree was a snake. We then decided to leave that tree alone. On Sunday night we all decided not to go to church as time was so short (I know, church skippers) and we went out to dinner and a lake, hoping to catch a glimpse of an alligator. We didn't.
On Monday, we got a little later start as we both decided to sleep in a little bit. We went to a botanical garden and it was a perfect day to do this. We could not ask for a more perfect day, weather wise. The bonus to the day was we got into the garden for free because it was right at the daily deadline for free admission. There were so many types of gardens that you would only find in the tropical regions of the world, such as the palm and cycad gardens, the bamboo garden, and a tropical water garden which had a viewing platform to observe the lake and NOT feed the alligators (which we still did not see). I had a wonderful time relaxing and enjoying the warm weather for a nice change. Then I woke up and it was snowing AGAIN!!
On Sunday I attended her church. That certainly was a little different experience than I was used to. The worship music was awesome, and the message was okay. I missed my own church and the depth of the sermons.
Then we went to the Vietnamese restaurant for dinner. Forgetting that it was Chinese New Year, we were amazed to see a dancing dragon and the restaurant was unusually crowded. While we were waiting for our food, we were able to catch a glimpse of the dragon dance. After our meal, we watched a drum performance in front of the market. It was truly a unique experience. I got to thinking that the only New Year traditions that Americans have is to get drunk and make noise. It was neat to see another country's traditions. We were able to capture pictures, so I will try to post those later.
On Sunday afternoon, my friend was really tired (I tired her out at Disney) so her husband took me to pick oranges while she took a nap. That is one thing that most tourists don't get to do, pick real oranges from an orange tree. It was an abandoned orange grove in the Orlando suburb that they live in and no one cares for it, so the oranges are free for the takers. It was one of those only in Florida experiences. When we were done, we went to check out a tree that had pecans on it (It was a pecan tree growing in an orange tree). At the bottom of the tree was a snake. We then decided to leave that tree alone. On Sunday night we all decided not to go to church as time was so short (I know, church skippers) and we went out to dinner and a lake, hoping to catch a glimpse of an alligator. We didn't.
On Monday, we got a little later start as we both decided to sleep in a little bit. We went to a botanical garden and it was a perfect day to do this. We could not ask for a more perfect day, weather wise. The bonus to the day was we got into the garden for free because it was right at the daily deadline for free admission. There were so many types of gardens that you would only find in the tropical regions of the world, such as the palm and cycad gardens, the bamboo garden, and a tropical water garden which had a viewing platform to observe the lake and NOT feed the alligators (which we still did not see). I had a wonderful time relaxing and enjoying the warm weather for a nice change. Then I woke up and it was snowing AGAIN!!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Greetings from sunny Orlando Florida
It is about 80 degrees and sunny here in Orlando Florida. Home of Walt Disney World. I am having a wonderful time basking in the wonderful warm weather. It just doesn't seem right for it to be this warm in February. Trust me, I can get used to it.
On Friday my friend and I got up bright and early and went to Walt Disney World's magic Kingdom. It is a magical place. I don't know what it is about it, but there is a great feeling around the park. You just feel so relaxed and happy. The staff is so nice and accomodating. One of the workers even took time to find out where we were from and point us in the direction of a reasonably priced restaurant for lunch. The food there was good too.
We were able to do the entire park in one day. I was even pushing her in a wheelchair, which by the way is the only way to do the park. The handler gets lots of exercise, but you get past all the rides too. You show up at the beginning of the line with a wheel chair and they whisk you right on by the rest of the line. Imagine the dirty looks from everyone who has been waiting in line for 30 minutes. I know, I have been there in the past.
We got to see a Captain Jack Sparrow show outside of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. I will post some pictures later. That ride is so good, we rode it twice. We also went on practically every other ride we wanted to go on. We were tuckered out by bed time.
On Saturday we went to Disney's Epcot center. That was one of the most amazing places I have ever been. The rides there are unique. There is one called test track where you get to ride a test car (sponsored by General Motors) through a test obstacle course and then go 70 mph around a curve in a convertible. I would have loved to ride that one again. I am looking forward to my next trip. We went to the World Showcase where there are pavilions representing around 10 countries. We decided that we would be exotic for our meals and try a little something at each one. We sampled a churro in mexico and listened to a mariachi band. We sampled leftse in Norway, bought a coke in China (we were having Vietnamese food the following day, so I didn't want anything Asian); candy in Japan, a Tangerine roll in Morocco, and Quiche in France. We opted not to try anything in Canada and Great Britain because it is so much like our own and that Quiche had filled us up.
We ended the night and Disney weekend by taking a ride on the most anticipated ride of the day --Soarin. It is like you are in a hang glider and flying over famous landmarks in California ending up in Disneyland. It is a pretty amazing ride. It amazes me sometimes how these companies put these rides together.
Stay tuned for an update on my last two days here.
On Friday my friend and I got up bright and early and went to Walt Disney World's magic Kingdom. It is a magical place. I don't know what it is about it, but there is a great feeling around the park. You just feel so relaxed and happy. The staff is so nice and accomodating. One of the workers even took time to find out where we were from and point us in the direction of a reasonably priced restaurant for lunch. The food there was good too.
We were able to do the entire park in one day. I was even pushing her in a wheelchair, which by the way is the only way to do the park. The handler gets lots of exercise, but you get past all the rides too. You show up at the beginning of the line with a wheel chair and they whisk you right on by the rest of the line. Imagine the dirty looks from everyone who has been waiting in line for 30 minutes. I know, I have been there in the past.
We got to see a Captain Jack Sparrow show outside of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. I will post some pictures later. That ride is so good, we rode it twice. We also went on practically every other ride we wanted to go on. We were tuckered out by bed time.
On Saturday we went to Disney's Epcot center. That was one of the most amazing places I have ever been. The rides there are unique. There is one called test track where you get to ride a test car (sponsored by General Motors) through a test obstacle course and then go 70 mph around a curve in a convertible. I would have loved to ride that one again. I am looking forward to my next trip. We went to the World Showcase where there are pavilions representing around 10 countries. We decided that we would be exotic for our meals and try a little something at each one. We sampled a churro in mexico and listened to a mariachi band. We sampled leftse in Norway, bought a coke in China (we were having Vietnamese food the following day, so I didn't want anything Asian); candy in Japan, a Tangerine roll in Morocco, and Quiche in France. We opted not to try anything in Canada and Great Britain because it is so much like our own and that Quiche had filled us up.
We ended the night and Disney weekend by taking a ride on the most anticipated ride of the day --Soarin. It is like you are in a hang glider and flying over famous landmarks in California ending up in Disneyland. It is a pretty amazing ride. It amazes me sometimes how these companies put these rides together.
Stay tuned for an update on my last two days here.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Super Tuesday II
Well, all the votes are in for Super Tuesday. Its over, Praise the Lord. I am so tired of the hype and the smearing campaign for now. I know it all starts up again before the next states that vote next week, but for now all is quiet. I don't personally have to go through this again until November.
Unfortunately it did not go as I hoped. Pretty much everyone I voted for lost. It makes me feel as though I voted for a bunch of losers. I just went with who I could, in a good conscience, vote for. Thankfully it is not over yet and no party winner has been declared, as I have no intention of ever voting for the present leader of the Republican party. I just don't understand the ignorance of the American people. John McCain is not my idea of what a Conservative is. He has not been consistant with Conservative values and has shown in recent years a leaning toward Democratic and Liberal ideals. I have no intention of remaining "loyal" to the party as he has not done so.
I never thought in a million years that I may have to go to the polls in November and "throw my vote away" or vote against my own party. Thankfully that is months away and a lot could happen in the next few leading up to the actual nominating convention.
Thankfully I serve a Sovereign God who is in control and knows the outcome even now. Nothing will surprise Him. I can always take comfort in that when things don't go the way I think they should.
Unfortunately it did not go as I hoped. Pretty much everyone I voted for lost. It makes me feel as though I voted for a bunch of losers. I just went with who I could, in a good conscience, vote for. Thankfully it is not over yet and no party winner has been declared, as I have no intention of ever voting for the present leader of the Republican party. I just don't understand the ignorance of the American people. John McCain is not my idea of what a Conservative is. He has not been consistant with Conservative values and has shown in recent years a leaning toward Democratic and Liberal ideals. I have no intention of remaining "loyal" to the party as he has not done so.
I never thought in a million years that I may have to go to the polls in November and "throw my vote away" or vote against my own party. Thankfully that is months away and a lot could happen in the next few leading up to the actual nominating convention.
Thankfully I serve a Sovereign God who is in control and knows the outcome even now. Nothing will surprise Him. I can always take comfort in that when things don't go the way I think they should.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Super Bowl XLII
Well, one more sporting event is over. It means an end to the American tradition for another year. I mean the pasttime of sitting in front of the tv all afternoon on Sunday and watching a bunch of men try to "kill" each other. Actually, we turn on the tv after dinner and it is a great way to take a nap, at least when my team --the Seattle Seahawks-- are not playing (which is usually every week as we live in Bears/Packers country, so we get stuck with them every week).
Yes, yes, I was rooting for the New England Patriots last night as my preference is Tom Brady over any Manning. Unfortunately, the best QB in the league was sacked over 3 times last night.
I had a rare opportunity to actually watch the super bowl because I am usually in church during the big game. Because of a surprise snow storm, that dropped about 4 inches in a couple of hours, our main evening service was cancelled. During choir practice alone we had a good couple inches.
Now that the Super Bowl is in the past, maybe I can get something more productive done on a Sunday afternoon, such as hospitality or reading, or maybe a wonderful nap, the latter is not likely, but the thought is nice.
Yes, yes, I was rooting for the New England Patriots last night as my preference is Tom Brady over any Manning. Unfortunately, the best QB in the league was sacked over 3 times last night.
I had a rare opportunity to actually watch the super bowl because I am usually in church during the big game. Because of a surprise snow storm, that dropped about 4 inches in a couple of hours, our main evening service was cancelled. During choir practice alone we had a good couple inches.
Now that the Super Bowl is in the past, maybe I can get something more productive done on a Sunday afternoon, such as hospitality or reading, or maybe a wonderful nap, the latter is not likely, but the thought is nice.
Countdown III
Oh yeah!! 3 more days. The more it snows, the more I will be able to say "eat your heart out". 7 little letters, okay, BIG letters; F-L-O-R-I-D-A. Okay, its out of my system now.
Super Tuesday
I will be so happy when this voting day is over. Tomorrow and over half of the country, includint my state of Illinois, will have had their presidential primary. I am tired of all the hype. As the field of candidates gets smaller, I see that mine is still in the race. Since the beginning of this whole thing I have liked Mitt Romney. I think that he is the best candidate because A. he is an astute businessman and can bring the economy out of its slump; B. he can bring together the Conservative and more liberal wings of the Republican party; and C. he can beat either of the two Democratic candidates. Bonus reason, the media and democratic candidates don't like him because he is a threat to their ideals.
Some may ask, but he is a Mormon, how can you vote for him? Well, true, I don't agree with his religious views, so technically being a Baptist, I should agree with Mike Huckabee.
Some may say, but he is part of a cult; do you want someone who is part of a cult running this country? Touche! There is a reason that we have checks and balances in our government. That is one thing that makes this nation great. We have three branches of government, so one branch alone cannot control what takes place in our land.
Would be be invoking the name of Jesus in his prayers, no, probably not; but there are members of Congress, the country, and the judicial branch who would be. Would an Evangelical Christian be a better choice, yes. Should that person be a Baptist pastor? As nice as that would be, probably not, because what is his calling? preacher or president?
Is the liberal John McCain a good choice? no. Yes, he has a conservative voting record on life issues, but he has not pledged not to raise taxes; he is for amnesty for illegal aliens, check out the amnesty bill that went through Congress and did NOT pass; and the democrats and media love him. That is a problem. Yes, he is an American hero and I thank him for that, but he cannot bring the both sides of the Republican party together and could bring certain doom to the office of president come November. Without the Conservative Evangelicals, it is nearly impossible to win the office of president.
Some may ask, but he is a Mormon, how can you vote for him? Well, true, I don't agree with his religious views, so technically being a Baptist, I should agree with Mike Huckabee.
Some may say, but he is part of a cult; do you want someone who is part of a cult running this country? Touche! There is a reason that we have checks and balances in our government. That is one thing that makes this nation great. We have three branches of government, so one branch alone cannot control what takes place in our land.
Would be be invoking the name of Jesus in his prayers, no, probably not; but there are members of Congress, the country, and the judicial branch who would be. Would an Evangelical Christian be a better choice, yes. Should that person be a Baptist pastor? As nice as that would be, probably not, because what is his calling? preacher or president?
Is the liberal John McCain a good choice? no. Yes, he has a conservative voting record on life issues, but he has not pledged not to raise taxes; he is for amnesty for illegal aliens, check out the amnesty bill that went through Congress and did NOT pass; and the democrats and media love him. That is a problem. Yes, he is an American hero and I thank him for that, but he cannot bring the both sides of the Republican party together and could bring certain doom to the office of president come November. Without the Conservative Evangelicals, it is nearly impossible to win the office of president.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Enlightening at the dog pound.
We went to the County Animal Shelter (lovingly called the dog pound) today for our homeschool field trip. I was a little hesitant because my older two kids are afraid of dogs and I was afraid they would make a scene in front of everyone.
I told them what the trip was and asked them if they wanted to go and they said they did. Having never been to the dog pound on a tour before, I did not know what really to expect.
We arrived and removed our coats. I put the baby in a front carrier so that she would be secure and began our tour.
We first went into the first cat room. This first room was where the stray cats were put once they reached the mandatory 4 days in the holding cages and no one claimed them. There were some beautiful cats and some not so beautiful cats. When I found out the price and what is included in the adoption price, I decided that it did not seem too bad to go about it that way. Automatically the pet gets "fixed" and shots as well as a new home for one low price. Kind of buying pets the Wal mart way.
Then we went into the second cat room. This was the room where the cats whom the owners had released for adoption, such as people moving, or people who have moved to nursing homes, etc... There was one beautiful white and grey kitten in there. It was absolutely beautiful. There were also several bunnies for you bunny lovers out there. A beautiful black lion head (I only know that because that is what the technician called it) was one of them.
Then the dreaded dog room. I was expecting this horrid stench and the loud barks mixed with the screams of my children. There was really none of that. There was a dog smell when we walked in that went away as our noses adjusted accompanied by some barks and whines by the lonely dogs. My children uttered not a sound. They walked quietly beside me or were held by one of the other moms who sensed their anxiety.
It was a truly enlightening and pleasant experience. I was shocked at my children's great behavior in the company of so many dogs, most of which were pit bulls. I actually felt sorry for them.
The final room we went into was the procedure room. The animals are brought to this room as a holding area (there were two cats who looked absolutely scared), given their shots, and observed for 24 hours. After that they are placed in one of the other rooms (there were a couple of rooms that we were not taken in that were for dogs and cats that were either dangerous or not tested yet). After the waiting period of 4 days (unless the owner claims them if they are stray), they are put in the adoption rooms if they are seen to be fit for adoption. There are vet. tables there where they receive shots and their chip. In the far recesses of that room, is the room where all the "fixing" takes place. We could not go in there because the doctor was operating that day. That would have truly been an enlightening experience for our group of homeschoolers.
Thank you Tancy for putting this trip together. It was truly an enlightening experience.
I told them what the trip was and asked them if they wanted to go and they said they did. Having never been to the dog pound on a tour before, I did not know what really to expect.
We arrived and removed our coats. I put the baby in a front carrier so that she would be secure and began our tour.
We first went into the first cat room. This first room was where the stray cats were put once they reached the mandatory 4 days in the holding cages and no one claimed them. There were some beautiful cats and some not so beautiful cats. When I found out the price and what is included in the adoption price, I decided that it did not seem too bad to go about it that way. Automatically the pet gets "fixed" and shots as well as a new home for one low price. Kind of buying pets the Wal mart way.
Then we went into the second cat room. This was the room where the cats whom the owners had released for adoption, such as people moving, or people who have moved to nursing homes, etc... There was one beautiful white and grey kitten in there. It was absolutely beautiful. There were also several bunnies for you bunny lovers out there. A beautiful black lion head (I only know that because that is what the technician called it) was one of them.
Then the dreaded dog room. I was expecting this horrid stench and the loud barks mixed with the screams of my children. There was really none of that. There was a dog smell when we walked in that went away as our noses adjusted accompanied by some barks and whines by the lonely dogs. My children uttered not a sound. They walked quietly beside me or were held by one of the other moms who sensed their anxiety.
It was a truly enlightening and pleasant experience. I was shocked at my children's great behavior in the company of so many dogs, most of which were pit bulls. I actually felt sorry for them.
The final room we went into was the procedure room. The animals are brought to this room as a holding area (there were two cats who looked absolutely scared), given their shots, and observed for 24 hours. After that they are placed in one of the other rooms (there were a couple of rooms that we were not taken in that were for dogs and cats that were either dangerous or not tested yet). After the waiting period of 4 days (unless the owner claims them if they are stray), they are put in the adoption rooms if they are seen to be fit for adoption. There are vet. tables there where they receive shots and their chip. In the far recesses of that room, is the room where all the "fixing" takes place. We could not go in there because the doctor was operating that day. That would have truly been an enlightening experience for our group of homeschoolers.
Thank you Tancy for putting this trip together. It was truly an enlightening experience.
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