Friday, November 14, 2008

Cruisin...

My girl is on a roll! We turned her spinner into the walker this evening and she took to it like a pro. She just cruises like she's been doing it all along! I almost cant keep her off it now. I am hopeful that this will help tire her and she may sleep through the night, Heaven knows Mama needs her rest! These moments with her put things into perspective. I forget the petty things in life and am reminded of what is truly important, my family! Her innocence and watching her learn something for the very first time is priceless. I wish I could stop time and hold these feelings forever. But that is where my baby journals come in. I have journals for each of my children that I write in daily. I love to look back and read my entries and remember these awesome times. I love knowing that my kids will have these journals when they are older and see what we did on a daily basis and all of their accomplishment throughout life.

First trip to the ER

Today was Treysons first trip to the emergency room. He managed to to last until he was 3 years and 8 months, not too bad. I was watching a girlfriends son, Gage, this morning. He and Treyson have played before and always have got along. Joe was in the kitchen replacing a few tiles, I was on the phone with my Mom making Thanksgiving plans, Jersey was playing near my feet and the boys were in the bedroom playing. Treyson started to cry, not a horrible cry, but a good one. He came out of the room and I pulled him near me. HE was saying Gage had hit him. I was thinking a little red mark would be there and not too much more. I pulled his hand off of is forehead and WHOOOO, blood galore rushing down his face. I immediately freaked out and told my Mom there was blood and I had to go. I rushed him to the bathroom to start cleaning him up and carefully trying to keep him seated to where he could not see himself in the mirror. I'm not sure if he would have freaked out because of the blood or thought it was cool and I wasn't taking any chances yet. We got him all cleaned up and decided he needed to go to the ER. You know those flags that you can roll up in the window of your car and have flowing while you drive? That is what he was hit with. He had a cut about a centimeter wide, not too big but it was pretty deep. I wasn't taking any chances of infection and so Joe took him in to the hospital. I promised him ice cream when he got home and told him he needed to be strong and I would be strong here at home for him. After they drove away it was like all of a sudden my adrenaline had worn off and I was sick! I don't do good with blood I started sweating and was very nauseated. I guess it was one of those instances that my Motherhood kicked in. I was fine taking care of him but as soon as it was all over I was a mess. I am so very glad that Joe was off today to be here with me and help. I cant imagine having no car and 3 kids in an emergency. Even little things like that remind me I have someone looking over me at all times. Anyway, they returned home about a half hour later and Trace was good as new, not even upset. He got a cool little flashlight and some stickers and when he got home of was ready for his treat I had promised.

First wound worthy of the ER!

Ice cream helps make everything better.


Thursday, November 6, 2008

Breakfast of Champions!

So, last night Joe BBQ'd a fabulous dinner. Treyson ate 3 drumstick plus his veggies and potatoes which is more than he normally eats. Well, this morning I was wondering the house picking up clothes to do my laundry for the day and get my chores going. I went in the kitchen and found Treyson. HE had gotten into the fridge and had all the leftover BBQ from last night. I told him that was for lunch and he could have cereal or pancakes for breakfast. That was not what he wanted, as he desperately pleaded to me that he was "Soooooo hungry for Daddy's steak and chicken!" It was adorable, he loved Daddy's food so much it is all he has wanted all day. So I gave in and he got what he wanted, BBQ for breakfast!!









BBQ and Love

It gets dark now around 5PM so in these pictures it looks like we have our kids out in the cold darkness. But we didn't we were in the backyard last night. BBQ is our all time favorite food to eat and Joe has been busy lately so we haven't had much chance to do it. Last night we were determined to eat us some goooood BBQ. Joe cooked up some fabulous steak and chicken and the kids and I layered on the warm clothes so we could be with our Daddy while he grilled. We all ate this WONDERFUL BBQ dinner, then all four of us crawled into our bed and played and talked. Joe and I went on and on about how we love our family and our blessed life. Everyday I feel I come more to understand my purpose and who I as a person strive to be. It is an awesome feeling and I love it. Okay, enough sappy stuff....
How I adore and cherish my children, with a face as beautiful as that how could you not!?
Cold outside but we didn't let that stand in the way of us having our family time while Daddy cooked. We just needed to be a bit more snuggled up!

I cant say it enough, Treyson LOVES his sister! NO matter where they are or what they are doing. He needs to check on her every few minutes and make sure she knows he is there.


Daddy grilling like a champ. And it was WONDERFUL!




Wednesday, November 5, 2008

President Obama's Acceptance Speech

I still cant get this out of my mind. I was so inspired by President Obama's speech last night. I was filled with emotions, crying and covered in goose bumps. I wanted to quote so many things he said but could not choose what I loved best. So here is his speech in it's entirety.



If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled — Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.
I just received a very gracious call from Sen. McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Gov. Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the vice-president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next first lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my campaign manager, David Plouffe; my chief strategist, David Axelrod; and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics — you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to — it belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington — it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this earth. This is your victory.
I know you didn't do this just to win an election, and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime — two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even one term, but America — I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, callused hand by callused hand.
What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek — it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers. In this country, we rise or fall as one nation — as one people.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House — a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.
As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends... Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." And, to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world — our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight, we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America — that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election, except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes, we can.
At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes, we can.
When there was despair in the Dust Bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes, we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes, we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes, we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes, we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves: If our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time — to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.
Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America!

CHANGE IS HERE!!!

Obama is our President! I am extremely excited about this election and the way it turned out. I normally don't think that religion and politics are wise topics to discuss, as they are sensitive subjects and people have very strong feelings on both. I would never want to have problems in my relationships because of differences in beliefs when it comes to these topics. However, I can not help but express my feeling on our new President.

Over the past 2 years I have had numerous text messages and emails sent my way that were negative and many racist based. This made me really upset but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It finally got to the point that I had to respond to some of these emails and text stating that I am an Obama supporter and please do not send this to me. You can have your opinion, that is perfectly right, but please do not send me things that are negative and not true! I have been invested in this election, I have watched all three Presidential debates, the VP Debate, I have watched Obama's Plan for America on TV, subscribed to his website and get weekly updates and and emails regarding this election. I did my research.....have you? I spent more time defending Obama and explaining to them the truth about his issues. I had to have received at least a hundred emails regarding Obama in a negative fashion. Do you know how many I got about John McCain in a positive light....none. Why is that? I don't understand why his supporters thought it was better to send off hurtful lies about his opponent instead of sending positive truths about him. This is what bothers me most.

If you are not an Obama supporter that is your right. But why spend so much time and effort trying to make him look bad and forward on messages you do not know to be true? If you were a McCain supporter, as some of those who sent me the emails are, why not spend your time promoting and uplifting the man you wanted as your President?! This makes no sense to me and goes so much deeper than just the election. To me these are acts that show character in a person. I was taught to not judge a person on ANYTHING. Race, religion, wealth, nothing. And it seems the dirty has come out in a lot of people I know. Some complain about the way the election had a lot of mud slinging, but then they kept it going by being a part of it. Sending on emails and texts. I am not trying to rant and rave but I have thought a lot about this and been silent for this entire time. now is my chance to express my feelings on my own blog, I will not email it on trying to cause conflict. I just needed to get this out. I believe this goes for life in general. If you don't agree with something do what you can to change it for the better.

My eyes swelled with tears as they announced Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. I was very emotional! I am so proud that my voice was one of millions that were heard. That I could be alive to see history be made, to see the country change for the better. I have been personally affected by this economy, the housing issues to be exact. I am beyond excited to see the change our country will have over the next few years. To know my children will have proof that anything is possible. I have been overly inspired by Obama, by his words, his life and his overall demeanor. I respect John McCain and everything he has done for this country. I respect the speech he gave giving his support to Obama. National unity should be our overall goal. I am hopeful that no matter what candidate you were supporting you will stand behind our President. We need to be a country that can work together as a whole and support our leader no matter what challenges arise. I could go on and on about his whole subject and how I feel I learned more about certain people and how hypocritical a person could be. But like I said, I am not to judge. I will let the actions of my President speak for themselves.

I love the way is sounds, President Obama. Today we are a new and different America, good things are to come. I could not be more proud to call him MY PRESIDENT!