Hypocrites, as usual.

So, apparently, every morning the Senate (of our US of A) starts off with a morning prayer. WTF? Separation of Church and State, anyone?

Well, guess what, you ignorant fundies. You let one denomination in, you let them ALL in.



So much for acting like Jesus and showing respect for others.

Thanks, Pmomma, for the link.

Keith Olbermann is my new crush.....

If only......

Who, me?

So XO over at Hip Suburban White Guy tagged me a few days ago for the 8 Random Things About Me me-me. ME! He tagged ME! I'm finally popular enough to be tagged!

I don't know if that's a good thing or not.

Okay, on to learning even MORE about me! It's not like this blog is my outlet for sharing my thoughts or opinions, right?

1. I grew up not having a TV in the house. Apparently my parent's tv died when I was two, and they just never replaced it. They finally got another when I was 12. My mom did tell me once that she absolutely hated Big Bird. Guess I watched Sesame Street when I was little!

2. My cb radio handle is two-bit. I hated it. Back in the day, when cb radios were the 'thing' and there were no cell phones, my parents used it to communicate when my dad was working. We only had one car, so it made sense. My dad's handle is Yankee Clipper, and my mom's is Lady Clipper. I should have been baby clipper or something like that. Two-bit sucked ass.

3. I have been technically homeless. Fortunately, I had enough friends I always had a place to stay until I found my own place.

4. I almost flunked my freshman art class when I was a senior in high school. It was my fine arts credit, too. Very important. If I flunked that class, I didn't graduate! I should have just taken Spanish III.

5. I am a Sims addict. I had every single expansion pack (EP) for the original Sims, and every EP for the Sims 2. I only have one of their 'stuff packs', though. I still have my original Sims games, but they are no longer on my computer.

6. I am the best cook in my family. Seriously. My grandmother's idea of potatoes were those that came from a box. And that is why Keith used to do most of the cooking. I cook more (and better than I used to) now that he works later, but you have no idea how happy I am that I fell in love with someone that knows how and LIKES to cook. (And his smoked ribs & chicken are to die for!)

7. I love reading the Harry Potter books. When I first heard of the series, I decided to not read them because I figured if they were as good as everyone was saying, I'd get addicted, and then have to suffer the wait until the next book was released. A few years later, the movies started. Keith and I liked the first movie so much, we started reading the books. I think there were only 4 books at that time, so I've been waiting with everyone else anyway. Oh well, they ARE good.

8. There are times when I hate having children. They suck so much out of you. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my children. I wouldn't give them up, or trade them for anything. I may even have another. But there are moments when I wish they didn't live with me 24/7. And then Matthew will run up to me, hug me, and say "I love you mommy!" and I just melt. Big puddle on the floor. Parenting is the hardest thing I have ever done. And I've escaped a toxic religion, so doing hard things is not a foreign concept to me. I'd have to say that it is also one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

There. Eight things about me. I'm not going to tag anyone, except maybe Fate!

So everyone knows that Kieth and I had our 6th anniversary earlier this month, right? I mean, its not like we tried to burn down our house or anything like that.

And pretty much everyone that reads this blog knows about the many issues I have with my parent's religion.

So I have finally moved on from the feelings this post inspired, and then I get an email from my mother. Five days AFTER my anniversary. *WM means Wal-Mart*

happy 6th anniversary.hope you are doing, ok we are. i quit W M. am working with Dad. stress level is way down. am happier, have time to play in my garden. going to columbia,mo for assembly in aug.

These few sentences tell me so very much. The date tells me my parents still don't have internet at home, my mom had to go to the library to send me this email. It tells me that my mom probably had to sneak out to the library to use the internet. And it tells me that they weren't even in town the beginning of June (so they weren't ignoring me after all).

After many days of deliberation, I finally found a way to tell my mom how hurt I was, hopefully without being to mean about it.

I'm so glad you're happy and less stressed! Everyone is doing fine up here, Josie is now 13 months old and walking all over the place. Matthew will be four in August (I swear, I just brought him home yesterday!). Keith has a really awesome job with *****, the *** company. I'm still staying at home with the kids right now, most days I love it, some days they drive me crazy.

I must say, though, that I was very hurt and upset when you didn't call to see your grandchildren during the assembly here in Kansas City. I had no way of knowing that you weren't here, but I do keep track of things that are going on in the religion. I know when the assemblies are (I even know most of what is talked about at the assemblies), I know about the new Watchtower formats, and all the new rules the Governing Body has imposed upon you all.

I'm not stupid, but I also can't read your mind to know which assembly you attend, so you not calling during the assembly up here really hurt me, mostly because you're denying my children the chance to get to know you. And you are a wonderful person, a person worthy of being known.

And sadly, I don't really know you, not who you were when you were younger. I don't know what hopes and dreams you had, I don't know many stories of your youth, and I don't know what makes you tick.

All I know is that you have let Dad (another person worthy of being known) guilt everyone in the family into not having any contact with me or your sister. I know that you sneak away about once a year to have lunch with your sister. I know that you probably had to sneak away to the library just to email me.

I sit here in tears because I hurt so much. I hurt for myself, I hurt for my children, and I hurt for you and dad.

I, too, am worthy of being known, and so are my children. But you don't know who I am anymore. You don't know my dreams, for me or my children, and you never ask.

Love is not a feeling, Mom, Love is an action. Love is an email, love is a phone call, love is a letter, love is a hug, and love is being there for your children when they need you.

When I needed you most, you were denied me, and you were denied being here for me.

Sad what the rules of 9-12 men in Brooklyn who run a publishing company have done to our lives, isn't it?

I've seen their version of love first hand, and quite honestly, want absolutely nothing to do with it ever again. I have something more precious. I have UNCONDITIONAL love. It's absolutely amazing.

I wish it would actually make a difference in how they treat me, but, truly, I'm not holding my breath. Nothing will change until my father is gone. And that in and of itself makes me sad.

Is this right?

My heart bleeds for the many women like April.

Mom in Jail, Baby is the bail.

Someone who actually knows April.

Thanks, Sassywho, for the links.

*Snicker*

Mingle² - Online Dating

This rating was determined based on the presence of the following words:

• death (3x)
• drugs (1x)

Death rates a pg-13? Wow.

Because I haven't showed off my kids lately

Kisses for you!

See how flexible I am!

Yeah, I'm THAT cool.

Who, me?

First hair cut!

After first haircut!

Interesting.

You are The Wheel of Fortune

Good fortune and happiness but sometimes a species of
intoxication with success

The Wheel of Fortune is all about big things, luck, change, fortune. Almost always good fortune. You are lucky in all things that you do and happy with the things that come to you. Be careful that success does not go to your head however. Sometimes luck can change.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

uug, part II

Migraine has downgraded to headache, finally. I actually feel like doing more than sleeping. Yay. Maybe now my laundry will get done before we go to grandma's house this weekend.

In the funny category, check out the original Die Hard movie, done in 30 seconds and reenacted by bunnies.

uug

Migraine today. Posting will resume when it's gone and I've caught up on the housework and errands.


blech.

Hell Yeah!

Which Action Hero Would You Be? v. 2.0
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Lara Croft,A thrill-seeking, slightly unscrupulous, tough-as-nails archaeologist, Lara Croft travels the world in search of ancient relics perhaps better left hidden. She packs two Colt .45s and has no fear of jumping off buildings, exploring creepy tombs, or taking on evil meglomaniacs bent on world domination.

Which Action Hero Would You Be? v. 2.0
created with QuizFarm.com

We'll laugh in a year or two.

Yesterday was hubby and I's 6th wedding anniversary. Instead of our traditional dinner out at a steak house, we decided to cook our own steak at home.

Let me just say, its much cheaper to go out.

We wound up eating Subway for dinner, and we now need to replace our stove hood. And we will never try to flambe something in our kitchen ever again.

Keith should have pictures of the aftermath up at the family site soon.

edited to add: It was Steak au Poivre, from Alton Brown. The steaks were fine, it was the brandy that we had issues with!

Keith's comments here, and pictures here.

Because I almost peed my pants laughing so hard.

Constitution? We don't need no stikin' Constitution!

Just in case you thought your Constitutional right to Free Speech was protected by law no matter what:



Sorry, Rudy, but this isn't going to help your campaign.

*sigh*

This past weekend (June 1-3), my parents were here in Kansas City for their Annual District Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses. This year's theme was "Follow The Christ".

I wonder if any of these points were mentioned?

Jesus did not shun those who were shunned due to religious decrees. Not one.

The first person Jesus (supposedly) told as to his supernatural identity was the Samaritan woman at the well, who had slept with 7 men and was shacking up with another man. Jesus put this horrible sinner first and never condemned her at all.

The only group ever condemned directly by Jesus own mouth according to the traditional gospels were the religious leaders who put laws before people that were too much for them to bear. (read up on Matt 23 and compare to the Governing Body)

I'm guessing not, seeing as how my parents didn't even call to see their only grandchildren.

Exactly what do my parents think I'm going to tell my children when they ask me why their grandparents never see them? That mommy did something really really bad and this is her punishment? That mommy left the only true God and condemned myself and them to destruction at Armageddon?

I'll tell you what I'm going to tell my children. I'm going to tell them that their grandparents love them the best that they can, but they belong to a religion that forbids them to have any contact with their only daughter because I dared to leave the church I was raised in. I dared to be an independent thinker and dared to question the authority of 9-12 MEN. I refused to let MEN tell me who I could and could not talk to or associate with. I refused to let MEN tell me, that because I was born a woman, I would always be a second-class citizen.

I refused to be a victim my whole life, never thinking that I was good enough for God.

I refused to lie about who I am to fit into their small mold of what is acceptable. I am so much more than that. According to them, God created each and everyone of us, but yet to follow God, we're not allowed to reach our full potential.

I cry for my children for the loss of their grandparents, whom they will most likely never know.

I cry for myself for the loss of my parents, for their love requires them to love the law of men more than their daughter.

I cry for my parents who will never know just how beautiful and wonderful their grandchildren truly are.

I cry for my brother who will never realize his dream of a Masters in Physics because to do so would take too much time away from his God (not to mention would completely destroy his faith and make him as evil as me).

My parents and brothers are more than a religion, but the chance to know them as people has been stolen from me.

Mmmmmm, chocolate.....

You are Dark Chocolate

You live your life with intensity, always going full force. You push yourself (and others) to the limit... you want more than you can handle. An extreme person, you challenge and inspire the world!

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

God is amazing!

A little long (10 minutes), but worth it!

One year ago today!

My baby is a whole year old!

Later I'll post before/after shots of her first haircut!

On the death of Jerry Falwell.....

In the words of Clarence Darrow*...

I've never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure.

I really don't have mixed feelings on this one. This man was the exact opposite of what a Christian should be. He preached hate and bigotry very loudly. I have no respect for him, even when some say they respect that he held very strong beliefs. Just because you "believe" something, doesn't mean you deserve respect.

I know all about believing in something that isn't true. There is no respect from me when what you believe hurts people.

*edited because I didn't check my facts before posting

Yep, sounds like me!

You Are 24% Lady

You tend to make up your rules of etiquette, throwing all conventions aside. And while you try to be a lady (sometimes), your behavior is often quite shocking.

Are You A Lady?

Optimism in Pessimism

You scored as Existentialist. Existentialism emphasizes human capability. There is no greater power interfering with life and thus it is up to us to make things happen. Sometimes considered a negative and depressing world view, your optimism towards human accomplishment is immense. Mankind is condemned to be free and must accept the responsibility.

What is Your World View?
created with QuizFarm.com

1972

Today, I turn 35.

I don't feel 35 in my brain, but my body reminds me quite often. Nothing major, just minor things, like those extra 20 pounds leftover from my second pregnancy didn't just fall off like they did after the first pregnancy. Knees that hurt at just the thought of going to the gym. Little things like that.

A lot has happened in the last year. I had a baby last May. My brother invited me, then UN-invited me to his wedding. My blood family stopped talking to me completely. I had a breakdown. I started therapy. My son turned 3. Someone I considered my best friend turned her back on me. Someone else, whom I also considered my best friend, stuck with me through all the shit I've been through the last year, and truly became my sister. I adopted a new brother (Hi, Andrew!).

Even with all the family shit, it's been a fairly good year for me. I have two beautiful children and a wonderful husband. I have "adopted" family who truly cares for me. I have a wonderful mother-in-law. I have great friends on the internet (only some of who I've met).

If the sun stays out, I think I'll take the kids to the park today.

Oh, and hubby got me an Ipod shuffle for my b-day present! Go me!

Pro Life? Or Pro Death?

Last week our SCOTUS raped every woman in this country. Last week, they made a decision for us, telling us that we do not have the ability to make our own medical decisions. They told us that our doctors aren't smart enough to help us make our medical decisions, despite the years of training and school our doctors have paid for. Not one man out of the 5 who raped us has ANY medical training (as far as I know). But yet they believe that we're stupid and they know what's best for us. Because Jebus told them so.

Last year, I made this post. Obviously, my emotional argurment was HYPOTHETICAL, just in case you go back and read it.

This past Sunday, DDB posted this. I hope my husband, my son, and my daughter and/or her partner NEVER has to make that kind of decision.

Here's another essay by Beth Quinn on the subject (thank you, Red Seven, for the link).

But - and here's the worst part - the justices ruled that there are NO cases except imminent death of the mother in which a D&E abortion can be legally performed now. Not to preserve her health. Not to save her uterus. The justices have replaced your doctor's judgment with their own.

Here is Gretchen Voss' story. If you can't feel her pain, you're not human.

When pro-lifers start showing respect for me, as a person, and recognize that they are NOT my parents and CANNOT and DO NOT have the right to make MY personal, medically informed, decisions, I MAY start showing them respect. Until then,

STAY THE FUCK OUT OF MY LIFE AND MY GOVERNMENT.

If you're not pissed off, you're not paying attention.

Horribly late.

Last Tuesday, the 17th, there was a local bloggers meetup that Keith and I attended. We got to meet quite a few bloggers from the area, some I knew and some I didn't. I've added everyone to a new link list over on the right, called Local Blogroll. Not all of my local blogger links are in the local blogroll, however. The ones that were in my original list, like Gone Mild and Hip Suburban White Guy, I left them in my favorites.

It was really great meeting everyone, we had a really good time, even if our kids were hellions while we were gone!

exercise, part II

I went to the gym AGAIN!

Monday, my activity for the day was walking around the block with the kids twice. That does equal a mile, so there was SOME activity.

But today I actually set my alarm, got up, fed the kids, fed myself, got everyone dressed, and drove to the gym.

I walked another 35 minutes on the treadmill at 3.5 for most of the time, and I actually sped it up enough to run for a minute, maybe two. 1.8 miles.

Something everyday, even if its small.

exercise

I actually went to the gym yesterday. I actually walked for 35 minutes on the treadmill yesterday.

I am totally amazed at myself.

There's nothing like an extra 20 pounds that WILL NOT GO AWAY after having a baby to get me motivated to exercise.

My goal is to go to the gym at least 3 days a week to either walk on the treadmill or use the stairmaster. I also have exercises I do at home on the days I don't go to the gym.

Lofty goals, I know, but I refuse to beat myself up if I miss a day or two, or three.

Our Freedom

It is our freedom, as Americans, to believe (or not believe) as we see fit. Many in Government are trying to take that freedom (along with other freedoms) away from us.

This weekend is Blog Against Theorcracy weekend. I truly hope that those who think that this country should have laws based on their religion take a moment to stop and think about the consequences if that were to truly happen.

Reality

For those of you who still support Governor Bush:

Eight long years

This past Saturday, Keith came into the bathroom as I was getting ready to take my shower. He showed me an envelope, and told me it was the very last ever payment on my student loan from Cosmotology School. I was so happy, I cried in the shower!

For the last few years, I've been feeling very frustrated, being at home with the kids all the time. Due to my family raising me in a CULT, I was discouraged from ever going to college. I've felt cheated from having an education. Once Keith finished his degree back in December of 2005, we analized our financial situation, and determined that as soon as my student loan was paid off, I could start taking classes and get a degree. A degree in what, I'm still not sure.

Well, my student load is paid off! Matthew will be starting pre-school this fall, and I'm sure I can find reasonable child care for Josie. I get to go to college!

Now I just have to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.

I hope my kids are this smart!

This is a true story, indicating how fascinating the mind of a six year old is. They think so logically. A teacher was reading the story of the Three Little Pigs to her class. She came to the part of the story where the first pig was trying to gather the building materials for his home.

She read, "and so the pig went up to the man with the wheelbarrow full of straw and said: 'Pardon me sir, but may I have some of that straw to build my house?" The teacher paused then asked the class: "And what do you think the man said?" One little boy raised his hand and said very matter-of- factly: "I think the man would have said: "Well, fuck me, a talking pig!"

The teacher was unable to teach for the next 10 minutes.

March 14.

Happy Pi day!

Happy Steak & BJ day!

The more things stay the same.....

The more things never change.

Let's see, PMS, a 3-day migrain, being in my home town without seeing my parents.

Yeah, that was my weekend. I hope yours was better.

In other news, Keith uploaded new pictures to the family site.

Pimped out goodness!

I learned how to replace my header! Ain't it purtee? Now I'm off to Dooce to learn how to make the masthead myself!

THANK YOU, SMEDROCK!!!!! You're my hero!

I love Spring

It may not be spring officially, but it's nice enough to break out the stroller and tricycle and walk around the block with the kids!

Matthew is REALLY good pedaling his tricycle now. He still can't pedal all the way up our driveway, but he's better than he was last year. Pretty soon, I'll have to power walk to keep up with him, which I am totally okay with! (I still have 20 pounds of baby weight to get rid of.)

So after my really crappy morning yesterday, we went for a walk. We went around our neighborhood block twice, which is about a mile. Monday we only went around once, and I hope to work our way up to four laps, equalling aprx. 2 miles, per day, at least on the nice days.

Here's to no more snow storms this season!

/rant on

Yesterday, I spent at least an hour cleaning up the kitchen. This morning when I went down to fix breakfast for Matt, it was a disaster. Apparently no one (including me) bothered to clean up from supper last night. The plates were still on the table.

There was cat puke on my stairs this morning.

I woke up not feeling well; congested, sinus drainage, the usual.

Matthew has been pushing all my buttons all day long.

My Sims2 game would not load this morning, no matter what I did (including removeing all hacks and custom content). I'm currently re-installing the game and all 5 expansion packs after deleting them. (I'm not stupid, I did save all my custom content)

Matthew got into the salt (that was left on the table) and made a mess all over the table and floor.

My goddamn mutherfucking phone (that Cingular sold me without telling me they had discontinued it) died in the middle of a conversation with my insurance to find out if I had any mental health coverage to help pay for my therapy. If I didn't want an IPhone so bad, I'd switch carriers. As it is, I have to put up with a phone that eats batteries for 3-4 more months.

/rant off. but I'm still pissy.

Taking an active interest in politics

This morning was Coffee with Cleaver at Dunn Brother's Coffee on Red Bridge, which just happens to be right down the street from me. So I dragged my sorry butt out of bed and attended, because I had a few things to say to the Rev. Cleaver II.

Speaking with the good Reverand went quite well, I must say. I mostly support what he has done, and wished to thank him personally, and to discuss the bloating of Congress with stupid bills to give 'commendation' to sports teams.

The most interesting part of the morning, however, was speaking to the gentleman sitting at my table. Turns out his ex-wife converted to Jehovah's Witnesses, and his oldest daughter is disfellowshipped like me, and trying to cope with her mother and younger sister shunning her. He also has to deal with his youngest daughter not really allowing him to see his grandchildren.

Fucking religion.

He's also trying to form an organization that would get professional athletes to commit to being drug-free, so our young people that look up to them don't follow in their footsteps. I am all about getting people paid millions of dollars to play a stupid game (vs teachers who get paid shit to teach our children) to set a good example for our children.

Liberal media, my ass.

Sign the petition.

Because it's not football if you don't break something.

So, because my parents are allowed to speak with me, just not associate with me, my mom called me tonight to let me know that my youngest brother Earl broke his right ankle playing football today.

He broke the small bone, and dislocated pretty much everything else. He's going into surgery tomorrow (a SUNDAY) to put a plate on the broken bone. He is currently on a MORPHINE drip right now. He may get to go home on Tuesday.

Oh, did I mention that because he's a Jehovah's Witness, he dropped out of college, and works at a job where he has no medical insurance. He's 21 years old, and has thousands of dollars of medical debt now.

*sigh*

This is so me!

Your Candy Heart Says "Get Real"

You're a bit of a cynic when it comes to love. You don't lose your head, and hardly anyone penetrates your heart. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: is all about the person you're seeing (with no mentions of v-day!) Your flirting style: honest and even slightly sarcastic What turns you off: romantic expectations and "greeting card" holidays Why you're hot: you don't just play hard to get - you are hard to get

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

I dare anyone to disagree!

This is just insane!

I can't do this, can you?

With teeth.

And that's not just a NIN's song.

Miss Josie now has her third (3rd) tooth. It's been pushing through for the last few days, and today it finally popped through.

And yes, we've had a very miserable baby for last two days.

ugh

Well, Josie caught a cold, gave it to EVERYONE in the house. Matthew has been running a fever off & on for three days now, I may have to take him to the dr for an ear infection. No fever for Josie, but Keith and I have both had low-grade fevers at some point this weekend. All the crap I'm coughing up is yellow, so I may have to go to the dr for a sinus infection.

Oh, and I have NO voice left, and my throat feels like it's on fire. I won't be leaving the house tomorrow, again. It's too damn cold.

and wtf is up with Prince? He only sang two of his own songs? I feel ripped off and want my time back. Not even a nipple to entertain us. sigh.

FUCK.

So I'm watching the store for Kris this week, and I'm running late today. And I'm fighting a migraine. What do I do? I try to back out of my garage before the garage door is all the way up.

The garage door is now off the track, and bent out at the bottom, but it's down low enough that I can't get the car out, and I punched a hole in my crv, above the window.

FUCK.

edited to add: Keith came home and got it up enough to get the car out, then shut & locked it. I'll be using the front door for a while now. And I didn't punch a hole in the car, I popped the windshield fluid thingie off. We'll have to get that fixed.

Oh, and Josie's been crying all morning. Don't you want to be me?

my kids crack me up!

My 3 year old is in his pajamas (refusing to take them off and get dressed), with his favorite blanket wrapped around him like a cape, and running up and down the hall saying "i'm a superhero!"

'scuse me while I go capture this on video!

grrrr.....

So its 1:45 am, and I'm sitting here at my computer because my son woke me up around 12:30, then while I was putting him back to bed, he made enough noise to wake my daughter up, and now that they are both back asleep, I'm unable to sleep. I finally couldn't stand laying in bed having a theological argument I can't have with my father (because he won't talk to me) run around in my head. It's very frustrating, to say the least.

And now I'm hungry. I guess I could have some bread. I had a really bad sugar crash earlier this evening, so no more cookies and hot cocoa for me.

*bangs head against wall because I can't seem to stop rambling*

Yay!

Jason is home! And what a sweet homecoming it was!

Welcome home, Jason, glad you made it back safely, and congrats on suprising Diana!

gah

Well, our family site is down again. And this time, it's not RoadRunner's fault. Keith doesn't know what's wrong, but somewhere in the middle, somebody messed up. Hopefully it will be back up in a day or two.

edited: yay! it's back up! w00t!

Are you an Atheist?

You are not alone!

Quotes from Humanists/Atheists.

Some of my favorites:

I do not believe in God, because I believe in man. Whatever his mistakes, man has for thousands of years past been working to undo the botched job your God has made.
- Emma Goldman

I'm an atheist, and that's it. I believe there's nothing we can know except that we should be kind to each other and do what we can for each other.
- Katharine Hepburn

Religion is a sort of spiritual booze, in which the slaves of capital drown their human image, their demand for a life more or less worthy of man.
- Vladimir Lenin

An Atheist loves himself and his fellowman instead of a god. An Atheist knows that heaven is something for which we should work now -- here on earth -- for all men together to enjoy.
- Madalyn Murray O'Hair

Reality is what it is, not what you want it to be.
- Frank Zappa

Nerdgasm

The Apple iPhone!

Oh.
My.
FSM.

I WANT ONE!
*starts saving every last dime I can scrounge*

Because child molestation is WRONG.

NO Religion should protect even ONE child molester. Not even God's "chosen" religion. ESPECIALLY God's "chosen" religion.

Dear Friends,

From time to time, even as recently as a couple of months ago, we have had formal requests from various forms of media groups. They are requesting silentlambs to provide victims of sexual abuse within the Jehovah's Witness organization to come forward in person and contribute their story. We have numerous individuals who remain 'on call' and have been in our call database since 2001.

We would appreciate it if you would forward a request to any and all new ones who would like to be on our 'call list' for future appearances in the media. For example we recently recieved a phone call one morning from a well known talk show wanting abuse victims and phone numbers who were willing to go on the show, and they were to be provided in a matter of two hours. We were able to follow through with this request. Hopefully this show will air soon.

Please forward this message to any who might be interested. They must contact us at our official website, www.silentlambs.org and be willing to tell their story. They may remain anonymous with the media if this is what they choose.

Thank you for passing this on.

silentlambs

http://www.silentlambs.org/

Demons

I know I've been really quiet on the blog lately, but even with all the great things happening in my life right now, I've really been struggling with how my blood family treats me. For some reason, the love that is shown to me by people other than my blood family this past holiday season really intensified my grief, because that's how my blood family should be treating me. It doesn't help that I haven't had the money or the time to visit my 'head doctor' since November. I was supposed to see her last night, but Keith is working 10 hour days this week, so I won't see her until Monday.

oh well.

On the awesome side of life, Josie is now crawling and sitting up by herself. She LOVES to stand up as much as possible. Matthew loves his train set he got for christmas, almost as much as he loves the Thomas the tank engine that Billy got for him!

Last night, while both kids were in the bathtub, I heard Matthew yelling "NO" to Josie, and it sounded like she was crying. I say sounded like because after running down the hall to check on them, I discovered her laughing hysterically every time he would say "NO" to her. She was laughing so hard, she was falling over and hitting her head on the side of the tub. She just kept laughing, though, I guess it wasn't really hurting her. I called Keith in, and we both just stood there and laughed for about 5 minutes watching them play their little game.

Lesson learned: Baby's laughter is good for the soul. Fuck the chicken soup.

well....

Happy newt ear.

May 2007 be everything you dream it could be.

Sisters by choice are the best sisters to have.

I first met Kristina in 1998 while working at the Fox & the Hound on Metcalf. I was separated from my husband and going to cosmetology school. My parents and brothers had moved to Chapala, Mexico, not too far from Guadalajara. I had been kicked out of my religion. I had no friends, no family, and no support network.

For some reason unknown to me, Kris decided to befriend me. In doing so, she dragged me kicking & screaming into the extended Mulbrook family, giving me new parents and brothers. In doing so, she also gave me something I had never had until then, a sister.

Eight years later, we are still the closest of friends. I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful children. Sadly, my actual parents don’t really talk to me, even though they only live 3 hours away from me now.

I will always be grateful to Kristina and her family for taking me in, and for being some of the first people in my life to show me true unconditional love.

Thank you, Kristina, for fulfilling a need I didn’t even know I had.

*sigh*

Just when the colds everyone had are almost gone, and Josie is on the mend from her ear infection....

Matthew woke up puking in the middle of the night, running a 103 fever. As long as I keep tylonol/ibuprofen in him, he acts fine. Otherwise, his fever shoots up and he's miserable.

I really don't have the energy for anyone else to get sick at our house. Really.

*sigh*

tis the season...

for being busier than a one-armed paper hanger. I finally finished the super-secret christmas project I've been working on all month (hense the quiet on the blog), and I got most of my shopping done yesterday. I only have 2 presents left to get, and I'll be getting those on Saturday. I'm actually looking forward to shopping the saturday before christmas because I'll be hanging out with my sister-by-choice Kris, and I'll be WITHOUT the children! WOOT!

smile

http://www.symphonyoflove.net/blog/?p=63

Glorious Sleep

Friday night I went to the store for a few things, and indulged myself by buying a bag of chocolate covered peanuts from the bulk bin.

Now, chocolate covered peanuts and I have a long history together. My mom used to buy them from Mr. Bulky's and we would hide them from my dad and brothers because we were chicks and we didn't want to share. A lot of good memories associated with chocolate covered peanuts.

Not so much this bag. Keith and I were the only ones who ate them, and Keith and I were the only two in the house to come down with food poisoning early Saturday morning. There was no throwing up, but our stomachs were both upset, we both ran fevers, visited the bathroom, and generally felt like crap all day long. Turns out, someone must have sneezed or coughed into the bulk bin during refilling it, and we ingested the virus.

Remember those two precious angels we have? Yeah, the virus spread. They caught nasty colds. Fever, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, the works.

So, to recap, we've got two sick kids with two recovering parents. (Do you see where this is going?)

Sunday night, Josie could not breath while laying down. I had to prop her up on two pillows just so she could sleep more than 15 minutes at a time. Of course, she only slept 1, 1 1/2 hours at a time. And Matthew would get up every 15 minutes between 2am and 4am. Neither Keith nor I got much sleep that night. Pretty much the same thing happened Monday night.

Did I mention how high-maintenance the children were during the day? Okay, how high-maintenance Josie was? Matthew is just like Keith when he's sick, you check on him every now and then, make sure he's not hungry or thirsty and give him medicine, but you basically just leave him alone.

Josie, on the other hand, is an attention hog. By the end of the day, I'm emotionally exhausted from entertaining her and keeping her from screaming all day long. And that's on a normal day. When she's sick, she's worse. By the time Keith gets home from work, I can't take it anymore. I have used every weapon in my arsenal, and I'm done. Keith, of course, doesn't see all my tricks I use, he only sees a few. When he runs thru those, he doesn't really know what else to do with her. This frustrates me, but most days its no big deal.

Tuesday night, it was a big deal. I was running on so little sleep I had a complete breakdown. Keith of course, was running on the same lack of sleep that I was. I managed to keep us from escalating into a HUGE argument, but still, words were said that hurt.

My most humble apologies go to my husband.

Did I mention that Josie is also teething right now? Yeah. It's been fun. Not.

Tuesday night, I went to bed early, and the kids got up every 2-3 hours, so we got a bit more sleep than the previous nights, and last night Matthew slept ALL NIGHT! Josie only got up ONCE to eat. I actually feel mostly rested today! WOOT! We did a mental happy dance this morning! (still too tired to actually dance the happy dance, but oh well)

Maybe I won't use my therapist's time to take a nap after all today. :)

If this doesn't make you laugh,

you are a cruel, heartless bastard who enjoys the suffering of small animals.

This will totally make your day, I promise!

Christmas-y goodness

My tree is up, is yours?

Picture of tree with flash:

Picture of tree without the flash:

My angel at the top:

I hope everyone's holidays are merry,
and may peace be with you and yours.

I've been busy.

But not for the usual reasons this time of the year. I have nothing to cook or bake for tomorrow, and dinner is not at my house! WOOT! (okay, we have frozen rolls to bake, but that's it.)

I do have TWO dinners to attend tomorrow, so we'll be pacing ourselves on the food.

Things I'm thankful for:

• Having a wonderful husband who gives me the world.
• Having two beautiful children that take my breath away with how precious they are.
• Actually knowing what true unconditional love is and being able to give it to my children.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

As I seriously contemplate the whole nursing thing.

Josie, who is now almost 6 months old, cut her first tooth yesterday! She's cute as a button, and nursing is good for her, but damn, that girl can bite. What's the damage going to be now that she has teeth? This is one milestone I have very mixed feelings about!

Midterm Midtacular

It's election day today, vote early, vote often.

update

I want to say thank you to everyone that commented, called, pm'd, and emailed me with their concerns and hugs, it really means a lot to me.

Sadly enough, the very ones to whom this post was written to completely missed the entire point of my anger and frustration.

This is the email I recieved from my mother:

i am ashamed of you  you are a big girl you do not have to
throw a temmper tantrum because you did not get to do something you wanted.
you are the one who threw us away ten years ago when you thought you were
mature enough to handle mark.  don't blame us for your problems.
we were happy. we gave you what we could    lots of LOVE. we still LOVE
you even tho that message was the most hateful thing i have have ever heard
out of you
we have our problems. we will have problems   your brothers are very
hurt that you think that.  your dad was devestated that you hate him that
much. i am shocked and ashamed of you.

This is the email I sent back in response:

Subject: Well, you completely missed the point.

Not that I'm surprised, really.

Temper tantrum? Try mental breakdown. And it's been 5 years in the making. Tom's wedding wasn't even the straw that broke the camel's back.

How often do any of you call me just to chat? How often do you ask to see your grandchildren? How often do you send me an email to find out how I'm doing? I stopped calling you a year and a half ago when you didn't acknowledge the pictures I sent of Matthew to you, and you never even noticed.

And exactly how did I throw you away when I married Mark? You lost me on that one. Mark had absolutely NOTHING to do with why I left your religion. I threw you away? I don't think so. You are required to treat me as if I was the devil, turning your back on me. I threw away nothing but empty promises made by old dead men. (Just when is Armageddon coming? Soon, isn't it? I thought it was supposed to be here in 1914, no, 1935, no, 1975, wait, when is it coming again? 2034? Oh well, it's RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!)

I know that you love me. I love you very much. Nowhere in my post did I express hatred for any of my family, not even Dad. Hatred for what your religion makes you do, yes, but not for you. But you can't see that, can you?

I don't blame you for any of my problems. Quite frankly, I don't really have any problems, I have a very happy life. I have a wonderful husband who shows me unconditional love and two beautiful children. I actually live a more moral life than I did while I was a witness.

You did the best you could, and I love you for that. You raised me to be strong and independent and to think for myself. But yet, because I am strong, because I am independent, because I think for myself, I am punished. You are punished.

I find it very interesting that you feel free to tell me how ashamed you are of me because of mere words that I wrote from the bottom of my heart in the depths of pain, but yet you've never told me how proud you are of me for being the strong, independent woman you raised me to be. You've never told me how proud you are of my beautiful children.

And you are MISSING your grandchildren's lives. Do you have any idea of the pain I feel when I think about them missing out on the wonderful grandparents they have?

I'm tired. I'm tired of fighting to have you in my life. For 8 years I have fought to keep you in my life so you could be in your grandchildren's lives. But you never ask to see your grandchildren. You weren't even there the day Matthew was born. That hurt me so very much. You have no idea how painful it is to even remember that. I feel that me and my family just aren't important to you, at all.

Temper tantrum? Try mental breakdown. Over 5 years in the making. And all because your religion prevents you from showing me the love I know you have for me.

*sigh* I'm sure that they still will miss the point, if they even read it. This was a bridge I really didn't want to burn, but my anger and frustration just couldn't be contained anymore. And sometimes, the best someone can do just isn't enough.

Halloween, 2006

Pictures of my two cutie-patooties!

Matthew had an absolute blast running and jumping around the block!
He even liked getting candy!

Have you seen my family?

My family has been stolen from me: my father, my mother, and both of my brothers. Gone, stolen. Never to be returned.

Were they murdered? In an accident or fire? No.

They were stolen from me by their own religion. The very religion I was raised to believe. But because I choose to follow a different path, they are REQUIRED to shun me. Or they will be expelled as I was.

I thought the greatest hope a parent could have for their child was happiness no matter what path they followed. Am I wrong? Why do I have to be someone I'm not for them to show me their love for me? I'm sorry, for them to be ALLOWED to show me the love they have for me? What kind of religion makes a parent treat their own flesh and blood with contempt? How healthy is that religion, really? Does that religion really follow the bible or Jesus?

But yet, they have "the truth", and I have turned my back on God, simply because I refuse to be a hypocrite and pretend to be something I'm not. I live in the now, instead of waiting to live my life in some mythical "paradise on earth" where everyone is the same. (Can you say "Stepford world"?)

It is my belief that each individual on this planet is unique, unlike anyone else. For those of you that believe that God created us, why do you insist that we all follow the same path? Why must we all believe what you believe? I don't get it.

I am a very unique person. So are you. I embrace you, why can't you embrace me? We come from the same place, don't we?

(Edited because some people can't see where my pain actually comes from. Actually, they can't see my pain at all.)

You claim you have the one, true religion. Really? Huh. Jesus said we would be able to recognize his followers by the "love they show". All I ever saw in the 28 years I was part of your religion was power-hungry assholes who put the appearance of righteousness above actual righteousness. Your religion has rules made by men (ie, not allowed to associate with those that have been expelled, not allowed to have beards or goatees, women aren't allowed to wear dresses or skirts above the knee, not allowed to critically examine your own religion but expect others to examine theirs so they can be converted, ..... I could go on and on and on and on and.....), something Jesus detested.

I quote from your very own bible:

Mark 7:6-8 He (Jesus) said to them: "Isaiah aptly prophesied about YOU hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honor me with [their] lips, but their hearts are far removed from me. It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach as doctrines commands of men.' Letting go of the commandment of God, YOU hold fast the tradition of men."

One of the characteristics of a destructive religion is an enforced policy that requires the members to shun anyone who leaves or gets expelled from the religion. It is a common trait among esoteric movements that claim to be "the Truth." Members are required to sever association with even their own family members and relatives who leave. The consequences of this harsh doctrinal policy are extreme, shattering family relationships and leaving the victims emotionally and spiritually devastated.

Still don't believe me about the toxicity of your religion?

The scripture used to deny me entrance to my brother's wedding:

But now I am writing you to quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man....Remove the wicked [man] from among yourselves.--1.Cor. 5:11, 13 (NWT)

The text is clear that a person with whom the congregation should not mix company is one who is:
1) "called a brother" (that is, one who professes to be a member of the congregation); and
2) practicing fornication, greed, idolotry, reviling (insulting), habitual drunkeness, and/or extortion (theft).

• Jehovah's Witnesses do not disfellowship greedy persons.
• They often do not disfellowship people who regularly get drunk unless their conduct becomes so outrageous and publicly-known as to bring reproach upon Jehovah's Witnesses.
• They do not disfellowship people for many of the things which they themselves class as "idolatry" (for example: materialism, worshipping an organization, etc.).
• On the other hand, Jehovah's Witnesses do disfellowship and shun people for:
  
  • no longer claiming to be called a brother/sister.
  • independent study and discussion of the Bible that brings Watchtower doctrine into question.
  • possession of literature written by former members.
  • having lunch with a former member, even if the former member professes to be a Christian and was not disfellowshipped for fornication, greed, idolotry, reviling, drunkeness, or extortion.
  • attending a service of any other church or religious organization.
  • authorizing a blood transfusion, even to save the life of a child.
  • numerous other actions not mentioned in scripture, but deemed by the congregation elders to be "unclean conduct," or "conduct unbecoming" of a Jehovah's Witness. "Conduct" in this case covers a broad range of actions not clearly defined by the Society, leaving discernment about what is not acceptable to the discretion of the congregation's elders. As a result, standards by which people may be disfellowshiped are inconsistent throughout this religion which claims "unity" to be one of their identifying characteristics.

"Not to be mixing in company with" . . . "not even eating with . . ."
Here it is important to learn the customs of association for worship practiced by first-century Jews and Christians, bearing in mind that Jesus and the apostles were Jews. They lived according to the Jewish lifestyle and customs of their day. Jesus taught in the synogogues; hence, he was called "Rabbi." Matt.26:25; 26:49; Mark 9:5; 11:21; 14:25; John 1:38, 49; 3:2, 26; 4:31; 6:25; 9:2; 11:8

There were two kinds of association for religious worship:
1) public meetings, such as at the temple and in synogogues, which anyone was allowed to attend; and
2) private gatherings of the different sects.
Christians and Jews participated in both. Christians, met in private homes, usually over a special meal with prayer. A presiding minister hosted the meal using either fellowship funds or personal funds. (Acts 20:20; see the footnote in older editions of the NWT)

Christians were instructed to "greet" one another with a kiss. (Rom.16:16; 1.Cor.16:20; 2Cor.13:12; Ti.3:15; 1Pet.5:14) When Paul sent his "greetings" in a letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, he requested that the "brothers" be greeted by a "holy kiss" on his behalf. (1Thess.5:26)
It was by this sign that Judas betrayed Jesus. (Luke 22:47,48)

Clearly, Paul did instruct Christians to expel from the congregation's fellowship any person who was purposely practicing willful sin. The disassociation would quite naturally exclude them from being greeted by the identifying "holy kiss," as well as not being allowed to share in meetings and the meals for Christian worship and prayer. However, Paul's instruction did not prohibit normal conversation or witnessing to former members. Nor were they barred from attending worship in the temple or the synagogues. Jesus, the apostles and Paul, along with the rest of the Jews, worshipped God both publicly in the temple and synagogues, and privately with small groups in various homes. (Acts 5:42) It was from the private Christian fellowship for worship that sinners were excluded.

I refuse to associate myself with any religion that requires shunning. I will not be an arrogant hypocrite ever again.

My family was stolen from me over 8 years ago, and I miss them.

Huge Photo Update

is up over at Sader-Family.org!

It's over 5 pages of pictures, it qualifies as huge!

How stupid are you?

Yay! I'm pretty smart! Woot!

A pretty accurate reading, I would say.

You Are 60% Open Minded

You are a very open minded person, but you're also well grounded. Tolerant and flexible, you appreciate most lifestyles and viewpoints. But you also know where you stand firm, and you can draw that line. You're open to considering every possibility - but in the end, you stand true to yourself.

How Open Minded Are You?

MWUAHAHAHAHAHA

This is so rad!



*wipes tears from laughing so hard*

I love the Dresden Dolls!

Beta.....

I finally know enough people who have already switched,, so here we go!


edited to say: me likey!

Free Hugs

Much better now

It's amazing what a trip to Worlds of Fun WITHOUT children can do for a person's spirit. I'm feeling much better, as long as I don't dwell on certain things. I still don't feel strong enough to deal with other people's drama, and I'm still not able to read any of the news regarding the tragedy in the Amish community without bawling.

Yesterday at WOF was a blast, I loved the new Patriot rollercoaster! Surrounded by friends who actually show me their love really took the bite out of the day.

BTW, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY goes out to Andrew. Thanks for sharing your birthday with me!

Pulling away for a bit

Do you ever feel like you just want to lock yourself away from everyone so none of their crap visits you?

I have a very stable, happy and sane environment at home. Depression is not usually an issue at our house.

I always stick up for individual's rights, and encourge all my friends to empower themselves. I tend to get very involved in helping my friends. They need help, I try to help them realized they can help themselves, that they're strong enough to kick whatever bastard is getting them down. Sometimes, my job is to just make someone laugh, sometimes it's to rally other friends to another's crisis.

In the past month, I've had two friends so depressed they considered suicide. One went so far as taking tranqualizers and going to the beach; she was going to walk into the water and dissapear, she didn't want to exist anymore.

I also have a friend dealing with an abusive soon-to-be-ex husband who tried to bully her into signing the divorce papers without looking at them or talking to a lawyer. She had to be convinced that she wasn't backed into a corner with no options and to call a lawyer anyway. She's gotten a good lawyer and has declared war on the bastard treating her this way, but it took a bit to get her there.

Drama I can handle. After all, someone I used* to call sister is bi-polar and there was drama in her life ALL THE FUCKING TIME. (*a whole drama in and of itself)

But now I have to deal with my brother and all that crap, which means it's my drama, and I can't just lock it out of my head at night. AND I'm still nursing, which means that post-partum depression can still kick in at any time.

I'm tired. I can't deal with anyone else's drama right now. I need to recharge, and figure out how to deal with my fucked up family and the grief they cause me by their actions. So if you call me, please don't be offended if I don't answer the phone.

My brother is getting married tomorrow and I can't be at his wedding, I've got all the drama I can handle, and then some. I can't help you with yours right now.

Halloween's past

Pictures from previous Halloweens. Still trying to decide what Matt should be this year (he still has the mohawk, too!)

First Halloween, 2003:

2005:

I have no idea what we did in 2004, apparently we didn't document it very well!

Ribbons

The magnet ribbon on my CRV says "Support our troops, Bring them home." What does your's say?

Where I stand on Politics.

Paleo-Liberal You scored 79% Personal Liberty and 52% Economic Liberty!

A paleo-liberal believes in low to moderate government intervention on personal matters and moderate government intervention on economic matters. They tend to be opposed to war, police powers and victimless crimes. They believe in a social safety net, but to a lesser extent then most leftists. They generally believe in protecting personal liberty. They support self-ownership and privacy. Some Paleo-liberals may lean towards embracing capitalism as an economic system. Paleo-liberals are reminiscent of the attitude of the "new left" of the 60's and 70's. Strong Paleo-Liberals border on Libertarianism.

My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 99% on Personal You scored higher than 99% on Economic

Link: The Politics Test written by brainpolice on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

My children are HUGE!

Josie: 4 months old, 17 lbs 9 oz, 26 inches long. That's <97th percentile.

Matthew: 3 years old, 35 lbs 5 oz, 3ft 4in tall. He's around the 80th percentile now.

No wonder my shoulders hurt! Add in the weight of the infant carrier, and I'm lugging around close to 20 pounds all the time. I hope she learns how to sit up by herself soon, then she can graduate to the bigger car seat.

Because it's still awesome...

btw, don't forget to talk like a pirate today! Arrr!

Happy birthday Sweetie!

I love you!

Thanks for being such a great husband and father.

15 minutes

Fifteen minutes can change the world. I shouldn't be able to remember what I was doing 5 years ago today, but I do.

In the 15 minutes it took me to drive to work that day, horrific acts of terror were commited to our country. When I got to my place of employment, I found most of my co-workers in the kitchen area gathered around a 13-inch tv, and we watched in horror as the two buildings that housed our home offices collapse. My company lost over 300 employees that day, because they worked on the floors that the first airplane hit. Those that worked in the second tower were able to evacuate before the second plane hit.

Five years later, we still haven't caught the man responsible for these acts of terror, even though he's 6'5", Arabic, and needs dialysis on a regular basis.

For anyone outside of the US that reads this blog: I'm sorry the man that claims the presidency of the United States (Governor Bush) is a complete asshat. Please know that not every American agrees with him or his oil/war-loving buddies.

Day 5

yesterday, 5/7 sucessfull potties in the toilet! today, we're 4/4 with a POOP in the TOILET!

I think he's got it!

It's all in the definition.

Was my child potty-trained in 3 days? Depends. If you count potty training as the ability to recognize when you need to potty, then, yes, he's potty trained.

However, this is the child that REFUSED to talk until he was almost 3 years old. I really didn't expect him to completely abandon playing to go potty on the 4th day, and he didn't. Tomorrow, he gets no tv at all until after he goes potty, otherwise, I'll have another mess.

You know how they always say to have no reaction when they mess? That doesn't work with my child, AT ALL. I didn't spank him, if that's what you're thinking, but he is quite aware of how upset mommy is when he wets himself now. And we've had two successful trips to the toilet since!

I'll be very glad when we get to the point where we can go out in public without a mess. If we reach that point within a week, I'll be very, very happy.

Potty training cont.....

End of Day 2, we're batting 500. Not too bad, considering yesterday he didn't make it to the toilet at all.

Everyone is exhausted, that's for sure, I'll be glad when it's done.

Potty training ...

Seeing as how this is a three-day weekend, and Keith would be home to help, we decided to potty-train the 3-yr old, who has shown absolutely no interest in using the toilet.

What does having a 3-day weekend have to do with potty training? you ask.

Well, I'm doing the 3 day potty training method, so all the stress of potty training is over after 3 days. Sounds good to me.

• Day 1

We put Matthew in 'big boy' underwear, and told him that the diapers were gone, he was a big boy and didn't need diapers anymore. It went over so well, it took at least 5 minutes just to get the underwear on his body, and I had to hold his arms back so Keith could get the underwear up past his feet. I also had to hold a leg because he kept kicking them off. It was fun, let me tell you.

Throughout the day we had to stay by his side 100% of the time to catch him when he went potty. Not once did we manage to get him to the toilet before he was done peeing. We are SO borrowing the carpet cleaner from Mom & Dad (my adopted parents, you know, the ones who actually treat me as their daughter) when this is all over.

We made it through nap time with no accidents in bed AND he went all night without peeing in bed as well!

End of day 1: no peeing while sleeping, but still not peeing in the toilet. Two exhausted parents.

• Day 2

Woke up, bed was dry! Yay!

I decided that in addition to telling him to tell me when he had to go potty, that he should RUN to the bathroom to sit on the toilet when he had to go potty as well. He really enjoys running, so he actually liked that. We had several "false alarms" where we went to the toilet, but no potty came out, but THEN, OMG, he went potty in the toilet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You would have thought he'd won a gold medal at the Olympics! It was AWESOME!

It's now noon, CDT, and he's gone potty in the toilet THREE times, with only one accident! I am so very proud of my bubba, and so amazed at how fast he's growing.

I swear, I just brought him home yesterday!

Labor Day Weekend

What are we doing with our extra time this weekend?

Potty training Matthew.

We're using this method, I'll let you know how it goes on Monday.

Where is the love?

So my brother made his final decision on whether I can attend his wedding ceremony or not.

The answer is not, of course, and if I show up, he will ask me to leave.

It's not his choice, really. He is bound by the rules of men, but yet thinks they are rules of God. Funny, the only rule Jesus gave us is to have love for one another.

Catching up

In the last week I've had two really awesome phone conversations, each with a friend I have not seen in over 10 years. It's been wonderful to catch up with them both. "J" has a 2 month old little girl, and "L" has a little boy who just started 1st grade. Both have wonderful husbands as well.

So even though my trip to Springfield resulted in me being un-invited to my brother's wedding, it wasn't all bad, it brought back in my life at least four girlfriends that were really important to me at one time. Life got in the way, and now we're reclaiming what was taken from us.

BTW, my heart goes out to my friend Jerusha, who's little boy, Kody Ray, born on August 8th, is still in the NICU. He was born 5 weeks early, and his lungs aren't developed enough yet to go home.

Welcome to the world, Kody, hopefully this is the worst you'll ever have in life.