My Vote

I have given up on trying not to offend others politically.  I am not a perfect person; I am not a perfect Christian.  But I am one who will stand up for what I believe in. 

There is nothing more that I believe in than life.  Life is given to all of us by our Heavenly Father - whether we call Him that, or not.  Eternal life is given to us by our Heavenly Father - it is simply ours to accept.

I have a friend that I grew up with.  He lived three houses down from me, we went to church together every Sunday, Sunday night, and Wednesday.  We hung out a lot.  We grew together in our spiritual journey, each trying to hold the other accountable.  It's so strange how views can change. 

My friend is "world traveled" as he calls it.  He has seen the animosity of the world.  He blames America's mentality for most of it.  To me, that's crazy.  I'll admit that I'm not "world traveled," but there are far too many people trying to get INTO America for me to believe that everyone hates us.  That being said, he keeps gently harassing me about my reasons for not voting for Obama.  This is what I finally put into words and sent him:

"Friend,"
I didn't watch it all (referring to Obama's 30-min campaign message on Wednesday night) because I am tired of the bologna this man throws
out there.  He sits in his high-class office and tries to relate to the
"struggling Americans."  Where is all of the money going that he has
"raised" to support his campaign?  Why not spread that wealth around? 
I'm tired of his radical liberal views being pushed to the side just
because people have been unhappy with the last president.  I have
examined Obama's record and have seen who he associates with, which is enough
to know that Americans can't trust this man to be our president.


I also can NOT put aside where this man stands on the issue of life. 
Life is given to us by our Heavenly Father from the moment of
conception.  When I went to my first appointments to confirm both of my
pregnancies with Ella Beth and Landon, they were no larger than a grain
of rice YET I COULD EASILY MAKE OUT THEIR HEARTBEATS. 


You don't know this, but when I was pregnant with Ella Beth the doctors
told us that Ella Beth had a 1:26 chance of being born with Down
Syndrome. (The "typical ration is 1:1000.)  We were given the option of
ending her life through abortion 20 weeks into my pregnancy.  There is
not a day that goes by that I don't think about that.  When I look at
my beautiful daughter - God's beautiful gift to Scott and me - I can't
believe that her life could have ended simply because of a "ratio."  Of
course, Ella Beth does not have Downs, but had we been given a 100%
confirmation that she would have been born with Downs - we would not
have done anything differently.  There is no more precious gift than
the gift of life.  That gift is one only God can give.  People have no
right to take that away.  I truly believe that people in authority
will be held to high standards by our Lord.  "From everyone who has
been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been
entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48  Obama has
been given a great gift of persuasion, but he is not using his gift to
profit the will of our Lord. 


There are things that I am unhappy with through our current
administration, but somethings - LIFE, TRUST, and HONOR - are far too
valuable to ever vote against.


Amber

Now it's your turn - what was your opinion?

I hope I haven't lost any "blurkers" (blog lurkers) or friends, but as they say...

YOU'VE GOT TO STAND FOR SOMETHING, OR YOU'LL FALL FOR ANYTHING.

My birthday is Tuesday...didn't you know?

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since my last post. I don't have an excuse other than life's been busy, but that's always the case!

Let's see...where to start? First, how about some news that most people don't know about. I've been putting off posting anything about this, but I realized that it was prideful of me to do so. I've been so consumed with "not wanting to announce disappointment...again" that I've purposefully not shared. Well, no more pride - our house is under contract to sell. It's been a messy situation, but we should still be moving sometime in the near future. See if you can follow me here: the couple buying our house is from New Mexico. They have been living with their daughter and her family for the last three months. They love our house and put a contract on it a month ago; we were supposed to close on Halloween. Well, their house out in NM has been holding things up. The man buying their house is using inheritance money, and apparently with inheritance moo-lah there is a L-O-T of red tape. That being said, the contract on our house has been extended until Nov. 24. We have a contract on a house in a subdivision that is very nice, and we're hoping to call that home soon. I can barely contain my excitement at decorating a new house. :)

So, last week Ella Beth, Landon, and I went to the outlet mall to purchase a birthday gift. We were on our way back to the car when it started to rain. I was carrying Landon, carrying bags of clothes (and the gift that we really went for), and holding Ella Beth's hand. I was trying to hurry Ella Beth along when I heard her start making this "uh, uh, uh" noise. Figuring that she was just trying to keep up, I kept up my pace. All of a sudden there was a man walking towards us who just busted out laughing. I smiled at him and gave him a little "what's so funny look." He was so tickled he couldn't get any words out, so he just pointed. I realized that he was pointing at Ella Beth. When I looked down at her, I found that the reason she was "uh, uh, uh-ing" was because she was having hard time keeping up...due to the fact that HER PANTS WERE DOWN AROUND HER ANKLES!!! It was absolutely hilarious, and I just kissed Ella Beth all over for being such a good sport! Here is an unplanned reenactment while she was dancing in the playroom. (These jeans are size 12-18 months!)

 

We have been to a few birthday parties this last month. Ella Beth loved her birthday party (back in August); apparently, she loved her birthday so much she thinks she should have another. Lately, when people have asked her how old she is she says, "I'm two, and my birthday is on Tuesday." She cracks me up. She thinks she knows everything! She has been learning a lot at pre-school. She can't eat anything on her plate without counting it first. We have "circle time" a lot around the house. She sings constantly. She talks more than ever - which I really didn't think was possible! She is just so smart that it amazes me. If we teach her something once, she remembers it forever. The girl doesn't forget anything. The other day she laid down for a nap right after going to the potty. When she woke up from her nap the first words out of her mouth were, "I need to get an M&M, remember?! I tee-teed on the potty!" 3 hours later, and she made sure I hadn't forgotten!

Photography has been picking up quite a bit lately. I have really enjoyed meeting new families and capturing some precious (and fun!) pictures. I've been contemplating the purchase of a new lens, but it's very expensive. I'll just have to wait and see. Landon turns 8 months old tomorrow, so I will have some of my own sweet pictures to share. We are still working very hard on getting pictures of Ella Beth and Landon together. Man! I had no idea how hard it would be. Either we can't get Landon's attention, or Ella Beth can't keep her hands off of him long enough for him not to be pestered. One of these days I know I'll get one. Hopefully for Christmas cards at least!

How's your last month been?

The beginning of a new season

Or at least the beginning of a new month!  Goodbye, September.  Hello, October!!!

So...throughout the last month I had to make an extremely difficult decision.  It's one that I went back and forth on at least five different times.  It's one that was very emotional for me.  It's one that I have now accepted, and I have chosen to move forward with no regrets.

I am no longer nursing Landon. 

Wow, just reading those words brings up a few emotions.  Sigh. 

There were many different factors involved in my decision, but the top two were: 1) anesthesia and pain killers really do eliminate a mommy's milk supply; 2) Landon's reflux / milk protein allergy is very severe.  After my emergency surgery, nursing was not only painful, but it wasn't all that productive - leaving me with a very hungry and fussy little boy.  We started him on soy formula to supplement, but it turns out that Landon is allergic to soy.  Oh my word.  We went through 4 different times of formula until we found the correct (and very expensive) type that would work for his sensitive system.  Well, once he started getting full and satisfied with the formula, he did not want to nurse for full feedings any longer. 

I kept going back and forth between the decision to jack up my supply or let it go.  It was hard doing that.  I had to really sit down and work through the "issues" that I had with bottle feeding.  Of course, my biggest issue was that Ella Beth never had formula; it didn't seem fair that Landon should.  But, after really praying about it, I honestly know that I have made the best decision for Landon and me.  (That's despite the fact that I loathe washing bottles over and over!)

On another feeding note, Landon has finally, finally, finally started eating baby food!  Hooray!!!  I can't tell you how long it has taken us, but now we are enjoying watching him eat.  Right now he's enjoying oatmeal cereal, sweet potatoes, and applesauce. 

Well, Landon turned 7 months last week.  He's getting so big.  Moving around everywhere, sitting up and playing, saying "Mama" over and over (love it!), and laughing at himself all of the time.  Well, laughing at himself and his big sister.  She gets a kick out of making him laugh, too!  Having two this close is still difficult, but I can honestly say that if I had to do it again this is the way I'd do it.  They are about to enter into the stage of friendship, and I can't wait!!!

OK, so here are some cute pics I took of Landon to capture his 7th month. 

Wardrobe change!

And, just one naked shot.  My boy loves his birthday suit!

Here are a couple of pics that we took of Ella Beth in a field of sunflowers.  These sunflowers are amazing.  There are thousands of them in 7 separate fields that are close to my mom in Hartwell.  Nothing like God's beautiful creation to make life shine!

And this last picture causes my heart to skip.  Where has my baby girl gone?  Is there a pause button anywhere that I can press for just a little while?  I am once again reminded that I need to cherish every day with my babies.

What a month

Let me just be honest and say that September 2008 has been one rotten month.  It's one that I am glad to see end, and it had better not repeat!

I am still in the healing process of my surgery.  It has been very uncomfortable.  I had a bit of a set back when I went for a post-op visit last Tuesday.  Apparently, my wound wasn't being packed as deeply as it should be.  (Yes, it is as horrible as it sounds.)  When the doctor and nurse saw me, they had to do a bit of work and showed Scott how to correctly pack it.  OK, people - I cried at the doctor's office.  I am 29 years old, and I cried.  It was just so very painful.  After that was over with (thank goodness!), my doctor asked me if I needed a note for work.  I said that my boss understood that I had to leave early that day, and no, I didn't need one.  He looked at me funny and said, "You're back at work?  In the office?"  I said that I was, and he told me that I was the "toughest patient he's ever had."  WOW!  That's saying a lot.  Especially when it comes to me!  He said that most people who have this surgery take at least a month off of work.  I'll be the first to admit that going back to work was very difficult (read: painful) at first, but staying home with two babies is much more difficult.  On Wednesdays when I work from home, I really struggle.  I'm constantly having to pick up my babies, and that does nothing good for an open wound.  No, I told the doctor that going to work really is easier than staying home every day.  Men really under estimate the strength, resiliency, and toughness of mothers.  What's surgery when I've given birth twice???

I have been missing my grandma a lot over the last couple of days.  I miss how my grandma was back when we shared so many wonderful memories together.  It's hard to say goodbye to anyone, I guess, even if you truly know and understand that they are in a much better place. 

I'm still struggling with my friend's loss.  I keep thinking that it must be a nightmare because nothing like this really happens.  But it did.  I know that she's been struggling over the past week.  I learned yesterday that one of the nurses at the pediatrician's office lost her baby when she was 24 hours old.  She was born with a herniated diaphragm that was undetected.  She now has two other children, who were both born healthy.  I pray that God will bless Ashly and Denny in the same way.

Scott, Ella Beth, and Landon are also sick.  Scott has had a bad cold.  Ella Beth has an ear infection, and her ear drum ruptured during the night on Thursday.  Landon has a very bad cold that's in his chest.  When it rains, it pours.  It's been rough not being 100% myself and trying to take care of everyone.  Scott hasn't taken "time off" from being a Daddy, but it's rough on him not being 100%, too. 

I am definitely looking forward to October.  This taste of fall weather has helped to lift my spirits.  I truly am blessed in so many ways, so I won't ponder on the month of September once it has passed.  I will focus on the many blessings and opportunities that I know are in store. 

"But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, 'The Lord be exalted!'"  Psalm 40:16

A beautiful life

Mary Catherine Whalin - my grandmother.  May 27, 1920-September 21, 2008.

Some of my most vivid memories of being a little girl revolve around time spent with my grandmother.  Most of those memories were made in a kitchen.  My "Mamaw" taught me everything I know about baking.  I still measure my dry ingredients (sugar, flour, etc.) the way Mamaw taught me...with the back side of a knife so to make it exactly the correct amount. 

I spent hours upon hours in the kitchen with Mamaw.  I had my special step stool to stand on so that I was high enough to work on the counter tops.  We made thousands of cookies, hundreds of cakes, hundreds of jars of jams, and many other yummies.  Smells trigger memories of my Mamaw more than anything else.  That's so fitting.

I stayed with Mamaw many days growing up while my mom worked.  I can't remember ever being bored.  (What kid could be bored when sugary treats were involved? :))  We spent time out in her garden.  We visited with her friends...who also had nice sugary treats to share.  We watched her "stories" (aka - soaps) before they became R rated.  We played thousands of rounds of Yahtzee - still one of my favorite games.

Mamaw lost my grandfather when I was 4.  I never remember her sulking or being depressed about his passing.  She loved to tell stories of wonderful times they spent together.  She loved to tell me how they eloped.  I love this story: Mamaw was only 17 when she eloped with my Papaw.  Her parents didn't really like Papaw, but she was in love.  She lived at home with her parents until she turned 18 - secretly married.  Then, they spent the rest of their lives together.  Isn't that just such a fun story? 

My mom and I moved to GA when I was 8.  It was harder to leave my grandmother behind in KY than anything else.  Mamaw moved down as soon as she could, and I remember being so happy when she was down here with us.  She stayed with us a little while, in our very small house - with a cat and a dog...neither of which she liked all that much!  But, oh, how I loved her being there with me.  When she did move into her own place, it was only about 4 miles away.

These last few years have been very different.  Mamaw was diagnosed with Dementia a few years back. Alzheimers/Dementia is such a cruel disease.  I know my grandmother didn't remember much in the last couple of years, but I believe that she did remember some of our wonderful memories that we shared together.  It made me happy that she could remember really far back - memories of times with my grandfather, memories of times with her siblings, memories of things that were special to her. 

When you think of the people you have known all your life, parents, siblings, and grand parents are usually who you remember.  That makes those people even more special.  I hate that I won't know Mamaw the rest of my life, but I will always remember her.

Mamaw was a wonderful grandmother.  I have loved her deeply all of my life.  I always will.

My heart aches

Today, my friend Ashly experienced a tragedy beyond comprehension.  Today, her son Brooks was born and was given immediately to our Lord.

Ashly was in her last week of pregnancy with her son, Brooks.  I ate lunch with her on Monday and we talked about those "last minute details" of pregnancy and preparing to bring home a child.  I can still remember the look of excitement and anticipation on her face as we just gushed with giddiness.

It's gone. 

Yesterday, Ashly and her husband, Denny, learned that their son no longer had a heartbeat.  Ashly gave birth to Brooks this morning at 8:20.  She held him.  She loved him.  She didn't want to let him go.

I don't understand why she had to.

My heart aches for Ashly.  I want to be mad, but for some reason...I just can't be.  I want to shake my fists at God and scream, "WHY?????"  But I don't.  

2 Samuel 22:31 tells us that God's way is perfect.  I choose to believe it. 

I don't understand how this is perfect.  Brooks must have been amazingly special, because our Lord simply called him home.

=====
Please pray for Ashly and Denny.  Pray for healing.  Pray for comfort.  Pray for protection.  Pray for peace.  Pray that Jesus would surround them.  Pray that they will feel Him.

Bandage change

Ouch.  That's really all I have to say. 

I did scream out a slightly dirty word during my bandage change, but when gauze is being poked into an open wound, can you blame me?  I feel badly about my slip, but not as badly as I was feeling during the actual procedure.  Hopefully, God will forgive me!

I've been home most of the day, other than my post-op at the hospital.  I've been able to rest, which has been very nice...and needed.  Landon didn't sleep well last night, so Scott and I didn't get much rest.  Scott got up with Landon, but I was still awake.  Something about having one of my babies crying; I just can't sleep through it. 

I did have flowers delivered from my team at work.  Such nice guys I work with!  For those of you who don't know, of the 7 people on my team I am the only girl.  You better believe I keep them in line!  I am, again, reminded how blessed I am  to work in such a wonderful environment.   Since I was so unexpectedly sick, I couldn't imagine a more understanding team of people to support me.  I can tell you that I am looking forward to getting back to work on Monday.  I may still be moving slowly, but I'll be moving at work.

Well, my mom is here cooking supper, so I'm going to enjoy a little more rest.  :)