Rock the Vote

Ok, ok, ok.  I know everyone is sick of politics.  But I just feel this so clearly on my heart. So, it's in my head, in my heart and NOW in my blog.


First, I'm gonna be normal and whine for a second.  I am ASHAMED at the behavior of both presidential candidates and their behaviors during the debates.  I am even more frustrated that we can't get an unbiased moderator for any of them.  And I am saddened that people aren't keeping open minds during them.  If we take the time to be honest (regardless of who we choose as our candidate) that both Romney and Obama are talking around subjects, not answering the questions, making factual errors and both acting like rude toddlers. 

Having said that, I feel that we need to rally our friends, our families, our communities to vote.  We do make a difference.  Our votes count.  As a bible believing Christian, I believe voting is an obedient act to God.  He requires us to be responsible citizens.  Whether we choose to obey that or not is our choice.  As always God is a gentlemen and he won't force our hands there.

I desperately wish that I could just hand God my ballot, so I know that I am voting for what He wants.  I posted the following on Facebook and honestly, I think it bears repeating:

"There is only one way I can remain calm during this election season. And this is it:

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1

And since I am a bible believing Christian, I have to believe that God has a plan no matter who gets elected. Whether I like them or not."

I love all my friends and families and I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion.  I've been saddened by the nastiness this election has uncovered. I never vote solely based on political party.  I vote for the person who holds the values closest to my own.  I feel sad that each election I feel the old adage "voting for the lesser of 2 evils" gets more and more true for me.  And I have been sad to see so many people make wounds in their relationships over politics. 

I wish and hope and pray that as Americans we can find our way back to the attitudes that founded this great nation.   

I pray that we become a nation on our knees.  Praying that God would grace this nation even though as a whole, we have pushed him out.  And even though this is a bit off the beaten path about voting, I really really love the lyrics to this song and I feel it is so true. 

They tried their best to drag him out
Of a courthouse down in montgomery
Now they want to kick him out of school
And take him off our money
They can take those words off of paper and stone
But he aint gone, no

He ain't the leavin' kind
He'd never walk away
Even from those who dont believe
And wanna leave him behind
He ain't the leavin' kind

She stayed mad at him for a lot of years
For taking her husband
Started losing her faith and thinking that
Her life meant nothin
But when she looks at those kids
She raised all by herself
She knows she had some help
Yeah she knows

He ain't the leavin' kind
He'd never walk away
Even from those who don't believe
And wanna leave him behind
He ain't the leavin' kind

No matter what you do
No matter where you go he's
Always right there
With you

Even from those who don't believe
And wanna leave him behind
He ain't the leavin' kind

I'm so thankful.  I've certainly done my best to push God away multiple times.  I am glad he isn't the leaving kind.  And I feel that God wanted me to write about voting, so please- VOTE!!!!

Hodge podge

Has it really been 3 weeks since I last blogged?  I get a big fat fail for being so lame. 

What can I say?  Life gets busy sometimes with 4 kids.  The twins are now in Preschool here in CT and so far, they love it.  It's half day,  and I love that!! 

We finally found a church here to call home.  So that has been amazing.  We've been blessed to make friends through the church as well.  It's called Lifehouse and it's in a serious growth spurt! 

Let's see....any other mundane things I should chat about?  We switched the kids rooms around because it was getting insane the waking up and staying up too late etc.  Elijah (my early riser) is now in his own room, the smallest one (still big though) over by Jason and I's room.  Levi moved into Ava's old room and he also has the futon in his room.  Nursery/guest room.  The girls are in the biggest room and so far, so good.  Elijah is still getting up early, but not 5ish anymore.  Today he slept until 7.  WOOO!  And Levi slept until 8!  Seriously.  8 am.  I could have cried for joy!!

In November I am starting up a Biggest Loser competition.  Starts NOV 1st ends January 17th.  Let me know if anyone out there in blogger land is interested!! 

It's time for me to get healthy. 

On a totally unrelated note, I wonder when Jason will learn that he can't leave things on his computer table?  Levi is a stealthy little thief.  And he DESTROYS.  LOL.

Now LEvi is trying t*o -**- 9h9e

Let's try that again.  Levi is trying to help me type.  So I gotta go! 

Dinner time disasters!

Ok, when does it get better?  Cause I'll be honest, it's hit or miss around here.

I like dinner time...or I used to before kids.  Some days dinner is a nice little part of my day, where I get to chat up my kids as they eat the dinner I have prepared for them without complaint. 

Most days though, well, it's crazy, complaining chaos. 

Now, I know kids in this age range tend to be picky.  And I get that.  I am also a picky eater, so I do understand.  So having said that, I get frustrated when I KNOW that the love a meal and all of a sudden they don't like it, it "feels yucky" in their mouth, they hate it and so on and so forth. 

I guess my expectation of a dinner where we all sit down and eat and talk and laugh is, at least for now, unattainable. 

"You know I don't like carrots, mom, or did you forget?"  Tessa 9/23/12

"What is this smooshy thing mom?  Ewww."  Elijah 9/23/12 (It was a potato)

"Mom, what is this?  It looks weird?"  Ava 9/23/12 (It was pie crust)

In Ava's defense, she did eat hers, she just had to ask what everything was first. 

I guess I'm just delusional to expect a semi calm dinner.  And that got me to thinking...(what?!?)

I wonder what Jesus was like as a little boy.  I so desperately wish to know if he ever told his mom he didn't like something when she served him dinner.  I also wonder if as a baby he was a crier or colicky or otherwise painful in the ways new babies can be...sleep?  Anyone?  Did he whine when he was a 3 year old???

No, I don't want perfect children.  Because to be honest, some of their funniest moments happen in not-so-perfect times.  I love seeing how their brains work and how they figure things out.  I love watching their ears smoke and I can hear their gears winding when they are trying to figure out how to get around me on something.  Most of all, I love how they love me, their very imperfect mother, always.  How, despite the fact that they did not want to eat the homemade chicken pot pie I made them, they all left the table, cleared their dishes and told me thank you for dinner.  I love that even when they choose to go to bed hungry (our policy is eat dinner at dinner time or eat nothing until breakfast) because I didn't make exactly what they wanted for dinner, they hug me and kiss me and love me. 

I love that after being disciplined, the one person that they want to soothe them is me!  The same person that just handed out that same discipline. 

I often second guess my parenting, my judgement and even my words that I use towards my children.  Everyday I could certainly have done better, lots better.  But everyday those sweet (and yes, exhausting) little people tell me they love and that I am the "best mommy ever!"

Kind of makes my dream dinners not seem so important...

Doesn't mean I won't stop striving for them though!  We have someone different say a prayer every night at dinner and this is what they say almost verbatim every single night:

"Dear Jesus, thank you for my family and for our food. Amen"

So let me just say:

"Dear Jesus,
Thank you for my family!  My "I-don't-want-to-eat-carrots-smooshy-potatoes-weird-looking-meal" children.  Thank you for their tender hearts, loving spirits, humorous actions and brilliant minds.  Thank you for a husband that is an amazing father to them and a selfless husband to me.  I am spoiled and I thank you for it!  I thank you for my life.  It's not always easy or fun, but it is always rewarding. Amen"

"P.S. Please make them eat!"

Fall. Autumn. Whatever you call it, we're having a real one this year!

And I'll be honest, I've truly come to like my "2" seasoned San Diego. 

It was 46 degrees this morning.  46.  Do you hear what I am saying? 

I did wear pants and a sweatshirt, but I still wore my flip flops.  Take that New England "Fall."

Sadly tomorrow is the last day of summer and I am in mourning.  My flag is at half  mast, my windows are adorned with black.  My soul is crying...

Ok, maybe that is a little bit of an exaggeration, but I honestly LOVE perpetual summer.  Le sigh.

I have what I have been assuming is a cold, and whole I still think I have a cold, I also think I have some kind of pollen allergy here.  Ugh, all these trees and grass and stuff.  Hahahaha. 

I need my sand and palm trees! 

I am excited to start planning our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch!  I just have to find the right one...Ooooh the hayrides and apple cider.  The photo opportunities!  In my mind this will be such a good time and we will have this memories forever.  In reality, I will say "what was I thinking?"  But in the end...it will be beautiful memories and lots of fun with some crazy "I-have-too-many-small-kids" moments.  Sweet Chaos!!!

My mom will be here in a few weeks too, so they kids will love that! 

So since we're coming up on this fun fall season, share with me your favorite Fall traditions and Halloween fun!! 

Please? 

Bad Bloggy Bad!

I apologize.  I haven't blogged in a while.  Every moment that I have had time to sit down and blog, my mind has gone blank.  Totally and completely blank.   Very unusual for me.

School has started back up.  Ava is loving the first grade, I am missing having her at home.  The twins were accepted into the preschool program here, so they should start next week or the week after at the very latest.  Luckily, they are only half day.  Next year when Ava, Tess and Elijah are all full day, I am going to be so sad.  Probably makes me the odd man out, but I love having my kids home with me. 

Don't get me wrong, there are days I pray for college to get here and with a quickness that defies logic, but most of the time, I treasure just being in their presence.  They are such amazing kids.  In spite of me being their mother! hahahaha. 

It has started getting really cold here in the mornings and at night.  It was 50 degrees yesterday morning.  Um, no thanks!  EEEEK!  This "spoiled-by-San-Diego-weather" girl is in denial. 

Well, hopefully, soon I will be back up and blogging more frequently.  I'm sure you all have been missing my random thoughts and musings!  Have a happy Thursday!!

It can NOT be November 7th fast enough to suit my needs.

Politics. Politics. Politics.  UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! 

Ok, look I do believe that people should be informed, involved and VOTE in this country.

What I am tired of is a media that is biased and promoting their own agenda.  I am tired of the mudslinging...and it is just getting worse! 

Please.  PLEASE just tell me what you are going to do and then if you get elected TRY and show us you are trying to do just that. 

“Any government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away everything you have,” said President Gerald Ford.

And honestly, I think we are just getting too big.  We are looking to our government to provide for us, when that's not who should be doing it.  We should look to God, to ourselves, and to our neighbors.  It kills me that people don't want help from their neighbors, but are willing to take help from the government.  And don't get me wrong- there is nothing wrong with help from anyone, but the problem is people are starting to look to the government and it's assistance as an ENTITLEMENT.  Oh no.  Not good.  Not good at all. 

I was reading online about Christians and voting, I came across this article and if you have time, you should read it.  http://www.perrynoble.com/2006/08/29/jesus-the-bible-and-politics/

Of course for me, as a bible believing Christian (who messes up in multiple ways EVERY day) I looked for some biblical guidance.  I used the Message translation as I feel it is the most easily understood in particular to our society and government.  The two I found are below:

^1-3Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you're irresponsible to the state, then you're irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you're trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.  Romans 13: 1

Hmmmm.  Authorities are only a threat if you are trying to get by with something....ponder it people.

1 Peter 2:13-15

The Message (MSG)

^13-17Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.

I think it is important here to remember that even though we may think "How could God allow this to happen?  This person to be elected? etc It is part of God's plan.  And we need to be on our knees praying.  Asking God to show us who he wants us to vote for...Because the reality is, we are a nation that is allowing God to be edged out and then we cry outrage at the state of our country.  Ask God, he's got all the facts!!

And please, please, please VOTE on November 6th!!!

Oh Facebook! You shouldn't have...no, really!

I love Facebook.  Love it.  Even with some of the drama that comes along with it.  For me, as a military spouse, it's a fantastic way to stay in touch with friends and family we leave all around the world.  But even if I weren't military, it's pretty awesome for keeping in touch with all the people of my youth. 

So let me list a few of the things I love about Facebook:
1) Helps me keep my sanity some days
2) I love all the pictures I get to see of my friends and family
3) I actually like knowing what my friends and family are thinking randomly on a daily basis.
4) Getting to share news quickly
5) All the funny ecards etc


Here is what I don't love about Facebook...and it actually has nothing to do with Facebook the corporation. 

Facebook is the Passive Aggressive person's best friend.  Does it make it ok to say something like "nobody cares" etc if you put a smiley face behind it?  Ok, in some cases that person saying it IS someones best friend or sister or IS joking.  But too many people are just rude, mean, facetious etc because they  hide behind their computer. 

Why am I blogging this?  Well.  Dear friends, I recently had an issue.  When people do this on my page, I generally ignore it, delete the comment or private message the person if it offended me, hurt my feelings or I deem it otherwise inappropriate.  Grown up of me, huh?  I can be mature...sometimes. 

Having said that, a person I am not even sure why I was friends with them in the first place...another blog for another time: Facebook Friending- Ettiquette?  Anywhooooo, I digress.  Said person made multiple snarky comments to a mutual friend and then would whine on her statuses (rudely and pointedly) to make said person and others feel guilty/shamed etc.  Those of you who REALLY know me....Yes, I did finally say something.  I said that I had some advice that she could take or leave, but that if she really needed help, maybe she should watch the tone she takes on FB.  And then I actually addressed her problem and gave her some resources. 

Fast forward 20 minutes and her status pops up in my newsfeed about how people should take their negative and mean comments elsewhere as people don't know the backstory of a post etc. and she had deleted her previous rude status. To her new status I replied "I assume you are talking about me and that's ok.  However, I did not say anything negative or mean, but seeing has how this IS FB, this post could have NOTHING to do with me at all." Which she promptly deleted. 

It actually really irritated me.  So much so that I went back and forth on messaging her and fully unloading.  But I did not.  I simply unfriended her.    Why does this bug me so badly?  The fact that she anonymously said untrue things about me or the fact that she feels she can be blatantly mean, hateful and rude on FB?  Probably a little of both.  Maybe it has to do with the fact that I do know her backstory and she is simply trolling for people to give to her no questions asked.  Is she in need?  Yes.  She is, but I know why people aren't helping her.  That attitude.  AGH!  I am trying not to get snotty or rude, but man it has been hard.  And if I am being honest with myself and by virtue then with you...a light bulb just went on in my head and I think I know what the root of the issue is...

The person of which I speak is pregnant and she is having a hard time.  She was put on bed rest and generally ignores it when it suits her, whines about the lack of help when it doesn't.  I offered her my advice on many occasions before this, as I DO have some experience in this arena.  And therein lies the deepest issue for me, I suppose.  I have lost a baby, and spent 12 weeks on bed rest with Tessa and Elijah...I can't imagine doing anything that would jeopardize my unborn baby or their safety.  I know some people may think I am being harsh and maybe she just doesn't have anyone to help her and that's ok.  My life experience is different and I tend to have very strong, very rapid, very intense emotions on this. 

So thanks, blog friends for letting me write through why this, in particular, really bugged me.

Just do me a favor, eh?  If I somehow offend you, hurt your feelings or otherwise upset you on Facebook, message me.  Chances are I am CLUELESS that what I said came off wrong.  Oh, also, live by my motto:

"Never say something behind someones back that you won't say to their face."

And in this case, I will alter it "Never say something on Facebook that you wouldn't say to their face in real life."

Post away friends, post on!