Gack

This is Jack a year ago. Just because I love this picture. And because now he's sassy. I say to him all the time, "Sassy Jack-Jack." And he says, "Sassy Gack-Gack."

Center Cut Meat Market

I saw this on a sign in Rogers today and I thought it was so cute (if I'd have had my camera, I'd have taken a picture):

Deer Processing
80 Bucks
Not a lot of Doe

How about this instead?

I hereby resolve:

For the next six days I will say nothing negative about either presidential candidate. I will let the chips fall. I will send love and good energy to Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain and their families. I will not let other people's positions or opinions bother me (unless they're deliberately hurtful. I reserve the right to despise that). I will pray that whichever candidate wins the election, he is given strength, wisdom, and good judgement (God knows he's gonna need it!). I will hope for a cabinet full of intelligent, insightful people who can begin to resolve some of the issues we're facing in the United States.

I will be thankful. I will be thankful for my health. My family. My right to vote. There are women the world over who do not have the luxuries I have been afforded. There are moms who cannot take care of their children or feed them, much less vote or have a voice.

I am thankful for the brave women in the decades before me who fought for my rights.

God bless America!

ETA: As I re-read this, I realize it's a bit mushy, but I do mean it. Just my disclaimer that I'm aware of the kumbaya factor.

Halloween

4:00 p.m.: Nice, normal sixth-grader.

4:30 p.m.: Menacing Monster

I'm not a big fan of Halloween. Especially of stuff like this. I get to dress my little guys up like Nemo, and Tigger, and a monkey, and this year an extremely non-menacing pirate. But big kids, it's altogether disturbing. 11-year-olds want gore and mess and scary. Sigh. I have to admit, though, it was kind of fun painting Cole's face Saturday. He was going to a party with his mom's mom and they were picking him up from our house. Matty WOULD NOT come near him while I was painting. He stayed in his room until Cole left the house. He did look at the pictures though. So...are you dressing up? Are your kids? I'll have more pictures later this week!

Christopher Robin to Pooh

Kind of for my sister, but also just because.

Christopher Robin says, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

Life's Lessons

Cory and I are cleaning out our storage area. I will be so happy when it's done. The fun part of the project is that I'm digging through a lot of stuff. Turns out I saved pretty much everything from the time I was 11 until I was 20. A lot of stuff. So I'll periodically share with you the things that I thought were worth saving years ago. Most of them I understand, but there are some real mysteries in those storage containers (like, really, why did I save the actual corsages from all the weddings I was in??). Anyway, here's a keeper. Someone wrote it down for me, but I have no idea who or where they took it from. So I'm sorry to not give proper credit:

Life's Lessons

After awhile you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises.
You begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child.
You learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's grounds are too uncertain for plans.
After awhile you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So plant your own gardens and decorate your own soul - instead of wating for someone to bring you flowers.
You learn that you really can endure, and you really are strong, and you really do have worth.

It's not about me.

It's about them.

Be Nice.

As a general rule, I'm an optimist. I see the world how it should be, not necessarily how it is. I try to see the glass half full and am a big believer in the power of positive energy. The power of prayer. Faith in my God that all things will be taken care of.

Except for today. And part of yesterday. And the day before. I'm in a funk.

I thought I wouldn't blog about it...in order to keep my blog fresh and happy. But who am I kidding? What's fresh and happy all the time?

Yesterday I spent a couple hours raking the backyard and this morning I am watching the green disappear beneath the new leaves falling...down. I have a problem with fall. I know a lot of people find energy in the chilly weather and peace in the beauty of the season. So do I. But it's SO SHORT. It's like a week or two of beauty and then it all dies for the winter. And I detest winter. So despite the beauty and the fresh air, I have a hard time truly enjoying it.

All around me, I see chaos and negativity. We all know the economy is in major crisis. Except for grocery prices, nothing has really changed for me. The biggest financial gurus in the country (the world?) are exclaiming that this is this is the worst financial crisis since the great depression, and I believe them. Although on a daily basis, I refuse to go there. (Refer to paragraph 1). I'm young and healthy and willing to work hard, so I believe there is hope in my future. But all around me people keep talking about it and it's causes, and it's potential effects, and it's hard not to get get sucked into that.

Election 2008. Here's my new thought. When you're watching your favorite team play football on Sundays (another reason to love fall!) there's much anticipation. You don your jersey, make snacks, have friends over. One team or another may be up during the course of the game, causing anticipation and some anxiety for fans. And then, in about three hours' time, it's over. One team wins and one team loses. In this election, however, three hours equals about two years. Are you kidding me? Will someone win this stinkin' game so we can go on with our lives? I know all this time is well spent and important, but I'm SO SICK of watching the game. The fans are rude, the players have terrible sportsmanship, and I'm tired of the negative energy. Football is a terrible analogy. I know that this is an enormously important election and I'm ready for the country to be led by someone other than our current Commander-in-Chief. But seriously...is it November 4th yet?

This is the sign over my door. I put it there so that every time my boys and I leave the house it's a reminder. It feels like every time I turn on the news, this isn't important. And, to me, it's so important that I put it up right over my front door. So everything going on right now is wearing me down. For the past few days, I'm finding that as hard as I try, I can't refocus on the positive. So, for today, that is my mission. Find only things that make me laugh. Work on loving everyone around me. Pray for more kindness in the world. Live by the Golden Rule and this:

"...serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."" [Galatians 5:13-14] Read the whole chapter here, it'll be worth your time!

So I'm off. I'm going to clean my kitchen, let Matty take my blood pressure (he's been begging for my blogging arm the entire time I've been writing this) and head out to rake the new leaves that have fallen. And try to remember that my life is amazing, and I have really nothing to complain about. Have a blessed day...be nice!

Jen - you just won coffee!

Thanks to everyone who has participated on my blog! The de-lurking effort wasn't as successful as I'd like it to have been...although Laura didn't think I gave it enough time! At any rate, Jen, Cory randomly chose your number and if you email me your address, your Caribou Coffee will be in the mail! Yummy...as the weather turns cooler, nothing quite like a hot cup of coffee (ooh, and baked goods if you have them on hand!). You did post earlier, but I'm glad you did again...please feel free to anytime!

FWIW, I made a list of 26 people who have commented here. Thanks for being my bits and pieces. God bless you all...

TGFM

Thank goodness for Mindi! Okay, out with it. How many people are lurking here through Mindi's blog?? Glad to have you! I absolutely love finding people who I've known in my life here...thanks for de-lurking (anyone know if that's the correct internet term?). Anyway, if you're hanging around, now's a good time to come forward. In fact, there's a bag of Amy's Blend Caribou coffee in it for you...in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Remember, the key to beating breast cancer is early detection!

(Those who have already de-lurked will be in the running for this delicious coffee!) I'll do the drawing on Sunday!

Jack-Jack's first haircut

These are for you, Laura. I told my sister I was getting his haircut and she says, "What? Does he have enough to cut?" Well, not really. But those wings over his ears were making me batty. He hated it, really. Remember I told you Jack's a bit skeptical? Yep, doesn't exclude hair stylists, it turns out. Didn't trust her at all. He's cute, though, with his little boy cut!

What a great experience!

Photo: Jeff Wheeler, Star Tribune; Edits, Mine

Thanks to all of you for your well wishes. Thanks also for your support. You know, I don't have any real life friends who share my enthusiasm, so while I know you sometimes roll your eyes behind my back, I appreciate the smile you present to me. I really am passionate about my support of Barack Obama, and I appreciate you respecting that (again, at least to my face)...

Anyway, I had an amazing afternoon! I left for St. Paul at 2:00. I didn't get there until 3:00 because there was an accident at I-94 and 35W. Despite my agitation, I got there in plenty of time! Somehow I ended up behind the building, which was a ADA entrance. When I came around the front of the building, I saw the line went up Snelling. But a volunteer grabbed me, handed me a clipboard and told me to walk and write and I somehow avoided the line altogether. YAY! (Sorry for those of you I jumped in front of).

There were a couple thousand people there, I guess. I hung around the back of the auditorium hoping to get a spot on the "reserved" bleachers when those people didn't show up. Which is exactly what happened. It was a small venue, so I was probably 100 feet from the podium...close enough to appreciate M. Obama to the fullest...

She reaffirmed why I adore her. She's intelligent, beautiful, funny, and passionate. She's a great mom, and clearly a loving and dedicated wife. I feel privileged to have been in the same room as her. I stood next to two women who were skipping work to be there. They were worried that they would get on TV and be busted. I proudly admitted that it was my hubby playing hookie so I could be there and then gave an extra wave to the cameras (who were not pointed in our direction, I might add). Anyway, my new friends and I kept oohing over her speech. When it was over, they pushed me to go up and join the rope line. I have never done that, but tried to get near the end of it. I got within arm's reach, but didn't touch her. Shucks.

Definitely one of my top five experiences. Cross that off the "to-do" list.

Oh, and Andi...if you read my blog...good to see you!

Time for New Pictures

We had a great day today! We spent some time at the FD Open House, went to the park/lake, and earlier this week we spent some time outside. I thought the colors were so great here, but my pictures don't do us justice (although I've never claimed to be any kind of "real" photographer!). Clearly we're not in peak season yet. We're throughly enjoying these last days outside before it's COLD. (NOTE: You will hear me complain about winter. I vow to try to find the silver lining all winter long, but January is very long. I'll do my best!)

Brothers. My three are ALL BOY. They love running, playing ball, throwing rocks in lakes, etc. I'm going to have to learn to hit a ball, because eventually they're going to have to learn to catch. So far, I'm a much better pitcher.

At the lake...

At the fire department open house. I think this is Matty's first time doing this. (Thanks to Kailey for the cool shirt; lots of people asked me where we got it! He insisted on wearing it today...it's a little big, but I thought it was so cute!)

Jack-Jack. I know I gush, so I'll refrain...

This skeptical look is so typical of Jack. For those of you who don't know the story, he was born 10 lbs and 10 oz. Long story short, my blood pressure dipped (40/60 or some crazy number) as did his, so they yanked him out. My OB told me that she heard his right arm snap. He had brachial plexis injury in the other arm, so for the first month of his life he couldn't move either arm. I contend that he's still kind of mad about it. He's skeptical of most people, although it's gotten better. For the first six months, he scowled at strangers. Once he trusts people though, he's my greatest lover. He loves to hug and touch and be held. I just love this look on his face.

These two get along really well most of the time. Matty's hit an age where he's kind of a pain, and Cole loses patience with him. All normal stuff, but this is a good picture of "normal" at our house...

Michelle's Coming!

I got the invitation via email today! Anyone want to come with me?? http://mn.barackobama.com/StPaulChange

Yom Kippur

Today is the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. As I understand it, it's the last day in a 10-day period of atonement and repentance. It's a time for reflection and "making right again." I'm not Jewish, but I think that we should all celebrate forgiveness every day! I'll take this opportunity to anyone whom I have wronged, I apologize and ask your forgiveness.

To my Jewish friends, L'Shanah Tovah! Thank you for teaching me and respecting me. To all my friends from every walk of life and every faith, may today and every day be a day of grace for you and your loved ones. God bless you all!

Are you registered?

Are you registered to vote? In Minnesota, you must register 20 days before the election (next Tuesday) or at your polling place on election day. Please register to vote and then go cast your ballot on November 4! You can register at http://www.rockthevote.com/ or get more information at http://www.votesmart.org/.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy birthday to the best mom in the world. You inspire me to be a better mom, and a better person. You are, in fact, what I want to be when I grow up. Love you so much!

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama is going to be in Minneapolis Monday. I really really want to see her. I love her almost as much as I love her husband. I always say that when I grow up I want to be my wise friend Nancy K. Or Michelle Obama. Not sure yet.

If anyone hears details before I do, please let me know. I told Cory he has to take the day off work so I can go, but so far he's not biting. Oh, man! Doesn't he know she's my equivalent of a rock star?

Tim Rocks

I'm sure I'll have more pictures to share, just wanted to send a shout out to my brother Tim who ran Twin Cities marathon today. He's a rock star and I'm so proud of him.

Jack and The Calf

Saturday was Plymouth on Parade. I took Matty to the parade while Jack napped at home with his babysitter, Lindsey. Then Matty and I picked up Jack and Lindsey for the carnival...it was a blast! They offered hayrides, inflatables, petting zoo, face painting, etc. all courtesy of the City. Jack's favorite was the petting zoo. In essence, I think, he was just like those little animals, sweet and excited. This little calf and he took off running in separate directions to check something out and clonked heads. Hard. Jack cried for about two minutes and then wanted back down. This is when I took him back over to apologize to the calf (who's to say the calf didn't have a headache too??) "Whatcha eating? Grass?"

I like to think I'm a fairly trusting individual. But when I downloaded this picture (of Jack and the calf pre-crash) I'm thinking the calf might have been planning that collision all along. Don't you think the look in his eye says "watch out little man, you're not gonna steal MY show!"

He loved ALL the animals. Not sure the animals really loved him back.

Matty, Jack and Lindsey on a City dumptruck. Little boys dream come true.

The parade was great! It turns out, however, that Matty can do about 60 minutes of parade - that's it. Pretty hard for a little guy to sit still any longer than that. Oh, and the resounding chorus, "But mom! I'm SO thirsty!" Note: bring water bottle next time. We had a glorious, beautiful fall afternoon to be outside!

My family

I'm so proud of this picture. I'm so proud of my brothers and sisters. They're all such lovely people. Some of you are going to see this as my mom's Christmas card, I'm sure, so sorry to her for ruining the surprise. We started a message board this last year for all of us to chat. Some of my siblings and in-laws were skeptical, but it's been a riot. As life changes, I feel so lucky to live in the age of the internet. I strongly recommend you set one up for your friends and family, too!

Steve Fossett

Isn't that an incredible story? Thank God for that they found him, what a sense of closure for his family. http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/10/02/steve.fossett.search/index.html