This past week I got to do a photo shoot with Kristin, Mark, and Cole. Cole is so sweet and photogenic, which made for a very fun shoot.
After several of these family portrait sessions, I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of it!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
I wrote this blog entry three years ago on the 5th Anniversary of 9/11. Since today will forever be a day when people think about where they were and what they were doing when the attack happened, I thought it was appropriate to share...
==
(September 11, 2006)
On this five year anniversary of 9/11, I’m sure most people are remembering where they were, what they were doing, and who they were with on September 11, 2001.
Me too.
On 9/11, I was living in Turkey. I remember that it was about 3:00 p.m. and I was walking down a busy Istanbul street on my way to a popular shopping area with my friend Elizabeth. There wasn’t anything out of the ordinary that day, other than the “normal” of everyday life overseas…constantly speaking and thinking in a foreign language, practicing care to not look men in the eyes (important in a Muslim culture), and smiling at the beggar children who always followed us down city streets asking for money.
My cell phone rang and an American friend who also lived in Istanbul said, “Hey there’s something going on in New York. I’m watching CNN and it looks like the whole city is on fire.” “Okay, Clay,” I said. “Thanks for calling.” Then I hung up and was actually annoyed that he would interrupt my path to the mall with news of a fire thousands of miles away in New York. Within fifteen minutes, he called again and said, “Nicole, as soon as you guys get to the mall, you need to find a department store with a television. You won’t believe it. There’s been a terrorist attack in New York and this is big.”
We sped up our pace to the mall and immediately went to the electronics department of the biggest store we could find. Without asking, we switched the channel from a Turkish soap opera to CNN in English. Then we saw the pictures of the towers – both smoking by this point. I stood about a foot from the TV in disbelief and I remember thinking that my mouth simply wouldn’t close. It felt frozen in shock. Within minutes, the Turks standing around us took notice of what was happening on the screen. This was the first they had seen of the news, and a crowd gathered around the television. They began to say in Turkish, “Change it to Turkish! I can’t understand English!” So they switched the channel and the reporting was now by a Turkish reporter, displaying the same images we’d just seen of the towers.
My cell phone rang again and I heard my mom’s voice. I couldn’t help but break down and cry. “Mom, what’s happening?” “Are you okay? Where are you? What are you doing?” She asked a million questions and I remember saying to her, “Mom, you’re in America, not me. Nothing is happening here. It’s happening there!” I remember her saying at the end of our conversation “The day is not over yet.” Then it hit me that it was early morning in the U.S. and she was right. Who knew what the rest of the day held?
The next few days we (me, Elizabeth, and other Americans living in the city) were sort of in a holding pattern. I remember our company issuing plans with all kinds of scenarios and emergency plans to evacuate if that was necessary. We sat glued to CNN all day for three days.
Things I remember most about those days:
1. I felt helpless.
2. I cried a lot.
3. I didn’t want to go back to work when things began to settle down.
4. I wanted my mom.
5. I prayed non-stop for the families who had lost people they loved.
I also remember my Turkish neighbors and friends who expressed so much concern for Americans and sadness at such a cowardly act of terrorism. They really were sympathetic. One neighbor even broke down in tears when she was telling me how sorry she was for our loss. Turkish people (and much of the rest of the world) understand the effects of terrorism. They have lived with it as long as they can remember and stand alongside anyone else who is affected by its devastation. I also remember many of them saying “This is NOT the way of Islam.” They were heartbroken that now Islam had been the basis for such an act of terrorism.
It’s been a long five years. This is not the place to comment on the state of things now. But it is a place to share a story and hope that many others, on this day, will remember that our world is broken. It is in need of redemption. My faith in Jesus Christ tells me the kind of redemption that’s needed can only come through Him. If anyone does, He understands betrayal, pain, surrender, and ultimate victory over evil. In Him, there is goodness, hope, healing, and salvation for all people on earth. May we be reminded of those things today…
Rarely do I use this blog for entries like these because it seems like more of personal journal entry than something to be public. But, in this case, it is part of me seeking to identify with other people’s experiences on that day and offer a word of hope, even on a day that is very solemn for many Americans.
==
(September 11, 2006)
On this five year anniversary of 9/11, I’m sure most people are remembering where they were, what they were doing, and who they were with on September 11, 2001.
Me too.
On 9/11, I was living in Turkey. I remember that it was about 3:00 p.m. and I was walking down a busy Istanbul street on my way to a popular shopping area with my friend Elizabeth. There wasn’t anything out of the ordinary that day, other than the “normal” of everyday life overseas…constantly speaking and thinking in a foreign language, practicing care to not look men in the eyes (important in a Muslim culture), and smiling at the beggar children who always followed us down city streets asking for money.
My cell phone rang and an American friend who also lived in Istanbul said, “Hey there’s something going on in New York. I’m watching CNN and it looks like the whole city is on fire.” “Okay, Clay,” I said. “Thanks for calling.” Then I hung up and was actually annoyed that he would interrupt my path to the mall with news of a fire thousands of miles away in New York. Within fifteen minutes, he called again and said, “Nicole, as soon as you guys get to the mall, you need to find a department store with a television. You won’t believe it. There’s been a terrorist attack in New York and this is big.”
We sped up our pace to the mall and immediately went to the electronics department of the biggest store we could find. Without asking, we switched the channel from a Turkish soap opera to CNN in English. Then we saw the pictures of the towers – both smoking by this point. I stood about a foot from the TV in disbelief and I remember thinking that my mouth simply wouldn’t close. It felt frozen in shock. Within minutes, the Turks standing around us took notice of what was happening on the screen. This was the first they had seen of the news, and a crowd gathered around the television. They began to say in Turkish, “Change it to Turkish! I can’t understand English!” So they switched the channel and the reporting was now by a Turkish reporter, displaying the same images we’d just seen of the towers.
My cell phone rang again and I heard my mom’s voice. I couldn’t help but break down and cry. “Mom, what’s happening?” “Are you okay? Where are you? What are you doing?” She asked a million questions and I remember saying to her, “Mom, you’re in America, not me. Nothing is happening here. It’s happening there!” I remember her saying at the end of our conversation “The day is not over yet.” Then it hit me that it was early morning in the U.S. and she was right. Who knew what the rest of the day held?
The next few days we (me, Elizabeth, and other Americans living in the city) were sort of in a holding pattern. I remember our company issuing plans with all kinds of scenarios and emergency plans to evacuate if that was necessary. We sat glued to CNN all day for three days.
Things I remember most about those days:
1. I felt helpless.
2. I cried a lot.
3. I didn’t want to go back to work when things began to settle down.
4. I wanted my mom.
5. I prayed non-stop for the families who had lost people they loved.
I also remember my Turkish neighbors and friends who expressed so much concern for Americans and sadness at such a cowardly act of terrorism. They really were sympathetic. One neighbor even broke down in tears when she was telling me how sorry she was for our loss. Turkish people (and much of the rest of the world) understand the effects of terrorism. They have lived with it as long as they can remember and stand alongside anyone else who is affected by its devastation. I also remember many of them saying “This is NOT the way of Islam.” They were heartbroken that now Islam had been the basis for such an act of terrorism.
It’s been a long five years. This is not the place to comment on the state of things now. But it is a place to share a story and hope that many others, on this day, will remember that our world is broken. It is in need of redemption. My faith in Jesus Christ tells me the kind of redemption that’s needed can only come through Him. If anyone does, He understands betrayal, pain, surrender, and ultimate victory over evil. In Him, there is goodness, hope, healing, and salvation for all people on earth. May we be reminded of those things today…
Rarely do I use this blog for entries like these because it seems like more of personal journal entry than something to be public. But, in this case, it is part of me seeking to identify with other people’s experiences on that day and offer a word of hope, even on a day that is very solemn for many Americans.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Our Favorite Snack.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is our absolute favorite snack. We eat it with just about anything: raw veggies, pita bread, chips, you name it! Since we love it so much, I thought some of you might like the very simple recipe:
1 Roasted Red Pepper (directions for roasting your own are below, or you can use the jar stuff. Personally, I prefer the fresh roasted one, but up to you.)
1 can of chick peas/garbanzo beans
1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup Tahini (ground sesame seeds)
1/4 - 1/2 tsp garlic salt (to taste)
For Hummus:
Drain the chick peas and pour them into a food processor. (This could probably work in a blender, but I haven't tried it.) Add the tahini, lemon juice, and garlic salt. Puree the mixture until it's smooth. Scrape down the sides of the processor or blender, then add the red pepper. Puree again until it is well-blended. This will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Serve at room temperature.
To Roast your own red pepper:
Spray a 8x8 square pan or round pie pan with non-stick spray. Place the whole red pepper in the pan, broil on high. When the top side of the pepper is blackened and bubbly, turn it. You should evenly blacken every side. This process takes about 30 minutes. When the pepper is blackened, take it out and put it in an air tight container (Tupperware or a bowl tightly covered with foil or press 'n seal). Let it sit for about 30 minutes, until it is cooled and softened. Peel all the skin off, core, and seed the pepper, reserving the juices. Add the pieces of red pepper to the hummus and puree.
Yum! Even Alex loves it!
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is our absolute favorite snack. We eat it with just about anything: raw veggies, pita bread, chips, you name it! Since we love it so much, I thought some of you might like the very simple recipe:
1 Roasted Red Pepper (directions for roasting your own are below, or you can use the jar stuff. Personally, I prefer the fresh roasted one, but up to you.)
1 can of chick peas/garbanzo beans
1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup Tahini (ground sesame seeds)
1/4 - 1/2 tsp garlic salt (to taste)
For Hummus:
Drain the chick peas and pour them into a food processor. (This could probably work in a blender, but I haven't tried it.) Add the tahini, lemon juice, and garlic salt. Puree the mixture until it's smooth. Scrape down the sides of the processor or blender, then add the red pepper. Puree again until it is well-blended. This will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Serve at room temperature.
To Roast your own red pepper:
Spray a 8x8 square pan or round pie pan with non-stick spray. Place the whole red pepper in the pan, broil on high. When the top side of the pepper is blackened and bubbly, turn it. You should evenly blacken every side. This process takes about 30 minutes. When the pepper is blackened, take it out and put it in an air tight container (Tupperware or a bowl tightly covered with foil or press 'n seal). Let it sit for about 30 minutes, until it is cooled and softened. Peel all the skin off, core, and seed the pepper, reserving the juices. Add the pieces of red pepper to the hummus and puree.
Yum! Even Alex loves it!
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Schulz Family
Back in July I had the chance to photograph our good friends and fave bloggers, The Schulz Family. They were so gracious to participate in one of my little portrait practice sessions this summer. They are a very photogenic bunch, don't you think?
Back in July I had the chance to photograph our good friends and fave bloggers, The Schulz Family. They were so gracious to participate in one of my little portrait practice sessions this summer. They are a very photogenic bunch, don't you think?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Interesting Thoughts on Health Reform...
This is a great article published this week in the Wall Street Journal. It's written by John Mackey, the co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods. I think this guy has some great common sense ideas about health care reform in America.
Wouldn't it be great if we ALL had the Whole Foods employee benefits?!
****
The Whole Foods Alternative to Obamacare
“The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out
of other people’s money.”
—Margaret Thatcher
With a projected $1.8 trillion deficit for 2009, several trillions more in deficits projected over the next decade, and with both Medicare and Social Security entitlement spending about to ratchet up several notches over the next 15 years as Baby Boomers become eligible for both, we are rapidly running out of other people’s money. These deficits are simply not sustainable. They are either going to result in unprecedented new taxes and inflation, or they will bankrupt us.
While we clearly need health-care reform, the last thing our country needs is a massive new health-care entitlement that will create hundreds of billions of dollars of new unfunded deficits and move us much closer to a government takeover of our health-care system. Instead, we should be trying to achieve reforms by moving in the opposite direction—toward less government control and more individual empowerment. Here are eight reforms that would greatly lower the cost of health care for everyone:
• Remove the legal obstacles that slow the creation of high-deductible health insurance plans and health savings accounts (HSAs). The combination of high-deductible health insurance and HSAs is one solution that could solve many of our health-care problems. For example, Whole Foods Market pays 100% of the premiums for all our team members who work 30 hours or more per week (about 89% of all team members) for our high-deductible health-insurance plan. We also provide up to $1,800 per year in additional health-care dollars through deposits into employees’ Personal Wellness Accounts to spend as they choose on their own health and wellness.
Money not spent in one year rolls over to the next and grows over time. Our team members therefore spend their own health-care dollars until the annual deductible is covered (about $2,500) and the insurance plan kicks in. This creates incentives to spend the first $2,500 more carefully. Our plan’s costs are much lower than typical health insurance, while providing a very high degree of worker satisfaction.
• Equalize the tax laws so that that employer-provided health insurance and individually owned health insurance have the same tax benefits. Now employer health insurance benefits are fully tax deductible, but individual health insurance is not. This is unfair.
• Repeal all state laws which prevent insurance companies from competing across state lines. We should all have the legal right to purchase health insurance from any insurance company in any state and we should be able use that insurance wherever we live. Health insurance should be portable.
• Repeal government mandates regarding what insurance companies must cover. These mandates have increased the cost of health insurance by billions of dollars. What is insured and what is not insured should be determined by individual customer preferences and not through special-interest lobbying.
• Enact tort reform to end the ruinous lawsuits that force doctors to pay insurance costs of hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. These costs are passed back to us through much higher prices for health care.
• Make costs transparent so that consumers understand what health-care treatments cost. How many people know the total cost of their last doctor’s visit and how that total breaks down? What other goods or services do we buy without knowing how much they will cost us?
• Enact Medicare reform. We need to face up to the actuarial fact that Medicare is heading towards bankruptcy and enact reforms that create greater patient empowerment, choice and responsibility.
• Finally, revise tax forms to make it easier for individuals to make a voluntary, tax-deductible donation to help the millions of people who have no insurance and aren’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Many promoters of health-care reform believe that people have an intrinsic ethical right to health care—to equal access to doctors, medicines and hospitals. While all of us empathize with those who are sick, how can we say that all people have more of an intrinsic right to health care than they have to food or shelter?
Health care is a service that we all need, but just like food and shelter it is best provided through voluntary and mutually beneficial market exchanges. A careful reading of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution will not reveal any intrinsic right to health care, food or shelter. That’s because there isn’t any. This “right” has never existed in America
Even in countries like Canada and the U.K., there is no intrinsic right to health care. Rather, citizens in these countries are told by government bureaucrats what health-care treatments they are eligible to receive and when they can receive them. All countries with socialized medicine ration health care by forcing their citizens to wait in lines to receive scarce treatments.
Although Canada has a population smaller than California, 830,000 Canadians are currently waiting to be admitted to a hospital or to get treatment, according to a report last month in Investor’s Business Daily. In England, the waiting list is 1.8 million.
At Whole Foods we allow our team members to vote on what benefits they most want the company to fund. Our Canadian and British employees express their benefit preferences very clearly—they want supplemental health-care dollars that they can control and spend themselves without permission from their governments. Why would they want such additional health-care benefit dollars if they already have an “intrinsic right to health care”? The answer is clear—no such right truly exists in either Canada or the U.K.—or in any other country.
Rather than increase government spending and control, we need to address the root causes of poor health. This begins with the realization that every American adult is responsible for his or her own health.
Unfortunately many of our health-care problems are self-inflicted: two-thirds of Americans are now overweight and one-third are obese. Most of the diseases that kill us and account for about 70% of all health-care spending—heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and obesity—are mostly preventable through proper diet, exercise, not smoking, minimal alcohol consumption and other healthy lifestyle choices.
Recent scientific and medical evidence shows that a diet consisting of foods that are plant-based, nutrient dense and low-fat will help prevent and often reverse most degenerative diseases that kill us and are expensive to treat. We should be able to live largely disease-free lives until we are well into our 90s and even past 100 years of age.
Health-care reform is very important. Whatever reforms are enacted it is essential that they be financially responsible, and that we have the freedom to choose doctors and the health-care services that best suit our own unique set of lifestyle choices. We are all responsible for our own lives and our own health. We should take that responsibility very seriously and use our freedom to make wise lifestyle choices that will protect our health. Doing so will enrich our lives and will help create a vibrant and sustainable American society.
—Mr. Mackey is co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market Inc.
Bye Bye, Cloth Diapers.
(This could be a bit gross for you non-mom readers who are not accustomed to discussing poop. Be forewarned!)
I've blogged several times about my love for cloth diapers and their wonderful money-saving potential. But, a couple of weeks ago, I had to say goodbye to the cloth. Now I am remembering how I touted the benefits and claimed that I might not "ever" use disposables - oh, if only I had known that pregnancy #2 was just around the corner!
Yep, pregnancy #2 has been filled with nausea, fatigue, and overall yuckiness. I decided that dumping baby poop in the toilet was just one thing I could do without. So I sucked it up and went to Target to plunk down a chunk of change for the disposables. And I have been in diaper heaven ever since.
Overall, I loved the cloth when Alex was younger. I will probably use them on Baby #2 for the first year too. But when baby poop becomes like big people poop, frankly, it's yucky. Real yucky. I know that all the cloth diaper blogs I read suggested that you will just dump the poop in the toilet and then put the diaper in the dirty bin. But you know what? My kid's poop never just plunked into the toilet. Ever. It usually involved shaking the diaper (which usually resulted in a poop-splatted toilet), or worse, dipping it in the toilet. Oh, and did I mention that my kid poops 3-5 times a day? (Yes...he's all boy.) Now, I was willing to handle this for a few months with a good attitude. But then when pregnancy came along, and I could smell the neighbors' chopped onions from 2 floors down - with the windows and doors closed! - I knew it was time to make a change concerning the diapers. My super sonic nose and my stomach simply refused to handle the cloth diaper situation. So we made a change. Now we are all happier and my toilet is clean.
So, this post is to give major kudos to all you real-deal cloth diapering moms. I tried. And I may try again. But honestly, I'll never measure up to all you gals who are willing do the really dirty work. Kudos to you Greenies and Money-Saving Mommies!
(This could be a bit gross for you non-mom readers who are not accustomed to discussing poop. Be forewarned!)
I've blogged several times about my love for cloth diapers and their wonderful money-saving potential. But, a couple of weeks ago, I had to say goodbye to the cloth. Now I am remembering how I touted the benefits and claimed that I might not "ever" use disposables - oh, if only I had known that pregnancy #2 was just around the corner!
Yep, pregnancy #2 has been filled with nausea, fatigue, and overall yuckiness. I decided that dumping baby poop in the toilet was just one thing I could do without. So I sucked it up and went to Target to plunk down a chunk of change for the disposables. And I have been in diaper heaven ever since.
Overall, I loved the cloth when Alex was younger. I will probably use them on Baby #2 for the first year too. But when baby poop becomes like big people poop, frankly, it's yucky. Real yucky. I know that all the cloth diaper blogs I read suggested that you will just dump the poop in the toilet and then put the diaper in the dirty bin. But you know what? My kid's poop never just plunked into the toilet. Ever. It usually involved shaking the diaper (which usually resulted in a poop-splatted toilet), or worse, dipping it in the toilet. Oh, and did I mention that my kid poops 3-5 times a day? (Yes...he's all boy.) Now, I was willing to handle this for a few months with a good attitude. But then when pregnancy came along, and I could smell the neighbors' chopped onions from 2 floors down - with the windows and doors closed! - I knew it was time to make a change concerning the diapers. My super sonic nose and my stomach simply refused to handle the cloth diaper situation. So we made a change. Now we are all happier and my toilet is clean.
So, this post is to give major kudos to all you real-deal cloth diapering moms. I tried. And I may try again. But honestly, I'll never measure up to all you gals who are willing do the really dirty work. Kudos to you Greenies and Money-Saving Mommies!
Monday, July 27, 2009
One of the things I love about our 3rd floor condo is that we can always see what's happening in downtown Des Moines. At the 4th of July, we saw four different fireworks shows at the same time. During the music festival, we opened up the windows and (sort of) heard Ben Harper. And this morning when I got Alex out of bed at 6:45, I opened his curtains to see tons of hot air balloons in the sky. Love our view!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Adrien Brody works out at the Y.
This morning when I was at the Downtown Y, I walked into the machine room and saw Adrien Brody working out on one of the ellipticals. I looked at him and then looked around the room to see if anyone else was totally surprised that a major Hollywood film actor was working out in the same room...no one seemed to care. I got on the bike in front of him and listened to a bit of his conversation with the guy who was with him. They were clearly not locals and Adrien in particular had a New York-type accent. I was convinced it was him, so I decided to talk to him once I finished my workout. The conversation went something like this:
Me: "I'm sorry, but I have to ask you...do you always work out here?"
AB: "Um, I try to."
Me: "Do you live around here?"
AB: "Hmm...I'm staying here for a while."
Me: "Ok, because I was going to say...surely I haven't missed the fact that you always work out here...Do you like Des Moines?"
AB: "Yeah, it's a nice place."
Me: "Yes, particularly in the summer."
AB: "There are a lot of really nice people here."
Me: "Yes, I think so too. Well, I hope you enjoy your time here."
AB: "I will. Thanks."
Nice guy.
I hear he is in town, along with Forest Whitaker, filming a movie called The Experiment, a remake of a German thriller. Supposedly there are two major films being made here in Des Moines this summer. Who knew Iowa was a hot spot for Hollywood?!
This morning when I was at the Downtown Y, I walked into the machine room and saw Adrien Brody working out on one of the ellipticals. I looked at him and then looked around the room to see if anyone else was totally surprised that a major Hollywood film actor was working out in the same room...no one seemed to care. I got on the bike in front of him and listened to a bit of his conversation with the guy who was with him. They were clearly not locals and Adrien in particular had a New York-type accent. I was convinced it was him, so I decided to talk to him once I finished my workout. The conversation went something like this:
Me: "I'm sorry, but I have to ask you...do you always work out here?"
AB: "Um, I try to."
Me: "Do you live around here?"
AB: "Hmm...I'm staying here for a while."
Me: "Ok, because I was going to say...surely I haven't missed the fact that you always work out here...Do you like Des Moines?"
AB: "Yeah, it's a nice place."
Me: "Yes, particularly in the summer."
AB: "There are a lot of really nice people here."
Me: "Yes, I think so too. Well, I hope you enjoy your time here."
AB: "I will. Thanks."
Nice guy.
I hear he is in town, along with Forest Whitaker, filming a movie called The Experiment, a remake of a German thriller. Supposedly there are two major films being made here in Des Moines this summer. Who knew Iowa was a hot spot for Hollywood?!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sign this petition.
At our house, we are not excited about the socialized medicine/health care bill that's making it's way through Congress right now. We found this awesome petition started by a Louisiana Representative and thought we'd encourage all of our readers to sign it. In case you are not aware, the bill circulating right now conveniently exempts members of Congress from being required to enroll in a government-run health care plan. Yep, that's right - they create it, but don't use it! (Probably because they know it means that their health care would go in the toilet if they enroll in the government-run plan.) But this petition suggests that Congress should be required to enroll in it if it's passed.
I'm interested to see how many would support a crappy government system it if they are required to enroll in it!
Sign it! Now!
At our house, we are not excited about the socialized medicine/health care bill that's making it's way through Congress right now. We found this awesome petition started by a Louisiana Representative and thought we'd encourage all of our readers to sign it. In case you are not aware, the bill circulating right now conveniently exempts members of Congress from being required to enroll in a government-run health care plan. Yep, that's right - they create it, but don't use it! (Probably because they know it means that their health care would go in the toilet if they enroll in the government-run plan.) But this petition suggests that Congress should be required to enroll in it if it's passed.
I'm interested to see how many would support a crappy government system it if they are required to enroll in it!
Sign it! Now!
My Baby Boy is 1.
Over the weekend we had so much fun celebrating our one-year-old boy. Hard to believe that it's been a year since Alex joined our family. It seems like he's always been here...well, I guess since he arrived about 9 months after we got married, I guess he sort of has been. =) There are so many things I love about being a mom that it would be impossible to name them all in this post. But for the sake of writing things down on this blog/journal that my kids will look at someday, here's a little list things I love about being a mommy of a one-year-old:
1. I love to sit and read books with Alex. He's old enough now to turn the pages and lift the flaps on the peekaboo books. For some reason, this makes me so proud!
2. I love that he sucks his thumb and lays his head on my shoulder before he gets into his bed. He'd cuddle like that for hours if I'd let him.
3. When he wakes up in the morning or from a nap, he babbles happily. Lately his favorite thing to say is "dadda". I always try to convince Jason that at 6:00 a.m., Alex is really needing him instead of me, but he never takes the bait.
4. He is army crawling all over the house now...mostly to wherever I am. I'm not sure how to train him not to follow me, but you know what? Someday soon he's probably going to start running away from me, so for now I'll take joy in my little shadow.
5. I always have an excuse if there's a stain on my shirt. Seriously, I have never been the type to pull things out of the hamper to wear, but these days it's way more tempting seeing as most of my clothes look like they came from there anyways. I know, I know, some of you are probably thinking that you will always be a stylish mom and keep up a decent looking closet. But believe me, it's not as easy as you think!
6. Alex is really becoming a social creature these days. He is really into smiling at cashiers and people he sees out in public. I'll admit it, it is so sweet to hear from a complete stranger, "what a beautiful baby!" Nothing makes a mama more proud.
7. Everyday (and sometimes twice a day), Alex and I head out in the stroller for a walk or run. We usually end up at the park where he loves to swing. This has been a new discovery for him...it makes him seem like such a big boy.
8. I nursed Alex for the last time on the morning of his birthday. I am thankful I got the opportunity to be such a big part of my baby's nutrition for the first year of his life.
9. I love that he is making himself laugh out loud these days. He laughs when he's playing with his toys or splashing in the tub. It is so cute to think about how entertained his little mind is by the simplest things.
10. As we prepare for the arrival of another baby in March, I find myself wanting to hold on to every minute of babyhood with Alex. Soon there will be another Baby around here and Alex will take on the role of Big Brother. Part of me can't wait and part of me wishes this pregnancy would move slowly so I can soak up every minute of fun with my firstborn.
p.s. If you are interested in seeing pictures of Alex's sweet cowboy birthday party, check them out on our family blog.
Over the weekend we had so much fun celebrating our one-year-old boy. Hard to believe that it's been a year since Alex joined our family. It seems like he's always been here...well, I guess since he arrived about 9 months after we got married, I guess he sort of has been. =) There are so many things I love about being a mom that it would be impossible to name them all in this post. But for the sake of writing things down on this blog/journal that my kids will look at someday, here's a little list things I love about being a mommy of a one-year-old:
1. I love to sit and read books with Alex. He's old enough now to turn the pages and lift the flaps on the peekaboo books. For some reason, this makes me so proud!
2. I love that he sucks his thumb and lays his head on my shoulder before he gets into his bed. He'd cuddle like that for hours if I'd let him.
3. When he wakes up in the morning or from a nap, he babbles happily. Lately his favorite thing to say is "dadda". I always try to convince Jason that at 6:00 a.m., Alex is really needing him instead of me, but he never takes the bait.
4. He is army crawling all over the house now...mostly to wherever I am. I'm not sure how to train him not to follow me, but you know what? Someday soon he's probably going to start running away from me, so for now I'll take joy in my little shadow.
5. I always have an excuse if there's a stain on my shirt. Seriously, I have never been the type to pull things out of the hamper to wear, but these days it's way more tempting seeing as most of my clothes look like they came from there anyways. I know, I know, some of you are probably thinking that you will always be a stylish mom and keep up a decent looking closet. But believe me, it's not as easy as you think!
6. Alex is really becoming a social creature these days. He is really into smiling at cashiers and people he sees out in public. I'll admit it, it is so sweet to hear from a complete stranger, "what a beautiful baby!" Nothing makes a mama more proud.
7. Everyday (and sometimes twice a day), Alex and I head out in the stroller for a walk or run. We usually end up at the park where he loves to swing. This has been a new discovery for him...it makes him seem like such a big boy.
8. I nursed Alex for the last time on the morning of his birthday. I am thankful I got the opportunity to be such a big part of my baby's nutrition for the first year of his life.
9. I love that he is making himself laugh out loud these days. He laughs when he's playing with his toys or splashing in the tub. It is so cute to think about how entertained his little mind is by the simplest things.
10. As we prepare for the arrival of another baby in March, I find myself wanting to hold on to every minute of babyhood with Alex. Soon there will be another Baby around here and Alex will take on the role of Big Brother. Part of me can't wait and part of me wishes this pregnancy would move slowly so I can soak up every minute of fun with my firstborn.
p.s. If you are interested in seeing pictures of Alex's sweet cowboy birthday party, check them out on our family blog.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
One Year Ago Today...
Jason and I were getting all settled into our hospital room at the end of a long day. I went in for my normal 37 week appointment and things started getting a little bit crazy. First it was sudden weight gain (9 pounds in one week), then high blood pressure, then a sonogram that suggested Alex was small...everything snowballed until we found ourselves upstairs in the hospital with this greeting, "hi, welcome to labor and delivery, let's get you all checked in!" Whoa, I was not ready for that! We hadn't even bought a car seat for Alex yet, and I certainly wasn't ready to think about actually delivering him so soon.
But one year ago today, my husband and I had a sweet night in the hospital together...just us. Our family was hundreds of miles away and so we enjoyed the time of anticipation with just the two of us. We spent so much time praying and talking about the days ahead. We were so anxious to meet our baby. I was terrified and weepy...and my husband never left my side. Those four nights we spent in the hospital across the street are ones I will never forget. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my husband.
I am in the midst of party preparations and such, but thought it was only appropriate for me to tell anyone who reads this blog about how even the days leading up to Alex's birth were very, very special to me. I hope that in future years, my son will be patient with me when I insist on telling him the long version of his birth day story each year. It's a tradition I'd like to start this year...so that he will know (regardless if he's 3 or 43) that his parents loved him, waited for him, and welcomed him with joy.
Jason and I were getting all settled into our hospital room at the end of a long day. I went in for my normal 37 week appointment and things started getting a little bit crazy. First it was sudden weight gain (9 pounds in one week), then high blood pressure, then a sonogram that suggested Alex was small...everything snowballed until we found ourselves upstairs in the hospital with this greeting, "hi, welcome to labor and delivery, let's get you all checked in!" Whoa, I was not ready for that! We hadn't even bought a car seat for Alex yet, and I certainly wasn't ready to think about actually delivering him so soon.
But one year ago today, my husband and I had a sweet night in the hospital together...just us. Our family was hundreds of miles away and so we enjoyed the time of anticipation with just the two of us. We spent so much time praying and talking about the days ahead. We were so anxious to meet our baby. I was terrified and weepy...and my husband never left my side. Those four nights we spent in the hospital across the street are ones I will never forget. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my husband.
I am in the midst of party preparations and such, but thought it was only appropriate for me to tell anyone who reads this blog about how even the days leading up to Alex's birth were very, very special to me. I hope that in future years, my son will be patient with me when I insist on telling him the long version of his birth day story each year. It's a tradition I'd like to start this year...so that he will know (regardless if he's 3 or 43) that his parents loved him, waited for him, and welcomed him with joy.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
A Daring Rescue.
Here's a neat story about a hero construction crew that saved a woman's life yesterday in Des Moines. The woman and her husband were on a boat that got caught below the dam of the Des Moines river. Sadly, the man drowned but a nearby construction crew saw the woman struggling and lowered one of their men down on a crane to save her. Interesting to see these guys - normal, everyday construction guys - operate in such a heroic manner and express such humility. Their main goal was to help someone who needed it even if it required a little risk. Three cheers for such a daring rescue!
Here's a neat story about a hero construction crew that saved a woman's life yesterday in Des Moines. The woman and her husband were on a boat that got caught below the dam of the Des Moines river. Sadly, the man drowned but a nearby construction crew saw the woman struggling and lowered one of their men down on a crane to save her. Interesting to see these guys - normal, everyday construction guys - operate in such a heroic manner and express such humility. Their main goal was to help someone who needed it even if it required a little risk. Three cheers for such a daring rescue!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Summer Portraits.
Since I am not taking any photography classes this summer, I have decided to create my own little project. What I really need is practice taking pictures of people. Objects and scenery are easy, but people pictures are what I really want to excel at. So far I have millions of pictures of my own kid, but this summer I wanted to practice with portraits of other families and kids. I extended the offer to my small group for free portrait sessions (because, hey, this is practice!) and I have rounded up some volunteers. Here's the first round of photos...the Tjernagels: Megan, Grant, & Anja. Enjoy!
Since I am not taking any photography classes this summer, I have decided to create my own little project. What I really need is practice taking pictures of people. Objects and scenery are easy, but people pictures are what I really want to excel at. So far I have millions of pictures of my own kid, but this summer I wanted to practice with portraits of other families and kids. I extended the offer to my small group for free portrait sessions (because, hey, this is practice!) and I have rounded up some volunteers. Here's the first round of photos...the Tjernagels: Megan, Grant, & Anja. Enjoy!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The Farmer's Market
One of the things I love about living in Iowa is the season from May to October - Farmer's Market season! There are several local markets in various Des Moines neighborhoods on various days, making it easy to find good local stuff all summer, just about any day of the week. There are yummy local veggies, food stands, local wines, artisan cheeses, breads, sweets, and tons of other goodies. We love to stroll and take in the goods!
If you are a Texas reader, correct me if I'm wrong, but we don't have this sort of outdoor farmer's market in Texas. You know why?? Because it's blazing hot and people's faces would melt off if they were outside pedaling their homemade wares! Instead, the local farmer's market is usually confined to a little air-conditioned building that sells local fruit and veggies. Sorry, Texans, but the Iowa version is WAY better!
This past week Jason was working, so I took Alex as my date. Here are a couple of pictures to document our visit...
One of the things I love about living in Iowa is the season from May to October - Farmer's Market season! There are several local markets in various Des Moines neighborhoods on various days, making it easy to find good local stuff all summer, just about any day of the week. There are yummy local veggies, food stands, local wines, artisan cheeses, breads, sweets, and tons of other goodies. We love to stroll and take in the goods!
If you are a Texas reader, correct me if I'm wrong, but we don't have this sort of outdoor farmer's market in Texas. You know why?? Because it's blazing hot and people's faces would melt off if they were outside pedaling their homemade wares! Instead, the local farmer's market is usually confined to a little air-conditioned building that sells local fruit and veggies. Sorry, Texans, but the Iowa version is WAY better!
This past week Jason was working, so I took Alex as my date. Here are a couple of pictures to document our visit...
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
I finished. 
Over the weekend, I finished the 20k race I was training for. I am not gonna lie - it was waaaaaayyyy harder than I had planned. It's been 3 years since I ran a long race and I definitely felt it. Oh, and not to mention that I had a baby a year ago and am still a nursing mom! All that said, I finished. And it felt great to reach my goal with my husband and son cheering me on at the end.
Since January, I have been working really hard to lose the baby weight. Training for this race was a huge part of it. I've lost nearly 20 lbs and counting and I feel great. I have been meaning to blog about my lifestyle changes for a while now...I have a totally new vegetarian diet and exercise routine. Jason and I both have been really committed to it since January and we both feel better physically than we have in many years. I know it may sound a bit extreme, but we have read several books in the last couple of years about true health and disease prevention. Virtually all of them recommend reducing or eliminating eating animal fats and focusing on plant-based proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The most helpful books we've read are by Dr. Dean Ornish, a cardiologist who's researched heart health for his entire career. The evidence was compelling, so we decided to give it a try. It took a while to get used to cooking and eating differently, but now I don't think we'll ever go back. For all you who think we eat salad and tofu for every meal, think again. We eat tons of yummy stuff! (My husband has posted some recipes on his blog if you want to check them out.) Over the next couple of weeks, I will post a few recipes for the curious. You might be surprised at how delicious a vegetarian diet can be! Not to mention the health benefits and effect on your waistline.
Oh, this was supposed to be an entry about my race, wasn't it? I just thought I'd mention the diet and give you a little teaser for some upcoming blogs/recipes about it. The race and the diet changes have been a huge part of my health journey over the past 6 months.
Stay tuned! In the meantime, check out Dr. Ornish's stuff
if you are interested in learning more about the diet and lifestyle changes he recommends.
Over the weekend, I finished the 20k race I was training for. I am not gonna lie - it was waaaaaayyyy harder than I had planned. It's been 3 years since I ran a long race and I definitely felt it. Oh, and not to mention that I had a baby a year ago and am still a nursing mom! All that said, I finished. And it felt great to reach my goal with my husband and son cheering me on at the end.Since January, I have been working really hard to lose the baby weight. Training for this race was a huge part of it. I've lost nearly 20 lbs and counting and I feel great. I have been meaning to blog about my lifestyle changes for a while now...I have a totally new vegetarian diet and exercise routine. Jason and I both have been really committed to it since January and we both feel better physically than we have in many years. I know it may sound a bit extreme, but we have read several books in the last couple of years about true health and disease prevention. Virtually all of them recommend reducing or eliminating eating animal fats and focusing on plant-based proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The most helpful books we've read are by Dr. Dean Ornish, a cardiologist who's researched heart health for his entire career. The evidence was compelling, so we decided to give it a try. It took a while to get used to cooking and eating differently, but now I don't think we'll ever go back. For all you who think we eat salad and tofu for every meal, think again. We eat tons of yummy stuff! (My husband has posted some recipes on his blog if you want to check them out.) Over the next couple of weeks, I will post a few recipes for the curious. You might be surprised at how delicious a vegetarian diet can be! Not to mention the health benefits and effect on your waistline.
Oh, this was supposed to be an entry about my race, wasn't it? I just thought I'd mention the diet and give you a little teaser for some upcoming blogs/recipes about it. The race and the diet changes have been a huge part of my health journey over the past 6 months.
Stay tuned! In the meantime, check out Dr. Ornish's stuff
if you are interested in learning more about the diet and lifestyle changes he recommends.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Calling All You Makeup Experts...And even if you wouldn't call yourself an expert, feel free to chime in!
I have had a long love affair with long-wearing mascara. I am a sucker for the words "16 hour" and "no smudge" on the packaging - no matter the brand.
I have been loyal over the years to various mascaras of this type. First it was the L'Oreal Color Endure line. They still make the eyeshadows, lip stuff, etc but for some reason they discontinued the mascara. (Don't they get it that loyal fans like me would have protested if given the chance??) Anyways, then I found Maybelline Unstoppable. Also a great find...no smudges and still visible before bed. Guess what? It got discontinued too. Recently I tried Featherlash by L'Oreal. The ULTA salesgirl assured me it was long-wearing. I'll admit that it is fairly good. BUT (are you picking up on my ultra-pickiness when it comes to cosmetics?) it is water resistant. This isn't ideal because it makes it difficult to clean off at night. Oh sure, you can use soap and water, but I can never master this without stinging my eyes out.
So now I'm on the hunt for a new mascara. I thought I'd open up the discussion to all you gals who read to see if you have any suggestions. Expensive or cheap, bring on the mascara ideas. After all, I'm just like you. In times like these, I'd rather not pay money for cosmetics that I'll have to throw in the trash later in the week.
Any suggestions, Lovely Ladies?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
My Boy's hair.
When I was pregnant with Alex, my friend Callie used to say she didn't care if it was a boy or girl, as long as it got my curls. Callie, you might get your wish! I think I see a hint of curl in this boy's hair. I'm actually okay with Alex having curls...after all, he's a boy. I doubt he'll stress about curl products or request a diffuser for his hair dryer. He probably won't blame his bad day on the humidity and the fact that his curls don't look quite right. I'm guessing he will probably not worry about how curls make his face look more round, or make him look fat. And I can assume that he won't whine about wanting straight hair and listening to his Mommy encourage him to be thankful for curls...
Oh, but Heaven help us all when the girls with curls come along!
When I was pregnant with Alex, my friend Callie used to say she didn't care if it was a boy or girl, as long as it got my curls. Callie, you might get your wish! I think I see a hint of curl in this boy's hair. I'm actually okay with Alex having curls...after all, he's a boy. I doubt he'll stress about curl products or request a diffuser for his hair dryer. He probably won't blame his bad day on the humidity and the fact that his curls don't look quite right. I'm guessing he will probably not worry about how curls make his face look more round, or make him look fat. And I can assume that he won't whine about wanting straight hair and listening to his Mommy encourage him to be thankful for curls...
Oh, but Heaven help us all when the girls with curls come along!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day to me.
My son made this lovely card for me with the help of his Daddy. The funniest thing is that Jason told me the whole story of making this card which included Alex using finger paints, towels covering the carpet, and a surprise exploding paint tube. Pure hilarity! The end result was this fabulous card and I love it. I'll be honest...I'm also glad I had no part in cleaning up the paint splats.
Oh, the wonderfulness of being honored by my husband and son today!
Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and future mommies out there.
My son made this lovely card for me with the help of his Daddy. The funniest thing is that Jason told me the whole story of making this card which included Alex using finger paints, towels covering the carpet, and a surprise exploding paint tube. Pure hilarity! The end result was this fabulous card and I love it. I'll be honest...I'm also glad I had no part in cleaning up the paint splats.
Oh, the wonderfulness of being honored by my husband and son today!
Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and future mommies out there.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Sweet Baby James.
Last night Jason and I went to the James Taylor concert here in Des Moines. It is always so nice to go out on the town with my husband. I got the tickets for Jason as a Valentine's Day present and even though I bought them within half an hour of the opening time for purchasing tickets, we were on the second to last row. Thankfully, for concerts, I guess it doesn't matter how close (or in our case, far) you are from the stage.
Mr. Taylor played several favorite tunes, of course. One of our faves was How Sweet it Is (To Be Loved By You) because that's what was playing when we exited the church after just becoming Mr. & Mrs. Reynolds. Another one was Sweet Baby James. I always thought this song was about James himself - and considered the words odd for a song about himself. Turns out it is a "cowboy lullaby" he wrote for his nephew, his namesake. The crowd also loved Everyday, which is actually an old Buddy Holly tune. **For all you non-Iowans who read this blog, you might be interested to know a little trivia about this great state. The plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper crashed in a field near Clear Lake, Iowa on February 3, 1959. (a.k.a. The Day the Music Died) Another interesting little fact? My friend Carolyn's family owns the field it crashed in!**
I wish he would have sang Something in the Way She Moves though. I love that song simply because it challenges me to be the kind of woman that would leave my man saying, "If I'm well, you can tell that she's been with me now. And she's been with me now quite a long, long time. Yes, and I feel fine." What a tremendous compliment that displays a man's affections and reveals the nature of a woman's influence on them.
Another great thing about the concert is that the average age of the people attending was about 52. I'll admit that I'd much rather attend events with this age group, because, hey, they don't talk out loud during the show, attend to their beeping cell phones, stand up the entire time, or drink so much beer that they get embarrassing.
Guess that means we fit right in with the old folks these days!
Last night Jason and I went to the James Taylor concert here in Des Moines. It is always so nice to go out on the town with my husband. I got the tickets for Jason as a Valentine's Day present and even though I bought them within half an hour of the opening time for purchasing tickets, we were on the second to last row. Thankfully, for concerts, I guess it doesn't matter how close (or in our case, far) you are from the stage.
Mr. Taylor played several favorite tunes, of course. One of our faves was How Sweet it Is (To Be Loved By You) because that's what was playing when we exited the church after just becoming Mr. & Mrs. Reynolds. Another one was Sweet Baby James. I always thought this song was about James himself - and considered the words odd for a song about himself. Turns out it is a "cowboy lullaby" he wrote for his nephew, his namesake. The crowd also loved Everyday, which is actually an old Buddy Holly tune. **For all you non-Iowans who read this blog, you might be interested to know a little trivia about this great state. The plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper crashed in a field near Clear Lake, Iowa on February 3, 1959. (a.k.a. The Day the Music Died) Another interesting little fact? My friend Carolyn's family owns the field it crashed in!**
I wish he would have sang Something in the Way She Moves though. I love that song simply because it challenges me to be the kind of woman that would leave my man saying, "If I'm well, you can tell that she's been with me now. And she's been with me now quite a long, long time. Yes, and I feel fine." What a tremendous compliment that displays a man's affections and reveals the nature of a woman's influence on them.
Another great thing about the concert is that the average age of the people attending was about 52. I'll admit that I'd much rather attend events with this age group, because, hey, they don't talk out loud during the show, attend to their beeping cell phones, stand up the entire time, or drink so much beer that they get embarrassing.
Guess that means we fit right in with the old folks these days!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Studio Final Exam.
This was my final in Studio Photography. The assignment was to make an old school collage using photos and words. I say old school because we literally had to cut, paste, and glue them on to a board and then photograph them in the studio. I'll admit that I thought this assignment was a little dumb (after all, hasn't my instructor figured out that you can do the same thing with a little electronic thing called a computer?) Anyways, despite my initial thoughts, I was pleased with the results. This photo turned out to be a great reminder of our honeymoon.
Overall, I learned a lot in Studio Photography. I am taking the summer off from classes and I'm not really sure if I'll be taking more or not. Either way, I'll still be taking lots of photos of Alex, life, and whatever else seems interesting. I've learned that good photography takes lots and lots of practice. So I'm not giving up my day job for it or anything, but I'll take whatever opportunities I can to practice more this summer. I'll keep posting whatever ends up in front of my lens!
This was my final in Studio Photography. The assignment was to make an old school collage using photos and words. I say old school because we literally had to cut, paste, and glue them on to a board and then photograph them in the studio. I'll admit that I thought this assignment was a little dumb (after all, hasn't my instructor figured out that you can do the same thing with a little electronic thing called a computer?) Anyways, despite my initial thoughts, I was pleased with the results. This photo turned out to be a great reminder of our honeymoon.
Overall, I learned a lot in Studio Photography. I am taking the summer off from classes and I'm not really sure if I'll be taking more or not. Either way, I'll still be taking lots of photos of Alex, life, and whatever else seems interesting. I've learned that good photography takes lots and lots of practice. So I'm not giving up my day job for it or anything, but I'll take whatever opportunities I can to practice more this summer. I'll keep posting whatever ends up in front of my lens!
Spring.
One of the things I love about Spring in Iowa are the blooming trees. There's about two weeks in the Spring where all the trees flower and bloom. It's so beautiful! And one of the things I love about our house is that we can see so many trees from our third floor windows. It makes for a lovely view. See?
One of the things I love about Spring in Iowa are the blooming trees. There's about two weeks in the Spring where all the trees flower and bloom. It's so beautiful! And one of the things I love about our house is that we can see so many trees from our third floor windows. It makes for a lovely view. See?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The 8 Mile Mark & Hubby's Birthday.
On Monday, I hit the 8 mile mark in my training. It felt good to be only 4 miles away from my goal for the Dam to Dam at the end of May. I feel like a runner again!
I had good motivation for Monday's run. We celebrated Jason's birthday over the weekend, and I ate a huge mound of cake. It was worth every calorie.
Happy Birthday, My Love!
On Monday, I hit the 8 mile mark in my training. It felt good to be only 4 miles away from my goal for the Dam to Dam at the end of May. I feel like a runner again!
I had good motivation for Monday's run. We celebrated Jason's birthday over the weekend, and I ate a huge mound of cake. It was worth every calorie.
Happy Birthday, My Love!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The "tolerant" Left.
I'm sure you've been following the story of Carrie Prejean, Miss California 2009. In the Miss USA pageant the other night, she was asked to comment on the subject of gay marriage. The person who asked her, Perez Hilton, is an openly gay man/famous Hollywood gossip blogger who was one of the contest judges. He didn't like her answer when she said in part, "I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's just the way I was raised."
After her answer, the crowd is heard giving a divided response. Some people clap and some people boo. But the real firestorm happened AFTER the pageant when Perez Hilton blasted in a video on his blog calling her a "dumb b*tch". He later apologized but when Carrie came out publicly to say she had "no regrets" about her answer (because she is a Christian and was quoted as saying she answered the question based on her beliefs), Perez launched into another video tirade on MSNBC using even harsher language than before to rail on Carrie and others who oppose gay marriage. The pageant directors even came out swinging saying they were "saddened" that Carrie is so "out of touch" with people her age on the issues. My thought? Good for her for being "out of touch"! It probably means she hasn't lost herself in a world that pressures her to give up her traditional views. And, hey, even our Left-leaning president has traditional views on the definition of marriage.
Here's my frustration with the Liberal Left agenda (represented by Hollywood and the media): They paint themselves as the most tolerant of all - accepting all people and welcoming them into the loving embrace of togetherness that they see as American and good. But what they really mean is "We are tolerant as long as you agree with us." Disagree with them or even worse, *gasp* hold any conservative viewpoint that includes a moral compass and view of God, and you are vile human being who deserves to be hated, publicly humiliated, cursed, bullied and blacklisted. I could be wrong, but how is that tolerance?
I'm sure you've been following the story of Carrie Prejean, Miss California 2009. In the Miss USA pageant the other night, she was asked to comment on the subject of gay marriage. The person who asked her, Perez Hilton, is an openly gay man/famous Hollywood gossip blogger who was one of the contest judges. He didn't like her answer when she said in part, "I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's just the way I was raised."
After her answer, the crowd is heard giving a divided response. Some people clap and some people boo. But the real firestorm happened AFTER the pageant when Perez Hilton blasted in a video on his blog calling her a "dumb b*tch". He later apologized but when Carrie came out publicly to say she had "no regrets" about her answer (because she is a Christian and was quoted as saying she answered the question based on her beliefs), Perez launched into another video tirade on MSNBC using even harsher language than before to rail on Carrie and others who oppose gay marriage. The pageant directors even came out swinging saying they were "saddened" that Carrie is so "out of touch" with people her age on the issues. My thought? Good for her for being "out of touch"! It probably means she hasn't lost herself in a world that pressures her to give up her traditional views. And, hey, even our Left-leaning president has traditional views on the definition of marriage.
Here's my frustration with the Liberal Left agenda (represented by Hollywood and the media): They paint themselves as the most tolerant of all - accepting all people and welcoming them into the loving embrace of togetherness that they see as American and good. But what they really mean is "We are tolerant as long as you agree with us." Disagree with them or even worse, *gasp* hold any conservative viewpoint that includes a moral compass and view of God, and you are vile human being who deserves to be hated, publicly humiliated, cursed, bullied and blacklisted. I could be wrong, but how is that tolerance?
Stick it to 'em.
I hope you have been following the Kelley's blog and are excited to celebrate their exit from the hospital and return to vacation! They were at Sea World yesterday and get to extend their vacation stay one more day..."just to stick it to leukemia". Yay for the Kelley's! Thanks for praying for them. I hope you'll follow their blog more often and pray for them on their life journey.
I hope you have been following the Kelley's blog and are excited to celebrate their exit from the hospital and return to vacation! They were at Sea World yesterday and get to extend their vacation stay one more day..."just to stick it to leukemia". Yay for the Kelley's! Thanks for praying for them. I hope you'll follow their blog more often and pray for them on their life journey.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Praying for Sea World.
Yeah, I know it may sound strange, but little Joshua Kelley is on his Make-A-Wish trip to Orlando this week and needs your prayers. Joshua has leukemia. He got his wish to go on a trip to Disney with his family this week, but now he's in Orlando Children's Hospital with a fever. That's not good if you are four years old and have cancer. And you know what? He hasn't even made it to Sea World yet! So, please pray that God would heal Joshua's fever quickly.
Pray for Michael, Jana, Joshua, and Andi to enjoy the rest of their family vacation and to rest in the knowledge that God is over all things - fevers, leukemia, and yes, even Sea World.
Yeah, I know it may sound strange, but little Joshua Kelley is on his Make-A-Wish trip to Orlando this week and needs your prayers. Joshua has leukemia. He got his wish to go on a trip to Disney with his family this week, but now he's in Orlando Children's Hospital with a fever. That's not good if you are four years old and have cancer. And you know what? He hasn't even made it to Sea World yet! So, please pray that God would heal Joshua's fever quickly.
Pray for Michael, Jana, Joshua, and Andi to enjoy the rest of their family vacation and to rest in the knowledge that God is over all things - fevers, leukemia, and yes, even Sea World.
You can follow the Kelley's blog for their vacation update, and more importantly, learn more about their life journey with childhood cancer. They have an amazing faith and an amazing family.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Juice.
For this studio photography assignment, we were supposed to shoot a food or beverage that might be used by a grocery store. The main goal was to make it look appetizing. I wasn't crazy about the juice shot, but it'll have to do for this assignment. The thing about studio photography is that you have one shot in the studio to get what you need. If none of the shots are good, you have to do the whole thing over again! Since this is just a hobby for me, I'm satisfied with this plain old OJ shot. Six assignments down, only one to go!
For this studio photography assignment, we were supposed to shoot a food or beverage that might be used by a grocery store. The main goal was to make it look appetizing. I wasn't crazy about the juice shot, but it'll have to do for this assignment. The thing about studio photography is that you have one shot in the studio to get what you need. If none of the shots are good, you have to do the whole thing over again! Since this is just a hobby for me, I'm satisfied with this plain old OJ shot. Six assignments down, only one to go!
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