Birthday Surprise - Uncovered

My dearest husband tried so hard - and he almost pulled it off.



My hubby is so good at surprises. In the past he has surprised me on one knee for a beautiful wedding proposal, instigated a wedding shower, prompted a baby shower, planned fabulous weekend getaways all without my knowledge. Granted, I'm not the most intuitive person around, but I can clue in to the abnormal when I need to. I'm also very curious - nosy - and so that poses a challenge to David. For my birthday, David purchased tickets to a local Christmas concert awhile back. Thinking his "junk drawer" would be the perfect hiding spot, he nonchalantly threw them in there until my birthday rolled around.

The other day while he was away on travel, I told the girls to play quietly in my room while I jumped in the shower. They were doing so good - were so quiet that I even took the time to shave my legs. When I came out, they were running around my closet ripping what I thought were fake ski tickets. Don't ask me why I thought what I thought - I just did. Well, finally I decided to investigate a bit further. I asked to look at Paloma's findings in which she proudly handed them over. It didn't take me long to realize my children were in the process of destroying $50.00 concert tickets. Eeeeks. I pulled the tickets out of both of their hands and immediately emailed my husband. Busted. He was only days away from pulling off my birthday surprise night out. Of all the interesting things that reside in David's junk drawer, my children were amused by our concert tickets.
Luckily, I intervened before any real damage was done.

Fast forward a couple days. I was heading into the computer room to do some blogging. David had been using the computer before me and left his screen open - which isn't uncommon. Usually work stuff and so I'm used to saving and minimizing - except that this time I looked up to see what was hotel information for the night of the Christmas concert. Once again, I confronted my husband about surprise plans for an overnight evening without children. Busted again! He had forgotten to close down his screen.

Doesn't end there. He had forgotten to remove his "to do" list he made this weekend from the car before I got into to do grocery shopping yesterday. Not a big deal except that on his list was "Get Dutch Bros. gift certificates for Heather." Busted - yet again. His face just kind of sank when I asked him if he had picked up those gift certificates for me. Wow - poor guy's surprise just got ruined on all levels. But that did not hinder a fabulous day with my family.

My Babies & Me

I'm Too Stinkin Cute For Words

Turkey Day

Oh what a day of praise and thanks. Our family is so blessed - blessed beyond words. We were just so thankful for the time we got to spend together today. It was quiet and relaxing but loads of fun nonetheless.
To begin, we woke up to this...



As you know, I don't cook!! And so thanks to my wonderful husband, this 20 pound slimy hunk of meat became our Thanksgiving feast. The site of that thing is repulsive, not to mention the "stuff" that was pulled out of it - but once cooked, that big old bird was yummy. A huge thanks to Dave for pulling off another great meal. For the record, I arranged the olives, pickles and carrots on the serving plate - AND I baked a batch of instant cookies for dessert.



It didn't take long for my little pilgrim to get excited about the big day.



As the morning progressed, both of the hungry little girls became anxious. Paloma wanted turkey, Mattea just wanted to decorate for Christmas (which I promised we would do after Thanksgiving.)



After lunch the girls went down for their naps, mom decorated the house for the next big holiday, dad put up Christmas lights, and the puppies snacked on a bit of turkey too. All in all, it was a great and relaxing day. We did have one minor accident though. Mattea took quite a fall onto the desk in the living room, causing that beautiful big bruise on her cheek. Many praises that family Christmas portraits were taken Monday night. She's doing well except for that rather large goose egg on the side of her head. Here's wishing you and your family had a wonderful holiday.

If Looks Could Kill...

Wordless Wednesday

Wordy Wednesday

The other night after work, I came home and snuggled with Mattea in bed. We read a couple stories and then out of the blue she began spelling words from her book to me. I know that she recognizes all of her letters and she can spell certain words, but she was all out spelling. Long words, short words, uppercase, lowercase. You name it, she was spelling it. I was blown away and said to her "Mattea, you are mommy's little Einstein."

Fast forward a couple of days. I'm busily preparing dinner in the kitchen and Mattea is practicing her scissor skills at the table. Out of nowhere she looks up at me and says, "Mom, I'm going to pack goldfish in my backpack." At first I was puzzled and then wondered if she meant her backpack for preschool. I questioned her and asked what she was talking about. "Goldfish, mama, I put goldfish in my backpack for a snack." I again asked what snack. She replied, "For the bus ride home from kindergarten." After realizing what she was talking about I kindly reminded her "Honey, you have to be 5 or 6 to go to kindergarten." Without hesitation, she snapped back
"No mama, I'm an Einstein."
I guess she told me!

Creative Play

If you have been following my blog recently, you'll recall that creative play has moved to the number one spot for activities around my house. We have put away the flashcards and crafts for strictly creative play. Not by my choice - but I will admit it has been fun. If you are new to the blog, I'll catch you up. My girls have engaged in fairy princess play, doctor play, "check out lady" play, beauty shop play, "serve me food" (waitress) play, and NOW beach play. That's right. My children have now decided that instead of going to the salon to get their hair and eyebrows done, they would much rather go to the beach.



It has been a bit chilly here lately but they are still very adamant about stripping down and running around in their bathing suits.



For those of you who can't tell what they are doing in the above picture - they are blowing bubbles. They leave no detail unturned. Anybody up for a swim at our house?

Thankful Thursday

The latest edition of Thankful Thursday...

1) I am so thankful my husband made it safely to his destination this morning. With a 6:40 AM flight scheduled, my dear husband stayed up way too late attempting to finish up some work. I have been sleeping on the couch the last couple nights because I've been sick and coughing. I was awakened at 4:00 AM to the sound of a crying toddler and then made my back down to my new sleeping quarters. I had a quick thought that I should just stay up and help David get out the door, but that thought quickly passed as the cough medicine I've been taking set in. Out of nowhere, I was again awakened at 5:40 AM with which I quickly rushed upstairs to awaken my slumbering hubby. Remembering how he had mentioned the night before he had to leave the house no later than 5:30, I knew it would be close. Indeed, he arrived in Texas this afternoon, safely and on time.

2) I am thankful for cough medicine. Lame huh? But really, that and Vitamin C are two staple products that I've been relying on for the last couple of days. Since being almost leveled this weekend but a nasty virus, I'm now starting to hit the upward slope. I am bummed though as this has put a major dent in my running. Walking upstairs lately has winded me, can't imagine what the treadmill will do.

3) My poor little nephew has found himself in quite a predicament. You can read my sister's post if you would like, but I am thankful he is doing OK - concerned of course, but thankful.

4) I am thankful for daughter's teachers at preschool who are taking time out of their lives to teach, nurture, and care for my little Mattea while she is not in my care. Mattea is loving her new school and I am thankful there is a safe place that she can go to learn the "necessities" but also learn about God and his plan for us. Praise God for those wonderful hearts.

5) And last but not least, I am so thankful for my wonderful family whom I get so frustrated with at times, but love more than life itself. We have created such a wonderful little family here and I am more than thankful for the life God has given me. When I think back at the decisions I could have chosen, I am flabbergasted at where I have ended up. It is amazing how life changes when you let God lead.

Anybody else want to share what they are thankful for? especially as we enter this Thanksgiving week?

My Sissy

Wordless Wednesday

Analogy

Picture this.....

I am walking hand and hand with my littlest bundle of joy Paloma into Preschool to pick up my eldest daughter Mattea. It was a beautiful spring day, we were early and had plenty of time to leisurely meander up to the front door. We were just about to the sidewalk when Paloma says to me "i walt by meself (i walk my myself)." Offended at first, I dropped her hand and realized this was only the beginning. My job as her mother is to care and nurture her for such a short time, and then release her back into the arms of God to which she originated.
Anyways, in what seemed to be slow motion, I dropped her hand, she went to take the all important step up onto the sidewalk, and biffed it. She fell flat on her face, forgetting to lift her foot up onto the sidewalk. And the sad thing is I watched it happen - knew it was going to happen - but let it happen anyways. She was OK. Her pride was hurt a little, but she jumped up shook it off and continued the journey to pick up her sister.
As I watched the silly little event play out, I was immediately reminded of my journey with Christ. So many times, I look up and say "I'll walk by myself" and then drop my Father's hand - resulting in a stumble and eventually a fall. Of course, I have jumped right back up, shook it off, and continued on my journey. How much easier it would be though, if I continued the walk holding onto the very hand that created me.

Not Me Monday

Here we go again.....

1) I most certainly did not selfishly swipe the vaporizer from my eldest daughter who has been congested and sick with a cold for a week so that I could reap the benefits because she so graciously passed that cold onto me. And then I did not concoct a tale about how I needed it more than she did. Nope - not me.

2) I did inadvertently swipe a multi dose vial of medicine from the hospital and then forget to check my pockets before washing that multi dose vial with my dark colored laundry this weekend. Nothing like a little IV Diphenhydramine to go with your laundry. Nope - not me.

3) My youngest daughter certainly did not pee all over my kitchen floor that I had just got done cleaning minutes before my friend's big 40th birthday party was to begin. And I most certainly did not dab it with a towel and hope no one would notice. I would not be able to bend down and actually scrub the area because the size 2 dress that I was not wearing would certainly not bust at the seams if I was to make one wrong move. Nope - not me.

4) I did not in any way pawn my children off of my husband, pretending not to hear them cry, whimper, moan for mama because I was too miserable to care about anybody but myself this weekend. Of course, I would put my anguish aside and properly care and entertain my children no matter how bad I was feeling. Not
me.

5) Finally, I would not ever in a million years leave my children downstairs to fend for themselves in front of the TV so that I could selfishly blog about NOT ME MONDAY - even though it is very therapeutic and down right liberating. And I did not almost push publish on this post before hearing my youngest daughter screaming "help me Tea" sending me to run downstairs to see her sitting on my kitchen table trying to put a puzzle together and wanting her sister's help. And I did not find her with "pee pants" on top of my kitchen table. Nope - not me.

Anybody else brave enough to air their dirty laundry. I'd love to hear about it.

Also, be sure to stop over at MckMama's blog and read about all the other people who are willing to openly admit to things they "did not" do this week. Thanks for reading.

Dancing With Daddy

The greatest untapped resource available for improving the lives of our children is time with Dad - early and often. Kids with engaged fathers do better in school, problem-solve more successfully, and generally cope better with whatever life throws at them.
Parents Magazine - Dec. 2008



This morning, the girls got invited to a "ball" with their daddy. He asked them to hit the dress up trunk to find a pretty dress and some dancing shoes. He even broke out the play make-up. The girls were thrilled and took great pride in getting ready.



They each got their turn to dance with daddy.



Two lucky little girls.

It's Official

I'm potty trained!!!

Turning 40!

You all didn't think I was turning 40 did you?



The lucky lady with the milestone birthday would be my good friend Diane. We had the privilege of helping her celebrate last night with a party at our house.





My children didn't mind sharing their house on a Friday night because of course it meant friends and cake. There was plenty of both to go around. As you can tell by their faces, the cake was delicious.



As the night wound down, the children began to fade. I think the adults could have kept going, but unfortunately the sugar high was coming to an end. Dave ended the night with a couple bedtime stories. What a sight!

We all had a great time - Happy Birthday Miss Diane!

Polly Rae

"Am I not the cutest thing you've even seen?"

Wordless Wednesday

Beauty Parlor Play

Today after a kick butt workout at the gym, the girls and I decided to stop at Goodwill. It is by far our new favorite store. The kids love the little toy section and our town has a good, clean store. We had fun, running up and down the aisles with our new baby cart and new cars. Mattea's toy today was a little beauty parlor kit. She got a curling iron, hairdryer, combs, brushes, mirrors, etc. And since creative play has been high on the list of things to do, she couldn't wait to come home and open up her store.



Here she is waiting for her fist customer - which was Paloma.



I'm not sure Paloma is totally sold on the whole idea, but she was a good sport. I was too until the little curling iron got stuck in my hair.



Realizing she could no longer recruit her sister and I for any more trips to the salon, she moved on to her babies. She said she closed shop to take a nap but will reopen when she awakes.

Not Me Monday

Here is another addition of Not Me Monday. I'd love to hear how your week went.

1) I most certainly did not encourage Mattea to start wiping her little bum by herself after she goes p___p these last few weeks. Because by doing so, she would be the most uncoordinated when it comes to digging wipes out of the package, holding up her shirt, and talking to her sister at the same time. And, by her being so uncoordinated, she most certainly would not drop the package of wipes into a potty full of p___p only to call out to me to come remedy the problem. I would never dig into a potty full of my child's p___p to dig out an entire package of wipes. Nope - not me.

2) I did not eat a caramel apple for lunch this last week simply becuase I was so busy fixing the children their lunch and cleaning up to think about lunch for myself. Eating food on a stick that you can conveniently carry around from room to room is no excuse for compromising nutrition. I would never think of such a thing - and I most certainly would not eat two instead of one and then call it dessert. AND I would not even dream of trying to justify it in my weight watchers points by calling it my allotted fruit for the day. Nope - not me.

3) I did not let Mattea "borrow" my expensive Littmann stethoscope to assess Elmo's heart and lungs because her cheap plastic one just "doesn't work." Nope - not me.

4) I did not wait until 4 pm on Friday to brush my teeth, take a shower, and change out of pajamas because we were having a 'sick day.' And I did not allow the children to go ALL day without even thinking of combing their hair or changing into clothes - bath time was approaching quickly. Nope - not me.


5) And finally, I did not wash off an entire bag of jelly beans that Mattea spilled all over the kitchen floor after attempting to reward her little sister for going potty. Did I mention those jelly beans did not land on the dirtiest part of the floor and there was NOt a ton of dog hair that stuck to them when we cleaned them up. Even though we were potty training and I had not other treats in the house to use as bribery, I would never think of doing something so downright disgusting. Never. Nope - Not me. (As a side note, Friday was the first day Paloma went all day in underpants with no accidents. I'm sure it had nothing to do with all those disgusting jelly beans she ate.)

And that's a wrap. Now did y'all know why I had a long and interesting week? Here's hoping this week is better than last.... Have a glorious day.

Heather, Heather, Heather

Quick post...

Mattea, like most kids her age I imagine, latches on to something and becomes absolutely obsessed with it until she moves on to the next item of interest. For the past two days, she has been OBSESSED with calling me by my name. She has gone through this phase before when we were just starting to learn our names and addresses. I don't think my mom thought it was very funny when she witnessed it, but I tend to laugh my little heart out over it. It is quite humorous to hear her in a store say "Heather, can we get this cereal?"
What isn't funny though is the past two days. My child just won't let it go. It is "Heather, I would like a snack please" or "Heather, I need a tissue." Better yet, "Heather, I'm going potty" or "Heather, are you going potty?" Today she gave me a headache. This morning I kept track of how many times my name was used within a 30 minute window. Any guesses? 46 times. She said my name 46 times in 30 minutes. Let me tell you how annoying that was. I finally had to say something to her - gently without hurting her feelings of course. Kind of glad I am off to work tomorrow. That way she can move on to David, David, David, David.

Updates

The doctor saga continued throughout the day. (See following posts) I must have visited that silly clinic a dozen times today. When I pretended to cry over the possibility of yet another flu shot, Mattea simply said (in a very calm voice)
Dr. Mattea donts hurts noone.
That's reassuring.



A huge congratulations to my sweet little baby!!!!



Despite being sick all day, today was day 1 in panties with absolutely NO accidents. My little Paloma stayed dry all day - nap excluded of course. Way to go baby girl.

Creative Play

These days, Mattea and Paloma can both be found completely immersed in creative play. We have hung up flashcards, coloring, painting, and puzzles for some good old imaginative play. And that is fine with me (because in all truthfulness, flashcards get boring after awhile.)
Today, out of nowhere, Mattea decided to open up a clinic for "sick babies." She always asks me about my "sick babies" at work and the kinds of things I do for them while I'm there. I assume that is where today's events came from.
Before I knew it we had several dolls, bears, and bunnies lined up for flu shots - band aids and all. When I asked what she was doing, she said "I'm not a real Doctor like a Nurse is!"
Turning back to my dishwasher, I chuckled to myself at my daughter's great mind. She is a blessing on all levels. I then decided to head to the clinic myself for a flu shot. I sat down by the not so real doctor who at the time was putting on her princess gloves. I asked what she was doing and she replied, "some kids like to spread germs." Fair enough. This coming from the same child who at her 3 year well child check made sure to point out all of her veins in her body to her pediatrician - just to make sure they were OK?????



She smiled big for the camera after assessing her new sick patient - Loma (Paloma). Paloma didn't mind, she thought getting her temperature taken was a hoot. She didn't feel the same way yesterday when I took her temperature - rectally.



Making sure heart and lungs are sounding OK.



Pictured above is another creative play skit from this week - entitled You Be The Checkout Lady. I bet you can't even begin to guess how many times a day I am asked to be the checkout lady. Mattea loves shopping and paying for things. We have receipts, coupons, and a debit card to enhance the experience. I have now set up her desk as my cash register so at least I can sit down, sip my coffee, and sometimes read a book all at the same time if I'm sneaky enough. Paloma likes shopping as well. When asked where she is going when we see her pushing her shopping cart around, she replies "Old Naveeee." She likes to purchase cookies and her mimi (blanket). Mattea, on the other hand, snatches anything she can find and tries to buy it. When asked if she has enough money to pay for it, she sheepishly shakes her head no and whips out her debit card. Hmmmm

Mattea Moments

A few memorable moments from my little Mattea this morning...

*I received a picture from my sister of my two girls posing with their cousin. It was a cute photo and I told them they could place the photo where they desired. Today we rearranged our photos and in doing so, Mattea asked if that was her brother. I said no and proceeded to explain that any little boy who would be her brother would have to come from mommy. She then looked up and me and said
"Mommy, we don't neeeeed a brother."
My response (in my mind of course) "Your father and I would definitely agree with you."


*Paloma has been in panties all morning with no accidents. While dumping one of her "potty experiences," Mattea abruptly stopped playing, looked up at me and said
"Mom, are you wasting water?"
I responded, "No, I'm just flushing the potty."
Mattea - "Oh, good, I thought you were wasting water."
My response (in my head of course) "Excuse me water police, mind your own business - you waste water on a daily basis every time you wash your hands and it becomes a 15 minute ordeal." Instead I was polite.

*Both children enjoy wearing pajamas to bed for naptime every day. As I was changing Paloma into her nightgown, Mattea rushed in wearing her "princess jammies." She then proclaimed rather loudly
"Look how cute I am, I'm just a princess." Indeed you are my sweet daughter.

Looking Up

It has been one long & eventful week but God is good.



(Mattea snapped this photo of me the other day in one of my weaker moments...)

Thank You

Just a brief note thanking those who commented on Paloma's first coffee experience. I laughed so hard at the outright honesty from my mommy friends. I am such a sucker for honesty - especially in regards to our children. I pass absolutely no judgement on parenting and I love the fact that you can share your stories with me. I heard on more than one occasion the possibility of being judged a bad parent when other people caught on to their child's coffee addiction. I am here to say that there is none of that on this blog - keep the honesty rolling. I certainly do. I know that all of you out there reading have seriously considered selling your children to the circus on more than one occasion - I am not alone. So please, continue to comment on the brutal honesty points of parenting. It makes me feel better at the end of the day....

Thankful Thursday

This week I have so much to be thankful for - here is an abbreviated list..

1) I am sooo thankful for children's Tylenol. Paloma is not feeling good and has come down with a pretty significant cold (probably because her mother made her stand outside in chilly weather in order to vote - twice may I add since the line was so long the first time.)

2) I am thankful for the democracy that the United States has which enables us to freely vote for the chosen leader of our country. Although some are excited, others are dreadfully disappointed, I am thankful that I was able to truly be a part of history this week.

3) I am thankful for the rational behavior of some Christians during this week of mind boggling events. I know many people - Christian and Non christian - are disappointed in the election results and have exhibited behaviors that are down right embarrassing to our nation. The world is watching - and when irrational behavior is publicized, I am mortified to be a part of it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but the Christian radio station that I listen to broadcast on Wed that people were calling in using profanity and saying very hurtful things. This behavior is ridiculous - whether you are upset or not - and I am so thankful that there are people who will use this "upset" to hit their knees in prayer. For the record - I am not upset by this week's events - God knew the outcome before we did.

4) I am thankful for energy drinks and coffee since this week it has been a regular part of my diet. Dave and I have been getting NO sleep due to sickness and Daylight Savings Time.

5) I am thankful for my sister - who today turned 29! Although she is a bit under the weather, hopefully she'll be able to celebrate in style this weekend. As 30 approaches she should just be thankful to still be in her 20's. Some of us can't say the same.

Wishing you a great week

Empty Me

If you haven't noticed, I have added a new song to my playlist. It is a song by Jeremy Camp - Empty Me.
I have this song downloaded to my IPOD and happened to be running to it today. (Let me tell you a secret - part of the reason that I have been running so far these days is because I have turned my time on the treadmill into my praise and worship hour. I have a bunch of great Christian songs playing and I just run my little heart out - sometimes mouthing along the words, and sometimes raising my hands in praise - imagine what the lady next to me thinks) Anyways, that has turned into my time. When the song came on today, I took some time to listen - NO REALLY LISTEN - to the words. I would encourage you to do the same. I won't print the lyrics, but I would love for you to take a minute and listen to the entire song.
Jeremy Camp has an amazing story that both Dave and I were fortunate to hear when we lived in Albuquerque. We actually were lucky enough to see him perform. What an amazing man of God. I think I have officially adopted this song as my theme for the month.
Lord, empty me.

Holy fire burn away
My desire for anything
That is not of you and is of me
I want more of you
And less of me
Jeremy Camp - Empty Me

Kiddie Koffee

After begging and whining for a sip of daddy's toffee (coffee), Paloma took a big sip and proclaimed...



"Me like it!"

Sneak Peak

Look what I worked on this afternoon - blogging and scrapbooking. No cleaning today. Kim, I couldn't help but give you a quick peak of what's to come. I know it looks a bit distorted and somewhat cut off but believe me, I think it turned out rather cute. Coming soon.....

Random Picture

I've Been Tagged

Ooooh how fun - I have been tagged by my really good friend Merranda

1) Link to the person who tagged you.
2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6).
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below).
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up.Ok, here it goes. . .

1) I have recently taken up running again. I don't know that I really like running - oh in fact I know I don't like running. Running and I have kind of a love/hate relationship. When I run, I gain a ton of points in my weight watchers regime - therefore allowing me to eat way more food than normal. But, my body hates everything about running. In fact, did you know that I ran cross country in high school and finished LAST in every single race? The girl who also ran in the special olympics would place higher than me....

2) As mentioned above, I do weight watchers - and love it! I joined right after Mattea was born as a way to shed those dreadful pregnancy pounds. It has kind of stuck with me and now I pretty much count just about everything I'm eating.

3) I never took a sip of alcohol until I was 21. I have most certainly been naughty in other areas, but for some reason underage drinking was not something I ever wanted to get involved in. Now you can't keep me away from wine...(everything in moderation)

4) After high school, I moved out of my parents home and into a ridiculously old decrepit house with 4 other girls. This house had the most horrendous smell and housed a potty in the kitchen. BUT, rent was $60/month. Living with 4 other girls was fun - for like the first week - but then after that the drama started (much to which I contributed). It was seriously like living on a daytime soap opera set. But, at least I can say that once I moved out of my parent's home, I grew up, matured, and learned to live and support myself independently.

5) I was engaged prior to meeting David. A terrible and horrible mistake - but a valuable life lesson nonetheless. As my impending wedding approached, I hit my knees in prayer asking God to give me the courage to pull out (even though we were only 95 days away). God is good and answered my prayers. I have my old wedding ring laying around here somewhere???

6) My final random thought....I still have a painting hanging in my house that an old boyfriend once painted for me when I was 16. Dave makes fun of me but he is such a good sport and allows it to be hung in the laundry room. I think he is confident of where my heart lies (not with the long haired, crazy juggling, magician/painter) but with him and only him. I actually have two paintings. They are just a brief reminder of my past and I just can't give them away. So they hang nicely on my wall opposite my washer and dryer.

Do you feel like you know me better now??

So with keep in the spirit of the game, I now tag
*Ann
*Kim H.
*Amy
*April
*Amanda
*Courtney

Political Post Ahead

Ok - I can't sit back for one more minute. I have to spew. I am not a controversial person - opinionated yes - controversial no. But with the election so close, I must speak my mind. Remember here guys, I am formulating and writing this with absolutely no judgement passed at anyone out there so I would appreciate the same respect for me while you are reading through this. I keep the scripture verse from Matthew on my sidebar for that reason. Judge and be judged. So with that being said, I would love to hear your comments, if written with no judgement passed. I will hold the same respect back for you.

Here goes...
I have a slight problem around election time when it comes to voting for a candidate. Why? I am a Christian, Mother, Wife, Nurse, and tax paying citizen. For that reason, I have many issues that I have to think about when it comes to choosing our next Commander and Chief. Many of our outspoken friends have expressed their choice in voting strictly Repulbican becasue they are Christian. Why? Of course, the huge issue on Abortion. UGh. Hate to bring it up but it is definitely stirring some controversy. I have some very vivid thoughts on this subject - again because I am a Christian but also because I am a nurse. I refuse to write a 10 page post about my thoughts on abortion, BUT I just want to throw some thoughts out there and hear what you have to say.

1) Many people are under the impression that John McCain does not support abortion. That little statement is not quite right. If fact, he does not believe in abortion but will allow abortion to occur in the case of rape, incest, or when a woman's life is at stake. His running mate has taken a stance by saying she absolutely does not support abortion on any level. Food for thought - can we support a person who wavers on interpretation? To me, the issue should be clear cut - either you support it or you are against it. I often think about it in terms of interpreting the Bible. Many people lover to alter and interpret scripture to work around their lifestyle or to support their beliefs. Again, before we get all heated, take a step back to ponder. By supporting McCain, are we voting for a man who will abolish abortion? I am still in limbo.

2) Also, as a Christian body, I completely believe that we should be loving people but hating their sin. In fact, our pastor spoke on this subject today. Jesus embraced sinners - ate with them. We should be doing the same. If we as a body are against abortion, what are we doing besides casting a vote one day out of 4 years that will stop the act. Are we reaching out to women who are confused, alone, scared, broke? Are we opening our homes up to adoption for children who have been saved from abortion. Are we supporting Christian based organizations that allow women educated options. Again, I am not asking you to state your position because I will not be stating mine, I am just asking you to think about a few things before casting your all important vote.

Our pastor mentioned today that as we consider our vote in a few days we should be remembering to bring our Bibles to the polls. Great thought. As I came home and began thinking about it I asked myself the question "Who would Jesus vote for?" Ugh - was that the wrong can of worms to be opening.

To be quite honest, I don't have a single clue of who I will be voting for. When I walk in to vote, I want to be educated and feel at complete peace about who will be leading this country and who will be making decisions that will be directly impacting my children. I don't want to blindly be voting for the person who is the most popular or whom puts on the best front. It is quite difficult. I am torn. I am at a crossroads and am completely split on my thoughts. I welcome your opinions. Again, I did not post with any hidden agenda or to spark people's temper. I genuinely want to hear your thoughts. Help me people!! No amount of research from here on out is going to sway my vote either way - I have now left it up to God. As I pray about this important decision, I invite you to do the same.

Thanks for listening....