Soap Box 2

I consider myself open minded to the way people think and why they may think that way. I try to look without judgment and realize people do what they know, and sometimes what they know doesn't make sense to me, but that doesn't matter it makes sense to them. If someone doesn't know better they usually don't do better. Loving unconditional (myself and others) regardless of action or behavior is my forever never ending life time goal, and I am not even close to being where I want to be. I truly believe kindness can heal many hurts that ail this world. Meanness seems to be the "thing" lately. Sarcasm at someone else's expense is widely and readily accepted. Just turn on the TV. We are constantly being attacked by words and I am not sure we really even notice. So what I am having such a hard time understanding is why are we letting this happen? Why do children have to go to school and not only hear put downs from peers but from their educated more mature teachers also? I guess harsh words and sarcasm can only be expected from a society that deems it acceptable and in some ways cool. And when it's modeled so blatantly by adults and role models it seems like it's just the natural progression to really bad energy permeating throughout this universe, the same universe that we are supposed to care for, the universe AND the people in it. I am constantly falling into the lie that gossiping about others, using sarcasm, rudeness or judgment is better than just being authentic and expressing the true emotion we feel toward a specific person or event. Not having TV has helped some but I don't want to do that anymore ever. Words are powerful. They can be used to hurt or help. There is enough pain in this world why keep contributing? I would like to help.

The Dog Saga Continues

We had Midnight on a three week trial and as much as we wanted it to work out with him it just wasn't. He was just to much dog for us. Andrew was very sad but suddenly a three month old wheaten terrier named Bombo (Bo for short) changed his mind. Andrew's new best friend. And he doesn't try to eat Andrew. A big bonus after the Midnight experience. So we have officially adopted Bombo and Andrew is in love, so is Bo. Happy Valentines Day!

ADAM

What can I say about this little, well not so little boy that has a heart of gold. He has consistent, real conversations with God and his relationship with him is something I admire. He finds the good in everyone and everything. He is motivated and upbeat about almost everything in his world. He is a sensitive guy who considers the feelings of others. He has a temper and is learning how to express his feelings appropriately and I love watching him being able to control himself. He sings opera in the shower, kitchen, his bedroom, the car and has a beautiful voice. He still likes to hug and kiss his Mom and doesn't mind showing affection. He has a million "ideas" and a mind full of creative things he is going to accomplish and he will. He is a wiz at math. He hates cursive. He wants to save the world. He is learning to listen to his gut and follow his heart. There is so much more to say about him. Everyday with him is a privilege and I love him.

Soap Box

Mitt Romney spent roughly $600,000 a week, $10.2 million in the year 2007 on campaign commercials alone according to this article in cnn politics .com. http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/11/13/romney.ads/index.html. Just commercials not any of the other NECESSARY tactics and strategies needed to run an effective campaign. Romney's running mates aren't far behind.
A study recently done by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty states that approximately 3.5 million people in the U.S., 1.35 million of them children, are likely to experience homelessness in a given year (National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, 2007).
Mitt Romney concedes the presidential race, it feels like a $10.2 million dollar gamble to me, and it didn't pay off. Some would argue there is absolutely no correlation between the amount of money political candidates spend on their campaign and the amount of homelessness in our country. Ask just one of the 1.35 million children that experience homelessness and I think they would tell you differently. Does anyone else think there is something wrong with this picture? One of the many questions I have that will probably never be answered.

And I said I would never have a dog

Now we have three! They are truly part of our family. Introducing Midnight our very funny labradoodle. Andrew has been working very hard to earn the right to care for his own dog. So far it's going great, they are really cute with each other. Andrew does most of the caring for Midnight, he even wipes his feet off when coming in the house. It's great to see him be so responsible. Our three VERY obedient dogs, Koda, Bella, and Midnight, to bad they aren't always this way. Hope your week is wonderful!

Random thoughts

So I received some validation (sorry I am the middle child and when it comes to family I need more validation than some people) from most of you that you were in fact reading this blog. Therefore I will continue it until I receive a e-mail or a call that you no longer want to know about what is happening with us. That's not entirely true I think me and the kids will keep this going only for ourselves. Mom and Dad, I know we see you at least once a week but I promise you will love this blog even more when you are in some foreign land on your mission wishing you could hug all 25 of your grandchildren at one time. I love you all SO much and hope you are doing well. Today was mostly a day of reflection and I realized I just don't say that to my family enough. God keeps giving me opportunities to say the important things and I am not taking them. So here is my feeble attempt to be obedient. Mom, Dad, Eric, Lori, Dustin, Holly, Jeremy, Kristi and spouses and your children, you are closest to my heart I think of you daily and wish love, grace and kindness to find you. Love Angela

PS: I am really working with GOD about the validation thing and I almost have it fixed. your welcome. Oh and Andrew has been begging me to put this picture of him at the ranch for all to see. Proof that he can ride the four wheeler by himself. What a man! Also his cowboy picture it's very important that you see it. I love eleven year old boys!

Ashalee is 14

So it's official. There is no possible way I could have a fourteen year old and be the age I am. I haven't been able to reconcile this is my mind, the math just doesn't work out. But as far as daughters go I couldn't ask for a better one. I joke with her by saying she passed my maturity level at the age of five. She truly is a old soul in a young body. She has empathy for others and shows insights only a person weathered by life would know. Happy Birthday Ash you are beautiful inside and out and I love you!