Thursday, November 15, 2012
School Pictures
I got Emily and Kason's school pictures today. They are so good (even if they did take Emily's cute little sweater off)! I can't believe they actually got Emily to smile, and look at Kason, can you believe that's my 4 year old?! He looks so much older in this pic.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
WHOOP!
This so deserves space on the blog. The Texas A&M Aggies beat the No.1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 29-24 in their first season in the SEC. Whoop! Gig'em Ags!
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| Whoop!! |
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| Aggies over Tide |
and, Noah's message to Bama fans everywhere...'sup???
Monday, November 5, 2012
Election Day 2012
Tomorrow is a big day - election day 2012, the day we will choose who the next President of the United States will be. I am passionate about politics? I put a question mark, because I don't feel like I'm passionate about politics. I feel like I'm passionate about people, about standing up for what is right and for those less fortunate, about having a voice. So, today, as election day is upon us, I want to tell my kids why I vote democrat (top 5 reasons).
1. I believe in a world where people have the right to choose who they love and if they so choose, to be able to marry that person. I pray that if one of my children chooses for their life partner a member of the same sex, that they will not be ostracized. I hope that they will have the freedom to express their love through marriage and have it be recognized by the government. There is one reason, and one reason alone, for a government to disallow same-sex marriage and the government has no place imposing religious beliefs on its citizens.
2. I believe in a woman's right to manage her own reproductive health. After having 3 kids of my own, I believe this now, more than ever. There was a time in my life, long before having kids, that I was very short-sighted when it came to the topic of abortion and I am ashamed to admit that I thought I knew best what other women should do with their bodies and their pregnancies. How naive and wrong I was, and how wrong it is for anyone to think they have this right, especially a government comprised mainly of men.
3. I believe access to proper medical care is a right, not a privilege. 46.3 million Americans in 2008 went without healthcare and 61.2% of all bankruptcies were related to medical expenses (healthcare.procon.org). These numbers are overwhelming and disheartening. Our fellow Americans should not be sitting at home sick and scared because they do not have the money to pay for a doctor or a hospital stay. They should not be sitting in the hospital waiting for their money to run out and to be kicked to the curb. We believe we should have the right to the protection of law enforcement in case of criminal activity, to emergency responders in case of a fire or other accident, but not to health care in case it is our own bodies that are working against us? The ACA (or Obamacare) is not the end-all, be-all, but it is a start down the right path.
4. a) I believe in paying my fair share of taxes. I also believe that the more money I make, the more I should be indebted to my fellow American. People (i.e., Republicans) like to talk about cutting tax rates for the rich to boost job growth, especially when talking about the great former President Reagan. Did you know that the top tax bracket before President Regan took office was 70% and before that 90%? Reagan did manage to cut this to 28% (for 1 year of his 8 year term), but did you know that he did this by placing the burdens on to businesses and by increasing taxes such as the capital gains tax (things that will NOT happen under a Romney administration)? Did you also know that under President Obama the average family of 4 pays a 4.68% income tax rate versus that of 11.06% under President Reagan? In a Republican administration, the tax cuts of the Bush administration will be further extended, tax loopholes for big business and the insanely rich will continue, and companies will continue to send their jobs overseas in order to take advantage of these loopholes, further impeding our growth as a nation.
b) I believe that my taxes should go to many programs, including programs to help those less fortunate than myself. I do not believe that the people who accept help from these programs feel 'entitled'. I think they are down on their luck and I hope and pray that if ever my family is in a similar situation, that these programs will be in place and that I will not be judged for taking advantage of this assistance. I beg you to imagine a world without welfare and similar government programs. What would you do in a desperate situation to feed your children? Now, imagine what those without your conscience might do. Do you want to live in that world? I don't.
5. a) I believe that my children are entitled to an education; an education in which their minds are nurtured and they are made to feel safe. I believe that in order for this to happen, the federal government needs to send more money to the states and that instead of continuing to cut teachers year after year, we should be hiring teachers. Comparisons are often made of class sizes today versus class sizes 50-60 years ago. It is important to remember the differences in kids 50-60 years ago versus kids today. Once upon a time, teachers were respected and revered as experts in their field. Today, however, this is all-too-often not the case. Classrooms today are simply not the same classrooms as they were years ago and smaller class sizes are imperative to a nurturing learning environment.
b)I also believe that lack of finances should not prevent a student from going to college. To ensure a strong America, we need educated individuals with new, innovative ideas and these ideas should not come alone from those wealthy enough to afford college on their own. "Borrow from your parents", as Governor Romney, so eloquently put it, simply won't cut it and shows that he is not truly in touch with the middle class.
******
To my kids,
I hope that one day, when the time comes, you will do the research to make these decisions for yourself. I hope that you will care enough about our great country to be informed and to make your voice heard. I hope that you will make decisions based on your faith, your head, and your heart. Above all, I hope that you know if you do all these things, and you come to a different conclusion than me, that I will not be disappointed. I will be proud of you for educating yourself and speaking up. I may try to change your mind, but I will be proud, nonetheless. :)
Love,
Mom
1. I believe in a world where people have the right to choose who they love and if they so choose, to be able to marry that person. I pray that if one of my children chooses for their life partner a member of the same sex, that they will not be ostracized. I hope that they will have the freedom to express their love through marriage and have it be recognized by the government. There is one reason, and one reason alone, for a government to disallow same-sex marriage and the government has no place imposing religious beliefs on its citizens.
2. I believe in a woman's right to manage her own reproductive health. After having 3 kids of my own, I believe this now, more than ever. There was a time in my life, long before having kids, that I was very short-sighted when it came to the topic of abortion and I am ashamed to admit that I thought I knew best what other women should do with their bodies and their pregnancies. How naive and wrong I was, and how wrong it is for anyone to think they have this right, especially a government comprised mainly of men.
3. I believe access to proper medical care is a right, not a privilege. 46.3 million Americans in 2008 went without healthcare and 61.2% of all bankruptcies were related to medical expenses (healthcare.procon.org). These numbers are overwhelming and disheartening. Our fellow Americans should not be sitting at home sick and scared because they do not have the money to pay for a doctor or a hospital stay. They should not be sitting in the hospital waiting for their money to run out and to be kicked to the curb. We believe we should have the right to the protection of law enforcement in case of criminal activity, to emergency responders in case of a fire or other accident, but not to health care in case it is our own bodies that are working against us? The ACA (or Obamacare) is not the end-all, be-all, but it is a start down the right path.
4. a) I believe in paying my fair share of taxes. I also believe that the more money I make, the more I should be indebted to my fellow American. People (i.e., Republicans) like to talk about cutting tax rates for the rich to boost job growth, especially when talking about the great former President Reagan. Did you know that the top tax bracket before President Regan took office was 70% and before that 90%? Reagan did manage to cut this to 28% (for 1 year of his 8 year term), but did you know that he did this by placing the burdens on to businesses and by increasing taxes such as the capital gains tax (things that will NOT happen under a Romney administration)? Did you also know that under President Obama the average family of 4 pays a 4.68% income tax rate versus that of 11.06% under President Reagan? In a Republican administration, the tax cuts of the Bush administration will be further extended, tax loopholes for big business and the insanely rich will continue, and companies will continue to send their jobs overseas in order to take advantage of these loopholes, further impeding our growth as a nation.
b) I believe that my taxes should go to many programs, including programs to help those less fortunate than myself. I do not believe that the people who accept help from these programs feel 'entitled'. I think they are down on their luck and I hope and pray that if ever my family is in a similar situation, that these programs will be in place and that I will not be judged for taking advantage of this assistance. I beg you to imagine a world without welfare and similar government programs. What would you do in a desperate situation to feed your children? Now, imagine what those without your conscience might do. Do you want to live in that world? I don't.
5. a) I believe that my children are entitled to an education; an education in which their minds are nurtured and they are made to feel safe. I believe that in order for this to happen, the federal government needs to send more money to the states and that instead of continuing to cut teachers year after year, we should be hiring teachers. Comparisons are often made of class sizes today versus class sizes 50-60 years ago. It is important to remember the differences in kids 50-60 years ago versus kids today. Once upon a time, teachers were respected and revered as experts in their field. Today, however, this is all-too-often not the case. Classrooms today are simply not the same classrooms as they were years ago and smaller class sizes are imperative to a nurturing learning environment.
b)I also believe that lack of finances should not prevent a student from going to college. To ensure a strong America, we need educated individuals with new, innovative ideas and these ideas should not come alone from those wealthy enough to afford college on their own. "Borrow from your parents", as Governor Romney, so eloquently put it, simply won't cut it and shows that he is not truly in touch with the middle class.
******
To my kids,
I hope that one day, when the time comes, you will do the research to make these decisions for yourself. I hope that you will care enough about our great country to be informed and to make your voice heard. I hope that you will make decisions based on your faith, your head, and your heart. Above all, I hope that you know if you do all these things, and you come to a different conclusion than me, that I will not be disappointed. I will be proud of you for educating yourself and speaking up. I may try to change your mind, but I will be proud, nonetheless. :)
Love,
Mom
Monday, September 24, 2012
Soccer + Swimming + TeeBall
So, Kason has been very busy this summer and I am finally going to let you see just what he's been up to.
First, soccer: He loved his teammates and his coach, of course (his Daddy). He scored lots of goals, ran super fast, and played some great defense. I have a video of his first-ever goal, but it is on the other camera. Will try to get it uploaded soon.
Swimming: He has turned into a real little fish this summer.
TeeBall (in progress) - He just started 2 weeks ago and I haven't gotten any good pics or videos yet. He loves it, though!
First, soccer: He loved his teammates and his coach, of course (his Daddy). He scored lots of goals, ran super fast, and played some great defense. I have a video of his first-ever goal, but it is on the other camera. Will try to get it uploaded soon.
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| The Zoo Kids making their scary animal faces |
Swimming: He has turned into a real little fish this summer.
TeeBall (in progress) - He just started 2 weeks ago and I haven't gotten any good pics or videos yet. He loves it, though!
Mr. Smarty Pants
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| He picked this out. He told me he wanted to 'wear work clothes like Daddy'. :) |
Friday, September 14, 2012
First Day of School
Kason and Emily had their first day of school this week (we were out of town the first week). They both love it! On Monday night, when Emily went to bed she said, "Ahhh...I go to school when I wake up, Mommy?". I told her, "yes", and she said, "Oh boy!". She was very excited to put her backpack on and head into school Tuesday morning. I am so happy that they both are loving it so far!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Kason turns 4
What?! How does this happen year after year? They go by so quickly.
My dear, sweet Kason,
Every day I look at you and am amazed at how much you have grown. It seems each day, you lose more of those cute little baby cheeks and turn into a big boy right before my eyes.
You play sports now...I can't tell you how happy this makes your Daddy. But, I promise you, that if someday, you no longer love soccer and baseball and hate all sports, for that matter, that your Daddy will be so happy and proud of you. We both will. You just finished up your first season of soccer and are set to start t-ball on Saturday. I'm not sure how much you'll like it, though, because you do NOT want to hit off the tee. You want the ball thrown to you and you knock it out of the park every time. You are also turning into quite the little swimmer. We have been amazed at your progress this summer. Your favorite game is to chase Mommy or Daddy across the pool.
You started PreK this week. I can't believe that this time next year, you will be fully immersed in Kindergarten. I'm not sure what you'll learn there, though, seeing as you already know how to read, you can add and subtract, and you are even learning some Geography. Regardless, I know you'll love it.
Your newest addiction is board games. Your favorites right now are Monopoly, Jr. and Sorry. And, somehow, you always seem to win. You were so excited when I told you it would be cold and rainy yesterday, so after swim lessons, we could play any game your little heart desired.
You are one of the greatest blessings we could ever know and we are so proud to be your parents. You inspire us every day to try harder to be the very best for you and your brother and sister. We love you so much and can't wait to see what this year has in store for you!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
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| Trampoline for my birthday |
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| Fun at the North Pole |
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| The North Pole - his request for his birthday day |
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| All 3 waiting patiently in line waiting to ride |
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| Noah got to ride a few rides, too |
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| Kason & Grandma |
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| Some other small gifts for the birthday boy |
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| I'm 4! |
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| More cupcakes, please |
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| Just call me Smurf |
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| No, you like Cheeto's face, better??? (no, we don't normally feed our kids junk, btw) |
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| Uncle Lyn |
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| Spencer, Kason, Megan, & Emmy jumping |
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| Aunt Fifi, Uncle Lyn, and Aunt Josie |
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| Curious George cupcakes |
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| Let me help you with that, Noah |
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| Remember that board game obsession we were talking about earlier? |
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| Yes, Emmy got presents for the boys' birthdays, too |
The Fergels Visit
This is old....several months old, actually. But, I just realized that I never posted pics from the Fergels visit. We were so happy to see them and meet their precious little girl, Aurea when they were in Colorado a couple of months ago and are excited to see them again when we head to Tucson in January.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
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