tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11955068386811298032024-03-13T14:26:34.309-07:00A New Version of MeElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.comBlogger615125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-46858432553194443592017-07-08T09:11:00.000-07:002017-07-08T09:11:01.412-07:00My Blog has MovedThis is WAY overdue, but I'm finally my blog moving over to Wordpress and using <a href="http://anewversionofme.com/">anewversionofme.com</a> (which I purchased years ago). I'd love for you to keep following me over there, so please update your bookmarks or readers.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
ElizabethElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-72042380061822906462017-07-03T18:51:00.000-07:002017-07-03T18:51:57.180-07:004th of July and Saying GoodbyeIt's been the best weekend, and I keep telling my kids they need to burn these memories into their brains, because <i>this</i> is the childhood I want them to remember. Charlotte, Nolan and I have been at my parents' place in the country since Friday with my brother's family. For the past 5 years, we've all lived in the same city, and our kids have grown up together, best of friends. That's about to change in just a few short weeks, as my brother, sister in law (and one of my closest friends) and my kids' cousins are moving across the country. I couldn't be happier for this new chapter in their lives, but I am also so very sad that they won't be able to meet for playdates or weekends in the country like we've been used to. I'm most sad for the kids, because they are so close, and I want them to stay close. The cousin relationship is so special (and fun!) and I don't want them to lose that. I'm so glad we had this magical weekend to send them off to their new adventures. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We swam A LOT<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1tikrxQ9vew/WVrs2eHbO7I/AAAAAAAAWnY/Isf-B3DIu-8NFSw0j4n6hC65NZo-KNfzwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1tikrxQ9vew/WVrs2eHbO7I/AAAAAAAAWnY/Isf-B3DIu-8NFSw0j4n6hC65NZo-KNfzwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0261.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaaSZEqBTWA/WVrs6LRv8zI/AAAAAAAAWnc/ElemOipgETIsSEhtUyJzBU4a_pmoFJMhgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaaSZEqBTWA/WVrs6LRv8zI/AAAAAAAAWnc/ElemOipgETIsSEhtUyJzBU4a_pmoFJMhgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
The kids planted watermelon seeds that they cleaned and dried last fall:</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxMELPXSeGs/WVrs8_4jvlI/AAAAAAAAWnk/IZA2WLnZMmo91X6GFRk4rtpnOuGUk6ibACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qxMELPXSeGs/WVrs8_4jvlI/AAAAAAAAWnk/IZA2WLnZMmo91X6GFRk4rtpnOuGUk6ibACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYFBLABL61I/WVrs9an_HPI/AAAAAAAAWno/6xRPEXRQj1ctNZoHRhEMYtp6JpCfeLm9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYFBLABL61I/WVrs9an_HPI/AAAAAAAAWno/6xRPEXRQj1ctNZoHRhEMYtp6JpCfeLm9wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
They ate popsicles and played:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfW1g2nYYnM/WVrtAq666CI/AAAAAAAAWn8/2dzJJd1p1Vs3dy13tenNzMax0jqqXYt-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfW1g2nYYnM/WVrtAq666CI/AAAAAAAAWn8/2dzJJd1p1Vs3dy13tenNzMax0jqqXYt-QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f999Gj-tdvw/WVrs9lY9y3I/AAAAAAAAWns/2UbfvwXpM3MUhGvv32lhnr0uuu7aNZhRACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f999Gj-tdvw/WVrs9lY9y3I/AAAAAAAAWns/2UbfvwXpM3MUhGvv32lhnr0uuu7aNZhRACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzfb0vLZMGk/WVrs7gekweI/AAAAAAAAWng/N1Z2kJF6GP05aHCGE2tfJoJWf5-hs5wvwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzfb0vLZMGk/WVrs7gekweI/AAAAAAAAWng/N1Z2kJF6GP05aHCGE2tfJoJWf5-hs5wvwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
We built a fire and roasted marshmallows for s'mores</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewvuJB6YDe8/WVrtEd-NJiI/AAAAAAAAWoA/Z4-K9aY97S4YSMwCDuCANdf0o26sIuMtwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewvuJB6YDe8/WVrtEd-NJiI/AAAAAAAAWoA/Z4-K9aY97S4YSMwCDuCANdf0o26sIuMtwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0017.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9ywN3IaLXQ/WVrs-i-_EKI/AAAAAAAAWnw/rsXnnQJXiZskwMk0ocih49Ngd3H_JfDYACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9ywN3IaLXQ/WVrs-i-_EKI/AAAAAAAAWnw/rsXnnQJXiZskwMk0ocih49Ngd3H_JfDYACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0067.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyZPRtS33CY/WVrtH2awYRI/AAAAAAAAWoE/-hQ4dVTRuyUY-Kq0NFwIgnjpMs3K_zxnwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyZPRtS33CY/WVrtH2awYRI/AAAAAAAAWoE/-hQ4dVTRuyUY-Kq0NFwIgnjpMs3K_zxnwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0018.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
We had a water balloon fight</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIEjy9fQpkM/WVrtMLkLIlI/AAAAAAAAWoU/BK4EeyZrnko8sZ7xJYRzlPU06Voga85WACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIEjy9fQpkM/WVrtMLkLIlI/AAAAAAAAWoU/BK4EeyZrnko8sZ7xJYRzlPU06Voga85WACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0233.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
And had ice cream (and cocktails!) afterwards</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJu72Foz5cA/WVrtM1u9scI/AAAAAAAAWoY/R7-2DDDznjA4tI1kkxGv5niOi2w6ji-OgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJu72Foz5cA/WVrtM1u9scI/AAAAAAAAWoY/R7-2DDDznjA4tI1kkxGv5niOi2w6ji-OgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0242.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8BF1UXv8pg/WVrtN0feVGI/AAAAAAAAWoc/ODoRQkg9KEo-t8LxF_eJyR-YlBMDgBujQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8BF1UXv8pg/WVrtN0feVGI/AAAAAAAAWoc/ODoRQkg9KEo-t8LxF_eJyR-YlBMDgBujQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0250.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
We ate a lot of meals outside</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wnLz2wPqyo/WVryDycct7I/AAAAAAAAWos/IUvZK70dm2sNWITReeg52PGfgOBrBHjaQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wnLz2wPqyo/WVryDycct7I/AAAAAAAAWos/IUvZK70dm2sNWITReeg52PGfgOBrBHjaQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2555.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iexQYi6NA7c/WVryFdj-2RI/AAAAAAAAWow/9dzMHDyP92UTGC12pqxYnQsdeQvNIfg7gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iexQYi6NA7c/WVryFdj-2RI/AAAAAAAAWow/9dzMHDyP92UTGC12pqxYnQsdeQvNIfg7gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2507.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And just enjoyed summertime<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4efBjbJJrwc/WVrtAGJunRI/AAAAAAAAWn4/nHce3JiGy-wdgxdYThm_AdlDTWkbBfxwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4efBjbJJrwc/WVrtAGJunRI/AAAAAAAAWn4/nHce3JiGy-wdgxdYThm_AdlDTWkbBfxwQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0059.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v2e5na4CO3M/WVrs_F03_fI/AAAAAAAAWn0/lByQ93fJ0YcT4sNf6QIDECM-fDVMcTukwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v2e5na4CO3M/WVrs_F03_fI/AAAAAAAAWn0/lByQ93fJ0YcT4sNf6QIDECM-fDVMcTukwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0062.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TOC5EdRr2Y/WVrtJooC1kI/AAAAAAAAWoI/QeMEJCxRk_EINQIWWj-GEUEDfx6wiBD3wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TOC5EdRr2Y/WVrtJooC1kI/AAAAAAAAWoI/QeMEJCxRk_EINQIWWj-GEUEDfx6wiBD3wCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0222.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZjS9ZjrUZs/WVrtKUOfvbI/AAAAAAAAWoM/VD-xz0J0DukKs9N6mZGLpJtO8nCy2ZghwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZjS9ZjrUZs/WVrtKUOfvbI/AAAAAAAAWoM/VD-xz0J0DukKs9N6mZGLpJtO8nCy2ZghwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzsHxly0pHk/WVrtMG6KRlI/AAAAAAAAWoQ/I7LxS0oUKVUiYFyDf36WNiaD3C1HMQaDACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzsHxly0pHk/WVrtMG6KRlI/AAAAAAAAWoQ/I7LxS0oUKVUiYFyDf36WNiaD3C1HMQaDACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0232.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib1g_t-jKeY/WVryHShu8SI/AAAAAAAAWo4/FULYvNlQj40nZCUQC5fC4NGaFeLEPxE5ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib1g_t-jKeY/WVryHShu8SI/AAAAAAAAWo4/FULYvNlQj40nZCUQC5fC4NGaFeLEPxE5ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0257.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>A cousin is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>- </i>Marion C. Garretty</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njVd2XZIJYo/WVrtP3qhdWI/AAAAAAAAWog/XtCsDjwuZgsJeTugRF8vVxRVtjKHaT3RQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njVd2XZIJYo/WVrtP3qhdWI/AAAAAAAAWog/XtCsDjwuZgsJeTugRF8vVxRVtjKHaT3RQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0249.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-73968483770581841302017-07-02T18:19:00.000-07:002017-07-02T18:19:20.213-07:00Education is a Right in America, So Why Isn't Healthcare? <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dear world leaders,
dear brothers and sisters. Education is not a privilege. Education is a right.
Education is peace. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">–</i>Malala Yousafzai<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Of all the forms of
inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
–
Martin Luther King, Jr. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most Americans put a high value on
education, including myself. We moved to our neighborhood specifically for the
school district and neighborhood schools. Our medically fragile son Grayson, who was born with Leigh Syndrome, a progressive form of Mitochondrial Disease, is currently thriving in public school. Federal law
guarantees Grayson a free and appropriate public education (<a href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/edlite-FAPE504.html" target="_blank">FAPE</a>) in the least
restrictive environment. Obviously, this looks different for each child, depending on his
disability. Grayson is physically and medically able to attend school full time
in a classroom dedicated to students with special needs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_lpBj1TLIP0/WVhi2Ru0V8I/AAAAAAAAWmw/V_gOyvOt4Y0bnP2onKPshaKNWW4WNxQqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_lpBj1TLIP0/WVhi2Ru0V8I/AAAAAAAAWmw/V_gOyvOt4Y0bnP2onKPshaKNWW4WNxQqwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7156.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, Grayson’s education isn’t really free. Texas
public schools are funded by taxes: taxes that everyone pays, one way or
another. Whether or not someone has a child attending a public school, he is
partially paying for that public school and the education of the children
inside. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I have never been
told that my child isn’t entitled to an education. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why? Because education (at least K-12) is a basic right of all American
children, according to our society’s value system. For the most part, we all
willingly pay our fair share to ensure our (collective) children learn in the best
environment, with the latest technology, and the most qualified teachers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Never have I heard
that our family is taking advantage of the system, is a drain on society, or
should have planned better so we could pay for Grayson’s education ourselves.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">But I have been told,
over and over, that my child isn’t entitled to healthcare. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Healthcare is not a basic right, according to our society’s
value system. There are a lot of people who consider it theft if a fraction of
their hard earned money goes to pay for the equipment, supplies, therapies, nursing, and medications Grayson and other children like him need to live and live comfortably. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I have heard that our
family is taking advantage of the system, is a drain on society, and should
plan better so we can pay for Grayson’s healthcare ourselves. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why is education a
basic right but healthcare is not? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not many would disagree that both the education and
healthcare systems in our country are broken. Obviously, there are failing and
under-funded schools, and more often than not, children in wealthier areas have
advantages and receive a better education than children in poorer communities. And then there's Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who wants to privatize our education system with school vouchers, which will undoubetly hurt the poor and <a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/education/reports/2017/02/02/298010/betsy-devos-threat-to-children-with-disabilities/" target="_blank">disabled children</a> in this country. This is, without a doubt, injustice. But no one will completely deny education from poor children due to their families’ inability to pay. And yet, this is exactly what
the GOP wants to do with healthcare. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On our family’s income, we can’t afford private school for
our children. Fortunately, public school is an option for us. All three of my
children will eventually enroll in public school, and our income won’t be a
factor in how many years of schooling they receive, or what they learn in those schools. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s the truth: on our family’s income, we can’t afford
all the healthcare Grayson needs either. And this would be the truth even if my
husband made twice the salary he does and I had a full-time job. We have health
insurance (and yes, we are faced with yearly premium hikes just like so many
other Americans), and we pay into the system. <i>The cost of Grayson's care that private insurance doesn't cover exceeds our income.</i> <i>Affording his care without Medicaid is completely out of our reach</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortunately, Medicaid (through a <a href="https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/long-term-care-providers/medically-dependent-children-program-mdcp" target="_blank">Medicaid waiver program</a>) is currently available to cover the
costs that our private insurance doesn’t cover, costs that we could never afford.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We are not taking
advantage of the system, draining society, or robbing YOU of your hard earned
income by keeping our child alive, just as you aren’t taking advantage of the
system, draining society or robbing US of our hard earned money by sending your
children to public school.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The United States of America prioritizes the education of our children, and its citizens both pay and benefit from that priority. Why can't we do the same to make our society healthier and graciously care for its members who are sick or disabled? Let's start treating and legislating healthcare for what it is: a basic human right. </div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-59868004051992780802017-06-25T10:42:00.002-07:002017-06-25T17:06:16.890-07:00Dear VP Pence, What Exactly Do You Mean by "Personal Responsibility"?Dear Vice President Pence,<br />
<br />
I was scrolling Twitter last night and came across this tweet. And, I'm going to be honest, it triggered something in me. You see, I've been <a href="http://snips-snails-puppydogtales.blogspot.com/2016/11/angry-nablopomo-day-9.html" target="_blank">angry</a> for a long time now, about a lot of things happening in our country. But my anger has been simmering, controlled. Tonight though, it reached a boiling point. I realize I no longer live in a country with values I recognize, or with leadership I trust. And that's infuriating.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfE-oFIfyXE/WU8iPXqifDI/AAAAAAAAWiE/96hlC3kR4c8mWKcKe9LPM89lmThT_WPTACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2308.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfE-oFIfyXE/WU8iPXqifDI/AAAAAAAAWiE/96hlC3kR4c8mWKcKe9LPM89lmThT_WPTACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2308.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
Personal responsibility, Mr. Pence? What exactly are you referring to here? Because I really don't know how my six year old, who is non-verbal, non-ambulatory, exclusively tube fed, vision impaired and medically fragile, who relies on me and a handful of other caregivers for literally <i>everything, </i>is supposed to take personal responsibility for his own health. You know, since it was his fault he was born with an incurable genetic disease. I don't know, maybe if he had just worked a little harder to eat as a baby, instead of throwing up every ounce we gave him, he wouldn't have needed that feeding tube. I guess the hours we've spent in therapy trying to get him to achieve milestones like sitting up and crawling just weren't enough. He should have tried harder, right?<br />
<br />
Regardless of how much he's slacked off in the personal responsibility game, here we are. I have a child who is not, and will not ever be healthy, and you and I both know that's no one's fault, especially not his. But seriously, answer this question for me. <i>If lifetime caps on insurance are allowed to be re-instated, and Medicaid is gutted, how is Grayson supposed to get the thousands upon thousands upon thousands of dollars (and honestly, it's likely millions) worth of healthcare products and services he needs to LIVE?</i> Without access to the health care our private insurance and Medicaid provides, <b>he will die</b>. If I sound a little shrill and dramatic, it's because I am. Put yourself in my shoes, and the shoes of my friends with medically fragile kids.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of miles away from where I tucked my little boy in bed last night, positioning him to ensure he sleeps safely and comfortably, there are a group of white men (no women or people of color, <i>really</i>?) who secretly wrote a bill that makes it clear that the <a href="http://snips-snails-puppydogtales.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-value-of-life.html" target="_blank">value of my son's life</a> has a limit. You're a father. Think about that- what if someone told you that about one of your kids? Would you not fight like hell and maybe get a little dramatic and shrill?<br />
<br />
Oh wait, you say you aren't talking about Grayson himself not having any personal responsibility for his health? Ok, so you mean me? And my husband? Well, my husband works really long hours as a high school teacher and coach, pouring into teenagers and trying to teach them that <i>personal responsibility</i> you seem so fond of. But it's no secret teaching doesn't make one wealthy, and it certainly isn't going to provide the funds necessary to <b>keep my child from dying</b> if we lose insurance and/or Medicaid for him.<br />
<br />
And me? You want to know the weight of my personal responsibility? The crushing weight that every single special needs mother feels, and can't unload? How I lie awake at night wondering, and worrying, about a child's future who has no future apart from me. How sometimes I feel more like his nurse than his mom, or his manager, with all the phone calls and paperwork I have to do on his behalf. How keeping myself healthy (physically and mentally) is so crucial, mainly because how would I take care of Grayson if I were sick or dead? What would happen to him? Don't you dare suggest that I haven't felt, or acted, responsibly.<br />
<br />
Mr. Pence, I know a lot of people who really like you, especially where I live. They voted for and tolerate that moron who picked you as his running mate, but you are the one they think is going to turn this country around, and make it "great" again. Why? Because you're a Christian, and are pro-life. You claim to have Christian values and are going to bring God back into our country. Ok, great. I'm a Christian too. And I love Jesus. But like Ghandi, I don't really like a lot of Christians these days, because they are so unlike my Christ. And honestly, I'm sticking you in that category too. There is absolutely nothing Christ-like or <a href="http://snips-snails-puppydogtales.blogspot.com/2017/05/you-are-not-pro-life.html" target="_blank">pro-life</a> about gutting Medicaid and making the sick and the poor suffer while the rich get richer. Your brand of Christianity is the prosperity gospel- work hard enough, and be the right kind of person, and you will be rewarded. Real life, REALITY, doesn't work like that. Good, hard working people get sick all the time and need expensive care, care that is often the reason they are poor. You think Jesus would agree that the value of Grayson's, or anyone's life, has a monetary limit?<br />
<br />
I noticed you tweeted again the following statement, referring to the original tweet:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlRjajc1jUo/WU8iP9cl3uI/AAAAAAAAWiI/R1mg4KfmJBYX8JN6Iom7-ED3iGodL0VfACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1242" height="293" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlRjajc1jUo/WU8iP9cl3uI/AAAAAAAAWiI/R1mg4KfmJBYX8JN6Iom7-ED3iGodL0VfACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You may be right, that may be the Republican way, but I sure as hell hope you're wrong about it being the American way. This is not the America I want to raise my children in, and they surely won't be taught to embrace these values. <b>Being sick or poor is not a character flaw</b>. We are supposed to take care of each other; instead, you want only those who are rich, able-bodied, or have lived up to some arbitrary measure of "personal responsibility" to have the America you are making to be "great". Well fuck that, Mr. Pence. I am angry, and I will stay angry and fight like hell for my child and all the children and Americans who are being screwed by this inhumane, ridiculous bill. That, I believe, is MY personal responsibility.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com413tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-37240942305339654062017-06-12T19:31:00.001-07:002017-06-12T19:45:59.415-07:00WhirlwindLife just got a lot busier. Last week, I started two new jobs and <a href="https://whole30.com/" target="_blank">Whole30</a>. I was quite overwhelmed (and hungry) but this week, I've organized my schedule and to-dos, and I'm feeling optimistic and happy about my new routine and responsibilities.<br />
<br />
Job #1: I've taken over as the Managing Editor of <a href="http://houston.citymomsblog.com/" target="_blank">Houston Moms Blog</a>. I love to blog, and I also love to play around with words and correct grammar (#nerdalert) so this job was made for me. I'm still learning all the systems, as well as the world of SEO (was totally clueless about that until this week) but am loving it so far. I'll still be blogging there regularly; in fact, my <a href="http://houston.citymomsblog.com/the-hard-is-what-makes-it-great/" target="_blank">latest post</a> was published on HMB today.<br />
<br />
Job #2: I'm back working at <a href="http://www.waggintailspetranch.com/" target="_blank">Waggin' Tails Pet Ranch</a> part-time. I love everything about this job and have wanted to go back for years (but...children). Since Ryan is home for the summer, he is with the kids and I'm able to work 3-4 days/week right now. When school starts again, I'll work while Charlotte and Nolan are in preschool and then some weekends. It's refreshing to be working a job that has nothing to do with parenting...and I can snuggle cute dogs, and then give them back to their owners. (I have absolutely ZERO desire to have a dog of my own right now).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xztm42EOcrs/WT9OAOiS42I/AAAAAAAAWfg/6WfO8eKxkzohAGpEAaFNSM8b_rS48un5ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xztm42EOcrs/WT9OAOiS42I/AAAAAAAAWfg/6WfO8eKxkzohAGpEAaFNSM8b_rS48un5ACLcB/s320/IMG_2071.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Whole30: I've watched a lot of people complete Whole30s in the last year, but I was way intimidated and unmotivated to do it myself (because, basically my love for bread and cheese rank just under my children). Then Ryan and I decided we both needed to make some changes in our eating, so I suggested we try it in June. At the time, June seemed really far off. We started last Sunday, June 4, so I'm just now finishing Day 9. Surprisingly, it's going really well. I had a headache and was cranky for a few days, and I miss toast, but that's about it. I am doing this VERY simply- no fancy recipes are being prepared. I've taken pictures of almost every meal, because for some reason it's satisfying to look and see all the healthy food I've consumed. I'm still waiting for the glowing skin and boundless energy to appear, but overall I feel good and proud of myself and Ryan for doing this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJVmUL_Iksc/WT9OEs4sFtI/AAAAAAAAWfk/P9qWf461PwUqSQwSuDzYvvzMbNRFHQ-WwCEw/s1600/IMG_2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJVmUL_Iksc/WT9OEs4sFtI/AAAAAAAAWfk/P9qWf461PwUqSQwSuDzYvvzMbNRFHQ-WwCEw/s320/IMG_2022.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Kids: My sweet Grayson started summer school today. I stuck him on the bus this morning that was headed to a different school and teacher than he had in Kindergarten (side note: how do I have a 1st grader?!). His sweet teacher (who I haven't met yet) texted me right after dismissal today that he had a great day. I was so happy and relieved. We hired Grayson's previous teacher to work his respite hours this summer. She is amazing with all 3 of the kids and we are loving having her around. Grayson also is doing PT this summer in the pool! I love that he can do summer things like swimming.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf3-eM07dvI/WT9OGUbOsAI/AAAAAAAAWfo/gN_OSvXtNxg1kuT48EjIUfNIU29achDcQCEw/s1600/IMG_2041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf3-eM07dvI/WT9OGUbOsAI/AAAAAAAAWfo/gN_OSvXtNxg1kuT48EjIUfNIU29achDcQCEw/s320/IMG_2041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Charlotte continues to make me laugh as well as frustrate me with her sass, silliness and wit. My goals for Charlotte this summer: teach her to swim and get her to eat less than 100 snacks a day. Good luck, right?<br />
<br />
Nolan is my maniac toddler. He is so LOUD, crazy and cute. He is loving the pool- he goes down the little water slide tons when we go.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y__bA9Xh68/WT9OHhCRpbI/AAAAAAAAWfs/dfqwUFtEVMQ7Jr_Js_8lejFG1qsOd2aSgCEw/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y__bA9Xh68/WT9OHhCRpbI/AAAAAAAAWfs/dfqwUFtEVMQ7Jr_Js_8lejFG1qsOd2aSgCEw/s320/IMG_2073.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
I really wish we could put the younger kids in camps or fun activities this summer, but everything is SO expensive. We are hoping to take a few trips to the ranch and maybe go to Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio next month.<br />
<br />
Here's to summer, new jobs and getting healthy!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-83901387416760928292017-06-04T16:37:00.001-07:002017-06-04T16:37:37.360-07:00Letters to Nolan: 21 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZSzG49qTog/WTQgxAyQjxI/AAAAAAAAWbU/KBPId2HWMeMXZ9M4qtiDgGZMD5YEclGCACLcB/s1600/IMG_1917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZSzG49qTog/WTQgxAyQjxI/AAAAAAAAWbU/KBPId2HWMeMXZ9M4qtiDgGZMD5YEclGCACLcB/s400/IMG_1917.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Dear Nolan,<br />
<br />
Sweet summertime is here! And you, my sweet little boy, are soaking it up. As in, you are soaking wet more often than not these days. Your favorite activity right now is playing with the hose in the backyard. You stand at the back door and say, "Outside! Wet!" begging to go soak yourself. Yesterday, we went to the neighborhood pool for the first time and you fearlessly went down that water slide about 20 times in a row. However, the one time I looked away for 3 seconds while you were supposed to be climbing the steps of the slide, you were running straight for the ladder of the big pool. You are a runner and a limit-tester, and I literally cannot take my eyes off you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-wvmePmF-A/WTQgvGBungI/AAAAAAAAWbM/oE-zNyuWjgYhCSRaGR18QkXHhcGhGjdTwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-wvmePmF-A/WTQgvGBungI/AAAAAAAAWbM/oE-zNyuWjgYhCSRaGR18QkXHhcGhGjdTwCLcB/s400/IMG_1931.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Nolan, at 21 months you:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Weigh 26 pounds, 13 ounces</li>
<li>Wear size 18-24 month clothing (some 2T shirts), size 6 shoes, and size 5 diapers</li>
<li>Cut several teeth this month! You now have 8!</li>
<li>Are sleeping better at night- most days you stay in bed until at least 6:30- Hallelujah! You are also napping fairly consistently- about 2-3 hours a day. </li>
<li>Still love your bottles. I know I should be weaning you from them, but they really are the last "baby" thing left about you, and you are so, so sweet when you drink them and play with your hair at the same time. </li>
<li>Are a fairly good eater, and have started asking for "snacks" a million times a day like your sister. Arg!</li>
<li>Your vocabulary continues to grow. You shout "Charlotte!" more than any other word, and the cutest is when we ask you something and you say, "Ummmm...yeah!" </li>
<li>You also sing! You can sing the ABC song, some of the songs Charlotte learned at school this year, and some non-sensical songs you belt out while dancing. </li>
<li>Have a security object! Since Charlotte is so attached to her beanie baby dog Milton, we decided to try a beanie baby dog with you too. You now have Bo, and he sleeps with you and you get excited when we give him to you. "Bo! Bo!" </li>
<li>Have been very sweet with your big brother lately. You will find his rings or iPad and say "GG" and give them to Grayson. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fXButvO0WpY/WTQf5ONFzZI/AAAAAAAAWbI/9AELJgP2P6gTkQoiryEdM0d0R9e1fd2UwCEw/s1600/IMG_1932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fXButvO0WpY/WTQf5ONFzZI/AAAAAAAAWbI/9AELJgP2P6gTkQoiryEdM0d0R9e1fd2UwCEw/s400/IMG_1932.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nolan, I love you so much. I love your energy, your spunk, and I love watching you discover and learn your world. Happy 21 months and happy summer big guy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Mommy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv0zfWf9-U8/WTQgwOArf2I/AAAAAAAAWbQ/WGIIOtFpsRgoR2Q9Hsk4TASYvIZQu6o0gCEw/s1600/IMG_1919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv0zfWf9-U8/WTQgwOArf2I/AAAAAAAAWbQ/WGIIOtFpsRgoR2Q9Hsk4TASYvIZQu6o0gCEw/s400/IMG_1919.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-31769806654383981062017-05-23T18:48:00.002-07:002017-05-23T18:48:18.829-07:00Just Because He's A PersonA few months ago, I was out with Grayson and engaged in a conversation with some women about a baby in one of their families who was being evaluated for a medical condition. The end result is although treatment is needed, the baby is going to be fine and should lead a normal, healthy life. What struck me, especially since my son was with me, was how she expressed obvious relief that the baby doesn't have any cognitive impairments.<br />
<br />
I spoke up. <br />
<br />
<i>And even if she did, she would still be just as valuable, and her life would be just as important.</i><br />
<br />
The woman agreed, but in sort of a dismissive way. <br />
<br />
Those few minutes have really stuck with me, even weeks and weeks later. <br />
<br />
I get it. No one wants their child or grandchild to have any disabilities, and I suspect, from the outside, cognitive impairment must seem like the most daunting. People whose brains aren't typical, who can't learn, communicate or process information like most, are often pitied. We say that every life matters, that everyone is equally valuable, but do we mean it? Is my son and what he brings to this world as valuable as a gifted child, who may grow up to be a world class scientist, or president? <br />
<br />
I think so, but I don't think most people do. <br />
<br />
Grayson is six years old. He's still relatively little and cute. We get mostly smiles and encouragement from strangers. I get accolades for being his mom. <br />
<br />
But what happens when he's 16, or if he lives to 26? I doubt many will find his drooling, spastic arm movements and noises as acceptable as they do now, and surely he won't be as "cute". He still won't be able to read, talk, or do even the simplest of tasks for himself. Will people see his life be as valuable then? Will they see the healthcare costs required to keep him alive as worth it? <br />
<br />
I hope so, because he will still be Grayson. And he is valuable because he is a person. Period. <br />
<br />
Grayson has speech therapy twice a week. For months, he has been working on hitting a button to activate a toy. Our hope is that some day he will be able to use some sort of communication device, but he'll have to have some eye hand coordination for that. As you can see in the video, he is working SO hard, but his brain and his eyes and his hands just don't quite talk to each other correctly. But he's getting there, and it's an incredible thing to watch. <br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V8zSGazsImM" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
A part of me feels sorry for the woman in my conversation because in some ways, she is the one missing out. Sure, having a neurotypical child is absolutely wonderful. I adore watching Charlotte and Nolan learn new skills and I do marvel at their intelligence. But there is something so magical about watching a child who struggles to do the most basic of skills work on those skills and finally achieve one. Grayson works so hard, but he also knows how loved he is, just because he's Grayson. If he never hits that button ever again, he will be just as valuable, just as loved, and just as accepted. <br />
<div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike><br /></strike></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-40545934687448439562017-05-14T15:43:00.002-07:002017-05-14T15:43:36.175-07:00Viral<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pque60n7Kw/WRjdh2BKikI/AAAAAAAAWZU/XqGIBjnijjkpysZcHstVj-NXeO09jCSvACLcB/s1600/write.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pque60n7Kw/WRjdh2BKikI/AAAAAAAAWZU/XqGIBjnijjkpysZcHstVj-NXeO09jCSvACLcB/s320/write.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Most people who know me well know I love <i>Hamilton</i>, and one of the themes I love most about the musical is Alexander Hamilton's use of the written word to inspire revolution, change, and to build his own legacy. I'm no Alexander Hamilton, but this week has taught me that my writing can make a difference and cause people to think, and even change. <br />
<br />
Last Friday, I had about thirty minutes before I needed to wake Nolan from his nap to pick up Charlotte from preschool. The day before, the House had voted to pass their version of the American Health Care Act and the Republicans were day-drinking to celebrate a bill that suddenly made my child's future even more uncertain. My friend Kyla, who wrote an amazingly articulate and well-researched <a href="https://ourlifeis.com/2017/03/10/dear-ivanka-lets-talk-about-the-ahca/" target="_blank">post</a> that went viral on the original AHCA bill, commented on a picture of Grayson I had posted on Facebook. <br />
<br />
"They better keep the phrase 'pro-life' off their lips after this; they voted for government-sanctioned death."<br />
<br />
Her comment stuck with me, and I began to think about all the ways the Republican bill directly contradicted their claimed "Pro-Life" stance. I thought about posting a picture to social media with my thoughts, but I kept thinking of more points. So that Friday, in about 20 minutes, watching the clock so I wasn't late for pick-up, I pounded out a short, 350 word <a href="http://snips-snails-puppydogtales.blogspot.com/2017/05/you-are-not-pro-life.html" target="_blank">post</a>. I read over it quickly for typos, added a picture, hit Publish, and shared it publicly on Facebook. <br />
<br />
I figured my post would cause a mild stir among my Facebook friends- some would love it, but some would surely be offended and hate it. I literally had no idea what was about to happen. <br />
<br />
That afternoon, Charlotte and I rode up with my parents to the ranch, and I noticed that my post was being shared quite a bit by friends. All weekend, I watched the Share numbers rise, but I didn't think until Sunday to check my pageviews (because this is a tiny little blog that makes no money, so who cares, right?). I was absolutely blown away to see that it had been viewed 8,000 times, twice as many as my previous <a href="http://snips-snails-puppydogtales.blogspot.com/2012/09/september-11-2012.html" target="_blank">most popular post</a>. <br />
<br />
The next day, I continued to be shocked (and honestly a little freaked out) at how my pageviews and FB shares were rapidly climbing. The blog started getting lots of comments, and I read each one. One comment was from a Senior Editor at The Huffington Post, saying they would love to republish the post if I was interested. I emailed her, and she gave me instructions. I tweaked the post a little bit to give some background on Grayson, and they <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/you-are-not-pro-life_us_59121e6be4b0e070cad7098a" target="_blank">published it</a> that afternoon. It was featured the next day on both the main HuffPost as well as HuffPost Parents Facebook pages. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
As I am sitting here writing this post, my pageviews just hit over 1.5 MILLION on the original post published on this blog (I don't have a way of seeing stats on the HuffPost). Between the original post and the HuffPost version, it's been shared on Facebook 55,000 times. <br />
<br />
So, it's been a crazy week in my blogging life. I've always secretly wanted to write a post that would go viral, and I find it super hilarious and weird that the one that did was such an off-the-cuff, last minute brain dump. This may (probably will) be the only time this happens, so I wanted to document my experience of "going viral".<br />
<ul>
<li>Above all, it's pretty damn cool. I'll be honest, I'm excited. It's been fun to refresh my blog stats and watch the numbers climb. </li>
<li>I'm so proud that literally millions of people have seen my precious son and know a little of his story. I hope that the message of my post impacted even a few people and led them to think about the terms "Pro-Life" and "Pro-Choice" in a different way. And actually I've had several people tell me they "never thought about it like this before."</li>
<li>It's unnerving. This blog is where I've poured my heart out for 7 years, and there's a ton of personal, emotional thoughts in it. I more than doubled my total pageviews for the blog in just one week. The fact that in one week, a million and a half people (most of them new readers) clicked onto my little space on the internet feels strange, and vulnerable. </li>
<li>I've been really self conscious about my writing on the original post, mostly because it was/is so raw and with so little editing. The sentences are really long- a big no-no in journalism. But, I guess it resonated with a ton of people, so I'm trying not to pick my writing apart too much. </li>
<li>I realized that I have a really thick skin when it comes to negative comments and trolls. And oh, the trolls. The advice is "Never read the comments." Well, I read a lot of them. And mostly I just shook my head and rolled my eyes at the most vile. To be honest, the silence of some people who I am closest too hurts way more than any stranger lashing out on me on Facebook. </li>
<li>I learned that there are A LOT of people who have weak reading comprehension skills and completely missed the point of my post. "What kind of a mother wishes she would have aborted her baby?" (Ummm....not what I said. At all).</li>
<li>My favorite (negative) comment was from a woman who told me that my child being on Medicaid was theft and it was the same as coming into her house and robbing her. That I should ask my church and set up a GoFundMe to pay for G's medical bills. She even said if I set one up, she'd contribute at least $100. People are nuts. </li>
<li>This experience has both reignited my passion for writing as well as my resolve to keep fighting and resisting the political shit-show that is going on in our country right now. There's too much on the line for me personally as well as for millions of Americans for me to be silent. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Yeah, what a crazy week. <br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-10698109181648885482017-05-05T11:26:00.004-07:002017-05-08T07:39:43.134-07:00Letters to Nolan: 20 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl3ZP_eDETU/WQzDb6NkGSI/AAAAAAAAWVo/IXUGP5tn7EsfCp4iiqqaJQyvikpUKo8dACLcB/s1600/Nolan20months4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl3ZP_eDETU/WQzDb6NkGSI/AAAAAAAAWVo/IXUGP5tn7EsfCp4iiqqaJQyvikpUKo8dACLcB/s320/Nolan20months4.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Dear Nolan,<br />
<br />
The main thing I have to say about you being 20 months is you are cute. You're wild and naughty, but you're cute while you're giving me more and more grey hairs every day. I will say, though, there is definitely more purpose in your naughtiness these days. Instead of pulling things off the counter just to destroy them, you see what you want and do whatever it takes to get that item to play with (nevermind that sometimes it's a knife or permanent marker). I spend much of my day chasing you as you run away from me, giggling with your blue eyes twinkling.<br />
<br />
Can we talk about your sleep for a minute? It's horrendous. Actually, you are napping like a champ, but I think that's only because you REFUSE to sleep past 5:30 am. And you still wake up 2-3 times a night before then. Whhhhyyyyy??? Whatever the reason, I need to find a way to reset your internal clock because that alarm goes off way too early. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-isTKih6Rmjs/WQzDhq2cYUI/AAAAAAAAWV0/vL26n41z1aATttDomH8BFrnoPaghdU6WQCEw/s1600/Nolan20months3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-isTKih6Rmjs/WQzDhq2cYUI/AAAAAAAAWV0/vL26n41z1aATttDomH8BFrnoPaghdU6WQCEw/s320/Nolan20months3.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Nolan, at 20 months you:<br />
<ul>
<li>Weigh 25 pounds</li>
<li>Wear size 18 month and 18-24 month clothing, size 5 diapers and size 6 shoes</li>
<li>Have 6 teeth</li>
<li>Talk all the time and have more words than I can count now. I love your little voice. You just recently started saying "Charlotte" really clearly and it's about the cutest thing ever. </li>
<li>Hate having your diaper changed (and I hate changing it). There are more important things in this world to throw fits about, dude. </li>
<li>Run really fast</li>
<li>Bite people when you are mad. So far, you haven't bitten anyone that isn't in our family, but geez, stop it. </li>
<li>Love to be naked</li>
<li>Get SO excited when your daddy gets home from work</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWAL-2baKpM/WQzDhisuE3I/AAAAAAAAWVs/PBKiwnr4c3QI42yaIRV00-cNbEZQwZ2XwCEw/s1600/Nolan20months2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWAL-2baKpM/WQzDhisuE3I/AAAAAAAAWVs/PBKiwnr4c3QI42yaIRV00-cNbEZQwZ2XwCEw/s320/Nolan20months2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nolan, my sweet little guy, I sure do love you. And yes, you are the cutest. Happy 20 months!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Mommy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qyv4EZ4LQIo/WQzDhjEXu7I/AAAAAAAAWVw/R9X3sT8U1dA1xdyoeo7QXgST3UpvbPfSQCEw/s1600/Nolan20months1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qyv4EZ4LQIo/WQzDhjEXu7I/AAAAAAAAWVw/R9X3sT8U1dA1xdyoeo7QXgST3UpvbPfSQCEw/s320/Nolan20months1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-89733534242263576052017-05-05T11:00:00.000-07:002017-05-06T19:47:27.294-07:00You Are Not Pro-Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GeWQ5udmYCk/WQy0q7NE0oI/AAAAAAAAWVA/3TpKlmICh0U5L_EdPDGoMsdhSWIGzT7awCLcB/s1600/graysonthenandnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GeWQ5udmYCk/WQy0q7NE0oI/AAAAAAAAWVA/3TpKlmICh0U5L_EdPDGoMsdhSWIGzT7awCLcB/s320/graysonthenandnow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The picture on the left is a 3D ultrasound image of Grayson at 30 weeks gestation. The one on the right is him now, at 6 years old. If you are a pro-life Republican who is vocal about passing legislation that would protect the sanctity of life of the baby on the left, but are silent regarding legislation that will strip healthcare benefits for the child on the right, you are not pro-life. <br />
<br />
If you are willing to accept a law that will make a C-section a pre-existing condition (and thus make future health care harder to get and more expensive), then morally demand that a woman carry a baby who is incompatible with life to term, you are not pro-life.<br />
<br />
If you want a woman to be legally obligated to bring a baby into the world who is diagnosed in utero with profound medical needs, but then won't accept any responsibility as a member of society to care for those needs, you are not pro-life. <br />
<br />
If you clutch your pearls at the mention of comprehensive sex education or get riled up about "paying for someone else's birth control" because your moral code is abstinence, you are part of the abortion problem. It has been shown over and over again that abstinence-only programs do not work in preventing unwanted pregnancies. Contraception works. You are not pro-life.<br />
<br />
If you support the latest version of the AHCA, you are literally incentivizing abortion. There are women who will now abort for fear of themselves or their child being considered a "preexisting condition" and unable to get insurance. You can't have it both ways. You can't call yourself pro-life and stand by idly while millions of people are stripped of their healthcare benefits. If you think the right to be born is a basic human right, but access to healthcare is not, you are not pro-life. <br />
<br />
If you are truly pro-life (womb to tomb), please call your senators today and demand that they vote NO on the ACHA. It takes just a few minutes. Please. There's too much at stake to be apathetic about this issue. Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com251tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-86313826032608333212017-05-04T18:48:00.000-07:002017-05-04T18:52:01.889-07:00The Value of a LifeI haven't blogged in a long time. My writing last fall has had significant consequences with my real-life relationships, and I've needed time to process that reality as well as reflect on the impact of putting all my thoughts out there in the world. I've been reading a lot, listening a lot, and learning a lot. I've tried hard to understand, to see the nuance in so many of our political conversations, and to channel my anger and frustration into productive conversations and actions. I've been deliberate in engaging in in-person conversations rather than Facebook debates, but to be honest, I've left most of those baffled. <br />
<br />
Today, the House voted to move the latest version of Trump's "healthcare" bill forward. And it became crystal clear the value our country places on the disabled and people with greater than average healthcare needs. <br />
<br />
If this bill passes, there will be significant cuts to Medicaid (projected spending cut of $840 billion over 10 years in order to offset the revenue lost with tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans). The person elected to represent me voted today that the monetary value of my son's life has a limit. That the bottom line, and saving rich people money, is more important than his therapies, medical supplies, equipment, medications, nursing, and the care he gets in the hospital and from his doctors. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQVHHlPFIBA/WQvZqIGcGhI/AAAAAAAAWUs/0C4y_dZ8ZT8fhbjTx7Sqi5Pu7bjMKxAwQCLcB/s1600/stander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQVHHlPFIBA/WQvZqIGcGhI/AAAAAAAAWUs/0C4y_dZ8ZT8fhbjTx7Sqi5Pu7bjMKxAwQCLcB/s320/stander.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I read today that on average it is 4 times more expensive to raise a special needs child than a typical child. I think in our case, it's much more than that. The costs of everything Grayson requires are astronomical. For example, Grayson got a new stander this week. Because he doesn't walk, he is in danger of his muscles atrophying and his bones becoming brittle and breaking. The standing program strengthens his muscles and will hopefully prevent future (costly) problems. The cost of this one piece of equipment: $8,200. There is no way we would be able to afford even a fraction of that cost, let alone all the things required to, at a minimum, keep G alive. Tube feeding him costs more than $1,000 a month. He now takes nine medications a day plus several more as needed. I don't know the total cost but I do know one of his specialty meds cost $900 a month. We pay $100 out of pocket each month for his vitamin cocktail. The point is, the cost of Grayson's medical expenses far exceeds our monthly income. For our family, Medicaid is crucial. <br />
<br />
I truly don't understand why the party claiming to be pro-life thinks it's perfectly acceptable to cut funding which protects the lives of the most vulnerable. Why is abortion considered murder if it's not murder to let people die from lack of adequate health care? Really, I want to know the answer to this question. <br />
<br />
I'm not surprised by the vote today. I'm saddened, furious, and scared, especially for kids like Grayson, but I'm not surprised. Trump doesn't care about my kid. Paul Ryan doesn't care. The Republicans in Congress don't care. We put them there, against our own interests, and apparently I'm still really, really angry. <br />
<br />
Please start calling your senators about this mess. This just cannot pass. If you voted for Trump, this is not what he promised during his campaign- please hold him accountable. Please. The value of my child's life is limitless. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-55292779962440286882017-04-03T11:19:00.005-07:002017-04-03T11:19:44.529-07:00Letters to Nolan: 19 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QrPTDRWa6m8/WOKR2XUNu-I/AAAAAAAAV7M/3ClrUQVuFJAWq3dsNwDvVEwhTtf0IBSMgCLcB/s1600/19months3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QrPTDRWa6m8/WOKR2XUNu-I/AAAAAAAAV7M/3ClrUQVuFJAWq3dsNwDvVEwhTtf0IBSMgCLcB/s400/19months3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_65706526"></span><span id="goog_65706527"><br /></span>
Dear Nolan,<br />
<br />
You are now more than halfway through your second year! You're 19 months old, but you think you're 12, the way you try to do so many "big kid" things. You so badly want to ride a bike, climb to the top of the playground structure without me hovering over you, and do whatever the older kids are doing. To be honest, this is causing you a lot of frustration and me a lot of anxiety. You and I are having a tough time with each other these days. I tell you "NO!" about 100 times a day and you've started saying it right back to me, before you burst into tears. You really aren't interested in anything that's not destructive or dangerous, and the tension this causes is overwhelming. However, just when I think you are going to finally send me right over the edge, you crawl into my lap and lay your head on my shoulder, and I'm reminded that you're still my baby and this stage is just as hard on you as it is on me. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glk-Mz2FeA8/WOKR18Pt3kI/AAAAAAAAV7A/OY5m8A3iXHoK2xzivHSb3IrByB76RgLqACLcB/s1600/19months2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glk-Mz2FeA8/WOKR18Pt3kI/AAAAAAAAV7A/OY5m8A3iXHoK2xzivHSb3IrByB76RgLqACLcB/s320/19months2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Nolan at 19 months you:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Weigh 25 pounds, 1 ounce</li>
<li>Wear size 12-18 and 18 month clothing, size 5 diapers and size 5 or 6 shoes</li>
<li>Still only have 5 teeth</li>
<li>Are napping really well these days, although most days you don't sleep past 5:30 in the morning, no matter what time we put you to bed</li>
<li>Still drink milk from a bottle, and I've lost motivation to wean you from it right now. We've switched you to almond milk from cows milk (cows milk was making you constipated- no fun) and you LOVE it. And you play with your hair when you drink your milk which is the cutest. </li>
<li>Talk, talk, talk. Every day you are adding new words. You aren't as articulate as your sister was at this age, but I can usually decipher what you're trying to say, even if no one else can. The words you use the most are Mama and Dada, Char (Charlotte), G (Grayson), My Show (when you want to watch TV), Banana, Shoe, Ba (Bottle), Sna (Snack), Outside, and NO (with a whip of your head). </li>
<li>You love to be outside more than anything else and you scream when it's time to come back in. </li>
<li>You hate getting into the car. You now have a big boy carseat which you liked for a few days, and now you are back to hysterics every time we put you in it. </li>
<li>Have lots of nicknames. I keep forgetting to write about this, but our very favorite one is "CoCo Jane", given to you by your quirky big sister. We have no idea where it came from, but it's stuck. Charlotte calls you "Jane" about half the time and "Noley" the other half. I know when you're a teenager you'll love knowing that we called you "CoCo Jane" when you were a toddler- ha ha!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGazj3RDKfU/WOKR2EKyOtI/AAAAAAAAV7E/4bK5f6yHVyQiv2CxBflZo7ej5tyihCAxQCEw/s1600/19months1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGazj3RDKfU/WOKR2EKyOtI/AAAAAAAAV7E/4bK5f6yHVyQiv2CxBflZo7ej5tyihCAxQCEw/s400/19months1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Despite your nickname, you are a stereotypical boy- WILD! You are loud. You climb on everything. I can't keep you off the kitchen table, and you regularly scale the desk in Grayson's room and anything you can outside. You have scraped up knees, and stained clothes. But you are so, so cute and can be the sweetest, most loving child. You and I will both make it through this challenging stage- I know we will. I love you so, so much my crazy boy. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiPyUrBru_8/WOKR2KvU92I/AAAAAAAAV7I/FPFvULO05_87T3Ng6k6-6gm57A_jTbW_wCEw/s1600/19months4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiPyUrBru_8/WOKR2KvU92I/AAAAAAAAV7I/FPFvULO05_87T3Ng6k6-6gm57A_jTbW_wCEw/s400/19months4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Mommy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBl22vAErDQ/WOKR2T879JI/AAAAAAAAV7Q/0BRaYulhCC4v7h7U7nmwDYuWFMcgTXjVACEw/s1600/19months5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBl22vAErDQ/WOKR2T879JI/AAAAAAAAV7Q/0BRaYulhCC4v7h7U7nmwDYuWFMcgTXjVACEw/s400/19months5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-78000916143740381752017-03-05T12:41:00.003-08:002017-03-05T12:41:39.016-08:00Letters to Nolan: 18 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F7XF1sJc99k/WLx3nO-yYFI/AAAAAAAAVts/Diu27die1tUmao20dDNHflA0zzVix2dwgCLcB/s1600/18months3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F7XF1sJc99k/WLx3nO-yYFI/AAAAAAAAVts/Diu27die1tUmao20dDNHflA0zzVix2dwgCLcB/s320/18months3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Dear Nolan,<br />
<br />
Happy 18 months, just a few days late! We've had a rough few weeks of sickness in our house and I'm a little behind on real life stuff right now. You, Charlotte and I all had flu-like symptoms for a few days, and you were diagnosed with your very first ear infection.Your doctor said it was remarkable that you hadn't had one until now, but it didn't make life any easier. Thankfully, we are all feeling much better now and you are back to your energetic, crazy toddler self. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9cVdLJuRfPw/WLx3vvqSHMI/AAAAAAAAVtw/JnCWWxhkdasgz2A3j0vpkhhro-K1Zr7SACLcB/s1600/18months1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9cVdLJuRfPw/WLx3vvqSHMI/AAAAAAAAVtw/JnCWWxhkdasgz2A3j0vpkhhro-K1Zr7SACLcB/s320/18months1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
There's just something about having a child turn 18 months old (and especially when that child is my last baby). It feels like we are slowly but surely putting all things "baby" behind us and adapting to full-fledged toddler life. Of course, you are still very much attached to your bottles and we have no plans to move you out of your crib anytime soon, but the way you play rough and tumble, climb, and voice your VERY LOUD opinions is miles and miles from the sleepy newborn we brought home a year and a half ago. <br />
<br />
Nolan, at 18 months you:<br />
<ul>
<li>Weigh 24 pounds 8 ounces</li>
<li>Wear size 18 month and 18-24 month clothing, size 5 shoes and size 5 diapers</li>
<li>Got a tooth this past month, so now you have a whopping 5 teeth</li>
<li>Are doing better, but still aren't sleeping through the night. But at least you aren't waking up before 6:00 am anymore, so I'll take it, for now</li>
<li>Are mimicking us a lot and saying a lot of individual words, although not consistently. But you are constantly "talking", so I know verbal communication is coming</li>
<li>Finally have a "big boy" carseat after almost 18 months in the infant carrier. You are much happier sitting up tall beside your sister. </li>
<li>Love to give Grayson hugs. You'll snuggle up next to him, lay your head on him and say "Aaaaaa" and it's pretty much the sweetest thing ever</li>
<li>Adore Charlotte but also think it's hilarious to torture her by pulling off her headband, taking her toys or pushing down her block towers. Sigh. </li>
<li>Are loving being outside more and more and will go to the backdoor and whine to go out.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0lmTBGczKY/WLx33r10ovI/AAAAAAAAVt0/6LxpoftyYvkL2gskORM1BxYKLMvTkG3hACLcB/s1600/18months2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0lmTBGczKY/WLx33r10ovI/AAAAAAAAVt0/6LxpoftyYvkL2gskORM1BxYKLMvTkG3hACLcB/s320/18months2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nolan, we love you so much. You make life busy, messy, sweet, hilarious, and fun. Happy half birthday sweet boy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love, </div>
<div>
Mommy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0hmoARDeKU/WLx38Vk17cI/AAAAAAAAVt4/h1NYUo1en3Qi-UBDzW_enec437l8f8ingCLcB/s1600/18months4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0hmoARDeKU/WLx38Vk17cI/AAAAAAAAVt4/h1NYUo1en3Qi-UBDzW_enec437l8f8ingCLcB/s320/18months4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-44019712557945367762017-02-01T17:41:00.001-08:002017-02-01T17:41:13.077-08:00Letters to Nolan: 17 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKTw9QZydec/WJKNstauBYI/AAAAAAAAVpE/QxS5Inl-QlAu5JGPyUn_717WahrBtZnoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0203%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKTw9QZydec/WJKNstauBYI/AAAAAAAAVpE/QxS5Inl-QlAu5JGPyUn_717WahrBtZnoQCLcB/s320/IMG_0203%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Dear Nolan,<br />
<br />
Wow, January really flew by! The first snuck up on me today, and I didn't realize until late afternoon that you turned 17 months old today. We did some quick photos on the couch; thankfully you were in a great mood and giggled as I tried to make you sit still for more than half a second at a time. These days, I can hardly keep up with you. You are constantly moving, either running, climbing, or flipping your body away from me as I try to get you dressed. Your mouth moves as fast as your body; I think you may rival your sister in talking as soon as you learn how to string words together. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJiDVBk747Q/WJKN5Z-dKZI/AAAAAAAAVpI/cnLpY4QIqLQAAmX0EyjOnZ4_NC69X3AywCLcB/s1600/IMG_0213%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJiDVBk747Q/WJKN5Z-dKZI/AAAAAAAAVpI/cnLpY4QIqLQAAmX0EyjOnZ4_NC69X3AywCLcB/s320/IMG_0213%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Nolan, at 17 months you: <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Weigh 24 pounds, 13 ounces</li>
<li> Wear size 18 month clothing, size 5 shoe and size 4 diaper</li>
<li>Still have only 4 teeth, but I think one of the top ones may be about to poke through</li>
<li>Are starting to say a few more actual words, and you constantly babble, grunt, and point.</li>
<li>Have a really quick temper and have started hitting, pulling hair, and biting when you don't get your way. We are going to have to nip this in the bud, bud. </li>
<li>Have no separation anxiety and love going to the church nursery, MOPS, and are fine being left with babysitters</li>
<li>Had your first ER visit last week. You were in respiratory distress at urgent care and they sent us to the hospital. You were diagnosed with Hand, Foot Mouth, given a breathing treatment and a steroid, and 24 hours later you were good as new. </li>
<li>Love to torment your sister by taking her things and running away, but you also adore her and always want to be near her.</li>
<li>Love your brother and will give him hugs and kisses when you see him</li>
<li>Are still a pretty terrible sleeper, but I guess we are just used to it by now. Sigh.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zyrjetz03TI/WJKOBVum_9I/AAAAAAAAVpM/10s0X_aZPIM7LkT3Z_XSKJQ0hNXxgPgYwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0209%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zyrjetz03TI/WJKOBVum_9I/AAAAAAAAVpM/10s0X_aZPIM7LkT3Z_XSKJQ0hNXxgPgYwCLcB/s320/IMG_0209%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You are messy, naughty, and wear me out, but you are also the sweetest cuddler with the best smile, and oh, how I love you so. Happy 17 months!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Mommy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSiHcQPKKkc/WJKOLfRLBUI/AAAAAAAAVpQ/XVspqrLlcDYBYsYuySZrLzUrq8XKiDbHACLcB/s1600/IMG_0202%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSiHcQPKKkc/WJKOLfRLBUI/AAAAAAAAVpQ/XVspqrLlcDYBYsYuySZrLzUrq8XKiDbHACLcB/s320/IMG_0202%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-57888052998333082762017-01-29T18:24:00.000-08:002017-01-29T18:24:00.160-08:00DoneI have lived my entire life in a safe, comfortable, Christian bubble. My testimony up until very recently would bore you to tears; I followed the rules, and literally have not one skeleton in my closet. I stayed in the background, and didn't ever question the religion that professed love, kindness, and a savior that guaranteed a ticket to Heaven. <br />
<br />
But the thing is, I no longer identify with the brand of Christianity that raised me. Today, that brand looks a whole lot more like nationalism than it does Jesus.<br />
<br />
I'm seeing the very people who taught me to love my enemy and the meaning behind the story of the Good Samaritan embrace policies that turn away hurting and desperate refugees because of their nationality. <br />
<br />
I'm seeing women whom I've looked to as Biblical examples cheer the return to "America First" and "taking care of our own", and yet, I can't find anything in my Bible to support that ideology. <br />
<br />
I'm seeing post after post from Pro-Life Christians professing All Lives Matter, but then those same people are silent when actual innocent lives are disrupted or threatened by our own government.<br />
<br />
And I'm continually reminded that the religion that taught me that I ought to live by the Ten Commandments, the Fruit of the Spirit and the B-Attitudes elected and is now supporting a man who is obsessed with self-promotion, building walls and with how far he can take his power. <br />
<br />
And I'm done. <br />
<br />
How is this making America great? We want God back in our country? How about we start by showing Jesus to people fleeing literal carnage (not the supposed widespread American carnage Trump referred to in his inaugural speech) instead of telling them they aren't welcome here? Instead of rolling our eyes at protestors at the airports, why don't we join them in demanding people be treated with dignity and be allowed to be reunited with their families, homes, and jobs? America will never be great if we praise God on Sunday but turn our backs on the oppressed, hurting, and least of these every other day of the week. <br />
<br />
There are plenty of political justifications (although I would argue a lot of them are also immoral) for the crap Trump has pulled in just 9 days in office. But don't try and justify them with Jesus, or American evangelical Christianity. <br />
<br />
I'm just not buying it anymore. Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-31321551240306724242017-01-23T09:17:00.000-08:002017-01-27T09:22:20.092-08:00Letters to Charlotte: 4 Years<div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NbR8X2Z4E0s/WIuBo4v6peI/AAAAAAAAVmE/EY6CnOrJUnM/I/photo_792410.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br></div>Dear Charlotte,<br>Happy Birthday to my best girl! Last Friday, you turned four years old, and I think both of us are very much looking forward to this coming year. Age three was a year of a lot of growth for you, and while I will always carry sweet memories of you at age three, I won't soon forget how challenging it was either. But recently, I see a side of you emerging that is softer, and more mature, and I can't wait to see who Four Year Old Charlotte turns out to be. <div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6s3AU0zlDwU/WIuBtb25EGI/AAAAAAAAVmI/_kOkKWoacL8/I/photo_541124.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>Charlotte, at 4 years old you:<br><ul><li>Weigh 34.8 pounds (52%) and are 39.25 inches tall (43%)</li><li>Wear size 4T clothes and size 8 shoes</li><li>Went an entire year without being sick once</li><li>Know all your letters and most of their sounds. You are obsessed with the letter "C" and point out "C for Charlotte" letters constantly</li><li>Are beginning to write letters although you don't have much interest in it most days</li><li>Love to play pretend, swing, watch your shows, and do any kind of art project</li><li>Cannot stand to be by yourself. It's a struggle to get you to go to your room or play room if anyone else in the family is downstairs</li><li>Finally are turning around your relationship with Grayson. Lately, you have been really sweet to him- giving him hugs and kisses and bringing him toys</li><li>Adore Nolan and love playing with him, but you also get super frustrated with him when he takes your stuff or messes up your projects. I don't blame you. But for the most part you are sweet to him and my favorite thing is to hear you encourage and praise him. </li><li>Love school and are always happy to go. Your favorite class is still drama.</li><li><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NIYcZq_zLDw/WIuBu25Qx8I/AAAAAAAAVmM/9V0nUYoAK3g/I/photo_760873.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OAM-TdF-Q3M/WIuBw30bAYI/AAAAAAAAVmQ/Pam53FXGmas/I/photo_130778.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>We had a tea party on Saturday with a few close friends and family, and you absolutely loved it. You colored flower pots and planted seeds, played in the backyard with your friends, ate Chick Fil A nuggets and drank "tea" (hot cocoa) from real glass tea cups. Aunt Hannah made gorgeous, delicious cupcakes, and you got some really great new toys and art supplies.</li></ul><div><br></div><div>Charlotte, you know I love you so, so much. You make me laugh, sometimes cry, and always feel so lucky that God chose me to be your mommy. Happy 4 years, sweet girl. </div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wxZ2tPKfAwc/WIuBy4h4DsI/AAAAAAAAVmU/54fGpSbm6d4/I/photo_345229.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div></div><div><br></div><div>Love, Mommy</div></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-2120967101254951082017-01-01T09:01:00.001-08:002017-01-01T15:33:36.891-08:00Letters to Nolan: 16 Months<div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cdo46vDqVNU/WGmRu7pzVDI/AAAAAAAAVik/Tr2VMzIjS6Y/I/photo_859348.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br></div>Dear Nolan,<br><br>Happy New Year little dude! It's hard to believe you have been here for parts of three calendar years already. You are now a full-fledged TODDLER- full of energy, curiosity, and naughtiness. You are into everything, and your name has never been more appropriate because you hear the first syllable about 1000 times a day. <div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z6AVYA5lHTc/WGmRwuqaJkI/AAAAAAAAVio/AnwaC3t88iY/I/photo_568401.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>Nolan, at 16 months you:<br><ul><li>Weigh 23 pounds 4 ounces</li><li>Wear size 12-18 and 18 month clothing, size 4 diapers and size 5 shoes</li><li>Have 4 teeth that are now fully "in" (no sign of any others coming in though)</li><li>You have a temper. You get frustrated and MAD really fast, and you scream and bang your head on objects or people. Stop that! You have a nice bruise on your forehead from banging your head on the tile. </li><li>You are starting to be a lot more verbal. You say Mama, Dada, Bye Bye and Ta Da! regularly, but you mostly just point and grunt to get what you want. </li><li>Just this week, you had your first sick visit to the doctor. We tried a new pediatrician and really liked her. She diagnosed you with bronchiolitis and prescribed rest and fluids. Your breathing sounded awful for a few days but you are definitely on the mend. </li><li>You are now refusing to eat your previous favorite food, blueberries. You will eat any other berry I give you but throw blueberries on the floor. Weird. </li><li>You are drinking whole milk from bottles and I'm not in any hurry to wean you from them. </li><li>You either refuse to nap or nap 2.5+ hours. The key to you taking a good nap is to put you down before 11 am. You go to bed at 6:00 pm, wake up once or twice at night and get up for the day about 6 am. (And it doesn't matter when we put you to bed- you are up at or before 6).</li><li>You fight like crazy with your sister but she is still your favorite person.</li></ul><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H_Z2YFdXffI/WGmRyTBILrI/AAAAAAAAVis/4A7NDki7WyY/I/photo_872117.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br></div><div>Nolan, these early toddler months are challenging, frustrating, but also full of snuggles, laughter and lots of love. You are so cute and we just adore you, naughtiness and all. </div><div><br></div><div>Love,</div><div>Mommy</div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nigTaJYLfno/WGmRz5kArXI/AAAAAAAAViw/HDoC4cxe6ak/I/photo_665904.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br></div><div><br></div></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-31226129110318695912016-12-31T13:47:00.000-08:002016-12-31T13:47:03.540-08:002016 In Review<b><i>The Bad of 2016</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li>The first quarter of the year consisted some of the most stressful months of my life. Nolan was still an infant who wouldn't stop screaming. Our house was on the market and it was a constant battle to keep it picked up and clean with three children. Selling the house proved to be a nightmare, with one obstacle after another. I really thought I was going to crumble under the stress. </li>
<li>The amount of time I spent driving in Houston traffic from January to May nearly killed me</li>
<li>Our friend Caroline passed away in the spring, my grandfather in the summer, and our friend Kaiman just a few weeks ago</li>
<li>Charlotte has been three years old for all but three weeks of 2016. Enough said. </li>
<li>This year, I've found parenting to be way more frustrating than enjoyable. </li>
<li>I'm angry and fearful about the future of our government </li>
<li>I'm struggling with the Church and how I fit in as a more liberal Christian. </li>
<li>I barely cooked at all the whole year. But I'm fixing that with my InstantPot. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>The Good of 2016</i></b></div>
<ul>
<li>We moved to our new house in a wonderful neighborhood and have some great neighbors</li>
<li>Grayson has had a relatively good year health-wise: He recovered really fast from surgery to remove the hardware from his hips, and he hasn't been sick as much as in the past. </li>
<li>Both Grayson and Charlotte started new schools and we couldn't be more pleased with them. They have incredible teachers and they both love going to school. </li>
<li>The school bus might be my favorite part of 2016. </li>
<li>I was invited to join Houston Moms Blog. I have a ton of new, amazing friends and get to write for a larger audience. Definitely one of the highlights of the year. </li>
<li>My brother got married and I have an amazing new sister in law and a cute new niece and nephew. Downside: they live in Australia. </li>
<li>I got a lot of clarity on where I stand on political, social and moral issues. </li>
<li>I found a ton of new podcasts that I love</li>
<li>I blogged every day for 30 days in November and revived my love of writing</li>
<li><i>Hamilton</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><i>What I Learned in 2016</i></b></div>
<ul>
<li>I can love people wholly and dearly and still be angry and disappointed with them at the same time</li>
<li>Young toddlers are the cutest, yet most maddening and frustrating creatures on the planet</li>
<li>To drink and enjoy beer</li>
<li>To drink coffee (almost) black</li>
<li>I am totally satisfied with my family and am 100% content with being done having babies</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i><b>My goals for 2017</b></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Revive my creative side and hopefully use it to make money again</li>
<li>Keep blogging regularly</li>
<li>Cook dinner</li>
<li>Enjoy my children more that I did this year</li>
<li>Do something other than debate on Facebook to change the world </li>
<li>Keep reading/learning</li>
</ul>
<div>
Happy New Year! Here's to a great 2017!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-54713445780621213952016-12-29T16:47:00.001-08:002016-12-29T16:49:22.512-08:00Santa Letters 2016<div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cqqn-vm8t7I/WGWvEV2d1xI/AAAAAAAAViQ/lxhZPx2k_K0/I/photo_881080.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>We were in the hospital the past few days with Grayson (stomach bug and dislodged feeding tube) so I'm late posting the kids' Santa (Grandaddy) letters this year. I think these letters just might be my favorite Christmas tradition. </div><i><br></i><i>Dear Grayson, </i><br><i><br>What a big year for you! I see you are sporting a new house, new school, new glasses, and a missing tooth! The IT elves have entered all this new information into our Windows 10 database – what I am happy to see for myself is what has not changed – your sweet spirit, genuine smile, and ability to receive love. Grayson, this season is a confusing mixture of universal truth and meaningless platitudes, and of the best and worst of communities. But you my friend, have it figured out. You are loved. </i><br><i><br>Speaking of platitudes, the one that I have had trouble processing during this time of year is “tis better to give than to receive”. First, unless you are a lifelong resident of one of the ten counties that make up the Scottish Highlands, do not use the word “tis”. It’s a clumsy attempt to introduce an unnecessary contraction without paying the price of an apostrophe. Second, if giving really is so great I would be earning more than minimum wage at my mall gigs. </i><br><i><br>More to the point, remember what I have been telling you in these letters since you were a baby. Christmas is all about receiving. The world was in darkness and without hope. God brought light to the world in the form of a Savior. That Savior is Christ the Lord. He does not need an Occulus Rift virtual reality set. He is reality. All we need to do is receive Him. Grayson shows us how. <br>Merry Christmas, my accomplished friend. Keep up the good work. </i><br><i><br></i><i>Love,</i><br><i>Santa</i><br><i><br></i><i>Dear Charlotte, </i><br><i><br>I save copies of all my letters because they connect me to the trajectories of great lives. I still have the letters I wrote to little Neil Armstrong (I brought him a truck!), young Jorge Bergoglio (now Pope Francis), and Mary Daly (challenger of convention with insightful feminist theology). </i><br><i> <br>Charlotte, the greatest gift I can give to you is encouragement. You already have many gifts that equip you for a life of accomplishment and significance. You are articulate, intelligent beyond measure, and energetic. You question the status quo and have a rapidly developing sense of justice. You are a boundary pusher (we still need to work on what boundaries) and celebrator of big visions. I know that God has big plans for you, and a purpose. </i><br><i><br>As you know from my previous letters, Christmas is about purpose. In the most intentional act since creation itself, the Lord of the Universe chose to dwell in covenant with his people, among his people. That purpose brought us eternal life (the good news!) and the opportunity to glorify God with our gifts. Those are the themes of “Hark the Herald Angels”, which I have head you sing on Facebook – glory to God, opportunity, and encouragement. </i><br><i><br>I know that when you wake up you will accept the gifts I have brought with your usual joy and enthusiasm. Use them to continue growing during the year to come. I look forward to following your journey. <br><br>Love,</i><br><i>Santa</i><br><i><br></i><i><br></i><i>Dear Nolan, </i><br><i><br>Merry Christmas! I hope you are getting a sense of what that means. You were around for the festivities last year, but probably did not take in much as you were only a few months old. I visited you last Christmas, but in your old house. Now that you are able to walk around you can get a better view of the Christmas landscape – lights, music, non-native foliage, food, and gifts. <br>Regarding food, the proper meal for Christmas day was codified for us by a nineteenth century author named Charles Dickens. It’s essential Christmas elements are goose and plum pudding. Dickens was a visionary, who foresaw the special relationship between Britain and America. That is why the rest of the meal is standard American fare – bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, overcooked green beans, and gravy made as salty, but otherwise as tasteless, as possible. Sadly, must Americans substitute turkey for goose, reflecting the massive agricultural / industrial complex that services both Thanksgiving and Christmas. My educational point here is that whenever your family asks you to vote on a menu for Christmas dinner, vote for goose. </i><br><i></i><i><br>The gift side of the season will come into focus as you continue to grow. It used to be that I was the only game in town, but over time my North Pole attorneys have negotiated strategic alliances with grandparents and a company named Amazon. That’s a good thing, like NASA contracting low earth orbit supply deliveries to SpaceX. It frees me to focus on helping children understand real gift of Christmas, Emmanuel, God with Us. Among all the custom and tradition, never forget that Christmas itself is a gift, that gift is holy and eternal, and it is for you. </i><br><i> <br>Nolan, my wish for you this year is that you experience the joy of growing, as the Bible says, in wisdom and stature. You are privileged to be able to associate with people of many different life backgrounds, economic circumstances and medical outlooks. Embrace them and learn for them, for they, too, have received the gift of Christmas. I will be watching and cheering you on.</i><br><i><br></i> <i>Love,</i><br><i>Santa</i>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-33815919752266028632016-12-22T18:17:00.000-08:002016-12-22T18:17:14.315-08:00Is It Christmas Yet?It's been an emotionally tough week. A few days ago, one of the Leigh's families we are closest to lost their precious little boy, who was the same age as Grayson. I'm still caught between shock and sadness- for them, and for our community. It's been a definite reality check that this is what we are also living with, and this is our future too. We will miss little K so much. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-et8iCZnqNuk/WFyIzoGhSWI/AAAAAAAAVh8/u6objYkeJp8xaAymhLZOMeihTGl1GZh5wCLcB/s1600/kaiman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-et8iCZnqNuk/WFyIzoGhSWI/AAAAAAAAVh8/u6objYkeJp8xaAymhLZOMeihTGl1GZh5wCLcB/s320/kaiman.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K and G, 2 years old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Is Christmas here yet? Good grief, this month is dragging on forever. Thankfully, the holiday season this year hasn't been too stressful: I didn't do Christmas cards, which surprisingly, I'm totally fine with. I ordered almost every gift with one tap on my Amazon Prime app, and we've kept Christmas events and "stuff" to a minimum. But, ahh, I'm still over it. Or maybe I'm just sooo over 2016 and ready for a fresh start to the new year. <br />
<br />
Most of us aren't feeling great today- could be because it's 30 degrees one day and 78 the next (insert eye roll emoji). That on top of no school, no schedule, and too much sugar...again, let's get this season over with. <br />
<br />
I do have a few things I want to share that are making me think, laugh, and cry from pure sweetness. <br />
<br />
1. My sister in law sent me the <a href="http://www.covenanthouston.org/blog/december-18-2016-what-child-is-this" target="_blank">link</a> to her pastor's sermon from last Sunday (it's the Proclamation, the third section of recorded content). I've listened to it 4 times. So, so good. Since the election, I've been wrestling a lot with my faith and who I actually believe Jesus to be. This sermon dives into the "whitewashing" of Jesus and how a lot of times we relate to him to fit our context instead of actually learning and relating to him in the context that is the truth- who he actually was. Listen to it. It's only 12 minutes long and worth your time. <br />
<br />
2. This is silly and inappropriate, but made me laugh so hard. (If you are easily offended, skip this one). It does make me think- not only were Mary, Joseph and Jesus not white, the birth of Christ wasn't as peaceful and serene as our nativity scenes portray. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Nv-Fj816Vs" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
3. My sweet girl (who will be FOUR next month, but insists that she is turning seven) learned "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" for her preschool Christmas program. I'm so proud of her and impressed that she can sing it so well. Precious little angel (sometimes). <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/reDY9SnxmUo" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-67621841231984398172016-12-05T16:53:00.000-08:002016-12-05T16:53:10.587-08:00My Don't Do List One of my favorite podcasts, <i><a href="http://www.sortaawesomeshow.com/" target="_blank">Sorta Awesome</a></i>, released a show on Friday called "The Awesome Freedom of the DON'T do list". Basically, the point was we can't do it all, and there's freedom in letting go of things that just aren't a priority. I also think there's a lot of freedom in admitting your "Don't Do" list and releasing any shame associated with any of the things on the list. <br />
<br />
Here is my Don't List:<br />
<ul>
<li>I don't bathe my kids every night. Or every other night. Or even every third night. Once or twice a week works for us, unless they get really dirty or sticky. </li>
<li>I don't grocery shop. It totally stresses me out. Ryan doesn't mind doing it, so it works out for all. </li>
<li>I don't take my kids to birthday parties of kids we don't know that well (like from school). </li>
<li>I don't throw big/elaborate/Pinteresty birthday parties for my kids. Not. My. Thing.</li>
<li>I don't do "extracurricular" activites with the kids, yet. Charlotte has one thing a week at night right now, and it's a good thing for her, but it makes that evening so, so hectic. </li>
<li>I don't bake. If you want me to bring something somewhere, I'll be glad to, as long as I can pick it up at a grocery store or drive-through.</li>
<li>I don't (and won't) sign Charlotte up for dance classes. </li>
<li>I don't vary breakfast, at all. Charlotte and Nolan both eat a waffle, yogurt and fruit every single morning. They haven't complained, so I'm going with the no-brainer. </li>
<li>I don't make my bed or change my sheets often enough.</li>
<li>I don't go to football games.</li>
<li>I don't watch movies. </li>
<li>I don't listen to much music (prefer podcasts) so I don't know any of the popular songs </li>
<li>I don't keep 99.5% of the artwork the kids bring home from school/church. I take pictures of the cute stuff and toss it all. </li>
<li>I don't do my Bible study homework, ever. </li>
<li>I don't buy much organic food</li>
<li>I don't make phone calls unless I absolutely have to, or I really like you. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And my holiday Don't List:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>This year, I'm probably not going to do Christmas cards. I love them, but it's already December 5, I have no picture and really don't want to spend the money. Maybe I'll do a social media post that can count this year. </li>
<li>I don't do Elf on the Shelf.</li>
<li>I don't do elaborate decorations. We have about 15 ornaments on the tree that are out of toddler-reach, and I decorated the mantle. Done. </li>
<li>I don't watch Christmas movies (because I don't watch movies) but A Christmas Story on in the background is a must for Christmas day. </li>
<li>I don't buy a ton of presents. I wish I could, but yikes, this time of year is so expensive. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>What things are on your "Don't Do" list?</i> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-71650428900652117352016-12-01T11:48:00.000-08:002016-12-01T11:52:20.153-08:00Letters to Nolan: 15 Months<div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XKV45QRkeHI/WEB_XASf7hI/AAAAAAAAVhY/LfjVWcfw5ZU/I/photo_379526.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>Dear Nolan, <br><br>Oh my goodness little boy, I cannot keep up with you these days. I thought your sister was a human tornado, but you, little rascal, are a category 5 hurricane. You are running and climbing everywhere, not to mention the messes you are able to make in no time. I feel like I am constantly telling you "no", taking inappropriate things from your hands, and mopping or sweeping up your path. Most of the time, you think your antics are absolutely hilarious, but when you get mad about something, you are MAD. Your face scrunches up, you scream, and you have lately started banging your head on the floor or wall. It's a good thing you are so stinkin' adorable because you, my friend, are wearing me out. <br><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OmrTx14NP9Y/WEB_ZJVidOI/AAAAAAAAVhc/2wUKlvetv78/I/photo_304428.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>Nolan, at 15 months you:<br><ul><li>Weigh 22 pounds, 13 ounces</li><li>Wear size 18 month clothes, size 5 shoes, and size 4 diapers</li><li>Nap once a day for about 2.5 hours</li><li>Go to bed most nights around 6:00 pm, and are waking up once or twice a night. The time change has been rough; there have been many mornings where you have been up before 5:00 am, but the last few mornings have been much better, with you waking up right around 6:00. </li><li>Are a fairly good eater, although you love to throw food off your tray onto the floor. </li><li>Still hate getting into your carseat</li><li>Can now climb up the stairs and the slides on our playset, so no more leaving you in the backyard to play by yourself</li><li>Try to maneuver around the baby gate and climb up the stairs a million times a day. </li><li>After all the teething drama of last month, you still only have 4 teeth total (front teeth on top and bottom)</li><li>Say Mama, Dada, and what sounds to me like Cracker and Thank You. You "talk" constantly, and at a VERY loud volume.</li></ul><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K582K6q9Ycs/WEB_bLcs6QI/AAAAAAAAVhg/MGziKYv01fg/I/photo_463355.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br></div><div>Sweet boy, as much as you are driving me crazy these days, I absolutely adore you. Your smile melts me and your antics do make me laugh. Welcome to toddlerhood- we'll both get through it. I love you. </div><div><br></div><div>Love, </div><div>Mommy</div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7_ULIcM1YLo/WEB_ch1GQDI/AAAAAAAAVhk/fP_R5keKYoE/I/photo_378607.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-60098957157939336792016-11-30T17:14:00.001-08:002016-11-30T17:14:11.256-08:00Finished!: #NaBloPoMo Day 30I did it- thirty consecutive blog posts! So far this month, my blog has been viewed 18,032 times. These are definitely not big-time blogger stats at all, but for this little blog, that number kind of blows my mind. Before this month, I'd only blogged (on here) 36 times in 2016, and now my total is up to 66 posts for the year. That still pales in comparison to 2011, when I blogged 148 posts! <br />
<br />
Although I definitely won't be keeping up the pace of a post per day, I do hope to continue writing here more frequently, because I enjoyed this month and getting back to regular writing a lot more than I even thought I would. I did this month for the "challenge", but meeting my goal aside, I loved the writing itself. <br />
<br />
Some things I learned this month:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I learned that although I do love writing about my kids, my best (and most viewed) posts were not on them. I'm kind of over reading Mommy blogs and sort of over Mommy-blogging myself. I'm emerging from the fog of everything in my life- my interests, my time, my reading- being about kid stuff. I love reading about, thinking about, and writing about politics, religion, and issues related to social justice. And I want more. A few years ago I changed the name of my blog to <i>A New Version of Me</i>. I think that title perfectly fits where I am in life at this moment. </li>
<li>I learned that some people would prefer that I just shut the hell up and go back to Mommy-blogging. </li>
<li>I learned that the world won't end and I won't be left with no friends if I post something that pisses off a whole lot of people.</li>
<li>I learned that relationships can actually be strengthened and deepened by disagreements.</li>
<li>I learned that the more I write, the more I want to write, and the easier it is to write.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks for hanging in there with me this month- it was fun, challenging, and thought provoking. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#NaBloPoMo...complete!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-17556829845311764042016-11-29T15:47:00.000-08:002016-11-29T15:49:10.137-08:00Creativity: #NaBloPoMo Day 29Charlotte is turning into quite the little artist. When asked what she was thankful for last week, she answered "crafts". She will sit at the table and color detailed pictures of elaborate stories while she eats her breakfast. This is today's masterpiece:<div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oudNnJKSNco/WD4T7SAcLWI/AAAAAAAAVfY/QWYJLB4swDU/I/photo_304033.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>This is Charlotte (with "rosy cheeks and pigtails"), sitting in the grass after walking through the mud (black footprints). She has a baby in her tummy (ha ha, eek!). The sun is in the sky, so "of course" it made her shadow right beside her (purple). The yellow person next to her is a "girl pretending to be a bird."<br><br>This girl doesn't really have any interest yet in learning to write letters or her name, but I'll take these sweet drawings and her creativity over that any day. <br><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y8YZ5NfbAxY/WD4T9PCdTOI/AAAAAAAAVfc/nWSuuKtntQA/I/photo_824988.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>She's growing up. <br><br><br></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1195506838681129803.post-10590947652599833582016-11-28T18:20:00.002-08:002016-11-28T18:22:12.079-08:00Monday, Monday: #NaBloPoMo Day 28Things I'm proud of today:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>We bought a new mattress yesterday with the money we got from an unexpected refund check. Our current one is about 9 years old and is so uncomfortable. I can't wait for the new one to be delivered on Wednesday</li>
<li>I made myself sit down and read the manual to my new InstantPot and I cooked a whole chicken (in 20 minutes) to have on hand for the week, and I made shrimp and sausage for dinner. So far, the pot <i>has</i> been life-changing, at least for today. </li>
<li>Instead of watching Gilmore Girls like I really wanted to during naptime, I made 4 phone calls instead- <i>oh the horror</i>. All the calls were concerning Grayson and medical equipment and medications, and I'm glad to have these things checked off my list.</li>
<li>I cleaned and organized the play room, even though my efforts are pointless as it will inevitably be back to its disastrous state by tomorrow. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Things I'm not so proud of today:</div>
<ul>
<li>I abandoned my original post for today because it was giving me a headache and anxiety. Some days I'm just insecure about putting myself out there, and I hate that. </li>
<li>The house is a mess. Always. Sigh. </li>
<li>I made grits to go with the shrimp and sausage and they were...bleh. </li>
<li>Nolan was a cranky mess from about 4:15 on and would not stop crying, even when I held him. Teeth? So I put him in bed with a bottle at 5:30 and he fell right to sleep. My goal of being able to stay in bed until at least 6 am tomorrow is not looking good.</li>
</ul>
<div>
How was your Monday?</div>
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
</ul>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074856757394183697noreply@blogger.com2