Politics: The art or science of government...

I am not a racist, I do not hate homosexuals, I do not want to shut down America's borders to the world, and I do not wish to make the poor of our country someone else's problem. I AM a conservative. I do not pay attention to race - it doesn't matter. What matters is the person. Straight, gay, asexual, or polka dotted, I don't care! We are all children of our Heavenly Father. Do I condone that lifestyle? No. Do I still love them? Absolutely! I will not change my moral view on the subject, but this does not mean that I discriminate, look down upon or judge others. Immigration is a great thing - when done Legally. I have more empathy for the poor of this country than I can say and I do not wish to strip them of every government help - but that help must come with some expectation of self-reliance for the people receiving it.

Is anyone else frustrated about being thrown into a generality just because they typically vote on one side of the ballot? I am not an evil person because I don't agree with Obama's administration - but neither are those who voted for him. Politics today is not about solving the problems that face our country - it is focused on ugly, unfounded character attacks from both sides of the aisle. Why do we automatically have to hate someone because they are registered to a different party? Why do we have to make our disagreements so personal? Different ideas are GOOD. Having discussions over those differences is even better. This leads to decisions and practices that are best for everyone. Each side does need to compromise at some point - as long as that compromise does not lead to the abuse of individuals or other harm of that caliber.

When America was new we had the right idea. The farmer, banker, lawyer, school teacher, etc were all given the chance to run for a government office if they wanted - you didn't need billions of dollars or shady backdoor deals. And people ran for the right reason. Because they loved their country and wanted to serve it and their fellow man. Politics as a career is a tightrope walk. If these men and women are not people of tremendous character they just become politicians rather than patriots.  I'm not saying it would be easy to run one of these offices - I'm just saying there has to be a higher standard of conduct for those that do.

I pray that as we get closer to the 2012 election we Americans will do our civic responsibility and duty - thoughtfully study the candidates available, prayerfully ask for guidance and cast your vote. Just please do so with kindness towards others of differing opinions.

Gratitude

'Tis the month for showing our gratitude. Many people are taking the time to list something they are grateful for each day as we progress through November. I love reading those posts, but participating in something like that myself really hasn't been on my radar; however, for the last couple of days I have been absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude. I do not believe it is simply due to Thanksgiving approaching, even with that being the natural thought pattern at this time of year. I think it's my Savior reminding me just how much I am loved.

When I really ponder on all of my blessings I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Him. I just don't feel like it comes remotely close to being enough. And so I have renewed some personal goals for myself that shape my life  around His teachings - I should be doing better at most of these ideas anyway and it's the best way I know to show my Savior my gratitude and love for Him. I can truly testify that we are individually known and cared for in this mortal life. We are absolutely not on our own or even close to it. My hope is that I can somehow strive to be worthy of all that I have.

I have been reading Larry H. Miller's autobiography since yesterday and I have not been able to put it down. I have been touched to learn about all of his good works and his philosophy about using his blessings to benefit others. I may not have billions of dollars, but I know there are ways I can serve more than I do now. With Thanksgiving nearing so quickly I hope to not only remember to be grateful each day, but to find ways to serve each day.

Sending all my love and appreciation to my family and friends that are those blessings I am so grateful for.

8 Months Already!

Ellinor is 8 months old as of October 24th. I cannot even begin to believe that Bryan and I have had this precious blessing in our lives for that long already. How time DOES fly! When you are a kid your parents and other members of the 'older' generation tell you that this is how life goes - quickly. But, when you are only 8 it seems like time doesn't move when all you want to do is be grown up. Now that I am officially grown up (well, as far as the numbers are concerned) I would be OK with time slowing down a bit.

Quick updates on Ellinor:

* She is rolling, scooting, launching herself and finding all sorts of ways to get around these days - still working on crawling. I'm fine with it taking a little longer for that phase :)

* Ellinor loves to point now - everything must be pointed at. She can't quite straighten her finger all of the way out, so it's more of a crooked hook point. But you get the idea. :)

* She babbles and chit chats almost constantly now. Grunting and squealing still seem to be her favorite sounds, but she is branching out. Bryan and I swear she said 'mama' the other night, but we have yet to hear it again. Maybe it was all mental on our part, but I swear it was clear as day!

* Ellinor has decided she loves to lick - particularly my face. I will go in to kiss her on the cheek and BAM, she turns and licks me. Such a funny baby. We can't quite figure out what started this and what motivates her to do it, but it's hilarious!

* She is a natural camera ham. Turn a lense towards her and she turns that charm right on. We have constantly taken pictures of her since the moment she was born, so I know she must feel extremely comfortable being photographed. But the way she poses already at 8 months is too adorable.

I know I could fill pages and pages of Ellinor-isms, but I'll save some for you to experience in person. :)

Bryan and I are doing great! Work is quite demanding on Bryan right now with the end of the year fast approaching. We are anticipating some long days at the office ahead for him, but he is a rock star. I am so grateful to have a hubby that works so hard for us. Ellinor and I love and appreciate him more than he knows.

I've just been getting excited for the holidays. Having a baby around this year sure amps up the excitement. I've reverted back to being a 7 year old when it comes to Christmas. But, hey, if you can't be the child within yourself at Christmas when can you?! I'm also super stoked to be in Seattle this year for Thanksgiving. I haven't spent a Thanksgiving with my family since my senior year in high school. I wish Andrew would be there for actual Thanksgiving day, but at least I get to see him the weekend before. Love my family mucho - can't wait to soak up the time with them!

We are still plugging away on our house. We have recently redone the bathroom vanity cabinets upstairs, and have plans to put down new flooring in all 3 bathrooms. Bryan and I continue to redesign our kitchen vision and hope to get that started early next year. Yay! Bryan gets antsy these days when we don't have a project in the works, so I think I will put him to work building shelves for our downstairs storage closet. That should keep his hands busy for at least....a day. Haha! Once he gets going on something he doesn't break until it's done. :)

We had pictures taken yesterday so here are a few to enjoy!