I'm kind of an oxymoron when it comes to politics. I used to teach American history from the build up to the Revolutionary War to the aftermath of the Civil War. I absolutely loved it! I love the history, the wars, the politics, the shaping of our country, the development of our government. Oh so interesting!!
Politics now...yuck!
Don't get me wrong, I am still very interested in government and how our country works. I just can't stand the advertising, the bashing of the other candidate, the doorbell ringing during naptime, the signs in yards, the junk mail, the pressure to vote a certain way because of such and such affiliation, the commercials, the fake make everyone happy answers, the taking things out of context, and did I mention the advertising?!?!!
I am so happy to be an American where I have the right to vote, especially as a woman, and I want to fulfill my civic duty. But quite honestly, I don't really want to vote for either presidential candidate. And there are a lot of other races where neither one really trips my trigger. I've been trying to educate myself so I can choose the candidates that are similar to my beliefs, values, faith, etc, but a lot of what I read just confuses me more. It's not because of the advertising or the snippets taken out of context. My pastor recommended a couple websites that are pretty good at just giving information about where the candidates stand. The problem is, the candidates answer the hot topic questions so carefully they don't really pick a side. Take the sanctity of marriage, for example, I've read several opinions from opposing candidates that are so similar. Basically, they don't want to pick a side because they don't want to lose any voters. So who am I supposed to pick?
I think my biggest conflict is I'm mostly a stereotypical Republican when it comes to faith and values and the "more conservative" point of view, but the next passion in my heart is teaching and education and most of the time the Democrats are the way to go for education. I'm having a hard time picking one issue and voting just on that issue.
I think it is easy this election season to say the last four years haven't been stellar and change is needed. But is it all really President Obama's fault? And is Mr. Romney really the solution? I also struggle with knowing as a Christ follower, the recommended choice is Romney, but he is NOT a Christ follower. President Obama's religion is listed as Christian, but I guess I don't really know if he's a Christ follower, either. Believe me, there is a difference.
I know there is a lot that goes into being President of the United States of America, but I really wish I could vote for a candidate that would promise to follow Jesus with all of his/her heart. That loving others, serving others, giving up yourself, and proclaiming the great news of the Gospel would be this candidate's primary mission. Wouldn't that take care of a lot of things? When I think about the problems in our country, a lot of times I think it boils down to people needing Jesus. If I could vote for a president who would lead our country the way Jesus led while he was here on earth, it would make my life so much easier.
Until that option is available, I just want all the campaigners out there to know, none of you will persuade my vote with any of your advertisements, naptime visits, or gentle nudgings. My vote will be decided through prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit who has way more wisdom than me.
10.27.2012
10.24.2012
2nd Annual Pegump Pumpkin Carve/Paint
Last year we started a pumpkin carving tradition. Or Justin and I carved pumpkins for the first time in our adult lives.
Not bad for pumpkin carving rookies!
This year we decided to make it a tradition to devote a family time to pumpkin decorating. We aren't quite ready to let Aria use the knife, so she got to paint instead!
Daddy carved a nice face into his pumpkin
Mommy was given the task of producing Mickey Mouse
And while Mommy slaved away for hours...
Daddy and Aria played games!
We had a lot of fun carving and decorating together this year! Aria actually touched the "guts" of the pumpkin, which she wouldn't do last year. We also roasted the pumpkin seeds and ate those. It was a fun Saturday morning!
Not bad for pumpkin carving rookies!
This year we decided to make it a tradition to devote a family time to pumpkin decorating. We aren't quite ready to let Aria use the knife, so she got to paint instead!
Daddy carved a nice face into his pumpkin
Mommy was given the task of producing Mickey Mouse
And while Mommy slaved away for hours...
Daddy and Aria played games!
We had a lot of fun carving and decorating together this year! Aria actually touched the "guts" of the pumpkin, which she wouldn't do last year. We also roasted the pumpkin seeds and ate those. It was a fun Saturday morning!
10.17.2012
Fun With Shave Cream
I bought some cheap shave cream a while ago intending to give Aria a fun experience with a different texture. I know shave cream is a popular activity in preschool and early elementary. You can practice letter writing with your finger, clean desktops, make shapes...
...or make a mess all over the bathtub!
She had so much fun and my bathtub is a lot cleaner!!
...or make a mess all over the bathtub!
She had so much fun and my bathtub is a lot cleaner!!
10.15.2012
While Daddy's Away...
It might seem strange to do something special when Daddy's gone for the weekend. After all, every day is when Daddy is away, but not on the weekend. Aria loves Saturdays and Sundays when Daddy doesn't have to go to work. She always tells me on those mornings, "You know what? Daddy doesn't have to go to work today!! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!" So when Daddy went on a retreat with the middle schoolers last weekend, I thought I should arrange some special fun for Aria.
We started our day by sleeping in! I was quite pleased with that! Then we headed to the Iowa Children's Museum to play. We ate lunch, rode the carousel, and went shopping in Target before heading back home. For supper we had a fun picnic in the basement, complete with popcorn, M&Ms, and Winnie the Pooh. Even though we missed Daddy, we survived quite nicely!
We started our day by sleeping in! I was quite pleased with that! Then we headed to the Iowa Children's Museum to play. We ate lunch, rode the carousel, and went shopping in Target before heading back home. For supper we had a fun picnic in the basement, complete with popcorn, M&Ms, and Winnie the Pooh. Even though we missed Daddy, we survived quite nicely!
10.13.2012
God Can Still See Us
It happens every fall. The darkness creeps up on us. The complaints of early darkness and the upcoming winter begin. 'Tis the season. But this year, Aria is noticing the change and is actually pretty excited about it. You just don't get to see the moon much in the summer when 8:00 pm is your bedtime.
Last week, we made an evening trip to the grocery store. It was still fairly light on our way there, but dark on our way home. Riding in the car Aria says to me, "Mommy, it's dark out! But it's okay. God can still see us."
Where does she come up with this stuff? Such insight from someone who has lived on this earth 28 less years than me. We read the Bible. We talk about God and Jesus and the things He did and still does for us. But I've never made a statement quite like that.
I think I responded with something like, "Yes He can always see us!" That was it for her or at least as much as I can read her mind, but I kept right on thinking about it. God can still see us. He can always see us. And hear us. And love us. It got me thinking...
God can see me when I'm scared of the unknown and He will give me strength.
God can see me when I'm lost and He will help me find the right path.
God can see me when I'm hurting and He will comfort me.
God can see me when I hold a grudge and He will bring it to my knowledge and help me repent.
God can see me when I'm impatient and he will give me perseverance.
God can see me when I try to take control and He will show me He is always in control.
God can see me when I feel inadequate as a parent and He provides me lessons from the little girl He put in my care.
I could go on and on with examples I've thought of where it's dark out, but God can still see me. Such a simple statement; such a powerful thought.
God can also see me when it's light.
God can see me when I worship Him and He delights in it.
God can see me when I love others and He will help me give Him the glory.
God can see me when I read the Bible and He answers my questions through His word.
God can hear me when I pray and He responds with exactly what I need.
God is always there. He can always see, always hear. It's something I've known for a long time, but the reminder has never been better. Thank you, dear daughter, for teaching me how much God truly loves us.
Last week, we made an evening trip to the grocery store. It was still fairly light on our way there, but dark on our way home. Riding in the car Aria says to me, "Mommy, it's dark out! But it's okay. God can still see us."
Where does she come up with this stuff? Such insight from someone who has lived on this earth 28 less years than me. We read the Bible. We talk about God and Jesus and the things He did and still does for us. But I've never made a statement quite like that.
I think I responded with something like, "Yes He can always see us!" That was it for her or at least as much as I can read her mind, but I kept right on thinking about it. God can still see us. He can always see us. And hear us. And love us. It got me thinking...
God can see me when I'm scared of the unknown and He will give me strength.
God can see me when I'm lost and He will help me find the right path.
God can see me when I'm hurting and He will comfort me.
God can see me when I hold a grudge and He will bring it to my knowledge and help me repent.
God can see me when I'm impatient and he will give me perseverance.
God can see me when I try to take control and He will show me He is always in control.
God can see me when I feel inadequate as a parent and He provides me lessons from the little girl He put in my care.
I could go on and on with examples I've thought of where it's dark out, but God can still see me. Such a simple statement; such a powerful thought.
God can also see me when it's light.
God can see me when I worship Him and He delights in it.
God can see me when I love others and He will help me give Him the glory.
God can see me when I read the Bible and He answers my questions through His word.
God can hear me when I pray and He responds with exactly what I need.
God is always there. He can always see, always hear. It's something I've known for a long time, but the reminder has never been better. Thank you, dear daughter, for teaching me how much God truly loves us.
10.11.2012
10.10.2012
Hall of Fame
Back in July, I wrote this post announcing Justin's selection for the Mount Mercy Athletics Hall of Fame. Well, this past weekend, was the actual induction ceremony. We had a celebration at our house on Friday evening and went to Mt. Mercy on Saturday for the dinner and ceremony. It was a fun weekend, bringing back some great memories!
The best part of the whole weekend happened Friday morning. For almost three whole months I had to keep a secret from Justin. It was insanely difficult, but well worth it in the end. Justin's catcher his senior year and best friend, Troy, came out from Seattle for the weekend. Aria and I picked him up from the airport Friday morning and brought him to our house to ring the doorbell and surprise Justin. Justin had absolutely no idea Troy was coming and seeing the look on his face was priceless. Sorry, but I also have to mention the tears in his eyes. It was worth keeping the secret and being so excited I hardly slept the two nights before he came. Let me just take a moment to describe Justin and Troy. When it comes to sports, these two are made from the same mold. They talked about random sporting events from all different times and could remember exact details from games; games they played in, college games they watched, pro games that occurred that everyone else in the world has forgotten about but them. I'm not kidding when I say these two are walking, breathing sports encyclopedias. It was nice for them to interact since I'm convinced no one else in the world is quite like them. Troy, if you didn't pick up on how much it meant to Justin to have you here, let me just say it again. Thanks so much for coming! It meant more than I can begin to describe!
Friday evening we had a celebration in our garage/house. It was supposed to be a lovely weekend where we could play outside, roast smores, and have a wonderful time. It wasn't lovely outside, but we still had a wonderful time. We were bummed we weren't able to see more of our Mt. Mercy friends, but are so blessed to have awesome friends in our lives now who came to celebrate with us, along with family. Justin's parents put together this great frame with Justin's uniform, pictures, and a list of his accomplishments. It will be a nice reminder of his stellar career and this great honor!
On Saturday, there was a dinner and speeches by the four inductees and their coaches. It was fun for Justin to be inducted at the same time as one of his former teammates. It was also great to have his former coach introduce him and give a wonderful speech about the type of player and person Justin was (and still is). Justin was nervous about his speech, but he did awesome! I thought he did a great job showing how much he grew as an athlete and person because of his coach and his experiences. He also recapped the favorite moment I mentioned in my post in July where his coach made that one last trip to the mound. I think there were several with tears in their eyes again on Saturday.
This is Justin, his head coach, his assistant coach (they're brothers), and his former teammate who was also inducted.
This is the group of inductees. They had an impressive list of accomplishments as a group and it was fun to hear them all talk about their careers at Mount Mercy.
Look at this lovely family picture with everyone smiling AND looking at the camera! Never mind Aria's elbow in my face.
Here is Justin's family with parents, sister, and grandma!
I included this one to show the plaque he got that will also hang on the wall at Mt. Mercy to forever show his place in the Hall of Fame.
I have a range of thoughts and emotions about all of this. I am extremely proud of Justin for becoming a member of the Hall of Fame. The moment his career was over, I always thought he deserved it. I might be a tad biased. He holds several records and ranks very highly in most of the statistical pitching categories. But the thing his coach said that shows he belongs the most is, "He never cheated the program one day during his career." Justin showed up every day for practice and games and worked his tail off. He followed the rules. He kept his mouth shut. He listened to his coaches. He was dedicated to being the best he could be. And eventually he believed in himself enough that he was darn near the best period.
Justin's parents instilled excellent values in him from a young age and supported his passion so that he could be successful. They didn't miss many games and often supported his teammates when their parents couldn't be there. I think it was through all of that where Justin learned how to be the great father he is.
Something I really appreciate is his ability to let it go. College baseball was more than eight years ago for Justin. He played a few summers after he graduated, but doesn't anymore. He only knew how to train and play one way, so it became difficult for him to scale it back. While he does miss it, he understands that he has moved on to a new phase in his life and works just as hard every day to be an amazing husband and father. This weekend was full of wonderful memories. It was great to relive moments and see great friends. The cool thing about Justin is that it didn't do much to change who he is. Tuesday was back to "normal" life for us and other than the awesome jersey to hang on the wall, Justin won't offer up any reminders of his honor. I think that is part of the reason he was honored in the first place.
The best part of the whole weekend happened Friday morning. For almost three whole months I had to keep a secret from Justin. It was insanely difficult, but well worth it in the end. Justin's catcher his senior year and best friend, Troy, came out from Seattle for the weekend. Aria and I picked him up from the airport Friday morning and brought him to our house to ring the doorbell and surprise Justin. Justin had absolutely no idea Troy was coming and seeing the look on his face was priceless. Sorry, but I also have to mention the tears in his eyes. It was worth keeping the secret and being so excited I hardly slept the two nights before he came. Let me just take a moment to describe Justin and Troy. When it comes to sports, these two are made from the same mold. They talked about random sporting events from all different times and could remember exact details from games; games they played in, college games they watched, pro games that occurred that everyone else in the world has forgotten about but them. I'm not kidding when I say these two are walking, breathing sports encyclopedias. It was nice for them to interact since I'm convinced no one else in the world is quite like them. Troy, if you didn't pick up on how much it meant to Justin to have you here, let me just say it again. Thanks so much for coming! It meant more than I can begin to describe!
Friday evening we had a celebration in our garage/house. It was supposed to be a lovely weekend where we could play outside, roast smores, and have a wonderful time. It wasn't lovely outside, but we still had a wonderful time. We were bummed we weren't able to see more of our Mt. Mercy friends, but are so blessed to have awesome friends in our lives now who came to celebrate with us, along with family. Justin's parents put together this great frame with Justin's uniform, pictures, and a list of his accomplishments. It will be a nice reminder of his stellar career and this great honor!
On Saturday, there was a dinner and speeches by the four inductees and their coaches. It was fun for Justin to be inducted at the same time as one of his former teammates. It was also great to have his former coach introduce him and give a wonderful speech about the type of player and person Justin was (and still is). Justin was nervous about his speech, but he did awesome! I thought he did a great job showing how much he grew as an athlete and person because of his coach and his experiences. He also recapped the favorite moment I mentioned in my post in July where his coach made that one last trip to the mound. I think there were several with tears in their eyes again on Saturday.
This is Justin, his head coach, his assistant coach (they're brothers), and his former teammate who was also inducted.
This is the group of inductees. They had an impressive list of accomplishments as a group and it was fun to hear them all talk about their careers at Mount Mercy.
Look at this lovely family picture with everyone smiling AND looking at the camera! Never mind Aria's elbow in my face.
Here is Justin's family with parents, sister, and grandma!
I included this one to show the plaque he got that will also hang on the wall at Mt. Mercy to forever show his place in the Hall of Fame.
I have a range of thoughts and emotions about all of this. I am extremely proud of Justin for becoming a member of the Hall of Fame. The moment his career was over, I always thought he deserved it. I might be a tad biased. He holds several records and ranks very highly in most of the statistical pitching categories. But the thing his coach said that shows he belongs the most is, "He never cheated the program one day during his career." Justin showed up every day for practice and games and worked his tail off. He followed the rules. He kept his mouth shut. He listened to his coaches. He was dedicated to being the best he could be. And eventually he believed in himself enough that he was darn near the best period.
Justin's parents instilled excellent values in him from a young age and supported his passion so that he could be successful. They didn't miss many games and often supported his teammates when their parents couldn't be there. I think it was through all of that where Justin learned how to be the great father he is.
Something I really appreciate is his ability to let it go. College baseball was more than eight years ago for Justin. He played a few summers after he graduated, but doesn't anymore. He only knew how to train and play one way, so it became difficult for him to scale it back. While he does miss it, he understands that he has moved on to a new phase in his life and works just as hard every day to be an amazing husband and father. This weekend was full of wonderful memories. It was great to relive moments and see great friends. The cool thing about Justin is that it didn't do much to change who he is. Tuesday was back to "normal" life for us and other than the awesome jersey to hang on the wall, Justin won't offer up any reminders of his honor. I think that is part of the reason he was honored in the first place.
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