A New President

I'm not exactly sure what I want to blog about today's events, but I feel like I can't completely ignore current events in my blog. It might be interesting to look back on this someday and see what my thoughts were on this historical day. Now I just need to try and put those thoughts into words. I've actually been thinking about this (off and on) since the election. I was going to post something then but I wasn't sure what to say or how exactly I feel about this. And I'm still not sure what it is I want to say, so I guess I'll just start typing and see where this goes.

I did not vote for Barack Obama, needless to say, I do not have the feelings of hope and adoration for the new president that many people across the nation have. But I do have feelings of hope and adoration four our country. I have pride in our country and all that it stands for. I love that we have a process in place that allows us to vote government leaders into office even though that vote may not always go the way I voted. And even with a president in office that I didn't vote for, I have hope that this great country will continue to be the wonderful nation it always has been; the land of the free and the home of the brave. And I am glad that Obama has brought new hope to many who have all but given up on our country and its greatness. I hope Barack Obama can live up to those expectations. He has a huge responsibility and a tough road ahead of him. I do not envy his position or responsibilities. I truly do wish him luck, and all the best as president. Our country deserves a great leader, I just hope he can fill those shoes.

There's Still Time

Today I registered to vote and you still can too. I missed the deadline to do a mail-in registration, but you can register in-person until the 20th. That really only gives you two days (Friday and Monday) to do it, but I encourage you to register to vote if you can make time for it. This election is going to be a memorable one. It already has been in many ways, so make sure you're a part of it. Get yourself registered to vote so you can participate in such an important and interesting election. Wow, that sounds just like a commercial.

Smiley List
1-I had a great birthday and don't feel sad at all about being 30!
2-Camden is potty trained.
3-The way Alek looks in his winter hat.
4-Jace loves school so much he cried when I told him he had a few days off for Fall Break.
5-All the kids have their Halloween costumes ready and they are so excited for Halloween.
6-This conversation between Jace and Camden (Jace was describing something he saw):
JACE-It was black and white like a fire dog or a cow.
CAMDEN-I wanna see the fire cow.
7-This conversation between Jace and me. (I had been on the phone with Casey and said, "Bye Babe" before hanging up.)
JACE-Mom, what does babe mean?
ME-It's something you call someone you love, like if they're your sweetie. It's like saying baby, but shorter.
JACE-Oh, well I love Isabel. She's my babe. (Isabel is his little friend who lives next door).

I had to throw a few extras in there, I haven't done my smiley list for a while. But it is working. Instead of complaining about how rough, busy and terrible my day was when Casey gets home, now I'm telling him how fun, happy and fantastic our day was and why. I love it!

Night Out

Casey's political post reminded me of a night out we had recently so I thought I'd share. Actually, our date nights tend to be pretty memorable since they occur so infrequently. But a couple of weeks ago my parents agreed to watch the boys for us so we could go out to dinner. There was no special occasion for this night out which, in a way, made it more fun than if it had been a dinner out for a birthday or anniversary.

We had dinner at Ruby River Steakhouse which was SO good. It was nice to be able to eat my meal while the salad was still cold and the steak was still warm. And I didn't even have to cut up food for or give bites to anyone but myself. But I think the best part of the evening was the company and the conversation. Casey and I chatted about politics ad the upcoming election throughout our meal. It was refreshing to discuss topics that I don't usually talk about during the day. I know, it's shocking that the kids and I don't have political discussions over lunch.

It was so nice to have an intellectually stimulating conversation. While the subject of politics isn't typically one that I gravitate toward, I found the conversation to be thought provoking. And I left with a feeling of satisfaction that I was able to participate in a real, adult conversation related to such an overwhelming subject. I just wanted Casey to know how much I enjoyed our night out and how much an uninterrupted adult conversation means to me. Thanks!