I know - never talk politics -

I try to not talk politics, but secretly I love it. I'm addicted to my free serious radio for it's endless news channels filled of nothing but people talking about the election updates and world news. I haven't always been like this, but I suppose that this new interest is part of getting older - or should I say - growing in maturity. (that sounds much better)


I won't tell you my party or my voting preference - even if I want to. Though I am finding that my interest of other's perspective and ideas about who to vote for are intriguing. In my job I talk to many people in a day and hear many views on many topics. I had a conversation yesterday that inspired me to share - and talk about this topic that is typically off limits.


It was with a conservative, who always votes republican. She was talking about - who else - Sarah Palin. You know the republican presidential candiate...oh, wait that's John McCain. Just kidding... Let me preface this by saying - I love women who have risen into the public eye that can be a voice for all of us who may not have that option. I love the mixture of women and power in a male dominated environment. I love that we, as women, are just as capable, intelligent and intriguing as any male candidate. Okay, on with the story...

She had a completely different point of view on Sarah as a mother and candidate then I had heard yet. She said - how can we live up to this new standard of supermom if this woman who is a mother of 5 with a 5 month old special needs child is elected vice-president? That spoke straight to my heart.


In this society in which we are already expected to work, clean, cook, be social, happy, raise well adjusted children, be a fantastic friend and partner, good christian, volunteer, be a good neighbor, coordinate schedules, remember every one's birthday's, exercise, have good fashion and then have a few minutes to ourselves to think about if we've even eaten today -- to name a few that apply to most women --- Are we raising the bar too high? In Sarah's case you'd have to add govern a state, hunt, be part of the PTO and now campaigning to the list.

Do I think that she actually does all of these things? No, I don't. I believe she has a stay at home husband and many close family members to help her as well as many amenities that the typical working woman does not. But what I would like to see - and realize now after this conversation - is the true portrayal of what a woman has to sacrifice to be in her position? I only hope that if McCain/Palin is elected that we can not only hear about what she does juggle, but about the things that she just simply can't. I know that I saw her cradle in her office in Alaska where she brought her son on day 3 of his life, that's a really big sacrafice. Honorable to those who elected her to office. But, I believe that in order for her to be a true voice to women she needs to be honest about what she has given up to do what she does everyday. I'm not so sure that the PTO mom gone VP candidate is the clearest, cleanest or most accurate portrayal of her everyday life.


Because for all of us mom's who juggle 45 million things a day - none of which involve running for office - all know that there are sacrifices, none of us can do it all.


I love a new perspective, and I thought her's was ingenious. In all of the upheaval that Palin has created I thought it was refreshing to hear something new...I hope it was a new thought to chew on for you all too!

BBB - Big Boy Bed

It was time --- or so we thought for Drew to move into his big guy bed. We'd been having some fits in the middle of night that we thought may be tamed by some enticing to be "just like your big brother", which is usually a big hit! Of course, I tend to look at Jay when we talk about creating the habit of saving him in the middle of the night when he doesn't want to stay in his room to the hiatus of the living room couch. Or "the cozy spot" as Andrew knows it as. Jay is a softy, especially for crying babies (kids) in the wee hours of the morning. If I was a Sabine boy I'd be thrilled to see my dad walk into my room in the middle of the night - it's almost a guarantee to a bit of cartoons at 2am. Although he is a softy, he's not the only one who gives into sharing a bed with a little tot. It's not uncommon for me to invite a cuddly kid into our bed when he doesn't want to go back to his. But regardless of our midnight weakness -- we were hoping for the quick fix...funny how those never work!

We played up the arrival of the bed for a few days before the delivery so everyone was buzzing about the taking down of the crib and the laying down of the mattress! (it's on the floor for now) The original plan was to bunk the boys when this time came, but it's a little premature --- and I'm not quite ready to see Drew attempting to fly like superman off the top bunk just yet. We all need a little more time for all of that funny business!

Andrew was so proud, we had even broken down and bought him Cars sheets. Hoping to entice him to sleep next to Lightning McQueen and Mator rather than mom and dad. We took pictures, we fussed...Mama even brought the special roaring dino from her house...

Did it work? Pretty well, yes. Progressively throughout the first week he made it longer and longer through the night. Although we have only had one morning awakening in the bed. We are definitely still a work in progress, but who isn't?!

Way to go Andrew - such a big boy!!

** in case you are wondering - Jackson has those glasses that make you see like a fly in this picture - apparently his brother was getting a little too much face time **