As a bad motorcycle with the devil in the seat

 20. Allow yourself to be amazed by sunflowers all over again.

 21.  Turn 6.  Have a weekend full of parties.

 22.  Go to grandpa's and spend the entire days in the pool.

23.  Swim without floaties.

 24.  Sit on the front porch and swing.  Watch the cars go by.

25.  Eat fried green tomatoes from the garden.

26.  Eat fresh grilled squash from the garden, too.

 27.  Ride rodeo horses with your grandpa.

 28.  Try to touch the clouds.

 29.  Learn to ride the horse by yourself.  (The horse pictured used to be a real live rodeo horse!)

 30.  Reward horse with farmer's market sour apple.

 31.  Visit great grandpas. 

32.  Ride a Harley.

33.  Ride in a car with your brother for hours and hours and hours.  Argue with him.  Laugh with him.  Stop a million times. 

My mother was a tailor, she sowed these new blue jeans

Please go here:

http://www.penniesandprayersparade.blogspot.com/

In awe of my Mamas and mothers and women and my mom and all....

Let me walk down the highway with my brother in peace

This week, we participated with Bridge Builders at the Nashville Peace and Justice Center in planting seeds. The sprouts will be sold at a Mother's Day Parade. Proceeds from the sale will be used to buy more seeds to send to Haiti. Can you guess the lessons I was able to incorporate with this activity?

"I think I'll call it America"

Those of you that know, know that I am less than patriotic really, but lately, I have been proud of my nation. First, I am loving books on CD lately as I spend tons of time in the car. I have been listening to a book called Child 44 a murder-mystery-historical-fiction that takes place in Stalinist Russia. And, needless to say, the living conditions and fear and hate and paranoia and poverty in which the people lived in this time period not so long ago, very much makes me thankful that I am not raising my children in those conditions.

Secondly, Nashvillians just voted down a proposed English only bill that I was against. I pessimistically thought it would pass. I feel that our great city could of easily sided with clear racism, hate, and insecurities, and instead opted for safety, education, and compassion. Go Nashville, now go find something important to fight against like war, poverty, hunger, faith... (fighting against or for languages?? In the face of poverty, illness, environmental distraction?? Really???)

And, while I'm on a rollllllll, I very much enjoyed the inauguration, and relished the community sentiments, connectedness, and togetherness I felt this Tuesday. Classes and work stopped for those of us not able to travel to Washington to gape in awe at our Democratic process. I was proud on Tuesday of the possibility of hope. Don't get me wrong. I am wary, realistic, and on guard against empty promises by politicians of all shapes and colors, but it is a breath of fresh air to have our country almost collectively optimistic about our leader. I guess after Bush was elected a second term, I was apauld enough, my feelings hurt enough, that I sort of lost faith in the intelligence, compassion, and even the religion of our nation. All that has been restored in a single presidency, and people that I love and respect and think and pray think this guy has similar beliefs and intelligence, and I respect our nation for coming together.

Likewise, Pres. Obama commented on how many times in this countries history we have had a peaceful transfer of power, and yes, for that we are lucky. I would still move to Uruguay at the drop of a hat, but our lives here are so very good. Thank God.

Fightin' for peace is like screamin' for quiet...

Sooo, some of the gals do a Friday Afternoon Video, and here's mine. Also if you go here you can download the entire album for FREE until midnight tonight.




On a similar note, we went to vote yesterday and poor Elijah was confused. All day he thought we were going boating. So, he was very confused and disappointed when there was no boat. Only votes. Rock the boat baby!

And a picture of the queen at her happiest

Two Roads Diverged

Our lives are a series of choices that construct pathways. Often times, as many do, I contemplate the ifs. If I had only made so and so decision things would be different. On my sentimental days, like Christmas, I wouldn't change any road I've taken. Everything we've done culminates into this one perfect moment. Two perfect children, a centrifuge of love and caring. Mooshy, I know, but I count my blessings this Christmas, and realize that even though at times, I picture myself with a different life, the journey that I am on now is one that certainly I am so fortunate to travel. Christmas pictures coming soon, as soon as I dig us out of the mountain of toys. I love you all dearly.