Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Ballet and Beauty in Bloom

It was a full day; ballet, preschool and then a trip to the Tucson Children's Museum! I wish I had half of Sophia's boundless energy, she rivals the Energizer Bunny with her non-stop activity. Looking back on these photos, I am so grateful and blessed to be able to stay at home with my girls and be so involved in their day-to-day activities. We're ALL lucky to be able to live the lifestyle we do; God has smiled on our family.


















Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Oh Happy Day!

I awoke this morning to a phone-call from my younger sister, Mindy. In the background played an exuberant rendition of the gospel “Oh Happy Day!” I lit my “inauguration candle”, the gift from a wonderful friend and prepared to experience this historical day.

We talked about this remarkable and significant day. I’ve always had a strong interest in politics, from the election and inauguration of President Jimmy Carter (whose daughter was just about two years old than me) through my chosen field of study in college (I’ve a B.S. in Political Science) to now.

I love everything about politics, the law and our government. Election time has always had an especially strong pull for me (my first-born came on Election-eve) and presidential inaugurations have always put a lump in my throat.

This inaugural day, more than any other, will stand out in my mind. The majesty of the capitol city, with all of it’s monuments to our great past, is a beautiful backdrop to the pomp and circumstance, and the pageantry of this moment. The world watches our amazing, peaceful transition of power; it is inspiring & unique.

From Mrs. Obama’s elegant outfit, to the comfortable, relaxed and completely calm smile of our soon-to-be 44th President of the United States, this is a phenomenal couple. Their two little princesses, Malia and Sasha, with their bright grins & adorable winter coat ensembles (and Malia most certainly with her personal digital camera) give MY little princesses faces with whom to relate.

Vice-President Dick Cheney, in a wheel-chair (due to a bad back), former Presidents and their wives (and some children), the Supreme Court of the United States of America, and millions of Americans (and countless millions around the world) are watching this…breathtaking!

Today, in a few minutes, the first “President-of-color”, the child of a single-mother, will place his hand on the bible where Abraham Lincoln laid his left hand when he was inaugurated. The hope, dreams and promise of our future is hard for me to express. President Elect Obama is now entering the dais and preparing to take the highest office of the most wonderful country on Earth.

God bless him; give him courage & strength & wisdom. God surround him with good, honest and humble council. God protect him, his family and our country. Amen

Oh Happy Day, indeed!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

A Rose by Any Other Name...

This morning Sophia and I laid in bed, snuggling for a little while after Dada and Alexa left. We're all very excited, because today we *hopefully* will find out the sex of our little cupcake.

Pita and I were talking about the baby; what if it's a boy? What if it's a girl? I started bringing up silly names, "If it's a boy, should we name him Rex?" She giggled and said, "NO! Rex is a name for a dog-boy!" I then offered up "Macie, Iggy and Roxie" (friend's dog's names). Her response was a snort and a giant eye-roll. She then suggested three names that she thinks would make good "baby girl names". Belle, Sleeping Beauty and Isabella. She quickly vetoed my "Cinderella" (in a stage whisper she admitted that she doesn't like Cinderella as much as the other princesses!)

Then I suggested "Sugar" if it's a girl. (Sugar was my parent's dog.) She nodded her head vigorously. I am writing this in apology to my (potential) daughter Sleeping Beauty or Sugar. Please know that we all loved you very much, even before we knew if you were a girl or a boy! We hope you always know how precious you are to us; even if you have an incredibly silly name!

Love,
Mama

P.s.- We found out a few hours ago, that you are a boy!! Everything looks perfect and you were very entertaining during the ultrasound (making the "touchdown" sign, sucking your thumb, kicking legs, etc.) and boy, are your sisters enthralled!! Daddy and I are so incredibly excited to have you here with us.

We had dinner with Uncle Jerry (Grandpa Tom's brother), Aunt Mary and Aunt Kathy (Grandpa Tom's sister) in Casa Grande. On our way home we all shared different names (some of them were serious, most of them were hilarious) and we laughed almost the entire hour-long drive. You are already bringing us so much laughter and joy!