I was going to entitle this "Getting too Smart", but "Get Smart" seems to be a little more appropriate...here's what I mean.
Sammy is getting smart enough to know when we are laughing at his antics and funny pronunciations now. It's kind of sad because he has brought so much laughter through these things, and now he is becoming too self-conscious and we must be careful not to offend him. He wants to be taken seriously...so much like myself at a young age.
Some of the many words that Sammy tickles us with are "Woord" - Lord, "Gwiril" - Girl, and the infamous "Com-Peter" - otherwise known as the "computer". Recently, as Samuel told us he wanted to go play the "Com-Peter", he caught on the Karen and I were tickled by his pronunciation, so he decided to work on it with more gusto. "Com-Pooter" is what came out. We couldn't help but laugh even more, to Samuel's dismay. So in place of words, he is now picking up much of Karen's body and facial language to show his exasperation. It's quite entertaining, and reminds me of some of the endearing qualities for which I married my wife.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Fuzzy Logic
Maybe it's a little mean, but one of my favorite things to do knowadays is as Samuel "Why?". He's just been learning the whole "Why" - "Because" concept of logic. It's funny how they pick everything up just by mimicking us and learning our behavior...funny AND scary too! He really doesn't care for me to go to work, and would rather I stay home and play with him all day. So the other day on they way out the door, he said, "Ba ba, no go to work today." I said, "Why?" He said, "Because....(wheels turning).... (a little more wheels turning)....I want you to stay home. Mommy go to work!"
It's lovely observing your children mature.
It's lovely observing your children mature.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wonder-boy!
Samuel is the wonder nowadays.
He is constantly amazing us with words, actions and stunts that leave us gaping. Ashley gets up in the mornings and takes Samuel downstairs to spend some time with the Lord. Sometimes this works and sometimes not. On one of these days, we were sitting down for lunch when I hear him mumbling something while seated. I asked him, "What did you say?" He responds, "I'm talking to Jesus!"
"Oh...what did you say?" Still playing with his fingers, "I said, 'Hi Ba-ba'. "
Another time we were getting in the car to go to the store, and he was getting in his new car seat. It looks like something an astronaut would sit in. He is learning to click the seat belt into place, and he wants to do it himself. He needed help that day, and so he said, "I need some help, Mom." And so I turn around from the front to help. For some reason, I was having trouble that day, and we are both grunting with effort. Then he pipes up, "Help, Word! (Lord)" That just makes me laugh because he's probably heard it from me, but it makes my heart glad. He's learning. He's perceiving. And that makes it all worth it. What a precious little boy.
He is constantly amazing us with words, actions and stunts that leave us gaping. Ashley gets up in the mornings and takes Samuel downstairs to spend some time with the Lord. Sometimes this works and sometimes not. On one of these days, we were sitting down for lunch when I hear him mumbling something while seated. I asked him, "What did you say?" He responds, "I'm talking to Jesus!"
"Oh...what did you say?" Still playing with his fingers, "I said, 'Hi Ba-ba'. "
Another time we were getting in the car to go to the store, and he was getting in his new car seat. It looks like something an astronaut would sit in. He is learning to click the seat belt into place, and he wants to do it himself. He needed help that day, and so he said, "I need some help, Mom." And so I turn around from the front to help. For some reason, I was having trouble that day, and we are both grunting with effort. Then he pipes up, "Help, Word! (Lord)" That just makes me laugh because he's probably heard it from me, but it makes my heart glad. He's learning. He's perceiving. And that makes it all worth it. What a precious little boy.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Influences Pt 2
The greatest argument I have heard from some of my beloved Christian friends who are voting for Obama, is that they believe the democratic party (and Obama specifically) is more aligned with the values of Christianity. More specifically, that they are more interested in caring for the poor and underprivileged in our country. Its sort of an old Robin Hood idea...that we should steal from the rich corporations and give the the poor underprivileged. Its a reasonable idea that those with plenty should share with those who have little. This is extremely biblical. But considering the man they are about to endorse, this argument falls fatally short of the bigger picture about whether or not Barack Obama is aligned with Christian principles. Because most of you are tired of reading, I will make my points as clearly and quickly as possible:
* Is it really Christ-like to take care of the poor, and re-open the door for the horriendous practice of partial-birth-abortion? This is the most hiddeous form of murder, where a child is actually born in breach, completely viable and healthy, and stabbed in the back to make sure he dies before his head clears the womb. Arguably, the plight of these partially born children are the poorest of the poor...stabbed in the back and killed at their first opportunity of life. I wonder if they would vote for Obama?
* Is it really Christ-like to plan to distance ourselves from support of Israel in favor of their enemies surrounding them in the Middle East? Scriptures are clear that God will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those that curse Israel.
* Is it really Christ-like for a man to spend 20 years in a church that curses America, and run for President of the nation? One might argue that this is off topic to "Christ-likeness". I disagree. Wasn't it Jesus who said, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined". Can a man spend 20 years in that type of environment without being affected?
* Is it really Christ-like to plan to lead a nation without standing for any moral decency simply because people from different ethnic backgrounds and walks of life disagree on what principles embody morality? If our leaders do not lead with morality and decency, what hope have the people for a role model? The kings of scripture had a great responsibility for leading the people into righteousness or sin. The people always followed to their blessing, or their doom. You might argue that we have a republic and not a kingdom, but regardless, the President of the United States is still a primary role model of the people, and the epitome of leadership in the western world.
* Is it really Christ-like for the government to feed the poor for us? Shouldn't we be doing that ourselves? Jesus told the disciples, "You feed them." The government has more waste than almost any other organization at delivering funds to people in need. Compared to faith based organizations, is the government our best option for taking care of the needy? There are plenty of specialty relief organizations that offer much better efficiency rates at transferring money to the people in need. Why should our government run the relief effort in our nation? Churches with a fraction of the funding did a better job during Hurricane Katrina. Isn't the job of our Federal Government to protect us, and to provide infrastructure for the PEOPLE to accomplish the mandates of life?
* Is it really Christ-like to take care of the poor, and re-open the door for the horriendous practice of partial-birth-abortion? This is the most hiddeous form of murder, where a child is actually born in breach, completely viable and healthy, and stabbed in the back to make sure he dies before his head clears the womb. Arguably, the plight of these partially born children are the poorest of the poor...stabbed in the back and killed at their first opportunity of life. I wonder if they would vote for Obama?
* Is it really Christ-like to plan to distance ourselves from support of Israel in favor of their enemies surrounding them in the Middle East? Scriptures are clear that God will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those that curse Israel.
* Is it really Christ-like for a man to spend 20 years in a church that curses America, and run for President of the nation? One might argue that this is off topic to "Christ-likeness". I disagree. Wasn't it Jesus who said, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined". Can a man spend 20 years in that type of environment without being affected?
* Is it really Christ-like to plan to lead a nation without standing for any moral decency simply because people from different ethnic backgrounds and walks of life disagree on what principles embody morality? If our leaders do not lead with morality and decency, what hope have the people for a role model? The kings of scripture had a great responsibility for leading the people into righteousness or sin. The people always followed to their blessing, or their doom. You might argue that we have a republic and not a kingdom, but regardless, the President of the United States is still a primary role model of the people, and the epitome of leadership in the western world.
* Is it really Christ-like for the government to feed the poor for us? Shouldn't we be doing that ourselves? Jesus told the disciples, "You feed them." The government has more waste than almost any other organization at delivering funds to people in need. Compared to faith based organizations, is the government our best option for taking care of the needy? There are plenty of specialty relief organizations that offer much better efficiency rates at transferring money to the people in need. Why should our government run the relief effort in our nation? Churches with a fraction of the funding did a better job during Hurricane Katrina. Isn't the job of our Federal Government to protect us, and to provide infrastructure for the PEOPLE to accomplish the mandates of life?
Election Influences Pt 1
While I do not consider myself a person deeply facinated by politics, I understand that like it or not, politicians form the world in which we live. I have a deep conviction to know who I am voting for, and I won't will not vote for politicians running unless I am aware of the issues at hand. At the eleventh hour, I have been doing some more research in hopes to offer a clear answer to anyone who asks me who I voted for and why. With all the accusations flying both directions, I haven't had time to investigate every lead. But the following article is perhaps the clearest, logical, and most damning article that I have read concerning any of the candidates running for presidency.
***************************************************************************
The article below was written by syndicated columnist, Thomas Sowell, a black man. He wrote it in a humorous way this past week in a column titled "Random Thoughts" and published it in newspapers nationally, so maybe you've already seen it. If not, be my guest:
Senator John McCain could never convince me to vote for him. Only Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama can cause me to vote for McCain.
After long and serious thought, I have decided to endorse Senator John McCain for President.
I have always voted for the person and have not voted for anyone because some political party was telling me who I should vote for.
We all know the choices by now and, that said, I do believe that the process of selecting a chief executive is deeply flawed. The words "money" and "special interests" come to mind, among many others.
Here's the way I see it:
Barack Obama, you are a fine public speaker. You are also an extremely liberal Senator from the State of Illinois , which has a long and rich history of political corruption of the first magnitude. You are indeed a child of that system.
You have finally insulted my intelligence far beyond my capacity to tolerate your insults. It has nothing at all to do with your skin color. As a matter of fact, it would be so COOL to finally have an African-American for President. What a great statement that would be to the entire world that we are indeed the greatest country on earth!
But, unfortunately, General Colin Powell is not running, and YOU are NOT the man for this job !
Barack baby, you want me to believe that you have never heard the sermons of your own pastor, the Right Reverend "God Damn America" Jeremiah Wright. It is a matter of record that this has been your church for over 20 years. It is a matter of record that you were married there by this very pastor, and that your children were baptized there.
The good Reverend saw fit to visit Khadafy in Libya with you and to give a lifetime achievement award to Louis Farrakhan, of all people.
We have all now seen excerpts of his sermons all over the airwaves by now. And you have publicly stated that this man IS your "spiritual mentor."
BUT, your pastor is NOT the reason I am NOT voting for you. His words were disturbing enough, but it is your own HUGE church congregation, seen jumping, hooting and howling to his words in the background that disturb me the most. And please don't tell me you attended church there and never once heard a "discouraging word" in the 20 years you attended there. Don't tell me, that in addition to the good reverend, that you are now not having anything to do with all those other people seen hooting and howling out in the audience in the background of his fiery tirades. Even Oprah Winfrey got disgusted and walked out on your campaign. I am no Oprah fan, but still she did the right thing.
Now you look me in the eye and ask me to believe that you never heard such language in all the years you attended there! This is like me telling you that I attended dozens of Klan rallies and never once heard the "N" word. Yep. And Bill Clinton "did not inhale".
Yes, Mr. Obama, we all have friends who have said stupid things that embarrassed us, but NOW you have asked me to believe something that is so incredibly stupid that you are telling me that I am just stupid enough to believe you. THAT is the main reason that I will never vote for you.
I am deeply sorry, that in a country teeming with enormously talented African Americans who would make a good President that the political system has chosen YOU. You are a pathetic and plastic excuse for an American, who will not even salute the Flag during the Pledge of Allegiance. God forbid you ever get near the Oval Office.
Which leaves us with Senator John McCain.
John, you are a flawed man. You are a bit old, a bit looney, and you have a notoriously bad temper. This perfectly qualifies you, in my humble opinion, to lead us for the next eight years. I WANT your trembling hand on the nuclear button.
Think about it.
We have Kim Jong IL, Chavez and Ahmadenijad all running around like lunatics, threatening America and threatening to plunge the world into nuclear Armageddon. We have Putin and the Chinese blustering and rattling their sabers at us. I want John McCain in the Oval Office and I want him to be really ticked off at all these other nut jobs around the planet.
John, once you are elected, I want you to go into the Oval Office and throw one of your perfect FITS. Jump up and down and throw something through a plate glass window. Rip the drapes down and foam at the mouth a bit. And I want the whole thing on camera so that Ahmadinejad can see it. I want ALL of these "world leaders" to lay awake at night and to break out in a cold sweat every time they think of messing with the United States of America .
I want the nuclear button sitting right next to the alarm clock on your night stand. I want pictures of this to be sent to Iran , Russia , China , Venezuela , Cuba , Libya , Syria , Pakistan , and those other dopes in the sheets, the Saudis.
On the domestic front, poor John did try and reach across the aisle to the opposition in a desperate effort to compromise and to get the Congress to do something. You may not agree with his efforts, but at least he TRIED . For all his efforts, all he got handed to him was his head in a basket. The liberals are ticked at him and the conservatives are ticked at him. Just my kinda guy.
Finally. John McCain knows on a most personal level what it is to suffer horrible torture for years and to see others die, right in front of you, for their love of America . When you ask him about it, he will tell you that what he did was "nothing specia l." Even more incredibly, he states that ANY American who truly loves his country would do exactly the same as he did in that situation. You and I will have a hard time believing that, but the real point is that John McCain believes that about the "average American," and that, dear friends and neighbors, is why I will cast my one poor ballot for on election day for John McCain -- warts and all."
***************************************************************************
The article below was written by syndicated columnist, Thomas Sowell, a black man. He wrote it in a humorous way this past week in a column titled "Random Thoughts" and published it in newspapers nationally, so maybe you've already seen it. If not, be my guest:
Senator John McCain could never convince me to vote for him. Only Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama can cause me to vote for McCain.
After long and serious thought, I have decided to endorse Senator John McCain for President.
I have always voted for the person and have not voted for anyone because some political party was telling me who I should vote for.
We all know the choices by now and, that said, I do believe that the process of selecting a chief executive is deeply flawed. The words "money" and "special interests" come to mind, among many others.
Here's the way I see it:
Barack Obama, you are a fine public speaker. You are also an extremely liberal Senator from the State of Illinois , which has a long and rich history of political corruption of the first magnitude. You are indeed a child of that system.
You have finally insulted my intelligence far beyond my capacity to tolerate your insults. It has nothing at all to do with your skin color. As a matter of fact, it would be so COOL to finally have an African-American for President. What a great statement that would be to the entire world that we are indeed the greatest country on earth!
But, unfortunately, General Colin Powell is not running, and YOU are NOT the man for this job !
Barack baby, you want me to believe that you have never heard the sermons of your own pastor, the Right Reverend "God Damn America" Jeremiah Wright. It is a matter of record that this has been your church for over 20 years. It is a matter of record that you were married there by this very pastor, and that your children were baptized there.
The good Reverend saw fit to visit Khadafy in Libya with you and to give a lifetime achievement award to Louis Farrakhan, of all people.
We have all now seen excerpts of his sermons all over the airwaves by now. And you have publicly stated that this man IS your "spiritual mentor."
BUT, your pastor is NOT the reason I am NOT voting for you. His words were disturbing enough, but it is your own HUGE church congregation, seen jumping, hooting and howling to his words in the background that disturb me the most. And please don't tell me you attended church there and never once heard a "discouraging word" in the 20 years you attended there. Don't tell me, that in addition to the good reverend, that you are now not having anything to do with all those other people seen hooting and howling out in the audience in the background of his fiery tirades. Even Oprah Winfrey got disgusted and walked out on your campaign. I am no Oprah fan, but still she did the right thing.
Now you look me in the eye and ask me to believe that you never heard such language in all the years you attended there! This is like me telling you that I attended dozens of Klan rallies and never once heard the "N" word. Yep. And Bill Clinton "did not inhale".
Yes, Mr. Obama, we all have friends who have said stupid things that embarrassed us, but NOW you have asked me to believe something that is so incredibly stupid that you are telling me that I am just stupid enough to believe you. THAT is the main reason that I will never vote for you.
I am deeply sorry, that in a country teeming with enormously talented African Americans who would make a good President that the political system has chosen YOU. You are a pathetic and plastic excuse for an American, who will not even salute the Flag during the Pledge of Allegiance. God forbid you ever get near the Oval Office.
Which leaves us with Senator John McCain.
John, you are a flawed man. You are a bit old, a bit looney, and you have a notoriously bad temper. This perfectly qualifies you, in my humble opinion, to lead us for the next eight years. I WANT your trembling hand on the nuclear button.
Think about it.
We have Kim Jong IL, Chavez and Ahmadenijad all running around like lunatics, threatening America and threatening to plunge the world into nuclear Armageddon. We have Putin and the Chinese blustering and rattling their sabers at us. I want John McCain in the Oval Office and I want him to be really ticked off at all these other nut jobs around the planet.
John, once you are elected, I want you to go into the Oval Office and throw one of your perfect FITS. Jump up and down and throw something through a plate glass window. Rip the drapes down and foam at the mouth a bit. And I want the whole thing on camera so that Ahmadinejad can see it. I want ALL of these "world leaders" to lay awake at night and to break out in a cold sweat every time they think of messing with the United States of America .
I want the nuclear button sitting right next to the alarm clock on your night stand. I want pictures of this to be sent to Iran , Russia , China , Venezuela , Cuba , Libya , Syria , Pakistan , and those other dopes in the sheets, the Saudis.
On the domestic front, poor John did try and reach across the aisle to the opposition in a desperate effort to compromise and to get the Congress to do something. You may not agree with his efforts, but at least he TRIED . For all his efforts, all he got handed to him was his head in a basket. The liberals are ticked at him and the conservatives are ticked at him. Just my kinda guy.
Finally. John McCain knows on a most personal level what it is to suffer horrible torture for years and to see others die, right in front of you, for their love of America . When you ask him about it, he will tell you that what he did was "nothing specia l." Even more incredibly, he states that ANY American who truly loves his country would do exactly the same as he did in that situation. You and I will have a hard time believing that, but the real point is that John McCain believes that about the "average American," and that, dear friends and neighbors, is why I will cast my one poor ballot for on election day for John McCain -- warts and all."
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