Halloween (one week late)

Pumpkin time with Mama.

Trying to pose in Halloween garb.

Quickly got the hang of it.

Okay, I finally posted some photos.  I will add more later because I am not able to upload all the photos right now.  Amongst all the hope and disappointment that everyone if feeling, I find myself pulling inward and focusing on what is most important for me, my girls.  Whatever rights I have or don't have right now will not take away the love, strength, compassion, tolerance, endurance, and passion, that exist in our home.  Who else could teach this to me, but our two toddlers.  Patience and faith is not only being tested outside our walls, but inside, as well, as we continue to struggle with sleep, behavior, and potty issues.  Sound familiar to anyone?  Yes, we will overcome.  Political really is personal, isn't it?  

Hope

This is our moment. This is our time –to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people.

- President-Elect Barack Obama, November 4, 2008

I will finally allow myself to feel hope.  Tonight I felt awe.  Complete and utter awe at where our nation has come to and at the healing that can now begin after this past 8 years.  Let us celebrate tonight and allow ourselves to feel proud of who we are and who we can be.

What to write?

Okay, I know there's no kid pictures. Sorry to disappoint. I've been in a personal dilemma lately. What do I write on here? Do I really want to blog? Is what I say worth reading for anyone? Does it make me vain to think so? I could update everyone on the kids (don't worry, I will), rant about the current political issues (okay, maybe I'll do that, too), or just randomly talk about anything I want to (which I am obviously doing now).

I do want to say that I am nervous, yet hopeful. Tomorrow will bring us a change in some way, yet we just wait. Well, not just wait. Of course, there is work to be done between now and then, and it definitely won't end with tomorrow. The work will still be there. I am just holding on to that glimmer of hope that I feel that this is the point of change we've been waiting for. I am hoping to get another "yes on prop 8" caller at my house tonight. They caught me off guard last time, so my argument didn't sound quite the way I wanted it to. I am all prepared now. Wouldn't it be great to have the missionaries show up at my door, too? Would I invite them in? Offer some decaf tea? And, then unload. I sure hope I would.

Halloween is getting closer...

Our favorite season is here and favorite holiday just around the corner.  Can you tell they are excited?  I think the costume ideas change everyday.  Cat, mermaid, dragon, monster, and so on.  I have learned to not rush out and get costume supplies or search craigslist too much.  It could change tomorrow.  Yet, it is all so fun to anticipate.  In the meantime, our harvested pears are creating such a sweet aroma in the house tonight while the crisps cook.  

This time of year just reminds me of what family is all about and to remember these moments.  I want to nest and get ready for winter hibernation like the good mama bear I am.

My little Scout

This month for my book club we are reading the classic To Kill a Mockingbird.  I read it in high school, but this was the first time I read it since then.  What a wonderful book to read again.  Like the first time, I was completely smitten with one of the most memorable and likable characters in American literature,  Scout.  It made me think about what I first thought of Miss Scout when I read it as a teenager.  I remember thinking that she was the kind of daughter I would love to have as my own.  I wanted to be the kind of parent Atticus is.  Honest and steadfast in my beliefs and letting my children see this through my choices and actions everyday.  

We now are raising our children in a world that allows so many more opportunities for our children, particularly for our daughters, yet we continue to fight for a world of equality and justice.  My oldest daughter is my little Scout.  She already goes against the grain and challenges people's ideals and expectations of how a little girl is supposed to behave.  At times her energy and spirit is a challenge, but I have to admit she makes other children appear boring.  Even in the Bay area, amongst a "liberal" community, the gender roles and expectations still exist for our children.  I wince when I hear my liberal educated friends make comments questioning my children's behavior or justifying their own children's behavior based upon gender stereotypes.  I find myself falling into the trap and explaining my daughter's behavior when I should be proud of the person she is.  The daughter I always wanted, my little Scout, is right here with me.  I hope I can prove to be the kind of parent she is worthy of having.

Rings a little too true...

We got a good laugh from this story, yet it also makes me stop and think a moment about where I am and where I thought I would be.  I always knew I wasn't that alternative, but I never thought I would be quite this normal either.  Check out Goin' Suburban: Confessions of a Lesbian Housewife.  It makes me want to run out and buy the latest Ani cd.

Addictive, yet for a good cause

I am warning you, this is very addictive, especially when you start to see your bowls of rice fill up.