In love with this photo...

In love with this photo...I don't know if it is because it is a close up, or if it's her gorgeous eyes...but I am glad I picked up the camera and caught this sweet face. Love you Mallory!!!

Fathers Day

Yesterday ended up being a pretty busy day, but I wanted to go ahead and write a quick note thanking the 3 amazing fathers in my life: my Heavenly Father, my earthly father, and the father of my 2 beautiful girls. First, I want to note how lucky I am to have the best husband and the greatest father to Keaton and Mallory. Dan is truly amazing and I am very blessed to have him in my life. The girls adore him and the reason why is obvious!

Secondly, while my time with my dad was waaay too short, I am blessed to have had him as my father. He was amazing-kind, funny, dedicated, a hero in many, many ways. I miss him so much and look forward to the day where I will see him again.

Lastly and most importantly, I want to thank God, my ultimate Father for all of the blessings in my life, especially the 2 wonderful individuals mentioned above. I am so very blessed.

Valuable Lesson from BAD TV show...

I just caught a few minutes of the show "I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here" and realized something interesting...that like the settlers in Jamestown, the participants are learning one lesson: socialism does not work. A couple of them were complaining about how a couple were doing all of the work, yet they all had equal access to the fire, food, etc. Wow. Such a profound concept on what I consider a pretty bad TV show...because when this happens, chaos ensues...in Jamestown it was the same way. All of the settlers shared equally the fruits of the labor--the problem was that some of them got lazy and realized "hey, why should I work hard, I still get the same amount of food no matter what I do"-thus a small portion of the settlers ended up doing all the work, yet not getting any increase in their result...sound familiar (taxes)???

This mindset is where we are heading with the "redistribution of wealth" philosophy. People who are working hard to earn what they have will be punished monetarily in order to provide for those who do not have as much. Now, I am not saying that the poor do not deserve assistance---but what if they are drug addicts or gambling addicts? Should my money be going to them with no limitation??? Is that truly helping them??? NO-what helps these people is teaching them personal responsbility. Teaching them how to work hard to earn what they want. Teaching them that taking the easy way out is not always the best way out.

President Obama, as he showed during the campaign, believes in the "share the wealth" philosophy...do we not learn from history??? From other countries??? Socialism fails every time, yet that is where our country is heading. This truly worries me-with all of the bailouts, ownership of car companies and enlargement of government...our country is heading in a dangerous direction.

Tolerance

Ok, so as I have become interested in politics these last few years, one of the words I have heard often is "tolerance." Generally a word the liberals use to describe themselves. Tolerance is what it is about-of homosexuals, of different races, etc. While it sounds all fine and dandy-I have found one thing-they aren't as tolerant as they seem. They aren't tolerent of Christianity or religion. They aren't tolerant of those who have opposing viewpoints or disagree with their world view. In fact, if their view is opposed-those that don't agree become bigots and no longer is tolerance the way to go.

This has become very clear in the media lately in the case of Miss California. She was viciously attacked because of her view on gay marriage. What happened to tolerance? Is she not entitled to her own opinion? her own view? She was very respectful, did not put down the gay and lesbian community-she just simple stated her belief-which is the same belief of President Obama and a majority of Americans. But where was the ACLU? The National Organization for Women? Oh yeah-they are liberal organizations and will only stick up for the person if they agree with their philosophies.

I have been very aware of this "culture war" for a long time-thanks to Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity and those that shed light on this hatred of opposing viewpoints. I have said from day one that I will not treat Obama as Bush was treated. Man, he was HATED and constantly demeaned-and then it was okay to dissent-oh, but not now!!! Now, dissent is "intolerant"-we are racist and stupid if we don't agree with Obama and his policies! And if we approved of President Bush-oh man, watch out!!!

This is on my mind because yesterday I decided to "commentate" the Obama and Cheney security speeches on twitter (which then updates my facebook status). This issue has been very appealing to me for some reason-9/11 impacted me greatly and national security is a very important issue. Anyway, at the end, one of my final posts was a thanks to Pres. Bush, VP Cheney and the Troops for keeping us safe since 9/11. And I got a response...from a liberal. And you know what-I don't mind disagreement, I don't mind opposing viewpoints...I welcome it actually because I would love to have a civil debate on the issues. But the response was hateful-about how Pres. Bush did nothing, blah blah blah...and it ended with "screw bush"-then that person updated his status to say he hated stupidity and people who choose what they want to hear versus what is actually being said, etc-obviously responding to me. This is exactly what I am talking about-tolerant unless you don't agree with their world view. All of the sudden I became stupid because I supported the Bush Adm. No way did I know what I was talking about...after all I have not only self-schooled myself on politics and all that surrounds it for the last 7 years...After I wrote a strong but respectul response, he deleted his-fine. I know that people who are that far left can't be swayed or argued with. As O'Reilly says-"walk away." But I'd like the anwer to one question-what happened to that "tolerance" word. Do I not have the right to voice my opinion on MY facebook page? On MY twitter account??? It was a simple thank you message-not even a message that is controversial!

I struggled for a long time on whether or not to tackle political issues and stories on facebook, twitter, etc. And I ultimately decided "why not?" It is something I am passionate about and why hide my views? Yes, politics can be controversial, etc. but you don't have to read the stories I post or the opinions I express...I just find it funny when those that don't agree respond with hate versus intellect.

On a funny note-this was the same person who posted that the Twilight series sucked and that I should not read them. After I read all 4 books in a week, I knew we were obviously of different minds. 8 )

So my main message is this-we are all going to disagree at some point, can't we just do it in a civil manner? Do you have to tear down those who disagree with you?

5 Years...

I recently did this fun mini-album for a Big Picture class and it led me to reflect on Keaton's first 5 years. It was sooo fun documenting her thru the years!!! Some of my reflections (in no particular order)
-She was a "nursing baby" in that she wanted to nurse all of the time!

-She was a good baby-very content (once we got the nursing schedule under control).

-It took us a while to get her to sleep in her own bed, but that was more our fault than hers. 8 )

-She was and is a fast learner-the abc's, numbers, actually memorizing books...now we have moved on to writing, tying shoes, and cleaning her room. 8 )

-From day 1, she has been the sweetest thing. She randomly tells us she loves us all the time and is a snuggler too!

-She despises the car wash!!!

-She is just funny (got that from her dad)-a lot of "Keatonisms" that I have documented thru the years...all of her preschooler teachers have mentioned that she cracks them up on a daily basis. I hope her kindergarten teacher is ready for her...LOL

-She is very creative-she loves to paint, make crafts and NOW...scrapbook! Ha, Dan is loving that!!! 8 ) Right now she is into card making, she makes cards for us, her friends...in fact, they are taking over our house!

-She has 2 best friends (Ellie and India) and it is going to be so much fun watching them grow up together! Hopefully they don't get into too much trouble!!!

Just some random thoughts. She is growing up waaaay too fast, but each new "stage" brings with it a new set of joys. Love this girl!!!

Busy, busy...

May just started and it has been a busy month so far!!! Keaton graduated from Preschool, our god-son Joe received his first communion, Keaton had her pre-K physical (shots-didn't go over so well, but ice cream at Dairy Queen afterword made it all ok!), Dan started golf league, we had our last Couples Bible Study session (until the fall), and oh-last weekend was "National Scrapbooking Day", so that means some fun scrapbook shopping on QVC. 8 ) Ok, the last part there wasn't so "busy" but something I look forward to every year. 8 ) I did get to scrapbook some last weekend-did a little mini album that I need to put some finishing touches on, but mostly I have been working on a graduation album I am doing for my sister-in-law. It is a gift for her nephew who graduates in a couple weeks and I will be going to Denver next weekend to take it to her...and to spend the weekend with Angie to scrapbook and hang out-can't wait!!! 8 )

The next few weeks are also full of rehearsals, pictures, etc of Keaton's first ballet/tap recital which is at the end of this month. It is going to be super cute, will definetely post pictures!!! Hopefully she will do as good as she did at her graduation performance-performed like a pro, not too nervous or anything!!! What a difference a year makes! Last year, she just stood up there and would hardly move! 8 )

I have been a bit under the weather these last couple weeks (of course it started the day that Dan left to be gone for 6 days!!!). Now, I think what is still hanging on is actually allergy related. Weird. I have never had allergies. I took an allergy pill last night and it completely knocked me out, so I will just have to live with the "fullness", plugged ears, and cough. Oh well. It could be worse.

My last couple posts have been politically motivated...or you could say frustration-motivated. Part of my daily routine is to watch the news, and occasionally to listen to Rush and Hannity on the rado. I joke with Dan about how I am a stay at home mom who chooses to watch Fox News over soap operas. 8 ) But actually, politics is its own soap opera...you have secret love affairs, corruption, greed, money...all of the things that make up a bad soap opera. On a serious note though...I am really frustrated with the Obama administration and the way they are handling, well...everything. He is so extremely radical and while he can talk smoothly (with a teleprompter anyway), his views are farther left of most of Americans. I just hope Republicans can win back some seats next year. And all of this talk about the Repubs being too far to the right-that is nonsense!! Of course the Dems want us to move left...because then we would be Democrats!!! I know it would be ideal for us all to just give up and agree with the Democrats, make it a one party system-but that is not good for the country! I laugh when they say we are a party of "no"-well, the conservative ideology and philosophy is completely opposite of that of the left, so of course the Repubs are going to oppose their policies!!! And why are they complaining? They pretty much have full control now! Oh, and can't one make the argument that the right has not moved farther right (which is not true, look at Reagan!), but that the left has become more liberal??? I could definetely make that argument. And the sad thing is-the consistent trend is the more liberal, the more intolerant (funny being they are the party of tolerance...unless it is about religion or about disagreeing with their world view) and the more hateful. Look at what is happening to Carry Prejean (Miss California). I post almost a story a day (and could do many more) on my facebook account that shows how crazy things are right now in the political realm. (I generally use thefoxnation.com which is a great website for news-but also check out CNN and other news organizations on a regular basis).

Well, I will quit the "soapbox"-8 ) I should probably go get dressed for the day-after all, it is only 11:00. ha ha. I love days when we have nothing going on!

My Head is Going to Explode!

Does anyone else find these things a little, well...hypocritical, dangerous, BAD!?

Pres. Obama repeatedly says he just wants to look forward, but then chooses to release Top Secret documents from the Bush administration. These documents talk about various methods of enhanced interrogation techniques that were used after 9/11 and are now considered torture by the current administration-techniques that were used of last resort and only for those the CIA knew had information that could possibly lead to a second 9/11. While the definition of "torture" can be debated, the main question is why were these released? Why would we put this info out there for the terrorists to get? We basically just gave them more info for their training manual. If Pres. Obama was telling the truth, "moving forward" would mean "we no longer torture and that is the end of that." Instead, he makes our national security political. Nice. Apparently he has not yet realized that Bush is no longer in power-he is the President now, why waste time making the last admin. look bad when you have so many other things to worry about???

Besides the issue of hurting our security, what good is our CIA if they are going to be constantly worried about being prosecuted for what they do as part of their JOB? Obama initially said that they were not going to prosecute those that had carried out the techniques, Rahm Emmanuel said that they were not going to prosecute those that drafted the memos either. Today-complete opposite story. Now, there is a possibility that these people will be prosecuted. This is so incredibly disturbing, on so many levels:

1. They released these memos talking about the methods we used, but so far have refused to release the memos that talk about the great intelligence we got from them. VP Cheney has called them out on this and righfully so. I had read somewhere that there were 30+ terrorist attacks that were thwarted as a result of info we got from these interrogations and that 50% of the info we have on Al Qaeda is from these interrogations. What would have happened of there had been another attack on our country? Easy-Pres. Bush would have been blamed for not doing enuf to protect us. Why won't the Obama admin. put this info out? Don't the American people deserve the entire story? Shouldn't we have access to all of the information instead of what was cherry picked by Obama? This is absolutely outrageous!!

2. What about members of Congress who knew about and approved the techniques? Including Nancy Pelosi? Will she be prosecuted? Hmmm...I can guess the answer to that.

3. This type of stuff is exactly what Clinton did-he tied the hands of the CIA behind their back, and as a result, we were not able to prevent 9/11. Do we not learn from history? I said this before, but if the CIA has this constant fear of being prosecuted, they are not going to be able to do their job. Our intelligence is going to be hurt greatly, I truly believe that.

4. For Obama to completely take any of these techniques off the table is a huge mistake! What happens in this scenario (which is extremely realistic)-Intelligence finds out a terrorist got across the border with a WMD-one that could kill thousands of Americans. They know of some of his cohorts that are in Gitmo, and are pretty sure they probably know where this person is going...are you telling me we are going to get info from them by being all sweet and cuddly??? What happens when we have just hours or minutes and need to get information fast. Plain and simple, we are screwed. I am not saying we should torture, but I don't believe the techniques in those memos are torture. Not to mention-do the terrorists abide by the Geneva convention when they have an American prisoner??? Ummm...I don't think so.

Paired with Obama's world "apology" tour and his sucking up to various dictators and tyrants around the world, I believe we are extremely weak right now. Our president looks weak, our country looks weak. Terrorists around the world are celebrating today. He says we lost "moral bearing" using these tactics-isn't just about every policy he has instituted pretty much "non-moral bearing"? How is it that he chooses what ways the US can be "moral"? Oh yeah-only when it makes him look good and Bush (or any Republican for that matter) look bad.

How is it that he is more harsh toward peple like Hannity and Rush than he is toward people like Chavez and the Saudi King? How is it that he allows these dictators to blame us for all of their problems when it is the decisions they have made that have led to their demise? How is it that he can go overseas and talk about how our past is sooo horrible (not any more horrible that the past of any other country, by the way) but refuses to mention all of the tremendous good we have done and continue to do in this world? He says we should be on an equal level to these countries--but we aren't equal!!! They are run by dictators who kill people who don't agree with them! They run drug dealing operations! They take money and food they get for the people and don't actually give it to the people! And many of these dictators-in the last week have laughed at, made a fool of, or have spoken negatively about President Obama. Apparently the sucking up didn't work so much...

How is it that the administration puts out a memo warning law enforcement of the increased chance that right wing extremists (according the media, this would include all of those who attended the tea parties) are a danger, especially those who have fought for our country? With no evidence. None. (Then today-a domestic terrorist is added to the FBI's Most Wanted List-he is a left-winger. )

How is it that NBC has an interview with Janine Garafalo (sp?) who says all those who attended the tea parties are racists who just can't stand that we have a black president. And the interview (Olberman, of course) agreed with her wholeheartedly (again, great example of objective journalism)? NBC/GE is corrupt on soooo many levels and is in the President's pockets.

How is it that the President couldn't even acknowledge the thousands of Americans who are truly concerned about their country-the estimates range from 300,000 to 750,000 people came out that day. Those are not small numbers-and I can guarantee that were millions who would have been at one if they could have. Everyone from the media to Nancy Pelosi to the President dismissed them and even made fun of them. Shameful. Apparently, dissent is only okay if it is against the right.

I am one frustrated American. And while I probably pay too much attention to this stuff, I can't help it. Everyday, there is something that makes my head want to explode. Is he naive? Is the really that liberal? Does he think like Reverend Wright and William Ayers? (Which no one but Fox would cover during the camaign). Apparently so. I just hope people will pay attention and make some smart choices when it comes time to elect our representatives...and our next president. I am scared where we will be if we allow more than 4 years of this.

Tea Parties and Media Bias

I just came across some news videos on NBC and CNN (completely lost any respect I did have for Anderson Cooper) that completely ripped on the Tea Parties happening today (that had HUGE crowds of average Americans all over the nation!). Not only were the reports completely nonfactual, but they were extremely condescending and ignorant (which is unfortunately extremely typical).
Myth #1: The mainstream media and the liberal press (pretty much the same thing) keeps saying the Tea Party protests are a conservative movement. Wrong-the protests had Republicans, Democrats, and Independents invloved and they happened all over the nation.

Myth #2: The protests are just protesting Obama, but these people didn't say anything when the Republicans were in power and increased our deficit. Wrong-the anger is toward ALL govt, both parties for being fiscally irresponsible, for the bailouts, the earmarks...the blame lies on both sides, but with the Obama admin. it just keeps getting worse. Our govt. is spending outrageously right now and our kids and grandkids are going to be paying the bill.

Myth #3: That these protests are stupid because they are trying to mimick the Boston Tea Party which was about taxing without representation (and that our taxes aren't increasing anyway). Wrong-the Boston Tea Party encouraged the initial sentiment of protesting tax-related issues, but again, the protests are about our congressmen/women not listening to the people who hired them, about fiscal irresponsibility with our tax money, with the outrageous spending that will inevitably have to increase our taxes at some point (even the taxes on the rich will not provide enuf money!), and the "secret" way Obama is increasing our taxes-maybe not thru our paychecks (now), but by increasing taxes on cigarettes, utilities, etc. Anyone who truly believes their taxes will not be going up in some form is lying to themselves. And actually-right now,in the most liberal states, taxes are increasing rapidly on homes, sales, corporate taxes, etc. Right Now. So anyone who says that taxes have not increased need to do their homework.

Myth #4: That the Republican Party and Fox News organized this. Wrong-this was grassroots all the way-Patriotic American people standing up for our core values. Standing up for our kids and grandkids who are going to get dealt a horrible hand because of the choices are representatives are making right now. Fox News covered them-and were the only ones that covered them accurately. (And for the record NBC news-hardly any of the people at the rallies were 'toothless').

I have to say I am sick and tired of being considered a "right wing extremist" or a "racist" or that I should be "shamed" for being a conservative, for not voting for and agreeing with President Obama and the progressive ideaology. It doesn't happen here (of course, I live in Nebraska of all places), but it is done on a national level-in the media, at the Oscars, on the liberal talk radio shows, on shows like the View and on and on and on...I am just someone who believes in the traditional values of our country and every day (faster with the Obama administration) we are getting further and further away from that. Our government is getting larger by the day, focus on personal resonsiblity is turning into focus on entitlements and looking to the govt. for everything...I could go on and on. But I do want to say this-there is a reason why Fox News kills in the ratings-why they have 10 of the top 10 cable news shows (yep!)-they speak the voice of the majority of Americans, and that is proven by the fact they have the highest ratings in TV and on radio. And they do sway to the right in their commentary but hard-news wise, is more objective than any other news organization.

It was obvious how liberal our mainstream media had gotten-it reared its ugly head during the campaign. But today-even more obvious. The media is no longer objective. As Sean Hannity says, Journalism has truly died. And while some people think we shouldn't care...we should because the media and Hollywood shape values of our children more than we think. I hope our representatives pay attention to the thousands of Americans that stood up today for fiscal responsbility with our tax dollars. I also hope that people think twice these days when they are watching the news. (If you want to see the video of the horrendous reporting, go to FoxNation.com and you will find videos.)

Catching Up...

Yeah, I am not so good at this blogging thing...I need to keep caught up a bit better, especially since I plan on using some of my posts for my journaling for future scrapbook pages! I do have a good excuse though...Dan and I just got back from SUNNY California yesterday! For my 30th birthday (Sunday the 5th), he surprised me and took me to the beach for 5 days-he rented a convertible, and both places we stayed (Santa Barbara and Laguna Beach) were right on the beach! What an amazing husband I have, it was an amazing trip and so incredibly relaxing!!! I will post pics soon (they are still on my camera) but on the left is a page I made before the trip for an art journaling class that I am taking (too fun!) that is about getting away from the snow and into the sun! 8 ). It was sooo nice to get away from the cold weather and enjoy some sunshine. We spent part of Sunday in Hollywood and took a tour of Celebrities homes and places where fun things happened in the world of Hollywood. Sadly, I LOVE that kind of stuff. For instance, we saw the house where 'The Bodyguard' was filmed...love it!!! Overall though, we got lots of great sun, great convertible driving time, ate lots of yummy food, and even got a little sunburnt (including my lips-ouch!).

So while we were gone, our wonderful in-laws (Jim and Jodi), with some help from my mom, watched the girls We owe them huge!!! Esp since they have 4 kids of their own...the girls had a great time, but we missed them a ton! Even so, it was nice to know they were in such great hands.

So I am officially 30...not so bad, but I majorly felt it on Sat. when Dan and I went to Magic Mountain--I can't quite handle the roller coaster like I used to, and we left after 3 rides because we had no patience for the 90 minute waits...that, I say, is a sign I am officially getting old. Ugh.

Saturday was the 3rd anniversary of my dad's passing. I can't believe it has been that long. I am blessed to have the time I did with him, but it does not help the sadness that comes from missing him, and the sadness that comes from my girls not getting to know him. Keaton's memories of him are ever fading, and Mallory did not get the chance to meet this man I call my hero. I will tell them stories though...stories to keep his memory alive. He was such an amazing man, and I know that one day I will be with him again.

In memoriam, April 4th, 2006, Ronald Lee Gardner

Change is something I love...

This is one of my recent layouts I have done-totally different from what I normally do, but I think I am addicted! I love the distressed, shabby look! I did it for a challenge my best friend and I do thru email, and now am convinced I need to use these techniques more often!

Also, in the short time since I posted those photos, I have given my room a new look already-so I will post new pics soon. See, lately I have been in a "vintage" mood-for quite a while I have had this desire to shop for antiques-I love antiques! So, I decided to limit my antique shopping to my scrapbook room. I found some cool vintage fabric, and some amazing antique storage pieces. I painted my white furniture brown and distressed them. The house is still a bit stinky as a matter of fact...8 )

I think part of the fun of scrapbooking for me is organizing all of my supplies (okay...and purchasing them, ha ha!). I am an organization guru and it seems like I am finally getting to the point to where I like how I have things organized-finally!!! When I first started, I had everything neatly tucked away and labeled, but over the years have figured out that I like to have things out so that I don't forget that I have them. So, I have changed my storage to reflect that need. There are also choices like organizing by color or type, and I have chose by type-and that works great for me! So, it has been a process, but I think I finally got it down!

I also am currently addicted to taking online scrapbooking classes. I have been taking them for quite some time from Big Picture Scrapbooking-I love trying new things, meeting challenges, etc and many of them help me use of my stash. 8 ) I also just discoverd debbiehodge.com which has more classes-I am taking an Art Journaling class, which will be a totally new thing for me! I am excited to play with gesso and paint and all of that yummy stuff!!! I also discoverd jessicasprague.com, which has digitial photography and editing classes. I am really trying to learn more about my camera and Photoshop Elements. Tired of using the "manual" or"auto" options...I love to learn new things and expand this hobby as much as I can!

So that is what I have been up to scrapbooking wise. Of course, I am also working on some projects for my business-some cute acrylic sports mini albums and some 12x12 pages for a local gal who is keeping me busy! I hope to dedicate this weekend to getting more of those projects done!