A Public Service Rant

Yesterday's shooting was senseless. I'm absolutely convinced that it was evil. It was an attack by Satan, no doubt.

I don't see this in anyway part of God's plan. I don't buy into the "everything happens for a reason" bull unless you count reasons such as, "I'm an inconsiderate prick" or "my stupidity and hatred knows no bounds." Other than that, I refuse to believe this was in any way part of "God's plan."

And I understand everyone's need to "make sense" of this. And to tell themselves that, "If this were happening... then this wouldn't have happened." Jesus and gun control seem to be the most popular of these.

And I agree with some and disagree with some. And if you want my personal opinion, just ask. Lord knows, I'm not afraid to tell it.

But since yesterday, I have seen the following picture WAY. TOO. MUCH.



No this isn't ironic. This is false.

And I have had enough of seeing it.

The Bible is not prohibited in schools. It is prohibited from being read to class by teachers during class. But if a student wants to read the Bible during breaks in class, before school, after school, during lunch...whatever... yeah, that's still allowed.

And did you know, students still pray at school? Yeah. That happens. And there aren't any Bible police coming through and thumping them on the heads for it. Nay... it is encouraged.

And did you know, there are teachers who sponsor after school Bible studies... and they aren't doing it underground.

And there are still lots and lots of student organizations, with teacher advisors, that are centered around the one and only Jesus Christ?

Administratively led prayer and Bible time...that is what is prohibited. Not the Bible. Not prayer. Knock it off.

And... this picture that seems so popular... are you trying to get me to believe that they are putting a Bible in each and every convict's hands as they come in the door? Are they being forced to go to Bible study? Are the wardens shoving the word of God down their throats?

No. It is the exact same set up as we have in the public school systems. If they want to read the Bible, they can. If they want to pray, they can. That's it.

This picture and everything it stands for is a joke. Please think about what you are reposting.

And finally, this brings me to my last soapbox portion of this post... love.

Because it is frustrating to watch people miss the point completely. Again.

Love people. Truly love them.

This quote really hit home to me yesterday.

"In times like this, I want to ask God, why aren't you stopping the hatred and violence in the world. But I'm afraid He might ask me the same question."

If you see someone hurting. Stop and comfort them. Offer to pray with them. And if they decline, they can't stop you from praying for them when they are gone.

If you know of someone going through a hard time, do something for them.

If you know of someone who is struggling to make ends meet, pay for something for them.

If you are troubled by the amount of abortions happening in the world, adopt a child.

If you are troubled by the amount of hungry people in the world, do something to feed them.

If someone seems lonely, be a companion for them. Invite them somewhere. Let them know you care.

It is so simple. And we keep missing the point.

The biggest tool you have in your arsenal to fight evil is love. Unconditional love. Love that knows no bounds.

And remember, this is a battle. A battle. Which means bad things are going to happen. We have to know that. But we don't have to just sit back and accept it.

We can actively show love every. single. day. And every time you show someone love, you are combating the evil.

One person can't do it all. But every person can do something. Each small act of kindness we do has a lasting effect on the world. And if you get enough of them going at once, we will be unstoppable.

And if all of us who are outraged, hurt, confused, and grieving... if we all go out and love like we should be every day... we will see some profound change in the world. That, my friends, is the answer.

Why Sam will never trick or treat again

Because he is wicked smart, that's why.

He has figured out that on Halloween you have to walk to the different houses to get candy. And you have to talk to people. That's a lot of energy.

Screw that. Just go to a Christmas parade, literally stand in one spot, and people will come to you and give you candy. By the handfuls.

How are parades not more popular? It is much more efficient than trick or treating. The adults dress up AND bring the candy to you.

On the way, I was explaining what parades are to Sam and I told him he would see Santa. He asked, "what will Santa be doing?"

I said, "giving out candy."

He said, "and probably toys"

I said, "no. Probably just candy."

I was wrong. He got a football.

You know what else he got? 3 free tacos and a free round of golf.

Did you know that there was literally not one house on Halloween that gave us a taco. I might have wanted a taco. Now I'm forever ruined.

I'm totes going to be judgy next Halloween.

Anyway, here is a lovely picture of me smiling and Sam looking for more candy.

Oh Christmas Tree!

We decorating our Christmas tree on Monday night and I thought it deserved its very own post. Not because our tree is some decorating marvel or anything. Quite the opposite actually.

I love Christmas for the memories and the thankfulness and the sharing things with others. Everyone who knows me knows that I am not much for gifts. Thoughtfulness is much better. Sometimes thoughtfulness does come in the form of gifts, but I just like being mindful of others and their needs.

This is why I love our tree. People have gotten us ornaments for times in our life that we need to commemorate. And this turned into me wanting to mark each year with an ornament. So I buy Justin and Sam an ornament every year. And I put a lot of thought into it too. I want it to be somehow symbolic of the previous year.

So our tree is not color coordinated. We have no ribbons or tinsel. It is lights and meaningful ornaments. So... here is our lovely tree...

In this picture it looks crooked and oblong. I don't know why. 

So let's look at some of these ornaments...

I got this for Justin a few years ago. I think I was pregnant with Sam at the time. We both love Where the Wild Things are. I just thought this was the coolest ornament when I saw it. 

I bought this one for myself and Justin when I was studying abroad in Europe. These are from Amsterdam. I'm not sure I could express my love for the Netherlands in words. I really loved Maastricht the best, but they didn't have these wicked awesome shoes for an ornament so I just celebrated the country as a whole. I just love these. 

This ornament... I both love it and hate it. Mostly love it. It is as Elvis guitar. And it plays, "Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me". We got this because when I was pregnant with Sam, Justin kept calling him Elvis. It was this big joke (I keep telling myself it was a joke, but I'm pretty sure he would have named him Elvis had I let him... and no, Justin does not obsess about Elvis). Anyway, Sam now loves this ornament. Last year, he kept making it play. Several times a day. Over. And over. And over. This year? The same. Constantly. See video...

Listen really hard at first. We had some creepy Christmas music on. But you will hear Sam hit the button over and over and over. Then he dances to it. This is an every day occurrence. It is the first thing he does when he wakes up. And the first thing he does when he gets home. And he does it 50 more times before bed. Adorable and makes me want to punch a kangaroo at the same time. Wouldn't trade it for anything though. 

We have several other Elvis ornaments because people went a little cray-cray that year with the Elvis jokes. 

This is Sam's fat little hand print from his first Christmas. He was so chubby you can barely see the difference in his fingers. Good heavens I love that boy. 

Can I just say that this caught me by complete surprise. I got an ornament this year! Justin ordered me a Central Perk coffee cup ornament! I do love Friends and coffee... so it was fitting. I love it! 

Gena and I dressed all festive for the decorating and didn't even know it! Red and green pants, ya'll! And Sam really wanted in the picture. 

Speaking of Sam wanting to do things... He wanted to help hang the star. Apparently the star was Gena, lol.

I haven't bought Justin's and Sam's ornaments yet. I know I have to get Sam a police officer one because he has been OBSESSED all year. A few days ago he told me that the police officers got the bad guys and the bad guys gave Sam money and a high five. Uh oh. We went wrong somewhere. I know what I'm going to get Justin too but he reads this so it is still a surprise. 

Pumpkin Spice Pringles

Pumpkin Spice Pringles... these exist.

See...

Now most people would see this in the store and think, "Ew. Gross. That can't be good." And they would walk on and not buy them. 

What do I do? 

Think, "Ew. Gross. That can't be good. I have to try it." 

Apparently I'm a glutton for punishment. 

I tested them on Sam first. He loved them. See...

They were yummy in his tummy.

So I was next. And This Sunday morning, I chose no make-up and poor lighting to document the face I made when I ate this chip... but here you go world...

Easily one of the most flattering pictures of me to date that exists. Good thing I don't have self esteem issues.

And yet, it captures everything I feel about this chip.

They kept the saltiness of a Pringle and kept the sweetness of a pumpkin pie with the spice of a pumpkin pie... It. Is. Awful.

Whoever made these were high. Like Colorado high. In a Twinkie plant. Or they dropped some acid first or something... Heavens to Betsy these things are disgusting.

So when you pass by the chip aisle... and you wonder... go with your instinct. They ARE as bad as they sound.

Day 30: Inappropriateness

I love inappropriateness. Jokes... awkwardness... I find it all really funny.

And I love it. I love that a lot of people don't take life so seriously that I can't giggle when someone says something that warrants a, "That's what she said."

I love that there are people in my life who will bust me out when I say something that warrants a "That's what she said."

I love that there are people in my life who will send me the following pictures... knowing good and well that I will giggle like a school girl on teacher appreciation day.