Working from Home!

One of the things I have loved since moving to Michigan is the ability to work from home. While I do miss interaction, it doesn't make up for the less stressful work environment. I feel that I thrive working from a home home office and am more productive! I also like that I get to take my son to school. In Colorado my son was in daycare/school from 7am to 6pm. As a mom who really didn't get any maternity leave (4 weeks) I have found this time with my son SO important.

If you are thinking of working from home I recommend investing in a stand up desk. I can't say enough about them! Below is the link to the standing desk that I purchased.

Jarvis Standing Desk

WE MOVED, WE ARE MICHIGANDERS!

WE MOVED!

Well it has been awhile since I have written, but I am back AND in a new city. We now live in Ann Arbor, MI. Talk about a crazy experience...moving! No idea how much that rocked our world, but seem to be doing better now. The move was especially difficult for my son. With adoptive kids transitions can be hard, new classroom, change in sports group...so you can imagine how much the move rocked my kiddo. Some people wonder why we left Colorado. One of the reasons is my husband got recruited by the University of Michigan. However, we didn't look at this move lightly. One of the reasons we said yes is after researching the Ann Arbor area we found it more diverse than Fort Collins.


When you have an adopted child of a different race it is important, to me, to live in a diverse area. My son is Korean and I find it so important for him to live where there are other Asians. To help with his identity and mirroring. I had recently taken a series of webinars about raising my adopted son. One of the comments she made I found so powerful as a parent and what I can do for my child. Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker, Beyond Words Psychological Services, LLC

"I'm thinking about getting a tattoo that reads, "There is NO substitute for racial mirrors & diversity!" It will probably have to be on my forehead. Over & over again, at nearly every transracial adoption training I facilitate, the question arises: "What if we don't live in a diverse area? How can we help our transracially adopted child have a healthy & positive racial identity?" My answer is always the same: "Without racial mirroring & diversity, it is not possible to have a healthy & positive racial identity." I understand why this frustrates parents. I recognize how much work it requires to find new jobs, a new home, and uproot your family to move to a diverse community. I can empathize with the wish for some magical alternative solution. But there isn't one. This is one of those rare situations where there is ONE RIGHT ANSWER. Racial mirroring isn’t the only necessity for developing a positive racial identity, but without it, a positive racial identity is not possible. This is not just my personal belief, anecdotal sharing about client experiences, or the consensus of adult transracial adoptees - it is all of these things plus decades of psychological research on racial identity development that proves this to be true. If you as a transracially adoptive parent choose to ignore this fact by continuing to search for magical alternative solutions, your child will be the one to pay the price."

Those words were so powerful to me. I also recommend listening to her webinars, they are fantastic!  My goal going forward with this blog is to continue talking about our life but more importantly to really dive deep into being a parent of an adoptive parent. I will also share our adventures, recipes and things that we love! I had found the adoption community very small and always looking for people close to me who you can lean on. 

Costa Rica for Families!

We recently went to Costa Rica and had the most amazing time! I wanted to write about why I feel it is the perfect vacation with families of kids of any age. Here is our itinerary.

We flew into Liberia, which is located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. We went thru Cindy Peck with Costa Rican Vacations.

Hotel in La Fortuna Hotel Lomas del Volcan Hotel Lomas del Volcan this hotel are these amazing bungalows nestled at the base of a volcano. Great for a family of 2-4. Amazing swimming pool! Plus close to all the fun activities!

I am afraid of heights and I recommend everyone to EcoGlide Park! If your child is young they will go tandem! EcoGlide Arenal Park it was a 5 minute drive from the hotel!  This is an excellent adventure for the young and old!

They are known for their hot springs but we didn't hit those up.

La Fortuna waterfall was great! Easy walk and our son enjoyed playing on the rocks!

Proyecto Asis Proyecto Asis was great! It ran a little long for our son at times but it was worth it for the end! I recommend doing the volunteer  + tour.

Make sure if you rent a car the roads are windy and narrow. I would be VERY careful passing and you are on island time so take your time.

In the future I would rent a house! It is pretty much the same as US cost wise and you can cook your own meals.

I would give 5 stars for Costa Rican family vacation!

New Name, New Adventure

I figured it was a good time to get back to blogging. We are leaving our home and love Colorado for Ann Arbor, MI. Jeremy (my husband) has accepted an offer with the University of Michigan. Ann Arbor looks amazing but I have to say, I am pretty sad. I am open for change but it is overwhelming and I think anytime you leave somewhere you become reflective. The blog will be focusing on the same stuff as before; Korean Adoption, Food, Travel and Thoughts! Welcome to the new blog!

Gotcha Day and Why It is Important to Our Family

Happy Gotcha Day, Forever Family, Family Day, etc... (I like them all)

Today, April 13th is our forever day. We flew the long trip back from Korea arriving at midnight greeted by family and friends. People seem to be indifferent on this day in terms of what to call it or should it be celebrated. Hell ya!  I, to myself, call it my Labor Day. It is a day I remember and cherish as it is the day we became parents to the most wonderful boy. A boy who lights up our world. His laugh, smile and wonder of all things is both inspiring and captivating to me.

A few of Cy's favorite things...

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite Foods: Mandu, Bibimbop, Hot Dogs, Ranch, Chicken, Veganaise, Hamburgers, Tacos

Favorite Veggies: Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Beets and Daddy's Sauteed Collard Greens

Favorite Dessert: Fudge Popsicle and CHOCOLATE!

Favorite Fruits: Grapes and Strawberries

What Makes Me Happy: When I play with Mommy and Daddy

Favorite Drink: Uyu (milk). Lemonade and OJ

Friends: Yosh, Atticus, Mackenzie, Berkley, Seely, Alex, Cousin Owen

Favorite Movie: Paddington
Favorite Book: Pirates love Underpants

Favorite TV Show: Octonauts
When I grow up I want to be: A Firefighter

Favorite Animal: Rolly Pollies, Humback Whale

Favorite Things: Trucks, Ferrys, LOVES Trains (He says they make his heart happy), Monster Truck from his friend Alex

What makes me laugh: farting and burping

What I love to do: watch movies, ride in my whee-hoo with Mommy and Daddy, sharing and Dressing fancy. Cy loves art. He loves creating whether with play-doh or drawing. He is so into drawing and all things art. He loves to go on dates and special events. This was the first year he got into the zoo.

Cy wears a tie almost everyday. It is funny as last year all he wanted to wear was jeans and this year he wants dress pants, dress shirt and tie...even just hanging around the house or he is naked. I feel bad as Sunday I got into an argument with him, begging to just wear play clothes. I lost. I used to find it endearing but I love the days where he is in his sweats and a t-shirt. He still loves all things chocolate. Our celebration this year is Cy's favorite homemade pepperoni pizza and chocolate fondue!

Oh the Places we will go....

Korea Camp for the first time at Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park, CO

Daddy and Cy went for a week to Grandma and Grandpa Nelsons in Minnesota

Weekend Camping trip with Grandma Irene and the Sonnhalter's to Colorado Springs

Disneyland, visiting the California clan and celebrated Great Grandma Mary's 105th birthday

Steamboat Springs for New Years with the Ringerud's 

Glenwood Springs, CO weekend getaway with Grandma Irene

Mickey Mouse!

Looking fancy!

Disney Adventure

Korea Camp Snow Mountain Ranch Winter Park

Disneyland

Disneyland

Huntington Beach, he got his stitches right before we left.

My beach boys, Huntington Beach

Campfire at Korea Camp

Cy's class at Korea Camp

Seely and Cy getting their nails painted at Korea Camp

Meeting one of the chipmunks

Exchanging Hi Fives with Donald

Cy's first play at the Buell in Denver with Grandma Irene, Cinderella

Korea Camp Snow Mountain Ranch, Winter Park, CO

4th Birthday Pirate Party!

Fascinated by the train in Glenwood Springs, CO

Cy and Aunt Jill at the North Pole in Colorado Springs

Cy and Coco, Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Grandma and Grandpa Nelsons - Horse Whisperer

Cy and Great Grandma Mary

The family! Disneyland, what a wonderful...wonderful vacation!

Every year we are living, loving, laughing and lounging! Take time for the small things in life. Slow down and don't miss anything. Savor every moment and every flavor. My beautiful boy, you're light shines so bright every day. You are wonderful, special and filled with so many wonderful talents. My wish is you have happiness, health and success. That you are kind and maybe cause a little trouble now and than. Also, never ever let someone's words define who you are...celebrate your uniqueness.

Love Mom and Dad

Vegan Tacos

Vegan Tacos

Taco Seasoning

2T chili powder

1T ground cumin

2t sea salt

2t ground coriander

1t paprika

1/2t ground pepper

Pinch of cayenne - I was fine without it

Lentil, Kale and Quinoa Tacos

1C dry quinoa

1/2C dry lentils

1 recipe of Taco Seasoning

2-3 large Kale leaves, stems removed and chopped

Cook lentils and quinoa per instructions

While quinoa and lentils are still warm, fold in taco seasoning and chopped Kale leaves.  Serve as tacos/burritos with desired toppings. Squeezed limes, tomatoes and avocados are fantastic!

Best Power Meal!

Quick and Healthy Weeknight Dinner

This is probably not new to most people but a recent discovery to me and I love it! As a working mom, quick meals and healthy are essential!

Here is how it goes:

Veggie Burger! - your favorite recipe or frozen if needing fast. Fry an egg over easy and place on top. Cut up a whole avocado and some tomatoes! Bam! Filling and healthy!

Easy and Affordable!

Black Raspberry Jam , Nelson Family Tradition

One thing that I have loved since marrying into my family is my mother-in-laws black raspberry jam. We crave it and cherish every jar. After moving into our house we purchased some plants...and 5 years later we have an abundant surplus! Tomorrow after picking today we will be making our own small batch!

I will share our success after tomorrow! Keeping traditions alive is what it is all about, but more importantly is continuing those traditions!

38 is going to be Great!

As I turn 38 I can't help but look forward to this year and all it has to offer! I always hear women say, "how does it feel to be 29."  I am not afraid of 38 (except maybe 5-8lbs more tone) but embrace it. We as women only get better, stronger, prettier, bolder, more relaxed and maybe a little more adventurous! So I want women to embrace their age as we are just getting better with it! 

I call this my year of core! Working hard to prevent future injuries. I just transitioned to a new job I love and my family and life couldn't be better! Thankful everyday! 

Goals for 38:

1. Do 100 days of Pure Barre

2. Work on patience

3. Be more present

4. To laugh more each day

5. To just have fun! 

38 feels good!

Sun-dried Tomato, Mushroom and Artichoke Creamy Pasta

I love this yummy recipe! I feel like you can do anything you want with this, the sauce itself is to die for, reheats well throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 package of baby bellas, quartered
• 2 tsp of pre-cut garlic in the jar
• 4 oz of chopped sundried tomatoes
• 2 cups of Vegetable broth
• 1 can of artichokes
• 1/2 sweet onion diced
• 1 tsp of red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp of Herbs de Provance
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 
• 1 package of linguini
• Corn Starch as needed

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil on medium-high heat, add onions and garlic - and saute until onions are translucent.
2. Add the quartered mushrooms and artichokes towards the end of saute.
3. Heat the 2 cups of vegetable broth in a separate pan. Once heated add the broth to the skillet - continue to cook the vegetables in the vegetable broth on medium heat until the mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes absorb some of the broth and the broth reduces. Add half and half, heavy cream and bring to boil just for a short moment. Add Parmesan cheese and cook the sauce, stirring, for a couple of minutes, on low-medium heat until the cheese melts.
4. Add Corn Starch to thicken sauce slightly. Whisk continuously until dissolved.
5. Keep whisking and add red pepper flakes, Herbs de Provance - keep whisking.
6. Cook linguini al dente according to the package instruction.
7. Drain and than add to the sauce and toss with tongs.

New Pizza Recipe!!

My son's top request is pizza and beets! Today we tried a new recipe.

Pesto, Sausage and Red Pepper Pizza!

Use your favorite dough!

Pan cook or grill 1 Basil n Garlic Chicken Sausage (Whole Foods)

Pre sauté red peppers in olive oil until al dente.

Once your stone is ready:

- Spread pesto on bottom layer of dough

- Place cooked chicken sausage throughout pizza

- Disburse red peppers on pizza

- add mozzarella 

- add Parmesan 

Once finished cooking add fresh spinach and drizzle with good balsamic (the thicker version)

Enjoy!

Happy Family Day!!!

Two years ago today we were in Korea and attending the Prayer Ceremony and packing to bring Cy back to the US and in our lives forever. I remember like it was yesterday. I feel lucky, during our time we met some amazing families while we were there that were so supportive and helped make the process smooth. In between the joy I feel that I made life long friends. We are so blessed everyday that Cy is our son and he is the funnest kid!

Rochester, MN over Christmas! Loving the Bounce houses!

2013, I love this picture with his Bear.

First week home from Korea!

CY'S LOVES:

Bear! He received it as a gift from his Foster family on his 100 day celebration in Korea and Bear is his right hand buddy! We don't leave home without i!

Tea

Music

Carrots (now that Elsa, from Frozen, has shown him the way)

Brussel Sprouts

Daddy's sauteed Collard Greens and Kale

Trains

Chicken

Noodles

Lightning McQueen and Mater Matchbox cars

Oriental Flavored Ramen

Batman

TV's -> Pretty much any Disney movie from Faries to the Incredibles!

Loves wearing jeans 24/7

Chocolate!!!! 

Current Activities: Soccer and Dance

Friends: Yosh, Atikus, Cousin Owen, Helena and Niah (neighbors), Jackson, Eddison

 School: Primrose in Fort Collins, CO

TRIPS

In the first two years we have traveled a lot with Cy. 

California to visit family

Florida for Aunt Jill and Uncle Eric's wedding

Minnesota to visit Grandma and Grandpa Nelson

Hawaii with Grandma Irene

Weekend in Beaver Creek, CO

I look forward to many more local and a far adventures with our family! 

Looking Back

Recently a good friend of mine shared this post on Facebook that someone had written about waiting for adoption. It literally brought back so many memories. Waiting for my son to come home was the hardest thing in my life, at this time, to deal with.

Waiting Adoptive Moms
One exert from the article was especially close to home:
She isn’t sure they’re coming home.
This is the part of the adoption process that makes you want to crawl under your bed and not come out until it’s safe again. This is the part that tears you soul in two. This is the part that you wake up in the morning remembering and going to bed at night fearing. Because there are no guarantees. And that’s hard. No, not hard. It’s gut-wrenching. It’s not just the fear that your child might die before having a family, it’s that this child you love with every ounce of your being might grow up in an orphanage, on the streets, or worse.

I don't live life with many regrets. However, I do regret how little time I spent at home with my son when we first came home. I only had 4 weeks. Looking back I really should have taken off 2 to 3 months. I know going forward if I adopt again that will be the case and the consequences of taking that time off I am completely ready to deal with and the outlook.

For anyone adopting this is a fantastic read.  While it was very difficult I don't regret anything as I have the most amazing son who I love more than myself.  However, I don't know if I was prepared for the reality of the wait, especially the political mess we endured. Looking back it would have been helpful to probably talk with someone professional as while friends are good I am not sure it helped.

Ghetto Sangria!

My family and I recently went to Rockygrass over the weekend in Lyons and discovered something amazing....ghetto sangria! Seriously this stuff is sooooo good!

Grab your Boxed Wine (always a necessity camping). I am a fan of Bota Box!
Grab a six pack of San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa!!! It has to be! Watch out not to get the orange kind!
Then add ice and mix about half and half or to taste! So yummy!

Triathlon Momma!

I am blogging my training journey for my 2nd Triathlon as working full time, raising a toddler, quality time with friends and family and allowing my husband time to workout too it makes it hard with squeezing in training. One thing I feel fortunate for is a lot of my friends compete and scheduling time with them usually involves swimming, biking or running!  I need to get comfortable with putting my son in gym daycare as it is there and an hour a part will do us both good I am sure on the weekends! I am definitely a happier momma when I can workout.

I am training for the Iron Girl Triathlon August 24th and every training program I see requires you to train 6 days a week. That is impossible. I work 50+ hours a week, have a toddler and a husband who likes to exercise and I kind of like to also spend quality time with my family. I have started my first week and here is what I have scheduled. I am hoping if my less than 6 day a week routine (this week is a good week) is successful for me it might help someone else down the road. My swim coach told me that it is proving better to do short 10 minute workouts broken up than 30 minutes. Do what you can, when you can. Why? He stated it was because your heart rate is jump starting again.

WEEK ONE:

Monday - Holiday
Tuesday - Master Swim, 2000m
Wednesday - Husbands gym day...off.
Thursday - Core workout
Friday - Run
Saturday - Bike 15 miles minimum
Sunday - Swim

Thai Lettuce Wraps

I had a crazy day, make that crazy few months at work and I am literally at 10-14 hours a day...today being especially long. I had to get in a little ride for training for my triathlon (my first 30 minute break of the day) and my husband made this wonderful meal. Now I went shopping and put the recipe in front of him but he did it! So delish! I cannot even tell you and my husband enjoyed it too! However, tempeh is such an easy way to convert any man to eating no meat as it totally has similar texture and fills you up!  

 

Thai Lettuce Wraps...new family tradition! 

 

Sauce

• ¼ cup lime juice
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 Tbs. rice vinegar
• ½ tsp. light brown sugar

Filling

• 2 8-oz. pkg. plain tempeh, broken into chunks
• 1 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 2 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
• ¼ cup lime juice
• 2 Tbs. chopped shallots
• 1 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 Tbs. rice vinegar
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. chile sauce, such as sriracha
• ¼ tsp. light brown sugar

Toppings and Wraps

• 1 red pepper sliced
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1 cucumber, peeled into thin strips
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• Fresh mint, cilantro, and basil
• 18 whole large lettuce leaves
• Add jicama for some crunch effect!
• Serve with lime wedges and sriracha chile sauce.

1. To make Sauce: whisk together all ingredients in small bowl.
2. To make Filling: Pulse tempeh in food processor until coarsely crumbled. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Add tempeh and broth, cover, and cook 
5 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to medium-high, and cook 10 minutes, or until liquid has evaporated. Stir in remaining ingredients.
3. Mound vegetables, herbs, and tempeh mixture on platter. Let diners fill lettuce leaves with Filling and Toppings.


I changed a few of the toppings from this delish recipe! Vegetarian Times, Thai Lettuce Wraps

Happy Gotcha Day!

Cy at 8:24am on December 9, 2010 we received word that you would be our son. Paperwork stated that you had some medical issues, Atriel Septal Defect to be precise. Our agency advised us to speak with Pediatric Cardiologist to decide if we wanted to proceed.  I remember that day we spoke with two pediatric cardiologist at Children's in Denver, Co and by the afternoon you were ours! First, I want you to know...we spoke with them to learn about ASD but never had a doubt to accept you. I remember seeing your first pictures, in your track suit and soccer outfit...you were a total chunk! Who knew the journey that would ensue afterwards. We were suppose to bring you home August of 2011 and do to political issues within Korea we didn't welcome you home until Friday, April 13th, 2012.  I have to say it has been a journey of a lifetime and has changed your father and I forever.

The wait was the worst. I don't think anyone can truly understand, unless going through it how hard it is was to wait for you. Especially as bringing you home kept getting postponed. August came and went, then Christmas came and went, another New Year...no Cy. Our hearts broke as we struggled and just wanted you home so bad. I remember New Years 2012 your father turning to me saying, "I can't believe he isn't home." To see the pain in your father broke my heart even more. We wanted you in our arms so bad. Mommy struggled a lot. Finally around the end of March 2012 we got the call, your travel had been approved! Your Dad and I left 4 days later for Korea. We laid eyes on you for the first time in Korea at Eastern on April 4th, 2012. Your father and I decided to travel your country to learn about your culture and where you come from so when you ask we can answer. A goal of ours is to be able to take you back to visit if you so wish. On April 13th we hoped a plane to bring you home, back to Colorado.

I know your Foster family loved you very much, and I know it was hard to see them go. They knew that giving you a forever family was what was best for you. But how hard that must have been to understand at such a young age. You and I bonded, You made me cry, and we cried together many times. You made me laugh…a lot, and I realized you’re as goofy as I am, maybe more. You brought out a part of me that I never knew existed. I loved you beyond words, and you began to love and trust me in return. I was learning to be a Mommy, and you, you were learning to be my baby. What was amazing was how alike in the year you have become like your father and I! You have your fathers sense of adventure, climbing up on everything around you. You are VERY dramatic...kind of like your mother. You have are very smart too...that is all your father!

I feel so lucky and thankful EVERY day that you are our son. I can't tell you enough how much I love you! It took me a lot to learn to be your mom. I definitely struggled the first six months, not because I didn't love you...because it was a change. I had to learn to be your mom and the best mom. A lot changed in our lives, so much for the better since you are here. Why was it so hard when you first came home? You grieved so horribly and I couldn't fix it. I have never seen anything like that in my life and all I could do was sit next to you...but I never left your side. You should know by now I like to be in control and fix everything, so it broke my heart that I couldn't fix your pain. You spoke Korean...we spoke English. I am so thankful to Christy and Leslie as without them and their connections to individuals who spoke Korean...I would of had no clue what you needed. You were use to your Foster family; how they lived, sleeping arrangements, etc...we tried to make you change so dramatically to ours way of life. Cy, you are an amazing little boy. You had been through so much and I look at how our family is now and just so happy with how everything is in our life. Every day Boo (Cy's nickname) you grew more and more accepting and trusting of us as your parents. I can't believe it has been a whole year! It is so amazing to see how far you have come from where we started.

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY CYRUS!  We will always celebrate this day as it is the day you came into our lives forever. Your father and I love you so much! You are loved by so many family and friends that we just couldn't be more thankful. I want you to know...you were worth the wait!

Being Mindful

1. Drink green tea.  I can do this.  My goal is one cup/day.
2. Start Reading Labels Lots of our food has chemicals, GMO's, etc. Be mindful, read labels. Educate yourself. My family has been living WHOLE for 5 years now. We are not 100%, but we are conscious and aware every day.
3. Forgive Someone  "studies show that forgiveness can lower blood pressure and heart rate and reduce depression, anxiety, and anger."  I'll buy that.  
4. Have More Sex Okay!
5. Join a CSA What better way to each more vegetables then having them delivered every week. If you don't have room or time for a garden, help you local farmer.
6. 20 Minutes of exercise or more at least 4x a week.
7. Get More Sleep  Following Gwyneth on Dr. Oz I am going to try Magnesium. Let's see.
8. Meditate  My family is looking at Buddhism again. I dable on and off.
9. Portion Size  Be mindful about the portion on your plate.  I could totally be better about this one.  We bought smaller dinner plates!
10. Pack a Smarter Lunch  For me this means, thinking ahead.  This is where I am horrible! Need to be way better!
11. Call an Old Friend  Talking to old friends makes me so happy! The relationships from my past are some of my strongest.
12. Floss!  Enough said. I have a bag on my desk at work. Right in front of me!
13. Practice Saying No  This is hard. I had to do it a lot when I first came home with my son. I had to do it for me. If people get mad at you...they weren't really close to you. Your close friends will always respect.
14. Stretch  Dogs stretch every time they get up! I am bad but will try and be more mindful.
15. Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand I should do much better then I am. It takes planning and thinking.

Fairness and Equality

Life is so difficult all of us struggle each day just to make it. We all need people to love, cherish, inspire and support us. I was adopted into a family that did that for me. Despite our differences in color and sexual preference all of us went on to become healthy, happy loving adults. It is important that ALL of us have families that we are either born into, or that we create that give us the nurturing and strength that we need to make it through the struggles of life. Our time is better spent not in telling others WHO they should love, but rather in supporting the relationships of others. None of us can make it on our own. This is why I support marriage equality. Love who you choose to love. - Michael Franti

I have to say how much this whole struggle for equality blows my mind. Because I seriously do not know what is SO difficult about allowing people rights. I don't understand how people have so much hate and negativity and spread it to their off spring. You can only hope once their kids grow up they make good choices. I am not saying you have to like or love everyone but isn't this world fucked up enough that we could stand to have a little bit more love, patience and tolerance.

Conservatives preach this whole sanctity of marriage which I am sorry is a load of crap! Especially when some of the same preachers have been divorced, cheated, etc.. I heard on NPR on the way to work today that a conservative talking that it is unfair to the child to not be born without the benefit of a mother or father! Hence he meant if two woman had kids or if two men had children. Seriously! Talking about that their is no scientific data on how Gay Marriage effects kids???? Are you kidding me? Read the fucking paper jackass. Watch the news. There are so many unfit heterosexual parents out there and you are telling me that because they are heterosexuals they are above all in rights to have kids, fuck them up because they are a man and a woman! I know a lot of people raised by a single mother with no daddy ever present or visa versa, gay couples and they turn out just fine.

I honestly think that our country is so skewed because of hate. It is so much easier to accept people and just be happy. Certain sector preach marriage is a religious institution and has no place being determined by the government.  However, there are a lot of churches that are accepting of homosexuals...so shouldn't they be able to be married at their church?  Also, if you have been in a committed relationship with someone for 20+ years and they are dying of cancer don't you think you should be allowed to be by their bed side. I just don't understand peoples ignorance. On June 12th, 1967 Loving v. Virginia passed the Supreme Court ALLOWING interracial marriage! 1967! Went to the Supreme Court and had to be decided. This is our fight! This is our generations fight for civil rights! Stand up and fight for Equality!

As I continue to watch the fall out of this debate I sit back with an achy heart to people's perceptions. I can only hope and pray that our generations civil rights movement ends well and gives people basic human rights that everyone deserves! I feel thankful of the state that I live in that they finally passed Civil Unions. I know in my house acceptance, tolerance and love will be taught...no matter the fight, who is President, etc..


Good Read:

My husband and I read this book awhile ago and found it a good read. What we liked about it is that Jesus NEVER taught hate. He taught love and acceptance. WE (meaning humans) taught hate. 



Jesus, The Bile and Homosexuality

Poop in the Toilet

Jeremy and I have started potty training Cy. I swear we love daycare as they have totally helped in this process as they have him try every hour at school. Last weekend was a HUGE success as Cy figured out when to poop in the toilet! He usually will poop a little in his diaper then, run to the toilet but multiple times he went before going in the toilet! So exciting!  I never thought watching your kid poop could be so exciting but it totally is just a blast!

I kind of feel bad as Cy had his first spicy poop experience. He ate some spicy food this weekend and then pooped and the poor kid cried..."mommy butt burns." I felt bad for him but had to laugh and explain spicy food goes in...yummy and comes out painful. To funny.

Not sure how far away we are until never needing a diaper but we are on the path! I can only imagine how much money we will save once he is potty trained!

Next up is buying him underpants so we can tempt him. Thank you Amazon for carrying Thomas and Mickey Mouse Underpants!

Peace and Love from the Potty Train!