Kids say the Darnedest things!

Remember that old Art Linkletter show? I used to get a kick from what the little kids would say, think, or do innocently. It looks like my two grandsons have some of their own moments:

On the morning Benjamin (now 5) turned two, his brother, Nathan (now 8) got him out of the crib. Tugging his little brother's hand, Nathan walked into their mom's room. Nathan was upset and crying. Confronting his mother, my daughter, he reminded her that she had said Benjamin would be a big boy when he turned two. Wailing, Nathan told her that Benjamin wasn't talking. Brooke had to explain that being a big boy didn't mean Benjamin would automatically start talking. Nathan was devastated, having thought Benjamin would wake up talking.

Nathan was three when Benjamin was born and didn't quite understand what was involved with a baby. After repeated nights of the baby crying, Nathan asked innocently, "Can we take him back and get another one?"

None of us realized how much Benjamin was absorbing the commercials until recently Brooke had a fever blister and it had gotten below her lip a little. Benjamin asked what it was. When Brooke told him it was a "ow boo boo". He matter of factly told her to use Pro Active, that it would be gone when she woke up the next morning.

Let's Talk Politics

Uh, oh. One of the unwritten rules is to never discuss religion or politics when talking to someone. At least if you want it to remain cordial. That's what I have been told anyways.

I guess today I am breaking that "rule". I have been battling with some frustration. I have a deep interest in politics. (I think we all should actually. After all, it is the politicians that make the laws that govern us.) At times, I have been heavily involved in politics and at other times, just dabbling in it. In the last three years, however, I have jumped back in again from serving on a State Board to active participation in the local women's group.

This past year I decided to get more involved and have looked for ways to do so. Having once served as a precinct person, I naturally looked into that area once again. For whatever reason, there have been stumbling blocks along the way.

Part of me says it shouldn't be this hard to volunteer. I mean, aren't we encouraged by the media, talk show hosts, political parties, etc. to volunteer, that volunteers are needed for this or for that. I feel like I am going in circles. Miscommunication? Am I trying too hard? Do I need more connections? I really don't know.

I do know I have the passion, the desire to help the party regain some ground, have lived in my area for over 10 years and have good neighborhood connections, attend and work at party functions (even the ones I have to pay for) and have political experience to draw on.

For now, I am waiting to hear from someone in reply to a voice mail I left. I'll let you know when I find out something. In the meantime, I wouldn't be surprised if my brother, Doug, reads this, and contacts me, attempting to get me to switch parties. I'm waiting for that phone call, Doug.

Mixed feelings

Dealing with mixed feelings right now. Part of me is sad because my favored candidates didn't win the 2008 Presidential election. Another part of me is happy to see another "glass ceiling" broken through, regardless of personal favorites. Being a woman, I have been face to face with another kind of "glass ceiling" when a man got paid more for doing the same, when I was looked over for a job promotion because "he's supporting a family...he's the breadwinner", or automatically suggested for club secretary instead of the higher position.

I think I would feel better if I had confidence that the president-elect was someone that was candid, trustworthy, or straight forward. I have read numerous accounts of even Democrats admitting they are uneasy about Obama for the same reason. So it really shouldn't be a surprise that as a Republican (a Lipstick Republican), I am dealing with some misgivings and uneasy feelings.

I recall a time in the Bible, when Israel cried out for a King, and God granted them one even though it wasn't His wish for them, much to their later despair. A lot of people, including Christians, were crying out in this election for Obama to be their next President. In the meantime, I am reminded in scripture that God appoints our leaders and that we should honor them regardless of "feelings".

Only time will tell. In the meantime, Obama and his administration will be in my prayers. I only wish him the best as he will be responsible for many decisions that will affect me and my family.

I am The Photographer...

Yes. I am the family photographer. You know, the one that people run away from or hide from at family events? Love me or avoid me, but somehow I will get your picture to preserve family memories. Years later, as you look through photographs of cherished times, you will appreciate me. And believe it or not, I have had people seeking me out, pleading for me to take a picture.

I think I have always been the family photographer, starting in 4-H. There's just something about finding the right angle to catch that one-of-a-kind moment, that Kodak moment is what I call it. Currently, I have a Canon Powershot. I love that camera! I have had it for years and it gives me great photos. Although recently, I have found myself salivating over some of the newer models. 12 megapixels and 15 x optical view! (Calm down, Kathy!)

I've experimented leaving my camera behind when I 've gone to events. And guess what? Every time someone has come up to me and asked accusingly where my camera was. They had left their's at home because they knew I would be bringing mine. Go figure.

So, until someone else wants to take the heat, I am the unofficial family photographer on the prowl for those candid shots that you will beg for in the years to come.

It's Snowing!

Tell me it ain't so, Joe!

Mike had to scrape ice and snow off his windshield this morning before he could leave for work. I am not ready for this. What's all this I've hearing about global warming? Someone needs to tell "Mother Nature".

I am a Lipstick Republican!

Yes, it's true! I am Republican and I wear lipstick. I believe in the basic tenents and core values contained in the Republican Party platform . However, that doesn't mean I agree with everything they say or do. I love Mike, but I don't always agree with him on everything he says or does either.

Having said that, I am going to the Sarah Palin rally tomorrow! Mike stood in line in Ft. Wayne yesterday and got tickets for us. I am excited! This will be the first time I have attended a Presidential/Vice Presidential rally. I am hoping to get some closeup shots with my camera.

I am thinking of making a t-shirt with HUGE red glitter lips and the word, "Republican", meaning "Lipstick Republican". I think it would be cool! Maybe I can talk my sister into it also. Maybe, I can also talk Mike into donating one of his t-shirts for a worthy cause. Hmmmm...we'll see.

I really like Sarah Palin and I believe she has gotten a bad rap from the media. No matter what she says or does, they pick at it. I feel she represents me...a mother, wife of a union worker, from Main St., America, working outside the home, and a business owner. She understands balancing life with work. She is continually in my prayers as she pioneers in the position as a vice-presidential candidate.

So....tonight after finishing handing out popcorn to hundreds of Trick or Treaters in downtown Warsaw, I will be getting a t-shirt and supplies and fashioning a top for the rally tomorrow. GO RED!!!

Ummm...Kathy, I set the house on fire.

I looked at Mike, disbelieving what I had just heard him say. Arching my brow, I said, "What?" I thought I had misheard him. He chuckled a little. "I really did!" he insisted. "I did it with the heat gun." How could he have done it with the heat gun? It didn't make sense. He must be joking. We had been using a heat gun to remove all the "alligator" paint for weeks. We only 3 feet to go on the entire house. However, he insisted he was telling the truth. He shared that he was in the last few feet of the trim and suddenly flames shot up. He immediately got the hose and hosed it down several times, testing the wood between each time. He detailed how he took out the old, rotten wood which had been the problem. For a while, I felt a little unnerved and kept sniffing periodically to see if I smelled smoke. It was already dark outside. Minutes passed by and no smoke or flames and I was finally able to relax. Ah, well. Another adventure to share.