Its a VERY special Day

Im not one for birthdays, and I dont like Christmas etc... Im just not one for special days. I seriously want to be making things special as often as I can.

But today is different. Today is the 2 year anniversary of my marriage. Actually, to me, it is the 2 year anniversary of the State recognizing my marriage, which means very little to me. A certificate from a government telling me I can share property and debt with someone else isnt what makes it special.

What means the most to me, is today is when people began to recognize how fortunate I am. They acceptedte fact that I was married to the most wonderful woman I have ever met, and I mean that very sincerely. Everyone know to meet Danie is to love Danie, but to live with her day to day, to sleep next to her, to be loved byher, to see her raise a baby while at the same time treat my first children as her own... I could go on an on.

Being near Danielle the last couple years is a gift, and one that I try not to take lightly. Im human, and Im selfish, and I slip into auto-pilot. And even then, she gently and lovingly helps me out. Italk a lot, and I share a lot, but not everything. I share EVERYTHING with Danielle.

Danielle is my best friend, for sure. And it goes beyond simple explanation. Even now, I sometimes have to remember Im married. It isnt like I dont intellectually know, or even emotionally. But sometimes I get so focused on things, my brain skips a little, and I dont intuitively recognize Im married for a second. And then I realize "Wow, Im married", and then I realize "Wow, Im married to HER", and then it seems like I feel lucky all over again.

I Love my kids. I dont get to see them everyday. Somehow, I have gotten used to it. I dont knwo when and where, but I did. I only know that because of Danie. She will say "When are the kids coming? I miss them!". And then I realize how Im so used to the ebb and flow of them, and that isnt normal. Danielle loves them and wants to see them as much as I do.

Another thing that God gave me with Danielle is her family. Right now, her mother Kathy is upstairs asleep. I cannot tell you how happy am when Kathy is here. I cannot explain why on this part either. You learn a lot about Danielle when you hang around Kathy, and vice versa. They are very alike, and you can see the qualities Danielle got from her mother. Everyone loves it when "Gram" is here. The other day, Israel was reading a book downstairs while Gram was sewing, and I began to cry. It is so special to have this in my hoe. Judah was doing homework, and Gram was helping her. Havah and Gram have a special bond, as Gram was with us at her birth, and for many weeks after including travelling with us. It isnt uncommon to walk into a room, and find Havah sitting with Gram, drooling all over evrything,a nd Gram telling her over and over again "Precious Girl, Grams little precious girl".

Thene have people like Danielles sisters, and nieces and nephew. A lot could be said just about Angela Fantangela, and her family. Angela is one of the most, if not the most, hospitable people I have ever met. Generous and giving. And Lara is like the "favorite aunt" who everyone loves before they even realize it. Their children are great. And then we have aunts like Linda and Sandy, and cousins like Paul and Jeanie. And thats just to first few percent!

And thats not all. Bear with me here. Then we have her friends. Danielle doenst just make friends, she makes QUALITY friends. Danielle and I were talking about Chistina. I cannot imagine our home without her. It is joy to be around her. And Katchen, who was our lifeline even getting here, and her son Izzy buns, who we get to see every week! And Jocelyn, who is this amazing woman, and we miss very much.

Danielle is a master of a good deal. And she is so talented making things. And she is so generous. If we had loads of money, most of it would go into making things for people.

Danielle is an incredible mother. Havah has no clue how good she has it. Danie is attentive, but firm, all in the right balance. Far better of a parent than I ever have been.

There is lots more I could say. Many thing dont fit here about how my heart is healing day after day. How restored I feel in marriage. How the timing of meeting her provided a resource to my oldest girls something I had no clue they would need so much,a nd so soon.

I am so happy being married to this woman. It would never be as special if it was anyone else. I believe she is a gift, and many of my friends and family know that.

Abort Obama

My sister sent an email talkig about the cocnept that if the histories of the candidates were revered (McCain didnt graduate 5th from the bottom, and went to Harvard instead, wifes were swapped etc...) the "race" for president wouldnt be so close.

I say it isnt racism. Ive thought long and hard about my choice. Thankfully, Obama is VERY "Pro-Choice". I have decided that Obama is a good candidate for presidential abortion.

1. Obama is so liberal I cannot even consider him viable.

2. I guess that means I have to vote for McCain. I think Im more prepared, and it is far more convenient for me to have a McCain than an Obama.

3. Obama would be a “special needs” president, requiring too much from me at this current stage in my life. He would be too expensive, and I would have to change my life too much to have him around.

4. If Obama does in fact make it past my own personal choice, and does emerge from the presidential womb, we can (according to him) leave him to lie there gasping for air, choking, and slowly freezing until he isnt viable any longer.

Frankly, the guys skin color means nothing to me, and I sure dont care about education. To me, he is the ultimate bigot. He judges life as "above his pay grade". And hes a wuss about it. He wont vote anything but "present" when it might clearly define his positions, and his reasoning (for having so much education) is so self indulgent and afraid of external critique, he cannot be trusted. He makes Clinton look down right pedestrian in matters politcal and charismatic. He comes off like a narcissist, doing whatever will get him the most attention and votes. And willing to prostitute his ability to get more.

I aint a big fan of McCain, but I hope he beats OBama.

My dad is a beatles song

Today is my Dads Birthday. He sent us all an email informing us he had now arrived at the prestigous milestone no o ne ever thinks they are getting to ("Will you still need me, will you still feed me when Im 64....?")

We all miss my parents being out here in KC. Many of my friends enjoy my folks as well. Im not sure it would be easy to explain to you why Dad/GrandPa is so special. Trying to put words around that doesnt seem to really capture the feelings well. And some thins might be cheapened by saying them in such a common forum like this.

Following is one of my all time favorite pictures. Part of it is Israels wild hair, cutie pie glasses, and THAT LAUGH!! But the reason she is laughing is because Grandpa is being silly. Just silly enough to make her giggle. If your heart can see it well enough, you might understand why Grandpa is so special. Israels response seems to capture what most people I kknow feel around my Dad.

Happy Birthday Dad. And Im sure Mom will still feed you... I know we all need you. So youre safe.

Whee ha... has it started"New World' yet?

I heard this on NPR a few days ago, and thought to myself "Thats interesting, lets see if it comes out int he news"

Sure enough. The Eurpoean union is stating the financial cisis is worldwide, and needs to be fixed, on an INTERNATIONAL level, and beleives the EU model is the way to sape the new financial order

Here is a quote as well. It doesnt go into the same detail, but that sounds frightening.

"New World'

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who convened the Oct. 4 meeting, called for a global summit ``as soon as possible'' to implement ``a real and complete reform of the international financial system.'' He said ``all actors'' must be supervised, including credit-rating firms and hedge funds. Executive-pay systems must also be reviewed, he said.
``We want a new world to come out of this,'' Sarkozy said. ``We want to set up the basis for a capitalism of entrepreneurs, not speculators.'' "