Chicago Carson Clan

The Apple Orchard (this was over a month ago, sorry)

2008-11-18T20:59:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Apple Orchard 2008

This is our family.

Curtis with Emma, little Caleb, Uncle Andy, Uncle Eric and Auntie Kara!

Uncle Eric and Auntie Kara! The weather was beautiful!

This is how Emma spent the majority of her time.

Curtis carrying all our pickin's.

Caleb ate more apples than we took home with us.

Curtis and Caleb on the ladder!

Caleb gets a ride!

Before we found the ladder we were lucky to have Curtis to reach the untouched territories.

Caleb in awe!

The crowd!

Umm... I think you are a little close. Might wanna back away from that baby's apple.

The tractor that takes you from the barn to the orchard and then the pumpkin patches.

Emma between the big boys!

Everything is a big adventure when you are little!

It was in the 70's all day and absolutely couldn't have been more gorgeous out.

Ron Paul 2012

2008-11-06T10:59:00.001-08:00

Ron Paul...

has never voted to raise taxes.
has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
has never voted for a federal restriction of gun ownership.
has never voted to raise congressional pay.
has never taken a government paid junket.
has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.
has never voted for the patriot act.
has never voted for net neutrality.
has never voted for the Iraq war.
does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program.

And by never I actually mean never, not even once.

Congressman Ron Paul never lets me down

2008-10-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering... Ron Paul, who ran for the Republican presidential nomination, voted against the bailout. Republicans sure did get it wrong because unlike McCain and Obama who preach change, Ron Paul is the only one who believes it.

Lets start naming some names

2008-10-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

Spoonful of pork may help the bitter economic pill go down.

Big VP Debate Tonight 8pm

2008-10-02T17:22:00.001-07:00

Time: 9PM ET / 6PM PT
Channel: CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, PBS, C-SPAN
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
Length: 90 minutes
Format: Domestic/Foreign Policy
Moderator: Gwen Ifill from PBS

And lets hope Gwen doesn't make me angry by saying something like Jim said for the presidential debate :

"listen, one of you guys is gonna rule the country in a couple months"

Big mistake, big big mistake. Since when have we had rulers?

Good Song, like poetry

2008-10-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

A New Law
by Derek Webb :

don’t teach me about politics and government
just tell me who to vote for
don’t teach me about truth and beauty
just label my music

don’t teach me how to live like a free man
just give me a new law

(pre-chorus)
i don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy
so just bring it down from the mountain to me

(chorus)
i want a new law
i want a new law
gimme that new law

(vs. 2)
don’t teach me about moderation and liberty
i prefer a shot of grape juice
don’t teach me about loving my enemies

don’t teach me how to listen to the Spirit
just give me a new law

(pre-chorus)
i don’t wanna know if the answers aren’t easy
so just bring it down from the mountain to me

(chorus)
i want a new law
i want a new law
gimme that new law

(bridge)
what’s the use in trading a law you can never keep
for one you can that cannot get you anything
do not be afraid
do not be afraid
do not be afraid

Bailout Bill

2008-10-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

This bill better not pass as is. If it does, I will find out who added the "beeping beepbeep" crap and let the world know who is a lying cheating crook who doesn't give a rat's "beep" about Americans. Why can't they just look online and see the parts that Americans have a problem with and take them out? It's not hard these days to find out what American sentiment is on very, very specific items in a bill. And since these are our elected officials, they should just listen.

The Bailout Bill (Proposal)
Read this. If you are an American (who can read English) read this. It's important to be educated. At the very least read what people who have read it are saying.

The Wisdom of Crowds

2008-10-01T19:27:00.001-07:00

A book every American NEEDS to read. This book should be a mandatory high school read in a country that claims to be a democracy. You will not be disappointed.

Corporate Bailouts?

2008-09-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

Why am I to have medical insurance, life insurance, a savings account, a retirement plan and all "just in case" money set aside, but corporations are not responsible for the same? Where are their savings plans for when they have a few bad years? Huh? Last I knew corporations are legal persons and honestly, would you feel bad for a millionaire who spent all their money and couldn't make it through a depression? Probably not. You would call them an idiot. I feel the same about these corporations and I wish not a cent of my tax money was going to them. I don't care if this bill never gets passed, its not like we have the money anyway and I'd rather we just get through the upcoming depression, make woman out of girls, make men out of boys and leave the future generations with a clean slate. I know what its like to have to take on the mistakes of the previous generations, and I would rather that not be the America we pass along. Honestly, can you even call this America anymore? I don't see the resemblance. My generation doesn't even know what freedom tastes like, we were born under a dark cloud and are going to be the ones digging this country out from under it, hopefully.

Lonesome for a moment

2008-09-20T22:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went to the ballet by myself. I almost cried on the way there thinking about doing something like this myself, but then I remembered how much I like being alone. Then there was the getting lost and almost giving up, but I got a hold of a friend who turned me back around. I quickly recovered and thank goodness I did. I really like the ballet quite a bit. This one was good, not great, but definitely enjoyable. Oh, and did I mention how under-dressed I was? Well, actually I think everyone else was WAY over-dressed. Sparkles and floor length dresses and high heals. I wore a pair of Curt's shorts, a t-shirt with a tank top over it and floppy sandals and somewhere along the walking and train ride I got dirt on my leg and a general misting of street materials on my toes. Did I mention that I haven't washed my hair in a few weeks and I left it down in disarrayed tangled curls that could house several birds? You might wonder if this embarrassed me. It did not. Not even a little. I was more embarrassed for everyone else who thought people were coming to see them and not the dancers. Anyway, this would be something I would love to do way more often. Once a week would be amazing, but that'll never happen. So I will shoot for once every few months. I need to get hooked back up with someone who organizes ushering. I ushered a couple times a few years ago and got a chance to see some shows free. Good deal.

Vacation

2008-09-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we leave for vacation. Every summer we spend a week in a rented beach house on Topsail Island, NC. This is our house this year. Family from all over the south come to visit us and we eat amazing southern food and have a good ole southern time. We leave in the morning pretty darn early. We need to be to the train by 4:15 so we can get to O'Hare by 5:15 to catch our flight to NC at 6:27. Lets hope the weather there clears and that our flight isn't delayed or cancelled, lots of hurricane/tropical storm weather going on right now. But to be honest I am more worried about being able to stand Curt for the entire week without shooting myself in the head. It's sad, but it's honestly my biggest concern of the trip.

Anyway, we'll be back next Saturday kind of late. Expect TONS of pictures! I hope the kids love this tradition as much as I still do! Exciting! Yay! Fun fun fun!

Rally for the Republic

2008-09-05T01:26:00.001-07:00

Incase you missed the Rally for the Republic, I found Ron Paul's speech on youtube.com. Enjoy:

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII

2008-08-28T19:58:00.001-07:00

I'm hoping that by Saturday afternoon (Caleb's family birthday party) this will end up being a colorful home-made piñata for Caleb to smash to bits and pieces! What could be more appropriate for a 2-year-old boy? (Soccer ball just to show size)

Hot Chocolate

2008-08-27T14:13:00.001-07:00

Even in the middle of summer I love me some hot chocolate! I drink a cup almost every day! This happens to be the cup I drank this morning. Mmm...

Democratic Convention Take-away

2008-08-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

If Barrack Obama is elected president...

there will be no more natural disasters

there will be no more need for war

there will be no more sick or needy

there will be no more orphans

there will be peace in the land

there will be all night parties

there will be princes and princesses

there will be castles and fairies

And Obama will be god of all who dwell there!

disclaimer - all night parties will last until the national dusk curfew. you must have your national ID card, as well as a SS card, birth certificate, valid driver's license and a big obama button pinned to your shirt to claim your castle unless you are an illegal immigrant, just say so, welcome! fairies are one per family, its only fair. oh and to ensure "fairness" king obama will take everyone's money in order to distribute it evenly to all subjects of the land, excluding those in the king's court, they will receive their hearts contentment! And while there is free education for all, you won't need it. It wouldn't make a difference what you did in Obama's kingdom, you'd still get the same as everyone else! Isn't that a dreamy thought?

Congratulations on entering back into childhood! Vote Obama if your hopes are to never grow up!

Vulnerability

2008-08-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

When is society going to put a little pressure on men to make marriages better? I have exhausted myself trying to love my husband and be a good wife to him. When is someone going to step up and tell men to make their wives feel safe instead of telling woman to quit being too sensitive? And when are they going to tell men to help out instead of telling woman to stop nagging? And when is someone going to tell men to be self-sacrificing for their wives instead of constantly encouraging men to demand more and more?

So far my marriage counseling has consisted of people telling me that it's just the way it is. And the newest one was not to turn to my family in my times of need, even if I have expressed my needs to my husband and he is unwilling to respond, so basically I am left to do things that are too hard for me to handle on my own. My soul is withering down to an empty bitterness. So empty that I don't care now if you think I should never say these things publicly because they might shame my husband, which is why I have never dared say them before. Everyone loves him and I wouldn't want them not to, but am I to suffer alone and endlessly in order to bring him no shame? Probably, but its just not in me to do it anymore. Everyone I have turned to has just left me more empty, I don't expect any different from you, so leave all the mean comments you want, ostracize me, excommunicate me, avoid me, express your condolences to Curt for ending up with such a horrible s wife, do whatever pleases you, I know I have opened myself up to all manner of judgment. But I'd rather not talk to you than pretend I'm not miserable inside (where my marriage is concerned) for the sake of your comfort and to protect the image Curt has with everyone but me.

(Not all moments are like this for me, but it seems to be the way I feel in an ever increasing amount. An estimate would be about 70% of the time)

Six Flags Great America

2008-08-23T23:05:00.000-07:00

On Thursday Andy (my brother), Curt, Caleb, Emma and myself went to Six Flags Great America. It was wonderful! I could ride roller coasters endlessly. I don't get a rush while riding or anxiety waiting in line, which I imagine would tire you out quickly. I am not frightened by the drops or twists or turns. I actually find they are completely relaxing and thoroughly enjoy every second. Curt tries to be tough, but they make his stomach turn circles, which is why I found him saying things like, "You guys go ahead. I am actually enjoying just watching the babies," all day long. Caleb got to ride some pretty awesome stuff as far as he was concerned too! Big balloons and a red airplane and a big red car! We definitely hit all the coasters worth riding. Batman - silver. Superman - silver. V2 - bronze. Iron Wolf - disqualified for head destabilization. American Eagle - Curt's gold, you never go upside down. The Dark Knight - was expecting more. Demon - I didn't go on this one, but it didn't look that great. Raging Bull - Gold! Raging Bull was my personal favorite. It is the longest, tallest and fastest one at Great America. It starts with a 20-story 65 degree drop. And the rest is an action packed super-smooth hyper-twister coaster that brings you to speeds of up to 73 mph.

A trip to Cedar Pointe is in the works.

Thanks Jason!

2008-08-23T21:09:00.001-07:00

Jason took a personality test that actually seemed to hold some value, not what porn star name do you have, but something that says something about his personality, so I was inspired to do the same. However, for reasons my own I took another one. My Personality Description If you actually read the entire thing and get to the bottom where it says my personality has a tendency to gravitate toward liberal arts but some toward the sciences, please count me as a some toward the sciences with an appreciation for the liberal arts.

Another date!

2008-08-14T20:10:00.001-07:00

You wouldn't think we would need another one so soon, but then again you didn't see us from Tuesday until today. Tonight was even better than the other night. It was a bit longer and we didn't waste anytime just jumping in. We talked about some pretty serious relationship stuff. It was so healing for me. Curt did a wonderful job of loving me tonight. He decided he needs to "sit" with me where ever I am in life, even as I struggle through being sick and as a failing mother who rarely enjoys the time she has with her kids because its so damn hard. That's just the honest truth about where I am. I would love to have the energy to deal with it all, but reality is I just don't. So instead of glossing over it, leaving me feeling empty and alone and as if I am doing something to bring it upon myself, Curt delved into it with me, making me feel loved and peaceful amidst the chaos. He didn't try to dig me out or fix me a little house in the mess, he just came to where I am and cared for me there. Love is so beautiful when its real and right. I'd love to appreciate the attempts that are wrong because they come from a desire to love me, but when they are wrong they seem to be so damaging to my soul. I am so thankful for all that happened between Curt and I tonight.

Plus as a bonus, both babies were asleep when we got home and there were no terror stories, actually just really good ones. I always worry endlessly about my kids giving people a hard time, but they are just too young to tell to be kind to and serve others and truly understand. But the wonderful young lady watching them tonight was amazing and from the minute she came I actually had no worries.

God really blessed me with some freedom tonight from things I constantly struggle with. Thanks be to Him who sits on the throne and I am so glad He does.

A Date!

2008-08-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

Finally! Curt and I went out tonight. Without kids. Alone. Just the two of us! Together!

At first we definitely had a really hard time figuring out what the heck to do with ourselves. At least I did. We got something to eat and then headed over to a coffee shop. That's when things got jump started. We talked and had good conversation and connected really well. Curt told me some fun stories that I really enjoyed. Its not often I enjoy Curt's stories. They usually come at a time when I have a million things swarming through my head, if not in my arms in the form of a baby or I am on my way to do something or in the middle of doing something so I never stop to really just enjoy his stories, but rather think of when they are going to end. My loss for sure. But... to have nothing in the way really opened the door to sit and enjoy my husband! We grabbed a movie on the way home and just as soon as the babies are asleep we are going to relax again and watch it.

And its over. Going to clean the living room.

Quotes to REALLY think about, not just read

2008-08-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. -Thomas Jefferson

Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto. -Thomas Jefferson
NATO what?

For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security. -Thomas Jefferson
because...
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. -Thomas Jefferson

They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety. -Benjamin Franklin
The direction American citizens have let themselves be led. How much freedom have you given up? Enough to surely make you afraid to speak up against your government lest you be considered a terrorist, right? Speech is an essential freedom.

I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it. -Thomas Jefferson

"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed — else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die." -Dwight D. Eisenhower

The value of liberty was thus enhanced in our estimation by the difficulty of its attainment, and the worth of characters appreciated by the trial of adversity. - George Washington

The direct use of force is such a poor solution to any problem. It is generally employed by small children and large nations. - David Friedman

Observe good faith and justice towards all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. - George Washington

http://www.lewrockwell.com/peterson/peterson18.html

campaignforliberty.com

Why I am a conservative

2008-08-11T11:01:00.001-07:00

It may seem like conservatives are heartless jerks after they shoot down bill after bill that proposes to help the poor, or the uninsured, or the disenfranchised. They don't sell their politics by telling people they will fix the world. They have a hard message to give. They want to cut spending on this and that. Things that "sound" like they might be helping people. But the reality is that government is not efficient at doing any of these things. More money gets wasted and very little gets done, just look at america today. And what seems to be beyond my generation in particular is they think the government literally grows their money on trees or earns it as if government is a person who works a job and gets paid every two weeks. The government takes money from the people and then spends it how the people "want" it spent. I mean honestly, do you think you wouldn't REALLY spend the money how you wanted it spent if they didn't take it from you in the first place? It doesn't make sense to waste money hiring this person and that person to decide how people want their money spent when people can figure it out for themselves. I give people slightly more credit than that. I don't think you are stupid, so I wouldn't take your money and tell you what is "right" to do with it. I don't think abortion is right. How can the government steal my money and give it to abortion clinics? (Please don't misunderstand me. I don't hate people who have abortions. In fact I love them as much as I love that baby who may not even make it onto this earth. So much so I wish people would stop talking horribly about abortion and start spending that time asking people who feel helpless when it comes to having a child what they need in order to make it through what might very well be one of the absolutely hardest decisions of their life) And as a matter of fact, maybe if my money wasn't taken and given to abortion clinics I could give it to an organization that does just that. And people who support abortion are more than welcome to give their money to abortion clinics if that's truly what they believe is a help to society. My point is its not up to government to run our lives. Its governments job to serve us on levels that require national consistency. For instance, the entire nation needs to come together to defend ourselves if another country decides to attack us. We couldn't be sending out little individual state or county armies, thats just not practical. But most things should not be national issues.

I am way off target now. I need someone to have this discussion with me. It should end up in random tangents, but it's a little weird when its just me seemingly talking to myself! Ha.

Anyway, I don't think the country would be left desperate if government wasn't running our lives. And I don't think conservatives who think they shouldn't be running our lives just don't care. I think they care a lot about our personal rights. I think it would give us a chance to step up and run our own lives, and I think we would see some amazing things happen. And if nothing else, you could make sure you saw what you wanted to happen, happen. You wouldn't need to write to some politician or lobby or protest. You could just do it. And of course there would be people who would do some horrible stuff with their money, but don't you think government is already doing some horrible stuff?

If you take nothing else into consideration just think about this one question:

What do you want to happen in this country and what do you think the national government should be responsible for making happen?

They are two very different things. The politician who preaches "fixing" the lives of everyone may be who you agree with on a personal level but not on a governmental level. Because if you put the task of fixing everyone's lives in the national government's hands it will never happen. But if you take away that big government and put it in the hands of the people you are likely to see a lot more of that happen. The majority of people want good things, the difference of politics is how we see the best way to make that happen.

Band Practice 1

2008-08-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

Curt and I played seriously for probably some time over an hour and then I got antsy and here is what followed...

Shaina - wiggles fingers over keys as fast as possible like five-year-old child ending in a high pitched ding em anting from my vocal chords (if you don't understand my technical musical jargon you'll need to wikipedia that)

Curt - "good" and continues playing

Shaina - desperately tries to keep hot chocolate from projecting forth onto all helpless surroundings

Curt - one small giggle

Shaina - hot chocolate out the mouth and into an unsuspecting freshly laundered baby duck towel, followed by a minute of coughing from the tiny trickles that happened to make their way down one of those air tubes

Curt - silence

On the Family Front

2008-08-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: Listen closely because this post is intended to be short and straight to the point and I wouldn't want you to miss the meat of it, or the roasted veggies if you happen to be of the veg variety. Maybe eggs or something if you are just lacto-ovo vegetarian. Also please put your racial issues and prejudices aside, because they could possibly get in the way of the true meaning of the statement I am about to make. If you happen to be standing, you may want to sit, unless you take shocking news better standing,... are you a pacer? I bet that's good for you, probably burn a lot of calories pacing around. Do you find yourself in good health? Oh, yes, health... all people of all types of health are welcome to read my statement, however, please don't be offended in any way because I can see potential for it to be offensive to those in mediocre health. Also if you are part of any major media outlet go ahead and grab that note pad and pen of yours, I'll give you a few seconds so you don't miss anything ............................................................................................................. You may find this statement of particular use in an upcoming news headline or radio show broadcast because the statement I am about to make is definitely bound to cause that controversial-stir-shit-up kind of sour-taste-in-the-mouth ruckus that you media people thrive on in the same way bacteria thrives on a wet dirty sponge. Indeed this is a heavy statement. If you don't think you can handle the weight I can recommend a good gym where all those buff guys like on the ads really do hang out, and maybe you could come back in a few months to read the statement I am about to make. Or if you are a girl or guy and don't particularly want to have all those huge muscles hanging around on your body you can invite a stronger person to accompany you in the reading of the statement I am about to make. They may or may not be able to handle the weight of it for themselves and you as well, so use caution when choosing who you choose. Ok, it's down to brass tacks folks. Or income tax. Or property tax. Or sales tax. We don't really have a brass tax anymore, must be an expression from the olden days. Which reminds me, if you are old I strongly advice you to seek medical advice. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for the statement I am about to make. You are welcome to fax your prescription to me and I will go ahead and fill it for you right away. If you are 18 or older please proceed following the *. If you are 17.364/365 days or less please have your parents check out the blog and under their adult supervision you may read the statement I am about to make. * Please be advised from this point forward only those of either a publicly accepted, or publicly unaccepted religion, or those not affiliated with any religion, or those who have a made-up religion or those who hate religion or those with any faith based beliefs or no faith based beliefs at all may continue. If you are between sorry, get out of here, this is just too much for you to handle. I am telling you right now. It's a load and you will need faith to help you carry it, or no faith at all in which case you have already come to terms with dying and nothing happening so you can probably handle this. Probably being the operative word though. Keep that in mind. You know yourself better than anyone else knows you so judge for yourself. Well, as I said this is going to be short and straight to the point.

Curt and I are starting a band. Bam! (That's not the name of the band, but I mean like Bam! In your face!)

Feed the Children

2008-08-09T11:35:00.001-07:00

Curt and I received our pictures and profiles for the two children we are sponsoring.

Curt is sponsoring a little boy from Kenya. His name is Kelvin Ngigi Njeri. He's 5-years-old. Curt thought it was the cutest thing ever that his profile says When his chores are done, he enjoys playing with tops. I have a feeling we'll be sending some tops in the future.

I am sponsoring a little girl named Esther Wanjiru Maina, also from Kenya. She is 4! And of course she likes playing with dolls like most little girls do!

We are really excited about both these little kids!

Later Today

2008-08-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

For dinner we had Jenny, Scott and their kids over! It was a ton of fun for us and we hope it was as much fun for them. Their kids are so wonderful and despite Caleb attacking them in various ways all night they handled it really well. We loved having them over and look forward to doing it again and again and again. And again.

The Chicago Beach

2008-08-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the beach. We had a nice little lunch on the rocks and then headed to the sand. We didn't swim in the water because as explained to us by the lifeguard there were high levels of ecoli that day. Gross. Caleb showed off for a lovely young couple by pointing out his mommy and daddy and burying his feet in the sand and asking them where his feet went. Then he threw sand at them. Just kidding, but it would be true to his character if I wasn't kidding. We had a nice little lunch and then headed home.

Lame Saturday

2008-08-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

So far today all we have done together (Caleb, Emma and I; Curt is at the fesitval) is take a long nap. Today is not a good day. I don't feel well.

Just a heads up

2008-08-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

I don't think there will be much family reporting this weekend. We missed Family Friday today because Curt was at a music festival. I am sure you can read about it at his blog as he is bound to talk about it. I don't think we are going to see much of him this weekend. Maybe when the whole thing is over, Sunday our family will commence to normal familial activities. Kind of sad. I don't like when I don't have any time with him. It makes me lonely. It also makes me completely worn out by the kids. We did have a wonderful day today. If you are so inclined you can read about them and all the details of their lives and mine as a mother here. But as for the family, you've seen it all.

I guess the one fun thing was we got a dining room table yesterday! Yay! We also had a meal at it together minus Emma who was napping at the time.

I'm sorry. This is all I have to offer! If you really wanted I could tell you about how Curt shifted all the glass panes of the windows down and all the screens up and now I am being bombarded by dive bombing flies. Is that of interest to you?

The essentials

2008-07-31T09:57:00.001-07:00

Curt is loving his new job, it still makes me laugh how perfect it is for him. And its better for everyone because instead of being drained from work and then coming home and having nothing to give, he comes home filled to the brim! He jumps right in and helps with whatever needs helping. He is doing great taking care of us!

Caleb is his typical "pre-two" stubborn, but so much fun self! His new favorite activity is jumping on his bed while Emma lays there, it makes her laugh! (See below) Also Caleb seems to be taking a liking to water much more lately. He refuses to get out of the bath and at the zoo the other week and at the park earlier this week he actually ran through the water spout. Until now water on his face in any form, including on a washcloth, would make him cry.

Emma is doing wonderful. She has her two bottom teeth but no others seem to be in a hurry to make an appearance. She is sitting up really well and getting where ever she wants but not via crawling yet: she rolls. There goes Emma... rolling on by.

And I am doing well. I'm on replacement hormones for my practically dead thyroid and yesterday my doctor bumped up the dosage a notch so I'm feeling much better today. I feel like a drug addict because something tells me I shouldn't be so happy to be taking pills everyday, but in reality they are not drugs. They are a replacement for something that would naturally occur if my body functioned top of the line. Besides... I don't feel like death anymore, which is better for everyone. (http://www.medicinenet.com/hashimotos_thyroiditis/page2.htm)

On the family front - Curt and I met with the family pastor at church and hopefully he will be able to help us work through some issues that Curt and I can't seem to get a hold on ourselves. I am really excited and looking forward to what our marriage will look like when we get through some of the poison.

Bath Time for the Babies!

2008-07-30T12:12:00.001-07:00

Emma doesn't care if you pour buckets full of water over her head!

Cute as a duck! Quack Quack

Who is this mad scientist child? Not our curly haired hopping little boy.

Splish Splash!

Jump right in...

2008-07-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Curt's family came to visit us and it was wonderful. His sister and her five-year-old twins drove up from Missouri and his mom flew in from Oregon to spend the week. We dragged them around to everywhere imaginable and hopefully they have as good of memories as we do! You can view these memories in a brief state, but you are not welcome to partake in them, sorry, you should have been there.

Jessica and Arianwynn on the train at Navy Pier

Caleb on Uncle Andy's shoulder at Brookfield Zoo

Curt and myself at the Zoo

Aunt Kim and baby Emma

Grandma Carson and baby Emma

Jessie, baby Emma, and Ari

Curt and his big sister, Kim

Caleb and Daddy at the Chicago Children's Museum

Princess Ariel and Princess Sleeping Beauty

Caleb and Jessie at Brookfield Zoo

Auntie Kara and baby Emma