My little pundits

Well, I have been spending an exorbitant amount of time watching the news and following the campaign trails lately. I realized today that the boys have been paying attention, too. Josh is a complete McCain supporter, and distraught that he is not old enough to vote. We were looking at the electoral college map today, Josh smiled when he learned that South Carolina and Arizona were "red". However, he was shocked when he saw that New York was a "blue" state. He asked, "Why are Nani and Papa voting for Obama?", so I had to explain about how it all worked. Anyway, Josh easily recognizes McCain (and Obama for that matter) on TV, but I have to laugh because when President Bush comes on, and I ask him who that is, he always says George Washington. I guess that name has stuck, since we studied him earlier this school year. So today, after going through every state with Josh and seeing which are "blue" and which are "red" as of today, Jonathan informed us he was for "Rock Babama"...which got us laughing so hard (sounds like a Rap star or something)...then, realizing that he was the center of attention, he kept adding last names...like Rock Babama Llama Cama...he is such a ham! It's good that when the world is in an economic crisis, and the election is going terrible, that we can still kick back and laugh!

Writing on the wall...

After 2 time-outs, and a stern talking to about lying, Jonathan finally came clean about the writing on his bedroom wall. However, he insisted that the last "N" was not his doing. On a positive note, I am please that he almost has his long name memorized, and just look at that penmanship!! Not bad for a three year old!! :)

Nothing ugly about this duckling

The boys were so happy when Abuelita Carmen showed them a duckling that hatched today. He (or maybe she??) is one of eleven new arrivals on Uncle David's farm. Their faces say it all, don't you think?

Clear as a bell

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TRANSPARENT (definition taken from the Miriam-Webster's dictionary)


(1)having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly

(2) free from pretense or deceit

(3) easily detected or seen through

(4) readily understood

(5) characterized by visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices


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Luis had someone pay him a compliment the other day. He was told that his transparency was appreciated and refreshing. In this day and age of instantly deletable digital photos, air brushed magazine covers, and even cover-ups in the church, I am so thankful for a "what you see is what you get" Luis. We have learned over the past few years, that being transparent is a powerful thing. When we allow the real "us" to be seen, it opens the door for God to get all the glory for something only He could have done! Rather than trying to keep up the false appearances that everything is a-okay, we have learned that, albeit a vulnerable place to stand, it allows the light of the Lord to shine and illuminate the miraculous way that only He can transform a situation. I am thankful for the people God has allowed us to be in relationship with, family and friends alike, who have this same conviction of being transparent and honest. You are truly great examples to those around you, who are searching for answers in an opaque world.

Garage Sale

Josh wanted to have a garage sale, and said he has some toys that he wants to sell. Jonathan, too, wanted to be a part. Since I really have gotten rid of most "extras" when we left Arizona, I really don't have any reason to have one. So I told the boys that they needed to have a pretend garage sale. They agreed, and each got a box to put things in that they thought they could part with. When they were done, they each brought their boxes to me to show me their money making items. Joshua's box contained a variety of toys, like dinosaurs, wooden snakes, and his caterpillar lantern. He had put stickers with prices on each individual toy, ranging from five cents, to five dollars. Jonathan's box consisted of three toys, all of which were broken (he is no fool!!). Josh asked for me to make a "garage Sale" sign...once I finished, I asked him where he was going to put it. He told me that they wanted to hold the sign out by the fence, where cars pass by. I was so glad I asked, because I would have had a lot of explaining to do as the people drove in for the "sale". Anyway, they resorted to having a pretend sale, on the front porch, with fake money. From the looks of it, they raked in a small fortune.