Sorry I've neglected the blog

Kade and Aunt Chelle at Thanksgiving.Aunt Chelle-isn't she beautiful? I love her red hair.
The whole gang. It's actually smaller than usual but a couple of families didn't come this year.

Emmy playing it up for the camera. I love the shots of her looking away.
My girls-we had gone on a walk because Mommy thought she was over the stomach flu. Little did I know I had 5 more days to go. Yup 7 days of Montezuma's revenge.
Matthew frying turkeys. I wonder if he ever thought he would be "that" guy who fries turkeys in the driveway?
My baby with her index finger in her mouth, aka the normal pose.

I'm sorry I have neglected the family blog. I had a HUGE holiday season rush with my photography business, I was doing good to keep my kids fed.

If you want to date one of my daughters

I copied this from my friend Leah's blog, and thought it was so funny I had to post it here. Obviously my girls aren't old enough to date yet, but they will be one day and anyone who knows Matthew knows how bad it will be for those poor boys who attempt to date them.

Rule One:
If you pull into my driveway and honk you’d better be delivering a package, because you’re sure not picking anything up.

Rule Two:
You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter’s body, I will remove them.

Rule Three:
I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don’t take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes to big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of you date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.

Rule Four:
I’m sure you’ve been told that in today’s world, sex without utilizing a “Barrier method” of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.

Rule Five:
It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: “early.”

Rule Six:
I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.

Rule Seven:
As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don’t you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?

Rule Eight:
The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing,holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to introduce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which features chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.

Rule Nine:
Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.

Rule Ten:
Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveways you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camoflauged face at the window is mine.

Playing outside

Isn't this the greatest? She is laughing at Peyton launching his rocket.
My sweet baby boy!
My sweet baby girl.

I'm obsessed with their kissing pictures.
I love this look.

Allie asleep under the coffee table

When Allie gets tired in the afternoon she will find a random spot to take a cat nap. Isn't it adorable?

Book Character Pumpkin

Can you guess which book character this is? Yup, it's Franklin. My son came up with the idea for his head, I was so proud.

Allie

Christie

My best friend in the entire world came into town last week with her two boys. We had a blast, and we got to snap a few pics in the drive way for their Christmas card.



Here is Christie reading. We both started the Twilight series on Thursday and we will both be done tomorrow with book number 4 (that's 2300 pages of pure innocent entertainment).

This is so true

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE


(1) Fine : This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing : This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead : This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh : This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay : This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks : A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' . That will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever : Is a woman's way of saying kiss off or worse!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it : Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

* Send this to the men you know, to warn them about arguments they can avoid if they remember the terminology.
* Send this to all the women you know to give them a good laugh, cause they know it's true!!!

Post Election

I'm going to admit I'm mourning, I have a heavy heart, but I am faithful in God's plan.

Romans 13:1-7
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

35 odd things about me

I copied this little quiz from Leah's blog

35 Odd Things About Me

1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? HATE it
2. Do you own a gun? I don't personally, but my husband has several.
3. What's your favorite drink at Starbucks? Venti, half caff, skinny vanilla latte (it's $4.17) can you tell I get it often?
4. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? water
5. Do you do pushups? Like 6 years ago, but I have officially started back at the gym.
6. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring
7. Favorite hobby? scrapbooking
8. Do you have A.D.D? No
9. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? overly anxious
10. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: I hope McCain wins, I have a lot of photos to edit, I need to start working on my Bible study.
11. Name 4 drinks you regularly drink. Diet Coke, water, tea, venti half caff skinny vanilla latte
12. Current worry right now? keeping the motivation to get back in shape
13. Current hate right now? The election
14. Favorite place to be? Home
15. Do you like to travel? Yes, but not internationally
16. What color shirt are you wearing? navy blue
17. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Absolutely NOT, I only like white cotton with a thread count of at least 800
18. Can you whistle? Yes.
19. Favorite color? orange
20. If you could, would you be a pirate? No, puking my guts out constantly doesn't seem fun.
21. What song do you sing in the shower? Normally I'm yelling at my kids to close the door.
22. Favorite girl's name? Gentry (notice neither of my girls are named that huh?) Thanks Mattie
23. Favorite boy's name? Peyton
24. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing
25. Favorite bedsheets as a child? I can't remember
26. Worst injury? Concussion and HUGE gash on my face
27. Do you love where you live? No.
28. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3
29. Who is your loudest friend? April, but she's not loud, just talkative
30. How many pets do you have? None, Sampson died in April after having him for 10 years
31. Does someone have a crush on you? Huh? NO!
32. What is your Favorite Book? Currently? 1000 splendid suns
33. What's your favorite candy? Whatchamacallit
34. Favorite Sports Team? Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros ( I worked for them for 5 years), TCU football team
35. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Do I have to take a shower? The answer was no, because I took one last night and I was headed to the gym.

A new perspective on the election

This is the best thing I've read in years. It eloquently explains how our voting MUST be based on our christian beliefs. We are commanded to follow God's Word, therefore, our vote MUST not contradict His Word or commands.

Please take time to read this. Then click on the snopes website below to read Mr. Brown’s response to this private email being spread all over the internet when they contacted him for authentication.

Why I (A Black Man) Can't Vote For Obama
By Huntley Brown

Dear Friends,
A few months ago I was asked for my perspective on Obama, I sent out an email with a few points. With the election just around the corner I decided to complete my perspective. Those of you on my e-list have seen some of this before but it's worth repeating...

First I must say whoever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him.

Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness. I process my identity through Christ. Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means He leads I follow. I can't dictate the terms He does because He is the leader.

I can't vote black because I am black; I have to vote Christian because that's who I am. Christian first, black second. Neither should anyone from the other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity. 200 years from now I won't be asked if I was black or white. I will be asked if I knew Jesus and accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

In an election there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning to name a few, wrong economic concerns will soon not matter.

We need to follow Martin Luther King's words, don't judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I don't know Obama so all I can go off is his voting record. His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007.

NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama: Most Liberal Senator in 2007 (01/31/2008)

To beat Ted Kennedy and Hilary Clinton as the most liberal senator, takes some doing. Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years. I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with.

There is a reason Planned Parenthood gives him a 100 % rating.
There is a reason the homosexual community supports him.
There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc. love him.
There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court. There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill.
There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.
There is a reason he voted No on banning partial birth abortion. There is a reason he voted No on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito. These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion. The same practice Obama wanted to continue.

Let's take a look at the practice he wanted to continue

The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedures:
A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby's leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby)
B. The baby's leg is pulled out into the birth canal.
C. The abortionist delivers the baby's entire body, except for the head.
D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby's skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.
E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child's brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed.

God help him.
There is a reason Obama opposed the parental notification law.


Think about this: You can't give a kid an aspirin without parental notification but that same kid can have an abortion without parental notification. This is insane.

There is a reason he went to Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years.


Obama tells us he has good judgment but he sat under Jeremiah Wright teaching for 20 years. Now he is condemning Wright's sermons. I wonder why now?

Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him. A disciple is one in training. Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19 - 20 'Go and make disciples of all nations.' This means reproduce yourself. Teach people to think like you, walk like you; talk like you believe what you believe etc. The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?

Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenets that said they have a

1. Commitment to the White Community
2. Commitment to the White Family
3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic
4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the White Community.
5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions
6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System
7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System.

Would you support a President who went to a church like that?

Just change the word from white to black and you have the tenets of Obama's former church. If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside.

This kind of church is a racist church. Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discovered he went to a racist church. The church can't be about race. Jesus did not come for any particular race. He came for the whole world.

A church can't have a value system based on race. The churches value system has to be based on biblical mandate. It does not matter if it¢s a white church or a black church it's still wrong. Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.

Obama's former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1970 book A Black Theology of Liberation. Cone once wrote: 'Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him.

Cone is the man Obama's mentor looks up to. Does Obama believe this?

So what does all this mean for the nation?

In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing - judgment.

Read 1 Samuel 8 when Israel asked for a king. First God says in 1 Samuel 1:9 'Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.'

Then God says

1 Samuel 1:18 ' When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORDwill not answer you in that day.' 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.' 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king.'

Here is what we know for sure.

God is not schizophrenic

He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain. As the scripture says, a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God.

Maybe I am the one not hearing but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture so I doubt it.

For all my friends who are voting for Obama can you really look God in the face and say; Father based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion. He might have to nominate three or four Supreme Court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you. I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this. I know I can look the other way because of the economy.

I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama's positions. Finally I have two questions for all my liberal friends.

Since we know someone's value system has to be placed on the nation,

1. Whose value system should be placed on the nation.

2. Who should determine that this is the right value system for the nation?

Blessings,
Huntley Brown

(Mr. Brown's response to this letter being sent out on the internet.)
http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/huntleybrown.asp

My kids in Downtown Dallas

We took the kids to downtown to capture some special moments. Allie, was not happy during this photo shoot. But I got some great shots of Peyton and Emmy.

Emmy feeding Allie

It's sad, but sometimes I need Emmy to feed Allie in the morning. Matthew was out of town for 3 weeks straight, and I was struggling getting everything done before 7:30 a.m., so I enlisted Emmy's help.