Friday, October 9, 2009

President Obama On Winning the Nobel Peace Prize


This speech is an example of why he deserved to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I'm amazed by all the people who ran around calling others communists and terrorists and socialists if there was the slightest question about Bush while he was in office - "YOU MUST SUPPORT YOUR PRESIDENT DURING A TIME OF WAR" was being blared over the loudspeakers... And, we now have a President who has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and he's being torn apart by most of those very same people. My aunt Ann said it best: could we all possibly get behind our President and give him a chance to actually fulfill the potential of his election?

Matthew Shepard - 11 Years Later










It is absolutely heartbreaking to see those images of Matthew as a child. Instant tearjerker. It shouldn't be any more heartbreaking than seeing pictures of him as he was when he died; but it's such a forceful reminder - he was their child. He was a human being. NO ONE deserves what happened to him, not even the people who did it to him. (Well...maybe them...but no one else!) And, as long as I'm here - can we get a WOOT WOOT for Ellen? She's one uber cool chick.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Olan's STAR themed 1st Birthday Party


Seattle Brock and OLAN 435, originally uploaded by d_jazmine.

We enjoyed a fun day of celebrating, and watching all of the boys play at the park at the Pavillion at Parker's Lake. Brock, Brayden and Olan had so much fun! Rayna was precious and appeared to have a perfectly lovely time (with the exception of her brief and chilly wardrobe change, necessitated by the fact that she's got a stellar digestive tract firing on all cylinders!). There was a nice breeze, so a kite was flown, and each of the boys took turns with it. It was a beautiful day!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY OLAN!

Make a wish!


Seattle Brock and OLAN 393, originally uploaded by d_jazmine.



Brock demonstrates the proper form for candle blowing. Aren't they cute all lined up?

Olan and Brayden rocking their star sunglasses


Seattle Brock and OLAN 434, originally uploaded by d_jazmine.

The Masterpiece Birthday Cake


Seattle Brock and OLAN 336, originally uploaded by d_jazmine.

Created by Kjersti and Alex, who, through careful and precise measurements, used 2 9x13 cakes to create this shooting star...with NO un-used cake! ;)

Birthday Cake


Seattle Brock and OLAN 388, originally uploaded by d_jazmine.

Brayden shares a "chip" with Olan


Seattle Brock and OLAN 365, originally uploaded by d_jazmine.

Brock and Olan


Seattle Brock and OLAN 379, originally uploaded by d_jazmine.

Brock flies the kite


Seattle Brock and OLAN 339, originally uploaded by d_jazmine.

Brayden and Daddy fly the kite


Seattle Brock and OLAN 343, originally uploaded by d_jazmine.