O' Come All Ye Faithful

Ahhhhhh the calm feeling after Christmas has finally passed. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy this time of year, but like any secular American we celebrate your typical traditions that can only be enjoyed once a year. You get to bake cookies and eat all the delicious treats you want without feeling guilty since your New Year Resolution to loose weight doesn’t kick in until AFTER January 1st! Not to mention many lame movies that has a sentimental message of giving. I enjoy some of those sappy movies, but I tend to turn them off towards the end to save myself from criticizing the movie. My favorite secular tradition is shopping! I can do without the wrapping part to shopping though.


This year had to be the best for my husband and I since it was Isaiah’s first Christmas. I don’t think he’ll remember much, but I do know he was investigating why we placed a green large pointy object in our living room with sparkly dangerous objects attached to it. Along with being spoiled for no reason. I didn’t really discuss that whole fat Santa coming down chimney’s to only the good kid’s story. I honestly don’t want to lie to my son since my husband and I play a huge role in his life. Rather, I will allow him to take part in Santa activities but explain that it is all fake and just for fun. I did avoid the whole “be good for goodness sake” message as well. Instead, this is the reason for us celebrating Christmas. Jesus Christ was born to pay for the penalty of sinners. Not for the good and perfect, but for the poor sinners. Without His perfect obedience, there would be no hope for the sinner. The Christian can rejoice in this!

I would post pics with John, but he hates them all. :(

Joy of Parenting-- #1 Defending vaccines

Jenny McCarthy and boyfriend Jim Carrey are great for medical advice!

“Thank You For Smoking”

[Nick Naylor and his son arguing about ice cream]

Joey: So, what happens when you're wrong?
Nick: Well, Joey, I'm never wrong.
Joey: But you can't always be right.
Nick: Well, if it's your job to be right, then you're never wrong.
Joey: But what if you are wrong?
Nick: Okay, let's say that you're defending chocolate and I'm defending vanilla. Now, if I were to say to you, "Vanilla's the best flavor ice cream", you'd say …?
Joey: "No, chocolate is."
Nick: Exactly. But you can't win that argument. So, I'll ask you: So you think chocolate is the end-all and be-all of ice cream, do you?
Joey: It's the best ice cream; I wouldn't order any other.
Nick: Oh. So it's all chocolate for you, is it?
Joey: Yes, chocolate is all I need.
Nick: Well, I need more than chocolate. And for that matter, I need more than vanilla. I believe that we need freedom and choice when it comes to our ice cream, and that, Joey Naylor, that is the definition of liberty.
Joey: But that's not what we're talking about.
Nick: Ah, but that's what I'm talking about.
Joey: But … you didn't prove that vanilla's the best.
Nick: I didn't have to. I proved that you're wrong, and if you're wrong, I'm right.
Joey: But you still didn't convince me.
Nick: Because I'm not after you. I'm after them.

This tedious debate reminds me of a tactic that “anti-vaccinationist” use when in a heated discussion about their lack of scientific evidence when it comes to vaccines cause autism. I always notice a shift in the direction of their discussion.

I have been studying vaccines a lot more since I notice the “anti-vaccinationist” is at large and I seem to be a minority. Sometimes it would be easier to lay off the topic to avoid being annoyed, but it is hard when people automatically look at my beautiful son, then pop the question, “Is he vaccinated?” Is this a trick question? Either way I answer will lead to a debate. Let’s face it, I am not a Doctor so no matter what information I provide them, their still going to go with their gut feeling. I am just your typical new Mom who is learning how to survive in this new society I discovered after giving birth to Isaiah.

I could use arguments that my Mom vaccinated all 9 of her kids, and their fine, but then it would seem arrogant. Am I really fine? Maybe I am screwed up in the head, but I am still alive so that’s a good thing, right!? The easiest method would point them to studies from numerous doctors, but then they will throw out a website provided from a resource that is from a Chemist or maybe even a Playboy Model. You know they are the greatest people to ask medical advice from! (sarcasm)

If you wish to retrieve your information on the link between vaccines and autism, please reach out to the former Playboy model, Jenny McCarthy. After all, she is very bright and funny, so she seems like an all facts type of gal. On a serious note, I would rather suggest reading from the compiled studies and literature at http://www.dangeroustalk.net/a-team/Vaccines.

In the end, parents want to do what’s best for their child. Yes, there are risks in vaccines, but they’re few and far between and the benefit outweighs those risks. And no good experimental evidence has been presented to the scientific community to prove that one of those risks was autism. Doctors today are extremely careful with using “should” when it comes to pointing out what’s best for their child. When it comes to vaccinations, they will encourage you and use the word “should” as they would when stating that you “should” strap your child into a safe car seat.

Headbanging during the Christmas season Pt. 2

Although I thought they could have picked up the pace to this, it is still pure talent. One of my all time favorite, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."

Headbanging during the Christmas season

One of my favorite bands, August Burns Red put together this beautiful piece of, "Carol of the Bells." I thought this ballet video was appropriate for this. This is what I call talent.

My source of comfort when the husband fails...

WARNING: You may witness my sensitive side while reading this post.

Since my husband wasn't home to cuddle up with for our first snow fall of the season, Isaiah has become my source of comfort. He loves to nap with me, read with me, play the piano with me, go on walks with me, shop with me, eat with me, and HECK he even wants to go to the bathroom with me...I will keep that on the down low when he reaches a certain age! ;)

I remember being pregnant and miserable (I wasn't your happy Martha Stewart type of pregnant lady) and mentioning to John how I hope for a son that loves to cuddle with me. I felt as though I deserved it from the constant kick to my ribs from the energetic life inside my womb. Well, my "wish" came true! Although, when he was first born he had colic and wanted to cuddle so much that he had a monstrous cry and always needy of his mom ONLY. Most moms love the attention, but I found it rather annoying and pathetic. He needs to stop whining and get use to socializing with others! The boy was whipped! John would laugh at me and say "You always wanted a cuddle bear. Now you have it!" Was it too late to say, "be careful for what you wish for?"

Let's face it, time doesn't turn back and I will never get these precious moments back. Soon as I know it, he will be hanging out with friends and asking me to drop him off 2 blocks from the school.

There seems to be pressure after your child is close to 12 months of age that people jokingly ask when you'll have the next kid. God alone is in-control of these blessings and not myself, but I couldn't imagine jumping to my next child at the moment. Right now, I am enjoying just us "3 Musketeers"! I grew-up in a large family, which is why I actually find it nice to witness the firsts of everything and give my son my undivided attention. Also, clean-up is a breeze for any O.C.D. person!

I never knew becoming a mother would be so natural after laying eyes on Isaiah David in Fair Oaks Hospital on 2/7/09. My sweet Covenant Child. :)

Darwinism explained through my 10 month old son

Could this be proof of Darwinism? My son loves to chew on his crib. There you have it folks!

Global Warming = BS

So the director is temporarily stepping down to avoid interruptions during the research? Could it be that he is feeling pressure after emails from CRU were released? This is getting more interesting.

You're too Catholic!

One night after putting Isaiah to bed, I told my husband I wanted to start writing more since I have been deteriorating as a past journalist in school. He told me to start a blog to keep my brain from over-flowing! I honestly think he wants to avoid hearing my nonsense, but whatever. Another reason was to write for a newspaper someday (if I actually succeed with this blog first). I want to open up my world to the rest of the world since many usually ask questions such as, "what do you do?" or "where did you go to school?" These are all such cliche questions to ask in the D.C. area. All the outsiders begin to think we over-work in the D.C. area since we LOVE to talk about our jobs. That's actually not me. I find my position as a Community Manager rather boring. I do love the company I work for and thankful I am able to support my family during this tough economic crisis (uh-oh a working mom!!!), but it really doesn't represent who I am or what I am passionate about.

I am what many call Calvinist, which I honestly hate calling myself and I am sure John Calvin himself would truly hate that title. My system of doctrine is the Reformed faith. I find this to be the most consistent religion of the Christian faith. I am not saying all the other non-Reformed confessional Christians are not Christian, but it is the most truly consistent religion. It is bible-based, God-centered, and covenantly ordered (yes, I believe infants should be baptized and trust me a whole other post will reflect my reasoning...please stay tuned!).

To help some understand the title of my blog, please listen carefully. I consider myself a "two kingdom chick." I believe while there are "heavenly things" that are ordered by God's redemptive grace, the "earthly things" are ordered by God's common grace in which both unbelievers and believers work together in this common culture job. Yes, both the unbeliever and believer are made in the image of God and by God's grace, which they both make use of the natural law as the common moral. I don't believe Commandments 1-4 should apply to society. I thought this two kingdom theology was THE doctrine preached within the Reformed circles, but this is where it is divided. I do believe this opens up to debate, but I am not convinced of the otherside.

I think many Christians aim hard to live out such a Godly lifestyle by shutting out the culture Monday thru Saturday and trying ways to avoid their righteous ears from hearing the "outsiders" a.k.a. public schooled kids. Then when Sunday arrives, they conform the Church to the culture by cheesy contemporary music and a clap of hands. This way, the hip youth group can think Church is awesome. Then those Christians who wish to hold a traditional worship are accused of being too Catholic. It's sad to say, but I now take that insult as a compliment.

Choice between two loved ones

It seems this all escalated after a dispute between vandals. The parents have forgiven them and don't hold anything against them due to this situation, but I can only imagine the guilt they carry with them knowing a person was drowned to death.

Ya, it's a Swedish thing!

The Swedes take on Washington, D.C. at the annual Christmas Bazaar. What does this entail? Expensive crafts imported from Sweden, awesome Ikea style embassy, Swedish food, and music. If this is not enough, walk down the street to the Kennedy Center. ;)

http://www.swedenabroad.com/CalendarView____12860.aspx?slaveid=95538&showperiod=2009-12-05

This could get ugly!

It's interesting it took me this long to conform to the blogging society. What pushed me? Well, I seem to post outrageous things on my facebook and decided it be best to have a separate site that folks can decide whether or not they want to listen to my earthy thoughts. That way, if they're that bothered I can tell them to "stop reading my stuff!" :)

I don't intend to piss off people, but it seems to get that way when a person opens up their opinions publicly, especially when it involves theology, politics, or even parenting (crazy as it sounds, but yes even parenting). If you find yourself disagreeing with me, by all means take every word I say with a grain of salt. Then, take a deep breath and know that we don't share in the same thought and proceed with life. If I am passionate about something, I may come across stubborn or arrogant, but it is just me expressing my thoughts through a sinful mind.

Cheers!