MUAH!

He was playing with my earrings and I asked for a kiss. One of the perks of being mommy!

GFF!

So me and my gal pals (hee hee) got together tonight for a super-fun party that Group (john's company) was putting on to launch their new Girlfriends Unlimited line. It was a blast! We got facials, hand massages, played DDR (dance dance revolution) got our pics taken, played games, danced and everything (all without kids on our hips).
Way fun! I also got my hair done...I think an afro looks great on me!
(From L-R: Shelley "Shell Toast", Steph, Beyonce, Nicole "Cole", Gretchen "Crackers", and Melissa) Good Times.

Coming soon to a theatre near you...

Starring (among many other very talented performers...) ME!

Feeding the Giraffes!

This weekend John, Lincoln and I were blessed by John's parents with the opportunity to stay at the Broadmoor. WOW! It was amazing. We went for a bike ride, rode paddle boats, horseback riding, swimming, jogging, playing, exploring, eating at a super fancy restaurant...YUM. And lastly we went to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and got to do lots of fun things. Lincoln fed the giraffes, which was one of my favorite memories of all times. Those things are amazing! They're tongues are so long and slimy--yuck.
At first Lincoln was really creeped out but then he came around and was giving them crackers by himself.
Also, please note the random girl smiling in our picture. Come on, isn't it commom etiquette to at least pretend like you don't know you're in someone else's picture rather than smile for the camera like you're supposed to be there?

Thank Heaven for Mario Lopez!

So I was watching Miss Teen USA the other night and was dismayed and (naively) suprised at the ridiculous girls that represent this parade of underweight adolescents.
The thing I was most amazed about is when they would interview the girls and ask them things like what are your hobbies...
I'm NOT kidding when I say that one of them seriously listed "texting my friends" as a hobby.
I think she sat in front of me at the movies a few weeks ago...come on..
texting your friends? Ugh.
Another said "listening to Reggae music".
This also...is not a hobby.
What about things like saving the dolphins, or recycling?
Okay, so my hobby list wouldn't be quite so well-rounded either, but I can guarantee it wouldn't include texting my friends.
Obviously I prefer email.
Kidding. But Mario Lopez was the host (which should have been my first cluse that it was going to be a waste of an hour. After watching these little pixies prance across the stage wearing high heels and hairspray I learned two things:
1. Our kids are in desperate need of reality
2. I should kill my television.
Thankfully, Miss Colorado won. Phew.

Dance your cares away (clap, clap)

Who remembers the Fraggles? I was so in love with this show.
For those of you who would like to reminisce with me here is Wikipedia's rundown of the main fraggles:
Gobo is the "leader", level-headed and practical, and prefers to be in control of most situations. He plays the guitar (made from a gourd) and considers himself chiefly an explorer.
Mokey is highly spiritual and artistic (she recites poetry), and is usually quiet and contemplative. She is the optimist of the group, trying to see the best in everyone and everything, and comforting her friends when no such "bright side" can be found.
Red, in direct contrast to her best friend Mokey, is exuberant and athletic; she is one of the best swimmers among the Fraggles. She was described by Mo Rocca on VH1's I Love the 80s: Strikes Back as the "Buck the establishment Fraggle." She is also highly cynical of her friends' plans and ideas and often teases Gobo about his Uncle Travelling Matt (occasionally yawning while he reads the postcards). Red, like Gobo, also wants to be in control, and there is often friction between them over who should be the one in charge.
Wembley, Gobo's best friend, is nervous and pathologically indecisive (this is mostly because he doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings; saying 'yes' to someone means saying 'no' to someone else). In fact, "to wemble" is a Fraggle verb to describe indecisiveness. In later episodes of the series, Wembley works with the fire department, as their siren. The Fraggle Rock fire department, however, does not put out fires -- it starts them.
Boober's cardinal trait is depression and worry, and his favourite activity is washing socks – Fraggles, however, do not seem to use footwear most of the time. Boober is almost always negative, and displays hypochondriac tendencies.
Now the 3 questions are:
1. Which fraggle is your favorite? I always liked Wembley, which by the way is a great name.
2. Which fraggle are you most similar to? I must admit, Red is probably the most accurate. Mokey always got on my nerves.
3. Which fraggle are you most compatible with? I think I actually married a Dozer--not a fraggle, which suits me well.
Feel free to indulge your fraggle fix by watching this brief, but entertaining clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr_zwgEdm4c&mode=related&search=

Go ahead, it's Friday. We could all use a little Fraggle on Friday!
(And for the record, I hereby reserve the name "Sprocket" for any dog we may possibly get in the future)

"Oh look, he's so happy"...CHOMP!

Does anyone else out there feel just a little guilty eating these things?

If you wanna hang out, you gotta taker her out....

Cocaine? No, the fast food equivalent "Raisin Cane's"
It's no irony that the word "cane" appears in the name of the restaurant, because any of you that have had this would know...it's Awwwwwwwwwwwe-sum!
Yeah, when it comes to this place I'm basically like Lindsay Lohan- you can see pics of me in the tabloids hunched down in the passenger seat of our car with my hair all dishevled and my hood pulled up, eyes half closed with a little cane's sauce on my cheek.
And here is my downfall.
All you skinny people out there (and I know there are many of you who frequent places like Cane's and Sonic and can still look like Heidi Klum--yes Melissa, this means you ;) you'll never understand. But for the rest of us, who are more like Tyra than Heidi...eat on! In moderation of course, and only after a 20 minute jog (I'm KIDDING!)
It's so challenging for me friends. I'm such an emotional eater, and I must say my constant strain to lose the last 9 pounds of weight (okay, I'm lying...it's more like 11) I have on from toting a human being around in my body (how does this happen?) so that we can even think about having another child is really (pardon the pun) weighing on me.
I need a Jared moment right? You know that guy from Subway. Or maybe I just need to get over it.
I wish I could be like Tyra who said "you can kiss my fat black @$$" whoa, watch it Tyra. (Come on, I'd never say that!)
But I go back and forth between that and wanting to have my Mary Kate come out and--well you can imagine.
Either way (I'm a little sad to admit) guess what I'm eating for lunch today.
She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie.....

Da Dum Da Da Dum Da Da Dum Da Dum

That's the Rocky theme song, for those of you who don't know...
I must admit. I was nothing short of reluctant (okay, I was down right protesting) when John wanted to see the newest Rocky movie. "Give me a break" I thought, "Slyvester Stallone...acting....again....please!"
Granted, I had never seen any of the other Rocky movies, and my knowledge of Rocky was limited to "Yo! Adrian!" and some american flag boxing shorts. But I must say, it was a good thing I was watching the movie alone in my living room because by the last round of the fight I was yelling at the t.v. and cheering Rocko on with everyone else....I'm not ashamed to admit it.
I am now a HUGE Rocky fan. I've become a little....how do you say...obsessed? with the whole series.
And, much to John's enjoyment, have wanted to rent all the old Rocky movies and sit through them (If only I'd get into Rambo now right John?) Anyways, there's just something...(I'm out of elaborate words here) cool...about Rocky kicking everyone's butt, not to mention the unbelievable characters that are in the movies. I mean, come on...Mick? He's amazing. Who can say the things he says and get away with it? No one!
So in honor of my new Stallone fetish, I will recall the top ten Rocky moments for you...please, feel free to patron your local video rental establishment to relive the magic (keep in mind I'm only on The 4th one...so there is much more to come.

10. Apollo Creed- in general. Especially when he comes out like Washington crossing the Delaware in those weird patriotic boxers.

9. Rocky with his pet turtles (link and cuff). How perfect.
8. The scene where Paulie is yelling at Adrian through the bedroom door to go out with Rocky (and Rocky is sitting in the living room).
7. Little Marie saying "screw you creepo" to Rocky when he walks her home...what a line right?
6. Mick saying "you gotta eat lightnin' and crap thunder" Not sure what that means, but like I said...only Mick.

5. In Rocky 3 when all the kids start chasing after Rocky and running miles and miles from home to follow him. Where were these kids parents?
4. Of course, Apollo Creed going on and on about the "eye of the tiger" business, which by the way is an exceptional song.
3. Clubber Lang--the scariest opponent yet. I pity the fool! Note: this has also sparked the nicknames around our home for Mikey (the fat cat) whom we call "Blubber Lang" and John, whom I affectionately refer to as "Hubber Lang".

2. Certainly, Rocky running up the stairs and dancing around and punching at the air when he gets to the top---that's classic.

1. Rocky yelling "Adrian-we did it!" at the end of Rocky 2 (don't tell John I told you, but I wasn't the only one tearing up ;)
Needless to say, I love these flicks. They also inspire me when I'm doing my combat kickboxing class at the gym (yes I totally pretend like I'm fighting Clubber Lang). If you haven't seen them...go...now....
stop reading.

The Schmidt-sons

In honor of the epic Simpsons movie premiere John, Lincoln and I have all been Simpsonized. D'oh!

I Scream, You Scream!

Lincoln and I started a weekly tradition last Friday....Ice Cream Dates!
It was a lot of fun. There is a small candy shop in Old Town where you can buy one ounce ice cream cones for 94 cents (I just realized there is no "cents" symbol on the keyboard...lame!) So Lincoln and I each got a tiny ice cream cone (he got to eat the entire thing himself...it was a mess...he loved it).
Lincoln ordered blue ice cream with sprinkles, and I got cookies and cream.
See photo documentation below.
All in all I'd say he's a pretty good date. Although we'll have to work on the whole diaper changing thing...and maybe HE could foot the bill next time :)

Are you truly Outrageous?

Does anyone remember Jem?
So I was a die hard Jem fan. It got so out of control at one point that I would write my name with the n's so close together that it looked like "Jem" hoping people would call me that on accident. Looking back, she probably wasn't the best role model for me--as you can tell from the video-her relationship with purple-haired boyfriend Rio, was not only extremely physical (hello--they're always kissing) but was also full of it's ups and downs (ahh, the life of a rock star).
Not to mention that she's always ditching her friends (poor Kimber and Stormer) for her man--lame.
However, some good did come of Jem and the Holograms. For one, that earring she wears is pretty darn cool. I think I specifically remember touching my ear more than once and saying something to the effect of "Go Cinergy, it's time."
Also, if nothing else the phrase "truly outrageous" is quite fun to say. Try and work it into your next conversation and I'm sure some underground Jem fans will reveal themselves.
(A Gold star to anyone who can tell me how many times the word "truly" is said in the "truly outrageous" song).
Nevertheless, Jem is a fond memory from my childhood. I got the Jem barbie at one point and only liked her until her earrings burnt out. She had what I used to think of as "man feet"--you see Barbie had feet for high heels, Jem could only wear flats...ugh! This old obsession has recently resurfaced as I got a pair of earrings from a garage sale that are purple stars...I must say when I wear them (even if I'm grocery shopping) I do indeed feel truly outrageous.
Go Cinergy!

The joys of boys

Ten things you learn very quickly upon bringing your little boy bundle home (or maybe just kids in general).
10. When the peenie is cold...it pees.
9. Hair-brushing is not a priority
8. Neither is getting the crap wiped off your bottom
7. Cat food looks like snacks
6. Cat food tastes like snacks also
5. Steep drops are not at all intimidating...in fact, they're just the opposite.
4. Mommy's hair, earrings, necklaces and anything else all look like perfectly acceptable pull toys
3. If it's not moving...I'm going to try and eat it
2. If it IS moving...I'll probably try and eat it.
1. Mommy is the prettiest! ( I Love that one :)

Preciousssss

How creepy is that?
Many of you have heard this revelation in my life recently. For those of you who have not, I'm not done learning it yet so I'll continue to beleaguer the point. The Lord has really been revealing to me how much I covet. I never really understood the way this sin had presented itself in my life...I always thought "I'm just comparing myself" or "I'm just not content" but really it boils down to coveting.
Coveting my friends' size four jeans, or another friend's cute clothes, better stuff, cuter shoes, perfect bag etc, etc, etc.
It's nauseating how materialistic I am...really.
Well, obviously I was struck with the perfect image of what I feel like I become when I covet these things...(Lord of the Rings certainly has some redeeming value if nothing else than for spiritual analogies you'll soon learn). Anyways, this picture of Gollum, holding the ring hissing the word "preciousss" and holding on to it for dear life strikes my mind and I realize...I absolutely am like that with the many things I begin to covet in life.
I'm not content. (Certainly this can be a good thing when it comes to not being content with my pursuit of God, righteousness etc) When it comes to being un-content (is that a made up word? Maybe it's discontent?) with the things I have and the body I have etc. it's just destructive.
This morning I was reading in Luke and I read this:
Jesus told his disciples "Do not worry about your life, what you will EAT; or about your body, what you will WEAR. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes." (Luke 12:22-23)
I know this is referring to the disciples not worrying about whether they would eat or be provided for, but it had a much different meaning to me sitting at my kitchen table this morning.
Life is more than food....
That means life is more than calories, diets, ideal weights, favorite jeans, "summer legs" and "Kate Austen" (the girl from LOST) ripped arms.
Certainly it honors God to exhibit self-control and not be gluttonous (and this is something I pray that he will help me to realize and not obsess over) but it really is such an insignificant pursuit to agonize over pounds and fat grams.
How futile.
How unrewarding.
Later in that chapter it says, "Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink, do not worry about it, for the pagan world runs after all such things." (Luke 12:29-30)
It's true! It is a pursuit of those who do not know God to set their hearts on what they will eat and drink (low carbs, diet pills, etc etc). Our only pusuit and that which we seek is not cute clothes, comparing to the models, our friends, wishing, wanting, craving, comparing, struggling, envying, obsessing, striving.
It is to seek the kingdom of God....first....only...simply.
Just
that
alone.
Whoa! What a revelation that was to me. Now, the disclaimer is that certainly it is honorable to be healthy and have discretion etc. But it is not to be what I set my heart on.
And that my friends...is a very liberating thought being a woman in the century we live in.
Free at last, Free at last.
Thank God almighty! Free at last!

"I can Guarandamntee it"

Guar-an-damn-tee [gar-uhn-dam-tee] noun
1. a promise or assurance, with profanity added to emphasize seriousness

-Okay, store that one in your brains cause I've got a great story for you...trust me you'll need it later.
First let me tell you about my perfect mother's day weekend.
Yesterday morning, John paid for me to go to breakfast with my friends and then we went shopping. I didn't have any money to spend--but that's never stopped me from looking...so fun.
After that, the Schmitty 3 went to the park and got a pizza and then played on the playground...so fun! It became affectionately referred to as "pizzaindehperk"-an all one word combo said with a canadian acccent for fun.
Here is a pic for your viewing pleasure--note: pizza goodness all over our little ceasar schmitty's face.

After that we went to the drive-in (and as a mother's day bonus Linc slept in the back seat) I ate cheese fries (YUM!) and we saw "Next" with Nicholas Cage (which was an unfortunate drawback to the night....I'm sorry I just can't take him seriously, but it was worth the comedic value of seeing him dodge a bullet a la Keanu Reeves).
Today, I got two cards, one from Linc and one from John and saw a beautiful vase of flowers cut from my garden on the kitchen table.
John offered to make breakfast, but I saved him (me and our smoke detector) the trouble and cooked. Then I got a shower and got ready for church UNinterrupted.....nice.
At church they gave us mamas a rose (awww) and then we came home.
Here is a special family pic:



So then we biked to the park and took a picnic lunch...yay! More photos (and trust me I'm getting to the best part)





So then we went for a nice long bike ride (down to get ice cream....I have to balance things out here) and along the way we got another Mother's Day bonus....mama geese with their little baby geese. So sweet. It was God's mama's day gift to many women I'm sure.



Okay here we go,
we get to DQ and there is a large parking space reserved for bikes in the middle of the other normal parking spaces. We park the bike trailer in the space and John's bike was leaning against mine. Right next to the bike parking was a b-e-a-utiful shiny red convertible with the top down (if you're really concerned about getting your car scratched....don't park next to the bike parking). We get in line and this grumpy fat man comes up to us and says "If one of those bikes falls on my car-we're going to have a big problem I can guarandamntee it".
A few things of note:
1.) this is not actually a word...please don't perpetuate the mockery of the english language by ever repeating it
2.) I do not condone swearing...but how could I leave this out?
3.) our bikes were far enough away that even if the bikes fell and then the wizard of oz tornado came ripping through...his precious red tin can still would not have been hurt by them.
Here's the best part....
I go move the bikes all the while stewing and steaming about the way this mean man came up to us and confronted us like that (he could have politely asked up to scootch--also a made up word, but much friendlier--our bikes over). I'm muttering under my breath, just wishing I didn't have to be on good behavior and I could let him have it. I'm even praying "God help me to love this man like you do so I don't tell him to get over himself like I want to". I get back in line and all of the sudden about a million tiny little leaves dump from the trees (everyone in line was turning their heads and pointing) and it starts dumping rain all over his pretty convertible interior.
I WISH you all could've been there. I mean I couldn't have planned it better if I was Carrie from that Stephen King movie.
This guy was scrambling to get the top up like I've never seen.
I know I know, we're not really supposed to rejoice in another person's troubles...but oh sweet Georgia brown....
I was so happy I wanted to skip (horrible...but true).
I'll tell you this much...that guy is going to have a happy old time cleaning all those wet little sticky leaves off the inside of his nice leather interior....
I assure you...better yet--I guarandamntee it!

Honestly people...

Is it just me or do rude people always seem to get hired to work in customer service jobs? I was walking with some friends yesterday and we were, admittedly, a caravan of strollers (a reality I have come to embrace in my outings) but the looks we were getting from people that worked in the shops we were walking by were unreal. You'd think I was the bearded lady or something. Top that off with the appalled stares we were catching from single women or teenage girls (maybe we could be hired to prevent teenage pregnancy?) and I was honestly ready to get the rage virus and start smacking people.
I know...why should it bother me? Well it just does. It makes me downright grumpy.
Seriously grumpy.
I was at breakfast this morning with a few other friends and we had a bit of a wait. I asked the hostess if I could get a cup of coffee like the other two customers waiting outside and she said "No, we're too busy". Not a "sorry" or "could you check back in a few minutes."
Just, "No."
Needless to say I wasn't very happy.
So in honor of you Snipey waitress, and all you other grumpy butt people out there that have a life mission to ruin my day and take things overly seriously here is my tribute to grumpiness:

He sure is cute...but Grumpy nonetheless.

The softer side of grumpy.

He's a little creepy...don't look at him too long.

He never really was that threatening.

Also, for the next time you're out and about and someone really hacks you off--
don't jump over tables and turn into the Hulk.
Go to this website http://www.planetfeedback.com and complain to all the other unsatisfied customers around--you'll be in good company.
Of course, I guess you could always get over it (but that's much less satisfying)

Aria

Everything's coming up roses...or lilacs at least (my roses haven't resurrected yet). I must say that with all the beautiful weather, and tiny green buds popping their little infant heads up everywhere, it's hard to not feel a sense of triumphant elation when you step outside.
There's just something about spring time, that tiny miracle that buds on my lilac bush (usually the first to bud annually in my garden) always amazes me. Things know when to come back to life. And along with that means excursions with the playmaster to the playground flavor of the week where he can explore and imagine.
It's a ball.

New Life

sprouting, budding
buzzing, springing
forth
Overcome dead, brown, cold
overpower grave, dark, drab
parallels more profound than we sometimes see
push past despair and gloom
know just when to come
save my soul from winter's cold
Believe in tomorrow
A promise of hope and future
A sign of forgiveness
Newness, youth
POP forward in skittles of spring- bright yet again
revive the earth
green and bright
Bluebirds SHOUT!
Proclaiming His excellence once more
Blossom to fresh new sprig of awake
Tiny buds of grace

The mourning is gone
The morning is here

It's a great big world out there

Lincoln has officially discovered the wonderful world of mobility, though he still is having a hard time figuring out the difference between going forward and going backward.
It's an amazing thing to watch a little one explore the world they live in, as the bounds of the confined circle they were once limited to come crashing down around them-unveiling more than they knew existed. The best part is that the new realm doesn't reveal a stark, bland, boring existence--but rather a bright, bouncy, beautiful possibility.
Curiosity frequently gets the better of him (and unfortunately falls on his head sometimes) but nonetheless there is much to enjoy and discover. It begs the question at what age did I stop discovering the wonderful joys this world has to offer and why?
At what point did I become so bored with the everyday that I failed to see life and God's creation like Lincoln does...one opportunity after another.
And when, especially, did I stop taking the time to be thankful for the playground I live in, knowing that God established it for our enjoyment. Am I so arrogant that I actually think I've discovered all this world could show me and I'm no longer interested in it? Watching Lincoln carefully turn a spoon in his hand to attempt to learn all about it, or drinking water from mommy's cup like it tastes better, or better yet pulling himself up to standing and acting like he wants to let out a Tarzan yell or beat his chest like a gorilla in triumph. It's all so new and wonderful. To think he's never discovered the phone table...or the kitchen cabinets or (thank God) the toilet.
Having a child will give you new eyes.

One of "those" days

Ever feel like you can't remember why you do what you do? Today was one of those days...
I know I know...I'm ashamed to admit it. But several times today I questioned my skill as a mother. Surely I was convinced that I would be better suited for any job than this (aside from the obvious-snake wrangling, and sky diving).
Of course all my woes were intensified when my husband successfully put Lincoln down to sleep for the night with little coaxing or crying (although I'm sure an entire day of screaming at me broke his spirited will just slightly).
What is it about parenting that makes it so challenging?
Maybe it's the fact that I'm walking up the stairs in my pajamas at 8:00 this morning trying to juggle a baby, a cup of coffee and a handful of puke without dropping any of the three on the carpet all the while wishing I had one of those jobs where I get to wear expensive shoes and have an "inbox".
Or maybe it's the fact thatthe second I got a minute of free time I needed to decide which was important enough to do, brush my teeth, wash my face, or make the bed (will you believe I made the bed?)
Whatever the reason...today was a challenge.
I must admit though, that I'm grateful for it.
I can look back at the times that I've been through challenges in the past and realize the way God used the circumstance to make me into a better woman. Hopefully I'll get to the point someday where I don't need quite as many challenges because I don't have quite as far to go...but I don't see that happening any time in the near future.
So you may be wonndering what it is I learned through my crazy child screaming his brains out, no minute of free time, dishes in the sink, is it 5:00 yet day?
(I feel a top ten list coming on)
10. Get up earlier than Lincoln....every single day
9. Pray more
8. Curse less
7. Let go of the small stuff (like combing my hair)
6. Take myself less seriously (especially when I've just been spit up on)
5. Remember it could be worse...twins?
4. Remember it could be worse...a high schooler?
3. Thank God for all the other days...that aren't like this.
2. Know that God gives me grace to handle whatever is dealt to me.
1. Keep in mind....he has to sleep sometime!
Someone remind me of this when he's making this face...

Heaven on a bun

Ode to Cheeburger...
One of the greatest restaurants I've been to for several reasons:
You can pretty much get any flavor you can dream of made into a milkshake.
One word...frings...part fries, part onion rings....who is the genius who thought of this?
Hamburgers so yummy, greasy, good that you think about them as soon as your plane lands in Florida.

Which brings me to my next point....
I'm still carrying baby weight but no baby-are you suprised?

Sweet Baby
Skin untouched by the world
Filled with bubbling bumbling wonder
Brimming with the stuff that summers were filled with
That cotton candy sticky kind of contagious joy
Handing out smiles like stickers at Wal-Mart
And indiscriminately friendly to strangers
Gumming the world away
Thinking it all tastes like peas and carrots
Smearing a bright eyed smile all over the canvas of your little world
And celebrating the miraculous invention of the blue plastic ball
When thrill costs a mere 88 cents plus tax
Wondering at the big people
Convinced they've all gone crazy
Heralding the morning with a smile
And coos that say more than I've said in a life time
You are mine for a time
My man
Little man

Does anyone have the time? Oh, it's five minutes till DOOM!

You can imagine my dismay when someone informed me this morning that the "doomsday clock" was moved last night to be five minutes away from midnight.
Not only was I unaware that there was such a thing, but I certainly had no idea of the impending doom it implied. Intrigued by the idea I did a little research and would like to dispell some myths, as well as provide a little comfort for the "sick-to-the-pit-of-your-stomach" feeling you may all be having.
To quote ABC news :"The symbolism of the move is significant because the organization, which includes more than a dozen Nobel laureates, has moved the clock only 18 times since it was set to seven minutes to midnight in 1947. The clock has been closer to midnight, two minutes away after the Eisenhower administration tested a nuclear bomb in 1953. But it is also a long way from its most optimistic setting, at 17 minutes to midnight in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Today's change was the first since 2002."
So this thing is only really a clock in the sense that it has hands, but those hands can be moved whenever these "esteemed" scientists deem it necessary to do so. We've been two minutes away and 17 minutes away, all within the last 50 years, so let's not put too much stock in the idea.
Also, can I just mention as an aside that I'm surprised these "scientists" actually have jobs. I mean, somewhere in the country men are getting paid to sit around and predict when the world will end....and what good is that information doing us? Aside from causing panic in the hearts of many as we anxiously look up to the sky for a Korean war plane carrying a Nuke labeled with a gift tag to the US.
The comfort I can find in this is in knowing that our God is sovereign, and only He knows what will come of the world. I am confident that someday the clouds will part and glory will reveal creation and God's children as what they were created to be. I am also confident in my place in the kingdom of God, not because I boast in myself or my righteousness (certainly anyone who knows me knows I have none on my own), but because the word of God says so and I can boast in Him.
Aren't we so often tricked into thinking that we have a lot of knowledge, and we know what's going on...when it's all proved naught as we frantically move the clock back to a quarter till going, "Oh, we were just kidding that time."
I find comfort in knowing my future is secure and that I can live with freedom in the fact that I am an adopted daughter to the God that has claimed victory. No more fear, no more anxiety, just peace knowing my eternity is secure.
It does beg the question as to how sure you are of your future, and if you aren't sure do you know that you can be?
But having said all that I think it's safe to say that no scientist in Chicago can legitimately say they are confident of the timing end of the world's arrival. And just for the record, can we maybe fire these scientist guys and get them to do something a little more productive, like maybe...I don't know, create a cure for AIDS, or stop world hunger?

No More Searching for the Perfect Gift!

Look no further!
Here they are folks, Anti-aging comfort booties. Tired of worrying about all those years your feet have been putting on? Well I have great news for you--for only $12.97 you can slip on these dream slippers and "your feet will actually feel the aging process reverse".
It's about time isn't it?
Act now and we'll also throw in this hands-free flashlight. Now you can do your sewing in the pitch dark (and look stylish doing it)

Tired of fumbling around in that dark bathroom trying to fix the plumbing? Don't turn on the light!--simply grab your hands-free flashlight and problem solved.
Act now! Offer ends soon!

Burying the Living

I recently heard of a couple we know who takes no opposing stand on abortion and it so deeply grieved me that I had to vent about it somewhere, so you're all getting to see me rant (stepping up on my soapbox).
Let's start with some statistics:
*1.5 million babies are killed each year--that means 1/4 of all pregnancies in the U.S. are aborted.
*Abortion is the MOST FREQUENTLY performed operation in the U.S.
*There are more deaths by abortion in the U.S. each year than deaths from sickness and disease, accidents, or war.
*Only 2% of abortions are results of "therapeutic abortion" (when a mother's life is threatened) and cases of rape or incest, that means that 98% of all abortions are elective--the mother simply does not WANT her child.
Ugh!!!!
How can we turn our heads and not interrupt the largest genocide any country in the world has ever seen? The Supreme court has never even declared that the fetus is not a "life". in 1973 they ruled that abortion should be permitted until those opposed to it can prove it is a human life. In response to this, Ronald Regan said "Anyone who doesn't feel sure whether we are talking about a second human life should clearly give life the benefit of the doubt. If you don't know whether a body is alive or dead, you would never bury it."
Not only that but consider the overwhelming evidence that it is in fact a life:
3 weeks pregnant: the child registers heart activity
6 weeks: the child has brain activity
8 weeks: the child can swim in the fluid of the womb and grasp an object
10 weeks: the child has a distinctive set of fingerprints
12 weeks: all the child's organs should be functioning by now and the child can now breathe oxygen from the fluid in the womb, swallow, sleep, change positions, respond to pain, suck his thumb, and hiccup.
18 weeks: the point of "viability" at which it is possible for a child to survive a premature birth.
Consider also that women are able to have abortions all through these stages of development, and many women don't even know they are pregnant until 8 weeks, when the child has DNA, brain activity and a heartbeat.

Now, these are far too graphic to post on my blog, and have really been disturbing me so greatly, but if you honestly need more convincing about the impact abortion has you can look at these photos (you've been warned):
http://www.abort73.com/HTML/I-A-4-photos8.html

In light of this: will we sit back and allow it to happen to our future generations?