A Not So Light-Hearted Post

Usually my blogs are just info on current family happenings, but this one will be a little different.
I was reading a story in the paper about the raid made on 3 local restaurants that led to exposing 50 illegal immigrants. A man was interviewed about it and said he would never eat at that place again. He then went on to say "what is this world coming to". Wow! Really, sir, the world's greatest problem is 50 (or 100, or even 100,000's) illegal immigrants! What about the fact that 16,000 children die EVERY day due to hunger and malnutrition? Have you heard about the worldwide food shortage? What about the 1000's of children (some as young as 3 or 4) and women who are caught and used as sex slaves throughout the world? What about the people, including U.S. travelers who keep these sex traders in business? What about the millions of Americans who can't afford health care? What about the mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, and children who have lost loved ones in the war we are fighting? I could go on and on and on and on, but I will spare everyone. I am seriously astonished by this man's comment. I wonder if he has even ever met an immigrant (legal or illegal). Does he actually know what sacrifices it takes to come to this country (legally or illegally)? Does he even consider what circumstances brought them here? Was it to escape death? Or extreme poverty? Or oppression? But many Americans don't even stop to think about it. They don't take time to realize the immense blessing it is to just happen to be born on American soil. If illegal immigration was the world's greatest problem, this would be a much better world to live in! We really wouldn't have many complaints!
I'm not sure if anyone will even read this, but I'm sure some will disagree and that is okay. One more reason I love America!

Home Sweet Home!

We finally made it back Thursday night (after spending 6 hours in the airport). I hope to post some pics soon, but I have a huge "to-do" list awaiting me. Being gone for 2 whole weeks is great, but it is a big adjustment getting back into our routine. We already miss our family and can't wait to go back for Thanksgiving. Elias asked for Nana as we were getting in the car at the airport. He also keeps asking for "Bubbas" (this refers to Isaiah, Darion, and Zackary) and "Sissy" (Alexus). I'm sure the time will fly, and we will see them soon! As for us, we are starting potty training Monday. Well, Elias is anyway. Gus and I are pretty well trained.

(Almost) Blown Away

We have been in Texas for over a week now and things have definitely been interesting! The first day the wind was blowing about 30-40 mph and it was 103. The next night we had a bad storm come through. The winds reached over 80 mph with hail and rain. We were watching the news waiting for the tornado sirens to go off so we would head for the cellar. Suddenly the electricity went off and the winds (they are not calling it a tornado, but it did major damage like a tornado) hit. We huddled together in the hallway until it was over. The aftermath was astonishing! Entire trees were down, roofs torn up, and my mom's trampoline was blown at least 50 yards away. We were left without electricity for 2 whole days and nights! Just imagine no air conditioner or fan and 100+ degree weather! That makes for miserable conditions. We did make it through, and things have been going well. Elias is loving all the attention from his grandparents and is having a blast playing with all his cousins. I am enjoying the time and although I will love getting back to my house, I know it will be very sad to leave!

Weekend in the Smokies

We spent last weekend in the Smoky Mountains with our Gravity (college and career students) group. There were 19 of us. Everything was great! It was the first time we have left Elias for 2 nights! I was a little nervous for the first few hours, but I calmed down because I knew he was perfectly taken care of. Brianna did a great job with him, and my mind was at ease to enjoy the time away. We went to the highest point of the Smoky Mountain National Park. Beautiful! We then had a picnic along a gorgeous river. Unlike last year, I managed to not fall in the water! Our cabin was literally amazing, and I think everyone had an awesome time. I must say going on a trip with college and career students is much more relaxing than taking high schoolers! We tell our Gravity students that they are adults and if they make stupid decisions or do something idiotic, WE will not be held responsible! WE will not have to explain their choice/decision/actions to their mommy or daddy. It is all up to them! Of course, it seems as though stupid decisions/actions are less frequent (although not totally absent) after graduating high school. At least for most!