WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON

I decided to let this post sit before I actually typed anything. You know me, not impetuous AT ALL. AHEM. Let me start with this. PEOPLE, GET YOUR DAMN SHIT TOGETHER. Tuesday evening my parents and I made the trek to Canyon to see what Wild Bill had to say. Instead I could barely focus as I was too busy being judgemental. This man, WHO WAS THE 42ND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED FRICKIN STATES OF AMERICA, was surrounded by a bunch of idiots. I'll be completely honest. In the begining I was summing up people's outward appearance. Wife beaters, cutoff shorts, and ragged flip flops. Attire I consider a stretch even at the lake. But then it became more than that. People not putting their hands on their hearts, sitting down, getting up, going out. RUDE. RUDE. RUDE. As my mother said, "This has been an incredible example of mediocrity." And I couldn't agree more. If 4 year old Betty acted like some of those 20 year old kids, I would have been appalled and most likely busted her tail. Have a little respect for a man who ran our country for two terms and has given million of hours of service to Haiti, New Orleans and Shanksville. Did I vote for him? No. Did I appreciate every word he said Tuesday night? No. Did I show respect and open my mind to his opinions? Yes. And I don't think it is too much to ask for the younger generation to do the same. Over and over in my mind....SIT UP STRAIGHT! SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND SHOW A LITTLE RESPECT. Sheesh. I sound like a 30 year old mom. Good. I should have gone through that arena busting some tails.

PERSPECTIVE

Over the past couple of weeks I have realized sometimes it is ok to be a lesson of WHAT NOT TO DO. I have always put a ton of pressure on myself to be GREAT.GOOD.AWESOME.FINE. all of the time. But, um, unfortunately this is real life and I am FARRRRRRRRRR from perfect. Fall down. Get up. Fall down. Get up. Always changing and always learning which I am incredibly greatful for. What I am most thankful for in this whole wide world (besides Sassy Pants) is my support system. My girls. I have the most compassionate and understanding circle of women around me. I thank God for them every single day. My prayer candles burn for them. They love me for me, blemishes and all and lift me up regardless of how wrong I may be. They judge gently and are always always there with a listening ear. They have made me realize that HAPPINESS EXISTS and sometimes the best thing you can do is be at peace WITH YOURSELF. To my mother, sister, sister-in-law, Liz, Leah, Bec, LeeAnn and Candace, I am forever in debted to you. Thank you for your kindness and ability to rally around me. I am stronger, wiser and better for this world because of your presence in my life.

Peel an onion, there's lots of layers. This layer? This layer is me knowing I am going to be just fine. I am loved. All I need is right in front of me.

THE GREAT HEYTELL

Liz and I HeyTell A LOT. We also text A LOT. But this morning I was most thankful we HeyTelled. Why? Because HeyTells disappear. You can't scroll back and listen to all the dumb sh*%# you were talking about. Last night was put babies to bed and have some wine night.

Nope. No scrolling through texts today being reminded of topics such as your forehead counts 157% or Radiohead induced nightmares or it being perfectly acceptable to let your kids swim in the fountain at packed restaurants. No evidence of conversation regarding brazillian waxes or botox in your armpit or Gatsby's romantic soirees. None of that. Just two normal mommas in bed by 10:00 p.m..............

OH TO BE AN OLD SETTLER

Dear Lissie,

I just broke up with John Mayer. What sucks even more than that? In exactly one week, you will be rocking out at the Old Settlers Music Festival in Austin AND.I.WILL.NOT.BE.THERE.

Tears,
G

WHAT THE FRENCH TOAST?

Dear John,

OH NO YOU DIDN'T.

WAS THAT A BANJO I HEARD IN YOUR NEW ALBUM? THERE'S NO BANJO IN JOHN MAYER.

CALL TAYLOR. IT'S OVER.

G

THE SILVERSMITH

Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse:

"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (Malachi 3:3).

One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject.

She went accordingly, and without telling him the reason for her visit, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver. After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"


"Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith; "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

God sees it necessary to put His children into the furnace; but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.

Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is complete?"

"That's quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."

HAPPY EASTER!

This Easter was a bit different for Betty and I. We spent Sunday with B's family in Gruver. I will admit I was dreading it a bit, mostly because I missed our regular Easter routine. However, I am so very glad we went and feel like it was exactly what we needed this year. B's brother recently adopted two boys from Africa, Emmanuel and Seraphin, so Betty and I met them for the first time yesterday. Can you say Amazing? Donned in their vests and Easter ties, they sat at the table wide eyed and sparkly. Precious. Both of them absolutely precious. They are still learning English but Emmanuel has YES figured out. Do you want more lasagna? YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!! Do you want chocolate on your ice cream? YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! Do you think Betty is pretty? YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! As I sat with them, I felt so incredibly moved. I wondered about their life in the orphanage and what it would be like for them if Clay had not saved their tiny souls. They were charming and happy and had the most contagious grins.

I realize how fortunate I am. How blessed I am to have such a happy healthy little girl and that I can afford to feed and clothe her. I wondered about their mothers. How hard it must be to have no choice but to let your baby go. There are miracles around us every single second. Children saved and loved and given a second chance. Parents lucky enough to be able to raise children on their own. But most of all the miracle of a smile. Three little children, different from one another, yet the same. Smiles reminding me of how far TLC can go. How important we are in our children's lives and the difference we make in them. Kindess. It really is the key to all things isn't it?