Tea Party Anyone?

What are your plans for Saturday, the day we celebrate the birth of our great nation? Along with the fireworks, hotdogs, and patriotics, our little family will be attending a Tea Party. An Independence Day Tea Party Protest. If you missed out on the Tax Day Tea Parties, don't let this one get by you. If you love our nation and feel Washington is taking it down the wrong path, I strongly encourage you attend one. It is expected to be even bigger and, again, nationwide. All you really need to do is google it: "July 4 Tea Party [insert city here]." That's how I found the one closest to me. If you are one that genuinely feels frustrated that you have no voice, here's your chance to stand up! It is empowering and comforting to know you're not alone. And despite what you may have heard from the media, the Tax Day protests that turned out close to a million people nationwide had a powerful impact on Washington. Let's remind them again we mean business! Let's tell them we haven't forgotten who is really in charge!

Old South Cemetery

Saturday we visited a small obscure cemetery from the 19th century. You can see it briefly from the road. It is rarely visited I am sure since no one has been buried there since the 1800's, most of them around the mid 1800's. But it was so romantic and picturesque with the crumbling headstones and giant moss covered trees--the sort of way that makes you glad you're there in daylight. Tyler was able to capture some really neat shots.

Tombstone reads: "Mrs. Ann Love She Fell Asleep in Jesus Oct. 4 A.D. 1858 She lived on earth more than three score years and ten and was a mother in Israel"

Tyler's favorite shot (above)

There were about ten of these small iron markers without anything on them. Slaves maybe? Who knows.

The Peacegiver by James L. Ferrell

I will not write a formal review of The Peacegiver, written by James L. Ferrell, as I usually do because its implications to the reader are deeply personal and it will read different from person to person. But when the subtitle claims, “How Christ offers to heal our hearts and homes,” it is not to be underestimated because it has potential to do just that. This book brings home new applications of Christ’s atonement and how through him we really can have maximum peace and healing in our lives no matter what others can and may do.

Written in an easy to follow 3rd person narrative, Ferrell tells the story of a man named Rick who has been long estranged from his wife of 10 years. The reading flows quickly and easily, although the serious reader will be periodically slowed and even stopped to ponder the implications and applications. And while the story is about a marriage, it can conjure other various relationships in the mind of the reader whether they be familial or not. Just as the story flows well, the principles are explained in every day terms while still maintaining their potency. And speaking of potency, when approached with an open heart, expect this book to leave you changed. I myself am committed to reread this book every few years, convinced I’ll need it again every time I do.

Disneyland and Edward Withdrawls

We're back from Disneyland! I have to say it was one of the best vacations of my life! So fun to get away from normal life. Plus, I don't think I could find a cooler and more fun group of people than my family. I love being able to see them. Thanks Mom and Dad! Here's a picture of most of our group on a ride we could all go on--the Jungle Cruise. My family is getting so big! We now have 16 in tow including a handful of children to juggle. We are beginning to master the ways of Disneyland with children. I will post more pictures once I get them because here's the thing: I was sick of looking at all the trashy photos I was taking and since some of the best photographers I know are in my family, I just didn't try, knowing my faves would be their shots anyway! So once I can gather enough, I will post!

Also distracting me from getting my emails, political knowledge, and blogs current: I am extremely preoccupied reading New Moon. (Thanks, Amy!) To all my friends out there who were adamant I should finish the saga, I have finally surrendered. After reading Twilight over 2 years ago, I decided being tortured and preoccupied by fictional characters wasn't my thing and I stopped there. But since the movies are bound to torment me anyway because I must see them, I figure I may as well beat them to the punch by reading the books. So I started Sunday night and of course I will be finished before the week is done. I can't put it down! Also as a side note, I do really like Jacob.

M-I-C... see you real soon!

K-E-Y... why? Because we're lucky!

M-O-U-S-E!
We're off to Disneyland!
(Photos courtesy of my talented sister Holly)

Fireflies!

I have wanted to see fireflies my whole life! And now, at 25, I finally have experienced it! And it didn't disappoint. It was so beautiful and romantic. Contrary to what I always thought, they don't stay lit up, at least not this species, but light up for a split second only. Tyler and I figure they must have to "recharge." The video is a bit dark and it doesn't quite capture the experience since the occurrences are random. Kinda like watching for shooting stars.


"Light production in fireflies is due to a type of chemical reaction called bioluminescence. This process occurs in specialised light-emitting organs, usually on a firefly's lower abdomen. The enzyme luciferase acts on luciferin, in the presence of magnesium ions, ATP (adenosene triphosphate), and oxygen to produce light."

The Gulf Coast

Last Saturday we made our first trip ever to Florida and the Gulf coast! It is only 2 1/2 hours away. I have to admit I am spoiled and most familiar with the Hawaiian beaches. So when I saw these beaches from the road I was a little disappointed about there being no trees and much more people than I was used to. But after the nightmare to find parking and finally making our way to the sand, I fell in love! The sand is soft and a gorgeous white. The water is beautifully clear and a good temperature. And the sun, ah, the sun! It has been a year since I have spent a day in the sun and I had forgotten how wonderful it feels. No wonder us humans flock to beaches for relaxation. And speaking of flocking, the number of people proved an unfounded concern as everyone had more than enough space to enjoy their families, their books, and the sun. The beach is a family friendly one so there was no worrying about cigarette smoke or loud and obnoxious beach goers. And on top of everything, the weather was perfect: not a cloud in the sky and a nice constant cool wind to keep everyone's temperatures just right.

At first we forgot our camera in the car but I recognized the regret I'd have later and went all the way back to fetch it. We're so glad we did.
Remember when Cameron was a tiny baby and loved the sand and water?
Well, he still loves it and this time we didn't have to stop as many attempts to eat sand or stop face plants into it.Cameron tends to be fearless when it comes to water. His first thing was to run straight into the surf up to his waist where he got a good laugh about the waves slapping against him. Next on his list was to survey the scene. He spent the next half hour running here and there, with us following, poking his head into other beach goers' camps and pausing to play with other kids' toys. This picture is him thinking he's just one of the boys. Tyler said he was talking it up with these guys.
So why didn't we have toys for him, you ask? Well, we did have a sand car but forgot it and other than that the idea never occurred to us. Luckily I found an abandoned little yellow shovel and presented it to him. He spent the remaining hours digging and digging.
What a relaxing day! Even with Cameron! I am officially marking Florida beaches as a desirable vacation location in my book. We will be going back for sure. If anyone wants to come visit us we will take them too!

nealmd.com

After about a year of work (well, more like not much work for 10 months and then a lot of work for 2) I have finally finished the website for my father's medical practice and artwork. So first, have a look! I am proud of it. It's not super fancy because the software I had was older and very basic, but it looks nice I think, especially considering I taught myself how to use the software as I went. Second, let me know if you notice any errors, grammatically or otherwise! Note: look at the website in Internet Explorer--because of the software I used, it will appear skewed if you view it in Firefox. Happy viewing!

nealmd.com

3 Years Ago Today...

Thank you Tyler for choosing me! We've come so far these three years and they have been the happiest of my life. I love you!! Happy 3 Years!
(and a thanks to Holly for getting me this pictures on short notice!)