All Revved up

I've completely neglected my blog for a while now ... and even reading your blogs. So, on that note, if you know I typically read your blog and you've made any big announcements and such that I didn't comment on, please let me know! :-)
Anyway, I just heard some news that's got me excited enough to stop and post a blog!

I just watched John McCain announce his running mate, Sarah Palin. I have mixed emotions at first glance.
Clearly, she's done amazing things in her short political life. She appears to be a devoted wife and mother of 5 - her oldest son serving in the Army. And, she's truly pro-life. Not just in politics, but in her personal life. She's set a clear example of that. If you watched her speech, you saw her 4 month old baby boy being held by his older sister. His name is Trig - and what she didn't mention about him is that he has Down Syndrome.
She was told early in her pregnancy that he would have Down Syndrome - and in an age when most people abort babies when they receive that news, she chose to hold firm to her pro life beliefs and called him a "blessing."

So, why would I (of all people) have mixed feelings? I have a huge amount of respect for her already and I think she is a phenomenal choice for McCain. But, as a mother of a child with Down Syndrome - and as the mother of a newborn close in age to hers - I cannot begin to imagine how on earth she will be able to maintain her duties to her children, especially a newborn that requires more than "normal."

Now, I know that my thoughts are probably not popular - and in all liklihood there are women that would be downright angry with my thoughts. Many women would indignantly tell me that I'm wrong - that I should be supporting a woman in politics - that I should be encouraging this as a role model to my daughters and what is possible for them.
Don't get me wrong, I will support the McCain/Palin ticket. I will vote for them. I think its wonderful that we live an age when a woman can be a successful VP. I just disagree with her choice to run at this season of her life. I don't begrudge her the opportunity at all. I just believe that her first priority - and certainly a higher calling on her life - should be her children. That baby will require more from her than I think she will be able to provide in the midst of a presidential campaign - and then life as a VP.
Then again, maybe this will get DS a little more attention - and hopefully she'll be one of the parents that believes in self-fulfilling prophecy with her children and will expect more from Trig than what she's been told to expect!
So, bring it on - I'm sure I've excited some of you as well ... go for it and share your thoughts! I'd love to know what other people think about this!

Caucusing

Wow, what an experience Iowa caucusing is!! Ed and I were like little kids by the time we BARELY made a timely entrance to our CORRECT caucus location. Geez ... I'm certain I looked up the location - but third time's a charm and I'm just glad we started out early!!

We took the kids with us and since it was STANDING ROOM ONLY at our location, there really wasn't much for them to see or hear, but they did a great job of sitting and coloring quietly!

I'm sure there are plenty of Iowans that are sick and tired of all the political ads, calls and mailings and plenty more that take the process for granted. I, for one, felt very honored to be a part of such an important process.

And what makes it even better? My man, Mike Huckabee, WINNING, of course! We've supported Huckabee since he was a 'nobody' and are just thrilled that so many people have had a chance to support him.

Hillary coming in THIRD is just icing on the cake!

Iowa Straw Poll

One of the things I've enjoyed about living in Iowa is the political atmosphere so early in the 'game!'

Today was the Iowa Straw Poll in Ames. I didn't get to go, but I would have liked to - and I think Jake would have gotten a kick out of it, too, since we've spent some time studying presidents and talking about how we GET to choose our president in America. I want my kids to know its a privilege - and a responsibility to be involved in the process.
I'm supporting Mike Huckabee for president - for a whole host of reasons (he's a strong Christian, homeschool supporter, wants to transform the "health" care system, supports Fair Tax & more). He came in 2nd in the Straw Poll today. Huckabee is a former Arkansas govenor, but don't hold that against him. He's also a former pastor and he lost over 100 pounds a few years ago through better nutrition and exercise! Just a few of the reasons I like him. If you're interested in learning more, check out his website!