here you go!

http://theryderslongroadhome.blogspot.com/
cute pics coming soon

here you go!

http://theryderslongroadhome.blogspot.com/
cute pics coming soon!!!!!!

bored

I'm bored with this blog- I'm thinking of starting a new one- less adoption related more day to day stuff.....I guess I could do that here- but I'm not feeling it....I'll post the new link if you'd like to follow along when I get it up and running.
stay tuned!

Having a hard time........

I'm looking at old pictures- how is it possible that she hasn't been with us her whole life? How is it possible that THIS is how she spent her first 2 years?......ugh.....sometimes this is so hard.

Guilt.......

Did you watch the Presidents address last night? we did too. I know the economy is bad- how could I not, right? I mean there are signs everywhere- our street alone has at least 4 homes (that I know of) that are in foreclosure. I live in one of the hardest hit areas in the nation- and I'm moving to another one of the hardest hit areas for foreclosure......Friends have lost their jobs- and I'm sure people who I care about (but have not shared) are up late at night wondering "what are we going to do"........ yet here we sit fine. I'm filled with guilt over that. I don't worry how my family will eat tomorrow- I'm lucky enough to stay home with my kids - they have clean clothes- go on vacation and college will be an option for them. I don't say this as bragging- it is, funny enough, a burden I carry during these times. Yet, only a few short years ago- when everyone around me was "living the life"......we didn't. We always felt that living within our means was important for our future- we are a military family-and although are comfortable- we by no means will EVER get rich off of this career choice. So friends were buying designer houses, upgrading their cars, going on luxurious vacations......we carried on with our very affordable but "truly middle class" lifestyle". And now- that lifestyle seems indulgent almost........I am proud that we have lived a responsible life- yet feel guilt that we are not struggling-

Answer to a question:

Someone mentioned that they did not think Obama could meet the expectations placed on him....that he was taking on too much at one time and he was not capable of the task......here is my response.....


can he do it alone? absolutely not- but what he can do is inspire the American people to do their part- and I think yesterday his speech was proof that he IS capable of that. I don't think it is anyone's expectation that the President can change our circumstances- not alone anyway. Bush did not make this mess alone and Obama can not clean it up alone.....we ALL have responsibility and the collective American people have been sitting by long enough giving away OUR power.....it is time to take back the control and get involved- expect more- more from our leaders and most importantly more from ourselves......the line I say most to my children is so perfect for this "Stop expecting more from the people around you than you yourself are willing to give"......that should be the motto we take into this next term- and then maybe our country will prosper!