Elijah's first Election

Being firm believers that all citizens should participate in the democratic process, Elijah and I set off early this morning to VOTE. Contrary to what we had expected, we only had to wait about 40 minutes from start to finish. This was a relief, as 14-month-olds tend not to be as patient and quiet as others. I had been worried that his "enthusiasm" (since this is his first time voting and all) might bother our fellow waiters-in-line. But he was a good sport, and only screamed out "ba-baaaa" 3 or 4 times (which only slightly drew attention to us in that echoy gymnasium). Luckily I, the ever-prepared Momma, brought Honey Combs, a sippy cup of milk, and the favorite toothbrush to keep him occupied. And it worked. [whew]
Now, it should be mentioned that he wasn't sure for whom he should cast his ballot, since he really only cares about the important issues such as eating the dog's food, getting dirty, brushing his teeth, and learning to walk. But with a little political guidance from his Momma, I think he made the right decision in the end. If only the rest of the nation would agree with us. ;-)

We have a lunch date planned today with C. I very much look forward to it.

In other news, please congratulate my good friend Laurie on her pregnancy! I am so excited her (and husband Josh).

And now, my boy has poo in his pants, 5 bottles of salad dressing- practicing how far he can make them bounce, and a 2 pound box of spaghetti spilled all over the floor. (What kind of mother leaves these things with in reach?) I must tend to him...

Happy Election Day to all. Get out there and VOTE if you haven't already!!!

I totally stole this poem. But it's lovely and poignant.

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I Took His Hand and Followed

Mrs. Roy L. Peifer

My dishes went unwashed today,
I didn't make the bed,
I took his hand and followed
Where his eager footsteps led.

Oh yes, we went adventuring,
My little son and I...
Exploring all the great outdoors
Beneath the summer sky

We waded in a crystal stream,
We wandered through a wood...
My kitchen wasn't swept today
But life was gay and good.

We found a cool, sun-dappled glade
And now my small son knows
How Mother Bunny hides her nest,
Where jack-in-the-pulpit grows.

We watched a robin feed her young,
We climbed a sunlit hill...
Saw cloud-sheep scamper through the sky,
We plucked a daffodil.

That my house was neglected,
That I didn't brush the stairs,
In twenty years, no one on earth
Will know, or even care.

But that I've helped my little boy
To noble manhood grow,
In twenty years, the whole wide world
May look and see and know.