Monday, November 03, 2008

Election lesson

As I was picking Mimi up from school today we had an interesting political conversation. Her second grade teacher apparently discussed the election and voting with the class today, because she asked me who I was voting for. This is how she phrased it:"Are you voting for the dark skinned man or the light skinned man?" (!) After my start of surprise, I explained that I had already voted (gotta love early voting!), and that I had not voted for Mr. Obama. She clarified, "Is he the dark skinned one? Why don't you want a dark-skinned president?" I was floored.

One day while making applesauce, Daddy-O came home from work for lunch and turned on Rush radio. At that time I wasn't listening very much, but caught his (I thought) satirical reference to "people who don't vote for Barak are racist". But apparently people really think that!?

I explained to Mimi that I don't care what color someone's skin is. I vote for whomever I think will make the best decisions to make our country a better place. I don't vote for or against someone based on the color of their skin, or their religion for that matter. Those things should never be an issue in a political race. I also said that I don't think the person I voted for has all the right answers for our country, but that I think he will do a better job than the others running...she was then surprised that there were more than two people running for the office of President of the US.

I'm glad that the elementary students are learning about voting and the election process, but I hope that we can all help our kids understand how we make our decisions on whom we vote for.

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Our little treats!

Here are the kids in their costumes this year. I loved their costume requests this year, since we were able to find most of the stuff at home or borrow it.

I think they are pretty cute (and who wouldn't!?) I didn't realize that you can't really see Mimi's costume ...so I'll try to get a picture of her up here this week.

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Leaf it to us

As Sweetsa and I were walking to the school to pick up Buddy the other day, she sang the following: "I LIKE trunchy leaves, I LIKE trunchy leaves, Trhunchy leaves make me happy! I LIKE trunchy leaves!" I completely agree. The sound, smell, and fun of crunching fall leaves is one of my very favorite things in the world, right up there with cuddling a sweet baby, or curling up with a cup of cocoa and a good book. All can make me smile immediately.

Here are a few pictures of us helping D rake the leaves yesterday afternoon.





So with our big tree being gone we have maybe1/4 the amount of leaves to take care of this year! This is both good and bad. Good because it doesn't take as long to rake and bag them, but sad because we have so few to play in!