Giving her doll a bath

The many faces of Ledge

Bob is talking to Ledge and there is an array of expressions. I like the second one.

Her new apron

Violet got a package in the mail today from Tavia. One of the items was an apron. Violet immediately wanted to put it on, then proceeded into the kitchen to clear off a space on a little table. At first, we weren't sure what she was up to. Then she pointed up to some cookie mix on the shelf. Now, that she had her new apron, it was time to bake cookies.

Will Bush Attack Iran Before He Leaves Office? What do YOU think?

Reports have recently surfaced that the Bush administration plans to launch an air strike against Iran within the next two months.

A retired US career diplomat and former assistant secretary of state still active in the foreign affairs community, speaking anonymously, said last week that the US plans an air strike against the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The air strike would target the headquarters of the IRGC's elite Quds force. Last September, the US Senate voted to declare the IRGC a terrorist organization.

US officials have repeatedly claimed Iran is aiding Iraqi insurgents. The Bush administration has also accused Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapons program, though most intelligence analysts say the program has been abandoned.

So, do you think that Bush will attack Iran before he leaves office? And, next question: SHOULD HE?

Spin: Footage you were not supposed to see

Watch this one-hour video if you have time. I watched this video a few years ago and was very entertained by it.

Alyssa and Ledge

Photo by Henry

Ledge

Cute.

Violet relating a story to her mom and dad

Violet and I were out in the field at my house and we saw a big bird (crane) sneaking up on some rabbits that were hopping in and out of their hole in the ground. Violet and I shooed the bird away so it wouldn't get the rabbits. That is the story Violet is telling her mom and dad.

Ron Paul at San Diego Civic Center

This video is part 3.

Coming down

Violet and her little friend, Nicole

David Archuleta Guitar Hero Commercial

New Batch of Bush Bumper Stickers

Disclaimer - I don't agree with all these, but for the most part, right on, and....Funny :)

* 1/20/09: End of an Error
* Let's Fix Democracy in THIS COUNTRY First
* Bush. Like a Rock. Only Dumber.
* You Can't Be Pro-War And Pro-Life At The Same Time
* If You Can Read This, You're Not the President
* Of Course It Hurts: You're Getting Screwed by an Elephant
* Hey, Bush Supporters: Embarrassed Yet?
* George Bush: Creating the Terrorists Our Kids Will Have to Fight
* Impeachment: It's Not Just for Sex Anymore
* America : One Nation, Under Surveillance
* They Call Him "W" So He Can Spell It
* Jail to the Chief
* No, Seriously, Why Did We Invade?
* Bush: God's Way of Proving Intelligent Design is Full Of Crap
* Bad president! No Banana
* We Need a President Who's Fluent In At Least One Language
* We're Making Enemies Faster Than We Can Kill Them
* Is It Vietnam Yet?
* You Elected Him. You Deserve Him.
* When Bush Took Office, Gas Was $1.46
* The Republican Party: Our Bridge to the 11th Century

Violet and Ledge

Cutest pictures of Violet and Ledge. Also, Violet watering the carrots she planted (Tavia sent her the seeds in the mail).

The Leader of the Free World

Our Next President?

Forcing Parents to Drug Their Children

In the absence of any objective medical tests to determine who has ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), doctors rely in part on standardized assessments and the impressions of teachers and guardians while they leave little room for other causes or aggravating factors, such as diet or environment. Psychiatrists may then prescribe psychotropic drugs for the children without first making it clear to parents that these medications can have severe side-effects including insomnia, loss of appetite, headaches, psychotic symptoms and even potentially fatal adverse reactions, such as cardiac arrhythmia. And yet, despite these dangers, many school systems actually work with government agencies to force parents to drug their children, threatening those who refuse with the prospect of having their children removed from the home unless they cooperate.

Bush: "God told me to invade Iraq"

(This story is not new, but is widely resurfacing in the media, and is the headline in tomorrow's Tehran Times.) President George Bush has claimed he was told by God to invade Iraq and attack Osama bin Laden's stronghold of Afghanistan as part of a divine mission to bring peace to the Middle East, security for Israel, and a state for the Palestinians.

The President made the assertion during his first meeting with Palestinian leaders in June 2003, according to a BBC series which will be broadcast this month.

Former Palestinian foreign minister Nabil Shaath says Mr Bush told him and Mahmoud Abbas, former prime minister and now Palestinian President: "I'm driven with a mission from God. God would tell me, 'George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan.' And I did, and then God would tell me, 'George go and end the tyranny in Iraq,' and I did."

And "now again", Mr Bush is quoted as telling the two, "I feel God's words coming to me: 'Go get the Palestinians their state and get the Israelis their security, and get peace in the Middle East.' And by God, I'm gonna do it."

Mr Abbas remembers how the US President told him he had a "moral and religious obligation" to act. The White House has refused to comment on what it terms a private conversation. But the BBC account is anything but implausible, given how throughout his presidency Mr Bush, a born-again Christian, has never hidden the importance of his faith.

An Inspiring Canadian Woman

"This is major, don't let the government invade your home simply for having natural medicines or supplements. We can beat this together!"

More Doctors Smoke Camels Than Any Other Cigarette

The good old days

Ringbearers and Flowergirls

Aren't they cute? Notice how Violet compares her bouquet to the ones on the church pews as she is walking the aisle. Jovi is so cute. She is so solemn.

May 16 -- Garrett is 14!!

(Picture from July 2006)

Emergency!!!

Violet, Ledge and I were taking a walk today and Violet was running on the street and fell down. She skinned her knee. Now, I know that you all have had childhood injuries and think this may be nothing. But, as far as Violet is concerned, this is not a minor abrasion. Her condition is stable with the exception of periodic, loud screams of pain, whenever she happens to catch a glimpse of the injury.

All sympathy cards, letters and gifts should be mailed to Violet Burke, 33880 Blue Lantern, Dana Point CA 92629.

Should the Death Penalty be Abolished?

Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976, there have been 1,099 executions in the United States as of April 2008. There were 42 executions in 2007.

The opinions this post will generate will probably vary widely. But, it will be interesting to hear the reasons behind the thoughts.

So, everybody, let's hear what you have to say!

McCain Advisor: “Bomb Syria”

The assertion that McCain is "Bush on steriods" shows no sign of fading away anytime soon.

John McCain has recruited several members of “The Committee on the Present Danger” as foreign policy advisors, including former CIA head James Woolsey who is advising McCain to “bomb Syria.”

"McCain is talking tough." "He has enunciated an agressive policy towards Russia, saying he wants a hardline towards Russia" ... "He's been making very dangerous signs about a confrontation with China." "So we have a potential president who is certainly going out looking for a fight."

Shavawn and Tony's Baby: Due 12/05/08

The Mentality Some Cops Have

What kind of mentality do these "defenders of the people" have? This video shows cops celebrating the shooting of innocent protestors whose only crime is exercising their constitutional right to free speech. What happened to "To Protect and To Serve"?

And more fun...

Fun...

My Violet

Big sister explaining the story

Senator Obama Fits Colin Powell's Ideal

Don't know about you all, but I really like Colin Powell. If Obama is elected, looks like we will see a lot of Colin Powell. Suddenly I'm seeing a little light at the end of this long dark tunnel.

More intrusive legislation brewing in California

It passed the Assembly 44 to 11. Now, it's on to the Senate.

The proposed law:
You cannot drive with a dog on your lap.

What are your thoughts on this proposed legislation?

Phrases you are sick of....

Are you tired of hearing certain words and phrases? Like... "Everything happens for a reason" .... or ... "Awesome!"

Do you have any?

To vote or not to vote - Let's discuss!

Everyone's opinion is needed. What are your views on voting? Do you think it is a duty? Should you vote along party lines? Do you subscribe to the philosophy, "If you don't vote, you can't complain"? What if you don't like ANY of the candidates? Should one vote for the "lesser of two evils"? What do YOU think?

May 4

Violet's dance

A video that Alyssa took in October 2007. Violet is so funny, with her diaper hanging down, doing her little dance.

Here's a couple I stole from Cate's blog...

More pictures in April