Happy Halloween Everyone!

There's Nothing Wrong With Being A [Conservative] Republican

I know, you're thinking, "They haven't posted in so long, and this is what we have to read!" But we're less than a week away from Election 2008, and since political conversation excites Brian and myself, I figure I should take the opportunity to share my piece.

If you know me, you know my piece, but I have had some thoughts lately that started a good conversation about what the Billingsleys believe the federal government should be in charge of. The list is short. It goes like this:

1. Homeland security, all military branches, call it what you like. I am so thankful to those who've fought, given their lives, and those still fighting to (bottom line) keep my family safe. I am thankful to be free.


2. Interstate mediation (for that which crosses state lines). For example, if all but a few states agreed to a new interstate highway, the federal government would intervene and rule with the majority.


3. Criminal justice system on the national level.


4. Monetary system; it just makes sense that from state to state, the same currency is used.


5. International commerce. Let's face it, the Germans, Japanese, Chinese - they know how to make stuff.


6. I guess they could still do postal service, although a private company, we're sure, could do better.

Basically, what we believe is government should be small. Federal government should only do that which states cannot do for themselves; State government should only do that which communities cannot do for themselves; County/ city government should only do that which families cannot do for themselves.

For these things, we are happy to pay taxes, which we believe should be a flat percent. Do you know that if it were, it would probably be less than 10% for everyone? Can you imagine paying only 10% or less of your hard-earned money to taxes? It is such a great concept - everyone uses the system in one way or another, everyone should pay the same, fair amount.

This is the basis for conservatism here in America. I guess my point is that there's nothing wrong with being proud to be conservative. There's also nothing wrong with questioning the motives, values, opinions of all candidates for political office and politicians alike, but moreover, it is important to understand there is a fundamental difference in the republican way vs. the democrat way. There's nothing wrong with being proud to be a conservative republican, and wanting so badly to see America how it should be, rather than where it's going. Of course, there are many crooked politicians, and republicans aren't exempt. President Bush isn't perfect (though NOT the reason for this recession), and I will admit I'm not a McCain fan, but in this election, of course, he is who I am voting for.

Realistically, I don't believe in my lifetime that I would see a candidate for congress or president that represented our political point of view exactly, because for example, no candidate or politician would dare risk their job to abolish social security, or the pathetic, abused, broken "welfare" system (which by the way is NOT what the constitution means when it mentions the welfare of our people. We believe taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves is best handled by churches and charities.) ...So even if I never see it happen in Washington, I guess it is nice to know what we believe in, and believe that we are right.

I do agree with Obama on one thing: we do need change - we need to get back to what the founding fathers of our nation had in mind, rather than a left-wing, liberal, socialized society dependent upon Uncle Sam for everything, and neglecting our God-given responsibility to be self-reliant, responsible, faithful citizens in the greatest nation of all.

God bless America!

Baby S

Stands for Surprise! Yep we were too! But we realize that sometimes blessings come even when we don't expect them, and now that we are expecting this blessing, we are excited for all of the wonderful chaos to ensue.

Today we went to the doctor and this is what we came home with:

A very clear picture of what is going on in there, don't ya' think? Yes, it's kind of difficult to tell, but trust us, it was very clear on the monitor. Anywho, it was confirmed, there is one in there, and only one! Whew.

Taylor and James came along to the appointment, and Taylor still has no idea. I love kids. He even asked while we were in the waiting room if we were at the hospital ("hosable", as he says). When we said "Yes", he asked if the doctor was going to get a baby out of Mommy's belly ('cause that's all they must do at the hosable). We simply said "Nope" and that was that. He listened to all the conversations, watched the ultrasound, and still had no idea what was really going on. Cute.

So, here's the 411:
We found out: Sunday, August 24
We are due: end of April 2009 (28, 29), which makes us about 10 weeks along right now
Whitney will be 8, Taylor will be 4, and James will be 13 1/2 months old. Woo hoo!
I am feeling: sick, tired, overwhelmed, excited, motherly, fat, but sometimes beautiful, blessed, loved, disorganized
Right now, I am most excited about: being pregnant and having a baby right along with my sister. I've never been the only one that was pregnant in my family (for very long, at least), which makes it more fun, but Taylor and Baby S are the closest to their cousins. Tay is only a week apart from Evan, and Jenny's due date is just days after mine. I don't think we could time it that well if we tried!
We will soon need to: say "goodbye" to our Accord and get a new vehicle (with any luck it will not be a minivan, but I am preparing for worst-case scenario); finish another bedroom; buy another crib, dresser

...

I'd like to say that the reason I haven't updated the blog is because I just haven't been feeling well (which is true) but really, it's because we're still not "moved in" yet (it always takes me a long while and I hate moving). But we are loving our new place, and as soon as I feel things are put together, I will be back. So, you may read from us in about a year. 'Til then!