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!

Taylor Family Camp 2k8

This weekend we had our first family campout. Steph and I have been talking about going camping since we first met but didn't actually make it into the wilderness until just now. It was great fun. We had the whole Vardell/Brenda clan together for hiking, fishing, 4-wheeling, shooting, and an all around good time. Below is a slew of pictures to show how much fun it was. Enjoy!!!

Yea for Steph and Jenny! They got the kitchen tent up. Woohoo!!!

On moving day our neighbors gave us this carrier. James likes it A LOT!

Aunt Teresa shows James how cool the hot fire is.

Taylor and Landon had a great time playing together.

James spent a lot of his time in his bouncer. He loved it and we loved not worrying about what he was sticking in his mouth.

A look this devilish makes you wonder what they've been up to.

Taking the girls on the 4 wheeler. They pointed out every butterfly we passed.

The boys on the other hand didn't stop shouting their excitement during the whole ride.

We spent one afternoon fishing on Strawberry. Here Whit is going for the "Cutest Fishergirl" award.

The storm in the back ground would eventually overtake us and make for a very cold and wet ride back to the docks.

Taylor was the lucky one bringing in the only fish we caught that day.

Cleanliness was an issue up at the camp. The kids just LOVED playing in the dirt.

Grandpa gives some important pointers to Whit - like which direction to point the gun!

Taylor loves shooting with any toy he picks up. The real thing was a bit louder than he expected.

Tay wasn't the only dirty one.

"Oh the rains came down ..." and interrupted a great baseball game.

Teaching James the finer points of cooking a hot dog over the fire.

Once we got home it was straight to the bath for all of them. They were tired but had a great weekend.

I'm now realizing that we didn't get any pictures with Evan but he was there. Thanks to everyone for a fun weekend. We can't wait until next year!!!

Wanting to Move

James is starting to get really squirmy. He wants to move more than anything else. Unfortunately he can't even sit up yet so it's a big challenge for him. He now has a second thing that makes him cry (the first being hungry) and that's when he gets stuck somewhere.

A couple times now we have found him on the floor after we have put him in his swing. I finally had the chance to see what was going on. He starts by rolling over in the seat, then stops the swinging with his foot hanging over the edge and he then slowly pushes himself off to get on the floor. Then it's off to rolling and scooting until he jams his head under something. It really is just the cutest thing ever!

Here he is, caught in the act of climbing out. We now use the straps and buckle when we put him in the swing.

First Night

On Friday we finally got the keys to our new place. We were all so excited that we decided we should have a movie night there and have a sleep over in our new rooms. This was also going to be a great chance to test out the sleeping bags before our big camping trips this summer.

Well, the movie was great but the sleeping bags didn't work out so well ...

Coolest Commercial EVER!

So we're big fans of Discovery. Everything from Mythbusters to Cash Cab, Man vs. Wild to It Takes a Thief (though that one really brings out Steph's paranoia). Recently they started airing a new commercial and we absolutely love it. Hope you enjoy it too!!!

Now, when I first saw the commercial I'm sure it was longer than this. 90 seconds, maybe even 2 minutes. But for the life of me I can't find that version. The song always just makes us smile.

While I'm posting videos tonite

I thought I'd add this one. I'm running for office, at least that's what I learned when Jason sent me an email about the news story he saw today. Check it out, it's pretty cool!

4 Months and Fatter!

He's four months old (officially on the 13th). Wow. I don't remember clearly the last four months. What has happened. I guess one thing's clear: we've fed James! He is definitely growing, and here are his stats to prove it:

Weight: 14 lbs 15 oz, 50%

Length: 26 inches, 84%

Head Circ: 16 inches, 12% (hey, at least he doesn't have a big head, right?) I guess the doctor wants to "keep an eye on that one", but he seems healthy and smart... um, can a 4 month-old seem smart? We're sure he is. He's advanced!

Sing-A-Long

If you're lucky, you know my musical talent. Yes, I write songs for my babies and I sing them all the time. If you're really lucky, you've heard them. Well, the time came today when inspiration let loose, and I wrote James a song. It is to the tune of one of Taylor's songs, and these are the words:

Little man, little man, little man J

Little more chubby with every day

Cute little giggles, squeals with joy

Our beautiful, blue-eyed baby boy!

Now it so happens that I wrote one of Taylor's songs and mentioned his big blue eyes and had to change it when they turned the beautiful brown they are, so we'll see how James' turn out. Just so you know, he loves his song! Well, Daddy is also musically talented, and was feeling a bit left out, so he wrote a cute song too:

My first name's Jamesey
My second name's Wamesey
They call me Jamesey Wamesey!

I say creative genius! We all love to sing it, and we get louder and louder (if you can imagine). Maybe if I get enough requests, I'll publish some of the other songs I've written for the kids. If you like what you've seen here, you'll love what is in store.