:: blogging: mccord style ::

Israel loves Iran loves America loves Israel...and so on...

I know I don't post much, but I DID want to post to this blog about another movement that a man in Israel started called "Israel loves Iran". It's so heartening to see the comments posted, not only from Israelis and Iranians, but people from all over the world who are crying out for peace, and who are so sick of the drumbeats of war. So, I posted a picture with our family, to add to the voices, that we love them all - they're people, just like we are. Who want to have the chance to have happiness, and family and joy, just like we all do. And the constant game-playing and maneuvering by the powers that be is getting so incredibly old. We need to get America out of all these countries, and start paying attention to the incredible needs our own country has. We need to focus on our corrupt, corporatocracy, our dismal education system, and getting our country back on its economic footing, because let's face it - we are not doing well people.

All that to say, our family stands with those families around the world who are (with what little small voice they have), saying no. No to all the war, the harrassment, the empire building and butting into other countries affairs. Yes, I believe there are times when we need to step in and say no to genocide or evil dictatorships and help other countries out. But the constant American military presence and 'policiing' everywhere; it's ridiculous.  We need to focus on our country and building it back up to where it needs to be. Focus on our children and families, and let other countries focus on theirs. This might sound naive, but ultimately we all want the same things. And that's why (even if this campaign is fleeting), I love it; it's filled with so much hope, and love for our fellow man. And it's how we should be comporting ourselves all the time.

From probably the greatest sermon of all time:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven..."  Mathhew 5:3-10

A Love Letter to Sofia and a Birthday Slideshow

So a lot has changed since I stopped blogging (all the time). We've had another baby (a boy named Jack), I'm still a photographer, and Ross is still a designer, but he works for Smith-Micro now. The girls are growing in leaps and bounds (it seems like every time I turn around they're another inch taller, or more teeth have fallen out, or the shoes are too small, and on and on.  So things are still chugging along here. The main reason for this beginning-the-blog-again post is to show friends and family the slideshow I created for Sofia, who has just turned eight.

Sofia is very funny, (although she says at school, most of her friends think she's kind of quiet), slightly goofy, quirky, beautiful (inside and out), loves whales (and most animals) and is so tender-hearted. She's smart, does great in school including math (which is a wonder Ross and I who couldn't stand it), but we figure she got some good solid math genetics from Ross's math-major dad.,  She loves art; to draw, paint, color and it's her favorite hobby, and most times you can find her with her pad of paper and pencils, asking, 'Now what should I draw?'. She is (very) sensitive and thoughtful, and is so tender hearted. Fia feels stronly about things and people; compassionate and kind, she always tries to make sure everyone is included. She has a passionate personality; the things she loves, she loves deeply, and if she gets fired up, watch out. She is (now) the 'middle' child, but as much as she has adored being the baby, she has now equally taken to being the older sister. She looks up to and adores her older sister, and she dotes on and cannot keep her hands off her brother Jack. She has always had a servants heart, and loved to be helpful, but it's blossomed in an entirely new way being a big sister, which she relishes.

She's always been a bit of a mommy's girl, and I would be lying if I said I didn't secretly love it a little bit. She also looks a lot like me (Ross has always called her 'Little Kelly,", and I would also be lying if I said I didn't secretly also love that. (She would also tell you that she not-so-secretly likes that too. I am so blessed and proud to be her mom; to watch as her personality grows into who God has made her to be. She is an amazing person, and I cannot believe I get to be her mama. I made this slideshow for her, to show her in pictures, how very much I love and adore her. It's her life, up 'til now in photos.

I showed her the slideshow just a little while ago, and she started crying. I was a little shocked, as Bella is my 'crying-because-I'm-happy' girl, and I can't recall (if ever) the last time Sofia did that. But it made me happy, as I know she loved the slideshow I made for her. If you have the time, and are interested, the slideshow can be found by clicking here.  While I doubt it will make you do the happy-cry, I hope you enjoy it, (although, be warned, it's a bit long) and can see how very much I love my little Fifi. Also, I chose the first song because for most of her life, when I've watched my Sofie, that song has gone through my head, especially the opening refain, "Isn't she lovely, isn't she wonderful, isn't she precious..." She is all those things and more.

I'll write an ode to Bella, and I'm sure, at some point, to Jack, (becaus of course, I love them as passionately),  but to start the blog up again, i wanted to start with my Fia, my mini me, who I so adore.