I have waited for this day for weeks. I am finally getting my hair cut today. I know this is a petty thing to be so excited about in the grand scheme of things. But sometimes you just need a boost. They always say that a woman's changes in hair often correspond with changes in her life. Well, as we transition into law school mode, it is time to shorten the 'do again to something a little more manageable. Maybe I'll post some pics if I think about it this weekend.
AS for potty training, I had a rude awakening this week. Apparently, my Robyn is the last 2 1/2 year old in Little Rock to be potty trained. Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exageration. But we are getting ready to start her in dayschool and she must be fully potty trained before she can be in the same class with kids her age. She hasn't even started and she's behind! And here I was thinking that at 2 1/2 it was pretty standard not to be potty trained. So, being the attentive parent that I am, I bought this 'Potty Training in One Day' kit. Yes, I took the bait. It was featured on Dr. Phil and has a peeing doll. We have set aside this Saturday as 'The Big Day'. I am going to try to rush this process in hopes of bringing Robyn up to speed before school starts on Aug. 17 so that she will not have to go to the baby class. Please pray that 1. It works and 2. I don't scar my child for life. We played with the doll some last night and Robyn loved it. I hope we can make this a positive experience and spend some good Mommy/Robyn time together on Saturday. I'll let you know how it goes!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Vacation Days 3 thru 6
I'll give a brief synopsis of the rest of the trip. Obviously, we had a blast. There is no more precious thing in life than to watch children doing what they do best...being kids! We spent a lot more time at the beach this year, able to convince the girls they can go to pool any time but the beach is a special thing. Kiley met another five year old little girl and they played for the last two days of the trip. Big fun! Robyn loved the sand. Was not the least bit bothered by it.
My favorite day, though, was Friday, my birhday. I have probably spent more years at the beach on my birthday than at home. I love it! This year was really special. I took a picnic down to the beach and we invited Kiley's friend (Lily) to join us. We had sandwiches, chips, juice, and, of course, sand. It gave a new meaning to the word "sand"wich. Then, later that night, Brad had made reservations for us to eat at Fleming's Steakhouse. My Mom had bought a gift card for us. When we got there, the entire staff had signed a card for me and, although they did not sing, many came by the table to chat and wish me a Happy Birthday. It was nice to get the royal treatment.
When I get some time, I hope to post some of our pictures. Since returning, we have been furiously getting everyone organized for school. I can't believe it is time to buy school suplies and uniforms. In fact, Brad already has homework. He will start with "orientation" on Aug. 12 but will have assignments due during that week. So, we are gearing up. This is the thing we came here for. Although we have already been here for almost six months, it has flown by.
It was a great trip but I'm glad to be home. Vacations with small children tire me out more than anything else! Next steps, finish out school clothing purchases, buy shoes and supplies, and get the family ready for a new routine. Wait, does such a thing exist for our family???
My favorite day, though, was Friday, my birhday. I have probably spent more years at the beach on my birthday than at home. I love it! This year was really special. I took a picnic down to the beach and we invited Kiley's friend (Lily) to join us. We had sandwiches, chips, juice, and, of course, sand. It gave a new meaning to the word "sand"wich. Then, later that night, Brad had made reservations for us to eat at Fleming's Steakhouse. My Mom had bought a gift card for us. When we got there, the entire staff had signed a card for me and, although they did not sing, many came by the table to chat and wish me a Happy Birthday. It was nice to get the royal treatment.
When I get some time, I hope to post some of our pictures. Since returning, we have been furiously getting everyone organized for school. I can't believe it is time to buy school suplies and uniforms. In fact, Brad already has homework. He will start with "orientation" on Aug. 12 but will have assignments due during that week. So, we are gearing up. This is the thing we came here for. Although we have already been here for almost six months, it has flown by.
It was a great trip but I'm glad to be home. Vacations with small children tire me out more than anything else! Next steps, finish out school clothing purchases, buy shoes and supplies, and get the family ready for a new routine. Wait, does such a thing exist for our family???
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Vacation Days 1 & 2
We made it to the beach! Yesterday was a much longer day than anticipated, but the girls did phenomenally. They were perfect the entire day! Even though it took us 13 hours to get here. When we got into town, we decided to stop for dinner before heading to the condo. As usual, Brad picked out a great restaurant. We had a relaxing sit down dinner (yes, after 13 hours in the car) at Tommy Bahamas. How, you ask? Because we ate on the patio which happened to open up to a huge green space grassy area. The girls ran and ran and ran until they collapsed while Brad enjoyed a Mojito and I a glass of wine. I know it sounds like hyperbole but it is true. So, we are off to a great start. The behavior gods have smiled on us.
Even today we are not paying for it. They woke up (at 7 am, blah) but were in great moods. After a simple breakfast, they headed to the pool with Dad and I went to the grocery store (alone!!!!). But after swimming and playing at the beach, we headed in for lunch and then they had 2 hours worth of naps. So, they are ready to go tonight! We will see how dinner tonight goes. But so far so good. After I got back from the store, I spent a lot of time on the beach. The weather is perfect. Breezy, 85 degrees, and no humidity. Again, the gods have smiled on us. Maybe they know this will be our last bit of relaxation for the next three years?? I am praying the next few days go as well as the last two have.
Tonight we go see Harry Potter! Thanks to Amber, our friend who agreed to come along as a babysitter, Brad and I will have some much needed together time this week.
Even today we are not paying for it. They woke up (at 7 am, blah) but were in great moods. After a simple breakfast, they headed to the pool with Dad and I went to the grocery store (alone!!!!). But after swimming and playing at the beach, we headed in for lunch and then they had 2 hours worth of naps. So, they are ready to go tonight! We will see how dinner tonight goes. But so far so good. After I got back from the store, I spent a lot of time on the beach. The weather is perfect. Breezy, 85 degrees, and no humidity. Again, the gods have smiled on us. Maybe they know this will be our last bit of relaxation for the next three years?? I am praying the next few days go as well as the last two have.
Tonight we go see Harry Potter! Thanks to Amber, our friend who agreed to come along as a babysitter, Brad and I will have some much needed together time this week.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sotomayor
I have been intrigued by the Senate hearings with regard to Sotomayor. Brad and I have become particularly boring since moving to Little Rock. A relaxing night consists of getting the kids to bed so we can debrief on the day's current events. So, the last few days our talks have revolved around the confirmation process. I haven't been able to watch most of it direcetly. But I do read every few hours about how things are going on the Hill. I must say, I have been really impressed with Sotomayor's demeanor. She has remained collected and quick witted throughout the process. I understand that Republicans like Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jeff Sessions believe it is their God given duty to berate when questioning. They are making good on their committment to be the voice of dissention and rebuke throughout the process. And, for the most part, it is necessary to have such voices. Otherwise, there would be no need for the hearings at all. But what is most intriguing to me is that Sotomayor never lets her face betray her. I can't remember the last time I watched similar events take place on TV and the degree of drama from all parties was laughable. But Sotomayor is definitely not giving SNL any material this week. Graham and Sessions on the other hand....
How fresh it is to see someone maintain composure and defy letting personal attacks govern the process. Sotomayor's demeanor, although it doesn't make for good TV, sets a new tone for how we ought to handle ourselves. Furthermore, I am impressed at how she will not allow certain individuals to reduce complex issues into sound bites. For example, when asked about the issue of abortion she gave the following answer:
"I can't answer that in the abstract," Sotomayor said. "The question as it would come before me wouldn't be in the way that you form it as a citizen, it would come to me as a judge."
Some have accused her of avoiding giving her personal stance on the issue. But isn't that what she is supposed to do?? She is caught in a no-win situation with this issue. We want a Justice who will be unbiased, but we insist she give us an absolute answer to the abortion question. The question as it was framed was not one to test the legitimacy of her ability to judge, but rather to test the limits of her moral parameters. Those same moral parameters that are not supposed to influence her decision making! Hmmm? Her answer, in one sense, affords more levity to the issue than the Senators meant for it to. She is saying she must weigh each situation that might come before her with the individual respect it is due while upholding the law of the land. She didn't take the bait and I'm proud of her for it!
I think she will serve the bench well.
(for the full content of the AP article click here)
How fresh it is to see someone maintain composure and defy letting personal attacks govern the process. Sotomayor's demeanor, although it doesn't make for good TV, sets a new tone for how we ought to handle ourselves. Furthermore, I am impressed at how she will not allow certain individuals to reduce complex issues into sound bites. For example, when asked about the issue of abortion she gave the following answer:
"I can't answer that in the abstract," Sotomayor said. "The question as it would come before me wouldn't be in the way that you form it as a citizen, it would come to me as a judge."
Some have accused her of avoiding giving her personal stance on the issue. But isn't that what she is supposed to do?? She is caught in a no-win situation with this issue. We want a Justice who will be unbiased, but we insist she give us an absolute answer to the abortion question. The question as it was framed was not one to test the legitimacy of her ability to judge, but rather to test the limits of her moral parameters. Those same moral parameters that are not supposed to influence her decision making! Hmmm? Her answer, in one sense, affords more levity to the issue than the Senators meant for it to. She is saying she must weigh each situation that might come before her with the individual respect it is due while upholding the law of the land. She didn't take the bait and I'm proud of her for it!
I think she will serve the bench well.
(for the full content of the AP article click here)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Updates
The Shumpert clan is a little spread out this week. Brad and I shipped the kids off for their first annual Granny Camp. We were a little nervous about sending Robyn to the lake with my mom just yet. In fact, we were a little hesitant evne with Kiley, but in the end we decided she knows how to swim well enough now to hang on until someone can save her. Okay, that may be a bit dramatic. But those of you who know my mother know this is not an extreme exageration of what could happen. This is Kiley's first year to do Granny Camp with Mom. Mom has been asking for years for them to come see her for a week in the Summer and the stars finally aligned enough for us to feel comfortable sending one of our children. Robyn, however, is with Brad's mom and dad for the week. Both are receiving their quotient of princess time. I am getting excited because we have decided to take the RV to Chattanooga for the 4th weekend. We will swing by and pick up Robyn and head to Chatt-town to meet Kiley. Mom has finally installed a path to the water and a dock. So, we will be able to enjoy the water a little more this year.
For some reason, this has felt a little more like Summer to me than in years past. At night, we enjoy sitting out on the deck mosquito free and sipping wine and reading a book. Our house, although it is hot everywhere, does not get much direct sun because of the massive tree coverage. We actually found a baby bunny rabbit in the front yard yesterday. Although we live very near downtown, it doesn't feel like it. There are birds and rabbits and all sorts of creatures around. At night, we sometimes here coyotes howling. Yes, coyotes. We romp in the yard barefoot. The yard doesn't have to manicured to perfection which is a good thing considering I had to mow it yesterday!
We have met some great people around where we live. We are slowly making new friends. Our next door neighbors are two of our favorite people so far. Kevin and Cindy are in their early fifties and have one grandchild. Cindy began inviting us to church as soon as we arrived on the scene. It took us three months to take her up on her offer but about a month ago, we took the bait. We have been there ever since. The people at this church seem to be very authentic and interested in making each other better. We enjoy going to church on Sundays and have loved studying the Word with them. This past week, a couple from our class gave birth to a stillborn baby girl. The entire class rallied around this couple in a way I have never seen. Yesterday at church, we had a session to process the grief and discuss how to help this couple. The discussion was about far more than planning meals or picking up their household chores while the couple grieves. Although those things were certainly discussed and are very necessary, there was also practical advice from other 'wounded healers' who have experienced the loss of a child and an intense time of prayer on behalf of this young family. You had to be there to truly understand. From the first time we came to this church, we have felt as though we have been there forever. I look forward to digging a little deeper into this family of believers.
I am anxious to have my girls back with me. I miss them but am enjoying some time with Brad. We are getting to the stage of life where our children are becoming a little easier to manage and we can do things as a family. For the last couple of weeks we have been taking the girls to the River Trail and pulling them behind our bikes. It is the one thing we can all enjoy at the same time! So, basically, we are loving Little Rock. Brad is ready for school to start and then things will really get crazy. For now, we are just enjoying our down time together as a family!
For some reason, this has felt a little more like Summer to me than in years past. At night, we enjoy sitting out on the deck mosquito free and sipping wine and reading a book. Our house, although it is hot everywhere, does not get much direct sun because of the massive tree coverage. We actually found a baby bunny rabbit in the front yard yesterday. Although we live very near downtown, it doesn't feel like it. There are birds and rabbits and all sorts of creatures around. At night, we sometimes here coyotes howling. Yes, coyotes. We romp in the yard barefoot. The yard doesn't have to manicured to perfection which is a good thing considering I had to mow it yesterday!
We have met some great people around where we live. We are slowly making new friends. Our next door neighbors are two of our favorite people so far. Kevin and Cindy are in their early fifties and have one grandchild. Cindy began inviting us to church as soon as we arrived on the scene. It took us three months to take her up on her offer but about a month ago, we took the bait. We have been there ever since. The people at this church seem to be very authentic and interested in making each other better. We enjoy going to church on Sundays and have loved studying the Word with them. This past week, a couple from our class gave birth to a stillborn baby girl. The entire class rallied around this couple in a way I have never seen. Yesterday at church, we had a session to process the grief and discuss how to help this couple. The discussion was about far more than planning meals or picking up their household chores while the couple grieves. Although those things were certainly discussed and are very necessary, there was also practical advice from other 'wounded healers' who have experienced the loss of a child and an intense time of prayer on behalf of this young family. You had to be there to truly understand. From the first time we came to this church, we have felt as though we have been there forever. I look forward to digging a little deeper into this family of believers.
I am anxious to have my girls back with me. I miss them but am enjoying some time with Brad. We are getting to the stage of life where our children are becoming a little easier to manage and we can do things as a family. For the last couple of weeks we have been taking the girls to the River Trail and pulling them behind our bikes. It is the one thing we can all enjoy at the same time! So, basically, we are loving Little Rock. Brad is ready for school to start and then things will really get crazy. For now, we are just enjoying our down time together as a family!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Confessions
I like food. There I said it. No, correction, I love food. As hard as I try, I cannot seem to ingest only those calories necessary to sustain my life on this planet. This is not in the least an epiphony to me. I have known for quite some time that I am a food addict and have carried a burden of guilt (allbeit a low measure of guilt) about this addiction. At present, I have little motivation to seek help for my addiction. I maintain a healthy weight, I excercise, I try to be consientious about eating whole wheat bread. I even mildly follow Weight Watchers eating program online. Most days, I am diligent. But as I look at how little it takes for me to exist, I can't help but feel I am missing out on a vibrant life by not enjoying my sinful pleasures. For example, this morning my beloved husband got up early to fix cinnamon rolls. Not the generic kind. He knows I love the simple, Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Icing. I don't even require the Grands Cinnamon Rolls to be happy (see, there again, I am making an effort to be consientious. Yay me!). As I ascend the staircase in our house the smell wafts out of the kitchen to greet me. It is in these moments that I know I have an addiction. The smell throughout the house gives rise to an unexplainably deep emotional connection. It is hunger meets joy meets the feeling of love. A smile explodes on my face. Knowing he thought enough of me to make the rolls gives me peace and feels like home, like a child again.
I know I am not the only person to feel this way. My mother always said, 'I don't drink, I don't smoke, I'm at least entitled to overeat.' While I don't exactly concur with those sentiments, they ressonate on some level. There is a certain part of us that relates vibrant life to the meals we share as families and friends. And why should we deny ourselves this experience? I don't know about you, but I cannot enjoy dinner with my friends as much having a salad when they are having steak. As hard as I try, it is not within my being. So, what are the consequences? Well, I will need to run 5.8 miles to make up for the four rolls I enjoyed for breakfast. And that's just the first meal of the day!
All of this could be discouraging had I not had an epiphony of another sort today. When I got to work, my father-in-law sent me some picturs of my daughter at the zoo. Several of the photos were taken during the Seal show. As I took in the pictures, it ocurred to me that food is a motivator in all parts of nature. We are all conditioned to perform for food. For the Seals, its fish. Do you think Seals sit around and mope about how many fish they ate today and how it will affect their hips? Of course not. They are enjoying the show, flipping their feet in the air on command just to get another fish thrown their way. It's only natural for all of us to have an emotional connection to food and for it to be a motivating factor in our relationships. Why fight nature?? I am not suggesting glutteny here. But I am a little exhausted of feeling like every morsel of food should be analyzed against how it will affect my figure.
Maybe this confession has something to do with feeling more comfortable in my own skin. Although I will do my best to eat healthy things (when cinnamon rolls are not an option), I will not be ashamed for the emotional connection I have to these parts of life that make it vibrant and not just mediocre. That being said, I'm going to have to up my miles!
I know I am not the only person to feel this way. My mother always said, 'I don't drink, I don't smoke, I'm at least entitled to overeat.' While I don't exactly concur with those sentiments, they ressonate on some level. There is a certain part of us that relates vibrant life to the meals we share as families and friends. And why should we deny ourselves this experience? I don't know about you, but I cannot enjoy dinner with my friends as much having a salad when they are having steak. As hard as I try, it is not within my being. So, what are the consequences? Well, I will need to run 5.8 miles to make up for the four rolls I enjoyed for breakfast. And that's just the first meal of the day!
All of this could be discouraging had I not had an epiphony of another sort today. When I got to work, my father-in-law sent me some picturs of my daughter at the zoo. Several of the photos were taken during the Seal show. As I took in the pictures, it ocurred to me that food is a motivator in all parts of nature. We are all conditioned to perform for food. For the Seals, its fish. Do you think Seals sit around and mope about how many fish they ate today and how it will affect their hips? Of course not. They are enjoying the show, flipping their feet in the air on command just to get another fish thrown their way. It's only natural for all of us to have an emotional connection to food and for it to be a motivating factor in our relationships. Why fight nature?? I am not suggesting glutteny here. But I am a little exhausted of feeling like every morsel of food should be analyzed against how it will affect my figure.
Maybe this confession has something to do with feeling more comfortable in my own skin. Although I will do my best to eat healthy things (when cinnamon rolls are not an option), I will not be ashamed for the emotional connection I have to these parts of life that make it vibrant and not just mediocre. That being said, I'm going to have to up my miles!
Monday, May 18, 2009
All in due time
During my morning Today show addiction this morning, they announced the 2009 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. The award recongnizes people who have demonstrated significant political courage. By the very nature of the award, it can be assumed that recipients were probably not well-liked at some point during their career. This year's recipients are Sheila Bair, chair of the FDIC and Brooksley Born, former chair of Commodity Futures Trading Commission. They are being recognized for their efforts to alert political leaders in the early 1990's of impending threats to our economy. At the time, these individuals were ignored despite mounting evidence at the time. Now, they are being commended for their attempt to incite support that could have thwarted our current economic crisis.
Later in the morning, I watched live video streaming of a major cancer research announcement from the halls of UAMS/UALR. Dr. Zharov and Dr. Biris have discovered revolutionary cancer treatment that will allow for customized cancer treatment above and beyond chemo and radiation. Apparently, the treatment will attack cancer cells without harming other cells. It can deliver a more precise treatment than is currently available. Moreover, the research has found significant success in actually killing cancer cells instead of sending them into remission.
As I witness these two announcments (neither of which will make lasting headlines) I am reminded that all things happen in due time. I can't imagine that any of these people could have realistically thought they would see the fruits of their labor come to fruition within their lifetime. It reminds me to slow down and take things one day a time, being very methodical about the job given to me to perform in this moment. I'm sure many of us are guilty of always thinking of what's next instead of what's right now.
It takes a lot of courage to stand up to politicians and cancer. Makes my job seem insignificant but relevant at the same time. We each have our areas of influence. Perhaps there is value in watching for what is happening within those areas instead of being concerned with outcomes and measurements in someone else's area. I have seen through these two examples, individuals whose mission in life was to help or protect people. This process took years to accomplish and is still a work in progress. Gives me hope that I am a work in progress and so is my life's work.
Later in the morning, I watched live video streaming of a major cancer research announcement from the halls of UAMS/UALR. Dr. Zharov and Dr. Biris have discovered revolutionary cancer treatment that will allow for customized cancer treatment above and beyond chemo and radiation. Apparently, the treatment will attack cancer cells without harming other cells. It can deliver a more precise treatment than is currently available. Moreover, the research has found significant success in actually killing cancer cells instead of sending them into remission.
As I witness these two announcments (neither of which will make lasting headlines) I am reminded that all things happen in due time. I can't imagine that any of these people could have realistically thought they would see the fruits of their labor come to fruition within their lifetime. It reminds me to slow down and take things one day a time, being very methodical about the job given to me to perform in this moment. I'm sure many of us are guilty of always thinking of what's next instead of what's right now.
It takes a lot of courage to stand up to politicians and cancer. Makes my job seem insignificant but relevant at the same time. We each have our areas of influence. Perhaps there is value in watching for what is happening within those areas instead of being concerned with outcomes and measurements in someone else's area. I have seen through these two examples, individuals whose mission in life was to help or protect people. This process took years to accomplish and is still a work in progress. Gives me hope that I am a work in progress and so is my life's work.
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