Why I Didn't Run on Christianity

Wow! It has been awhile. I have been losing my mind on the campaign trail for about a year. Allow me to take a moment to post about my campaign, and soemthing that has been on my mind.

I can count on one hand the number of times that I mentioned my religion on the campaign trail. I did take the time to address a few beliefs in a youtube video (evidently there was a rumor that I was a Democrat therefore not a Christian). I have a few reasons for this. Allow me to begin with the most obvious, separation of church and state. If we are to believe that our government was in fact an inspired one then I have to believe that God inspired that for a reason. Story time: As I was deciding to run for office, I prayed hard. Through prayer, I decided to run. It was funny how this all worked out. Up until the time those papers were filed I felt Heavenly Father's hand in everything. He had helped with the path, the timing, and the people I met. The moment I signed my name was the moment I no longer felt inspiration about my campaign. It was like I had been led to this door, and then Heavenly Father told me to figure it out. I have always said that I have felt closest to Heavenly Father during trials. Well, this was one trial where I did not feel that closeness. Not to say he wasn't there for other things or even there to comfort me, but he was in no way giving me inspiration about my campaign. I believe that Heavenly Father wasn't there because he doesn't want to be there. As I stated, if we are to believe our government was inspired in the beginning, that includes the part about separation of church and state. He made that separation for a reason. Campaigning certainly confirmed this.

Secondly, my beliefs and feelings are too personal and sacred to talk about whilst spilling political beliefs on the door step. They are something very near and dear to my heart. A political visit or speech was not the time for that. I believed that if Christianity truly mattered to someone when choosing a candidate, the fact that they knew I was one should be enough. My goal was to change the path our state is taking, not to give a sermon. I wanted to address the issues, not preach to my fellow man. I believe that by running on religion, we are allowing ourselves to throw our religious beliefs under a bus. We are politicizing something that was never meant to be politicized. No matter what religion you are. Your beliefs are sacred. They should be treated as such. 

I know a lot of people will disagree me with me, and tell me that our country was founded upon religion. It's OK if you disagree. Through my experience I have gained the knowledge that Heavenly Father wants that separation. Perhaps he wants to be absent from the anger and corruption that exists in politics. I am not saying you can't pray for your leaders. You absolutely I can. As soon as I came home from the court house on Nov.8, I sat outside, and I cried. I cried and I prayed for peace and comfort. I cried and prayed and begged to know if I made the right decision. I wanted to know if dragging my family down that path had been the right thing to do. Suddenly, he was there again confirming to me that I had made the correct choice. 

The Man Who Supports Me

I've known my husband for 10 years. For 10 years he has been my best friend,  my partner,  my lover,  the father to my children.  He has supported me through every adventure I've taken. When Liz was diagnosed with autism,  it was Colby who sat with me. I felt isolated, and he was the only other person in the world who knew my pain.
I feel as if we have lived 1000 lives over the past 10 years. We have moved at least 6 times, lived in 3 states, brought 3 beautiful children into this world, and been through more trials than most people encounter in a lifetime. 
I know that this man is the man for me. He loves me, treats me like a queen, and makes sure that I have everything I need. He supports me in all of my advocacy work and even goes with me to protests. He listens to my political ramblings.
Most of all, this man is an amazing father to our children.  He loves them. He plays with them. He is patient.  I know that he is the best father for my children.
Happy Father's Day, Colby.  You are forever my hero.

Autism Awareness Month 2015

Dear Lizzybug,

You are a smart and active 6 year old. You love to sing and dance. You love to play with your cousins. You love jumping on the trampoline. I could go on and on about the things that you love. You're just like any other 6 year old...except that you have autism. 

Most of the time people can not see that you have autism. They usually see an over active girl. Those outside our family fail to see the endless hours of therapy and the shed tears. They do not see how far you have come. They only see a bright active 6 year old girl. It is hard for me, sometimes, to hear people say ,"If you hadn't told me, I would not have known." On one hand, I celebrate that our therapies work, but on the other hand I weep internally that they do not see the struggle we face daily. 

My sweet bug, I fear the day when you realize that you have autism. I try to use it in our every day language, so that one day it is not a earth shattering shock. I do not want you to see your disability as a disability. I want you to see a gift. You see the world differently than I, and because of your autism you have known great challenges. This gift will give you the power to make a difference.

By now, you know that your mother is an activist at heart. As a young child, I discovered CFCs were destroying our ozone. I refused to use aerosol cans or Styrofoam plates. I put up little signs in our yard. From then on, if I discovered a cause that I was passionate for I had to be vocal. I urge you to always be vocal about your passions. Never ever let an opposing opinion defeat you. Hold onto to passions, stand up for yourself and those like you. You see, my bug, you are able to speak unlike some with autism. This gives you a special power to advocate for those who can not. Hold onto that, use it, let the world know. 

This month, April, we have our blue lights up, and we let those around us know about autism. Yet, in our home every single day is Autism Awareness Day. I will do the best I can to advocate for you. I will continue to defend you and your right to education. You changed my world, Bug, and you deserve the best shot at a successful life.

All My Love,

Mommy

60 Miles Of Hope

I have spent the last few days trying to figure how to describe all of the feelings that I have right now. It's so hard to describe how liberated I feel after walking 60 miles for public education. It is absolutely amazing what a small group of people can accomplish together. Every part of my body aches, but I feel absolutely amazing!

Just over a month ago, I woke up and decided that I was going to walk 60 miles with an organization called Game on For Kansas Schools. This is a really good article on the walk. I am fairly certain that Colby thought I was crazy when I told him, but he just went a long with it like he always does. 

I don't want to go into the logistics of the walk. Those can be found in news articles. I want to talk more about how I feel after doing this, and exactly what it means to me. You see, when I began this walk I was doing it for my kids, niece, and nephews. As the walk progressed, I saw how grateful people were for what we were doing. I watched the little town of Desoto, Kansas welcome us. I saw practically the entire town of Eudora turn out, complete with a police escort. As we arrived in Lawrence, Kansas we were greeted by a large mass of people chanting "Fund our schools!" Each and every one of those stops helped me to realize that I was a part of something remarkable, something bigger than myself and my family. I know that what I did, and what the other walkers did meant something to these towns.

You see, the Governor of Kansas and his minions can cut our funding and pass their crooked policies, but they can not take our pride. They can beat on our school doors and take everything they have from them, but that will only make us larger and louder. Why? Because we have more pride and fight in one hair on our head than the governor of Kansas has in his entire body. We will win. It may take 4 years, but I am here to tell you that we will win this battle. It will not be easy, and it will be filled with twists and turns, but I have no doubt that we can do it. I know because I met parents, teachers, school board members,and other community figures who were willing to go through physical pain to fight for the schools of Kansas. 

Teaching Liz to Advocate

Earlier this month, we sat down with Liz's IEP team to discuss next year and draw up her education plan.  One thing that I felt strongly about was teaching Liz to advocate for herself.  I told her team that if she can't learn to do so the entire process was pointless.  It's true though.  She needs to be able to tell someone when she is struggling,  sick, or being bullied.  She needs to speak up for herself. 
Earlier this month,  she made me so proud.  She woke up with a horrible stomach ache. She was screaming in pain and couldn't move. I thought for sure her appendix was rupturing. We rushed her to the hospital.  As the nurse practiconer looked her over,  she introduced herself, and calmly told the NP what was wrong.  As I watched her, I realized that while she has a long way to go, she is starting to realize how to advocate for herself.
As she goes through life, I won't always be there to hold her hand through things. My goal for next school year is to help her learn how to better verbalize her concerns and fears to others.  I'm so grateful to have an IEP team that fully supports us and our goals for Liz (but more on that later).

Sweet and Sassy Presley

Dear Presley,

I noticed you have been having an especially rough time recently. I imagine it is hard to have an older sister with special needs and a baby brother. Far too often you have to wait patiently for their needs to be met before your own You have learned to become flexible. I really can't give you enough praise. You often acts so much older than you really are. For example, a few days ago Liz wanted to do something that she shouldn't.  Daddy and I told Liz repeatedly to not do it. Finally, you looked at us, and said, "Guys, I got this." You walked over to Liz,  calmly explained the situation, and then offered assistance. You are learning to advocate for her sister.  It breaks my heart, but also fills me with pride to see you looking after Liz. Presley, you are truly an amazing child. Your contagious laughter and sweet sassy personality fills our home, and I love every ounce of you. Thank you for being an awesome sister and daughter.
Love Always,
Mommy

Lizzybug is 6!

I can not believe that my sweet girl is six year old. It seems like just yesterday she was a tiny baby. It is hard to believe that we now have 3 kiddos. Of course, Liz had the entire day planned. I brought cupcakes to her school. It was actually pretty fun. When I arrived, her class was dancing so I joined in! After school, she went to a church afterschool program that she loves. Then, Liz went to dance class where she shared cupcakes with her friends there. Her dance teacher was awesome, and she let Liz help lead the class. Liz is still talking about that! We ended the night at McDonald's with her cousins. She is already planning next year's birthday.

Cupcakes at school!