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)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Bephelants, Hi Morning, and Aminals
Aren't kidims great? We took our kids to see Earth over the weekend. By the way, if you have not seen this movie, it is like two hours of white noise and scenic photography. I was about to fall asleep from relaxation just watching it. It was a great movie. But during the movie, Robyn and Kiley were all ears and eyes. Robyn was enthralled by the Bephelants (elephants) and Kiley always talks aobut the Aminals (she is still working on her phonics). But my favorite kidism right now has to be Robyn in the mornings. When she wakes up and I go into her room to greet her, she looks up at me, still sleepy-eyed and says in the sweetest voice "Hi morning, Mommy". What a great way to start the day!!!! Her sweetness lasts about 5 seconds before her tanacity kicks in. But those 5 seconds are priceless!
Other cute Robynisms right now:
"Yes my am" (doubles for Yes I am and Yes, Ma'am)
"I lub you" (I love you)
"I lub you wed finger nails" (I love your red finger nails...said while she was admiring my painted toe nails)
Her words are coming very fast. She is trying to keep up with Kiley. She is doing a pretty good job considering Kiley has two years practice on her.
Good times. We are headed to Kiley's art show tonight. Then, the kids are staying with Brad's mom for a couple of nights. Brad and I look forward to having dinner with some old friends tomorrow night. More later...
Other cute Robynisms right now:
"Yes my am" (doubles for Yes I am and Yes, Ma'am)
"I lub you" (I love you)
"I lub you wed finger nails" (I love your red finger nails...said while she was admiring my painted toe nails)
Her words are coming very fast. She is trying to keep up with Kiley. She is doing a pretty good job considering Kiley has two years practice on her.
Good times. We are headed to Kiley's art show tonight. Then, the kids are staying with Brad's mom for a couple of nights. Brad and I look forward to having dinner with some old friends tomorrow night. More later...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Losing teeth and so much more
Two days after her fifth birthday, Kiley lost her first tooth. First, let me say, the Tooth Fairy has a business model our government should follow. That gal has a racket going on. We Googled the going rate for baby teeth and it appears it is $10. That's a little stiff for my wallet. If she can afford to be giving out $10 a tooth, I want to know where she's making her money! Anyhow, when Brad called me to tell me Kiley had a loose tooth, I couldn't believe it. It wasn't just the tooth, though. It was what happened to my little girl. Literally, overight, she has blossomed into this uber independent, uber articulate, uber self-sufficient little girl. She is making her bed, dressing herself consistently, and paying attention to personal hygiene (which means she doesn't want to take baths with Robyn anymore, but too bad on that one!). For the moment, it is a parent's dream. I don't know how long it will last, but I'm soaking it up. I just can't get over how fast it happened. You get so used to a child being one way and when she decides to change, it is a stark reminder that she is her own person, making decisions independent from me. I am glad Brad is spending so much time with them these days. But I do feel that I am missing out on some big milestones. I am jealous that he gets to watch them play, cuddle, and romp while I miss out. But I love what I am doing and enjoy the time we have in the evenings. Pretty soon, Kiley and I are going to venture to the ice skating rink. Start praying now.
As for Robyn, she can keep up with any boy you put in her path. Yesterday, while we were at Chick-fil-a, she decided to play queen of the playset and pushed a little boy down. His mother ran in to save him and I blushed and rushed in to discipline Robyn. But secretly, I was kind of proud of her. Does that make me a bad parent? Since we moved here, the people who have cared for Robyn have called her "Queen Bee", "independent", and "determined". I think it is a good thing she is so cute. People are more likely to forgive her. But for all her independence, she has a deep soft side. She is actually a giver. Most of the time, she is looking for ways to share with others. She will be the first to comfort when someone is hurt. She loves to cuddle and hug passionately. She is in every way different from Kiley. I love my experiences with both of them.
We are learning that our girls have not been used to being around each other 24/7. They have had to adjust to sharing parents all the time and having to compromise on activities. We try to separate them once a week to take them on individual date nights. I think school and daycare will be really good for them. We have observed that they both flourish with other children around. They do not want to be at the playground by themselves. But if there are other children, they will be content for hours.
I love the diversity of LR. Kiley and I were at Subway a few days ago. The man helping us was Hindu and Kiley wanted to know what the red dot on his head meant. So, I encouraged her to ask him. He was very gracious and, I think, enjoyed the opportunity to talk about his religion to this curious child. He was hesitant at first, but once he realized I wasn't going to try to evangelize him on the spot, he was very forthcoming with information. He explained that the dot is called a Chandlo and encouraged Kiley to Google it when she got home. This, of course, sparked some spiritual conversation when we got back in the car. She had lots of questions and I took the opportunity to explain Jesus. It is very hard to explain to a five year old the differences in what we believe versus our new friend at Subway. After some discussion about Jesus and how we have to believe in him to go to Heaven, Kiley took the next logical step in her mind and asked "Does that mean our Subway friend is not going to Heaven?" I'm not sure I had an appropriate answer, but I told her the important thing to remember was that our job is to love him and be his friend and hope that one day he will believe in Jesus. Again, I'm not ready for her to grow up. Pretty deep conversation for five years old, huh? Point being, you never know when opportunity is going to cross your path. I beleive God was fully aware that Kiley has a lot of questions right now and he was helping me address those by making my take note that she is curious about him. How wonderful it must be for him to watch those sorts of things unfold in a child's mind. I wish I could have just a glimpse of what he sees in our children's minds.
We are confident that our move to LR was a good one. Our children are being exposed a lot of diversity and culture and it is stretching us to face some tough questions. Any advice is welcome. Regards...
As for Robyn, she can keep up with any boy you put in her path. Yesterday, while we were at Chick-fil-a, she decided to play queen of the playset and pushed a little boy down. His mother ran in to save him and I blushed and rushed in to discipline Robyn. But secretly, I was kind of proud of her. Does that make me a bad parent? Since we moved here, the people who have cared for Robyn have called her "Queen Bee", "independent", and "determined". I think it is a good thing she is so cute. People are more likely to forgive her. But for all her independence, she has a deep soft side. She is actually a giver. Most of the time, she is looking for ways to share with others. She will be the first to comfort when someone is hurt. She loves to cuddle and hug passionately. She is in every way different from Kiley. I love my experiences with both of them.
We are learning that our girls have not been used to being around each other 24/7. They have had to adjust to sharing parents all the time and having to compromise on activities. We try to separate them once a week to take them on individual date nights. I think school and daycare will be really good for them. We have observed that they both flourish with other children around. They do not want to be at the playground by themselves. But if there are other children, they will be content for hours.
I love the diversity of LR. Kiley and I were at Subway a few days ago. The man helping us was Hindu and Kiley wanted to know what the red dot on his head meant. So, I encouraged her to ask him. He was very gracious and, I think, enjoyed the opportunity to talk about his religion to this curious child. He was hesitant at first, but once he realized I wasn't going to try to evangelize him on the spot, he was very forthcoming with information. He explained that the dot is called a Chandlo and encouraged Kiley to Google it when she got home. This, of course, sparked some spiritual conversation when we got back in the car. She had lots of questions and I took the opportunity to explain Jesus. It is very hard to explain to a five year old the differences in what we believe versus our new friend at Subway. After some discussion about Jesus and how we have to believe in him to go to Heaven, Kiley took the next logical step in her mind and asked "Does that mean our Subway friend is not going to Heaven?" I'm not sure I had an appropriate answer, but I told her the important thing to remember was that our job is to love him and be his friend and hope that one day he will believe in Jesus. Again, I'm not ready for her to grow up. Pretty deep conversation for five years old, huh? Point being, you never know when opportunity is going to cross your path. I beleive God was fully aware that Kiley has a lot of questions right now and he was helping me address those by making my take note that she is curious about him. How wonderful it must be for him to watch those sorts of things unfold in a child's mind. I wish I could have just a glimpse of what he sees in our children's minds.
We are confident that our move to LR was a good one. Our children are being exposed a lot of diversity and culture and it is stretching us to face some tough questions. Any advice is welcome. Regards...
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Birthday Pics
I am finally getting around to using my Flickr account a little more. I have posted Robyn's 2nd birthday pics from December and also Kiley's 5th birthday pics. So, if you're interested, you can view those pics here.
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