I Heart Obama

The votes are still being counted but I can’t help but want to celebrate. Never before, in my lifetime, have I been as moved as when Barack Obama speaks.

I’ve heard Presidents and leaders of all races, sex and religions speak, either live or in footage from years and moments past. Dr. Martin Luther King spoke with great authority, sincerity and in a respectful and loving manner.

The parenting classes I am certified to teach demand that parents seek the respect they deserve from their children while instilling a safe and comfortable environment for them to grow, explore, ask, learn and choose from.

My son knows much about the election process and this year’s candidates since I’ve been watching nothing else but the campaign trail, watching footage on TV, viewing videos online, reading articles in newspapers, opinions from all sorts and feel inspired, excited and aroused by the Obama campaign.

Each and every time I hear or see Obama, I fall a bit deeper in love. He is someone who I trust, admire, respect and yes, love. He has an energy that surrounds him that can be seen by all (who have not walked through life wearing blinders).

This morning, I made a comment on how Barack Obama was going to be the next President and my next husband. My son didn’t miss a beat. He said, “No, he’s not going to be your next husband.” I didn’t want to argue since he chose this statement to disagree with (as opposed to the comment I made about his role in U.S.).

I asked my son who he thought my next husband would be and again, without hesitation, he said – in a tone that reminded me of his father – “You should find a guy name NEVER.”

Laughter is truly the best medicine and the things my son comes up with are priceless. I’ll get over it – the fact that Barack Obama will not be my next husband, but I have no doubt that he will be known after tomorrow, as President Obama.

Congratulations – in advance – to the Obama family, The First Lady and First Daughters. I am honored that my son will have the memory of this historical moment to look back on as his first introduction to American politics.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Just Say NO….on Prop 8

Campaign ads in California regarding Prop 8 reveal two startling different ideas. When people are confronted with two opposing viewpoints, how are they able to make an informed decision?

About a month ago, an ad paid for by those in support of Proposition 8 started airing on TV which used the images of several young children without their parents’ permission. Jen Press whose daughter, Lucy, is prominently featured in the political ad had this to say:

To turn around and distort images of our children is outrageous. We’re opposed to Prop 8, but irrespective of our position, it’s wrong to use any image of children without their parents’ permission. And we think every parent in California would agree with us.

I’d go a step further and say that every parent in the United States would agree, and probably those from all over the world. Any organization who would use children to manipulate voters and distort information should not be supported by parents, or anyone who cares about children, regardless of the religious or political beliefs one holds.

Proposition 8 is not about children and what exactly does it have to do with protecting marriage? Currently, marriage is “in jeopardy” with the rising divorce rates that do affect children.

One woman, a 82-year-old political blogger and grandmother, Helen, could not have explained this money-wasting proposition any better:

I really don’t know why gay people want to get married. It’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Just ask Harold. But I guess if one consenting adult wants to declare their love for another, why would anyone have an issue? I do know one gay couple. Margaret’s nephew and his friend have been together for several years. They are a lovely couple and make me laugh and feel special every time I see them. A couple of years ago Texas passed one of these constitutional amendments. The place where Harold and I go to vote is actually an elementary school in the neighborhood. On that particular election day I was appalled to see all the signs that said “Marriage Should Be Between a Man and Woman Only”. As Harold drove us into the parking lot to vote, I looked out the window at those signs and realized that many parents had driven their kids to school that morning driving past those very signs. I wonder if any of them had the same reaction I did – those signs reminded me of the little signs we used to have back in the day that said “Whites Only”. Think about it.

I don’t have to think about. Already I know that eliminating fundamental rights to anyone goes against the beliefs that this country was founded upon.

Nothing is more powerful than two people promising their loyalty and devotion to one another, no matter what gender they may be. Teaching children that love and commitment between same sex couples is not the same (or as important) as it is between those of the opposite sex is sending a message that is unfair and wrong. It is discrimination that we should not tolerate.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Read All About It!

It’s the end of October and the start of a holiday season that begins with the 2008 Presidential Election. Whether you’re looking for ways to explain the election process to a child, or want to learn more about the candidates’ positions from a non-partisan source, ePals will have the answers you need. You can also use this resource as a way to connect children with a PenPal from another country and introduce them to another culture or community.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting is pleased to share with you an opportunity for growth and possibility for the New Year. 2009 is right around the corner and I want to thank you for being so supportive of one another and yourselves as a parent, business owner, or whatever role you choose to define yourself with.

Our community has grown over the last year, allowing me to evolve into the new technology of this new email program. This will allow me to better serve you and will provide you with the opportunity to customize the information you receive from me.

Please take a moment to manage your preferences or unsubscribe if you should no longer wish to receive correspondence from me. I do hope you prefer to continue to receive blog posts, Parenting News and event announcements directly to your Inbox each and every week.

In the next few weeks I will be sending out a Holiday Gift Guide as well as an invitation to an annual Happy Healthy Hip Holiday Party which I hope you will each be able to support by either attending or sponsoring.

If you attended the Parenting Party in May then you’ll know that these events are a great way to meet and mingle with other parents, along with the chance to walk away with some great prizes. It would be great to have a sell-out event which would send a message to San Diego that the parents in our community work together and play together! Tickets will go on sale soon.

Have a safe and wonderful Halloween weekend and let me know what I can do to support you.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Michelle Obama

It’s no secret that I’m voting for Barack Obama this year but I haven’t been very vocal about my opinion of his wife, our future First Lady.

As with every election, the spouse of our Presidential (and Vice-Presidential) nominees are just as scrutinized and judged as the nominee him/herself.

Michelle Obama will have an important role in The White House and I know, from seeing her on TV and reading her blog, that she will live up to that esteemed position and Americans will (and do) look up to her, just as they do the future President, and her husband, Barack Obama.

I received my ballot in the mail today (I’m an absentee voter) and I have never been so excited, so proud and so emotional about an election as I am this year. I will take my time in placing my vote, making sure to follow the instructions to the letter (so my vote doesn’t get dismissed) and I will proudly – and impatiently – wait until the ballots are counted, until our country has made their final decision and our new President takes office.

I’m proud to be an American and I’m even more proud that our country generates the type of leaders and representatives that stand up for our rights, uphold our personal freedoms and stand by the words found in the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Sarah Palin & Hillary Clinton: Live from New York

Since NBC had this video removed from YouTube due to copyright issues, I feel the need to share it with those who were not able to watch Saturday Night Live last night.

I too agree that Sarah Palin looks just like Tina Fey so it’s great to see her come back ato SNL to play the woman who stormed onto the political scene just weeks ago and keeps on surprising us.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

In the News

These following articles in today’s San Diego Union-Tribune caught my attention:

• Teen Maternity: Birth rates for adolescents is on the rise
• Clean-air cargo fee opposed by Palin
• Mom steals daughter’s ID to join cheerleading squad
• San Diego kindergartner disappears from school campus
• Coquille Indian Tribe becomes first tribe to legalize same-sex marriage

What stories from your local newspapers should parents around the nation be aware of?

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

SEX: Once a Day

Every one’s talking about sex these days. It only makes sense, seeing how the current election has turned everyone from informed voters to opinionated forecasters.

Talking about sex has never been an awkward or embarrassing issue for me, but I did find it ironic that, on the same day, two of my favorite sites that discuss sex and relationships, chose to interpret this chart differently.

Over at Women’s Health, they decided to focus on what to say while having sex while Daily Bedpost gave their input on what not to say.

Either way, sex talk is the major issue here and I encourage you – NO! – I urge you, to speak out, speak up and speak often, especially when it comes to telling your partner what exactly it is that you need, or where, how and perhaps, how often.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Mama for Obama

I know you all heard it. I know you are all still pumped from the energy surrounding the DNC and that’s exactly why I want to share with you some of my favorite excerpts from Obama’s acceptance speech.

And, for those Mamas out there who would like to use this lovely badge that I created, please link it back to this post and kindly give me credit for the creation of it:

Sen. Barack Obama:

...[the] promise that has always set this country

apart, that through hard work and sacrifice, each

of us can pursue our individual dreams but still

come together as one American family, to ensure

that the next generation can pursue their dreams

as well.

America, we are better than these last eight years.

We are a better country than this. And we are

here because we love our country too much to

let the next four years look like the last eight.

On November 4, we must stand up and say:

“Eight is enough.”

Our government should work for us, not against

us. It should help us, not hurt us. It should ensure

opportunity, not just for those with the most

money and influence, but for every American

who’s willing to work.

and I’m glad he was able to experience Obama’s presence and hear the powerful message he shared.

Senator Barack Obama, you’ve got this mama’s vote.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home