Video of the kids

Fall Fun

Playing in the leaves

This afternoon we took the kids to the park to enjoy the 60 degree weather. They had a lot of fun playing in the leaves.

Up on my soapbox

As an anthropology student, it comes naturally to me to read the world news. I try to be open minded and to be constantly learning about other cultures in an effort to understand their motivations and way of life. Sometimes it's hard to be neutral and not get upset and judgemental. Sometimes though I read things that make me angry like this article on BBC.com:

"Thousands of Iranian women have been cautioned over their poor Islamic dress this week and several hundred arrested in the capital Tehran in the most fierce crackdown on what's known as "bad hijab" for more than a decade."

Read the rest here

What upsets me most about this is that women are treated as though they are nothing. There are so many in Iran today who used to be lawyers, doctors, judges, etc. Now they are getting arrested for not covering themselves in the manner considered proper by their government. Covering one's body or head with a veil or burka should be a personal choice. It shouldn't be mandated and it certainly shouldn't be a reason to send a woman to the clink.

I just feel so angry when I read things like this. Why do men treat women like they are worthless? Doesn't every man have a mother? Isn't it women who are responsible for giving life to men? How then is it that men can turn around and treat women no better than animals?

My little ball player

Evan is doing awesome on the basketball team. They've won more games than they've lost and they seem to improve every time we see them play. These aren't the best pictures ever because my battery was dying so the flash didn't go off. But you get the idea:

More Halloween pics

The kids and their Aunt Cassandra





Evan, Abby and Evan's best friend Najee




My uh...costume





Trick or treat!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to you all!



Abby was able to dress up for school this morning. Evan wasn't supposed to, so I didn't get a picture of him in his costume yet. But here's my Princess Abby:

A day of 1sts

Today was Abby's first time going to a classmate's house to play after school. She went to one of the little boy's house that she is always talking about. She had a great time. Since the boy's mom picked her up from school, I had a few hours to myself after my morning at NIU. I met Josh for lunch at Noodles & Co. Then I came home and cleaned the house. I was really excited that I had some time to sit and read but also sad that my baby wasn't with me.

Today was also Evan's 1st basketball time. It was an away game but they were playing in the next town. His team didn't win but it was a close game. He played a fair amount and did a good job. It was a lot of fun watching the game. I can't wait for the next one!