An Update

My mom felt like I was too harsh on Mel Gibson.

So, here is an addendum. I do believe in forgiveness. Not forgetting (just think about if we forgave those that crucified Jesus and then forgot about the action!) but forgiving. I also believe that we all make mistakes and we should be responsible for our mistakes because that is part of learning from them. I also believe we should pray for one another especially those that have made grievous errors in life.

Have I forgiven Mel, yes, Jesus calls me to do that. Did he learn from this mistake? I surely hope so. Only time will tell.

One point that I hope I made in the last post and still make here is that when you put so much of yourself into a project you also assume responsibility for that. When Mel Gibson made The Passion of the Christ he brought the word of God to many who may not have been exposed to it. Part of Christ's passion is John 13:34-35. In fact, that passage comes right before Jesus tells Peter that Peter will deny him three times. Mel needs to remember that with the privilege to tell this story comes an awesome responsibility. That is to live its message.

God Bless You Mel, I hope something like this never happens again.

And God Bless You for reading this and hopefully learning something from it!

No I Don't

feel sorry for Mel Gibson. See, here's the thing, he was doing something illegal, driving drunk. And any of us who did that would show up in the police blotter, so why shouldn't he. Arrest records are public records, so his should be too. The fact that he made anti-semitic remarks is atrocious and I don't think he should hide behind the alcohol because as most of us know, alcochol has another name: truth serum. Mel is a fundamentalist, a Catholic one, but a fundamentalist none the less. Catholics persecuted the Jewish people as a part of the Spanish Inquisition and at other times in other places. Hey, I'm Catholic too, it's not a proud part of our past, but one we have to acknowledge to make sure we don't repeat it. Now, I'm not saying that Mel is a bigot because he is a fundamentalist, but fundamentalists tend to be able to get their message across because they live a life so dedicated to only one way of celebrating their faith (for another example, we can look to my buddy Tom Cruise). I don't feel like the media is picking on poor Mel Gibson at all. When you make a movie called "The Passion of the Christ" you are making a statement that you believe what Christ believed in. I'd like to remind Mr Gibson of one of Christ's most famous beliefs, "I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

A Few Hours of Sleep

Last night I crawled into bed at 9:30 pm. Shelby was asleep sometime between 9 and 9:30. She slept until 2:30 when I awoke to hear her stirring. We got up and completed a ritual familiar to many parents, we changed a diaper and then settled on the couch to feed. She nursed for 30 minutes and then fell back asleep. I put her back in her bassinet and went back to bed and slept until I heard her stirring again. At 5:45. She slept for five hours the first stretch and then another 2 hours and 45 minutes the second stretch. I could hardly believe it! What a great 3 1/2 week old I have. But who am I kidding, she is only 3 1/2 weeks old, so she will not be consistent. Plus, so many things can irritate a little baby. But she's an angel, so I will take whatever she gives!

As Soon As I Said Something...

about my baby girl loving her sling, she decided she hated it and screamed bloody murder uncontrollably every time we tried to put her in it. Oh well, she had a colicky period yesterday but finally settled down to sleep at around 10:30. Maybe she'll decide in a couple of days that she likes it again. We can only hope.

The Sling

My daughter and I have a new best friend. The sling. It lets mama do some work and baby to be close to mama. I recommend them to all mothers with newborns!

Gargoyles

I recently posted about gargoyles, well, recent being within about the last month. Here is one I found on the web that I especially love. I am thinking about buying some for outside our home!
There's nothing like an angel to protect you.

Gifts

I have been, of course, besieged by gifts from all kinds of people since Shelby was born. I am behind on the thank yous (so sue me, I'm sleep deprived). People want to constantly ask me what big things do we want or need. Here's the thing, we have just about all of the big things. She has no pink clothes except what I bought her this week with the money her Granny sent her. But people don't want to buy her new clothes. I'm not sure why. My brothers really want to get her something big, so I reserved the last real big thing for them and I refuse to even mention it here for fear someone will read it and buy it before they do. So, anyone reading this who feels compelled to send a gift, pink or girlie clothes in size 6 mths or larger or size 2 diapers (Luvs brand please, the Huggies and Pampers leak too easily).

If you want...

To see more pix of Shelby and read her updates check out this site: www.caringbridge.org/visit/shelbyclareherrett

Some New Things I Have Learned

since becoming a mama.
1) Sleep is not overrated.
2) When a baby looks up at you and seems to smile, (even if it is only gas) your heart will melt into your stomach.
3) Dogs are dogs. It's that simple
4) Cleaning and scrubbing really can wait til tomorrow.
5) People who appear to be hard and crusty will dissolve at the sight of a tiny newborn.
6) Always be nice to nurses.
7) Hospital food rocks. Especially because you don't have to cook it.
8) Breastfeeding is hard but is truly what is best.
9) Prayer goes a long way.
10) Take it all with a grain of salt. The doctor might call for more weight checks, and the blood work might not yet be done, but it will all turn out for the best!

And We Welcome

Shelby Clare born July 6, 2006 8 lbs 5 oz 20 inches long! She is the love and joy of our lives!

Here's One to File

for the week you were born baby Herrett. Ken Lay, the corrupt founder of Enron, died at age 64. Guess he'll get justice on the other side. An interesting note for baby Herrett, you will be born on the one year anniversary of the London train bombings.

On a lighter note, you share your birthday with Ringo Starr! And your first birthday will be 7/7/07! A lucky number indeed!

Happy 4th of July

Like I would let the entire day pass without acknowledging the country's birthday. We shoot off fireworks and have pancake breakfasts and parades. It was also the day that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson passed away. Happy Birthday America!

I Know I Promised....

but being a new mom in a few days, this one was impossible to pass up! Plus I need to pass time doing something other than counting minutes!

You Are a Newborn Soul

You are tolerant, accepting, and willing to give anyone a chance. On the flip side, you're easy to read and easily influenced by others. You have a fresh perspective on life, and you can be very creative. Noconformist and nontraditional, you've never met anyone who's like you. Inventive and artistic, you like to be a trendsetter. You have an upbeat spirit and you like almost everything. You make friends easily and often have long standing friendships. Implusive and trusting, you fall in love a little too easily. Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

In Case You Haven't Noticed

I've been obsessed with the blogthings website. I really enjoy it though. It's fun to play around so that works. BTW, I have never had "magic brownies" that Hyde would make on That '70's Show. Just in the interest of complete disclosure. I will try to put some more space with "real" posts before I put too much more from blogthings!

Here are some cute animals, maybe I will try to find them a place in the nursery!

I Fully Agree With This One....I am Sweet and Natural Aren't I?

You Are Strawberry Ice Cream

A bit shy and sensitive, you are sweet to the core. You often find yourself on the outside looking in. Insightful and pensive, you really understand how the world works. You are most compatible with chocolate chip ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

I Don't Know How They Came Up With This Based On My Name....

You Are Dave Matthews Band Magic Brownies Ice Cream

Not *those* magic brownies!

What Flavor Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Are You?

And There Are People Who Believe This About Me Too...:)

You Are a Strawberry Margarita

You're so sweet it's a little overwhelming, and people are a little afraid of corrupting you... It's a little difficult to imagine you with a margarita. And you're truly a different person after you've kicked back a couple!

What Flavor Margarita Are You?

That's Where I Want To Be...

Your 2005 Song Is

Beverly Hills by Weezer "My automobile is a piece of crap My fashion sense is a little whack And my friends are just as screwy as me" You breezed through 2005 in your own funky style!

What Hit Song of 2005 Are You?

Candy Heart

Your Candy Heart Says "First Kiss"

You're a true romantic who brings an innocent hope to each new relationship. You see the good in every person you date, and you relish each step of falling in love. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a romantic dinner your sweetie cooks for you Your flirting style: friendly and sweet What turns you off: cynics who don't believe in romance Why you're hot: you always keep the romance alive

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

One Smart Cookie

You Are a Chocolate Chip Cookie

Traditional and conservative, most people find you comforting. You're friendly and easy to get to know. This makes you very popular - without even trying!

What Kind of Cookie Are You?