RaeElise-isms

Heartbeep- "Momma, can I try to listen to your heartbeep with my doctor set?"

Swimsoup or Swimmingsoup- "Momma, can you please help me put on my swimsoup?"

Sun'scream'- "I need more sunscream so I don't get burned!"

Valentime's Day- "I like to make pretty cards for Valentime's Day."

A little story about initials: We were driving home from Ikea when I noticed a license plate that had RRP on it. I brought it to the kid's attention, saying that 3 of them had these initials, everyone accept for Reuben and RaeElise. Reuben spoke up at that point, saying "Yeah, I am RAP", and Jodie, Blake's mom, said, "I am JAP"...from the back seat, a sweet little voice emerged from RaeElise, "Well, I am CRAP!" Needless to say, her rhyming abilities are second to none.

Julie's book list

Another way I like to follow in Oprah's footsteps is by encouraging people to read. I believe that reading and education is essential in living your best life. I am currently reading the following book...What is by your bedside? Let me know your recommendations!

John Adams, by David McCullough
A very approachable biography on this great Father of our country and Second President. I met Mr. McCullough in June at a lecture series in Seattle. Two of his biographies have earned him the Pulitzer Prize. He is an adoring, 72 year old man, who is an excellent storyteller and he has such passion for teaching and telling history. My children are going to be reading his books for their history studies. Living books are so much more preferable to text books.

Sonja's Journey Begins

My Name is Sonja Pearle Gaylard. I have been using drugs and alcohol since I was 13 years old. I will be 24 on August 5, 2005. I have come to accept that I am a drug addict and yes, I do need help. I can not do this all on my own. I do need help from others and so I am trying to find sponsors to help me on my journey to sobriety.

I am going to be attending an all Christian Women's Facility in Seattle. I am going to learn how to be responsible, accountable and drug free. I desire to become a mother, a teacher and a musician. I used to play the flute. I hope to someday play it again in a worship band. I know that if I continue to use [drugs], all these dreams will not be possible.

Please consider sponsoring me. But if you can't afford to help pay for me to go to this program, please at least pray for me...

Thank you with all sincerity,
Sonja Pearle Gaylard

www.tcseattle.org
www.lifeormeth.org

Julie's dream, to be the Poor White Oprah (and what that means)!

Ok, I admit it. I am a true Oprah fan...and what do I like most about Oprah? I think she has figured out how to use her life, her time, her talents, and yes...her MONEY, to bless people and help them in ways no one else has even dreamed of doing. Yes, I know some would say she has a flimsy, self-created faith/spiritual philosophy and yes, I know that she has a staff of people who help her shine, but she has chosen to use her amazing life and influence to make our world a better place, especially for women. I admire her greatly and I would like to consider myself one of her disciples...I would like to be known as Julie Paine, the Poor White Oprah.

I know I am freaking some of you out...but I want to use this blog to reach some of my goals. I know that I can make a difference in the lives of others and I want to inspire others to do the same, to "live their best life", as my rich black hero says. So join me here, give me your input, and lets have an aha-moment or two together!