May 25, 2006
New post gone awry...
I actually just did a more serious post on "wrongful birth" lawsuits, but because I started it a few weeks ago, it's posted it back on May 15. If you're interested, scroll down past the pics of Miranda and there it is.
May 21, 2006
Chik-a-bow...
Your Stripper Song Is
Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard
"Love is like a bomb, baby, c'mon get it on
Livin' like a lover with a radar phone
Lookin' like a tramp, like a video vamp
Demolition woman, can I be your man?"
Break out the baby oil, you rock it old school.
Thanks Joy for leading us in these explorations of our psyche.
Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard
"Love is like a bomb, baby, c'mon get it on
Livin' like a lover with a radar phone
Lookin' like a tramp, like a video vamp
Demolition woman, can I be your man?"
Break out the baby oil, you rock it old school.
Thanks Joy for leading us in these explorations of our psyche.
May 17, 2006
OK ladies, here's mine...
***Your Five Factor Personality Profile***
Extroversion:
You have medium extroversion.You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party.Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences.But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time."
Conscientiousness:
You have high conscientiousness.Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life.Most things in your life are organized and planned well.But you borderline on being a total perfectionist.
Agreeableness:
You have medium agreeableness.You're generally a friendly and trusting person.But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism.You get along well with others, as long as they play fair.
Neuroticism:
You have medium neuroticism.You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic.Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy.Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of.
Openness to experience:
Your openness to new experiences is high.In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.
The Five Factor Personality Testhttp://www.blogthings.com/thefivefactorpersonalitytest/
Extroversion:
You have medium extroversion.You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party.Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences.But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time."
Conscientiousness:
You have high conscientiousness.Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life.Most things in your life are organized and planned well.But you borderline on being a total perfectionist.
Agreeableness:
You have medium agreeableness.You're generally a friendly and trusting person.But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism.You get along well with others, as long as they play fair.
Neuroticism:
You have medium neuroticism.You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic.Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy.Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of.
Openness to experience:
Your openness to new experiences is high.In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.
The Five Factor Personality Testhttp://www.blogthings.com/thefivefactorpersonalitytest/
May 16, 2006
Miranda's celebration
Russell 
Isn't this picture beautiful? It was taken on April 30th (her 9 month birthday!) at my home church in Lubbock, Texas. From left to right: Nanny, roommate and Uncle John, Pop, Billy, me, Miranda, Grandmommie, Auntie Elle, Aunt Ali; in the back are Uncle Shawn, cousin Spencer, and Father Sellers. What a great day. Miranda, you are well-loved!
Isn't this picture beautiful? It was taken on April 30th (her 9 month birthday!) at my home church in Lubbock, Texas. From left to right: Nanny, roommate and Uncle John, Pop, Billy, me, Miranda, Grandmommie, Auntie Elle, Aunt Ali; in the back are Uncle Shawn, cousin Spencer, and Father Sellers. What a great day. Miranda, you are well-loved!
Check out my cutie!
Doesn't she look proud, clutching her own little handful of carrots? For those who don't know, this is our little Miranda Renee, also known as Scrunchie or Crunchie. She's learning to crawl, stand, and other big accomplishments!
May 15, 2006
Wrongful birth?
Ok, I'm going to risk offending some folks here. I was on the bike at the Y, reading People when I should have been reading something for school, and I found an article about a family who sued their OB-GYN after their daughter was born with spina bifida. Theirs was a "wrongful birth" suit. I can't find that article online, but here is a link to a similar story on the CBS site.
To start -- I don't have a disabled child, and I can only imagine how difficult it would be to parent a child with significant medical issues. OK, I really can't imagine, to be truthful. There's the disclaimer.
But I guess I was struck, initially, by the wording of the thing. What does it mean for a child's birth to be "wrongful"? Is that the same as just plain "wrong"? Is there a difference between the birth being wrongful, and the life itself being wrongful? Does this mean that the child's existence is wrong? How blurry are the lines of distinction between these questions? The excerpt below raises a key concern:
“It seems as though we're questioning not only the value of life, but the value of people who are not perfect,” says Anita Allen-Castellito, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a bio-ethicist. Castellito worries that Ryan will be damaged emotionally if he learns that his mother testified that she would have had an abortion if she had known about his condition. “Realistically how many children are going to hear that complicated story as opposed to the simpler message that ‘I didn't want you, you're disabled, I didn't want a disabled child,’” says Castellito.
This is an admittedly brief and inelegant attempt to discuss a very complex and highly emotional issue. I'm sure there are many other posts that might deal with it more thoroughly, which I'd love to you to forward to me if you find them! But I wanted to at least ask the questions.
I've been following the blog of a friend-of-a-friend who's son (one of twins) was born with serious health complications. And I've been deeply moved by the incredible care and concern he and his wife have lavished on their boy. It competes with the time they have for their new daughter, and seems to be exhausting. But they've named him in honor of strength, and faithfulness, and Christ himself. They post pictures of him next to his daddy's marathon medals, and cheer him on as he grows. What a beautiful, beautiful gift to begin this little life, and to proclaim its value.
To start -- I don't have a disabled child, and I can only imagine how difficult it would be to parent a child with significant medical issues. OK, I really can't imagine, to be truthful. There's the disclaimer.
But I guess I was struck, initially, by the wording of the thing. What does it mean for a child's birth to be "wrongful"? Is that the same as just plain "wrong"? Is there a difference between the birth being wrongful, and the life itself being wrongful? Does this mean that the child's existence is wrong? How blurry are the lines of distinction between these questions? The excerpt below raises a key concern:
“It seems as though we're questioning not only the value of life, but the value of people who are not perfect,” says Anita Allen-Castellito, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a bio-ethicist. Castellito worries that Ryan will be damaged emotionally if he learns that his mother testified that she would have had an abortion if she had known about his condition. “Realistically how many children are going to hear that complicated story as opposed to the simpler message that ‘I didn't want you, you're disabled, I didn't want a disabled child,’” says Castellito.
This is an admittedly brief and inelegant attempt to discuss a very complex and highly emotional issue. I'm sure there are many other posts that might deal with it more thoroughly, which I'd love to you to forward to me if you find them! But I wanted to at least ask the questions.
I've been following the blog of a friend-of-a-friend who's son (one of twins) was born with serious health complications. And I've been deeply moved by the incredible care and concern he and his wife have lavished on their boy. It competes with the time they have for their new daughter, and seems to be exhausting. But they've named him in honor of strength, and faithfulness, and Christ himself. They post pictures of him next to his daddy's marathon medals, and cheer him on as he grows. What a beautiful, beautiful gift to begin this little life, and to proclaim its value.
Things to learn about this blog:
1) How to post pictures
2) How to do links (both permanent and within posts)
3) How to create a "books on the nightstand" section
4) How to be as funny as the folks I know who blog!
2) How to do links (both permanent and within posts)
3) How to create a "books on the nightstand" section
4) How to be as funny as the folks I know who blog!
Off to Cincy
Billy, Miranda and I are headed up to Cincinnati (Covington, KY actually) for the "Pastor in Community" conference I've been participating in for the last few years. This is the last one, which is sad, as I've enjoyed meeting new folks and spending a few solid days talking about the practices that make and break community (keeping promises, telling the truth, offering hospitality, and being grateful). This week's topic is practicing discernment and its role in facilitating the other practices. Billy will be Mr. Mom throughout most of the day, a role which he fulfills better than anyone I know. Also, we usually get some very nice meals.
When I get back, it's gotta be Aquinas, Aquinas, Aquinas. I've scheduled my trip to Durham to meet with my academic advisor in July, and I need to have two good papers done by then.
When I get back, it's gotta be Aquinas, Aquinas, Aquinas. I've scheduled my trip to Durham to meet with my academic advisor in July, and I need to have two good papers done by then.
May 11, 2006
I can't believe I've done this...
Well, it's happened. I've joined the blogosphere! I'm sure this won't be as witty as some others, but as least I can keep my family posted on Miranda's bursts of daily brilliance. Also, when my advisor wonders why I'm not making as much progress as I'd like, he can find the answer to his question right here.
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