The Swarrell Life

My sister came down this weekend to visit, it was really great to see Coleen and Jason. This is the first time they have been able to see Trinity, so it was fabulous to have them down. This was also the first time they have visited the new house as well. That's a long time! It's funny how time flies. I know we don't get up there nearly as often as I would like. Here is Coleen with her neice: Pretty comfy already, even though they just met! We call this her jailbird outfit for obvious reasons! For all the big Trinity fans out there here are some more pics of the little bugger. The lighting in the living room isn't so good. I wish that our flash wouldn't wash everything out. Then we wouldn't have to settle for blurry pictures. I hope that Jason's pictures turned out better. Tummy times are getting better, look at her hold that head up! She's so cute, it's ridiculous! I like these next photos because of the scale. Autumn took them while I was holding Tr...

There are new pictures and movies of Trinity coming, just haven't put them on the computer yet...

But in the end it really doesn't matter who wins an argument, because that doesn't change how we treat people, it just makes us feel better about being right. I found this video through a tweet from the author of a blog I read and thought that it was pretty relevant to life today. I have written recently about a friend of mine going to prison; accepting and loving people wherever they are is certainly my flavor of the day. The great thing is that in this video you can substitute just about any other form of socially "unacceptable" behavior in place of "gay", and although the song wouldn't rhyme anymore, it reflects how I feel about accepting people where they are. I am no better than anyone, it is just that my mistakes aren't as public. For instance, a little white lie is much easier to swallow than a mistake that is against the law of the land. So, how do you feel about it? Is it just easier to write someone off because they have made a mistake. I...

Typing sucks right now because I cut the tip of my finger with a "safety" razor. Annoying. Most of my type happens with that finger, never did take typing classes. This post may take forever to make it from my brain to the page...post...whatever. I suppose I should have a point to this post, don't really have one. I mentioned my friend that is going to prison, talked to him this evening. It is really hard to talk to someone who is looking at 17 years of prison time. We had a good talk, but sheesh it's a different conversation that one you have with your neighbor about the weather. You get to the point quickly, no extra words if you can help it. It can be frustrating because there is nothing I can say to make him feel better. I tell him any news I have heard, tell him that I love him and pray for him whenever I think about him, which is fairly frequent as of late. I hate the lack of access I have to him. I can write a letter, but it takes soooo long. I can receive phon...

Here are a couple of videos of Trinity, she is so cute. Have I said that enough? It is really amazing to be a part of her life, to be able to participate in another life to this extent. We really are blessed as parents to be able to raise children and enjoy them. They sure are fun! In this first one, she is playing on her gym, batting the noise maker. The second one is tummy time...with sound effects!

I have a good friend who is going to prison. It is a new experience for me, one that I am not happy about and most definitely not comfortable with. He made some major mistakes and now he is suffering the consequences. In fact, many people are suffering the consequences of his actions. But that's not the only thing that I am uncomfortable with. What bothers me is my natural inclination to assume the worst about him and act on it accordingly. It is as if part of me wants to believe the worst about him. Now, don't misunderstand me, I am not pretending to know what kind of a person he actually is. He deceived many people and committed grevious acts that have damaged all of his relationships and hurt many, many people. I am included in that group of people. I am hurt and part of me really wants to be indignant and judgemental about my friend and what he has done. I don't know him because in my eyes he is not the same person I thought I knew. The part that bothers me is that I na...

I have been having an attack of the conscience lately, in regards to our dog. She has been driving me bananas lately with her desire for attention. She has not been getting a lot of attention because of the baby and she is often a nuisance in our eyes. It's not her fault, she's always loved attention, she just doesn't understand. So I feel bad. I had Autumn get her a little treat the other day, it's been keeping her happy and occupied...I wonder why. To understand the scale of this picture, the dog weighs 115lbs. The bone is about a foot and a half long. Yummy dog treat! She might look like she is having fun with the bone, but she is actually protecting it. I was out in the yard, on mine patrol, and she was worried that I was going to take her bone from her. I would walk away and she would follow me, and then when I would walk towards the bone, she would walk right beside me, speeding up when I sped up. She loves her bone!