We Can Not Turn Back...

Tell me last night wasn't electrifying! I sat in awe from beginning to end.

Shawn Johnson gave the Pledge of Allegiance and Jennifer Hudson sang the National Anthem.


Will.I.Am and John Legend sang "Yes We Can".


Al Gore took the stage to show his support for Barack. My favorite quote from Al was in regard to the comparison between Bush and McCain when he said, "I'm all for recycling, but that's rediculous". How true is that statement?

Al Gore's DNC speech


Oprah said it best by saying "I cried my eyelashes off". What a historical moment. Obama's speech says it all. Barack laid out his strategy in a very clear and precise manner. He did not leave you wondering what his views are or how he will lead this great country he loves so much.

Barack Obama's Acceptance speech


For a transcript of Al Gore's DNC speech, go to:
http://www.demconvention.com/al-gore/

For a transcript of Barack Obama's Acceptance speech, go to:
http://www.demconvention.com/barack-obama/

McCain Picks Who?

Sarah Palin? Never heard of her. I know now that she was elected in 2006 as Governor of Alaska, but other than that, I don't know anything about her. I'm surprised by his choice, since he's given Obama such a hard time about experience. I guess he figures he can teach her a few things between now and election time.

On another note, did you hear that Cindy McCain's 1/2 Sister is backing Obama? That's a nice surprise. Attached is the article:
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/28/cindy-mccains-half-sister-backs-obama/

All Votes Are In...

The long journey for Barack, finally came to completion yesterday afternoon when Hillary Clinton's call for Obama to be approved by acclamation as the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States. When those words were spoken, the convention hall went nuts. Cheers in the crowd, screaming OBAMA, OBAMA, and YES WE CAN, YES WE CAN filled the room. It was finally what the Democrats wanted to see, Unity. For once, everyone seemed to come together, put aside their differences, and support Barack in his next journey in becoming President Barack Obama ~ that has a really nice ring to it, doesn't it?

Last night was quite an impressive evening. I thought all of the speeches were on point. They all seemed to take a stance to show the world why Barack is ready to lead this great nation. I have to say, my favorite speech of the night was Bill Clinton. He delivered in such a way that you could actually feel his passion for uniting the Democrats so we all come together to support such a wonderful candidate.

Bill Clinton's DNC Speech


Joe Biden's Acceptance Speech At The DNC


Tonight we come upon the 45th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have A Dream speech. Barack's acceptance speech couldn't come at a more perfect time. I'm sure Dr. King will be smiling down on Invesco Field tonight as Barack so eloquently delivers the speech of his life.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" Speech
August 28, 1963


For a transcript of Bill Clinton's DNC speech, go to:
http://www.demconvention.com/bill-clinton/

For a transcript of Joe Biden's Acceptance speech, go to:
http://www.demconvention.com/joe-biden/

For a transcript of the I Have A Dream speech, go to:
http://www.usconstitution.net/dream.html

I have a dilemma.....

We're going to Nashville in September and I'm looking for ideas on where to eat. Any suggestions? Leave a comment.

No Way, No How, NO MCCAIN!

I thought Hillary did a great job delivering her Unity speech last night at the DNC. I would have liked to have heard a little more about Barack, but over all I think she had a solid night. Didn't you find it very surprising how funny Hillary could be? I don't think I've seen much of that side of her, and I was quite impressed. It was refreshing to see another side.

Hillary Clinton's DNC Speech


I'm still a little dissapointed that there are Hillary supporters out there that will not vote Barack into the White House in November. It doesn't make sense to me. One thing about Hillary and Barack is they share more of the same views, than those they differ on. John McCain is on a completely different page than that of Democratic supporters. We've had a Republican in the White House for 8 years, and look where that's gotten us. Can we really have another 4, possibly 8 more years of the same? I just can't see it and can't wrap my mind around what Americans think McCain will do any differently than that of our current President, George W. Bush. People need to remember that President Bush is considered the most unpopular President in modern history with only a 28% approval rating. CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider wrote in May 2008 an article regarding George Bush, which said "He is more unpopular than Richard Nixon was just before he resigned from the presidency in August 1974." How on earth can anyone even consider McCain?

"Tonight we need to remember what a Presidential election is really about. When the polls have closed, and the ads are finally off the air, it comes down to you -- the American people, your lives, and your children’s futures" (quote from Hillary Clinton's DNC speech). To sum it all up, Hillary said it best when she said "This is a fight for the future. And it’s a fight we must win".

For a transcript of Hillary Clinton's DNC speech, go to:
http://www.demconvention.com/hillary-rodham-clinton/

"Faith In Each Other And A Hunger For Change" ~ Michelle Obama

Meet Michelle Obama


As I sit here the morning after Michelle Obama's speech, I can't tell you how moved I was about what she had to say. I think Barack may have said it best when he said "Michelle was electrifying, inspiring, and absolutely magnificent". I know he as well as her mother and brother must be so proud of her. I don't know how her mother kept it all together last night. She brought me to tears sitting their watching her speak so eloquently about her family and about how she knows Barack is the right choice for President.

Michelle Obama's Speech At The DNC


What better week to hold the Democratic National Convention than this? We are coming up on a historic week, which signifies the 88th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote as well as the 45th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s, I Have A Dream speech.

However, imagine for a moment, the BEST is yet to come.

For a transcript of Michelle Obama's DNC Speech go to:
http://www.hiphopmusic.com/2008/08/michelle_obama_dnc_convention.html

Where it all began for Barack Obama

Fired Up!!!

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a Barack Obama supporter through and through. So, when I saw an email come through which contains a video on youtube regarding Registered Nurse, Jill Stanick, who goes on camera to discuss Obama's views on "live birth abortions" - I was quite appalled. Or as Barack would say, I was FIRED UP. Of course the video is a smear ad and only shows one side. Might I also add that on June 30, 2008, in an interview on CNN with reporter John Roberts, the Reverend Wendall Ulman said Stanick did not represent their hospital in a credible way and was therefore fired from the Chicago Hospital.

Let's take a look at what Obama's views really are on abortion & contraception education:

*Ok for state to restrict late-term partial birth abortion. (Apr 2008)
*We can find common ground between pro-choice and pro-life. (Apr 2008)
*Teach teens about abstinence and also about contraception. (Apr 2008)
*Expand access to contraception; reduce unintended pregnancy. (Feb 2008)
*Rated 100% by NARAL on pro-choice votes in 2005, 2006 & 2007. (Jan 2008)
*Voted against banning partial birth abortion. (Oct 2007)
*Trust women to make own decisions on partial-birth abortion. (Apr 2007)
*Protect a woman's right to choose. (May 2004)
*Supports Roe v. Wade. (Jul 1998)
*Voted NO on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
*Voted NO on prohibiting minors crossing state lines for abortion. (Mar 2008)
*Voted YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
*Sponsored bill providing contraceptives for low-income women. (May 2006)
*Ensure access to and funding for contraception. (Feb 2007)

The way I see it Barack stands for Pro-Choice, giving the right to women to make their own decision when it comes to abortion. I also see Barack as someone who believes education on teen pregnancy and contraceptives is the key to lowering the rate of abortion. Last but not least, I believe Barack Obama is the "CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN".

Grandparents Visit

Well, as I mentioned yesterday our home is like a revolving door of visitors. This week, my parents are in town to spend time with Ms. Priss Pot. Of course any time the grandparents are here, Laura can do no wrong. She gets away with a bunch and in turn, next week will be oh so pleasant for Tim and I. That's what grandparents are for though, isn't it?

We were able to take a little road trip this past weekend to Dallas. It was a lot of fun for the girls but I'm not so sure about the guys. We ate at this restaurant called Babe's Chicken and it was soooooo delicious. If you're ever in the Dallas area, I would highly recommend it. Our waitress Nicole ended up serenading us to Loretta Lynn's "Cole Miners Daughter" and I have to say, she was quite good. She's needs to be in Nashville instead of Dallas. From lunch we headed to the Southfork Ranch where Dallas, the TV show was filmed (photo above). The house is much smaller than you would expect, but it was very pretty. It made you feel as though you were living the high life. The next day, we visited the site where President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot. It was a surreal moment standing on the X in the road on Elm Street which signified the exact place of his untimely death.

It's been so nice having them here this week to spend time with Laura before she goes to Kindergarten. I can't believe it's already that time for her to to start school. Time surely does fly.

A little background

My husband, daughter and I moved 3 years ago from our birthplace in NC, to the BIG state of TX. It has truly been a journey as you’ll come to see. Our parents, Laura’s grandparents, and my brother all still live in NC, so our home has become a revolving door with visitors. I don’t know that family is considered "visitors", but you know what I mean. We love it though, and wouldn’t have it any other way. Tim and I both fell in love with TX, it seemed as if this was the place we were meant to be. This is not to say we haven't missed our family and friends dearly, but it just feels like home.
I love to read! Actually this is a new passion of mine. Growing up I did not enjoy reading at all but at 34 I find stories to be so interesting. I like true stories most of all, but I’ve also been known to delve into a novel here or there. At some point I would love to sit down and actually write my own story. Hopefully, Behind The Walls Of Vanderwilt will be the start of something along those lines.
Another passion I have is photography. I’m very critical of my photos so I would say I only have a handful of what I consider great pieces of work. Nonetheless, I adore taking the shots to see what I may end up with. I don’t like digital photography, at least, not quite yet. I’m still a 35mm kind of girl. Eventually I’m sure I’ll make the switch, but right now I’m as happy as a clam changing out rolls of film.
Since moving to TX I’ve gotten involved in a few “Walks”. My first walk was with the Arthritis Foundation, which I did in honor of my grandmother who battles with rheumatoid arthritis. After finishing my 1st 5K, Tim and Laura decided they wanted to get involved as well. So, that same year, we did the Step Out To Fight Diabetes Walk along with the Susan G. Komen walk. I encourage anyone who has the ability to walk, to find a cause they are passionate about and get out there ~ raise money and walk.
My purpose for introducing you to Behind the Walls of Vanderwilt is to share with you my thoughts about life ~ marriage, family, spirituality, work-home life balance, entertainment gossip (I'm an entertainment junkie) and hobbies ~ just an aray of what I consider my hot topics. Hopefully I will be able to share with you my experiences and in turn, you can share yours.