This morning I strapped my kids into our double stroller expecting a marathon wait at the polling station.  I had milk and fruit snacks and toys and the expectation that they would be having a fight over my iPhone by the time I reached the voting booth.  I had even broken out the big guns - promises of pure refined sugar (lollipops) before 9 AM if they didn't get me kicked out of the line for disturbing the peace.

Oh what a difference four years can make.  On Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 John and I were living in Maryland.  I was working full time.  We were in the middle of the IVF cycle that gave us our sweet Kate.  Last night as I laid in bed dreading having to vote with two kids whining about wanting to get out of the stroller and play, I reminded myself that my life is so so so much better with them in it.  And that if the 2008 version of myself could hear my inner (whiney) thoughts, that she would have smacked me.  So.  I made myself some strong coffee and voted early.  It was easy.

I am so thankful.  Thankful for the right to vote.  Thankful for the crazy toddlers who accompanied me to the polling station.  Thankful that we live in a country that has a peaceful process for choosing and changing leadership.  America isn't perfect, but I am very proud to live here.

I honestly don't care who you go vote for.  I personally live in a house divided (I lean left, John leans right) so I know that we as Americans can co-existed peacefully and happily.  I also know that there are good people working on both sides of the issues.  Maybe the government should take a note from my on marriage on how you can actually come to compromise despite a different set of values and constructs.  There is no right or wrong.  But it is so important that everyone has their voices heard and appreciates the sacrifices so many have made to allow this day to be possible.


Those are some of my values.  Now go vote yours!