Political Post

Now that my dad is out of the race, this is the most I'll be referencing the upcoming election.  While I won't be taking part (in drinking games, not the election), I did find this quite humorous. :)

the run-off

Although it won't be official until early next week, it appears that my dad has lost the run-off...by 154 votes.  Out of ~27,500.  

It is definitely disappointing, and I really feel like dad would have been the best candidate to go up against John Barrow (the Democratic incumbent) this November.  However, he had some obstacles along the way, and it just didn't happen.  

Let it be said, as I've said before, I am so proud of my dad.  And I'm grateful that there are others out there like him who genuinely want to make a difference.  It's not about the power, it's not about the prestige, and it's not about the politics.  He just wants to see this country become what it can be.  For his children.  And for his adorable grandchildren. :)

He'll just be a part of that from another angle.

So, thanks for the thoughts and prayers these past few months.  It's been a lot of hard work, but it just wasn't his time.  On the flip side, we're excited about getting to see so much of my dad over the next few months!

Thoughts on the Primaries

I don't really spend much of my time talking politics, and I definitely don't spend any time talking politics on social media.  I definitely think about what I would say as a rebuttal to some of the comments posted, articles published, opinions running rampant, but I usually refrain.  Of course this year is a little different, as things have gotten personal.  

As I've mentioned before, my dad is running for U.S. Congress in the 12th district.  Therefore, for the first time, I was right in the thick of it all.  

Throughout this process I've realized a few things - 

- Primaries really are important.  After all of this, I'd like to say that Jamie and I will be more educated on who we'd like to see representing our party in the November elections.  And then get out there and vote in July (and possibly August, if there's a run-off).  And definitely in November.

- Despite the disappointing fact that so many Americans do not actually vote, especially in the primaries, people work really hard for those elections.  My mom, dad, their friends, our family, his campaign staff, volunteers, and more have been wearing themselves out making phone calls, knocking on doors, holding signs, praying, and doing whatever is necessary to get dad's name out there.

Jennifer + Jamie during our shift of sign holding

- I admittedly used my child as a buffer to put political propaganda on social media (which I know I said I never did, but this was for my dad!).  I mean, how can you make a super negative comment on my FB post, when the most adorable face is staring at you?  

the proof :)

- Watch parties are not really my idea of a party.  Last night was fun and humbling to be surrounded by such a group of supporters, but stressful waiting for the results.

my family, supporting dad

(and, yes, my shoes are off...this was at 11:30pm and they were tired!)

- And I'll end with this....

No, my dad didn't win...yet.  He's headed to a run-off that will take place on August 21st.  

As we were preparing for whatever was going to happen, I couldn't help but reflect on what this all means.  To watch my dad lose would not be fun at all, and my dad really believes that this is something God has called him to...But, I also have to remember that sometimes (actually most of the time), God is working in the journey, not necessarily the outcome.  (Major props to my husband for reminding me of this.)  I do think God will do big things through my dad if he makes it to DC, but I have already seen Him do big things through my dad over the past few months.

He has always been an amazing man, full of character, grace, wisdom, faith.  But, I've watched him develop relationships that wouldn't have come about but through this grueling process.  I've seen him humbled by his dependency on other people and their support - financially, emotionally, and spiritually.  I've watched him grow in his faith, as he has to relinquish control over this situation...he works hard to do what he can, but at the end of the day, it's up to the voters.  I've been witness to his hard, hard, hard work to fight for what he believes in, and what he believes will benefit his children, and our children.  I know that man is tired!  

All of that to say, I'm proud of my dad.  And I'll be just as proud of him whether he's a U.S. Congressman or just my dad.  I'm pretty sure God would agree with me on that one.

I'll be sure to post updates as we move along...

on the campaign trail

As I've mentioned previously, my dad is running for U.S. Congress for the 12th district.  You can find out more about his campaign here, but I just thought I'd share some of the latest things that we've been able to be a part of.  

First are a few snapshots from The Atlanta Press Club, Loudermilk Young debate that we got to attend last night.  

this is one of my favorite split photos...love how my dad can go from

future congressman to Daddy Big (his grandpa name) in a matter of minutes

And finally, here is Hammond's TV DEBUT!!  :)  Two of the commercials that are running in the 12th district.  The first one is my favorite!

celebrations

It's amazing how much one year can hold, and this year is FULL of exciting things for my family.  (The ones affecting our immediate family are in red!)

- In November, my dad turned 60.
- In January, I turned 30.
- In February, my grandma Ruth turned 90.
- In March, my brother-in-law, Tee, turns 40.
- In July, Jamie turns 30.
- In February, Tee's company went public (which, if you're financially illiterate like I am, is a HUGE deal).
- In March, we're having a baby!
- In April, cousin Molly Kate is getting married.
- In May, little sister is getting married! (And so is cousin Reeve!)
- Also in May, my brother and sister-in-law return to the States (from Madagascar, where they've been for 2 years!).
- In July, my dad will go through the primaries for Congress.
- Assuming he's our Republican candidate, the elections will be in November!  

As we've all joked, any of these events (other than the big birthdays, which we are always up for celebrating) are enough to stand alone and make one year busy and exciting.  But, we are certainly blessed...and busy!  Let's pray this baby is flexible, cause we've got lots going on shortly after he or she is born. :)

here's a photo from dad's website...Scout even made the family photo!

(of course, this is sans Andy + Betsy, since they're overseas)