An open letter to the driver of the pick up truck in the line at Whataburger whose bumper sticker read, "How's that "hope" and "change" working for you?"

You know, I will never forget that historic election night. My husband thought it was in the bag and that Obama would win for sure. I was hopeful but definitely not sure. In fact, I was so hopeful and optimistic on the inside that I was simultaneously terrified. Terrified that the election would be like every other year. I would pick the lesser of two evils and sit and watch as the one I didn't choose won. In that moment I would feel like I have always felt when it comes to politics, defeated.

Obama put that feeling into words that are much more graceful than my own when (in his victory speech) he said, "It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day."

In this election, I dared to dream. I wanted to believe that we could do something amazing as a group and make history by electing our first African American president. How incredible that we also had a woman in the race for a while too?! I was giddy with the idea that we could show the world that we aren't just the "ugly Americans" and that there are many of us, millions in fact, who feel differently.

It was so exciting to see the huge crowd gathered in Chicago awaiting the news. People had traveled there from all over. I knew a few people who traveled all the way there from Houston fueled by hope and excitement, banking on the idea that they would be there at that moment when history was made.

I voted for Obama because I wanted to see a different face in the White House. I wanted America to take that step. I voted for him because I hoped that he could make good on a few of those promises. I never expected him to do it all. Sadly, no matter what he may be capable of, I knew politics would get in the way. I voted for him because I was willing to take the risk. The risk of believing in someone and truly hoping that they would live up (even just a little) to what they promised. Hope is vulnerable like that.

So, to answer your question, Mr. bumper sticker man, if it really is a real question after all, my hope is working just fine for me. I continue to hope that we can do great things in our country and in our politics. As for change, it's happening everywhere. It happens in fits and starts and here and there. I'm proud that I was a part of change that day.

I'm thinking of you though, as you peeled back the paper on that sticker and put it on your car. Were you hoping to make me feel silly? Did you hope that I regretted my vote? Do you want to be proven right? If so, how is that "hope" working for you? I don't want to enter into some big political debate with you about the efficacy of President Obama's policies to date. What I would like to say to you, however, is that I will continue to hope and dream of better days for all of us, including you.

Again, I think Obama put it best when he said:  "This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you."

Don't get me wrong, it's not all smiles all the time. No, they do a good job of making me crazy too and, in that moment, I am for sure not laughing. It's funny though how it always seems that they get me laughing at some of the most stressful times. It's like they know that I'm at the end of my rope and need a good laugh. This is exactly what happened the other day at lunch. It started with Finnian, my silliest child, letting me take crazy pictures of him.

And then, Sayer and his friend Joel lightened my day just by being 7 and loving (so completely) the milkshakes we bought them.

My previously dark and frustrated mood was washed away by a few of life's most simple pleasures, including my own chocolate malt. I'm glad I was willing to let my tension go and roll with the moment and embrace the silly.

I love them so much. I'm speaking of my boys of course. It's like nothing I have ever experienced. Steven and I marvel at it sometimes. It truly is like looking through rose colored glasses. They are so beautiful, unique and special. I see all of them- every little vulnerability. The universe really did give me a gift when it gave me them. I'm learning how powerful love can really be and I'm thankful for it everyday. I'm trying my best to afford myself and Steven the same space and love that I give them but that is a much harder task.

Today I looked across the aisle of the plane and saw Sayer. The way the light skimmed his face was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. This quick shot doesn't do it justice. Try as I might, the camera doesn't see him quite like I do.

I love this image. I've been photographing these girls for years and they are as sweet as they look. I don't have a big sister but I am a big sister. I was the first born and my brother and I are about 3 years apart. I never really thought about birth order until I had my second son. Even as a tiny baby, he would look at his older brother with complete love. He adored him and would smile when he saw him. For the first child there was a life without a sibling. For the little sisters and brothers, life was always shared.

Finnian is fiercely protective over all of us and especially his big brother. I'll never forget the day he raced across a playground at Disney and, with a swift one arm move, grabbed a big kid off of Sayer who was pushing him down. I wish Sayer could see what I see. The looks of admiration and the tender hurt look when Sayer is insensitive or critical. When I see that, I think back to my days as the big sister to a younger little brother and I wonder if I was sensitive or nurturing. Did I make him feel bad? I wish I knew then what I know and see so clearly now.

On this Love Thursday, I am loving my brother and appreciating him in new ways. I am loving my sons. I'm hoping that my boys will be close friends as adults and that Sayer will one day appreciate how much his little brother loves him.

Happy Love Thursday my friends!