Like many of you out there, I was constantly checking in on my phone and anxiously awaiting the results from the presidential election during my time away from the blog. When we watched Joe Biden and Kamala Harris address our nation after they were announced as the winners of the election, I felt hope for our nation. I understand that possibly half of you reading this post today may have hoped for a different outcome but I loved what President-Elect Biden said when he said he would “work as hard for those who voted against him as he would for those who voted for him.” His message of unity feels much-needed during a time when our nation feels so divided and tumultuous. Also, regardless of your political affiliation, the election of our first woman vice president is nothing short of historic and I felt my heart swell when Vice President-Elect Harris said, “While I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last.”
While the election results were on the forefront of my mind throughout the week, enjoying our family’s annual mountain vacation was the reason I stepped away from the blog for a bit. I planned to unplug during our trip and took all pressure off myself to share anything on the blog and social media. A little break was all I needed to crave chatting with you guys in this space again.
5th Annual Family Mountain Vacation (Banner Elk, NC)
We arrived home from our fifth annual family mountain vacation yesterday afternoon. The laundry is piled up, our house is a mess and our fridge is bare but our hearts are full. The week we spend in the mountains with my parents and my sister and her family is, without a doubt, one of my very favorite weeks of the year.
Ryan found our gang of 10 a house in Banner Elk, a beautiful mountain town located in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Though we headed out on various outdoor adventures daily, we made good use of the house and spent a lot of time cooking, playing games, building forts both inside and out, kicking the soccer ball around and hanging out by the fire pit.
We lucked out with beautiful sunny weather every single day of our visit and made the most of it by opting for a lot of outdoor activities.
We returned to Grandfather Mountain, did a little trout fishing at Grandfather Trout Farm and visited some of our favorite hiking trails.
Our day trip to Grandfather Mountain was our best one yet because it was the first year where the wind was practically non-existent which made crossing the mile-high suspension bridge a lot more pleasant.
I’ve blogged about hiking the balds on the North Carolina/Tennessee state line before but I think this was our first experience on the trails with the kiddos in tow.
(The hiking backpack/child carrier Ryan is wearing is the Osprey Poco Child Carrier. He did a ton of research before buying it soon after Chase turned one and we’ve loved it for years!)
Earlier in the week, Ryan and I took the boys out for a hike as a family of five and then returned again several days later with the whole family!
The hike is a great one for kids because it’s only 3/4 of a mile to the top of the first bald where you can see stunning 360-degree views of the Appalachian Mountains. There is not much the boys love more than being outside and searching for little critters and we majorly lucked out when we realized woolly worms could be seen all over the trails! Let’s just say Creature Man Chase was in heaven!
There were actually eleven of us on the hike on Saturday… Notice anything special about the way my sister is standing and holding her belly in the above picture? The news is officially out! Leslie and Ross are expecting another little one this February! They are having a baby girl and to say our family is thrilled is a serious understatement. We all got the biggest kick out of seeing how big sister-to-be Callie responded to baby Rhett and she was just the sweetest and incredibly interested in her baby cousin. It was so adorable and I have a feeling Callie is going to be the most amazing big sister in a few short months!
As for new family adventures, Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster and Sugar Mountain Gem Mining were both big-time winners for our crew.
They’re located within a mile of each other and we paired them together one morning for some new-to-us fun.
Though the past week passed by a lot faster than I would’ve liked and I’m currently fighting some post-vacation blues and missing my family already, I’m also feeling incredibly grateful we were able to spend a full week as a family in the mountains again. It was such a great trip and my heart is so full!
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I just can’t…
Hello Julie, I’m a longtime reader and I have a question about your backpack carrier. Do you find it difficult to carry the boys in the backpack carrier? I have a toddler and am itching to take her hiking in her carrier but worried it will get heavy. Do you keep the hikes short when you carry them? I’d LOVE to see more posts about hiking with toddlers! Any tips/tricks would be amazing 🙂 I’ve used hundreds of cooking/fitness/life tips from you over the years and am sure you’d probably have great ideas about hiking with toddlers. Also, we may not agree politically but I think at a time like this we all do need to try and unify. Don’t even listen to these internet trolls giving you a hard time. You’re entitled to your opinion and if they don’t like it, they can stop reading your blog.
We will agree to disagree about Democrats and so called unity….
I agree with you, Shirley
Looks like a wonderful time. Also thank you for acknowledging the election. It’s been weird to read blogger’s posts with no reference to it at all. I’m sure it’s easier to just avoid it-but appreciate that you didn’t. I teared up hearing Kamala speak-it was definitely powerful!
Agree with this statement!!
I totally agree!
Thank you for sharing those pics of your getaway. Simply beautiful! The love your family has for each other just comes across as so genuine. I hope your Monday is great Julie!
This election was rigged. Media shouldn’t have announced a winner until votes were recounted. Everyone should want completely transparency but Democrats don’t seem to care. There was no unity before because of Democrats and the media totally against Trump. Biden and Harris both support abortions of innocent children. So sad.
So, if the election was “rigged,” why was Lindsey Graham re-elected? Same goes for all other Republicans who won their elections in the House and Senate. Are you saying those results are not valid as well? It’s all the same ballot, sweetie. It wasn’t rigged. There is zero evidence of fraudulent votes. Even Fox news cut away from the White House Press Secretary when she lied about fraudulent votes. Try doing your research and widening your news sources. Utter nonsense.
You’re right. The election was rigged. It was rigged by our Electoral College system which favors (mostly white) states with fewer people over larger, more diverse states with more people. A voter in Wyoming (90% white) has 4x more influence than a voter in California (40% white). All thanks to Southern slaveholders who wanted to make sure they didn’t lose their grip on power, so they exploited the 3/5ths compromise in order to claim slaves as voters & since then, the EC has rigged elections in favor of Republicans; the fact that the winner of the popular vote isn’t automatically president DOES equate to a rigged system. The difference is this year, it didn’t favor Trump. The fact that this election was as close as it was despite Biden winning 5m+ more votes is all you really need to know to agree you are right, our elections are rigged!
Now, as for voter fraud – as other commenters have noted, there has not been a single substantiated claim of voter fraud and by all accounts this election actually proceeded in quite an orderly, organized fashion. I understand Republicans were very disappointed when Trump’s apparent election night lead started slipping as mail-in votes were counted. Unfortunately, your president spent months discouraging voters to utilize mail-in voting and that appears to have been to his disadvantage in the middle of a pandemic in which many people did not want to risk exposure by going to the polls. Again, please point to a single report of substantiated, purposeful episode of voter fraud that is not related to your and your president’s rage about losing an election that he doomed himself to lose.
Democrats were very upset by Trump’s election – true. But Clinton conceded on election night and the country moved forward toward a transition of power. I wish Republicans would grow up and do the same.
Wow! Beautiful family vacation photos, Julie! Looks like you had a wonderful time. Thank you for bringing up this extremely divisive election as I’’m sure many of your readers will disagree with your statement. I felt such a sense of relief on Saturday just thinking that we as a country won’t have to hear or read such hateful, divisive rhetoric coming from our president who should be a role model for our children. I have eyes and ears of my own. I can read tweets so everyone needs to stop blaming the media. Any “good” he accomplished over the 4 years was clouded by what came out of his own mouth. I pray the next few months are not pure chaos and that we can all begin healing as a country united.
I agree, well said. Brighter days ahead.
So true Caitlin! Such a relief to not have our lives dictated by Trump’s tweets! Kudos to you Julie for acknowledging the election!! Yes, also praying for unity in this country after 4 years of such hateful rhetoric!
You have a beautiful family! And kudos to you for sharing your views on the outcome of election. It’s not easy to do that in this day and age.
I think we can all agree that commenting on social media or blog posts with conflicting opinions won’t change anyone’s opinion, especially after having four years to form our own!
So it’s okay for there to be huge crowds of Biden supporters not social distancing and talking about HOPe. But it wasn’t okay for trump to hold any rallies due to the spread of the virus. Oh the hypocrisy.
Yep. So disgusting. Well, the silver lining is that no cities went up in flames this weekend. We all know how different it would have been if Trump had won.
Couldn’t agree more! The ONLY positive about Biden “winning” is that our cities remained intact and businesses that boarded up are able to take them down to carry on.
At the end of the day my faith is in God and I will never agree with someone who supports abortions. Just sick on another level.
No one supports abortions – that’s a horrible thing to say. Dems are not PRO-abortion.
Yes they are if you support a candidate that’s for abortion then you support abortion. Don’t downplay it bc it’s serious.
Abortion rates actually decline with democrats in office actually 🙃
👏🏼👏🏼
Yes! Thank you!!
Yes but pro-life also includes pro; people who are being persecuted and killed in other countries, pro people of of all races, pro women who face pregnancy loss from dangerous and medical circumstances. I could go on on and on. Plus, Biden himself is actually Catholic. It’s possible to support the right to choose without “supporting” abortion.
For us Christians that voted for Biden…yes, policy isn’t a perfect match. Christians truly do not fit into a two party system. But he overall supports more lives than Trump could ever demonstrate.
From a biblical perspective…the heart has to choose to make or not decisions like abortion, not be forced by the government.
Hi, Julie 🙂 I understand the comments section on this post might be a bit brutal but I am here to spread a little positivity and to thank you for commenting on the election. It means a lot that someone I admire and have read the blog of for years thought it best to say something, and something I agree with at that. It was a tough week but we made it through- I’m glad you enjoyed time with your lovely family and were brave enough to comment when you so easily could have avoided the scrutiny. Best wishes for a lovely week <3
I wanted to thank you for acknowledging that people have different feelings on the election, and different party affiliations. Many just assume that we all voted for one candidate. Thank you for not just writing off the fact that some of us may not be feeling as upbeat about the outcome. Aren’t little Callie’s glasses adorable?!
I love seeing your family’s annual mountain trip photos – western NC holds a special place in my heart. Plus its so exciting to be adding another cousin to the crew – congrats to your sister and family! How funny that boys seem to run in your family and girls in your sisters.
Just want to compliment you on your strength and courage for saying a small something about the election. No one’s life exists in a vacuum, and as a long-time reader of your blog I really appreciate you standing up for your beliefs and the rights of others. You will get some pushback but just know that you’ve also made other readers proud to support you.
I’m so glad you got a successful week away with your amazing family; so important to carve out a safe space and some time to be with the people who truly matter during this crazy pandemic!
THANK YOU for your bravery in commenting on the election. It must be hard for you to read some of these comments. We got your back. No matter your political affiliation, we can agree that a president who talked about grabbing women by their vaginas and referred to some counties as shitholes is not a role mode for our children. I am so proud of you for sharing your views in such a well balanced way! You are brave and I support you.
As the wife of a police officer who work in a city, I can’t share your excitement or hope regarding the election results. I spent many sleepless nights this summer wondering if my husband would make it back home. He and his fellow officers were cussed, harassed, had frozen water bottles, bags of urine and countless things thrown at them as they tried to do their jobs. I think many of us in suburban America do not realize what their job involves and sadly, many don’t care until they need to call 911. I just pray that all who voted took the time to really study the platform of both parties and what it would mean for the future of our country before they cast their votes.
Julie, your sweet spirit and kind heart are evident and this is my no means a dig at you. Just sharing from another perspective. Looks like you and your family had a great week in the mountain and I am so happy for your sister! Hope yoi and your sweet family have a great week!
As a nurse in a family full of nurses and medical staff, it was disheartening to see us not taken care of and for our leader to act in such a way that this pandemic wasn’t affecting us. It’s also hurtful to see people not wearing masks when it could make those of us who keep hospitals running safer. A lot of people have been hurt in the past four years, which is why it could be nice to see if someone else could change things around.
As a nurse I agree 100%. Our current administration is ignoring the crisis whereas Biden is already getting a team of highly qualified individuals together to help our country get thought this.
Hi Leigh- My brother and dad are both police officers, and your comment really resonated with me. I too was not excited or hopeful after the results of this election. No one really understands our side unless they have loved ones in law enforcement. Everyday I find myself on the verge of tears worried that they won’t come home. And important to note- I do recognize that people of color also face a similar challenge everyday. Being a white person, I don’t know how that feels. But it’s unfair that all police are shoved into a box and labeled as racist – when that is far from the truth. My brother & dad are such incredible, kind hearted people that just want to help ALL people, no matter the color of their skin. Yet every shift they deal with people screaming “PIG” at them, throwing things at them, and they are cussed and harassed.
I am scared for what the future will hold… but it is what it is, and as hard as it is, I’m trying to be positive. Biden did not get my vote, however out of all the choices, I would rather have him then someone like Bernie Sanders (lol – trying to be positive here) I am praying for your family and that your husband stays safe <3
And Julie, while we share different views, I love your blog and have been a daily reader since I first discovered it in 2011! For everyone that is shaming Julie – it's her blog and she has every right to voice her opinion.
I am interested to know if your brother and dad were treated this way under the previous (pre-trump) administration? My dad is a retired police officer and he feels very strongly that trump has made things worse for police officers by drumming up the division in our country, making it more dangerous.
Not at all trying to start an argument, just genuinely interested since my dad is no longer working.
Full disclosure, I am also from Massachusetts, so definitely a different environment from anywhere in south.
Hi Karly! I am from NH, so hello to my fellow New Englander 👋 unfortunately, they have been treated this way before Trump, but in recent months it’s definitely escalated.
Hi Caroline –
I’m so sorry your family has been treated like this. For what it’s worth, Biden did say clearly on the debate that he doesn’t want to defund/abolish the police. Not that that takes away hate towards the police force…but he is pretty moderate in that regard.
Regardless…my BIL is a police officer in metro Atlanta so I definitely understand the fear. We worry about him too, honestly. Sending you all the best.
Caroline, thanks for going a little deeper into my thoughts. You explained it very well and I definitely don’t want to discount others with similar fears of their loved ones not being treated fairly. We all have a different perspective based on our personal circumstances. Praying for the safety of your dad and brother as well! <3
Julie obviously has a kind heart and sweet spirit and I will continue to be a loyal follower as well!
Hi Leigh – I really empathize with your comment about your husband! While it sounds like we voted for different candidates, our votes come from the same place of wanting to keep our spouse safe and I want you to know that I truly hear that. My husband and I are a military family and we often felt this administration was chaotic in it’s understanding and anticipated use of the military, and that made up a big part of my vote. Just wanted to share this commonality and hope of keeping both of our families safe!
Love reading about your family vacation! Hope to go to that park if we ever visit that area, looks beautiful.
Hope people can be respectful and accept that it is both okay and good to have different opinions, not just politically, but in general. I come from a home where I voted for biden and my husband trump. We still love one another the same. ❤️
Could you also share details on your green winter headband?
Also congrats on another niece!
Looks like such a fun trip! So glad you were able to spend some time with family. So excited for your sis too – both my kids line up almost exactly with hers! Please don’t let the negative commenters on here get to you. I have so much respect for you sharing your response to the election rather than staying quiet. Thank you!
Your vacation looks so fun! I’m glad you and your family had a great time.
I am also impressed with how you brought up the election. Not many bloggers would bring up such a controversial issue. I couldn’t agree more with what you said. Thank you Julie. ❤️
Creature Man stories are great! That fort outside looks awesome too! Not sure how up you are on caterpillars but the puss caterpillar is not a friendly one although it looks like a toupee on the move and very fuzzy. They have been reported in VA and are also in NC. There are internet articles about it; would hate to read Creature Man found one and was affected.
The weekend looks like it was a great time! Aren’t mountain coasters fun?
LOL at some of these comments but kudos to you for being another strong woman who is not afraid to voice an opinion and champion for kindness and hope!!!! <3
I don’t comment that often, but I also want to thank you for acknowledging the election. I am far left of Biden, and he was not the candidate I would have chosen from the Democratic primary, but I’m thrilled to have Trump out of office. His rhetoric was horrific, and I’m glad my children will not be exposed to his public tantrums. Congratulations on the new addition to your family! How exciting that all of our children will get to see a woman as Vice President.
Can you link you green coat? Love it
I always look forward to hearing about y’all’s annual banner elk trip! Your family is adorable and congrats to Leslie and Ross! Where is Leslie’s cute pink beanie from?
Also, I appreciate your comments about Biden/Harris 🙂
Have a great week!
Thank you for marking this important milestone — so excited for our first female VP! And proud to have such thoughtful and caring people in leadership who model the kindness and ethical behavior I try and instill in my children. This was the biggest voter turnout by the American people in over a century, and we should all be proud of that.
Julie,
I love your blog and I’m a long time reader who has enjoyed your content for many years. Just one person’s opinion, but my readership has been based on your keeping politically driven comments to a minimum and I would really appreciate the same for future posts. It is absolutely your blog and your decision, although I feel as if all of us are bombarded with election and political content nonstop in our day to day lives and it’s certainly my goal to read blogs that foster joy rather than deplete it. It feels like your comments section has become a contentious environment on this post instead of focusing on an awesome weekend with your family.
To those that choose to comment on the election, I respect all opinions that are different than my own but I do not ask for input on my religion, my home, my lifestyle, etc. nor would I ever give one on yours. Respectfully, I thoroughly research each candidate and vote according to the values and beliefs that are important to me just like we all do. Whether you voted for Biden or Trump does not affect my vote nor the kindness and respect I will show you. I only wish others were able to practice the same.
As someone who is expecting her first child, I hope to teach them to leave unkind comments unattended to and choose to fill other people’s lives (and blogs) with respect, decency, and kindness. I know your intentions were good, but it’s a true shame that a post that was meant to be about a wonderful week with your family has become a comment war zone.
I hope you all have a wonderful day!
Please remember this is Julie’s blog and she has every right to post whatever she wants. You also have the right to not read it. But asking her to not do what she wants with her blog isn’t fair. Or appropriate.
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your perspective. If you reference my comment I state that it’s her blog and her decision. I was simply addressing disappointment in a blog that has been focused on food and family for the past 10 years becoming a political platform. It isn’t inappropriate for a long time reader to offer kind feedback that may be accepted or discarded as the author wishes.
All the best to you
Hi Dana, Thank you for your feedback — I did not take offense to your comment and I’m glad you plan to raise your child with an emphasis on respect, decency, and kindness. Congratulations to you!
What a great trip! I am so happy to hear the news about your sister, fun times ahead! And thank you Julie, I too am so happy about the outcome of the election. I am ready to restore decency to the White House.
Thanks for the great recap of your vacay, and heartfelt congrats to Leslie! I very much appreciate your thoughtful, respectful comments on the election as well. You continue to lead with kindness, a rarity these days.
I’ve been following your blog for YEARS. I have 3 little girls, the same ages as your so sons. Thank you for mentioning the election, I imagine that must have been a tough decision. I’m sorry to read some of these negative comments. I just wanted to drop a note of positivity and thank you for your transparency. I will continue to follow your blog for YEARS 😁
Hi Julie!
4 years ago I was disappointed and sad. But never did I post things like some of these comments on pro-Trump accounts. Hopefully those who disagree can remember some compassion. Your trip looked fantastic and I think my family and I need to steal this theme! Also, congrats again Aunt Julie! ☺️
Congratulations Leslie and Ross!
Hi Julie! I want to let you know how much I appreciate you saying something about the election. Your comments were so lovely and a lot of what I felt as well. No matter who you voted for, we were all anxiously awaiting the results last week so I think it was great that you touched on it. It is so cool to know we are witnessing history with the first ever woman in office! Also, to hear our new leaders speak with such kindness and love has helped restore my hope.
Also, your vacation looked like so much fun. Congratulations to your sister and brother in law!
Obviously your comments here are split. Half are happy, “Thank you, Julie, for your courage,” comments. Democrats who voted for Joey. Half are not so happy, “Disappointed to see you being so decisive,” comments. Republics who voted for Donny. I’ll be different from both. I dislike both candidates IMMENSELY. Kamala included (I would love a GREAT woman in office, but that’s not her). Trump did a lot of good on the economic side of things, but man is he a jerk, right? Super divisive and petty. Biden is incoherent, always double talks and lies about things he’s done and said, and supports killing babies. So…. I did not vote. For the first time ever. I couldn’t support either candidate, and I feel completely different from you about this whole “unity” thing. Our country has never been more divided. And I blame the media. They want us divided, for ratings I guess. It’s gross. And it’s depressing. I don’t feel any hope for this country, and I truly to worry about a civil war. Bc anyone who researched it fully knows the election is not really over, that is was “called” very irresponsibly early, and we have some very pissed off people on the other side. So I am getting a little tired of seeing people post about how we can finally move forward, united. We will be doing anything but.
BUT I love your words and pics about your vacay. It looks like it was amazing, and your family deserves it! Congrats on the new addition to come, such a blessing! 🙂
I felt the same as you. Unfortunately I felt so much pressure to vote, but really felt the same about either outcome. Thank you for expressing it so much better than I could! Good luck to you.
Couldn’t agree more. All of a sudden democrats want love and unity after ripping Trump voters to shred for 4 years. Like we will just forget about that.
They want conformity to their views and that’s it.
We do not want “conformity.” We want decency and maturity, neither characteristic your president is currently demonstrating in the face of a fair and square election loss.
When Trump was elected, Clinton conceded less than 24 hours after the polls closed. Obama called him before sunrise the next day to congratulate him and talk about a transition plan.
Were Democrats upset by Trump’s election? Absolutely. Did we continue to peacefully protest and march against his racist, xenophobic policies that saw babies ripped from their parents, Black men murdered by police, and all along Trump’s refusal to condemn white supremacy? Of course. And if the Republicans want to register their complaints about Biden’s policies over the next 4 years, they sure as hell will do so, as they should.
The first order of business is to accept the election loss, like serious and responsible people to, and put the needs of the country they claim to love ahead of their own bruised feelings.
I want to remind you Biden has a stutter. It is very hard to overcome. Often, when he’s speaking and it sounds like he doesn’t make sense or doesn’t complete a sentence, it’s because of his stutter. We shouldn’t discount or mock someone with a stutter. It’s a handicap that can’t be cured, they just use methods to try and make it less obvious.
How on earth did I mock him?? Stating the fact that he is incoherent (which, I believe is the result of much more than a stutter, sadly), is stating an important fact and not at all mocking, and I won’t apologize for it. What have we become, that we can’t point out flaws in our leaders, flaws that would make it difficult for them to lead? Because for four years I’ve heard nothing but “orange man bad” and no one ever apologized for being so petty. But whatever, I dislike both of them. I find Donald to be a jerk, and Joe creepy. 🤷🏻♀️ But I certainly never stoop to mocking.
Julie,
Thank you for commenting on the election. As a Bible-believing Christian I have some choice words to say to commenters who are railing against Biden and at you for mentioning this. Pro-life includes ALL life, not just the life of the unborn…and that’s all I’ll say.
MORESO….this is your blog. You have the right to say what you want to say. We consume your content for free and we do not get to dictate what you write nor start a nonsensical hailstorm in the comments. Regardless of this, we all need to recognize that this is your platform, not ours.
Thank you for talking about the election, and I’m just going to say it, for not supporting a bigoted, cruel, selfish, would-be authoritarian. I don’t even see this as being about which “side” you are on. Plenty of reasonable Republicans supported Biden because the other choice is unthinkable. Supporting the kind of rhetoric we have seen over the last four year’s from the highest office in the land is unconscionable, undemocratic, and un-Christian (or any religion that emphasizes love).
As someone said above, the only response to people who are somehow OFFENDED by your mention of this is an LOL from me. Talk about hyporcisy.
It’s hard to see what you have been through and then watch as you rally behind a candidate that wants to allow the murder of babies. But it’s your choice, and your blog. If you put that information out for the world to read then you have to be expecting to be met with divisiveness. I will say that I believe everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, and choices as far as Presidency and it is in no way any of our business to take that right from ANYONE.
The vacation looked like a lot of fun and congrats to your sister!
This. I agree with this – I’m having trouble grasping how one can have had so much heartache with miscarriages and understand the loss of a child – and in the same post be excited about a new pregnancy, but support abortion. But I do believe in freedom to your own opinion and I’m glad you have a place to express your beliefs. I also believe that God’s Word is the final authority and the Bible is clear on abortion and the sanctity of life.
While I wish Julie and her family well, I will no longer be a follower because I want to fill my life with “whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are of a good report.”
I highly suggest the article by Jeannie Gaffigan, My loved ones told “real” Catholics vote for Trump. Just some food for thought. There is more than one issue at stake when voting.
I’m not religious, can you fill me in on the Bible’s stance on permanently separating 545 children from their parents? What about grabbing women by the pussy, where did Jesus land on that?
He didn’t separate 545 children from their parents. That was started under the Obama administration but as usual people don’t know what they are talking about and blame trump for everything. Also trump has no issues with people coming to America legally. Everyone who comes here should do so legally to prevent crime as well as others having to pay for people who aren’t citizens. You can’t just let any and everyone into the country that’s not how it works!
Fact check yourself that was the beloved president Obama who had those cages built. Also are you actually comparing a joke told many years ago to the murdering of millions of babies, and lastly while Trump may have joked about the situation let us not forget it was Biden who has sexually harassed many women and Children.
Obama built them, Trump used them in an unprecedented way when he began separating children and parents. I don’t understand, I truly don’t understand how people can be so concerned about unborn babies and not feel absolutely heartsick about hundreds of born, living children being literally ripped from their parents arms. If the goal is truly to protect children we should not be mincing words over who built the cages, that’s fine, put full blame on Obama, the goal should be to stop such a hideous practice.
And since you brought up Obama, abortions declined significantly during his administration. It has been well documented that social programs designed to help provide support and resources to struggling women are powerful deterrents to abortion. It’s all well and good to say every baby should be born but what is Trump doing to help these children once they are here in the world? Do you have an up close view of the foster care system? I do. It’s not pretty. No, I’m not implying these children should have been aborted, I’m saying the solution is far more complex than simply outlawing abortion. It’s easy to vilify and say “keep your legs closed”, it’s a lot harder to get to know people in difficult and heartbreaking positions and realize it’s a not more nuanced. I’m no Christian but I do believe in giving people love, support, and help when they are struggling through hard times, like fleeing a nation where they are subject to poverty or violence, or have a pregnancy that is not viable to continue.
Hi JJ, This election was a complex one for many people and my decision to vote the way I did was not based solely on my stance on abortion (which I have never shared publicly) nor any singular issue. I would imagine many Americans voted for candidates who don’t perfectly align with all of their beliefs but, given the choices, they felt like the best option for them.
Julie, abortion and the killing of innocent babies is very important. People don’t like trump because he speaks his mind and can be vulgar and harsh at times I don’t agree with everything he says but I choose to support this candidate because he is pro life, he understands the economy and America has flourished the last four years economy wise under his leadership
Is he pro life? How did he get over COVID, again? Also, the lives of babies after they are born are very important too…and perhaps people don’t just vote for the economy.
Well explain to us why you voted for Biden other than the fact that you hate trump ? Or voted for Harris only because she’s a female.
If Trump were pro-life, he would put money where his (racist, sexist and xenophobic) mouth is: toward early childhood education and mental health, toward strengthening the social safety net for low-income parents, oh and not toward trying to dismantle the law that allows million of poor women access to prenatal care. Pro-life Republicans really need to rebrand themselves honestly: as pro-fetus. Anyone who claims to be pro-life and votes for a president who permanently separates children from their parents, refuses to enact common sense gun legislation to prevent the slaughter of children at school, and fights tooth and nail to prevent women from having control over their reproductive lives while completely abandoning poor children the day they’re born – I encourage you to take a good hard look in the mirror.
And to all the folks saying Julie should keep politics off her blog because its so much more fun to just worry about new recipes and new exercise routines: your privilege is showing.
You don’t know me, nor did I mention who I voted for or why. If you feel that passionately about anti-abortion, vote that way–it is YOUR vote, after all. I was mostly pointing out the fact that Trump may try to style himself as the pro-life candidate, but using medicine that was developed from cells that originated from an aborted fetus seem to show that he may not be quite as pro-life as you might hope. BUT I don’t want to start an argument in Julie’s comments–I could trot out more data on what actually happens when abortions are made illegal, however I doubt anyone really wants a public health lecture at this point ha. I support your decision to vote as you would like, and I hope you can support mine (and Julie’s). Even if you think I did vote for Biden/Harris, and did it just because there was a woman on the ticket (I mean…would that be the WORST reason for a vote? I dunno…I knew a girl in college who voted for whoever she thought was the hottest, so…).
The sanctity of human life is so sacred and no one should ever apologize for being pro life. Whether abortion rates or lower or higher during a time when there is a democratic president, living in a country that allows abortion is wrong. All life should have the chance to live. I know there are special circumstances such as rape. But in most cases if you can open up your legs to have sex you can know what the outcome will be. If you can raise the child there is alway adoption. There are many other options than abortion. I said it above and will say it again. Separating children from their parents started under the Obama administration and no one said a word about it then. They are trying to find these children’s family which can be difficult. A lot of them have parents that don’t want them or have used them to enter illegally. There is more details about this than just children being separated.
Congratulations on the great news you will have another niece! That’s wonderful news. It was so nice to see all of your beautiful photos of all of you enjoying time together and outside. I always love following your extended family vacations Julie.
The big question is..did Callie love finding creatures with Creature Man Chase? lol!!!
Looks like an amazing week! Can we talk about how freaking cute your niece is?! Congrats to Leslie and Ross. My daughter is a month or two younger than Callie and I’m also due with #2 in February 🙂 Love watching your family grow. Here’s to hope, love, and democracy in 2021 and beyond <3
Thank you! She’s just the cutest little girl and I’m so glad we had a full week with her! So excited to meet her baby sister in a few months. Thank you for sharing our joy! <3
After the “news” broke that Biden is the projected President-elect, many people called for unity on both sides. 🤜🏼🤛🏽
Those calling for unity though, wanted those on the right to accept that Biden will ultimately be president, and that we must force ourselves to be ok with it.
This coming from the party who threw tantrums for ~four straight years~ because Trump was president? No. ❌
I refuse to have my opinions shut down because of snowflakes who refused to acknowledge Trump as their president for the past four years. ❄️❄️
Creating unity & closing the divide does not mean “change the way someone thinks so they think like you”, it’s coming together towards a common goal. That common goal should be keeping the integrity of the American system, and making America even greater. 🇺🇸
I’m not saying that I won’t accept Biden as president if he rightfully wins. What I mean is that we should ALL stop ourselves from jumping to conclusions, or from being hypocritical, regarding the election.
So next time someone tells me we need to unite, I will say, “Where have you been uniting people during these past four years?”
If Trump had won I don’t think any of you who voted for Biden would be going around saying unity and peace.
Well said, Carol! I stand with you 🙂
I am so sad to hear you give support to a party that celebrates expanding access to ending the lives of unborn children. I have to acknowledge this, Julie, because I am hurt just reading of your response of joy.
You are more than just your political beliefs. We all are! You are a loving mother, wife, friend, and daughter -I’m sure- but I can’t ignore the fact that seeing you not support limiting access to abortion hurts and surprises me. I needed to acknowledge that. I hope you understand!
Do you understand that when abortion is illegal, abortion rates are actually higher? And that many women choose to get an abortion to save their own lives, or because unfortunately the child wouldn’t be able to survive anyways, or because the pregnancy was due to rape?
Julie, some of these comments may be unkind and have nothing to do with you, only reflecting the writer’s own hurt. I want to THANK YOU for being for sharing in a non-judgmental way your feelings on your personal blog about the outcome of the election, and for acknowledging this HUGE event/week of waiting. As a Black woman and survivor of rape, seeing Joe Biden (author of the Violence Against Women Act, 1990 and Lead for It’s On Us) win and watching someone from my adoptive home-city who looks like me walk on stage as the next VP, I was so happy I felt hope for this country and for children born today to have a better future. To hear Black people be acknowledged, Black women be cheered during the victory speeches so many times, after the summer of watching person after person become a hashtag, I cried. This is all to say that you acknowledging the win, you voting for Biden/Harris, and you being vulnerable on this post is not just you sharing your personal views on your personal blog, it also felt (to me as a Black woman) like a true moment of being an ally in action. Despite the fear of backlash or potential lost followers, you did what you felt was right. Thank you
I respect you so much! Long time reader here and I respect that you are using your platform to voice your opinion as an American. You realize this is not a political blog and that some of your readers are still disappointed from Saturday’s election results (I know the feeling, I felt it in 2016) so you kept it short and sweet. You didn’t say anything controversial and those who are angry, it’s just plain denial. We have a winner, just like we did in 2016, they need to accept that and give Biden/Harris a chance. Pres-elect Biden’s message of unity and positivity is exactly what we need and what we’ve been needing these last 4 years. We’ve been needing leadership too, which I already see in Pres-elect Biden with his COVID task force.
Thank you for starting your post in such a positive way. I know it takes guts to mention politics, especially during this administration; but when you’re on the correct side of history, you will never regret it! Plus, it’s your blog and these are unprecedented times and you are using your platform to spread a positive message post-election. Nothing wrong with that.
I also feel hopeful for our nation – brighter days ahead!
I have been so impressed with the way that you have really evolved in your blog concerning social and political topics.
So many “influencers” posted a black square back in the summer, but have been silent since the results of the election.
There are lots of Republicans who could lead our country to a more united front and Trump isn’t it. I hope Biden and the Congress will be able to work together and bring together us as Americans.
Thanks, Julie. I am impressed by the way you discussed the election and subsequent comments in a diplomatic way- not easy!
The clip of Van Jones on CNN really summarized it well for me- to paraphrase: it’s an easier now to be a parent…to teach your children that being a good person matters…that character matters. It’s really worth watching.
As a healthcare worker, these past few months have been incredibly disheartening- the denial of the seriousness of Covid, the rejection of science, and the politicization of mask wearing. I am relieved we will have a leader who has (today) announced his Coronavirus task force, which is composed of highly respected physicians and public health experts. This makes me hopeful. And a female VP! Woohoo!
What beautiful pics! How exciting that each year the family photo gets a little bigger…next year another little cousin to play with!
Hugs from Tennessee!
It seems like many people criticizing Julie here are singularly focused on abortion. Let’s not forget that abortion is an incredibly complicated and personal issue. One in four women will terminate a pregnancy in her lifetime—many of whom live in poverty. Most of us, whether we know it or not, love a woman who has made this difficult choice. I want to live in a world where fewer women have to make an abortion decision in the first place: one where mothers are supported, healthcare is guaranteed, and children are loved. Regardless of their views on abortion, I’m sure Julie (and Kamala Harris and Joe Biden and 99.999% of ya’ll) want the same…so let’s stop with the “baby murder” rhetoric <3
In shock at how many people describe the Democratic party as pro-abortion and pro-killing babies. Who do you think you are? You say you are believers in God, but God would be very disappointed in you for speaking such lies and being incredibly judgmental. No one is pro-abortion. No one likes abortion. No one would happily get an abortion. Please think before you say that – that’s horrific and simply untrue. We are Pro-CHOICE, pro-a woman’s choice because it’s the woman’s body that carries the baby. Who are we to judge what choice she makes? Instead of calling them baby killers, we should provide more resources for women, to educate them to help prevent a possible future abortion and to help them when they are in crisis and feel the need to look into possibly getting an abortion. Help thy neighbor. I am really starting to wonder what some churches preach, because your comments are very concerning.
Very well said! Some of these comments are horrifying. The pro-life crowd needs to realize that life continues after a baby is born, and support funding things like healthcare, education, police reform, family leave, and alternative energy. Thank you Julie for speaking up!
Hi, you might want to go check what the Democratic Party stands for then. They are Pro Choice meaning PRO ABORTION. The woman yes, has a choice to terminate her pregnancy. This does indeed mean killing a baby. I know because I have done it, maybe you do not understand what that means so let me break it down for you. I saw a heartbeat and a healthy baby, I made the regrettable choice to terminate. Maybe instead of legalizing it, they should give other avenues to women. I know if it was not legal, I probably would have never done it. I do know I have to live with it for the rest of my life and how wrong I was. So please stop shaming other people for their stance on abortion.
I feel like so many Democrats are commenting that they don’t support abortion but if you vote for someone who does then you are doing nothing to help the innocent babies. You are doing worse. So maybe you don’t like how trump talks but I’d rather vote for him over a baby killer and someone who has been in office for 47 years and not done a thing. Democrats downplay abortion like they do everything else to make themselves feel good and fit their agenda. Just like now they are stressing unity when they didn’t want any unity or peace for four years. On top of that they aren’t questions the bogus mail in ballots and illegal votes, but had no problem spending tons of money and four years saying Russian interference because they weren’t happy with a Republican President. Now it’s totally different story. Hypocrisy at its finest
Kelly—I, too, made the same decision. I am absolutely not shaming anyone for their stance on abortion. However, if abortion was not legal, I probably would have done something that not only terminated my pregnancy, but likely would have seriously jeopardized my own life. Ending legal abortion does not mean fewer abortions will happen—it almost certainly means more women will die in their quest to obtain one. Sadly, most of these women will be poor women in rural areas who cannot access safe care in large cities. This was the pre-Roe reality.
What may have changed my choice? More support, better healthcare, family leave, and guaranteed childcare. These are the pro-life hallmarks of the American left.
Hi Ashley, I do completely agree with you that abortions would not stop if they were made illegal. There are many many things that are illegal in this country that people still do. I do know that they happen even now without the proper care of a doctor even though they are legal (I will save the story of a couple that received no penalty for aborting their own baby) and that many girls use them as birth control. I do not have the right answers on how to fix this, I merely was just giving the facts of what abortion truly is and what side is for it. As for proper health care and family leave, I know both sides are truly for that, how they each achieve them may be down a different road though.
Absolutely on the money! Thank you for saying this.
Julie. As someone that personally knows Leslie and you, I cannot believe you are pro Biden Harris. This is the MOST pro choice presidential ticket in the history of American presidential elections. Kamala Harris for the legalization of prostitution and abortion on demand up through the moment of birth. I am truly shocked at your statement.
“Abortion on demand up through the moment of birth” –> This is just not a true statement.
Many people (thankfully) are NOT one-issue voters and can look at the candidate’s stance on all issues prior to making a choice. I wish many of these commenters did the same before supporting a racist, misogynistic man like Trump.
Why do you care so strongly about abortion but not about the lives of those detained at the border? If a life = a life then Trump’s handling of this would be an issue for you as well.
Trump isn’t racist. You can’t believe everything you see on the media.
Trump is a racist. For one, he refused to denounce white supremacy. We all saw that with our own eyes during the debate. He said it. It wasn’t the media. It was him. That is racism.
This is an honest question. While I am pro choice personally, for those of you who are pro life, how do you choose which lives to prioritize? Even if I did consider abortion murder, I would have to chose the life of fully grown, sentient humans, members of society – the black and brown members that Trump endorses killing by not denouncing white supremacy. By not taking action to stop police brutality and murder. I don’t understand how the lives of fetuses are worth more than our neighbors, friends, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, etc.
Its not your job, certainly, but Julie I do wish that you would root out some of these comments that are so completely based in disinformation. NO candidate – not a single one – in American political history has ever stood for abortion UNTIL THE MOMENT OF BIRTH. That is dangerous rhetoric intended to shame and scare people away from a candidate who both respects a women’s right to choose and understands the unbelievable complexities that lead a woman to make that choice (and, just like many of us, would like to see the number of abortions go down!).
There is NO. SUCH. THING. as an abortion at the “moment of birth.” That would, rightly so, be called “murder” and no doctor would perform such a procedure. Abortion is legal in most cases only up to fetal viability.
Please please please don’t contribute, even passively, to the spread of disinformation.
Hi Julie,
Thank you so much for acknowledging the US presidential election. Many bloggers choose to shy away from these topics (understandably so), but I am impressed, time and time again, when bloggers I have followed for years share their thoughts on the happenings within our country. Based on some of the responses you received, it is clear that it can be easier to forgo broaching these topics at all. Today you chose to share your thoughts and feelings, and I truly appreciate that 🙂 I am glad you had a lovely time with your family <3
Take care,
Maeghan
Hi Julie!
I am a super long time reader of yours, since about 2010, and I love reading all of your posts! I never comment, I guess I’m a “silent reader”, but I wanted to show my support for your blog. I check your blog frequently throughout the week for new posts, I try your recipes and when I was motivated to workout, I was frequently doing those that you posted.
Our lives couldn’t be more different in the physical aspect… I’m a 37 year old overweight wife who has always struggled with weight and the desire to be fit and healthy. I’ve also struggled with loss; I buried my first two infants, my third is my energetic little toddler, and I have a fourth on the way. I always loved your transparency on your struggles and heartbreak, and it’s truly made me feel not alone when it’s so easy to feel isolated after loss. During my darkest times, I always turned to your blog for that little break of sunlight in my storm clouds, and you actually inspired me to begin my own blog!
I feel that while yes, you have an audience of readers, you have every right to post your stance on any topic as this is your space. I know some readers will not agree with me on that, and will say that you have to expect backlash if you share publicly, but I feel that’s actually a shame that we can’t respect everyone has an opinion, and it may be different than ours, but it doesn’t change the core content of your blog.
I love reading your posts, and I enjoyed this one too! I could tell from the first picture your sister was in that she was expecting, and I’m so happy for your entire family!
Keep doing what you do, and I’ll keep on reading!
Thank you!
Folks in the comments need to absolutely leave Julie’s personal life and trauma out of their opinions. We shouldn’t be shaming women.