Soldiers

I have to state one more thing on politics, that I should have included in my earlier post, but somehow failed to. Again, this is for our journal-writing purposes, so if you have arguments, email us.

I cannot stand the way people say "we're wasting lives" in the war in Iraq. First of all, I don't care if you agree with the war or not, our armed forces are made up of people who CHOOSE to join (you may correct me if I'm wrong). They know what they're getting into. They know they could be called up by our government at any time to serve on the front-lines. They know they are risking their lives. Why do they do this? Because they feel a desire and duty to serve our country and preserve the freedoms we have fought for in the past. So if these people who have chosen this path die in the war, I'm okay with it. I'm not saying I want them to, or that I'm always pleased with the choices our government makes concerning war, but those lives are not wasted because they gave their lives doing something they committed themselves to do. I honestly don't know all the details, but my Grandpa, Uncle and a few of my cousins serve. I would of course be heartbroken if one of them had/does die(d) on the front-lines. But I would also be proud. I've never given that much up, and I respect, honor and revere their willingness. I love the soldiers of our freedoms. So to them, THANK YOU!

Besides that, I don't know much about the actual war in Iraq, but even though it may look like we're trying to force our type of government on other people......I believe the reality is that we're simply trying to protect our own freedoms. There is a book we love and revere in this home: The Book of Mormon. In the Book of Mormon we are given examples of a people who fought for their freedoms. Not only that though, they even pursued the people who ran away when they fought them. They didn't want those people to rally back together and come again to try to destroy their freedoms. I believe that is what God would want us to do, fight for our rights, our homes, our families, our liberties.

Okay, I'm done on politics....thanks for reading!

Politics

Okay, another venture into opinions. We've both been a little nervous to state political opinions on our blog I think. Mostly because this is a journal for us, not a discussion forum, and we don't really want to start arguments or something on here. But because it is our journal, I want to record our views and outlooks on things for future reference and posterity. So, here goes....

We're against Obama. Yup, I said it. It currently doesn't really seem like the popular choice. But that is our view. It's not that we think McCain is the best thing this country has going for it. But we are really doing our homework, and we don't trust Obama, and really don't agree with his policies. I can't speak for pmc, but for me, most of my opinion comes from my gut. When I listen to him or watch him speaking, I get this uncomfortable feeling in my gut. This is the same way I felt listening to Kerry 4 years ago. I just didn't trust what he was saying. So then when I do my research.....I feel like my gut feelings are confirmed. We watched a video a couple nights ago, where it showed clips of him saying one thing, and then the opposite thing a little while later. We even watched some clips where he denied that he had ever said what he said. I don't like the people he's been associated with, even if he says he's not associated any more. He seems to claim them as his mentors and teachers, until it looks bad, and then turns away from them. I just really don't trust the man. So, like I said, I don't think McCain is the best thing we've got, but I at least feel like I can trust the man, respect him, etc. This is the same way I feel about Bush. I can trust him and respect him, but don't love every choice he's made as president. The other thing is, I really feel like Obama is taking us down the road to socialism, and I don't like it at all. I love capitalism and the free market. Yes, it's stinkin' hard work. We stress all the time over how we're going to keep paying for gas, health insurance, retirement etc. But I would rather work my tush off doing that, than have it handed to me. If we're going to help the poor, I would rather make donations than have the help paid for by taxes. If I'm required to turn over my money to the poor, I resent it. If it's my choice, I want to do it, and I feel good when I do it, and it makes me want to do it more! I believe in the saying that "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime." I don't just believe this because I don't want to give away my fish. I believe this because it works for me.....I will feed myself if I can just have the right tools. I also don't think it's our job to take money away from rich people. Way to go rich people, you worked hard and you got the money. I advise you to generously donate to the poor, in smart ways where your money is used effectively. Now that I voted to let you keep your money, when Obama gets elected and raises your taxes, please don't sock it to me and raise your prices on the things I buy from you.

Anyway, I believe in small government, and low taxes. I believe pmc does too. This is our opinion, you can like it or hate it. But at least we have finally written it down. Don't argue with us on the blog, if you really feel strongly against what we have shared, you can email or call us if you feel the need to educate us.

Life As We Know It

To start off, here's a picture for last week, when I 

visited my friend ap.

Next, we have a short list of preferences for baby things, for future reference:

• Diapers: Pampers. Especially the Swaddlers. We like the special "absorb-away" liner!
• Wipes: Huggies. They just do the job extra well, and the containers don't dry out either.
• Socks: Gymboree. Even the boys socks are "wiggle-proof"
• Pajamas: The Children's Place. We like the tight fit and the zipper. Cpc is extra skilled at wiggling his feet out of the Carter's snap pj's.
• Onesies and Everyday Wear: Carter's. The onesies are just right for our skinny kid, instead of the usually "fat" baby onesies we seem to find everywhere else. We like their sizing system, it's easy. We also like how their colors all coordinate really well, you don't have to buy an "outfit" every time.

We're really not the type to feel like we need to get things name-brand. However, with baby things, we've definitely noticed the high-quality of these few things, and have decided they're worth a little extra money. Lucky for us, we've always been able to find decent prices, sales and coupons so far!

Okay, as for the week....we had a grand one! We were both back to work, pmc back to school. So to break things up a bit, we took a little vacation. We had a free night reserved at the Alaskan Inn in Ogden Canyon. Children aren't allowed, so we left cpc with my little sister cse, and took off! We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Outback Steakhouse, and enjoyed our first night with 

no child since cpc was born. I admit I was super nervous about leaving him, but he did just fine. THANKS CSE!!!! We love you! It was just what we both needed to be able to come back refreshed and hard-working. We didn't take the camera, and forgot to snap a shot with cpc's phone, so no pictures.....but it was a nice place to stay.

Cpc and his cousin lmze got a chance to play a bit this week. Cpc is really starting to notice other kids. The two of them just watched each other, totally entranced. Aren't they cute. We hope they'll always be good friends!

We also went to the pool with kcc, swc, and smc for family night. Cpc and smc really loved it, and also seemed to enjoy watching each other. We hope they'll be good friends too. Right now they just seem so far apart in age.....but they'll actually be in the same grade in school. Sc, smc, cpc and I all went up to the Park City Outlets too, and had a blast shopping for cute baby stuff. We got some great deals. We're glad their family lives so close to us, so we can also go on walks together some days. We went on quite a few walks this week since pmc's parents are out of town and we were taking care of Belle, the dog. 

Pmc decided the sink is a good place to put cpc, he fits just perfectly, and actually thought it was pretty funny.

Cpc and I also attended a Mom's Club Halloween Party with jbc and her kids.  Cpc wasn't quite old enough for the activities, but he got his picture taken and I enjoyed getting to have some adult conversation and free food! We'll post the picture later when we receive it! We can hardly wait to show you our cute little Giraffe!

Oh, by the way, CPC STARTED SLEEPING! It's my fault, I take full credit. He just needed to be swaddled again! He grew out of his receiving blankets, and we tried letting him sleep without them, and he was fine for a few nights. But I had thought it was more like a few weeks, so I didn't think to try swaddling him again. Well, he's slept pretty well all week.....and I bought some fabric and made bigger receiving blankets for him. Works like a charm, and this mom is getting her beauty sleep!

Oh, and I just thought it was cool that there's a song about Subaru's. I don't know how I've never heard it before!

Have a Little Patience...

I'm a pretty patient person... well, really patient for a guy. And yet, it's still hard. I never considered that patience is a usable resource. I just thought that you either had it, or you needed to figure out how to get it. In the highs and lows of parenting, I've realized that when the baby is being difficult, that patience level gets drained at a sometimes unfathomable rate. I think atec has realized it to an even greater degree, since she's taken the brunt of cpc's offensive attacks.
The boy still refuses to like sleeping. Every nap and bedtime retirement is a showdown of wills: the outlaw making a scene in the town square which without exception requires the sheriff to reservedly head in and squash the uprising. So far, both the sheriff and her deputy are undefeated, though we've both certainly taken some shots that required some attention. And like the outlaws of the wild west, I don't think cpc would act like this if he only knew that there's an easier way to get what you want. We've come up with several theories of why he's so anti-dozing, but nothing really makes that much sense. And so, we just wait patiently for his spirit and body to get in sync and decide that rest is an opporunity, not a punishment.
I've enjoyed the week off of school... too much. I didn't get nearly the schoolwork done that I needed to because I was trying to work extra hours, and handling a couple of days apart from atec and cpc while she went to Cedar City. It also hasn't helped that my Red Sox played games 4 nights during the last week, and are playing tonight (which is also testing my patience!)
It's hard to manage work, home, and school, all while getting ready to take the GRE and apply for grad programs. Heck, I still haven't applied for graduation. And that has to be done by the end of the month. Being in and out of my parents' house while they're in Hawaii is only adding to this hectic time. I guess that's why we don't have any pictures to add this week... we've just been too busy.

iGoogle

Yes, we discovered iGoogle! I'm not sure it's good for either of us, but it's so nice to have everything pulled up on one page. We've been fans of Gmail and Google Calendar for a little while....but now to have one webpage where we can check our mail, calendar, facebook, the weather, to-do list, sports scores, news, play games, look up new recipes and word definitions, check everyone's blogs all at once, check out new election news, etc. Who wouldn't be a fan? The only problem is the time we've saved by not checking all those different websites is now being spent playing Frogger and Hangman! Oops! But really, it has helped me a lot with getting my studio work done!

So I wanted to take a minute to share about my day job, I mean the other one. We talk all about my day job as a mother, quite often in fact. But I am also teaching violin and viola lessons. For the first time, since I started 6 or so years ago, I am enjoying it. I finally have the time (naptime) to really prepare for the lessons I teach! I love being self-employed and deciding what I will teach my students, and when I will teach, etc. I especially had fun yesterday when I had my first parent meeting. It was fantastic. I got to educate all my parents on the Suzuki method, and give them tools to help their kids learn. I really feel like I'm making a difference! I have 8 students, and I really love every one of them. So, that's my other day job.

As for cpc, he's doing a little better on the sleeping finally. His magic number is 2. We had tried 1.5, 2.5 and 3. Nope, those didn't work. It's 2! If we put him down for a nap when he's been awake for 2 hours, he takes good naps, and he sleeps better at night. He's also happier when he's awake, more willing to let me get chores done with him in the Bjorn, listen when I read books, go on walks, etc. Hallelujah!

This week we attended my Grandparent's 60th anniversary dinner. Way to go Grandma and Grandpa! I wish I had taken a cute picture of them, but I didn't. I wish I could find a cute picture of them somewhere on our computer, but I can't. But you can see this cute picture of them that I posted previously right after cpc was born. Aren't they a cute couple? I am so grateful for my grandparents strong marriage, and for the support they offered me while I was living in Logan (where they live), and the love and support they have offered throughout my parent's divorce.As for pictures, we did get a good shot of cpc at the dinner with his Aunt Aubrey.
He's thoroughly enjoying tummy-time, and I absolutely love the way he holds his sucker in when he's falling asleep.....or not falling asleep. Aren't those pajamas adorable?









One last picture to prove we went to our mission reunion. Thanks Sister Hagerhorst for the photo, I stole it from your blog!

A Trick and a Tragedy

It was a strange week!

I mean, relatively, it was great.We attended the Utah Football game that turned out so well. We went to our Mission Reunion and saw some great friends. We watched General Conference, which was a delight. For those of you who are thinking "we have already seen 3+ pictures of pmc and cpc in Red Sox gear"....this one is different, this one is special.....it was his first "playoff" game.

Cpc is as adorable as ever, even if he doesn't sleep much. We caught him laughing on video, and his "trick." To those of you who think that I'm a bad mom for having my children do this, too bad. I don't want to hear it, I think it's cool, and we're very careful!
The strange part of the week was the phone call I got from my former USU roommate. She called thursday morning to let me know that she had gone into premature labor at 24 weeks (after 4 years of trying to get pregnant) and given birth to a little girl. However, the little girl didn't survive very long. All morning I held cpc, and cried off and on throughout the day. It was quite a shock to my system to know that my dear sweet friend was going through so much pain. It did bring my roommates and I closer together again though. We've been keeping in touch on the phone, all chipping in to support our friend. It's also made us more grateful for the children we have. I'm no longer mad at cpc for not sleeping at night anymore!

I was going to go down for the funeral on Saturday, but after a short night, I didn't want to make a bad day worse by falling asleep at the wheel on my way down to Cedar City. So, I will be privileged to go down there to spend some time with her next week during Fall Break.

By the way, the song is for cpc. We couldn't fail to put it on our "soundtrack for life" when it is the only song that ALWAYS calms him down and helps him sleep. But we won't be listening to it ONCE, because we're so tired of it!