Some Fun, Unbelievable News!!!

The News:  I'm pregnant, due February 22nd.

The Unbelievable Part:  It's a GIRL!! (that's what they told me) 

I've Been a Parent for a DECADE

TODAY is Noah's Birthday, he is ten.

I've been a parent for a decade. Wow.

Noah has been so anxious for his birthday.  So have G and E. They were all awake by 6:30 this morning.  Noah waited patiently in his bed as we made him breakfast.  Who doesn't love breakfast in bed?!?

Three of the things I love and notice about Noah are:

1.  He loves to write.  He began his love for writing when he was five.  His first book was called:  Money, Money, Money.  A sequal to the book was called:  The Things You can Buy with Money.  Last night he was writing and I had to urge him to go to bed.  I'm sure I'm biased, but he happens to be a really good writer and I love reading his stories when he doesn't know I'm snooping.  I hang on to more work than I probably should...but really, who can blame me.

2.  He is very passionate, devoted and knowledgeable about anything he loves.  For example, 7 months ago he decided he wanted a pet snake.  I very much dislike snakes and was hoping this phase would pass.  He would research snakes on the internet and check books out of the library.  He would then present all of his research at Family Night, impressing us  with his knowledge.  He saved his money and kept talking about the day he would get a snake.  Well, his devotion  won my heart, and one month ago Noah became the owner of a ball python.  I'm sure this is one of those situations my own parents are laughing about...knowing how terrified I am of snakes.  

3.  Noah has a very inquisitive mind.  One of my favorite things to do is to spy on Derek and Noah when they are doing dishes together.  Noah is full of questions and Derek loves to have a good conversation about the world, religion, politics, sports, etc.  The other day I caught them in the middle of a deep conversation about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It was so fun to see how a father was taking an opportunity to teach his son....and how eager Noah was to learn.  What a great moment.

Happy Birthday Noah!

And, I've made it through one decade.  That deserves a cupcake, don't you think?

Book Club

In February 2006, I started a book club.  I wasn't sure how it would go, or who would come.  In fact, there were exactly two moments that I thought it was going fade away into nothingness.  I'm so happy and excited that it is going strong.  This February will mark our 3 year anniversary.  There is usually somewhere between 8-12 women at every book club.  I love book club for the following reasons:

1. It challenges me to read books I would often not be reading.

2.  Women come together.  Some of the women I rarely see, so I love when they come to book club.  And, I love to see the variety of women.  Some grandma's, some working women, some stay at home moms, some divorced, some newly weds.  It is so cool!

3.  We laugh, cry, counsel, and share with each other.  We try to meet at my home every month. I have a little theory that the same environment every month allows us to feel more comfortable and willing to open up.  I love the insight and wisdom I learn from my dear book club friends.

4.  I love how each person gets something different out of the book.  I ALWAYS going away with a great appreciation for each book, even if I didn't initially love the book.

5.  I feel so educated.  Being a stay at home mom can sometimes take its' toll on the intellectual mind.  I feel like book club gives me a much needed intellectual stimuli.

6.  I love the refreshments.  Every month, the discussion leader brings food.  Sometimes, the food is connected to the book, and sometimes it is for pure delectable delight.  And, I love eating.

7.  Mostly, I love reading .  It opens my mind up to new challenging issues, it softens my heart to troubling issues around the world, and in the end it just makes me a better person.  Keep Reading!!!!

Here is a list of all the books we have read so far:

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

Peacegiver by James Ferrell

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

1776 by David McCullough

A Mormon Mother by Annie Clark

Wild Swans, Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

Death Comes to the Archbishop by Willa Cather

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

The Life of Pi by Yann Martel

The Wedding Dress by Carrie Young

Left to Tell Immaculee Ilibagiza

Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner

The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards

Austenland by Shannon Hale

Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Miriam's Kitchen by Elizabeth Ehrlich

Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross

A Long Way Gone:  Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmeal Beah

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (this month!)

The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas (next month)

Politics..Good and Bad!

As most of you know, I'm a Democrat.  I have been a Democrat since 8th grade.  I'm not joking.

I read this quote today.  Since I don't want to dwell on which side said it, I won't say.  But here it is:

"This election is not about issues," Davies said.  "This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates."

Sometimes, when people I know are bashing a politician...I like to say to them, "What issues do you not agree with, or what issues are important to you going into this election?"  To my amazement, most of the time they say something like, "I'm not really familiar with the issues" or "I just think we can't trust him/her".  Those type of responses are really frustrating.  Just because we don't like a person, doesn't really mean that they aren't a good leader.  Or, maybe they have a bad personality, but that doesn't mean that they can't get anything done.  For me the politician I support will be one who has a platform that I agree with and the person that I think can get the job done.  You don't have to agree with me.  It's just where I'm coming from. 

However, I would love to hear three issues that matter the most to you going into this presidential election (if you would be willing to share).  There are other issues I care deeply about, but today, this is what I would say if you asked me:

Mine are:

1.  The war in Iraq (getting out of there as soon as possible, responsibly of course!)

2.  Health Care

3.  Economy

Please, I would love to know yours!   

On another note, I can hardly handle how the media tears politicians families apart.  I sincerely feel bad for the Palin family.  Govenor Palin's daughters pregnancy, or her husbands affiliation with another political party has nothing to do with her ability to be a VP.  

What an exciting election!

Wasting Time

I'm addicted to the internet.  Seriously.  I waste so much time reading blogs, checking e-mail, checking my bank account, reading cnn.com!!!!  I NEED HELP!  I have become a slave to the computer.  I always tell myself....five more minutes, or it's o.k.  you deserve a little relaxation time.  Perhaps I do need to relax more, but not when there are a zillion loads of laundry, dishes, dirty floors and children begging for me to read to them.  I think I should start a "I spend too much time on the internet" support group!!  Is anyone else out there as addicted as I am??? AHHHH!