The onion and the gnocchi

Josiah ate two very interesting things today..
As we were driving home from the grocery store, I caught the faint smell of food, but I didn't see Josiah eating anything. I was sure he couldn't reach the bag of groceries carefully seated beside him. As I unloaded the groceries, I noticed a large hole in the vacuum sealed bag of gnocchi I was planning to prepare later this week. Shaking my head, I walked into the house laughing at how determined he must have been to get that bag open. A few hours later, I caught him eating an onion he'd stolen from the countertop. I waited for him to cry or gag, but his only reply was "Mmmm". He chucked it across the kitchen after that. What a funny boy :)

Politics..Do I dare?

So, obviously yesterday marked a very significant day in American history. It's nice to be around for little bits of American history. I am proud to be in this country...always have. I do have one little complaint, and I can't continue to write without giving credit where credit is due. Patrick Sesty inspired me to write this, so Patrick you may have some people who are also inspired, or you may find people wanting to take you down. (hopefully the former)

My complaint is that I am very disturbed by the words chosen to express opinions regarding Obama and the democratic party. Before I continue, I want you to know that I am a registered Republican. (I think I remember registering as a republican) I have been highly disappointed with the mean spirited things my peers have to say just because someone else doesn't believe the way they do...especially members of the church. According to my knowledge, we are supposed to be the most inviting people on this planet, yet to read some blogs or hear some opinions would suggest otherwise. I am not advising us to lose site of our standards, but to be understanding and FRIENDLY towards those who don't share the same. When you take a moment to UNDERSTAND someone, your feelings for them change drastically. You begin to experience another level of charity. (personal opinion) Besides, I don't think Obama can really do much more damage to the country than where we are now :)

Here is something that I have been struggling with: In the last election (2004), I voted republican. My personal views were best represented by good ol' George. I don't regret voting for him, despite the recent attacks during his tenure. My personal views always seem to land in between the two parties, but at the time of election, I didn't feel Jon Kerry was the man for me. This election, I was VERY torn. (okay, enough with the CAPS) It was difficult for me to decide who to vote for. I struggle with my religious views vs. my personal opinions. Sometimes they don't meet in the middle and I have to choose. This next part may sound petty, but it's the truth. I haven't told anyone what I voted because of my "social" fears. If I voted republican, I was a sell out because there was a black man (bi-racial actually) running and I didn't support him. If I voted democrat, I was just voting for the black man. It's a lose-lose situation. So I won't tell you who I voted for, (I am taking this to the grave) but I will say that I got over my fears of social criticism.

My point is that we should be nice to people and we should take the time to elect our officials based on what they represent and not the political party they to which they belong. Also, let's be nice to people. In the words of Patrick Sesty, let's stand united no matter who our elected officials are.

Josiah's birthday

Josiah's birthday was almost one month ago, and I didn't post any pictures...so here he is on his first birthday. He was not very eager or excited until he had a little sugar. It was pretty funny. Since he gets no sugar on a regular basis, this was not an exciting night for Collin and I either.

Awesome

This is from Jamie's blog. I completely forgot about this until Jamie reminded me. It's one of many stories Jamie and I have to remember for the rest of our lives. We were laughing so hard. I miss those Rexburg days Jamie.

One day we walk into a jewelry store on Main Street to have a look around. The owner of the shop comes out and starts talking to us. Then suddenly he tells us that we look like we are twins. Rosemay says, "what?" and he says it again that we "look like twins or something". Rosemay mumbles under her breath, "Yeah, except for one minor detail. . . "

Then he says, "it must be your glasses. You both are wearing the same glasses."

We both say something about how that must be it. The glasses. Then he says, "Well maybe not twins, but at least sisters."

We thought that was pretty weird. What do you guys think? Twins? Or just regular ole sisters.

Feminist Mormon..Is that possible?

Gavin told me I would be interested in this website. It is interesting to see what other women think when it comes to the church and their own self worth or self esteem. It is also interesting to see how people interpret gospel doctrine. Judge for yourself. It is also funny to see what people take so seriously. Mothers, teach your daughters correct principles.

Am I a bad parent?

Right now Josiah is crying in his crib. He has been crying for an hour and a half non stop. We are trying to get him back on a schedule and it has been very difficult between him teething, being at Emily's house for a little bit and moving into this temporary apartment. My friend jamie and I have discussed the differences in peoples' parenting styles, and I am actually curious to know what people think.

Do you think it is okay to let your children cry in their cribs in order to get them onto a normal, predictable schedule, or do you think it is better for children to be held, nursed, or picked up when they cry, and why? I'm not asking advice, just your opinions. I guess I want to know what my friends' experiences are since I don't get to talk to you all as much as I'd like.

Happy Birthday to Me!!

It's my BIRTHDAY today. I am 27 years of age. Happy Birthday to me!

What would YOU do (about "john Smith?")

So...I went to the chiropractor this past week against my husband's wishes. He refers to chiros as "junk doctors" and the practice as "junk medicine". I have to say that my experience was almost absolutely wonderful. I didn't realize how much stress I tend to hold in those parts of my body. I say almost because...well..I'll let you figure it out. You all know I love to relate my weird experiences verbatim, so never failing to disappoint, here I go.

Chiropractor: So you went to the University of Utah, huh?

Me: Yeah, I really enjoyed my time there.

Chiro: I was in Utah for the Olympics. I thought it was great.

Me: We must have been there the same time.

Chiro: How long did you get out for school?

Me: I think it was about a month. I really like Utah. It's such a clean place, especially compared to parts of VA and DC.

Chiro: Well, you know why that is, right?

Me: ...No, I don't. Why is that?

Chiro: It's because of John Smith.

Me: Who?

Chiro: John Smith. Their leader. He made them keep their lawn perfectly clean and everything.

Me: John Smith, huh?

Chiro: Oh, yeah.

Me: Any relation to Pocohontas? (under my breath)

Chiro: What?

Me: Was it really mandatory?

Chiro: Oh, it's written in their bible and everything.

Me: Interesting.

Chiro: Ever wonder why the streets are so wide downtown?

Me: Why the streets are so wide?

Chiro: Yeah, its so that the carriages had enough room to turn around while they were patrolling peoples' lawns.

Me: Really?

Chiro: Yep.

Now, before you judge me and think of how horrible I am for not seizing this missionary moment, let me remind you that this woman had my life in her hands for the next 10 minutes. She could have potentially paralyzed me at any given time. I wasn't ready to die that day...I hadn't read my scriptures or said my prayers, and I am sure I yelled at someone. Plus, I was enjoying the conversation. On a serious note, where do these people come up with these stories? Who would make something up like that? And, perhaps most important, who would perpetuate the story? There are some crazy folk out there. Here's to John Smith.

Recent outings

Some of these pics are of us at the temple, at the park, at Mt. Vernon, and at the "Newseum". Check out the front page article of Marilyn Monroes death, the Million Man March, and the Newspapers around the world from the attacks on 9/11. The bottom photo is the Hope Diamond at the Natural History Museum.

Happy Mother's Day To Me.

Collin and Naisha made my Mother's Day very special. They made me a poster, bought some flowers, shoes, and a book. Thanks guys..I really appreciate it.

Book Review

So here are my book reviews for the books I read.

"I Capture the Castle" is an interesting book. I think it was originally wirtten in the 1940's or thereabout. I wouldn't say it is one of my favorites, or that I would ever read it again, but it is a classic. Therefore, it must be read. I would give it 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Pillars of the Earth" is a phenomenal book. There is so much insight and suspense and intrigue. I would recommend this book, but I probably won't. It can be violent at times and extremely racy. It is defnatley NOT meant for the average reader. 5 out of 5 stars.

"Angels and Demons" is one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. I love Dan Brown and the way he vividly paints a picture that you feel you are a part of. I would strongly recommend. 5 out of 5 stars.

What the #!@%&

Maybe Collin and I are just really silly, but seriously....who wrote this? We've been laughing for a half hour. Listen to the whole thing if you get the chance.

Hello Spring!!!

Last Saturday we went downtown to see the Cherry Blossom festival. It was great, although not the best place for 3 people with allergies. Also included are some pictures of Josiah and I playing around while pops was at work.

bon appétit

So after 6 months of being at home, I finally decided it was time to expand my mind. Elmo just isn't as stimulating for me as it used to be. I have been studying French and I have to say that it is a little bit more difficult than I had anticipated. I sound like a foreigner and it's driving me crazy because Haitian Creole is a French dialect. I usually listen to my CD's while I am washing the dishes or cleaning the house, so everyone can hear me yelling random phrases from the kitchen. What inspired this new adventure was our trip to Europe a couple years ago. The people in France were nice enough to speak English when prompted, but we knew they thought we were idiots. In Italy we toured some of the less touristy areas and were completely at a loss because we didn't speak French, Italian, or German (well, Collin spoke a little German but not enough to understand an Italian speaking German). Anyway, next time you see me, I will be a fluent French speaker.

I never thought this day would come

So, for those of you who don't know, Naisha has come to live with us (again). This morning I walked her to the bus stop and I asked her if she would be embarrassed if I waited with her. She replied "No, I am really scared, I want to stay with me". Okay, I guess I am cooler than I thought...until I got to the bus stop. While waiting with Naisha and the other middle schoolers, I realized how old I really was. Dressed in my sweatshirt and sweatpants looking like I had just awakened, I suddenly became shockingly self conscious. I felt like one of those moms that patrolled the bus stop threatening to tell parents on anyone who said a cuss word. as the bus pulled up to the stop, I found myself yelling instructions for Naisha as she boarded. I can't believe it has come to this.

More pics.

Here are some pics of Josiah in his little bath duckie. This is the first bath sans daddy. He loved loved loved it.

Please don't call Child Protective Services!!

This is Josiah and his cousin Grant on Josiah's blessing day in January. We blessed him in Rexburg in Collin's home ward. It was a great day. I had to preface this next post with something righteous so you wouldn't think that I am a horrible mother after you see the next couple pictures. I assure you that Josiah is, in fact, alive and well. The following contents may not be suitable for social workers.





There is a story behind this.
I set Josiah down on the bed for about 8 seconds (literally) so I could run into the adjacent bedroom to grab a diaper for him. In that 8 second time frame, I noticed that Josiah had stopped cooing, and all was silent. I RAN back to the bedroom fearing the worst, images of horrible things flying through my head, and found Josiah on the bed, with the pillow over his head absolutely silent. I walked to the side of the bed to see if his little belly was moving and sure enough, it was. He had fallen asleep after he pulled the pillow over his face to block the sunlight from the window overlooking the bed. I started laughing, almost out loud, but I was still somewhat shocked. Josiah pulls the blankets, pillows, or whatever is available over his face no matter how dark the room is. I can laugh about it now, but I was panicked for a split second. What a clever boy.

Since I am here, I may as well address another matter that has recently come to my attention. Some of my peers have chastised me for the lack of "blogging" on my blogspot. In my defense, I will tell you that I have nothing interesting to blog about. My life is the same everyday. I do the same things everyday, I see the same people everyday, and I almost eat the same food everyday. I really have nothing to write about. Please don't take it personal. My life just isn't that interesting. I pray for the day when I have something to blog about everyday like Emily, but right now, I just don't. So, when I have something important to say, I will say it (or write it).

Crazy Conversation

I was cleaning my house today, when I had a flashback of a conversation I had with a lady at Nordstrom's a couple days ago.

Lady: Oh, how cute. Is it a boy or a girl?

Me: Thanks. It's a boy.

Lady: Oh, he would be such a cute little girl. He looks like a little girl.

Me: Yeah...but he's a boy.

Lady: What a cute little girl

Me: Yeah, he's a cute little boy alright.

Lady: (walking away) What a cute little girl

Goodbye

Our little family will miss President Hinckley, but we are so happy for the reunion of him to his wife and his Savior.