Maaaax!

I love dropping Max off anywhere, not just because it means I get alone time, but because of the reception he gets. Whenever I drop him off at nursery, the gym activity center, mom's day out, etc., everyone always greets him with a Maaaax! It's like he's Norm from Cheers. I love this. It is really nice to know that everyone loves my kid. He breaks down barriers, even people whom I know can't stand me love Max. There is something about that kid, his loveable smile, his Thank you's, all the hugs he gives, people can't resist this kids charm. It's a nice feeling.

Blog List

I have renamed some of the blogs on my blog list. I have been really hesistant to do so, because I really love the creative names people come up with for their blogs. I have always been a total sucker for puns, I love them! But the time has come where even I have to do a double check on who's blog I am clicking on. So in the name of saving confusion, some of your blogs have been renamed. If you are upset about this please let me know and I will change it back.

*The picture is from when Jeff and I worked at the bookstore. My coworkers, Ashley, Ethel and I were the Powerpuff Girls Jeff was Professor Utonium.

It just hurts too much

I usually stand strong and fight the good fight. I do consider myself a fighter, sometimes that is a good thing sometimes it becomes a bad thing. This past week I have noticed that I have been more upset, short with my family and generally grouchy. (No before you all start guessing I am not pregnant.) I think the problem is that I have oddly been worked up about all the Mormon hate going on in the news. I firmly believe in the passage of proposition 8, and I also believe that it was passed in a democratic election where the people got to choose what they wanted. Why no rallies to get people to vote? Why only hate afterwards, whatever, I usually don't hide from the world, but in this case I feel that for the sake of my mental health I need to take a small break. For the next week I am going to step away from the computer, (something I have been thinking would probably be a good thing anyway)and CNN. I need a vacation from hate and anger. So I will see you all next week.

Sticker Book

Max is really into stickers right now. For awhile it seemed like we were getting them everywhere we went. They would end up on the floor, in hair, and just anywhere where you really wouldn't want something sticky. One day after leaving the associate store with a walmart sticker, I had Max stick the smiley face on the back of my driver's seat. This way he could see his sticker and have something fun to look at during the drive. As you can see we have kept the tradition alive. He loves to put his hard earned stickers on the seat before getting into his car seat. If he needs help he will show you where he wants the sticker. Yes, this makes my car look oooo so trashy, but it makes him happy and that makes me happy, and they don't end up stuck to my tile floors.

Not ashamed, just not looking for a fight.

Not many people have asked me outright who I voted for this election. Which is just fine by me. Usually, being a social studies teacher and an avid politics fan, I enjoy discussing politics and ideals, but this year things are different. I have many hopes and dreams for this country and the future of my son. I spend lots of time reading and studying the topics because I enjoy it and because it is my job to stay on top of what's going on. I watch CNN and Fox News, I read the newspapers daily, I spend time caring about what is going on in my city, county, and world. I could go on and on about why I voted for Barak Obama, but in the end it was because I weighed the evidence and prayed about it. I have no regrets, I only have hope. My quiet vote was not because I was ashamed of who I voted for, I wouldn't have voted in shame, it is because 99% of the people I correspond with on a daily basis are conservative Mormons. I have expressed more "liberal" views before and they just look at me like I am a the most ignorant hick on the planet. So I have kept my mouth shut because I don't like people automatically assuming that I am stupid and easily misled by the "liberal" media. Oh and by the way I voted for Bush twice. In the end, presidential elections aren't as important as city and state elections. I always remind my students that those are the people who affect you the most. (Don't even get me started on the fact that Mark Pryor ran unopposed!) I hope that Obama makes a good president. I think he will.

We're off to see the Wizard

Last month I read the Annotated Wizard of Oz. I had never picked up any of the Oz books before, but I wanted something to read, and figured that the annotated part would make it better. I really liked the book, despite the fact that I had creeped out memories from seeing, "Return to Oz," as a kid, and I never like the Judy Garland version,(atleast not without Pink Floyd.) The book is a wonderful children's tale; Dorothy is an incredible brave, smart, and kind girl. Since reading the book, I have been shocked at how many references to the Wizard of Oz are in everyday life. They are everywhere, in so many shows, songs, and movies. This book has had an incredible impact on American Culture. Anyhoo, long post short, if you get a chance read the book. Even small toddlers are not immune from Wizard of Oz influences. Thanks Jenny for getting this picture.

Easy as ...pencils

I hope everyone gets a good laugh out of this. Wednesday as I was leaving the Fitness Center, I put Max in his car seat and shut the door. He locked it and I went to press the button on my key chain to unlock my door. It wouldn't open. What was I going to do? It has been almost 4 years that we have had the car, the battery in the keyless entry must have died. Crap, I would have to get a lock smith, call Jeff maybe, did anyone have a hanger? I spent a good five minuets worring about leaving Max to go get help, can I leave him in the cold car? Stupid keyless entry....Keyless...key, oh right I have the key right here in my hand. Ladies and Gentleman, Last Wednesday, for the first time in almost 4 years, I opened my car with the key.