Friday, August 29, 2008

VP

I was thinking recently that John McCain can't possibly win this election...unless, maybe, he chooses a woman for his running mate. I know a lot of people say that it's just a trick to pull in the female vote, trying to get the Hillary supporters that haven't decided to support Obama yet. But, I don't care. I think it's brilliant. I haven't really decided who to vote for yet but this makes McCain's position a little stronger for me. Besides, even if he is just trying to get more votes it's not like he can change his mind once he's president. If he wins she's the vice president and that's that. And I think the argument that she, or Obama for that matter, doesn't have enough experience is a weak one at best. Often a 'lack of experience' means a person can look at problems from different angles that people with a lot of experience can't or don't because that's 'not the way it's done.' Oooh, and I think I'm one of these 'swing voters' that I keep hearing about on the radio. I could go either way, really.

But I just read this book, "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and some other guy...Oliver Relin...about a guy (Greg Mortenson) who builds schools in Pakistan. It's really good. I totally recommend it. But the point is that it's made me think about the Middle East and how each candidate plans to handle humanitarian aid and post war (or mid-war, whatever) relief for the people in that region. I care about their positions on the war itself but...this may be more important. Anyway, it's a good book and it makes you think. I told Sam the story a little and he thought it was interesting and it gave me a good way to explain about how there are good people all over the world and not all Muslims are terrorists and how important education is.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Young Love

Oh, I don't even know where to start. Sam's girlfriend broke up with him. Yeah, his girlfriend. A couple of days ago I picked Sam up from school and Kathy, a little girl in his class, told him goodbye and ran off. Then he told me she was his girlfriend. I didn't know if he meant girlfriend girlfriend or a friend that is a girl although he has lots of friends that are girls and doesn't call them girlfriends. Anyway, the next day he said they were in love. Then today he told me they broke up. I asked him if he was okay or if he was sad and he said a little sad but he doesn't seem all that broken up about it. He said they were still friends which is good. I told him no more girlfriends until he's 16. I didn't realize that I'd have to talk to my 5 year old about dating. I figured I could wait until, like, 4th grade or something. Jeff and I had no idea what to say when he said he had a girlfriend. So, I guess I'm relieved that they broke up (hilarious) so I could tell him some of the rules of dating...ie, No Dating! Luckily his first heartbreak hasn't seemed to rough. He's playing puzzle challenge with Eleanor right now.

Friday, August 22, 2008

A little about Sam

Well, school has been in session for 9 days now and I think a little of the glamour has worn off. Sam loves school and he's doing great, but he no longer pops out of bed and into his clothes. Yesterday I had to tell him to get his pants on 9 times. His reply? "Oh, I forgot." He found a different toy to play with in between each article of clothing. Then he still had to eat breakfast. All of you with kids know what I'm talking about.

Sam received a compliment from his teacher the other day. She said everyone likes him and he's the best behaved and most academically advanced kid in the class. We're very proud of him. I was pleased by this comment because I felt like he was ready for school but now it's been confirmed by his teacher. Lest you think he's too perfect he does hold his pencil wrong.

Here's a funny story about Sam being naughty. First of all he loves Indiana Jones. He sings the theme music all the time. He even chooses it for his family home evening song. Anyway, he was in trouble for not helping and was supposed to be in his room. He came downstairs and stood at the bottom of the stairs so I asked him if he was ready to help. He said no so I told him to go back to his room. He said no to that too. So, I counted to five and when I stood up to get him he shot up the stairs singing, "dun da dun dun, dun da dah, dun da dun dun..." (Indiana Jones theme music) and raced to his room. It was hilarious. I guess he needed a little excitement in his life.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

First Day of School...Ever


Ready in 15 minutes

Okay, I guess Sam went to preschool last year but this is kindergarden. It's official school. I was a little concerned that Sam would have a hard time getting up on Tuesday morning for his first day. Ever since our vacation we've been on Oregon time so getting up at 6:30 am instead of 8:30 or 9 or later...I didn't think he's handle it very well. However, at 6:30 when I woke him up he hopped right out of bed, got dressed, had breakfast and was ready to go. It was great. Well, Sam was great. Eleanor and Peter were a different story. Peter had gone to bed fairly early and then he woke up at 3 am and wouldn't go back to sleep. And Eleanor got up too. They passed out around 6 am. I was hoping they would stay awake until after we took Sam to school and then we could all sleep but no such luck. We managed to get Sam to school on time though and he had a great day.

Eleanor, are you ready to take Sam to school?

Sam's Birthday

Sam is five today! I can't believe it. It was also his second day of school. So he's had a big week. We had a little family party today and he'll have another party on Saturday with some friends. We made a pinata for Saturday. Sam and Eleanor are very excited about the pinata. We were planning to play outside in the sprinkler for his party but it looks like the weather will be bad so we'll have to have to plan some backup indoor activities. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Sam!









Monday, August 11, 2008

July Birthdays

Eleanor and Peter both had their birthdays in July so it is high time I post some photos to recognize their accomplishments.


Eleanor's birthday was Pink Day. She started the day in an all pink ensemble--two pink shirts and some crazy pink pants. Then we ended the day with a pink cake with pink frosting decorated with pink fruit snacks and pink ice cream. Delicious!










Peter learned to walk and go down the stairs all by himself just before his birthday. We are very proud of him. He is very confident on the stairs and getting steadier on his feet every day.