Thankful Landon!

Today we were out for a walk and we ran across some stairs which, of course, Landon wanted to play on. So I watched him go up the stairs and then when he was ready to go back down he realized the railing was way to high for him to reach. Normally, he would have turned around and crawled down if there wasn't something to hold on to, but this time he decided to take the step standing up without any kind of support. He took the first step really well and a big smile appeared on his face. Then he took the second step and he started clapping for himself. Then he finished the remaining four steps and at the bottom he folded his arms, bowed his head, closed his eyes, and said thank you, thank you, thank you..... Then up the stairs he went again. He did this over and over again....so proud of himself that he could step down the stairs without any help, and he always said a prayer of thanks at the bottom. Ryan and I were really wishing we had our video camera.

Baby Update

For those wondering, there haven't been any changes since I first found out I was dilating. I am now 28 weeks along so I'm sure everything will be fine. I'm still supposed to take it easy and go see my Dr. every 2 weeks, but I think I'm just one of those few women out there that starts dilating super early.

Mr. Landon is 18 months old!

Landon just turned a year and a half and although he's not talking a lot yet he does do some really cute things that make me smile and laugh throughout the day. He says, "yes" to almost every question you ask him unless it has to do with going to bed. He waves at everyone, blows kisses when you say you love him, knows all the hand movements to "The Wheels on the Bus", loves to march, gallop, run, and jump, hums different songs all day long, sometimes likes to say multiple prayers during eating times, and really gets excited when he gets to play with other kids. He also loves to do some grown-up things such as pretend he's talking on the phone, play with the computer, help unload the dishwasher (especially the knives), drive the car, and walk everywhere by himself (hates to hold hands or be held). He's becoming quite an independent little dude. Most of the time I'm thankful that he doesn't want my help, but sometimes it can be a little frustrating. He's been going to nursery now for a couple weeks and seems to really enjoy it. Hopefully, he'll continue to like it....I hope to enjoy the next couple months "baby free" during sunday school and young womens.

Our Little Dinosaur!

Here's Landon and his Mickey Mouse friend (Preston) hanging out at our ward trunk-or-treat on Halloween. As you can see Landon was really enjoying his lollipop.

Baby #2 wants to come out early

Yesterday I went in for my routine 24 week appointment and found out that my cervix has decided to open already. My doctor had me come back again today to check for changes. She thought that it may have changed a little so she sent me to the hospital to be monitored. I ended up being at the hospital for 4 hours while they checked for contractions and changes in the cervix. Thankfully, there were no changes so I was able to come home, but have to limit the amount of activity that I do and I have to go see my doctor more often. My next appointment is next week. If there are any changes then my doctor is going to put me on steroids. Hopefully this baby and my body will realize it's way to early and stop scaring me to death. All prayers are welcome. Thanks to my sister Cindy for coming to watch Landon for the day. She's AWESOME!

Lots of Fun!

We've been playing a lot the last couple of weeks. The first week of October we went on a family vacation to Indio, CA. It's about a seven hour drive south/east of where we live. It was pretty toasty the first few days, but was perfect for playing in the pool all day. Landon really enjoyed the big 1 foot deep wading pool. We also spent a day a Joshua Tree National Park which by no surprise has millions of Joshua Trees everywhere, some cool rock formations, and quite a few cool looking cactus. The last few days of our vacation Derick, Niesja,and Ethan came to join us. We all enjoyed going three miles straight up the mountain on the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. You go from being in the desert to the woods in a matter of minutes.



A few days after we returned home Lisa and Josh and family came to visit so the last few days we've been doing some fun things with them in Monterey. Yesterday we went to the Aquarium and the beach, and today we rode the paddle boats and played at Dennis the Mennis Park. Landon was pretty crazy on this long swinging bridge. I think he had much better balance than I did. ed.

Vote YES on Propostion 8

I know most who read my blog are not Californians, but this is an issue that is spreading throughout the world and if not stopped will eventually affect us all. Earlier this year 3 judges in San Francisco passed same-sex marriage in California. Now in November we have a chance to restore the definition of marriage as only between a man and a woman. I only hope that the voters of California make the right choice. Ryan and I have been knocking doors in our city on Saturdays to make people aware of the proposition, but some people just don't care. Too many feel that people should be able to do whatever they want. Here are some of the main reasons I feel same-sex marriage should not be allowed:

1. Children in public schools will have to be taught that same-sex marriage is the same as traditional marriage.

The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. (§51890) Therefore, unless Proposition 8 passes, children will be taught that marriage is between any two adults regardless of gender. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.

2. Churches may be sued over their tax exempt status if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries.

3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston already closed its doors in Massachusetts because courts legalized same-sex marriage there.

All of these have already happened in areas that same-sex marriage is legal. Same gender couples are already given many of the same benefits that married couples get when it comes to taxes and other discounts that companies give. It makes me mad that they want to confuse children and change church policies. Vote Yes on Proposition 8.