#8: thirty days of thanksgiving

Doug Fabrizio

SWAG from the KUER Members Benefit Wednesday Night

I've been listening to Doug (pretty much *religiously) since I first became a SAHW (stay at home wife). As a SAHM (mom), he's a pretty normal part of our day.

Doug introduced me to barefoot running, helped alter my perceptions and views about vaccinations, overhauled many serious misconceptions I held about conventional-wisdom in parenting (through the book "NurtureShock"), and continues to challenge my beliefs and world view -- how wonderful!

Through my work on the Howell Campaign I got to meet him in September. Here we are at the Hinckley institute of politics.

We ran into him last night at a KUER benefit held at new Rio Tinto Museum of Natural History. Danny and I visited with Doug about Scott Howell, and touched on the future of politics in Utah. 

FAB-rizio indeed.  

*technically I spend more time a week with Doug than I do at church.

#7: 30 Days of Thanksgiving

So mixed emotions about the election: Was saddened to see Utahns overwhelmingly stuck with Orrin Hatch... but comforted that they elected Matheson (my aversion and fear of Tea-Party Republicans --i.e. Mia Love is probably only matched by some of my conservative's distrust of Obama). Stoked about Ben McAdams, and the President (obviously) but the biggest dissapointment of the night came from the bile on facebook from so many people I know who call themselves Christians. (Let's not go into examples - I was so disappointed. And if that's what I sounded like after George Bush took office, I'm disgusted with myself -- and asking for forgiveness.)

So while some of my friends and family members have convinced themselves that the end of the world is most certainly upon us (December 21st is coming soon), and are in mourning... I offer a message from The Church of Jesus Christ or Latter-day Saints (ahem, the Mormons).

http://www.ldstemplephotography.net/images/img-main-1.jpg

Thankful for THIS message and hope that wether you're a member of the LDS Faith or not, you can glean something from this example.

#6: 30 Days of Thanksgiving

Today's art project: Baby in a Papoose.
I mistakenly asked if it was a gingerbread man, he said
"No it's a baby, with blood coming out of his mouth".
.. I'm assuming that's just left over excitment from Halloween?  

Of course I'm thankful for the right to vote -- but I voted early, so today is just a waiting game. So I'll share the conversation I'm thankful for after I picked up Holden from pre-school this morning.

Me: So did you guys talk about voting today?

Holden: No, indians. 

Me: Oh, about how Columbus came, destroyed their lands and gave them small pox?

Holden: No, just when a mama has a baby she puts them in a pa- pa...papoose. 

Me: Oh that's so cute... and way better than small pox.

#5:thirty days of thanksgiving

BEDTIME ROUTINE:

So here's a sample of the text message antics Danny and I were dealing with this evening. The drill at our house in the evenings is that I pretty much handle Z for bed and Danny takes care of Holden. For the better part of a year, Holden has been so easy to get to sleep -- a story (or two) and then the promise: "be back to check on you." 

Zoë is still nursing to sleep so Danny is usually done with his parental bed time duties WAY before me. 

However, just this past week or so he's suddenly requiring a little bit more hands on attention... and so thus this message between the two of us as Zoë was crawling in and out of the master bed (our mattress currently on the floor for safe co-sleeping). 

He had just texted Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight update about the President's chances for tomorrow:  

How did husband's and wives communicate before text messaging? 

#4: 30 Days of Thanksgiving

With all the election craziness, we almost forgot to stop and enjoy Fall. 

True Story: I don't think I've ever actually raked up leaves for Holden to jump into prior to today. I put Zoë in the Ergo on my back and put together a pile from the Elephant Heart Plum tree in our front yard.  Danny was driving up from work just as Holden started his dance with Autumn. 

Dinner was not ready yet. 

It did not matter in the least. 

#3: 30 Days of Thanksgiving

This awesome Daddy (and husband).

Danny and Z at Holden's Pre-School Halloween Program 

OK seriously, if our home was a music festival it would be called PUKEFEST 2012 or LollapaPUKEza. Z must've caught the flu because she had been puking and had an upset stomach basically Tuesday - Friday. I caught some variety of it, and as such Danny came home early from work on Friday and has been taking care of all of us, and the house all weekend.

So while I'm not grateful for skickness, nothing gives you gratitude for your health, and for loving family members taking care of you in a time of need.

#2: thirty days of thanksgiving

Zoë-Bug.

Church Halloween Party 

Seriously thankful for this good natured, happy and delightful 25-plus-pound 10 (almost 11) month old.

I love her curls.
I love her laugh.
I love her chunky thighs.
I love her cuddles.
I love her baby steps. (But they are bittersweet).

I love we've made it almost 11 months nursing with no signs of stoping any time soon. (Judge me, don't judge me--it's really between me and Zoë. But I'm proud of us because it has come with plenty of bumps in the road.)

I love how she plays with and wrestles her brother.

I don't love her fascination with stairs and fire.

#staysafe