Prop 8 Child Abusers

We didn't witness abusers, we were the abusers!

Well, I didn't actually get accused of this because Yanina Luna was standing right by Corban, so she was blamed. Here is how it went:
A young/middle-aged lady walked up to us while we were waving signs at the Carl's Jr. corner. Speaking to Yanina, she said with a kind tone, "Can I ask you a question about your sign?" She proceeded to ask (I am not sure whether Yanina gave her the go ahead, or if she just broke out with the question), "What does Prop 8 have to do with religion?" (At this point I took a closer look at the button on her shirt, which was for Obama- just an observation as to where this was headed)
I was unable to hear the response, but whatever it was, it was WRONG...at least according to this lady. She then said, "I am majoring in Philosophy with a minor in Religion." That's an oxymoron if I ever heard one. That has got to be a frustrating education. "Nowhere in the bible does it say marriage between a man and a woman." I guess that statement is true, because it isn't said in that exact way; however, I don't know that it could be interpreted any other way. Granted, it might matter what version of the bible you are studying. I am no scriptorian, and there are probably better references, but in Matthew 19:4-9 it gives the marriage law:

4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcememt, and to put her away?
8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

I read it as speaking of man and woman. It didn't preface the scripture with "heterosexual marriage is such..." It is spoken as if there is no question as to who marries who. But it is very good at pointing out gender- male and female. Huh. And the discussion here was actually going on to teach about divorce, which was not from the beginning, either. So that has been a man made situation because of hard hearts. I guess we need a new scripture for our day speaking of the homosexual's case...and the even harder hearts we are dealing with. No accusation intended.

Needless to say, this ladies tone had changed from kind to angry and hateful. She began to accuse us of child abuse- she said it many times, so I do believe she really meant it- she was pointing fingers and calling us all sorts of names, which included hateful, discriminatroy, . She was spouting about our God and how we should hope he is forgiving of our hate. Liz nicely asked her why she was so angry, but the lady wouldn't hear it. While walking away she rhetorically asked, "Why are you so fearful." There it is again, we are a fearful people.

Interesting. Child abuse, huh? Huh.

So I pondered that situation wondering how it could have been dissolved. Two ideas I came up with- she asks if she can ask a question, you reply back, "Only if I can give you a compliment first." With this one you would have to be on your toes as to what great, sincere compliment you can give. It definitely would need to be spoken with deep sincerity. The other idea would be to say, "Not if it is rhetorical." The point of this one is that they don't really want you to answer their question. They want to be given the chance to tear you down. You are crazy if you think they actually want to listen. That's not to say that there aren't those who are willing to listen; however, they don't normally approach you in this fashion. Oh, and one more, you say, "Is it a question, or would you like to exercise your freedom of speech for the opposition?" This isn't to shut them up, it is more to have them MAYBE think about how you are out there exercising your freedom of speech, not necessary committing a hate crime, and she is welcome to as well.

The best thing about it, traffic was stopped at a light on the side of the road she was standing, and just as she finished the light turned green and we got SOOO many honks. They were mostly from cars that were there witnessing the mad lady.

If any of you readers come up with more POSITIVE come backs (not ones that cut them down), please leave a comment.

These boys look happy to me! But what do I know, I am one of the abusers.

So this is Our boy

Here is a not so great video of an oh so adorable, jibber-jabbering boy. He has recently started to make a lot more consonant sounds, and he does so in a slight whisper. He does this all day around the house as he goes about his business.

The mess in the backgroud in usual for our house. I don't seem to mind stuff laying around the house. Dirt is another story.

I got some pots and pans from IKEA the other day, knowing he would enjoy making noise with them. He does, but he happens to like this utensil in particular. It now joins us at our sign waving for entertainment, though it didn't work there quite as well as it does at home.

The picture was taken yesterday when Indy Ryan was over playing with us. We had lots of fun...or at least they did. Everything Indy was doing, Corban would want to be right there with him.

So here is a list of ten things about Corban that I absolutely adore as I have been able to share his life with him for the last 10 months:

1. The beautiful baby blue eyes! It is always exciting to see what color they will become from those dark grey eyes they are born with. I couldn't be happier with what he got! I am just hoping there isn't a change as he gets older. But even if there is, his eyes are so big that they will be beautiful no matter what.

2. His ever so cheerful personality. In the first two months of life I thought I had a child that was going to be real needy, requiring a lot of attention. I am sure that is what ever first-time mom thinks because they have never had someone depend so much on them. As soon as Corban had a way of expressing himself, it was apparent he was a very happy, easy going child. I wish this upon every first-time mom because he makes me want to have a dozen! He does cry, but it is definitely to communicate, I can usually figure it out, and it isn't very often.

3. His thick little body. To girls, the word thick, as it relates to the body, is usually taken as an insult, but I have since been informed by men (Jared) that it is meant as buff, strong, and having muscles and definition. Corban has definitely got a thick body in that way. Thanks to his dad, Corban has maintained his upper body strength, still being able to do pull ups on your fingers. This may soon be a bad thing, as he is also getting coordinated with his legs, so climbing out of his crib is right around the corner.

4. His desire for independence. Now of course this one has it's drawbacks, especially when it comes to sitting quietly in church. But for the other 6 days of the week this bodes well for the mother. He is a busy little boy. He loves playing on his own, exploring every area of the house, getting into everything at his level except for the toy baskets (unless we are talking about Nika's toy basket). He is currently working on walking, which is not an independent task for now, but soon will be. The second you grab his fingers and say lets go, he is satisfied. He sticks his little tongue out, puts a big smile on his face, and together we walk- him slapping his feet out in front (sort like a soldier would walk). And he now actually turns around to go down our one step in the entryhall instead of taking it front on. It's something new everyday!

5. His friendly demeanor. He has no problem going to other people. In fact, he prefered the Turner's over me at the ward Halloween party. He smiles at everyone...unless he is sleepy...which brings me to the next one:

6. His charming smile. This boys really knows how to work it with the ladies, or anyone for that matter. His smile has probably cost me lots of time considering all the people we stop and entertain when we are out running errands. This goes hand in hand with the friendly trait because he will keep it going just because he is getting Ooo's and Ahhh's from someone. Right now he has 6 teeth to show off with that smile.

7. His effortless schedule. This was another thing I was worried about in the beginning because I couldn't seem to figure out his schedule. Now he is fairly predictable- predictable enough for me. He has no problem running errands with me. He is fabulous in the car. He is pretty good about taking naps during the day, though it sometimes takes convincing if he is having a good time playing. At night time, he is usually really easy to put down for bed.

8. His non-stop little voice. He has forever been a "talker". He has moaned himself to sleep from day one. He rarely is playing without talking. He hums, chatters, yells, and laughs. I will throw in here his contagious laugh. Getting him to laugh, which is no task at all, just makes my day. There is kind of a giggle to it, along with a sigh at the end. Oh, I love that!

9. His playfullness. He can find a way to play with just about anything. But most adorable is his desire to play with Nika. He loves his dog! He has apparently learned a thing or two from her.Bathtime is another one I have mentioned before. He really doesn't play that much with toys, so it is a good thing we haven't bought very many. He likes real things: books (BOM being his favorite because the pages are so easy to thumb (what I mean by that, and I couldn't think of a word, is that he keeps the book closed and just flips the edges of the pages over and over again), phones (whose child doesn't), TV equipment, shadows (that is a funny one to watch), hangers, laundry baskets, magazines, paper of any sort, and the list goes on. Last of all, he loves to BOUNCE. If you get him going, there is laughing right along with the bouncing, but no matter what it comes with the smile.

10. His sweetness! He is such a sweetheart. When I am feeding him, he will rub along my arm, or shirt, or a blanket if I have it near. I am sure it is that he likes the soft textures, but it seems so gentle of him. He smiles at me whenever I walk into the room. He loves and cuddles Nika (this goes with tackling). In the morning when we have him in bed with us, he will wake the other one up by crawling on top of you. If you are getting him out of bed, his face lights up when you come within view...he does this for Nika, as well. He snuggles, gives hugs (in a baby sort of way), enjoys kisses, hangs on my leg when he wants me, and pats me when I hold him. I sure am lucky to be his mom!

Too late!

I am almost 2 hours too late to remember that Corban is exactly 10 months old! Man I love this kid! And this is all I get to post about it because he is making noise as if he wants a bottle or out of his crib. I am going to hope for the first because it is my bed time.

Proud to be LDS

Oh Liz, you have me hooked on your blog! For the rest of you, you should check it out for professional photography, fabulous writing, or for links to more of my favorite subject, Prop 8. I have been reading Article VI Blog, which I find to be very enlightening, entertaining, and yes, a supporter of my beliefs. In reading some comments, I came across one that said almost perfectly something that has become more real to me in the last week or so. Here was the comment:

1. JLFuller on 25 Oct 2008 at 11:33 am #

   It goes with the territory (meaning, being Mormon). We all knew what we were getting into before we came here. We knew Satan would do what you see happening now but we came anyway because of our commitment to Father and Christ. We knew that many of our number would fall away because of their choice to follow the ways of the world. Satan has used these same tactics since the founding of this earth and likely before so few should be surprised. He would make evil seem good and good seem to be evil. He would turn families against each other and split some from the rest. Even the most stalwart and committed would be corrupted and fall away and so some have. The most troubled of us should remember that we cannot serve two masters, God and Mammon.

   This is a war. It continues from our pre-mortal life. It is and always has been Satan against God and we are in the middle. We knew we would be. Again we again have to choose. There has always been a battle ground. There has always been some human weakness that Satan uses where he can squeeze in to separate us from Father. This time homosexuality is the battleground. It will be something else next time. It has always been good versus evil and right versus wrong. It has always been about taking us from God.

In my recent experience this has been much more apparent, like the difference between black and white. The mockery of righteousness; the rejection of truth; the division of good and evil. Just months ago I could have tried to fathom how bad things could be, how our lives could at all be compared to those of the pioneers, how life could really be a test of faith in our days. I now have a hint of those fathoms. Seeing church members claim to be in good standing in the church, while opposing Proposition 8, of which the Apostles and Prophet have asked us to support in no uncertain terms. Hearing of individuals losing friends over professing their support of Proposition 8. Experiencing first hand the dichotomy of equality for marriage and equality for religion/parental rights/and most of all speech. Having everyone of our statements be turned around or taken completely out of context and considered "lies" (while truth doesn't seem to be their- the opponents'- strength).
Now I understand why we are to practice our religion everyday. I understand why we as saints meet often. I understand why we are to continually be converted. I understand why there are two sides of preparedness, both physical and spiritual.
I hear them, the opposition, say that we are using fear as our tactic. We are "crazy", "fearful" people. Well, really I am not full of fear in a way they might think. I am becoming more "fearful", or should I say respectful, of my God, our God. I know he lives and watches over us. He doesn't like that we have some of the reactions that we do just as much as he doesn't like that the other side is doing horrible things. He desires that we have greater love for one another, a hope in all that IS true, and greater faithfulness in him, all so he can give us eternal happiness. I can do a lot better at loving my neighbor, including those that "discriminate" against me. I can do better at being obedient to his commandments. I can do better on a whole lot of things, and that really should be where I focus my energy that I have been spending on trying to convince the other side of who we really are (more in my mind or on the streets while waving signs than actively seeking out opportunities).
On the Article VI Blog they have an article on how the Mormons are being targeted, called Proposition 8:Open season on Mormons? In this it talks about digging up any dirt on Mormons that made large contributions to Prop 8. As I read that my thoughts were directed to my life and whether or not they would find garbage on me. I can't think of any that would be so notable, but maybe they could work it so it was. So then I thought about all those that have had a past that has been forgiven, yet will be brought to the table as if there has been no change in that person. And this is all done in the name of Equality For All. I just don't get it. Nevertheless, it moves me to be more stalwart in my efforts of obedience and righteousness to the kingdom of God. Not out of fear of the people, but out of fear for my God.
I am grateful for the blessing that have been bestowed upon me, and I should be more grateful. I am grateful that I have a place of refuge from the battle grounds. I am grateful that I have support all around me and I don't have to battle this one alone. I am grateful for a wonderful family, both extended sides, and my small nuclear one. I am grateful for the innocence of my sweet Corban that reminds me why this is worth fighting for. I am grateful for the unity of my ward family. I am grateful for a Father in Heaven that grants me peace whenever I remember to ask for it. I am grateful that I have a testimony of God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ.

So I am not reading any more blogs until I write in my own. I get so hooked on other people's lives, I stop recording my own. Quite a lot has gone on since my last post and I am really tempted to talk about Prop 8...but I don't know that I have anything new to say, so it will suffice it to say we have spent more time on the corners in Rancho Penasquitos.


We do have more going on in our lives besides Prop 8, not much, but at least something. On Saturday there was the Annual Combined Ward Halloween Party. Jared signed up to make Chili for the traditional chili contest. He said that he was going to make it this time because he has never made it before but he thought he could do a pretty good job. I guess he was disappointed that we didn't win with my chili last year. Anyway, I had full confidence in his abilities to make a delicious chili, however, I worried a little bit about the time he had available to throw it together. At about 8:30 on Friday night I asked if he was still planning on making chili, or if he wanted me to go ahead and do- this being asked as I am pulling out all the basic chili ingredients and the crock pot to throw them into. He consented to getting up and cooking it right then. He looked at the ingredient list on a can of chili, asked me a few basic questions, and the rest was up to him.

Saturday was a crazy busy day for him, which included a "drive-thru" at the house for lunch (in other words, me running out the food I threw together to his car) and showing up an hour late for the party. It was my privilege of following strict orders to take and deliver the chili on time so it could be in the contest. If it wasn't for the chili, I may have finagled my way out of attending the party- only because it would just be Corban and me, no daddy. Luckily we have great in-laws that are really into Halloween and we just happened to visit them on Thursday night/Friday morning. They kindly offered us a darling costume that was super easy to have Corban dress in, meaning no work for mom. And this was the result:

And Jared, well he showed up just in time to try the chilis before announcing the winners. And he walks home with this:



Interesting enough, he didn't vote for himself. I somewhat predicted the outcome when talking with Liz the day before saying Jared would be making the Chili and he would probably win because this was his first time. He just happens to be really good at cooking without a recipe.

I really have had a great day with Corban. This adorable baby has even been more adorable today. It started at 4:30 am when he woke up wanting a bottle. He was VERY awake by the time I got into his bedroom. When I picked him up he was "talking" with more clear sounds (not actual words) than I have ever heard from him before, and he would kind of whisper while he was doing it. When Jared came to drop him off at the corner for sign waving, he told me of his similar observation, however, he said that he actually heard him mimic the word "stop."
Next adorable thing was at sign waving. This boy loves to be apart of the action. I hold him in the front carrier and he just squeals and screams as the cars are honking and zooming by. He likes to raise both arms in the air and swing them down quickly- I use this as an opportunity to tickle him and get the most contagious laugh out of him. On our evening waving, he ended up wearing himself out and fell asleep after me feeding him a bottle.
Back to the morning. He insisted upon skipping his morning nap to play with Nika. I had put him in the highchair for breakfast. He took a few bits of wheat toast and plain yogurt with applesauce and began his loud grunting tyrant. So I do the usual "all done" sign and he stops immediately and gives me a smile. I am so amazed at how fast he caught on to this sign, if only I was good at using more signs with him we could be having conversations by now. After cleaning him up in our usual way, which includes letting him sip water out of the palm of my hand while I attempt to wash his face, I shook his hands dry while singing Musikgarten's song Hands A Washing. Our favorite part is the "so now we'll have to shake them, shake them, shake them, shake them. So now we'll have to shake them, shake them til their dry." After that I sat on the kitchen floor with him trying to teach him to clap his hands. He loves it when I hold his hands and do it for him, but he has yet to do it himself.
At this point I decided it was eminent that I take a shower (I was still in sweat, but dry, gym clothes). I decided to take a shower/bath with Corban because he loves them so much and he was still very awake. That was fun! I usually am just on the side lines, watching him have all the fun. I think we both enjoyed playing water slide, big splashing, and waterfall from the pelican pitcher. It was tough deciding when it was time to get out.
Later in the day, while working on something in the kitchen I turned around to see Corban tackling his lion. It was ADORABLE watching him roll over with the lion in a tight grasp. I guess he really is learning from Nika. He does tackle Nika quite often, sometimes catching her off guard, but usually she knows it's coming.

I took him to see daddy at Poway GS after sign waving. Daddy was busy working on his computer and was being wrestless in my arms so I decided to meet him half way with the action. I would bounce him high in the air and bring him down quickly, and then repeat right away (an amazing workout for the arms). This had him laughing so hard. I couldn't stop just because his laugh was so adorable. We also had some time in the mirror, one of his favorite parts of the stores. He loves to look at himself and others in the mirror. It usually starts with studying the picture he is seeing, and then you see his face light up as he realizes who he is looking at.

Last one I am going to mention due to time was him trying to climb into the bathtub. He was so tired tonight, but was also very wired. It was just about 10:00pm and it didn't seem he would be willing to lay down anytime soon. He had followed me into the bathroom and crawled up to the bathtub, like usual. So I gave in, I started a bath for him. As I undressed him, he remained clasped to the side of the tub and proceeded to lift his leg up as if to climb the side of the tub. He actually does this almost everyday as I prepare his bath, but it so cute EVERY TIME! The bath was short lived because I took out at first sign of tiredness- rubbing the eyes as he moved toward the side of the tub, as if to say he was too tired to be in the tub any longer. Sure enough, he was in bed and asleep within 15 minutes of getting out of the bath.

Time to get some ZZZZZ's before Corban wakes up...or before I need to be up to wave signs- whichever comes first.

Missing Out!

I have been a dedicated Prop 8 sign waver for the past week, and today I have been defeated by sickness. It could be worse and just the fear of that has kept me home this morning. I am not so much worried about me as I am worried about Corban and Jared. I really would hate to get either of them sick right now...but I think Jared is already on his way.

So instead of standing on a corner this morning, I thought I would share excerpts of Liz Agle's "Prop 8 Center" post wave wrap-ups:

Wed. 10/15

Tonight's sign waving went well, though I must confess I was expecting a few more people. I had a blast with Cole Oross and his friend, Taylor, on one corner, while Jared and Amanda Crane (with Corban, bless his little heart and to-die-for eyes) and Amber Price covered the block kitty-corner to us. According to Cole and Taylor, we got 26 negatives reactions directed at our corner including thumbs down, mouthed "no's," shaking heads, screams and yells, birdies (not the nice ones you feed crackers and teach to speak), and one man who held up traffic to educate us about the folly of our ways. However, the positive reactions far outweighed the negatives. We were honked at and waved to, smiled at and whooped on, and praised and blessed. If you haven't tried this yet, you definitely need to come on down and stake out a corner with us. Especially if you can finagle a spot next to Cole and Taylor, they're a riot! Seriously though, all the bad stuff seems to just roll right off your back as you smile and wave back at the protesters, but when you get a positive reaction, you feel like you're on top of the world!

Fri 10/17 Morning

You must know that this morning at our stakeout by the 56 freeway entrance (right there at Carl's Jr and the car wash), we had 10 people show up!! 10!! I am such a proud Prop 8 mama, let me tell you.... Our numbers are growing and I am especially proud of those who are uncomfortable with doing this, but come anyway because they know how important it is. We got tons of honks, waves, thumbs up, head nods, and even an armored truck siren as he went by (I've never heard one of those before). You can tell that people really appreciate the effort we are making to protect marriage between a man and a woman. Some people even hang out their cars to yell "God bless you" as they drive by.

A simple list of reasons for you to shake off your timidity and join us on the corner tonight:

Emotional boost = What could be better than having countless people drive by waving, smiling, honking, and hollering their support for something you also believe in so strongly?

Mental boost = What could be better than standing on a corner with your friends, discussing Prop 8 and having your commitment to this cause be strengthened by a common bond

Physical boost = After three days of doing this morning and evening, I can honestly say that Prop 8 sign waving will give your arms the best workout they've ever had, bar none!!

Spiritual boost = This is where God wants you to be (and I don't mean sign waving, exactly - if you're out there doing phone calls or walking, you are also responding to His call to arms). I have not one single doubt about that. Period.

Fri 10/17 Evening

My dearest, fellow Prop 8ers,

This hour marks the close of the happiest day of my Prop 8 life thus far. I forgot to mention in my previous email today, that as we finished up our sign waving for the morning rush hour, a male pedestrian approached us and, while expressing his deep gratitude for our service, handed us a bag full of ice cold bottled water. He had driven by earlier, honking his horn and giving us thumbs up. Then he circled back and in a perfect gesture of camaraderie, offered his assistance to us by quenching our thirst. See, I told you there's an emotional boost here.

So, let's move on to tonight's little victories. As I set up camp on the corner this evening, the Wilcox family approached with some homemade signs made by our very own Tami. One sported a very important message "Prop 8 doesn't take ANY rights away" and the other served to, shall we say, rally the troops a bit. Well, really, the second had a two fold mission. In this simple request, "Honk if you like Prop 8," we were able to not only effect a cacophonous symphony of automotive horns, but we also eliminated the opposition's method of drawing attention to it's fingers and thumbs and frowns. Utterly and completely foiled, they were. You are brilliant, Tami! We were also blessed with a car full of youth who kept circling back to come through our intersection over and over blasting their horn and screaming out their windows in support of Prop 8. Bless them, whoever they are. I would love to adopt them.

And with her professional skills, here is Liz's recruiting ad:

Mon 10/20

So, you remember a couple (maybe 30) e-mails ago when I said I'd had the best day of my Prop 8 life so far? Well tonight, that day got trumped...big time. I arrived at Penasquitos Dr. and Carmel Mt. Rd. tonight and set up shop, getting the boys comfortable and safe in their stroller with snacks and drinks, then headed to the sidewalk armed with a Prop 8 sign in each hand. Enter Field of Dreams: "If you build it, they will come." Well, I didn't actually build anything, but I think through word-of-mouth and the positive experience of others, we were able to encourage a record breaking attendance at "the corner" tonight. As folks arrived in groups of twos and threes, my heart swelled and my spirit soared! Now, hang onto your seat because when you hear this number, it'll knock your socks off. Twenty eight! We had 28 people come out to wave Prop 8 signs tonight!! And all from our ward, no less! Just saying I was proud doesn't cut it. I was as proud as a peacock and as pleased as punch. To quote Mater, I was "happier than a tornado in a trailer park." Sheesh, 28 people! I remember when I was the only one standing on that very same corner the first day of sign waving...just last week! And, I also remember when Vicky told me that Mira Mesa had combined with Scripps Ranch their first time out and had 30 people. I sighed in envy then, but look at us now! We're holding our own, all by ourselves and I - am - just - so - proud!!

Apart from an overwhelming attendance, we also had an overwhelmingly positive response from the automobiles. Tons of honks and waves and thumbs up! Hardly anything negative, though I'm sure that's in part due to Tami's wonderful "Honk if you like Prop 8" sign. They just can't get the attention they want. :) Hooray! We have discovered that we need some new signs, though. A few people have asked what exactly voting "yes" would mean, so we've proposed a new sign that says "Yes on Prop 8 = one man + one woman."

Here were some pictures I (Amanda) took that night. Corban had a great time with Gus Zanini, to whom I am eternally grateful since my arms are already starting to really feel the burn from holding up signs.

We have now seen the opposition; however, we had no idea what their sign said. Those who were on that side with them said that it said "8= (scribbles because they messed up) Vote No on Prop 8". The latter portion, which was their point, was written in pencil. I don't know that they had much impact that night.

Tues 10/21

A fellow sign waver said to me the other day (or maybe it was this morning - my Prop 8 days sort of blur together), "Just think of all the stories we're going to walk away with from Prop 8." I have often thought the same. The defenders of traditional marriage are just pouring out of the woodwork in droves now. I want to be able to tell my children's children that I did all I could to protect marriage in 2008. This morning, I witnessed firsthand one of those inspiring stories of someone going the extra mile...literally.

Everyone meet Claire. Claire is now part of our e-mail list and is a most welcome addition. Claire showed up this morning about 45 minutes after we started. She came toting a "Yes on Prop 8" yard sign stuck to a stiff poster board. As her story unfolded, I was humbled by the presence of a Prop 8 giant. This woman had seen groups around holding support Prop 8 signs and she wanted to join in, but didn't know who to contact. So, this morning, she loaded her makeshift sign into her car and set off driving around until she found a group to join. Claire is from Poway!! We were thrilled to have her this morning and welcome her presence anytime she is able.

And that's the wrap-up. Liz has been such an example through this all. what she didn't mention about yesterday is that she had been up all hours of the night with a sick child. Nothing will stop this warrior!

She is also good to not dwell on the negative responses we receive, to which I will just make a few comments so those not living on the battle grounds can have an idea of how this might be difficult for the timid. We get plenty of middle fingers, sometimes subtle (one girl passed by rubbing her forehead with her middle finger) but most of the time very blatant, plenty of vulgar language, yesterday was the first time I heard someone yell "homophobes", and just a few loud and obscene remarks , one on Monday that was so descriptive that I believe gave every reason to vote YES (along the lines of "I should be able to marry my dog" and on he continued). Most of the negative response comes from a shaking of the head, shaking of the finger, a thumbs down, or no acknowledgement that we are there. The latter are what I see as being tolerant of people expressing their opinion and I greatly respect them for being respectful of us.

Haven't done that in a long time!

I just returned from working in our Del Mar store. I haven't actually worked a shift since before Corban entered my life- I did work a "Free Day" event, but I was in the back the entire time so I didn't work with customers. I forgot how fun it can be talking with happy people getting a delicious treat. I also don't remember being nervous working in my own stores! We got our new POS system in my last month of working and I never got comfortable with it...and today proved that!

Thanks to Liz and Dan for watching Corban while his mom and dad worked together. Sounds like they had lots of fun. I don't know about everyone else, but one of my favorite things about having other people watch him are the stories they have to tell when I pick him up. It is so fun for me to hear what amusing things he did for them, and that they are just as a amused as I am when he does it for me. Tonight they told me about him playing with the lid to his bottle- scooting it along the floor, banging it into the walls, and keeping himself entertained for a while. Every once in a while he would "pop up" in front of Dan, as if too see what he was doing- Corban would come around to the side of his computer and just watch him. Now, for us he is usually reaching for the keyboard, but maybe I wasn't aware of something Jared has taught him. He apparently also wanted to jump in the tub with their boys during bathtime. I forgot to mention that bathtime is one of his favorite things to do. In fact, just the other day when I allowed him to crawl up the stairs, once he reached the top he continued on into the bathroom and pulled himself up to the tub. He then just stood there, looking in at the empty tub, and the bath toys. It took remembering I had just changed his diaper and we had another meal to go through to prevent me from just throwing him in the tub that very minute.
Liz also shared with me his way of "playing" with a turtle she gave him. With actions she described his way of throwing it here and then there, and then back over here...it makes me wonder how much this child is learning from Nika. This reminded me of his playing with a little plastic bottle I had to give to him on Saturday. He had found the bottle on the stairs and once he got ahold of it I couldn't take it away. It was hard enough just "borrowing" it for a couple of seconds so I could empty the contents (massage oil) before he was drinking it. Anyway, he has been carrying this bottle around with him everywhere. On the tile you hear the scraping noise as he slides, smack, slides, smack, slides, smack. The "smack" is his other hand completeing the crawling movement. As he was doing this across the kitchen floor and Jared and I are observing, Jared gets his attention, to which he tries to come quickly. In the action he loses the bottle, but it takes him a few steps ahead to realize. So we see the wheels turning in his head as he stops, turns around, finds the bottle and then gets side tracked and just plays with the bottle, banging it on the floor, here and there. When he looks up at us again, the entire process is repeated- crawling towards us, loses the bottle, stops, turns around, picks up the bottle and starts playing again. Too bad I don't have this on video because it is much better than what I can describe in words!
So while I am on my favorite subject, let me share with you a few other things about Corban. He has 6 teeth! I was really nervous about 4 weeks ago when his upper teeth were coming in, but not the center ones. I feared him looking like a Vampire, though that may have made a great Halloween costume. It was only a few days after they had broke the skin that I could see the center ones pushing their way through. Jared said today that they are crooked. I am not so sure about that, but let's hope not!
He is becoming partial to his mother. If I am around, Jared has a little bit of trouble getting him to go to bed, or to be calmed down. As long as he doesn't see me he is fine. It is nice having him want to come to me- who can resist that charming smile as he reaches towards you! It is one of my favorite things during the day when he decides he wants me to pick him up. He is usually off doing his own thing, but he does reach a point where he wants me. This is when he will come tug on my pant leg and "ask" for me to pick him up.
Speaking of doing his own thing, I wonder if I am creating a problem for the future. During the week I really do allow him to have a lot of time for himself to crawl around and explore anything and everything he can reach. I occasionally come across items I have to move because he really shouldn't have them within reach. So when it comes to Musikgarten on Wednesdays, church on Sundays, or anytime when I need him to sit quietly, it is practically impossible- he wants to be down, independently exploring. Is this normal, and how can I best teach him to be able to sit with me.

Well, Jared just arrived home after finishing up closing duties alone...since I got to pick up Corban and come home after close. I am going to go be his girlfriend :)