For All the Mothers, and Fathers, and Pretty Much Everyone Else

I just listened to a really inspirational talk that was given at the LDS General Relief Society Meeting on September 27. I know that many of my readers may already have heard this one, but if you haven't, I highly recommend it. It may just be the pregnancy hormones, but I felt really uplifted and touched by it. And yes, it's applicable if you're not a Mormon (or even a woman). It is entitled "Happiness, Your Heritage," by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. The written version can be found here, or you can listen to the audio here, or watch a Quick Time video version here. The broadcast lasts about 21 minutes.

James' Prayer

Evening prayer tonight, offered by James: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for have some food, and Coco Pops, and bike cereal, and noodles and cheese, no sauce, just cheese, and thank you for markers, and not color on walls, just color on paper, thank you for cars, Jesus Christ, amen.  

I Need Your Validation

Last night, James was acting a little strange around bedtime, so Micah and I weren't shocked when he threw up (all over the bathroom) after dinner.  After that, he went to bed, but wanted me to sleep in his bed with him, which I did.  Then he woke up about every 5.2 seconds to whine, cry, and generally be unconsolable about how uncomfortable he felt.  Needless to say, I got very little sleep last night.  We got out of bed around 8:30,* and now it's 9:48.  In the last hour, I have eaten two bowls of cereal, played Spider Solitaire, and listened to my Disneyland soundtrack.  What I need from you, dear reader, is your blessing.  Tell me it's okay after a night like that to not get anything done today.  Please.

*James awoke having no indication, in demeanor or otherwise, that any of this had ever transpired.

Potpourri

I thought I'd string together a few random thoughts and experiences today. First, this lovely picture of James playing with his friend, Eva. Yes, she appears to be writing on his head with a water pen. Eva's mommy, Stephanie, was one of a handful of extremely helpful and wonderful friends who watched James for us while I was in the hospital or otherwise incapacitated with morning sickness. Thankfully, I am glad to report that I am feeling a lot better now. I'm still nauseated and tired most of the time, but not so much anymore that it keeps me from functioning.

News: James started nursery school on September 8th. You can click here to see some pictures of him on his first day. He goes in the mornings for two-and-a-half hours, which is just enough time for me to really miss him. Or he DID go in the mornings, until he got suspended from school for not being potty trained yet. Oops. That did not get done because of my whole being-spectacularly-sick thing.

But it brings me to our next bit of news: we are potty training now! James is actually doing a wonderful job and is tons more motivated this time than the previous couple of times we made the attempt. Which shows me he is ready. So we should be ready to go back to school soon.

Finally, I wanted to mention a crazy pregnancy craving I've been experiencing - Granny Smith apples. I eat them by the bushel. Seriously, I eat four to six apples a day. They are one of the few things that actually tastes good. Go figure.

I Need to Remember

In the days following September 11, 2001, I was devastated by the tragedy that had befallen us, and also proud and grateful to be an American. I believe that America has the wonderful advantages it does largely because of our inspired Constitution and adherence to it. The freedoms, rights, and checks and balances of power delineated by the Constitution are essential in maintaining a humane society. Ultimately, our collective adherence to the principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution determines whether we as a country stand for what is right, or become more like those who attacked us seven years ago.

In the last several years, I have been dismayed at the disdain the current administration seems to have for the Constitution. The rights and freedoms of American citizens have been curtailed, and the power of the Executive has been enlarged (at the expense of the other branches) with such measures as "signing statements"- indicating that the President has no intention to enforce certain laws passed by our elected officials in Congress - and other actions. In addition, international treaties to which the U.S. was a ratifier, such as the Geneva Convention, have been ignored when the administration found it inconvenient to follow them. What happened to the principle of inalienable human rights?

It is very important in the upcoming Presidential election to consider which candidate is best willing and able to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." Who is most likely to restore the balance of power in the federal government? Who is most likely to preserve individual rights and freedoms? Who will ensure that in the continuing "War on Terror," we do not abandon the very principles that have given our country its character and prosperity?

As I remember 9/11, I hope that whomever we choose this November to lead us, that person will do his best to respect the Constitution and stand up for what is right. What good is winning the War if we lose our soul in the process?

Expecting a Mini-Christensen

For those of you who haven't yet heard, Team Christensen is adding a new member to the roster. We're awaiting the arrival of this new little person sometime around March 18, 2009, which puts me at 12 weeks pregnant.

The unfortunate part is that I have been very, very ill for the past several weeks. I don't bring this up to elicit pity -- okay, I don't bring this up solely to elicit pity -- but to publicly thank the many family members and friends who have prayed for us, watched James for us, and listened to me whine and complain. Many of you will remember how hard my first pregnancy was, and if you can believe it, this one has been even worse. But I truly have felt the influence of the prayers that have been said on my behalf, and for that I am very grateful.

So here's to the ups and downs of life! We're very excited to get on with things and meet the newest member of our family. In a few excruciating months.

Be Here Now

When I was in the MTC, I made a little sign for myself that said "Be Here Now." I'm notoriously bad at living in the moment; I'm usually thinking about the next meal, the next responsibility, the next place I'll live or kid I'll have or whatever. In the MTC, I was thinking about getting out in the field when I wasn't thinking about coming home from my mission. I had a hard time focusing on the present.

Yesterday, a friend of ours and her daughter took us to the zoo. When James and Eva were looking intently at the pygmy hippopotamus, Stephanie said to me, "This is the life. Our kids are well and happy, we're at the zoo, enjoying beautiful weather, we have good friends . . . this is it." And it made me realize that I really should just relax and enjoy my life. It was a wonderful and needed reminder.