"What we are to be, we are now becoming..."
= FUN and ENTERTAINMENT!
Here are some cute videos of our boys. The first shows Quinton discovering his hands in the bath tub, one of his favorite places:
And the second shows Corbin learning how to "slip and slide" into his pool in all his "birthday glory" after a long morning of helping dad with yard work:
This:
and this:
DO NOT MIX!
Quinton has experienced a myriad of random symptoms from extreme colic to mild reflux to painful screams, and "interesting" stools in his 3 months of life and we have been trying to get to the bottom of it. With Corbin's GI history (blood in his stool for 3 months straight and allergies to dairy) along with a mysterious "white matter" seen in Quinton's 20 week gestational ultrasound I demanded that some tests get done on Quinton to see if we couldn't rule some biological factors out. Well, on Friday he had an Upper GI exam where he had to drink some barium while the Radiologist examined his "systems" for any abnormalities. HE HATED IT... to say the least. Yesterday I got a call from Q's pediatrician who informed us of the results of all the labs and GI exam:
1) no acid reflux (makes me so glad I never gave him all those antibiotics and drugs they prescribed for him)
2) he has "a band-like filling defect crossing the anterior aspect of the proximal second portion of the duodenum." Basically he has something obstructing his stomach or small intestine.
So, after a bunch of messages, hours on hold, and phone calls Quinton will be seeing a Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Phoenix Children's Hospital tomorrow morning to see what we can do about all this.
My feelings? 1- Relief that we found something and that my "mother's intuition" was correct... there really is something inside of him that is causing the problem (he's not just fussy or sensitive to a nursing diet). 2- Concern that this "thing" could cause other problems or that he may have to undergo surgery to have it corrected. 3- Fear that perhaps its a genetic defect and Corbin may actually have the same thing... we just failed to have the same tests performed on him. 4- Hope that relief is in store for my baby boy! Wish us luck.... we'll keep you informed.
I Do! If you do too than we need to ACT NOW by VOTING!
Are we taking moments like this for granted? Have you heard what is going on with marriage? Proposition 8: concerning marriage will appear on the November 2008 Presidential ballot. To see who is opposing this very important moral issue, check out this website. Some of the major consequences of this amendment failing are:
1. Children in public schools will be taught that both traditional marriage and same-sex marriage are okay. The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. (§51890) Therefore, if the definition of marriage is changed, children will be taught that marriage is a relation between any two adults. 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 will be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings that are 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 has already closed its doors because of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.
4. Religions that sponsor private schools and which provide housing for married students will be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if it runs counter to church doctrine, or lose tax exemptions and benefits.
5. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech and could be fined by the government. It has already happened in Canada, one of six countries that have legalized gay marriage.
6. It will cost you money. A change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits. States that do not allow same sex marriage will be required to recognize the marriages that are performed in California, thus leading to some very expensive lawsuits that the taxpayers will be funding. Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today’s activist judges), think of the money – your money, your church contributions – that will have to be spent on legal fees.
7. This opens a door for anyone to be married. How do we tell polygamists that it is illegal to marry if they are consenting parties? What about victims of incest? Or any other kind of marriage that is not traditional? Once this line is redrawn, it will just have to keep moving.
REMEMBER THIS STORY?:
Finding his liberty threatened, a great man once sought to rally the people to his cause, creating the Title of Liberty. It read, “In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children”. Today we find our liberty threatened again. Not by an attempt to overthrow our government, but by an equally disturbing attempt to overthrow the institution our country was founded on – the family. Our land needs more men like that general of old who prayed mightily and then cried to his people, “Whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them."
In response, the people of the land came RUNNING - ready to defend their freedom. Undoubtedly, this was not easy for them. Many members of the church had even been deceived by the flattering words of their opponents. Like us, they had friends and neighbors who did not agree with them. Like us, it was neither easy nor convenient for them to put their lives aside to fight for a cause; but history has proved them wise in their decision, and victorious in their efforts.
A similar choice faces us now, in this moment. Covenants are being broken in our land which we have been warned will bring upon us and our neighbors heartbreaking calamities. It is in our power to stop it. Let history judge us kindly and let our children be able to proclaim that when our liberty was threatened, we likewise came RUNNING…………… Volunteer TODAY at http://www.protectmarriage.com/ or e-mail oldfield.protectmarriage@gmail.com for more information on how you can make a difference. To make a monetary donation, please visit http://www.protectmarriage.com/ and please pass the word on to friends and family.
Go here to read more on the Church’s position. I'm not sure about you, but this SCARES me. We certainly need to protect ourselves and our children from this heartbreaking calamity.
Corbin is officially a monkey... and he LOVES jumping on beds. The other day he was jumping on our bed and kept telling me he was going to do a "flip-flop". I kept warning him not to because I could just envision a broken neck or arm. Of course, he is 2 years old and knows better than me and kept trying... and now he is officially a gymnast, not just a monkey. Check this out:
At 3 months old Quinton has learned to sit... in the bumbo that is. We got this out the other day and Corbin thought it was his! I was surprised that he could still fit in it. He asked me what it was called and I told him it was a Bumbo. He then questioned, "A bumbo bee?" Funny how kids minds think. 
Quinton seems to love looking at the world through this new vantage point... upright! Except that the first few days his head was still a little heavy and leaned heavily to one side. 
Needless to say his neck muscles have gotten much stronger in the last few days and now he can sit upright with no problem. 
Corbin has become quite the poser lately and loves to be in front of the camera with a cheesy pose or smile.... and then quickly asks to see the picture. (Vain little boy, eh?) Consequently, I have LOADS of pictures of these 2 little faces, but I'll spare you. We're glad to report that Corbin and Quinton can sit down together and "play" thanks to the "bumbo-bee." (Thanks to the Steeds for letting us borrow it!)
On Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 5:30am my grandmother Ione took her last breath and passed from this life in her sleep.
Her obituary reads:
Ione Conover Scow passed away on September 16, 2008 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born in Utah, the fourth child of Jesse M. and Ione Stevens Conover. She and her husband, Richard D. Scow, were married in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. They are the parents of four children: Steven (Mary Beth Bradley), Janece (Scott Larson), Sharon (Richard Bagley), and Kimberly (Victor Riches). Graduate of ASU, she taught elementary education for 20 years at Holdeman School in Tempe. She is survived by her husband, 4 children, 29 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at the LDS Keating Chapel, 2224 W. Keating in Mesa, on Saturday, September 20th at 10:00 am, with visitation one hour before. Viewing 6-8 pm the night before at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 N. MacDonald in Mesa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Americare Foundation @ www.AmericareHospice.com. Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Teacher, Friend, we love you!
Such a beautiful woman-- this is how I will forever picture her in my mind-- with her punk-rocker hair-do. 
The saddest part for me is knowing that my Papa Dick will now continue walking this life alone... without his spouse of 60 years. He has been constantly at her side and their love for each other has been an example to many. 
Although I am sad that I will no longer be able to see her and enjoy her stories, jokes and motherly advice... and watch her enjoy holding my children, I know that she is in a much better place. I am pretty sure that she will be "preparing" things for us in heaven (along with my grandma Gaye) in a way that only grandmothers can. I love you Ione and will forever cherish my memories of you. This is not a goodbye, simply a farewell.... I know I will see you again.
Over Labor Day weekend we decided Quinton was old enough to take a plunge in grandma's swimming pool. He was a little unsure because the water was a lot cooler than his bath water. After we both warmed up to the cooler water, it was quite enjoyable for both of us...
...after only 20 minutes in the water, he crashed. Can't believe this little man is already 3 months old.
No matter who you'll be voting for or which way you swing- right or left- THIS is funny.
Extremely mixed emotions about this day. September 11th. That date will always hold with it a memory of significant emotional images and thoughts for millions of Americans and for all humanity who "witnessed" the terrorist events of that day in 2001. This year I remember the victims of September 11th as well as the patriotic and urgent feelings of that day. I recognize that there are many who are still suffering from the loss that ripped loved ones away on that day. Still, I am grateful for all that I have and for my citizenship in this free country. 
On that morning I walked in to my 7:00 am Physical Science class at BYU-Idaho a few minutes late and was surprised to see no professor and a room full of silent classmates who had their eyes glued to the news channel on the classroom TV. Instantly I knew something tragic had happened. I slowly sat down to take in the event with my classmates. The first image I saw were people running, screaming, and crying and then the camera full-panned up the length of one WTC building and I saw the flames and black smoke. Suddenly my professor appeared through a door and we knew the look on his face was somber and serious. He informed us that the World Trade Center had been hit and that class would be canceled. He then instructed us to call home and check in with our own loved ones and keep a prayer in our hearts for the rest of the day... and be sure to attend the campus-wide devotional later that day (by President David A. Bednar), which normally occured each Tuesday. Instantly, I remembered that my good friend Ryan Thomas was serving his mission in New York and I worried about his well-being but knew all I could do was keep a prayer in my heart for him.
I was a Resident Assistant (RA) in the dorms that year and was the "big sister" for hundreds of freshman girls who had just arrived for their first year of college. I immediately returned to the dorm to call home and check in (feeling very far away from my own family in Arizona), but found that all was okay. I hung up and knew I had to get to "work". I went to the dorm lobby and turned the news on (as it was early and many girls still didn't know what had happened. I then walked the halls and checked in with "my" girls to be sure everything was ok. Turns out one of my girls' father worked on the 46th floor of the WTC and had been killed in the attack that day. Here's to remembering him and all those who passed in vain on September 11, 2001.
Fast forward one year, September 11, 2002. I was now living in Provo attending BYU. A few weeks earlier I had given my name and phone number to a "stranger" I met on a plane, who happened to be Brian Bradshaw, the mission companion of Jeff Moss. Brian was coming from Connetticut to Utah to visit his girlfriend and Elder Moss and, knowing I was new to the area, suggested that I hang out with his companions some time. I gave in and provided my number. Well, Jeff Moss actually had guts to call and set up a blind date for September 11, 2002. It was a marathon date... meaning we jammed in so many things that night it could have been considered 5 dates in one... and he kissed me that night... on our first (blind) date. Six years ago tonight I met the love of my life. 
Fast forward to TODAY... September 11, 2008. I just received a call that I knew would be coming... but have been dreading its arrival. My mom, in tears on the other end of the phone informing me that HER mom, my grandma (affectionately known as Ione) has taken a turn for the worst. Ione took a hard fall about 5 years ago and has been nearly bed-ridden ever since. About a year ago she was moved from her home to a hospice and my sweet grandpa (Papa) has faithfully visited her every day since. This is my Ione who hosted the best tea parties a little girl could dream of, who taught me to sew and embroidery, who told the best stories, who loved her pioneer heritage and always shared it, who lived in a house on the lake and always let us come to play "little house on the prairie" with our friends in her backyard, who traveled the world and always brought us back something, who gave me my own refurbished antique trunk (hope chest) and graduation quilt, who invented Cousins Camp--dreamy summer days (weeks) at the cabin with no parents and only cousins, who Corbin and I used to eat dinner with every Wednesday evening at the Old Country Buffet, whose laugh and smile, and punk-rocker hairdo I will never forget.... who just held my new baby a few weeks ago. My Ione is slipping and soon, perhaps today I will have to say goodbye for this life. September 11th... a day that stirs in me mixed emotions from the past, the present, and the future.
I apologize about the lack of posts as of late. (Enough politics for now.) I have been taking my Action Research course in which I write the bulk of my "thesis" for my Master's program. Jeff has been transitioning jobs and trying to keep down a schedule as the new ward executive secretary. I have started tutoring again, both of us have doubled up on classes in order to get done sooner, and the boys have been busier than ever. Needless to say, we have had little "free time" on the computer. Anyway, here is a little glimpse of what we've been up to lately: 
Both boys are going through growth spurts and have mom super busy keeping up with them around the clock :) but she's trying to relish every minute of it knowing these stages won't last long.
Corbin is more fascinated than ever now by Jesus. We went to a ward activity a few weeks ago at the Mesa Temple Visitors center and saw the Christus statue in which Corbin discovered the nailprints (owies) in Jesus' hands and feet. We then watched a movie about the Savior and Corbin was enthralled. Church has since taken on a whole new meaning for him and Jeff and I love to watch him learn. 
He immediately felt the reverence in the room after understanding a little more about Jesus and why it is we speak of Him so often in our home. 
We have also enjoyed picnics at the park...
...and the beginning of the BYU football season. Currently the Cougars are 2-0 on their quest for another Mountain West Conference Title. Jeff and I love this time of year when college football begins again because we also know that cooler weather and the holiday season is just around the corner. So many changes are coming our way and although we are so busy in the middle of it all, we are excited for what the future holds.
A friend of mine, Natalie had this information on her blog and I thought it was too important not to share. Please spread the word. This is something we should all be aware of so we don't get blind-sided or caught off guard. You can verify a lot of this here:
http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html
INTERESTING DATA JUST RECEIVED ON TAXES
Proposed changes in taxes after 2008 General election:
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN- 0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA- 28% on profit from ALL home sales
How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN- 15% (no change)
OBAMA- 39.6%
How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.'
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN- (no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA- (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400
Single making 50K - tax $14,000
Single making 75K - tax $23,250
Married making 60K - tax $16,800
Married making 75K - tax $21,000
Married making 125K - tax $38,750
Under Obama, your taxes will more than double! How does this affect you? No explanation needed. This is pretty straight forward.
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN- 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA- Restore the inheritance tax
How does this affect you? Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES BEING PROPOSED BY OBAMA
New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet.
New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already)
New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity)
New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....
New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!
Read and think carefully about this. It worries me. What about you?
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