Giveaway Winner and Fantastic Mr. Fox

The winner is Micah Flemming, my wonderful brother-in-law! He's thinking about a music note or a violin design on his shirt. And no, there was no nepotism in the choice, we used random.org to choose the comment number and he was the lucky winner. Thanks for playing, everyone! Ariel

Also, we strongly recommend (along with others and many others) that you drop what you're doing and go see "Fantastic Mr. Fox." There is something so real about this comic adventure, from the fur on Mr. Fox's face to the subtle, clever dialogue. The characters could not be more true to nature while the scenario could not be more far-fetched. I'm not sure I've yet grasped any life-changing lessons from the film, but I know I came out of the theater happy, and that's good enough for me. It's just too much fun. A couple other reasons: it's 100% clean and it's not long. So go, and take your family (we had a great time going with Galli's, Marshall's, and Gedi's (after some intense Battle Ship playing and pizza making, below)). You'll all laugh and love this clever, clean, colorful, comic caper. -Andrew

Thanks Galli's and Marshall's for the great day!

A Christmas Giveaway

I don't have much experience sewing (I guess this isn't really sewing, but I have to start somewhere, right?). I just made this apple tree shirt and matching apple onesie for my friend who just had a baby, and I really enjoyed the easy project. So I wanted to do it again. But for whom? FOR YOU! Merry Christmas! If you would like a shirt and/or a onesie with these designs (or another design, for that matter), just comment. I'll pick someone in a week and make one just for you! Even if I don't know you, feel free to comment and be entered into the drawing. If you have a little boy, I'm sure I could come up with a more boyish design. If you have an idea for a design you'd like to see, include it in your comment. Thanks!

Do We Need Santa?

Watch out, the Marshalls are getting radical again. The latest dilemma: what to do about Santa. In this post I am going to write the reasons Ariel and I have come to for eliminating Santa from our family Christmas experience. We’ve only just started exploring this idea, and we would love to hear about the family traditions you have established with or without Santa (in fact while I’m on that subject, check these posts here and here, both of which discuss excellent Christmas traditions that have nothing to do with Santa--here's another one from the Church's Christmas website). Please keep in mind that I am writing in an extreme, biased way—even beyond that which I feel on the matter. Honestly, I’m struggling with it. I’m writing this for my own therapy and hopefully to foster some good responses.

Testimony Meeting. Last Sunday a good man in our ward talked about his “radical” decision to eliminate Santa from his family. He said they focus their Christmas season on the Savior. Later in the meeting, a woman bore her testimony and in it she mentioned this man’s 5 year-old son. She said that in primary when asked what they were grateful for, this little boy said he was grateful for Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. Is there a correlation between the lack of Santa and the testimony of this boy?

Devotional. Then there’s the First Presidency Devotional. I thought during the devotional, “It seems like they really hit on the same message each year: avoid consumerism and materialism during Christmas and focus on serving others and remembering the Savior.” Then it occurred to me that I don’t heed their advice. There is typically some sort of family testimony meeting around Christmas, and we love to read the scriptures and sing the hymns about his birth. But the focus has typically been on Santa, presents, food, etc.

Parental Roles. Finally, Abe has learned who Santa is and LOVES him. He always wants us to draw “ho ho ho,” always wants us to sing “ho ho ho,” loves looking at pictures of him, etc. He used to request songs, stories, and pictures of Jesus but has currently lost interest. That could have made the biggest impact on this consideration. I have a duty to teach my son the Gospel, which centers around the Savior and His Atonement. I will not have Him be replaced by a fat man in a red suit, even if it is only one month of the year.

I recognize that people celebrate Santa with good intent. It's the spirit of the season. It's a long-standing tradition and there is significant cultural pressure to participate. I, for one, loved Santa growing up, and feel none the worse for believing in him until 7th grade (I was a late bloomer). All of that said, here is a bulleted argument against Santa:

• Santa isn’t real
• Kids learn to behave for someone who isn’t real
• Kids still get presents even if they don’t behave
• Parents teach children similar things about Santa and Jesus, except one isn't real
• To quote Bill Watterson’s articulate Calvin, “Deep down, I doubt my greed for presents can overcome my desire to misbehave.” A double-edged sword.
• Protecting Santa’s true identity often involves deceiving your children
• His focus is giving, but kids focus on the getting—promoting this materialism we seek to avoid
• Some children are really heart-broken to find the truth, which not only causes them grief but potentially dismantles the trust between them and their parents (we know of a close friend who is completely honest about Santa with his kids because of this kind of experience as a child)
• Most importantly, Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ and everything He stands for (giving, spending time with family, showing gratitude, etc). That’s one area where Santa fails to deliver the goods—in fact he often distracts, competes for attention, and causes contention in those very crucial areas. Anything that does not promote the Gospel, especially during this time of year, distracts from it.

Alternatives. So what can you do? Can you still have fun? Can you still have presents? Can you still enjoy great food and great company? I believe you can. Here are some ideas.

• Give gifts among family members. They are expressions of your love. Nothing needs to be from Santa. To keep the focus off of getting as many presents as possible, you could:
• Give four presents: something you want, something you need, something to eat, and something to read (that’s what we’re doing this year)
• Give three presents to each family member, representing and in memory of the three gifts given to the Savior at His birth (this idea came from Dr. Eva Witesman, one of my brilliant MPA professors)
• Focusing on the gospel is exciting! What could be more exciting than considering the day the most important, perfect person in the history of mankind was born! What is more fun than talking about how through Him we can live as families forever! If we can’t find excitement, enjoyment, and even fun in the Gospel, then we’re in for a long eternity.

So what do I say? Break out the holly berries, the ivy, the mistletoe, the tree, the lights, the egg nog (none for me, thanks), the food, the family, the fun, the presents, the whole Christmas experience. But above all, focus on the One who makes all of that and everything else possible.

The BYU Police Beat

For anyone who has not come to appreciate the Daily Universe's BYU Police Beat, here's your chance.

March 26, 2008: The mother of a BYU student called police when she suspected that her daughter’s roommate stole her butter knife. The mother later called to drop the charges.

Oct. 23, 2006: An assault was reported in R Hall of Deseret Towers. One male student threw a bug on another male student, who retaliated by spraying shaving cream on the male who threw the bug. Shaving cream got in the eyes of the first student and the argument quickly escalated and became a physical confrontation.

Jan. 22, 2002: A man was reported leaving the bookstore carrying a gun. When the officer located the male they found he was carrying a chrome toy pistol. When the officer asked the 22-year-old male student why he was carrying the gun, he said his roommate told him it would get chicks. The officers cautioned the male on carrying or simulating a weapon before he was released.

Feb. 2, 2007: A student reported a suspicious individual with long gray hair and a beard inside a restricted lab in the Clyde building. Upon arrival, the officer found a mannequin in the reported location.

March 21, 2008: BYU police received a call reporting a male dressed in a bright yellow suit looking for duck eggs near the duck pond. When police arrived at the scene the man was nowhere to be found.

Oct. 2001: A female BYU student living in Deseret Towers received a suspicious looking brown paper package in the mail. The student did not recognize the return address and called the police. After investigating, police concluded that a friend had purchased a Beanie Baby on E-Bay and the Beanie Baby has been sent directly to the BYU student.

March 5, 2002: A strange letter was received by KBYU. The letter had a lump in it, so the recipient put the letter in the microwave hoping to neutralize the substance if it was anthrax. The letter started on fire and by the time the recipient could put out the flames, the only readable part of the letter was the return address which read, “Shadows of things to come.” Police are unsure about the substance contained in the letter.

Sept. 6, 2000: A BYU employee was walking near the Harris Fine Arts Center when she heard the cries of a kitten. As she picked up the small kitten, the animal attacked, scratching and biting her. When the police arrived they were unable to locate the offending feline.

See "Food, Inc."

We watched Food Inc last night. This activist documentary takes you from slaughterhouse to supermarket on a trip that will certainly change the way you think about the food you casually take off of the shelf, and hopefully change your choices as a consumer. We as consumers have been manipulated by major food corporations, having little idea what goes on behind the scenes to everything from produce to meat. It's amazing to think how distanced we are from what we depend on and consume multiple times each day. Until I saw this eye-opening documentary, I didn't know where my food came from--and honestly, part of me still wishes I didn't. But, as we know, further light and knowledge demands action and commitment. I am quickly gaining momentum for major shifts in eating and buying habits. Theses corporations treat the farmers, workers, animals, and you and me in inhumane ways.

Do see it. And if you don't, we recommend heeding some of these bits of advice the film offers:

• You can vote to change the system three times a day
• Buy from companies that treat workers, animals, and the environment with respect
• When you go to the supermarket choose foods that are in season, buy foods that are organic, know what's in your food, read labels
• Buy foods that are grown locally
• Shop at farmers' markets
• Plant a garden (even a small one)
• Cook a meal with your family and eat together
• Ask your school board to provide healthy school lunches
• If you say grace, ask for food that will keep us, and the planet healthy
• You can change the world with every bite

One disclaimer we might add, that the film doe

s address but not fully, is that this change in eating habits has its monetary cost. However, the cost on our health, the environment, the animals, and the industry workers far outweigh the cost in our budget. We do our best, and look forward to a time when we have an income and space for a garden.

Gobbly-gobbly and Mustache Monday

So we had a pretty wicked sweet Thanksgiving break. Thanks to the Galli's, the Evans's, the Marshall's, and the Sorensen's for their constant hospitality, generosity, and love. We're major fans of all of you.

Below is a highlight reel of the week's adventures. Keep your eyes open for Abe's "gobbly-gobbly," his lightsaber sound effect, a stint at my old tumbling acts with Kristo, Abe's first encounter with Señor Claus, Ariel's mind-blowing bubbling skills, and Abe's new march. Remember, every trick dog needs a good trainer, and Abe's is Ariel. I can only take credit for the lightsaber. All of the words, animal sounds, signs, and Spanish phrases that Abe knows can be fully attributed to Ariel. Not to mention the fact that she has taught him to love songs about Jesus and how to pray. Her parenting really has surpassed my every high expectation. I love her.

If the tumbling act wasn't enough to assure you of my idiocy, feel free to watch me soaking up the goodness of the 2nd Annual Mustache Monday. The Blaze of Glory (or "Sunset" for short) never looked better. It was a great time celebrating with my fellow MPAers this morning. They're some of my best friends in the world.

AAA on Progressive Pioneer!

We recently had the opportunity of meeting Amy of Progressive Pioneer, her husband Clayton, and their wonderful baby Sam. ProgressivePioneer.com is a great blog that Amy updates daily with her creative sewing, cooking, gardening and other approaches to sustainable living. She also addresses parenting--everything from natural birthing to cloth diapering. Suffice it to say, her lifestyle is what we're seeking. They are such genuine, unassuming people with a lot of talent (beyond Amy's talent, which can be seen on the blog, see Clayton's illustration website. He's also a carpenter). We're really grateful to know them. We learned so much in that one evening.

Amy saw our co-sleeping post, and asked if she could post it on her blog! Even if you've already read the post, check it out on Progressive Pioneer; it looks better there :).

Music for Kids

We did have a lot of fun music growing up, but I think that the music in the "Children" genre has greatly improved since then.

I thought I'd post some of our favorite CDs we got for Abe, with some fun youtube music videos!

Our first artist is Elizabeth Mitchell. She's really great. The following two videos are from Catch the Moon (this one's with Lisa Loeb). We also have You Are My Little Bird, which is a cool CD because she performs with her husband and daughter.

Catch the Moon is a great two-in-one deal because the CD comes in a cute little board book!

Next plug is for any Putumayo Kids CD. We have Animal Playground. Putumayo has CDs from all over the world, and it's all very tasteful and very well selected. Animal Playground is "A multilingual collection of animal-themed songs from around the world." It's really cool. Abe's favorite song in the world is on this CD. We have literally listened to it twenty times in the last two days (which is why it really pays off to have kids songs and CDs that mom and dad like too!!).

Here This is the music video for Abe's favorite, "No More Monkeys."

We just checked out the Curious George Soundtrack from the library, and Abe and I both really like it. It's Jack Johnson, some of his more original stuff I think. Here's the "Upside Down" music video.

As far as lullabies go, one CD we like pretty well is "To My Child," a Beverly Mahood CD.

Other than that, our quiet-time music comes from our classical collection, as well as the music from the Children's Songbook. Here you can download for free all the songs from the Children's Songbook (as well as all the hymns, the scripture soundtracks (oh, didn't you know each book of scripture has it's own soundtrack?), young women's camp and other songs, and basically everything the Church has ever put out). We downloaded all the primary songs and put them on CDs. And what could be better than all the primary songs? It has also been nice for me to learn (or re-learn) all the primary songs for when I feel my internal lullaby-store is running low by the time I finally sing Abe to sleep. You can also download all the songs in Spanish, Portuguese, and French.

So, what other kids music have you found that you like?

10 Reasons to Co-Sleep

As wonderful as co-sleeping was for us, we of course acknowledge that it depends on the baby, the mother and the father. We liked it because it provided the way to a happy, well-slept family!

1. More physical contact--As far as I'm concerned, the more I get to touch my baby the better. I'm sure there are tons of studies that would prove that it makes him smarter and keeps him from getting too fat and stuff like that, but I just miss him when he's not close. -Ariel

2. Keep close tabs on temperature, etc--When you have a new baby, it's nice to be close enough to monitor him all the time. On more than one occasion, I woke up just because I noticed Abe had a fever, and was able to make adjustments to cool him down before he even woke up. Likewise, I could put on an extra blanket if he was too cold. I have heard that when you control for alcohol and drug abuse, co-sleeping reduces the risk of SIDS. Makes sense to me. -Ariel

3. Positive association with sleep and night time--In my opinion, learning to sleep well is a life-skill. Many children are afraid of the dark, and scream and cry when it's time to go to bed. I want to teach Abe that nighttime is not scary or sad, but rather is a time to be comfortable and rest. -Ariel

4. Teach not to cry--Being there for Abraham, in the same bed, has kept him from crying. He knows he can ask for things, with a "please" and he can usually have them. Co-sleeping has given him the opportunity to communicate his needs through hand signs, attempts at words, and even facial expressions before he ever makes it to crying. -Andrew

5. Stay asleep to feed--Self explanatory. It was a beautiful day when I learned to nurse lying down. -Ariel

6. Build trust-- Co-sleeping shows Abe that our hands are stretched out still (2 Ne. 15:25). Throughout his life we will always be there for him, and his infant stage is no exception. He can depend on us. Babies are going through so much so quickly--physically, emotionally, and mentally--having two people they can count on all of the time, 24 hours a day, can only help in the transition to mortality. When the Savior saw the Nephite people's eyes well up in tears, He had compassion, so much so that he put off other important duties and stayed with them to heal, comfort, teach and perform miracles among them. They simply asked through their faces if "He would tarry a little longer with them." I think a clear parallel can be drawn to parenting. -Andrew

7. Both of you sleep better-- This was especially the case for the first year of Abe's life. He would breathe more easily, and sleep lots longer when he was in our bed. And if baby's sleeping well, mom can too! -Ariel

8. That's what I would prefer if I were a baby-- Babies are people. Not only that, but they are the most important kind of person. If the Golden Rule applies anywhere, it applies to those who cannot help themselves. -Andrew

9. Keep Dad involved in the parenting-- I have been able to carry Abe and sing him to sleep, change midnight dipes, and take him out of the bedroom first thing in the morning so his Mommy can get more rest. In other words, I am involved in his life in ways and at times that I probably would not be if Ariel were always the one to go in and feed and take care of him at night, or if we left him to fight it out on his own. I'm so glad to be a part of it. -Andrew

10. Family beds are fun!--I loved waking up and seeing Abe sleeping sweetly. I loved even more Abe waking me up with a pat on the face and a big grin. Going to sleep is also a fun time to wind down as a family, laughing and playing a little. It's fun. -Andrew

Update: Abe just turned 16 months old, and no longer sleeps in our bed. We made the transition when we came back to Provo in September. We felt some anxiety over the transition, but Abe handled it perfectly well which showed us that he was ready for the transition. We have a night time routine of bathing, massaging, reading, and singing. He falls asleep peacefully without a cry typically within 5 to 10 minutes of our songs. He wakes up happy the next morning and simply calls out to us "Mama" or "Gag" (which is his latest and by far most successful attempt at "Dad"), or once he got out of bed in his adjoining room and came and knocked on our bedroom door.

Sometimes we miss having him in our bed (and he still joins us when he's sick or we're on vacation), but this is the best option for us now. He just got too wiggly to stay in our bed!

Bun-Bun and Being Scott

Before we do anything else, we want to introduce you to the latest addition of our family! Meet Bun-Bun. Ariel worked hard to bring her into the family, and I really appreciate her sacrifice. But seriously, I love Ariel's creativity. I find something new to love about Ariel every day--Bun-bun was this day's. Life is exciting with Ariel. And she got "Most Original Pumpkin" at the ward party.

Abe loves Bun-Bun.
Now, Halloween costumes: We were out of ideas when I remembered that my cousin Katie, who is in the MPA program with me, has access to authentic mountain man attire from her her dad, my Uncle Scott. Uncle Scott is one of the toughest men on earth and the toughest man I know. He kayaks over waterfalls, eats bear hearts for breakfast, and can outrun, out-hunt, out-fish, and probably out-live anyone around. People pay him to talk about how tough he is. Yep, he's that tough. Anyway, I was thrilled when Katie said Ariel and I could use some of his mountain man and woman duds for our Halloween costumes, authentic buckskin pants, vest, and dress. The MPA party had a "Fear Factor" challenge, to see who could eat the most cow heart and pickled pig feet. I wasn't sure if I would even compete, let alone win. But then I remembered that I was wearing Uncle Scott's buckskin. I knew then that I had to compete and I had to win. And I did. I even gave Abe a bite of the cow heart in true Scott-fashion. Thanks for the costume and inspiration, Uncle Scott. I may not look as tough as you, but I felt your strength through that elk skin.

Here we are: Jim Bridger, Sacajawea, and Ping. Jim ran into Jawea-Cakes (as he calls her) on the trail. They were soon wed, and adopted little Ping, who had already suffered greatly as a railroad worker in California. Now they're a happy family. Look at beautiful Jawea-Cakes.

But just in case any of you did think for a moment that I am tough, watch the below video. It shows how unmanly I am along with some of Abe's tricks.

Halloween Cartoons at Our Place!

Mickey, Donald, and Goofy at their comedic best. Watch for Donald yelling, "So!" before punching. It's something I'm going to start yelling before I punch.

This one just doesn't get old for me. Everything from the news broadcaster, to Huey laughing at the hardened wax, to Ajax the Gorilla running along the ceiling. A must see!

Another classic.

Rock Canyon

My latest addiction: Rock Canyon. I asked Andrew to take me there every day until it's snowed closed. And I go every day with my walking group. Twice a day should be enough. If we stay long enough each time.

Nona and Pappy stopped by for lunch and a walk on their way back from Capitol Reef. Sure glad to see them, as always!
Plaid pals
From there we went up to Salt Lake to celebrate Momma's birthday. Happy birthday, Grandmama!

Abe is always happy to see Uncle Thomas. They're great friends.

Home again, home again jiggity-jig.

Abe and Max Ninja Movie!

Being Pappy

This is how Abraham entertained himself during Conference- being "Pappy," or "Baba" as he affectionately calls both my dad and Andrew's dad.

Sustainable Communities Forum

On October 13th at 7:00 pm, my wonderful dad is giving the key note address at a sustainable communities forum in the SLC library. It'll be good--hope to see you all there!

Provo Food Co-op

I just got my first share of the food co-op this weekend. What a great deal!

Here's what it included:

1 2-lb pkg Chicken Thighs

1 1-lb pkg Lean Ground Beef

4 Gala Apples

4 Brigham City Peaches

4 Utah Pears

2 Organic Utah Acorn Squash

3 Organic Utah Green Bell Peppers

4 Organic Utah Sweet Corn

4 Utah Tomatoes

Stone Ground's Artisan Wheat Loaf

16 oz Rice

And all that for $14! Pretty good, huh?

Check it out for yourself here!

I should also mention that there are locations all along the Wasatch front where you can pick up your food, so this isn't limited to Provo!

Kissing Cowboys and Indians

Growing up in a family of girls, my mom never had to worry about us playing with violent games or being too rough with each other. As I have observed little boys, I decided that just as I don't want our boys to really fight, I don't want them to pretend to fight. I don't really want Abraham and his brother (assuming he'll have one) pretending to kill each other. That doesn't really sound like a fun game. Especially for the younger brother, who will most likely be the one to die. So, I've decided that we won't have toy guns or allow gun play of any kind.

We somehow have this little bag of plastic cowboys and indians in our toy basket and Abe has been playing with them. I know, I'm weak to have already given up on my goal. I excused it by telling myself that it doesn't matter now when he doesn't know they're holding guns and arrows and spears. So, imagine my pride as a mother when Abraham held up a cowboy and an indian and made them kiss each other! Now, that's more like it!

Abe's Trick Flick

Quick story to accompany the short film of Abe's latest. As you'll see, Abe learned what the bee says. He also knows generally what they look like. He has become a little confused now, however, because "bee" sounds like "bean," and bees don't look too disimilar from black beans, which Abraham loves. So now he buzzes when he eats black beans. He also buzzes when the fridge opens, asking to eat some "bees." This has now overlapped to other small black bug-like foods, such as raisins. He's a blast!

Our Latest

Sorry we haven't been regular bloggers! There has been a lot going on with the start of school. And we took a video of all of Abe's best tricks, and have been trying to find a time to put it together so we can show all of you! So look out for that in the near future. Until then, I hope these pictures suffice!

As much as we loved living in Virginia, we were sure glad to be back at the cabin!

Go Mom and Dad!

And Abraham was glad to have his friend Max back! On their first play date, Abraham went right up and gave Max an impromptu hug!

Abraham showing off his paw print and his cheesy smile at the Wymount Social.

More peas, please!

Abraham has been responding so well to his new big-boy-bed. Last night he slept 10 hours straight- a record for little Ham. This is his preferred position for falling asleep; so he can hear the lullabies right in his ear while he plays with my hair. It puts him right out. Andrew has been a great help in getting Abraham to sleep and helping him stay asleep. He never complains about going in to help at all odd hours, and while Andrew has been so busy and had the flu! (But he's getting better finally!)

The End of a Grand Adventure

Since we last checked in, we have gone through four time zones (a night in Columbus, a night in Lincoln (where we were lucky enough to see Micah and share a hotel room), a night in Salt Lake, and then flying to California the next morning), and two countries (a visit to Mexico while in California). Between driving back to Utah, flying to a family reunion at Oceanside, coming back for my brother Joe's wedding, each of us getting a nasty stomach flu, and getting back to Provo for a full week of orientating the new 1st year MPA students, oh, and moving . . . the last two weeks have been a wild ride. It's been great, but we do look forward to a steady routine in Provo this year. Little Abe has been the best! Even when he throws up, he just smiles, points at balls and shouts, "Ba!" calls for one of his mamas (he calls Ariel and me "Mama"), and moves on. We're planning a future reel of Abe doing the signs and other tricks he's learned. Stay tuned.

We also celebrated our third anniversary and Ariel's 24th B-day in the last weeks as well. There's clearly too much to catch up on with this post. Here's a smattering of pictures from the last weeks. Let the good times roll!

We'll sure miss the Evans family! Abe misses his sisters and brother a whole lot! Living with them offered the best of fun, food, and company. Thanks for everything! As you can see, Neil and I became particularly close over the summer (note the hands).

Eating crab at the Chesapeake Bay one week . . .

Drinking horchata in Tijuana the next.

And of course checking fanmail in the motels on the way.

Congratulations to Joe and Melissa! What a fantastic addition to the family she is! Looking forward to kicking it with you more back East next year!

Lots of cousin time, both in California and in Utah! Yay for Sammy and Hammie!

We're glad to be back in the security of the Rockies, but we will miss beautiful Virginia! It's been quite a summer. From Hawaii to D.C. to Oceanside to Salt Lake. Thanks to the generosity of our Marshall and Galli parents, the Evans family, GmaV and Grumpy--you made it a memorable adventure of a summer. We love you all! A lot!

A final note: we will miss Richard as he studies at Rice in Texas, Joe and Melissa in Virginia, and Abby when she leaves to serve in Brasilia. The seed of Stephen scatters across the earth. What could he expect with ten kids? And of course, we continue to miss the Reesors in California and the Flemings in Indiana.