Sad

Growing up in Washington state, I never felt like an outsider when it came to politics. The majority of people there would consider themselves "liberal," but being a member of the LDS church, I was around a lot of people with conservative political beliefs. I may have been naive, but there never seemed to be a problem with different political beliefs among people in my church or with friends. It was more of a fun topic of conversation. I am sure my friends and I were just spitting out what our parents were telling us, and it never got in the way of our friendship. The last two elections I watched the debates and read about both candidates before voting. I proudly voted to elect and then re-elect President Obama. I didn't realize that I would feel personally attacked for doing so.

Throughout this entire election, people posted awful things about both of the presidential candidates, really awful. Both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama are great men, yet people were constantly making them out to be monsters. I really tried only to endorse Obama and not to attack Romney on my blog and on Facebook. I thought that when this election was over, it would all die down, but everything has just gotten worse. For the last four days, I have read posts and blogs written by friends and Facebook acquaintances (I can't claim that all 350 something people on Facebook are really my friends) that make me want to cry. These posts are making me defensive, angry, and really sad. As a result, I feel the strong need to defend myself and why I voted for President Obama. This is not to change anyone's mind, but for people to understand that I am not a free loading, baby killing, immoral person.

To start, I'd like to quote some things that I've read and what went through my mind as I read them:

"Way to go dems. I can't wait for Obama to ruin our country more so I can say I told you so." 
Really?? So you are so mad that Obama won that you want our country to fail just so you can rub it in my face? How patriotic of you.

"Anyone who votes for Obama must not be working or paying taxes."
You're totally right. I worked for 14 years but never paid a penny to taxes. Actually, I pay a higher percentage of taxes and social security than billionaire Mitt Romney. And no, I'm not "working" for money now, but I'm raising a child. Ann Romney had the luxury to do the same thing with all her children.

"Anyone who supports someone who supports a woman's right to chose can not be a true Mormon."
Wow. What gives you the right to judge who is a true Mormon? I am 100% active in the LDS faith, and it isn't someone else's place to tell me otherwise. I LOVE my religion and do my best to follow its teachings in my life. Do I like abortions? Absolutely not. I think they are awful in every way. Would I ever have one? Absolutely not. Do I think that women should have the right to choose? Absolutely. Sadly, it often seems that the only people conservatives care about are the unborn babies. But once these children are born, it is "fend for yourselves." So all these innocent babies that would be born to teenagers and drug users better step up and provide for themselves because if they need food stamps to live, they are free loaders. Then if they somehow make it to college, they better not need financial aid. I know adoption is supposedly the answer for teen moms or rape victims. However, after holding Swen for the first time, I know that I could never have been selfless enough to give him away, no matter what my circumstances were at the time.

"Obama is an immoral man."
You were lucky enough to meet and get to know him? I'm jealous! What did he do that makes you believe he is immoral? From what I can tell, he is a highly moral and honorable man.

"My marriage means less because gay marriage is legal."
How does gay marriage hurt you at all? I really don't get this one. If you don't like gay marriage, don't marry a gay person. That simple. I was sealed to the love of my life in the LDS temple for time and eternity, and NOTHING can change that.

People, whether LDS or not, should not have to feel afraid to express their political opinions. They should not have to fear being ostracized or rejected for their beliefs. I truly love and respect all my friends that voted for Romney. I hope that they can support me for who I voted for and stop all the attacks. This blog is my promise that the next time someone I didn't vote for wins, I will not say one mean thing about him (or her!). I will never choose my friends solely according to their politics. 

Tooth

As of today Swen has his first tooth. It is through his gums and everything. I'm sad. He's growing up WAY too fast. He also voted yesterday... and his candidate won! :)

Halloween at 5 Months Old

Will Swen remember his very first Halloween ever? Of course not. Will I? I sure hope so. I hear that as time goes by and more kids are born, holidays all seem to blend together. I would like to think that I will never forget Swen's first Halloween, but just in case, I will write about it.

Matt made up the nickname of  "little monster" for Swen quite a while ago. I can't quite pin down exactly when this name started, but my guess is it stems from Swen's screaming in the car seat, waking up in the middle of the night ready to play, wanting to be held constantly. Or maybe it's just because monsters are adorable and perfect just like Swen is.

I hadn't thought much about what I wanted him to be for Halloween, but it was October, so it was somewhere in the back of my mind. When we were on one of our mall outings, I happened to see this adorable little green monster outfit. I got so excited and showed it to Swen. I could tell he loved it right away. That is how he became the cutest, green monster ever for Halloween.

The Friday before Halloween was our church's Trunk-or-Treat. Matt and my dad were both working (like they do most nights), so my mom and I took my little brother Seth and Swen. There were a lot of cute costumes there, but I think Swen won. He only wore his costume for a little bit because it was too hot.

Look at his little tail!

My mom with Swen. He loved feeling his orange fur.

Then came Halloween night. Even though Matt really doesn't like celebrating any holidays, he was able to switch someone shifts at work so he could be with Swen for his first Halloween! There was a trick-or-treat at the mall near by, so we went there with Matt's parents, my mom, and my little brother Seth. We win the "worst parents" award because we didn't dress up. Matt would never consider it, but maybe next year I will do something fun with Swen. Swen had so much fun that he crashed within five minutes.



Swen with Matt's Parents



And he's out!



Not only did he sleep at the mall, but he slept rather well (for Swen) that night. I will be sad for him to not wear these jammies again. I love them!

After the mall we all went to get some delicious Cafe Rio. I planned on taking Swen to a couple doors to Trick-or-Treat, but he was so tired so we just came home and went to bed. I have always love Halloween, but it is SO much more fun with a little baby. I am excited for when he actually knows about the free candy.

And to change the subject of the blog... Swen is 5 months old (plus one week)! He is SO much fun. I love being with him all the time. I wouldn't change a thing. I think he gets cuter every day. I always think I'm biased, but guess what some lady just said to me today in line at the store? "Oh my, he is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. Really he is. I'm not just saying that. He is SO beautiful!" Of course I agree. Here are some pictures of him. Also, I am SO excited for then next two months. I love the holiday season.


This is his "please don't put me in the car seat" face.



Haha, his hands alwas get stuck down by his legs. He doesn't mind.



The best part about Fall... hats! He's not too sure about them yet.