Dear America,

Freedom of speech. Is that real? Can we really count on our freedom to speak our mind? Or is it a limited freedom? Well, I am going to take my chances, besides, who really reads my blog anyway?

For starters, my thoughts come from one source. The grocery store. As I was walking out of our upscale Albertson's I noticed shopping carts everywhere. These shopping carts were not even close to their designated parking spot. The shopping carts were littered throughout the parking lot. Then I thought, "Are we Americans really that lazy? We can't even walk ten feet to the shopping cart holster and put our cart away?" The real answer here is a resounding "YES, WE ARE THAT LAZY!"

So I started thinking about the guy or gal who was hired to round up the shopping carts and bring them back in to the store just so that I could conveniently grab it and walk through the store just to leave it whirling down the street outside. This guy or gal is paid to pick up our little mess, if you will, just to go back outside no matter what the weather is and do it again.

This train of thought led me to another thought. Americans. We live in a day and age where everything is fast and convenient. I admit, I love it. I love that if I need something I can just jump in my car and pick it up somewhere no matter the hour or distance. We sure are spoiled.

On that thought, I can't help but think about how we EXPECT our lives to be made even easier by ONE person. For example, this is something I over heard in passing, "I don't have to worry about the gas prices going up, Obama is going take of it for me." IS HE? REALLY? No, I don't think so. Why are we resting all of our hopes and dreams on ONE PERSON, or a handful of people for that matter. Do we really think that all of our problems are going to be solved by the new politician we voted for? Isn't the old saying completely true, "if you want something done you have to do it yourself"?

That statement is true for me. I am no longer going to sit idly by and expect new laws and new governor's to change my destiny. What foolish thinking! We, lazy, Americans need to actually get out and help one another rather than expecting someone else to do it for us.

I guess what I am saying is, I can no longer expect the right thing to be done by those in power because, after all, they are only human. Politicians have no idea what my needs are and for that matter I doubt they really care. However, I know what my neighbors needs are and I care enough to help him out.

I will start small and help my family, as they are most important to me, and grow from there. If we all took a moment to change our mindset, "the government will save me", maybe we would start to realize that only we can save ourselves. Instead of taking so much from one another, how about we just give and help as best we can? Is that asking too much from America? Not in my eyes.

Gma and Gpa Skousen come for a visit!

We were so blessed to have my parents come to Albuquerque for a visit. We went to a fun pumpkin patch and played all day and all night. I think they were completely worn out when they finally got home to Kingman because they took the next day off from work.

FIRE!

I woke up last night at 12:48 AM to the sweet smell of something burning. Without hesitation I grabbed my glasses and ran to Edward's room. I didn't see smoke and the smell was not coming from upstairs. After thoroughly checking around his room I proceeded to make my way downstairs. As I stepped down the last step, I saw it! There it was, burning in our fireplace! Stephen was nestled up to the fire playing a video game. I guess the alarm in my face didn't show because he didn't seem to think anything was wrong as I walked toward him. I said dreamily, "I smelled something burning." Then I turned around, walked upstairs, and went back to bed.

On a completely separate note, I would like to know of any advice mothers can give about what they would change/do differently or anything that helped them get through labor and delivery. I realize this is my second birth and I should be a little more prepared; however, it is always nice to hear others experiences so that I can be even more prepared for the coming birth of my second child. Any story or advice is welcome.

8 Months!

I have to admit, time is going by rather quickly for this pregnancy. I am anxious for our little guy to join our family; however, I know we are a little more prepared than when we had Edward. Our ultra sound technician wasn't as good as our previous technician and this is our last inside picture of our precious little baby boy.

Congratulations!

To the love of my life, my wonderful, loving husband, Stephen!!

After nearly three years of training, moving to another state, and countless stressful days; Stephen is now a Certified Professional Controller.

Facts about becoming an Air Traffic Controller:

a) 40% of all people who start the training program never finish.

b) Training can take anywhere from 2 years to 10+ years.

c) Paid training!

d) Training is relentless; trainees endure years of tests just to learn they didn't pass.

e) Once you finally pass all of your tests you are considered a "greenie" for the next 5 years!

We are so excited here at the Barnes home to finally be done with one part of our journey. Stephen has worked long and hard and I know he will be amazing at his job!

Just a few things

This month has been a busy month for us here at the Barnes home. We have been playing hard with friends and, of course, with Grandma B! Here are some of our highlights including a Balloon landing right across the street!!!

And the winner is....

Haley Hatch!!