NRA

It is nice to see that the NRA has endorsed John McCain. I know people thought they would endorse Barr, but come on. McCain is Republican and Barr does not have a chance so of coarse the NRA will endorse McCain. Thought it was an interesting article so I thought I would pass it along.

http://hotair.com/archives/2008/10/09/nra-endorses-mccain-snubs-board-member-barr/

It has been a while

So as the title states, it has been a while since I have posted anything. One reason is my wife has done a great job of updating her blog with pictures and updates on our family. I did pass the bar, and am so happy to have all that over. I will be sworn in on October 23, 2008. Thank you to everyone that has supported me through the whole ordeal.

One thing I love to do is check the news everyday. As I was reading the news today I came across this article;

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20081008/D93M0K6G3.html

Please check out this article and leave comments on how you feel about this. I am very upset. This is the kind of stuff that should not happen. This is where the big dogs of AIG should have walked up to the person who cleans their offices and asked them if it would have been a good idea. We all know that it was not a good idea.

I will try to write more often. Thanks for your comments and support.

"Now there was a strict law among the people of the church, that there should not any man, belonging to the church, arise and persecute those that did not belong to the church, and that there should be no persecution among themselves." Alma 1:21

I read this scripture and felt impressed that I should write a few things about it. I believe that there are so many wonderful people that are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have learned so much from people that are members of the church and from those that are not. It is important that as members of the church we do not judge those that are not members of our faith. We as a people have so much to learn about life and love, and all people can help us accomplish that.

New Family Blog!

Hey I just wanted everyone to know that I now have a family blog. I won't be using this anymore. Brian will still be using it but we now have a FAMILY blog........www.bandearnold.blogspot.com

Come check it out! New pictures of Drake!

Here is the story!

Hey everyone! I finally am learning this whole blog thing. I told Brian that this is a family blog now! But he wont let me change the background.....we'll see! I have been getting on and looking at all your blogs and reading your comments and I LOVE this "blogging" thing! Ok so I had Drake on April 3, 2008 at 3:40 and he was 9 POUNDS!!! Is that crazy or what? When they told me how much he weighed I about passed out! Then I look at the prego picture of me the night before I had him and then I think, ok, I was BIG! So, we got to the hospital Wed. night at 8:00 p.m. and they started me with a procedure where they put this pill in me and it is supposed to put you in labor. They insert this pill every 4 hours. So they put the last pill in at 4:30 a.m. and checked me 4 hours later and I was only dialated to a one!!! I about died, only a one! So the Dr. says they would try one last procedure and if it didnt work, they would send me home at noon. So he used this balloon thing and it inflates on top of the uterus and I am not quite sure what else it did but it worked! An hour later my water broke and I was dialated to a four and then had the epideral and then by three 3:00 I was at a ten and by 3:40 he was out! What an amazing thing! He was screaming and the second they put him on my chest he stopped. That was the best ever!
Life has been crazy this past week. We have great families and they helped us out. drake has been a good baby. He only cries when he is hungry and he sleeps really well. We just love him so much.... It is amazing the spirit he has brought into our home! Brian and I could not feel more complete!

More Pics of Drake and Company!

These are some fun pics of Emily the night before she gave birth, and Drake with his Grandma Pitcher, and Drake with a outfit that Grandma Arnold gave to him!

Baby Stats - Drake Elliott Arnold

Emily has been trying to find time to place some stats on the baby, but since she is so busy I thought I would try and put the basics on here. Drake was born at 3:40 in the afternoon. He weighed 9 lbs 1 oz. He was 21 inches long, and had a cone head (like his dad when he was born). Emily starting pushing at around 3:00 and had him pretty quickly after that. She was way tough, and did a unbelievable job! If you have any more questions just comment and we will throw the answers up on the blog. Thanks for everyone's support and nice comments.

Baby Pics - Drake Elliott Arnold

Experience as Knowledge

As I study in law school (book study) I learn what my professor wants me to learn. This brings about knowledge. However, I feel as though I do not grasp all that I should.

"Could we read and comprehend all that has been written from the days of Adam, on the relation of man to God and angels in a future state, we should know very little about it. Reading the experience of others, or the revelation given to them, can never give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true relation to God. Knowledge of these things can only be obtained by experience through the ordinances of God set forth for that purpose." - Joseph Smith

This quote personifies how I feel when I read. You have to feel or experience something to truly know it. This is why we can not judge others. We do not know all, because we have not experienced all, or been taught all through God. I find that as I put things to work or trial is when I truly learn them.

Perspective

"Most people see the world as a threatening place, and, because they do, the world turns out, indeed, to be a threatening place" - The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, Harper 1998.

This shows how strong perspective really can be, and how it influences our daily choices. If I look for the bad in every situation I am more likely not to like the decisions I make. When I look for the good I see the bigger picture of my choices, and therefore am empowered to fully understand myself, and the choices I make. There is good and bad in almost every choice we make. This is why it is important not to make decisions prematurely without reflection and thought.

I have really enjoyed the book The Alchemist and have to thank Spencer Nussbaum for that. Check out his blog at http://kiplingtimes.blogspot.com. I don't always agree with everything Spencer says, but his posts do conjure up thought and self reflection.

Also you can buy this book on half.com. Here is a link http://product.half.ebay.com/The-Alchemist_W0QQprZ24235QQtgZinfo

The book is truly fascinating on a lot of different levels. The story's plot is slow at times, and then it becomes brilliant in little paragraphs with thought provoking ideas.

Xbox 360 Controller Paint Mod

Yes I am in my third year of law school. Yes I got bored during spring break. But you can not deny this is sweet. I have had a few orders on the internet to do this for other people. So again Yes I am making money!!!!

Xbox 360 Red Messenger Kit Mod, Customize Paint Job

Yes I did. I customized my messenger kit. I painted it red with a special paint that will not rub off. You are looking at the first RED messenger kit. I will soon be customizing the paint job on my controller (white one) and will post the picture after I am done. I plan on painting it red, and putting my initials either on the side or on the back in black letters. These controllers really are a pain to get apart. I had to buy a special tool online just to be able to take it apart. The paint process takes a little skill, and we will see how the initials look. Let me know if you digg it or not. And let me know if you have any suggestions. Also, on the paint job a little red paint did seep through on the sides b/c I did not put the tape down hard enough. I fixed this problem by using masking tape instead of duck tape.

Jimi Hendrix - Johnny Be Good

This is one of my favorite Jimi Hendrix Songs. I wanted to share this video of him playing so you can really SEE his talent. Currently I am also working on starting my first website. It is www.neutralgamer.com
When it is done I will let yall know so that you can check it out! If you have any tips let me know. Thanks

Tolstoy and Family

"Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." - Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina.

This is how Tolstoy starts out my favorite book of all time. This thought or line runs through my head all the time. Happiness is very subjective, or so people think.

Families have always fascinated me. Every family is different in that each has their own issues and baggage. You really never know everything about someone's family, or even your own for that matter. Families can be the root of all happiness, or all sorrow. I think this is why we as individuals start our own families in the hope that we will improve our personal happiness, and in turn will be able to share that happiness with our families. Families are complicated, but the complication is worth it because it brings about true joy.

More PICS!

These are some more pics of Emily being pregnant! And her catching me playing guitar hero without me looking! I know, I look funny.

Knowledge

"What does the Holy Ghost do for the education of men? Far more than our academies do. Our children have, by hard study, year after year, to acquire their learning in these human institutions; hard thinking is necessary, reasoning, gaining little by little, and it frequently requires many years of close application to become what is termed a learned man--a man that understands the sciences, that has worked his way through the various departments of mathematics, and perhaps geology, and mineralogy, and all the sciences, such as are usually taught in the universities. But a man filled with the Holy Ghost has the advantage of students who graduate at our universities. Why? Because he can learn more in ten minutes, in regard to many things, than another, not so favored, can in all his life." Elder Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses 19:284.

This is a humbling quote. This quote tells me that the Holy Ghost teaches all truth whether it be academic truth or spiritual truth. The Holy Ghost opens the big picture for our eyes to see and then in essence teaches us through that picture. The Gospel did not have real deep meaning to me until I started to study it like I study Tolstoy. It was not until I examined all the symbols in conjunction with the writing style of one of Bruce R. McConkie's talks that I realized that I was selling myself short in my study of the Gospel. Now I can say that the Holy Ghost teaches me more. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost and role it plays in my study, both spiritual and academically. It helps me remember more, focus more, and study for longer amounts of time. It is real, and it is powerful.

Xbox 360 Games!

I have been throwing around some thoughts in my head about some stuff I want to write about, but am not quite ready to write about them. I have not figured out my thoughts yet. So, instead I decided to write about two xbox 360 games I have been playing that are flat out sweet.

First off, it is no surprise that Guitar Hero III is one of them. This game is just awesome! My wife and I have played it together! We did the career where one person plays bass and the other lead guitar. We have spent hours playing it together. This is a must have if you have any gaming system.

Second is Burnout Paradise. This game is sick. The city is wide open for you to drive any where. You start all your races and events by squealing your wheels at any stop light. There is no main menu to go back to to start a race, you have to drive around the city and find stop lights. The online gaming on this game is also very, very good. If you like race car games you will love this one. Even if you traditionally do not like racing games I think you will like this one.

About the Pics

The first pic is of me in my snow boots. My dad got these for me for Christmas so I thought he might like to see a pic of them. The second and third one are of Em and that cute big belly. The last one is a pic of my office at work, surrounded by books in the basement!

Just Wanted to Add Some Pics

America

"I am the greatest advocate of the Constitution of the United States there is on earth. In my feelings I am always ready to die for the protection of the weak and oppressed in their just rights." - Prophet Joseph Smith

"We will cling to the Constitution of our country, and to the government that reveres that sacred charter of freemen's rights; and if necessary, pour out our best blood for the defense of every good and righteous principle." Prophet Brigham Young

"It was in this government, (government of the United States) formed by men inspired of God, although at the time they knew it not, after it was firmly established in the seat of power and influence, where liberty of conscience, and the free exercise of religious worship were a fundamental principle guaranteed in the Constitution" - Prophet Brigham Young

"No item of inspiration is held more sacred with us (Mormons) than the Constitution (of the United States) under which she acts." - Prophet Brigham Young

I am so tired of hearing people base their vote on religion, and religion alone. Have we forgotten what has made America so great? Have we forgotten what we fought for? I agree you should be able to choose how you believe, but to use that belief to solely decide who your leaders should be is wrong. I admit that I have a pull to Romney because I know he shares my same core values, but my biggest pull to Romney is that I believe he is the right person for the economy. To me the economy is more important at this time than the war in Iraq. If the war, or any war, was my main concern then I would vote for McCain. To simply say ignorant remarks about someones religion and base your vote on that is stupid and mindless. Does anyone know the religions of any of the other candidates? If you tell me I will find strange and interesting facts about their religions. However, once I do that I bring myself under the same condemnation if I base my vote on their religions. This is America. Choose your leader wisely. Truly look at everything, and give those things that matter most to you the greatest weight. If what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believes is most important to you, then you better make religion your main concern with every candidate.

Do you have everything?

"For it must be true, as an old writer says, that he who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only." - C.S. Lewis

I love this quote because it brings me back to reality. It lets me know that all I really need in life is God, and that my relationship with Him is critical to my happiness and salvation. I would love to have a lot of worldly things. At times I crave material things. I set goals to obtain worldly things. What I really need to be doing is setting goals to obtain eternal things. No one has more than the person who has God in their life. Having God in your life brings such blessings. I really do not deserve those blessings, but God still gives them to me. I am very grateful.

Life Today

"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea." - C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory.
This is pure truth. Our day in age is all about "me" and how I define or experience happiness. Happiness is not in the next drink nor is it in the next sex partner. Happiness is in LOVE. Real, pure love is where happiness is. We were put on this earth to experience joy, but that joy comes from our Father who created us, not from man made luxuries or experiences.
Love includes service, joy, charity, and other qualities that make you feel true happiness that lasts. Search and long for those things that bring peace. Pure love brings peace, and in turn brings happiness. Be weary of instant gratification, and search for those things that bring you eternal peace.

Baby Name

I just wanted to thank everyone that is voting for our boy's name. It is so much fun for us to watch everyone vote. Emily is still trying to figure out which name is the best. We are leaning toward Pitcher, especially since Emily's sister now wants to use that name for her boy that is going to be born about 5 weeks after our baby. I will shortly be putting pictures of Emily and her tummy on the blog. It is so HOT to see her tummy getting bigger. Men, do you like the big pregnant belly. Leave your comments. I am wondering if y'all think it is hot.

Agency

"I thought of the unending variety of possibilities the Lord has provided for us. We have so much freedom, so many opportunities to develop our unique personalities and talents, our individual memories, our personalized contributions." - Richard G. Scott in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 33)
I love this quote. Agency is such a marvelous thing. We truly do have the OPPORTUNITY to choose what we want. There are consequences to what we choose; some good and some bad. I look at my life and I have made bad choices, and I have made good choices. It has been the bad that I have had to grapple and fight with. It is a constant battle to do what is right, and it is not easy. I would not trade any of that for my agency. I like the fact that I am in control of my destiny, and that I will decide how it plays out. I will not react to life, I will make life react to me.

Foo Fighters - Music Video

Foo Fighters-The Pretender

Add to My Profile | More Videos

I just wanted to drop a line and say that I have been listening to the new Foo Fighters Album and it is great!!! You need to check this out if you are a fan of guitars and drums, and meaningful vocals and lyrics. Also I have been listening to Kate Nash, Lily Allen, and Paramore. Also check out "A Fine Frenzy." I need to add a sample of one of them as soon as I figure out how to do so. If someone knows how let me know! Thanks

"The Glory of God is Intelligence"

Joseph Smith said "knowledge is necessary to life and godliness." To be like God, we must gain and pursue knowledge. What kind of knowledge? I would say knowledge that leads to salvation. However, I do not believe that any knowledge will hurt or hinder our trek toward salvation, unless we seek after that knowledge that detracts from light in our lives. Joseph Smith also stated "God has more power than all other beings, because He has greater knowledge." Nothing could be more correct. Knowledge truly is power. How we exercise that power will have a lot to do with how we are judged when we stand before God after this life. I encourage all to seek after the knowledge that brings salvation, and I promise that the Holy Ghost will deliver the knowledge that will bring light into your life.

I just wanted to add some pics of me and Em! Hope y'all enjoy them!

Last Semester of Law School

That is correct, it is the last semester. I feel much like I felt about a month before law school. I am anxious to get on with my life. I feel like I am in limbo. I feel stuck. I am ready to move on and leave law school and actually start a career. I don't know how much law I will really practice, but I do know that I have benefited from my education. I don't feel smarter (I really don't know what that would feel like). I am a true believer that THE MORE YOU LEARN THE LESS YOU KNOW. This is true because the more your eyes, mind, and heart are opened to knowledge the more you realize that there is so much more out there than you thought there was. This is exactly how I felt as I read Tolstoy. I am addicted to learning, but what I really think I am addicted to is having my eyes opened. I know that there are other law students reading this blog, please leave your thoughts through the comments section. Thank you

Oppression by One's Neighbor

I know that this title seems a little strange but I think the word oppression makes sense. I have been thinking a lot about the world and the influences that are in it, and how those influences affect each of us, including me. The using of the word "neighbor" means all that are around you. I am highly affected by my neighbors. I wish that I was not. I yearn for knowledge. But do I want knowledge for the right reasons? Do I want knowledge because I think it will make me money? Do I want knowledge because I think that it will make me more accepted? Or do I simply want knowledge because those that I look up to have it? This is one example of how we are oppressed or freed by our neighbors. I will benefit from this want, no matter the root of it. So in a way the oppression has become a benefit, or maybe later it will become a detriment. Each influence will be different. I encourage all to seek after those things that bring light into their lives. Truly find out who you are. Ask yourselves the hard questions.