The Moment With the Leaves

Any style magazines, blogs or TV shows would love my house.  It is riddled with "before" pictures.  From the people to the rooms, we aren't exactly up to the current standards of fashion and trend.  I know this because I've seen your blog and your Instagram shots and we are a good ol' hot mess around here.  But I do have this one tree in my backyard that is so alive with golden fall leaves, any magazine cover would be proud to feature it.    

However, my play room is a hodgepodge collection of toys in un-matching baskets lined up against a strange colored wall with crayon streak accents.  Wait, who am I kidding?  The toys are rarely in the un-matching baskets.  The baskets are usually overturned and toys are strewn...just   s t r e w n everywhere.  

My kids have maybe worn coordinating outfits twice in their lifetimes.  If I do get them dressed before lunch, I'm lucky if their shirt is spot free by dinner.  I don't want to start on me.  Let's just say the woman who got dressed and ready for the day 4 years ago is much different than the woman today, who counts wearing clean yoga pants as being ready.

But my heart sang a quiet, lovely song today.  The 5 of us (kids and mommy) were upstairs in our always messy, very large playroom.  I had just fed the baby and he was sleeping lazily in a milk stupor on my chest.  His soft breaths leaving tiny warm spots on my arm.  My three toddlers were playing together.  Read that last sentence again.  Because the opposite of that sentence is what usually goes on.  Fighting over toys, wrestling over toys, crying over toys and because of this whole new baby thing, a lot of the refereeing and supreme court judging is done from the couch while little man is eating.  

But at this moment, the kids were pretending to go the beach together and packing each other's back packs with pretend food and tiny horses.  Every once in a while they would bring me "lunch" in the form of a plastic pretzel and plastic hot dog on a tiny pink plate.  But then tell me it wasn't ready yet and take it back to their kitchen to put in the microwave. 

The space was so pleasant and comfortable, my very bones tingled with contentment. I sent up a quick prayer of gratitude for this moment.  For these beings in my life that give me grief (to be sure) but so much more joy.  

And before I could even finish my thankful refrain, the wind picked up, sending golden leaves into the air from our big tree out back. The sun was peaking out from one of the many clouds that had dominated the afternoon.  So the leaves caught the warm fall light as they flitted to the ground. Every window in our corner play room had so many golden flecks that even the kids stopped and noticed.  

It was so beautiful.  A reminder that God listens and loves me.  

Because as I was saying thank you, the leaves fell, so lovely and light, as if to say you're welcome.

Of course 3 minutes later I was telling one of my sons (almost verbatim) "please don't take the lid off your hippo cup and dump water on the table..."  Then later, "please don't yell at your sister, we can all look at the book."  And even still, "there are six hot dogs, you don't need all of them, you can share."  

I already know my leaf moment today will outlast the refereed hot dog match.  Twenty-five years from now, when I have a slight ache in my heart from missing plastic lunches served by stubby toddler hands, I won't care about the spilled cup of water, but I will remember my falling leaves and the warm glow of contentment we all shared.

If just for a moment.

Snapped this after I watched the wind burst send dancing leaves past all the windows.  

  

To Work Or Not To Work shouldn't really be the question

I was recently quoted in a Salt Lake Tribune article.  Remember Hilary Rosen saying Ann Romney never worked a day in her life because she stayed home with her kids?  I had a few things to say about it.  

I was still kind of fired up from my passions post, and this seemed to go along with women and their roles.  It's very important to me to stay home with my nuggets.  I realize this isn't always a black and white choice for most women.  I know the church I belong to encourages women to be the at home nurturer.  But I've never felt pressured or coerced or forced to be the mom who doesn't work.  I also know my church leaders have said it isn't our place to judge another woman and her decisions in regards to working or not working.  Which I felt to be true, even before I heard it.     

A commenter accused the women quoted in the article of defending Romney because she is mormon and if the Rosen had said the same thing about a hispanic woman, a muslim or Michelle Obama, we (mormon women) would not have the same reaction.  

I'm only one mormon woman, not the entire demographic, but I can say with an emphatic YEAH RIGHT that is definitely not the case.  We women can't afford to stay segregated in little groups.  Of course we all have different view points and ideals, but if you strip away political parties, sexual preference, religion, race, education and views on work, I'm sure we all have similar needs and desires.  We want to be heard, to be validated, to have equal opportunities and to be loved.  And as mothers, we want the same things for our children.  We can't do this while we are accusing each other of working or not working, defending a mormon vs a muslim or putting one another in categories.  

While I did mean what I said in the article about being frustrated about what Rosen said, what didn't get included is my belief that ALL women are warriors and they do what they can.  Most mothers always have their child's best interest at heart.  In fact, another mother quoted in the article really summed up how I feel.  I wish I would've said this:  

"I think women need to stop talking about which is better," said Herzog, who has an MBA and is a social media manager at a local bank. "That’s counterproductive to what we need to be doing. We need to work together to move forward to get more rights for women. Instead of putting energy into a debate between moms, we need to work together to make sure our kids are getting the best of what they need."

Because that's how I feel too. 

If you're going to judge me on anything, judge me about letting my kids think swim diapers are hats and letting them wear them around all morning.  And thinking it's hilarious.    

Also, not that this is relevant to the debate, while I'm not 100% Obama is getting my vote again, I'm not entirely thrilled with Romney as the GOP nominee either.  Being a mormon does not automatically get every mormon vote.  Just saying.   

The Proof Is In The Stabbed Fruit

This picture is my evidence.

Evidence that there is a gang of guardian angels hanging around my house all day.  I was in the middle of changing a stinky diaper, one little one was coloring at the table, and the other little one was apparently stabbing fruit with extremely sharp knives.

I've since rearranged a few things in the kitchen.  Pushing chairs around to get at things on the counter is the latest maneuver in toddler trickery.

When I saw those blasted knives sunk so deep in that fruit I felt so crazy as a mother.  I felt a little sick my little guy was just playing with knives.  How was I to securely fasten everyone in a safe place while I take 4 minutes to change a diaper?  Because that's how long I was unattending the unattended children.

Then, I thought that I am not alone in my house when I am alone.  I know this.  It's something I believe.  The same way I believe that when the sun sets over the west mountains here, it's rising somewhere else.

I'm not sure how many guardian angels are assigned to my crew.  I imagine, at this stage, a group of 2 or 3, watching over and protecting them, then tagging in another group when their brilliant wings start to get a little droopy from fatigue.  I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one relieved when it's finally bedtime.

I do know they (my angels) have been with us since the beginning.  I felt them in the hospital when I sensed these tiny little beings, not supposed to be born yet, were scared and unsure about their new surroundings of machines, pumps, tubes and needles.  I knew they were there when my own fears of knowing the only thing keeping my daughter and son alive was a machine pumping air into their lungs.

I felt them when I brought them home and I was panicked that they were going to stop breathing in the middle of the night and I would never know because I knew as soon as my eyes closed, my mind would be in a deep, exhausted, coma-like sleep.

I felt them when our ultra-baby-proof play room (we thought) was about to be breached when Sunny tried to shimmy under a railing, that, had she succeeded, would've caused a 12 foot drop onto stairs.  I had no reason to look in her direction (she was near the books, being quiet) and realize this except an unseen tap on my shoulder telling me to turn around.

I believe in angels.

I also believe in angels that I can see.  Angels that have also been with me and my kids since the beginning.  Helping me, encouraging me, doing a night-time feeding or two, giving me a 2 hour break on a Tuesday, bringing in gifts that mean a continued nap time for my two year olds that really still need it.  Angels that randomly and without any prompting from me, tell me that they know what I'm doing is hard, but worthwhile.  Angels that pray for us.  Angels that visit.  Angels that send us clothes.  Angels that simply care about our little family.  

I'm so thankful for all my angels.  The ones I can't see.  The ones I can.  And of course, my 3 foot angels.

Without them, I never would've known so many others.

      

My Christmas Decor (or lack thereof)

Is there such thing as The Martha Stewart Syndrome?  I'm too lazy to check facts right now.  Let's pretend there is.

Here is my definition of having The Martha Stewart Syndrome:

Your Christmas celebrations, decorations, food, traditions, sugar cookies  and any other effort you put into holiday time at your house is NOT good enough.  

Harsh, right?  This syndrome can creep up on you if you don't have your guard up.  It almost hit me this year.  Almost.  I recognized it though.  I saw it lurking in my window, judging my empty mantle and complete lack of garland on every post and railing we have.

In fact, it came close to halting me from even opening my totes, full of eclectic yuletide cheer, peeking through my blinds, asking, 

"What's the theme here?  Nothing matches!  Why don't you have a snowflake tree?  Or a vintage collection of silver bells in your hutch?  You haven't even baked cookies yet?  Did you see _________'s place?  Sheesh.  Their house looks waaay better than yours.  Don't you even like Christmas?!"

These are the thoughts it sends my way.  But like I said, it almost got me.  I have my wee ones to thank for stopping the ugly thing from actually coming inside.  It started when we set up our tree.  Our poor, little tree.  At least that is how I have thought of it for the past few years.  It looked just right in our first apartment.  Our first Christmas, our little tree in our little living room.  It was perfect.

But then we moved to bigger living rooms, and suddenly, the tree wasn't good enough.  I was still thinking this when we hauled up the box from the garage.  The MSS (Martha Stewart Syndrome) was whispering in my ear that now we had kids, we had to go cut down an eight foot Douglas Fir and flock it and get coordinating bulbs, bows and baubles to adorn it.  

But we didn't.  We set up our little, fake tree, hung non-matching, uncoordinated ornaments and my little guys loved. every. second. of it.  I was humbled and sent MSS on it's way.  You would think I learned my lesson from the Whos.  Seriously.  Christmas isn't in a giant, flocked tree.  

Days later, I pulled out my totes of random Christmas decorations and adorned my house in holiday cheer.  I unwrapped each little figurine from my $12 nativity I bought our first Christmas together.  It will probably always be my favorite.  

We've been singing lots of Christmas songs together.  Today, Sunny climbed in my lap and said, "Baby GG?"  (Baby Jesus)  She's been doing this lately.  It means she wants me to sing Away in a Manger.  

So I sang to her, the same song, four times at her request.  Then she smiled at me, climbed off my lap and went off to play again.  

We may never have to buy another bell, bauble or bulb ever again.  That was enough.

Merry Christmas.  

     

I went to a funeral yesterday.  My dear Uncle Marty passed away Monday.  It was sudden and unexpected.  In my religion, we believe that we have a chance to live with those who die before us.  We believe that we will see them again.  This can be comforting and help ease the pain of losing someone you love.  But it is still hard.  I believe that my Uncle Marty is happy and free from the pain and sojourns of this life.  But the rest of us that are left to go on without those we love -- it is hard.  Even with the faith that he will be with his family again, my heart still breaks to see my aunt and cousins grieve their husband and father.

But that is the way of things.  How will they know the inexplicable joy of reuniting with him if they don't feel the intense heartache that I don't want to begin to imagine.  He was warm and caring and full of love and life.  Even if I can try to emulate a fraction of all his best traits, I will be a better person.  He lived a good life.  We will miss him so much.

I gave away a lot of extra hugs and I love yous yesterday.  This life is short.

Monday Inspiration

I heard this story yesterday in church. I loved it.  I am needing a little extra uplift today.  This helps.


 

On My Mind For Weeks

Cathartic.

That's the word that comes to mind when I write in this tiny little web log.

I love my children. I love them dearly. They are my world and there is nothing that I wouldn't do for them.

They are also a little crazy sometimes. Sundays always seem to be our most insane day. They twist and turn and become a pack of whirling dervishes when it is time to get dressed. This happens everyday, but Sunday mornings, when mom is trying to also get dressed and ready for church, and dad is doing the same, as well as prepping some kind of assignment for his church responsibilities, the tension seems to escalate a tad.

And by tension, I mean mom's. And by a tad, I mean a lot.

We eventually manage to get packed and loaded in the car. (Both parents sweating.) Then we go to church for three hours. There are missed naps. Moments of restraint, because they can't understand why they can't crawl and climb over and every pew. One baby always ends up with a kind neighbor. It's amazing how we were outnumbered from day one.

Then for the duration of the meetings, I wrestle, chase, restrain, wipe noses, calm cries and whimpers, toss cheerios at them like little ducks and wonder, why? Why do we even bother to get everyone dressed up and go through this circus EVERY week? It would be a lot easier to stay home. We'll come when they are old enough to sit and be quiet. (So, like when they're 25?)

And then, (and here's where I get a little weepy) I am humbled and calmed. I know why we come. I need Sundays. I need the peace I feel when I am sitting with friends and neighbors singing hymns and sharing stories of faith and love. I need the strength of others around me who are also wrestling and wiping noses, but come anyway. We share a common belief that the Savior knows and understands even the most benign aches a young mother might feel. Whether it's a nagging itch of inadequacy or a booming voice of "you're not good enough." We come to squelch those nasty little lies.

I'm humbled because I seem to forget every week. I seem to forget that I don't have to do everything myself. I don't have to have the cleanest house, prettiest hairstyle, most awesome bedding set, super stylish kids or most darling dress you've ever seen. But that is just fine. I remember on Sundays what's important and where my priorities really need to be. I'm glad, because I need to teach my children these truths.

So we'll continue to get dressed up every week so I can remember.

I need the reminder, because I'm pretty sure children cause short term memory loss.

January 1

The tree is now outside, laying haphazardly on the curb. Once sparkling and dressed up with dozens of pretty packages under it's needles, it is now on top of a snow bank, looking awfully naked and used.

The fridge is back to it's normal pre-holiday ways. No more stuffed to the gills and overflowing with leftover cheese balls, meatballs, and other delicious balls that come along this time of year.

Hundreds of lights no longer reflect off the frozen snow and cold sidewalk after dark. The simple porch light is back to it's realistic, non indulgent ways.

Garland stripped from the mantle. Porcelain Santas stashes in boxes. Nativities carefully wrapped and packaged for another 48 weeks.

The trimmings and wrappings cleaned and put away. The weather seems suddenly colder without all the holiday ornamentation to buffer it's chilling icicles and bare, freezing nights.

But Christmas will hopefully live in my heart until next year. The reason we celebrated. The gift of the Savior. The hope that the atonement brings, no matter the season. Without a tree, without delicious cookies, without packages and garland and tiny scenes of the holy family in Bethlehem, we always have a reason to celebrate Christmas.

When You Have a Gratitude Attitude...

A few things I have to be thankful for:

Fun friends
Fireworks
Crazy strangers
Picnics
Old Glory
Veterans
Small town parades
A sensitive husband
A sexy husband
A husband with a sense of humor
A doctor with a sense of humor
My family (I want to list names, but hate to run the risk of accidently leaving a name out! I'm not thankful for alienation.)
My family
My family
My family
My family
My family (I hope that gets my point across.)
Sunny days in New England
Blueberries, strawberries, whip cream and cake...all on the same plate!

Thoughts for a Monday Night

Part of Elder Holland's address in April 2007:

'I love what Elder Orson F. Whitney once said: "The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience." We should honor the Savior's declaration to "be of good cheer." (Indeed, it seems to me we may be more guilty of breaking that commandment than almost any other!) Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly. As someone once said, "Even in the golden age of civilization someone undoubtedly grumbled that everything looked too yellow." '

Hmmm. Okay, I'll try a little harder to be a little better. Even when it is freezing in April.

December 2006

.............................................................

Day one - joy! We finally did it! Positive! Two lines! Joy! Joy! Joy!

Day two - lots of library books checked out. And still joy.

Day three - spotting. Books say this could be normal.

Day four - still spotting. Phone call to the doctor. Blood test that day.

Day five - just worry.

Day six - another blood test.

Day seven - a lot of blood. Bleeding, bathtub, sadness. It's over. I know it is before the doctor calls to tell me what the blood tests mean. It's over. Within a week.

Sadness, despair, pain. Searching, praying, pleading. Love, support, prayers.

Hope. Faith. Understanding will come eventually. Peace also follows months - well, years later. Because it happens again. Then again.

Quiet peace and budding hope come eventually. Not in the week whirlwind that caused my need to pray for peace and hope, but it does come.

My hope is rooted in the Savior. He heals my hurt. My faith is rooted in my Heavenly Father's plan for me. He hears my prayers.

2 Nephi 2:15
And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man...it must needs be that there was an opposition...the one being sweet and the other bitter.

My Eternal Family

The 2009 Primary theme is all about families. Teaching kids songs every week that relate to this theme leads me to reflect on my relationship with my own family. A girl couldn't have had more fun growing up with these great dudes.

Barbies, playing cruise ship, pretending Miss Hannigan was going to be home any minute so we better hurry and clean our room, big wheels, banana seat bikes, See Me Run, Go Dog Go, sleeping bags down the stairs, playing school, weeding the garden so we could walk to Trafalga, tether ball, front yard soccer games, badminton, dancing in the kitchen, staged professional wrestling in our living room... We had a lot of fun together.

And still do.
Aren't my sisters beautiful?






I could not have guessed or imagined the extra spouses and kids added to our family over the years would be this wonderful! I can't imagine our family missing just one. Every single person belongs. I'm anxious to see it grow and grow and grow. My heart is overwhelmed and abundantly flows over with joy when I think of the plan of happiness that allows us to be together forever.

(And this is just my side! Lots o love for my married side of the family tambien!)

Historical Inauguration

Photo: REUTERS/Jim Bourg

I can't pass up the opportunity to record my thoughts on the 44th president of the United States being sworn into office today. As President Obama said in his speech, his father might not have been served at a diner 60 years ago because of the color of his skin. Now we have an African-American in the White House. It makes me proud to be an American. Racism, bigotry and narrow minded thinking is still present. But I can't escape the feeling that it is somewhat muted. Maybe even silenced, at least for today.

I loved the inauguration speech. A sober yet hopeful and optimistic attitude that the road ahead will be difficult, but our resilience as Americans will make our success possible.

Here are a few words from the speech that made my own ideals light up. These words made me excited to support our new President. (I'd like to think that whoever was inaugurated today, I would have found similar reasons to cheer.)

(The bold and large font are my own editorial comments.)

.........................................................

The question today is not whether our government is big or small, but whether it works.

As for the common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.

America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity and we are ready to lead once more.

…our power alone does not protect us nor does it entitle us to do as we please…our power grows through our prudent use...

We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in it’s defense.

America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict or blame their societies ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.

For as much as government can do, and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.

Our challenges may be new…but those values upon which our success depends, honesty and hard work…loyalty and patriotism, these things old, these things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.

What is required of us now, is a new era of responsibility.

Let us mark this day of remembrance to remember who we are and how far we have traveled.

With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents and endure what storms may come. (I loved this - when he referenced George Washington rallying the original defenders of our liberty.)

God bless the United States of America.

..................................................

I pray that God will be with our new president. That he will have the strength to lead our country with integrity and humility. I pray that he will not abuse the power that comes with leadership. I pray that our country really will become unified and prosperous. And I echo his final speech sentiments, God bless the United States of America.



PS - I also can't help but wonder if Jack Bauer is somewhere keeping Obama safe. Sorry, can't help myself.

Inspiration from Elder Uchtdorf

"Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God's laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.


I loved this talk. Sometimes I need a reminder to be confident, optimistic, enthusiastic and of course, patient.

I'm Thankful for Prayer

Because sometimes I lose things. Keys, ear buds, phone. Small things, but I'm always heard.

Because I have much and am thankful for a medium in which to express my gratitude.

Because I know I am heard.

Because when a school collapses in Haiti or people flee from their homes in the Democratic Republic of Congo from advancing troops I feel like I should do something. Because my heart hurts for people I've never met and it's not practical or probable to travel there myself to help. And even if I did, what would I do? Because I'm safe in my warm home, no troops advancing toward me with malice. Schools here are built steady and sure. So I'm grateful for prayer so I can send my heart toward heaven to help alleviate suffering. Even if it's small, it's still significant in my mind. Because He always hears me.

I Am Proud to Be An American

Warning: Soapbox alert. Do not read if soapboxes make you a little queasy. There is a big one ahead. I am not a republican, democrat, libertarian, or member of the green or constitution party. I am an unaffiliated, independent, free thinker.

I was emotional on Tuesday. I'm not a big fan of touting my political views on my blog, but I was overcome with national pride on election day. I was excited that record number of voters turned out to vote in this election. I hope that gone are the days of the attitude, "Why should I vote? My one little vote won't make a difference anyway." We live in one of the greatest countries in the world! We have the opportunity to choose our local and national leaders. I truly feel we can create a government for the people and by the people. Our country is in quite a state. The national debt higher than it has ever been (adding extra zeros for the first time!). The unsuccessful invasion (invasion - we had no defensive right or reason to be in Iraq) that is costing the country money that could be put to better use here. But most importantly, precious lives of our brave soldiers and others in harm's way because of an unfounded war. The "No Child Left Behind Act" that has caused more burnout in teachers that good for the children. Those who have accused our president elect of the "s" word, why wasn't this word discussed when this piece of legislation was introduced? Because it was hatched by a republican? Or when the government gained the right to spy on us disguised as the "Patriot Act," there wasn't a big outcry of "big government" then. Ever read "1984?" There is no way I agree 100% with all of our next president's ideas and plans. That is what makes this country great. We have the right to voice our opinion even after we have elected a president. He is not the all powerful leader who has the right to make every decision affecting the country. There is a system called "checks and balances." We are part of that! We have local Senators and Congressman that are supposed to be our representatives. You can call them, write to them, email them about issues that you are concerned about. Keep your voice heard. It is what our founding fathers fought and died for. It is what makes me able to write this post without fear of harm to myself or my family. I love that this election caused powerful debates, emotions and caused so many to get out and vote. Because when we stop caring is when we really lose our freedoms and are at risk for what people are erroneously accusing Obama of. I mean, Marxism? Seriously people. I truly believe Obama loves this country and understands the principles that make it great. He has a long, hard road ahead of him. Probably one of the hardest in our nation's history. I uphold the 12th article of faith, I believe in "being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law." That doesn't mean I will do it blindly and uninformed.

I love our free country and will pray for those leaders who are representing us here in the US and around the world.

After Summer Adventure Part 1

Chris worked hard this summer, very hard. So August 30th was a date that we were looking to for a long time. At approx. 9:30 pm on August 30th, we left Pittsburgh. So long, farewell, thanks to the many families who now own an Apx Alarm and helped pay our bills.



There were no hotels available where we were planning on staying. So we luckily found this fabulous "mansion" at 2:30 in the morning. It was built in 1820 and our room looked like it was decorated in the 1980's. Blue shag carpet in our room! I was hoping to see a ghost. I would've settled for the ghost in corduroy bell bottoms or the ghost in the turn of the century petticoat. I didn't see either. But it was a great place to chock up to our many travel adventures.



Our first stop was Palmyra, NY. It was a beautiful Sunday morning when we pulled up to the Hill Cumorah site. It was so incredibly peaceful and I could not get over how rural this small town still seemed. The landscape view from the hill almost seemed unchanged to what it might have looked like almost 200 years ago to Joseph Smith. It truly seemed a tender mercy to me that a loving Heavenly Father preserved this special place for so long, dating all the way back to when Moroni was here burying the plates. It is a special place.


I wasn't sure what to expect when we walked toward the Sacred Grove. I almost imagined a small section of trees with a sign indicating where the prophet Joseph Smith had The First Vision. But the grove was so large and absolutely beautiful. Walking along the pathway, the spirit was so sweet and peaceful. What a wonderful blessing from our Heavenly Father to keep this place so holy so we could strengthen our testimonies of the restoration of the true church on the earth today. It was amazing.







More to come...including fish and Fenway!

Beliefs at the Ballgame

At a pirates baseball game, I made friends with a few older guys sitting next to me. The guy sitting directly next to me happened to be one of Chris' alarm sales - but that's another story for another time. They found out I was from Utah. After a brief conversation about skiing (brief because I don't), came, "So are you up there with all those Mormons?" I quickly answered with a bright Beehive-like smile, "I am one of those Mormons!" Short, awkward pause. I break the silence with, "If I cut off any Utah jokes, sorry, you can still tell them." He smiles.

No major missionary moment here. Although I did get a chance to clear up the whole "Warren Jeffs is not part of our church misconception." But, it was the 7th inning and they had just bought a last call Bud. I'm not sure if the countenance I try to remember to pray for was coming through to them, who knows?


So why this anecdote? Because I was very proud, err I mean humbled, well let's see...eager to tell them, yes I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


To the three people that might check this blog on a regular basis, there might be more stories about my grateful heart in the LDS church. I was inspired by this article to use my blog more often to share my heart and beliefs.

And I'm Proud to Be an American!

Happy Birthday America! This was my first 4th of July outside of Utah. Which means of course, my first 4th of July not spent in Oakley, Ut! To give you an idea of what I missed, read this.
I had fun celebrating with friends in one of the original colonies. The local parade was interesting.

Here is a picture from the parade that will give you an idea as to what it was like, small and weird.

Later that night, some people in our group even decided to recreate the Revolutionary War by throwing fireworks at each other. Wow.

However, despite how I celebrated or where, I have a deep love for our country. I enjoy the freedom and peace that comes with being an American. I may not always agree one hundred percent with all of our current administration's policies but I believe in "being subject to..presidents" and am proud to live in a society where we vote for our next leader. (Make sure you vote this November!!) I also believe that I am able to "worship how, where or what [I] may" because of this beautiful country that God has blessed me to live in.

I have never seen the kind of conflict experienced in WWI and WWII, and I am thankful to the veterans who were brave and had the convictions necessary to fight for our country. I am thankful for our current soldiers (whether I agree or not with the reason they are at war) who still fight bravely and serve their country with valor. I sleep soundly and without fear because other men and women risk their life in known and sometimes unknown ways to keep our country safe. I try to remember to pray for our soldiers everywhere.

Being able to travel, own a business, get whatever education I want, have the same opportunities as a man, trust law enforcement, and have a bounty of food in my cupboard are all a drop in the bucket of the great blessings I have from living in this country. I hope to always be grateful, not just for one day in July, that I am an American.