I live there- in the ghetto. Ok, well far from it, but our house falls apart in some pretty amusing yet also frustrating ways (it's 70 years old so it's entitled I suppose) and I often feel like I live in a warp ghetto type of dwelling sometimes. Some parts of our home and yard are fixed up quite nicely so it's funny to go from one nice room into one not-so-much nice room.
We are attempting to fix up the interior and exterior of our home but this falls second to paying it off - so it is happening fairly slowly. I think our mortgage will be paid off before we get rid of our chicken wire & plaster walls (yes, that is what they are actually made of...probably with a mix of yummy asbestos). We recently had a sprinkling system (yes, we have been hand-watering for FIVE years now...well, Mark has) installed with some other large project landscaping work (with the contractor from HELL!) and they showed us the part of our pipes that they cut out. The insides were CORRODED to say the least and they lent us an amused recommendation that we outta have them changed out within the next 2-5 years and wondered how we felt about drinking out of them. I figure what hasn't killed us yet so.....well, thgouht it admittedly might someday, which is why we plan on SELLING before replacing the pipes becomes a bigger necessity- for now I settle for less-than-ideal water pressure, flatter-than-usual hair, and the thought that maybe the corrosive elements will be found one day to really enhance our biological makeups...? :)
Right now, however, the most unusual problem at hand (b/c I could count on all ten fingers and toes and still have unusual problems that constantly beckon us to fix them in one mind numbing way or another) is our hot water knob in our shower (our ONLY bathroom and shower since we are renting out our basement still..only until next Spring whoo hoo!) - it isn't entirely functional currently.
When Mark and I were first starting to date I remember him telling me he'd had a huge plumbing issue with his shower and the knob broke and he couldn't find a replacement (which happens when nothing in your house is STANDARD b/c it's so old)- but since he wasn't planning on renovation quite yet he found a knob that would at least 'grip' the metal protruding turn thingy and work. Well, that knob has recently become stripped an no longer performs so we are knob-less with no options until we really do renovate it (a year + from now is the plan! Which will put us fixing it up to sell it, so sad.). So for now we turn on the hot water in the shower with a little wrench with apparently very desirable red handles that is very popular with Slade. That means it'll go missing very soon never to be found again. I realize this could be so much worse and that we are lucky to have all we do - just thought I'd share some recent semi-misery in our slightly ghetto dwelling. Haha. We're seriously so blessed aren't we?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
An opportunity...
Ok, so here's an easy opportunity to start becoming more political for the good of all. Though you may not be politically driven or harbor significant interest in this realm - it greatly affects you, your family, and your friends nonetheless...daily (which many of my friends and family have come to realize when they voted Romney or themselves on the election ballot instead of the lesser of two 'evils', way to go guys).
You can go to Change.gov to get set up to receive email updates regarding the progress of the 'transition team' for B.O., follow their blog, and they even offer folks like us "from all walks of life" a chance to voice our opinions on their website. I have, and I encourage you to do this as well. Consider the following 'form' email an invite from me to you:
Hey,
President-elect Obama's Transition team is inviting Americans from every walk of life to share their stories, experiences, and ideas.
I just shared my thoughts on an issue that's important to me, and I thought you might like to, too:
http://www.change.gov/yourvision
Thanks.
You can go to Change.gov to get set up to receive email updates regarding the progress of the 'transition team' for B.O., follow their blog, and they even offer folks like us "from all walks of life" a chance to voice our opinions on their website. I have, and I encourage you to do this as well. Consider the following 'form' email an invite from me to you:
Hey,
President-elect Obama's Transition team is inviting Americans from every walk of life to share their stories, experiences, and ideas.
I just shared my thoughts on an issue that's important to me, and I thought you might like to, too:
http://www.change.gov/yourvision
Thanks.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Stop Picking On Boys
I just read Dr. Laura's most recent blog posting (if you aren't on her notification list you should be- even if you don't agree with everything she says - the part you would agree with offers such GREAT insight it makes it so worth it! You can subscribe or read HERE.) The posting is about the realities of how males vs. females learn and how it is hurting the boys in our lives. I totally agree with her on this issue especially b/c I can already see such a profound difference in how my son is so different in his learning and behavior than girls. My husband and I definitely learn and respond to things differently and just read any relationship book out there - they all seek to build bridges between the two sexes to help them relate better and amplify their separate greatness in a wonderful way. Read the Proclamation To The World and it says the same thing- we're different because that's who we ARE and have always been. I agree with her that we really should have different curriculum for boys v. girls in the education system for all things equal. It's in our genes and why we were created - why in the world should we detrimentally fight it- the differences are what make us amazing and how we fulfill the measure of our creation, let's work with them instead of against them! :)
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Stop Picking on Boys!
November 20, 2008 on 12:12 pm | In Boys, Children, Education, Gender Email This Post I am so unbelievably sick of academic feminist organizations perpetually whining about their imagined assaults on girls in education. A long time ago, The American Association of University Women once had me give a keynote speech at one of their luncheons. I looked around the room of successful and powerful (mostly older) women, and wondered why they had to have a meeting to complain about how difficult it is for women to succeed…when we had a room chock full of women who had incredible accomplishments because of their efforts and sacrifices.
I didn’t get a standing ovation and never got invited back.
The truth interferes with the perpetual “we are victims” mentality of the feminist activists. Here are the facts:
* 2/3 of all learning disability diagnoses are for boys
* 70 percent of all D’s and F’s go home with boys (they’re not challenged appropriately)
* 90% of school discipline referrals are for boys (it’s hard to make boys sit still)
* 80% of all Ritalin takers are boys (yeah…drug the little buggers into submission - a kind of psychological castration, I’ve always thought)
* 80% of school drop outs…are…boys!
* Fewer than 40% of college students are currently males (making it harder for girls to find a date)
Girls, in general, are surpassing boys in school in all subjects except math and science - and that gap has been closing quickly
Other facts are that boys are more competitive, energetic, visual, physical, risk-taking and so on than are girls. Boys need a different learning environment than girls. The “girly”-oriented educational system in the United States demands that boys become like girls or be medicated.
Boys need more physical movement in the curriculum. They need recesses to work off that male energy, they appreciate reading more male-friendly subjects, they like projects, and they enjoy competing rather than cooperating and all getting the same grade. Boys do better with male mentors, and boys need teachers with more of a sense of humor toward “boy antics” without punishment or demeaning reactions.
I believe boys and girls should have separate classrooms, curriculum, teaching styles, and completely different academic environments.
The beginning of the feminist attack on the educational process proclaimed that girls were being short-changed. Maybe so…and, if so, maybe the best thing for girls is a girl-centered and oriented academic program.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
With Kids Like This...
When I first moved into this ward I kept hearing about this family over and over again - about all of the wonderful things that they do for others and how wonderful they are in general. I thought to myself that they were too good to be true and they must have some serious flaw- like the husband is a lousy abuser or something...oh how I was wrong (I am a lot, I'm very aware).
They are the most genuine, sweetest, most giving, loving, good-natured family I've come across in a long time (well, ok using extremes too much can head you in the direction for an out of balance view, but they are pretty darn great people). This is a family of 10 with children ranging from like 22 down to 5 years of age. My husband is the scoutmaster in our ward and they have like 4 boys in the scouts right now with one on the way and they are just the best boys. They always make it to the holidays where they have to put out flags - first thing in the morning and then again at night (yes, Mark has to do this so we can never go anywhere on the holidays unless someone fills in..which they do- the rest of the ward is pretty good too) to earn money for Scout camp. They are very funny boys who do not dress to impress and don't care (in a good way, of course) but are good to everyone. The kids love their parents and their parents are just great good people. I have witnessed no ill-conceived, flagrant self-importance from them- which is fairly unheard of these days for many that I meet (I, myself, always feel the battle)- and they seem very level-headed for their ages.
I asked the mother once how she raised such an exemplary family and she just humbly said that if her kids were good then it was only because she prayed a lot and accepted all the callings offered to her. Again, total lack of the need to be seen as magnificient in the eyes of all.
A few Sundays ago we had a Primary Program (I'm a Primary Teacher for the Valiant 10-12 girls) and we practiced the program before Sacrament began. One of their little girls is shy and was very frightened at having to get up and recite a line she was given. The first Sunday practice her mother (who is also a Primary Teacher) held her steady and she whispered it all the while trying to escape. This past Sunday her mother was absent but her brother who is older was present. When she got up to speak her line she did so alone - in a sob - then fell into the arms of her waiting brother. He cuddled her and patted her back and whispered sweet things to her for the rest of the practice. When the actual time came to recite in front of the audience, she did a great job- no problem.
This isn't the first, second, or even third time that I've personally witnessed this boy in particular looking out for other children with sincere love and humility. I told Mark about it and he added many stories to mine of the service these kids have done for one another as well as others outside their family. They are a truly inspiring bunch - definitely worthy of the praised they are often given. I hope someday to have kids that are always on the look out of what they can do for others - to others with true love and a serving heart!
I feel like there are fewer and fewer women, which I come in contact with, that I can look to for inspiration and the pure love of Christ these days, especially when it comes to child-rearing- but this mother is certainly one of them. There are a handful of others in our ward who I view as exemplary parents (the kind I have a goal to be like) and great people in general. They're the ones who are very active in the ward and in doing good to others, sacrificing some of life's little and big pleasures to meet the needs of others and carry the Spirit with them, and when you meet them out in the street or call them for parenting advice (as I have on more than one occassion thus far) they're always willing to talk to you and share with you their experiences and are concerned for you as much as for themselves. That is the genuine good stuff that society needs so much more of. How often do we see these kinds of parents or families portrayed - in an enligtening and uplifting way- these days? I cannot name one show (though, I do not yet watch Disney- maybe a few of you could recommend some shows that are ok, Slade's only got eyes for Baby Einstein).
With kids (and parents, of course) like this we can really change the world. Man, how I appreciate the worth of fantastic parents who truly love their children and fulfill their roles. That's what this life is all about! Aint it GREAT!!!
They are the most genuine, sweetest, most giving, loving, good-natured family I've come across in a long time (well, ok using extremes too much can head you in the direction for an out of balance view, but they are pretty darn great people). This is a family of 10 with children ranging from like 22 down to 5 years of age. My husband is the scoutmaster in our ward and they have like 4 boys in the scouts right now with one on the way and they are just the best boys. They always make it to the holidays where they have to put out flags - first thing in the morning and then again at night (yes, Mark has to do this so we can never go anywhere on the holidays unless someone fills in..which they do- the rest of the ward is pretty good too) to earn money for Scout camp. They are very funny boys who do not dress to impress and don't care (in a good way, of course) but are good to everyone. The kids love their parents and their parents are just great good people. I have witnessed no ill-conceived, flagrant self-importance from them- which is fairly unheard of these days for many that I meet (I, myself, always feel the battle)- and they seem very level-headed for their ages.
I asked the mother once how she raised such an exemplary family and she just humbly said that if her kids were good then it was only because she prayed a lot and accepted all the callings offered to her. Again, total lack of the need to be seen as magnificient in the eyes of all.
A few Sundays ago we had a Primary Program (I'm a Primary Teacher for the Valiant 10-12 girls) and we practiced the program before Sacrament began. One of their little girls is shy and was very frightened at having to get up and recite a line she was given. The first Sunday practice her mother (who is also a Primary Teacher) held her steady and she whispered it all the while trying to escape. This past Sunday her mother was absent but her brother who is older was present. When she got up to speak her line she did so alone - in a sob - then fell into the arms of her waiting brother. He cuddled her and patted her back and whispered sweet things to her for the rest of the practice. When the actual time came to recite in front of the audience, she did a great job- no problem.
This isn't the first, second, or even third time that I've personally witnessed this boy in particular looking out for other children with sincere love and humility. I told Mark about it and he added many stories to mine of the service these kids have done for one another as well as others outside their family. They are a truly inspiring bunch - definitely worthy of the praised they are often given. I hope someday to have kids that are always on the look out of what they can do for others - to others with true love and a serving heart!
I feel like there are fewer and fewer women, which I come in contact with, that I can look to for inspiration and the pure love of Christ these days, especially when it comes to child-rearing- but this mother is certainly one of them. There are a handful of others in our ward who I view as exemplary parents (the kind I have a goal to be like) and great people in general. They're the ones who are very active in the ward and in doing good to others, sacrificing some of life's little and big pleasures to meet the needs of others and carry the Spirit with them, and when you meet them out in the street or call them for parenting advice (as I have on more than one occassion thus far) they're always willing to talk to you and share with you their experiences and are concerned for you as much as for themselves. That is the genuine good stuff that society needs so much more of. How often do we see these kinds of parents or families portrayed - in an enligtening and uplifting way- these days? I cannot name one show (though, I do not yet watch Disney- maybe a few of you could recommend some shows that are ok, Slade's only got eyes for Baby Einstein).
With kids (and parents, of course) like this we can really change the world. Man, how I appreciate the worth of fantastic parents who truly love their children and fulfill their roles. That's what this life is all about! Aint it GREAT!!!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
I wear ALOTTA black
A great percentage of my wardrobe is black. I haven't tried to consciously made a statement (good or bad) with my clothing since I don't know when- so it's not that I think of myself darkly or that I have deep thoughts or anything- its just so easy to match things with. I don't care to dilly dally (is that how you spell that?) with trivial things like that anymore (let's be honest shall we, I've got the husband, don't have to compete with other girls at my place of employment, and Slade could care less how I dress so....the obvious conclusion is the one I have subconsciously drawn I'm assuming). I just like to have a closet where I can just grab something comfy from and be on my way. My only issue with this color is that it more clearly reflects my deodorant stripes which I very commonly obtain whilst dressing myself in haste to maximize my 'me' time while the baby sleeps. I'm not the only one who has noticed this about me - one time one of my Primary Girls noticed I wore something non-black and sat in wonderment all through Opening Exercises.
Laura Ingrahm ran a segment on her program the other day about dressing the part as there is a new company out where the Pres. is a young guy who discriminates against people who dress up for the job- preferring those who dress more honestly and comfortably. Would I be a better mom, wife, teacher if I dressed differently, or am I good b/c now I don't let it rule me so much anymore? I think how you present yourself (talking aesthetically here right now) makes a big difference in what conclusions people draw about you. I know Sarah has said in her blog that if someone doesn't 'thrill' her upon first meeting then they're pretty much going nowhere with her- I relate to that in my own way, but much less so now that I'm a SAHM. I think it goes much deeper than that though. When I met Mark I was anything but impressed. I thought he was stuck up (he's just so smart, relaxed, and well mannered what was I to assume compared to my flighty, ill-grounded, social obsessed self?) but was mostly unimpressed with him b/c he dressed very poorly (who wears flannel and genuinely holey pants anymore?!?) thus deciding that he wasn't someone I really wanted to associate with based pretty much on that alone- shallow huh (he was my home teacher though, so the inevitable did happen). When I got over myself and realized I was being too superficial I got to know the real Mark and now I'm grateful he condescended to marry me...truly I am (I'm not saying this is Sarah's motivation at all for saying this- it just jumped out to me as her sense of humor does and got me thinking). Mark is a mystery wrapped in an enigma, blah blah blah. Every day he surprises me with something new- usually an epiphany from me when I realize how far advanced in thinking skills and such than I am (though I credit myself with actually coming to that realization- and that's progress!). Though it takes time to get to know Mark, it is definitely worth the effort as my own family has found (well, I would say that wouldn't I?). Mark is the kind of person who if he can't say anything nice, well, he just keeps it to himself and is generally amused by it and that's enough for him, sometimes he shares it with me and then knowing he does that keeps me guessing about things from that point on. I've never met a man like Mark and believe me, back in the day I had my fill of dating and meeting guys. Without going on endlessly about my admiration for this guy- would things have been different if he'd dressed differently or dressed differently now?
What I guess this all comes from is how much of competing with the Jones' we do without really thinking about it anymore and what kind of people we become for that. Though I am proud of my beater car and she's been very good to me- I still feel a tinge of jealousy when I see a car with all 4 hubcaps and a shiny paint job pass me by. I know that it's more important to pay off our mortgage asap and have food on our table, and not have to be 'bailed out' of life by others...does what I wear matter?
Weight gain aside (I'll post soon on my new results after attending the gym religiously for a month...so it's less of an issue now) am I now the typical Mormon SAHM that I dreaded so much before I became one? If I am then why didn't I do this sooner? No more wasted money, time, worry and the like- I'm a free bird livin the sweet life. Ok, seriously, do I need a change- what do you think I'm missig here? Haha
Laura Ingrahm ran a segment on her program the other day about dressing the part as there is a new company out where the Pres. is a young guy who discriminates against people who dress up for the job- preferring those who dress more honestly and comfortably. Would I be a better mom, wife, teacher if I dressed differently, or am I good b/c now I don't let it rule me so much anymore? I think how you present yourself (talking aesthetically here right now) makes a big difference in what conclusions people draw about you. I know Sarah has said in her blog that if someone doesn't 'thrill' her upon first meeting then they're pretty much going nowhere with her- I relate to that in my own way, but much less so now that I'm a SAHM. I think it goes much deeper than that though. When I met Mark I was anything but impressed. I thought he was stuck up (he's just so smart, relaxed, and well mannered what was I to assume compared to my flighty, ill-grounded, social obsessed self?) but was mostly unimpressed with him b/c he dressed very poorly (who wears flannel and genuinely holey pants anymore?!?) thus deciding that he wasn't someone I really wanted to associate with based pretty much on that alone- shallow huh (he was my home teacher though, so the inevitable did happen). When I got over myself and realized I was being too superficial I got to know the real Mark and now I'm grateful he condescended to marry me...truly I am (I'm not saying this is Sarah's motivation at all for saying this- it just jumped out to me as her sense of humor does and got me thinking). Mark is a mystery wrapped in an enigma, blah blah blah. Every day he surprises me with something new- usually an epiphany from me when I realize how far advanced in thinking skills and such than I am (though I credit myself with actually coming to that realization- and that's progress!). Though it takes time to get to know Mark, it is definitely worth the effort as my own family has found (well, I would say that wouldn't I?). Mark is the kind of person who if he can't say anything nice, well, he just keeps it to himself and is generally amused by it and that's enough for him, sometimes he shares it with me and then knowing he does that keeps me guessing about things from that point on. I've never met a man like Mark and believe me, back in the day I had my fill of dating and meeting guys. Without going on endlessly about my admiration for this guy- would things have been different if he'd dressed differently or dressed differently now?
What I guess this all comes from is how much of competing with the Jones' we do without really thinking about it anymore and what kind of people we become for that. Though I am proud of my beater car and she's been very good to me- I still feel a tinge of jealousy when I see a car with all 4 hubcaps and a shiny paint job pass me by. I know that it's more important to pay off our mortgage asap and have food on our table, and not have to be 'bailed out' of life by others...does what I wear matter?
Weight gain aside (I'll post soon on my new results after attending the gym religiously for a month...so it's less of an issue now) am I now the typical Mormon SAHM that I dreaded so much before I became one? If I am then why didn't I do this sooner? No more wasted money, time, worry and the like- I'm a free bird livin the sweet life. Ok, seriously, do I need a change- what do you think I'm missig here? Haha
Monday, November 17, 2008
Big Little Blessings.
I think Slade is finally beginning to cooperate with me and give me some more 'me' time while he is awake. I was cramming everything I could into his naps (tidying, getting ready, couponing, etc...) but I haven't been getting much done lately due to his decrease in the number of naps he takes (we're down to the one now, oh so sad). Now, he is learning to play more on his own so I can work on my 'to do's' again and it's great! I'm getting a lot more completed on top of giving him all of the attention and love he needed (I know this b/c if I do not give him enough he will come and demand some more until he does get enough...have I mentioned he's quite the momma's boy?).
While I was couponing this afternoon he pushed his little push lawnmower around the livingroom and back to his room all the while saying/humming "Dadadududordadududu" continuously. It is seriously the cutest thing ever. Only now that he is becoming more independent I am missing the dependency a little...sigh, I'm a woman! Now when he walks by me while self-entertaining I just have to grab him up and smother him in kisses. He lets me do this for awhile then pushes me away so he can continue on his pathway to greater learning and development.
He's such a wonderful, fun, miraculous BIG little boy blessing in my life...I still cannot fathom that I grew him in my belly! I can't say enough about how grateful I am for the amazing blessings that children are. I can't wait for our next!
While I was couponing this afternoon he pushed his little push lawnmower around the livingroom and back to his room all the while saying/humming "Dadadududordadududu" continuously. It is seriously the cutest thing ever. Only now that he is becoming more independent I am missing the dependency a little...sigh, I'm a woman! Now when he walks by me while self-entertaining I just have to grab him up and smother him in kisses. He lets me do this for awhile then pushes me away so he can continue on his pathway to greater learning and development.
He's such a wonderful, fun, miraculous BIG little boy blessing in my life...I still cannot fathom that I grew him in my belly! I can't say enough about how grateful I am for the amazing blessings that children are. I can't wait for our next!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Just like my mother...
When I was younger - full of youthful desires and wanting to be trendy- I dared to watch Friends. When it first came out it rocked TV as we knew it b/c it wasn't on HBO but was all about sex - lacking any kind of moral system or sense of principle. My mother would walk into the room while it was on (which it wasn't supposed to be) and I would always think it was just my rotten luck that she walked in at the wrong time b/c something 'bad' would be on - and my mother would exclaim how horrible the show was and turn it off. At the time I understood why she did it and that it was a useless show, but now the implications are made so much more manifest now b/c society has shown itself to be lacking some serious morals in many many areas- and it all started somewhere right? It's all about what we take in then what we do with it without realizing where the breakdown occurred.
Now, my 'entertaining' TV of choice is Law and Order- go figure. I can't watch much more b/c it's either completely devoid of morality or, well, OK, guess there's just not much you can watch these days that you'd watch with the prophet and that's why I make the conscious effort not to get caught up in it and waste my valuable time (i.e. time to myself while Slade is sleeping). Mark walked in the other day while it was on, after taking Slade and our dogs for a walk (when I do my TV watching) and watched it for a moment then made the same exclamation my mother used to. "Honey, this stuff is pure junk and outlandish- why are you entertained by it?" At first I balked against him, can't a girl have some entertainment? But since then I have consciously tracked what I watch and am astounded at the content that is in the programs that I considered more harmless- they are still infiltrated with sex, lies, and all things bad and not praiseworthy. Now that Slade is getting older, I have an obligation to not just not have these things on when he's around, but to not watch them myself - removing the Spirit from our home very unnecessarily.
I'm always surprised by the amount of shows that people tell me they follow and proudly give praise and credit to- not just that the majority of the programs are questionable- but that I can't figure out where they get the time. Any free time I have now I am reading, figuring out how to be a better cook and planner, or being active with the baby (ok, and blogging- darn it if I didn't try to cut blogging out). Where does their time come from and what is the worth of these shows really worth to them? Though, I do admit that I can't seem to place a limit on the amount of news I take in- I must know what is going on, especially as of late. At the gym, in the car, during lunch - Slade will be very likely know who Bill O'Reilly is and what 'No Spin' is before he can formulate an sentence. News is my indulgence and I come by it honestly (my mother was a Rush junkie - every car ride growing up...).
When I was younger I was obsessed with how I looked (granted I was about 50 lbs. lighter then and younger so it was fun to be that way back then) - and thinking often on social things or being trendy. Now as a SAHM, I am anything but trendy and I care less than you can imagine about what people think of me as a person, as a citizen I try my best to do my part and I greatly appreciate it when others do the same, no matter how I view them personally - and I feel I am much more reflective on what needs to change to make me a better person and therefore mother to what will someday, God-willing, be a big family of my own.
We just went over the Be-Attitudes in our Valiant class this last week and the girls had such amazing insight into what we're here to be and accomplish. So many wonderful parents in our ward who try so hard to not let their children be exposed to the ills presented so readily in the media. They do not even allow their children to watch the 'editted' version of these shows. Even when the movies or shows come on regular TV in their editted form- we do not want to support them as we've seen this only propagates more of the like until it gets to the point that it's become 'normal' to us and those with morals are considered out of the norm.
I write this post in one of my forthcoming efforts to encourage others to watch what they watch and who watches them. We ARE in the Last Days (don't forget the prophets would preach for awhile before the tumult really hit, the Lord wants to give us a good fighting chance before he enacts the inevitable). Can we really afford to not use our time most effectively or waste it on things that seek only to remove the Spirit from our lives and the lives of our children? We must expect more from ourselves and those who represent us for the good of our country and brothers and sisters everywhere. The most important part of this equation is our children - they will be the ones who have to go out and make the biggest choices of any generation thus far, how prepared are they going to be by our own hands?
By small and simple things are great things accomplished. One thing follows another - nothing is meaningless to our lives- it will affect us, all of us. Our job, first and foremost, is to choose what we let in and what we let out which will make us who we desire most to be- how we spend our time is who we are and become.
(I just read THIS on Dr. Laura's blog- funny timing huh?)
Now, my 'entertaining' TV of choice is Law and Order- go figure. I can't watch much more b/c it's either completely devoid of morality or, well, OK, guess there's just not much you can watch these days that you'd watch with the prophet and that's why I make the conscious effort not to get caught up in it and waste my valuable time (i.e. time to myself while Slade is sleeping). Mark walked in the other day while it was on, after taking Slade and our dogs for a walk (when I do my TV watching) and watched it for a moment then made the same exclamation my mother used to. "Honey, this stuff is pure junk and outlandish- why are you entertained by it?" At first I balked against him, can't a girl have some entertainment? But since then I have consciously tracked what I watch and am astounded at the content that is in the programs that I considered more harmless- they are still infiltrated with sex, lies, and all things bad and not praiseworthy. Now that Slade is getting older, I have an obligation to not just not have these things on when he's around, but to not watch them myself - removing the Spirit from our home very unnecessarily.
I'm always surprised by the amount of shows that people tell me they follow and proudly give praise and credit to- not just that the majority of the programs are questionable- but that I can't figure out where they get the time. Any free time I have now I am reading, figuring out how to be a better cook and planner, or being active with the baby (ok, and blogging- darn it if I didn't try to cut blogging out). Where does their time come from and what is the worth of these shows really worth to them? Though, I do admit that I can't seem to place a limit on the amount of news I take in- I must know what is going on, especially as of late. At the gym, in the car, during lunch - Slade will be very likely know who Bill O'Reilly is and what 'No Spin' is before he can formulate an sentence. News is my indulgence and I come by it honestly (my mother was a Rush junkie - every car ride growing up...).
When I was younger I was obsessed with how I looked (granted I was about 50 lbs. lighter then and younger so it was fun to be that way back then) - and thinking often on social things or being trendy. Now as a SAHM, I am anything but trendy and I care less than you can imagine about what people think of me as a person, as a citizen I try my best to do my part and I greatly appreciate it when others do the same, no matter how I view them personally - and I feel I am much more reflective on what needs to change to make me a better person and therefore mother to what will someday, God-willing, be a big family of my own.
We just went over the Be-Attitudes in our Valiant class this last week and the girls had such amazing insight into what we're here to be and accomplish. So many wonderful parents in our ward who try so hard to not let their children be exposed to the ills presented so readily in the media. They do not even allow their children to watch the 'editted' version of these shows. Even when the movies or shows come on regular TV in their editted form- we do not want to support them as we've seen this only propagates more of the like until it gets to the point that it's become 'normal' to us and those with morals are considered out of the norm.
I write this post in one of my forthcoming efforts to encourage others to watch what they watch and who watches them. We ARE in the Last Days (don't forget the prophets would preach for awhile before the tumult really hit, the Lord wants to give us a good fighting chance before he enacts the inevitable). Can we really afford to not use our time most effectively or waste it on things that seek only to remove the Spirit from our lives and the lives of our children? We must expect more from ourselves and those who represent us for the good of our country and brothers and sisters everywhere. The most important part of this equation is our children - they will be the ones who have to go out and make the biggest choices of any generation thus far, how prepared are they going to be by our own hands?
By small and simple things are great things accomplished. One thing follows another - nothing is meaningless to our lives- it will affect us, all of us. Our job, first and foremost, is to choose what we let in and what we let out which will make us who we desire most to be- how we spend our time is who we are and become.
(I just read THIS on Dr. Laura's blog- funny timing huh?)
Friday, November 7, 2008
Slade Pictures....
Before I begin- I just want to throw in that today (due to a lot of built up stresses in many areas of our life right now) I needed a good friend but I didn't really know that until she showed up on my doorstep...with cake. The Lord knows what we need and when we try to do our best He blesses us. Thank you, friend, for your time and love today, it was much needed and appreciated more than you probably realized at the time- may we all try to be more mindful of one another and look outside of ourselves more for opportunities to serve! Taking care of each other is what life's all about afterall! :)
Moving on - it's been awhile since I've posted any pictures of our boy- he is a beautiful growin boy!!
Slade has been growin 'toofies' and tantrums this month:
Nov. 7th, 2008 (13.5 months!)
Up close N Personal (the kid never stops, like his mother and father, the wheels never stop turnin!)
Slade has been growin 'toofies' and tantrums this month:
Nov. 7th, 2008 (13.5 months!)
Up close N Personal (the kid never stops, like his mother and father, the wheels never stop turnin!)
The kids wheels are always turnin- much like his father!
Ah, the plunger. Sanitized to death so that you could become my child's favorite walking toy!
I have thoroughly sanitized our plunger and it's use is no longer that of a plumbing tool, it is for some reason Slade's fav. toy!?
Ah, the plunger. Sanitized to death so that you could become my child's favorite walking toy!
I have thoroughly sanitized our plunger and it's use is no longer that of a plumbing tool, it is for some reason Slade's fav. toy!?
Slade is always giving these odd punch-drunk, come hither looks & he LOVES the ladies!
Cruisin right along!
Robin (Maya), Mad Scientist (Lily), & Dande-lion (Slade)
By the end of the night my Lion had turned back into a big sleepy baby!
Cruisin right along!
Oh yeah- and some fun Halloween Pics for Terra (Happy Birthday you wonderful girl!!)! And yes, I do realize that his his costume is very much high-water wearin, but what do you expect for a $10 Wal-Mart cheapie? When he was standing it looked great and he got lots of compliments. No face paint this year, it was all I could do to hold him down and smear some gold glitter on! Unfortunately we couldn't snap any with a smile- he was too busy trying to figure it all out, but at least he didn't tear his hood off as he is wanton to do with head coverings since he figured out how to use his hands. Daddy has declared next year he will be something manly and not a 'dande-lion'. We had a good time but I think next year we'll try to get him together with his adorable cousins for some Halloween time for the Taylor Tots! A new tradition perhaps?
Robin (Maya), Mad Scientist (Lily), & Dande-lion (Slade)
Some of Slade's ward buds- not many male buds yet
Kairi & Jakey the Lion AND Slade the Lion & Mommy
Kairi & Jakey the Lion AND Slade the Lion & Mommy
By the end of the night my Lion had turned back into a big sleepy baby!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Last Night, Good Bye Blog!
Last night after I had finished clipping my final billionth free coupon for the night around midnight (thanks Katie!) I cleaned up the living room and was turning out the light when I heard Slade stir and cry something out. I stopped in my tracks to listen for anything further to see if he needed me to put him back down (he's been teething and waking himself up a bit lately). The next thing I heard was, "Momma, momma, momma."
I went in to see if he was ok and found he was still asleep and must have been having baby dreams with me in them? :) I tucked him back into his blanket and rubbed his tummy before heading back out.
Lately he has really become a momma's boy even moreso than before, if possible, and has demanded my attention more now by his now clearly enunciated, "Mommas". I can't even put into words the love that I feel in my heart for my little boy or how important I feel when he calls for me. I get choked up just writing about it.
To make a sweet moment sweeter, I then crawled into bed and my sweet husband rolled over and demanded that I cuddle him and told me he loved me. Despite my weaknesses, mistakes, crazy antics, and the like - I have a place in my boys hearts that rises above all that and sees what I hope oneday to become.
Thank you Heavenly Father for sending us your children who remind us what love and purpose are. Thank you for repentance, forgiveness, unconditional love, forever families and divinity. I have much to be thankful for this season, and I am.
On another, final note - I have much sadness in my heart over what is transpiring politically and even more sadness for the lack of interest in the population both for and against Obama. It is a sigh of resignation from many who declare by quoting the 11th Article of Faith about supporting our leaders that they will too support Obama and hope that come next term we can replace him with someone better. While this is part of a good solution, I can't help but feel that there is unfinished business to these declarations. What I wish I also heard was genuine worry about the future and determination from my fellow Americans to resolve to do whatever they can to be stalwart and actively fight for the rights of our freedom and for the lives that are taken away. As has been seen, it hasn't helped to go from term to term voting but not doing much in between times- where much is given much is required. I may express my thoughts and feelings on this matter more freely than some may think I should, but I have come to a point where I cannot stand by while our country goes to pot. I can come up with no pretty words to describe the insanity that has come of this election- this one much more so than previous ones b/c it has marked a huge precedent- you don't have to be qualified, noble, honest, virtuous, of good report, or praiseworthy to become president of the greatest nation on earth. You don't even have to be able to pass credibility with the military itself- you just have to be a good deceiver. That people knew so little about this candidate's past and the things they did know of his beliefs were anything but impressive to downright evil (is there any other term for the murder of our children?)- is what has thrown me for such a negative and mind boggling loop that I cannot fathom what their justifications could be for nevertheless lending their support to him and his causes. Despite my negative perception of many of my fellow men right now, I do not feel that anything is unsalvagable at this point.
I have such little free time between my mothering and wifely duties that I feel blogging has fallen to the very bottom of my list of importance. It started out with good intentions, but with the turn that has taken place in society, I can't justify using any more of my little free time spewing forth negativity (unfortunately that is all I have been feeling these days...in the extreme)- besides I've been falling behind on my couponing/shopping! In the not too distant future I will be deleting this blog as I refocus my energies where I feel they will matter most- on my family, growing my family, and becoming more actively involved in my community, state, and country. Feel free to email me anytime on my progress on becoming a better citizen at taylor.elisabeth@gmail.com or with ideas of your own.
Some may think my excessive persistence to 'choose the right candidate' as of late may be overstepping the situation and that the end of times will wait as it always has, but I believe differently and do not wish to lose any more of my precious time figuring I'll have more time to make a difference down the road, especially when I have an example to set for my child(ren). I believe we're near enough to that point that much is required of me now.
Thanks to everyone for your support and happy blogging.
I went in to see if he was ok and found he was still asleep and must have been having baby dreams with me in them? :) I tucked him back into his blanket and rubbed his tummy before heading back out.
Lately he has really become a momma's boy even moreso than before, if possible, and has demanded my attention more now by his now clearly enunciated, "Mommas". I can't even put into words the love that I feel in my heart for my little boy or how important I feel when he calls for me. I get choked up just writing about it.
To make a sweet moment sweeter, I then crawled into bed and my sweet husband rolled over and demanded that I cuddle him and told me he loved me. Despite my weaknesses, mistakes, crazy antics, and the like - I have a place in my boys hearts that rises above all that and sees what I hope oneday to become.
Thank you Heavenly Father for sending us your children who remind us what love and purpose are. Thank you for repentance, forgiveness, unconditional love, forever families and divinity. I have much to be thankful for this season, and I am.
On another, final note - I have much sadness in my heart over what is transpiring politically and even more sadness for the lack of interest in the population both for and against Obama. It is a sigh of resignation from many who declare by quoting the 11th Article of Faith about supporting our leaders that they will too support Obama and hope that come next term we can replace him with someone better. While this is part of a good solution, I can't help but feel that there is unfinished business to these declarations. What I wish I also heard was genuine worry about the future and determination from my fellow Americans to resolve to do whatever they can to be stalwart and actively fight for the rights of our freedom and for the lives that are taken away. As has been seen, it hasn't helped to go from term to term voting but not doing much in between times- where much is given much is required. I may express my thoughts and feelings on this matter more freely than some may think I should, but I have come to a point where I cannot stand by while our country goes to pot. I can come up with no pretty words to describe the insanity that has come of this election- this one much more so than previous ones b/c it has marked a huge precedent- you don't have to be qualified, noble, honest, virtuous, of good report, or praiseworthy to become president of the greatest nation on earth. You don't even have to be able to pass credibility with the military itself- you just have to be a good deceiver. That people knew so little about this candidate's past and the things they did know of his beliefs were anything but impressive to downright evil (is there any other term for the murder of our children?)- is what has thrown me for such a negative and mind boggling loop that I cannot fathom what their justifications could be for nevertheless lending their support to him and his causes. Despite my negative perception of many of my fellow men right now, I do not feel that anything is unsalvagable at this point.
I have such little free time between my mothering and wifely duties that I feel blogging has fallen to the very bottom of my list of importance. It started out with good intentions, but with the turn that has taken place in society, I can't justify using any more of my little free time spewing forth negativity (unfortunately that is all I have been feeling these days...in the extreme)- besides I've been falling behind on my couponing/shopping! In the not too distant future I will be deleting this blog as I refocus my energies where I feel they will matter most- on my family, growing my family, and becoming more actively involved in my community, state, and country. Feel free to email me anytime on my progress on becoming a better citizen at taylor.elisabeth@gmail.com or with ideas of your own.
Some may think my excessive persistence to 'choose the right candidate' as of late may be overstepping the situation and that the end of times will wait as it always has, but I believe differently and do not wish to lose any more of my precious time figuring I'll have more time to make a difference down the road, especially when I have an example to set for my child(ren). I believe we're near enough to that point that much is required of me now.
Thanks to everyone for your support and happy blogging.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A New Challenge...
No one said life was going to be easy did they? Yesterday to last night I was so on the edge of my seat that I gave myself 'the runs'. When it passed the point of no return for the Electoral Votes (yep, California is definitely going to be the first geographic location to get hit with all the good stuff then fall straight into the ocean when the Time comes) - I was aghast for the first half hour. I honestly hoped that something would happen and the race would be so close but that McCain would be victorious. I won't quote direclty what my landscapers said to me giving reason as to why they personally didn't go to vote yesterday because it was very racist (at this point I don't expect any better of them), but they, like I, truly believed that some other power was going to intercede to prevent baby killer Barry O. from getting anything more from the American people than he already had. I told them how close the race was and they needed to go vote, but they insisted even going so far as to bet me money (I suggested the remainder due on our contract and man do I now wish I would've put it on paper) it wouldn't happen. As close as the race was in Utah specifically I can only assume it was because the 30% of registered voters that didn't make it to the polls thought their votes would not make a difference- another disappointment.
The worst is yet to come my dear ones.
The 2nd Coming is, well, coming. How will it get here, you may wonder? Because of lack of morals, personal responsibility, ignorance, and sheer laziness (jsut to name a few) from the American people. Haven't we seen it happen time and time again in the scriptures? The population is overrun by those who are meritless except in their demonstrated propensity to seek power in any way they can obtain it then force their guitless greed upon others. During this time there are religious figures who present themselves in the form of prophets and believers who go against the grain and attempt to change the hearts of the people but it is alas too late. Destruction is laid down upon the land and those who are the least culpable are the ones spared to start anew? So I ask myself, why did I really ever expect any other outcome than what we've asked for?
The worst part of this, for me, is not that I just couldn't' believe it that baby-killer Barry O. was the winner, but I didn't realize the implications of this beforehand....fully. I quickly realized..fully...that the reason he won is that my fellow Americans voted for him to as a huge percentage of the population- especially the new voters that came out of the woodworks to do so. There are several implications here but the most concerning to me was that many of the votes came from those of my same religion. I need go no further on this line of thought b/c it is just too mind boggling for me to speak on and the truth of it speaks for itself - but I will say that the economy takes a backburner to the reason why God put us here on this Earth. Without our lives there would be no other worries. Without our future generations there is no future. Without values and morals there can be no inspiration from God for that is who He is and why He created us and gave us free agency to use well and appropriately. Our reason for being created speaks for itself here.
For anyone who has not yet taken the time to read about Obama's past from an objective party - you will find many disturbing details and facts about his rise to power, it is certainly still worth finding out about to understand what is to come. I'm not talking about the political jabs everyone emails around or that I've featured here on my own blog- I'm talking about the real reality of his past and what he has actively stood for.
What we now have on our hands - I am now speaking to those of us who not only care about protecting everything we've worked for but wish to protect the values and morality that still do remain in our society - is a New Challenge. How many of us are active in not only being good examples of our faith but actively in society? How many of us seek to understand more about the political direction our leaders are taking us into? How many of us just wait to find out about candidates until the night before we go to vote instead of watching them throughout their 'reigns' to ensure they're doing their jobs and speaking up if they don't? What do we really know about what goes down in Congress or about the personal agendas of these people?
Our New Challenge is to get out and get active - more active than you may have ever been before in your lives for a purpose. My purpose truly and completely presented itself in the form of my child and future children. Never did the importance of it all hit home or resonate more with me than when I felt life within my own or when I passed life through my body and have fought hard since to protect it and love it as much as humanly possible. Never did the realities of where our futures are headed sit with me as they have now and I am worried b/c I know that part of the problem is that I am not doing nearly enough and I daresay the same goes for many of you out there. Greedy people will continue b/c they are motivated by greed and power- what of those of us who do not have those motivations? We cannot sit back and be overrun. History has been made here- history that takes us closer to The End. Where will you be found in the End? The sides were laid out long before we came here. They exist and they are real. Let's get out and get something done.
I will also continue to pray for my country and its people because there's nowhere else I'd rather be (well, I say that now...). I thank God everyday for what I've been blessed with. I support my country and I obey the laws of the land. As long as Obama abides by his extreme promises and doesn't attempt to push his excessively degenerative baby killing agenda any further than he already has- I will also support the office of the President.
The worst is yet to come my dear ones.
The 2nd Coming is, well, coming. How will it get here, you may wonder? Because of lack of morals, personal responsibility, ignorance, and sheer laziness (jsut to name a few) from the American people. Haven't we seen it happen time and time again in the scriptures? The population is overrun by those who are meritless except in their demonstrated propensity to seek power in any way they can obtain it then force their guitless greed upon others. During this time there are religious figures who present themselves in the form of prophets and believers who go against the grain and attempt to change the hearts of the people but it is alas too late. Destruction is laid down upon the land and those who are the least culpable are the ones spared to start anew? So I ask myself, why did I really ever expect any other outcome than what we've asked for?
The worst part of this, for me, is not that I just couldn't' believe it that baby-killer Barry O. was the winner, but I didn't realize the implications of this beforehand....fully. I quickly realized..fully...that the reason he won is that my fellow Americans voted for him to as a huge percentage of the population- especially the new voters that came out of the woodworks to do so. There are several implications here but the most concerning to me was that many of the votes came from those of my same religion. I need go no further on this line of thought b/c it is just too mind boggling for me to speak on and the truth of it speaks for itself - but I will say that the economy takes a backburner to the reason why God put us here on this Earth. Without our lives there would be no other worries. Without our future generations there is no future. Without values and morals there can be no inspiration from God for that is who He is and why He created us and gave us free agency to use well and appropriately. Our reason for being created speaks for itself here.
For anyone who has not yet taken the time to read about Obama's past from an objective party - you will find many disturbing details and facts about his rise to power, it is certainly still worth finding out about to understand what is to come. I'm not talking about the political jabs everyone emails around or that I've featured here on my own blog- I'm talking about the real reality of his past and what he has actively stood for.
What we now have on our hands - I am now speaking to those of us who not only care about protecting everything we've worked for but wish to protect the values and morality that still do remain in our society - is a New Challenge. How many of us are active in not only being good examples of our faith but actively in society? How many of us seek to understand more about the political direction our leaders are taking us into? How many of us just wait to find out about candidates until the night before we go to vote instead of watching them throughout their 'reigns' to ensure they're doing their jobs and speaking up if they don't? What do we really know about what goes down in Congress or about the personal agendas of these people?
Our New Challenge is to get out and get active - more active than you may have ever been before in your lives for a purpose. My purpose truly and completely presented itself in the form of my child and future children. Never did the importance of it all hit home or resonate more with me than when I felt life within my own or when I passed life through my body and have fought hard since to protect it and love it as much as humanly possible. Never did the realities of where our futures are headed sit with me as they have now and I am worried b/c I know that part of the problem is that I am not doing nearly enough and I daresay the same goes for many of you out there. Greedy people will continue b/c they are motivated by greed and power- what of those of us who do not have those motivations? We cannot sit back and be overrun. History has been made here- history that takes us closer to The End. Where will you be found in the End? The sides were laid out long before we came here. They exist and they are real. Let's get out and get something done.
I will also continue to pray for my country and its people because there's nowhere else I'd rather be (well, I say that now...). I thank God everyday for what I've been blessed with. I support my country and I obey the laws of the land. As long as Obama abides by his extreme promises and doesn't attempt to push his excessively degenerative baby killing agenda any further than he already has- I will also support the office of the President.
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