I tried to email everyone, but if you've been trying unnsuccesfully to get a hold of me...I dropped my cell phone in the toilet...yeah it's pretty much ruined. I'm not sure when I'll be getting a new one so bare with me. You can call me at home...but notbody know's my home phone number because I only used my cell. I'm not going to post my home number on my blog, but if you need it let me know or tell me to call you and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Remember! cell phones + toilet = expensive mistake =D
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Standing For The Rights Of The Family
I found the following information on http://lds.org/ The official website for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It brought tears to my eyes. It fills my heart with joy, to see the great and good people from other religions and belief groups raise their voice in support.
I add my prayers and love to the individuals, and members who have been the targets of violent rage. May we all continue to stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places. And may we remember and live the great commandment to "love thy neighbor as thy self."
Measured Voices Provide Reason, Support Amidst Proposition 8 Reaction
SALT LAKE CITY 21 November 2008 Following the passing of Proposition 8 in California, the Church released statements urging civility and reaffirming its position on the issue. The Church also noted that two Roman Catholic bishops released statements decrying religious bigotry against Mormons. The Church today points to additional third-party voices that provide useful insights into the reaction following the vote. Some of these individuals supported Proposition 8, and some were against it.
These materials may be helpful to the news media, bloggers, Church members and the general public in gaining a broader view of the aftermath of the Proposition 8 vote. All people of faith have cause for concern when others try to remove their legitimate voice from the public square.
U.S. Catholic Bishops Offer Support to Mormons Targeted for Defending Marriage, Backing California's Proposition Eight
“The U.S. bishops offered "prayerful support and steadfast solidarity" to the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints in the face of attacks on the church and its members for working to pass California's Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage. The support was offered in a November 21 letter from Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, chairman of the bishops' Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage, to Thomas S. Monson, president of the Mormon Church.”
Anti-Defamation League Condemns Criminal Activity Targeting Religious Institutions That Supported Proposition 8
"Although we strongly opposed Proposition 8, its passage does not justify the defacement and destruction of property. We urge Californians to channel their frustration and disappointment in productive and responsible ways to work towards full equality for all Americans. To place anyone in fear of threat to their houses of worship or their personal security because they have expressed deeply held religious views is contrary to everything this nation represents. Our Constitution's First Amendment protects freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion for all of us."
Dallas Morning News Editorial: Protest and Civility in a Democracy
“But a vicious minority is not satisfied with that. Some gay rights protesters have voiced sentiments about Mormons, whose church was active in advocating Prop 8's passage, that if said about gays would be condemned as hate speech. Vandals have struck a number of Mormon temples. Bash Back, a pro-gay group in Olympia, Wash., trashed a Mormon temple there, then issued a statement saying, ‘Let this be a warning to the Mormon church: Dissolve completely or be destroyed.’
“Gay rights extremists should ask themselves the same question. A cause, no matter how just, can only be harmed by thuggish tactics. Our pluralist democracy depends on a citizenry committed to working out differences with civility.”
Michael Barber, Professor of Theology, Scripture & Christian Thought at John Paul the Great Catholic University
“… we found it appalling that in the final days of the campaign, opponents of Proposition 8 ran an ad in which Mormon missionaries were presented as barging into a same-sex couple’s home, gleefully rummaging through their personal possessions and violating their rights. The ad attempted to ridicule people of the Mormon faith, even implying that it was wrong that they contributed money to the election. As a Catholic school, we stand beside our friends in the Mormon Church and of people of faith who work tirelessly to preserve the freedom of religion in America. We also strongly oppose any attempt to ridicule another person’s faith, even faiths with which we have strong historical and theological disagreements.”
The National Review: Legislating Immorality
"To date, 30 states have voted on initiatives addressing same-sex marriage, and in every state traditional marriage has come out on top. But somehow the fact that Mormons got involved during the latest statewide referendum constitutes a bridge too far? In truth, Mormons are a target of convenience in the opening salvo of what is sure to be a full-scale assault on much of America’s religious infrastructure, which gay activists perceive as a barrier to their aspirations. Among religious groups, Mormons are not the biggest obstacle to same-sex marriage — not by a long shot. But they are an easy target. Anti-Mormon bigotry is unfortunately common, and gay-rights activists are cynically exploiting that fact."
The First Amendment Center — Charles Haynes: When the Marriage Debate Turns Ugly, No One Wins
“Mormons are taking the biggest hit from the opposition. But as protests, boycotts and blacklists targeting Mormons proliferate, it’s worth pausing to think about where this collision is headed. … Before this clash escalates further, both sides should exercise caution and reconsider their battle plans going forward.”
The Christian Post — Chuck Colson: So Much for Tolerance
“Two days after the election, 2,000 homosexual protesters surrounded a Mormon temple in Los Angeles chanting ‘Mormon scum.’ Protesters picketed Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, holding signs reading ‘Purpose-Driven Hate.’ Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills was spray painted. Church members’ cars have been vandalized, and at least two Christians were assaulted. Protesters even hurled racial epithets at African-Americans because African-Americans voted overwhelmingly in favor of traditional marriage. What hypocrisy from those who spend all of their time preaching tolerance to the rest of us!”
Beliefnet.com — Rod Dreher: Stand By the Mormons
“Now is the time for traditional Christians — Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox — to come to the aid of our Mormon friends. They put themselves on the front line of the traditional marriage battle like no other church group. And now individual Mormons are paying a terrible price for standing up for something we all believe in. I don't know how we can stand with them from afar, but at least we can thank them, and speak out when we see them being abused. We might also think again about how we view them. … I have deep disagreements with Mormon theology. But they are our friends and allies and fellow citizens, and they deserve our thanks and support.”
John Mark Reynolds, Philosophy Professor at Biola University – California and Thank-a-Mormon Day
“In the battle for the family, however, traditional Christians have no better friends than the Mormon faithful. It would be wrong if that support were taken for granted. We are intolerant of the false attacks on Mormon faith and family. We stand with our Mormon friends in their right to express their views on the public square. We celebrate the areas, such as family values, where we agree. A heart felt thank you may not win points from other friends who demand one hundred percent agreement from their allies, but it is the decent and proper thing to do. Thank you to our Mormon friends and allies!”
The Volokh Conspiracy — Dale Carpenter: An Alternative to Anti-Mormon Protests
“Here's my advice to righteously furious gay-marriage supporters: Stop the focus on the Mormon Church. Stop it now. We just lost a ballot fight in which we were falsely but effectively portrayed as attacking religion. So now some of us attack a religion? People were warned that churches would lose their tax-exempt status, which was untrue. So now we have (frivolous) calls for the Mormon Church to lose its tax-exempt status? It's rather selective indignation, anyway, since lots of demographic groups gave us Prop 8 in different ways — some with money and others with votes. I understand the frustration, but this particular expression of it is wrong and counter-productive
I add my prayers and love to the individuals, and members who have been the targets of violent rage. May we all continue to stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places. And may we remember and live the great commandment to "love thy neighbor as thy self."
Measured Voices Provide Reason, Support Amidst Proposition 8 Reaction
SALT LAKE CITY 21 November 2008 Following the passing of Proposition 8 in California, the Church released statements urging civility and reaffirming its position on the issue. The Church also noted that two Roman Catholic bishops released statements decrying religious bigotry against Mormons. The Church today points to additional third-party voices that provide useful insights into the reaction following the vote. Some of these individuals supported Proposition 8, and some were against it.
These materials may be helpful to the news media, bloggers, Church members and the general public in gaining a broader view of the aftermath of the Proposition 8 vote. All people of faith have cause for concern when others try to remove their legitimate voice from the public square.
U.S. Catholic Bishops Offer Support to Mormons Targeted for Defending Marriage, Backing California's Proposition Eight
“The U.S. bishops offered "prayerful support and steadfast solidarity" to the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints in the face of attacks on the church and its members for working to pass California's Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage. The support was offered in a November 21 letter from Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, chairman of the bishops' Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage, to Thomas S. Monson, president of the Mormon Church.”
Anti-Defamation League Condemns Criminal Activity Targeting Religious Institutions That Supported Proposition 8
"Although we strongly opposed Proposition 8, its passage does not justify the defacement and destruction of property. We urge Californians to channel their frustration and disappointment in productive and responsible ways to work towards full equality for all Americans. To place anyone in fear of threat to their houses of worship or their personal security because they have expressed deeply held religious views is contrary to everything this nation represents. Our Constitution's First Amendment protects freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion for all of us."
Dallas Morning News Editorial: Protest and Civility in a Democracy
“But a vicious minority is not satisfied with that. Some gay rights protesters have voiced sentiments about Mormons, whose church was active in advocating Prop 8's passage, that if said about gays would be condemned as hate speech. Vandals have struck a number of Mormon temples. Bash Back, a pro-gay group in Olympia, Wash., trashed a Mormon temple there, then issued a statement saying, ‘Let this be a warning to the Mormon church: Dissolve completely or be destroyed.’
“Gay rights extremists should ask themselves the same question. A cause, no matter how just, can only be harmed by thuggish tactics. Our pluralist democracy depends on a citizenry committed to working out differences with civility.”
Michael Barber, Professor of Theology, Scripture & Christian Thought at John Paul the Great Catholic University
“… we found it appalling that in the final days of the campaign, opponents of Proposition 8 ran an ad in which Mormon missionaries were presented as barging into a same-sex couple’s home, gleefully rummaging through their personal possessions and violating their rights. The ad attempted to ridicule people of the Mormon faith, even implying that it was wrong that they contributed money to the election. As a Catholic school, we stand beside our friends in the Mormon Church and of people of faith who work tirelessly to preserve the freedom of religion in America. We also strongly oppose any attempt to ridicule another person’s faith, even faiths with which we have strong historical and theological disagreements.”
The National Review: Legislating Immorality
"To date, 30 states have voted on initiatives addressing same-sex marriage, and in every state traditional marriage has come out on top. But somehow the fact that Mormons got involved during the latest statewide referendum constitutes a bridge too far? In truth, Mormons are a target of convenience in the opening salvo of what is sure to be a full-scale assault on much of America’s religious infrastructure, which gay activists perceive as a barrier to their aspirations. Among religious groups, Mormons are not the biggest obstacle to same-sex marriage — not by a long shot. But they are an easy target. Anti-Mormon bigotry is unfortunately common, and gay-rights activists are cynically exploiting that fact."
The First Amendment Center — Charles Haynes: When the Marriage Debate Turns Ugly, No One Wins
“Mormons are taking the biggest hit from the opposition. But as protests, boycotts and blacklists targeting Mormons proliferate, it’s worth pausing to think about where this collision is headed. … Before this clash escalates further, both sides should exercise caution and reconsider their battle plans going forward.”
The Christian Post — Chuck Colson: So Much for Tolerance
“Two days after the election, 2,000 homosexual protesters surrounded a Mormon temple in Los Angeles chanting ‘Mormon scum.’ Protesters picketed Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, holding signs reading ‘Purpose-Driven Hate.’ Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills was spray painted. Church members’ cars have been vandalized, and at least two Christians were assaulted. Protesters even hurled racial epithets at African-Americans because African-Americans voted overwhelmingly in favor of traditional marriage. What hypocrisy from those who spend all of their time preaching tolerance to the rest of us!”
Beliefnet.com — Rod Dreher: Stand By the Mormons
“Now is the time for traditional Christians — Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox — to come to the aid of our Mormon friends. They put themselves on the front line of the traditional marriage battle like no other church group. And now individual Mormons are paying a terrible price for standing up for something we all believe in. I don't know how we can stand with them from afar, but at least we can thank them, and speak out when we see them being abused. We might also think again about how we view them. … I have deep disagreements with Mormon theology. But they are our friends and allies and fellow citizens, and they deserve our thanks and support.”
John Mark Reynolds, Philosophy Professor at Biola University – California and Thank-a-Mormon Day
“In the battle for the family, however, traditional Christians have no better friends than the Mormon faithful. It would be wrong if that support were taken for granted. We are intolerant of the false attacks on Mormon faith and family. We stand with our Mormon friends in their right to express their views on the public square. We celebrate the areas, such as family values, where we agree. A heart felt thank you may not win points from other friends who demand one hundred percent agreement from their allies, but it is the decent and proper thing to do. Thank you to our Mormon friends and allies!”
The Volokh Conspiracy — Dale Carpenter: An Alternative to Anti-Mormon Protests
“Here's my advice to righteously furious gay-marriage supporters: Stop the focus on the Mormon Church. Stop it now. We just lost a ballot fight in which we were falsely but effectively portrayed as attacking religion. So now some of us attack a religion? People were warned that churches would lose their tax-exempt status, which was untrue. So now we have (frivolous) calls for the Mormon Church to lose its tax-exempt status? It's rather selective indignation, anyway, since lots of demographic groups gave us Prop 8 in different ways — some with money and others with votes. I understand the frustration, but this particular expression of it is wrong and counter-productive
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving in Alaska
I've been nervous about Thanksgiving, since I found out we were moving in February. I don't know how to cook a turkey! Luckily I was spared by our Friends the Chadwicks. They invited us and a host of other friends who are without family, to their home for Thanksgiving.
For me they were a lifesaver...not just because of the FABULOUS feast, that I never could have prepared myself. But because we were surrounded by people who acted like a family.
I won't pretend I didn't shed a few tears when I talked to Mom & Dad on the phone today. But when we were at the Chadwicks we had a ball! It was fun, and we felt loved...and that's something that I have to be Thankful for today.
I'd like to add that I'm Thankful for my husband...he's such a good, faithful, and a valiant man. I'm thankful for my precious little children...I can't imagine life without them. I'm thankful for my family back home, who I miss so much. For the members of my ward, who have become my new family. And most of all, for my Heavenly Father, for His son Jesus Christ and his great Atonement. His gospel is the road map by which I live my life....without which I would be lost.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Family Portraits...Alaska Style
My poor kids are so brave! We we needed to do our family photo's for our Christmas Cards. So we called our photographer Eleaca Young from here in Kenai. Her work is is insanely awesome! And one of the reasons we wanted her was because she only shoots natural photo's outside. They look so much better than studio photo's.
So here are my kids in 30* weather outside in the snow, with the wind blowing off the ocean. BRRRRRR! Believe it or not, it was actually really fun.
Thanks Eleaca!
So here are my kids in 30* weather outside in the snow, with the wind blowing off the ocean. BRRRRRR! Believe it or not, it was actually really fun.
Thanks Eleaca!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
The Elders came to wish TJ a Happy Birthday!!!
Our Elder's are so flippin cool. They do such a good job! They stopped by to wish TJ a Happy Birthday and they brought him this cool football kicker that TJ loved.
This is Elder Eaton.Elder Bedke's birthday is the day after TJ's. TJ thought that was so cool, but he could never figure out why Elder Bedke was the oldest. TJ's birthday is first, makes sense to me. ;)We really love these guys, I think everyone in the ward does. Their spirit is so strong and they absolutely love being out here serving. Thanks for the birthday present...and Happy Birthday Elder Bedke! :)
The Big 5!!! TJ's Birthday
TJ's party was pretty freakin awesome. He invited his friends from preschool Sydney, Emma & Abraham, plus our best little neighbor friend Ellen and TJ's bud Gabe Mccormick. 
Here they're having a pop the balloon with your bum contest. Emma won popping her balloon 1st. And Gabe won most balloons popped.
Here Molly (the kids friend from church) is helping the kids draw faces on their balloons.
Singing Happy Birthday....
Awww...he'll always be my baby boy.
TJ got a whole bunch of fun presents that Dad helped put together. It was an awesome party.
Here they're having a pop the balloon with your bum contest. Emma won popping her balloon 1st. And Gabe won most balloons popped.
Here Molly (the kids friend from church) is helping the kids draw faces on their balloons.
Singing Happy Birthday....
Awww...he'll always be my baby boy.
TJ got a whole bunch of fun presents that Dad helped put together. It was an awesome party.Happy Halloween!!!!!
TJ's a skeleton, Faith's a Fairy Princes, Gracie's the Corpse Bride and yes I'm a pregnant biker b****. (Oh get your mind out of the gutter it's biker babe :)I LOVE HALLOWEEN!
It's so fun to dress the kiddo's up.
If you're wondering, the answer is no, -I'm not pregnant...It's a pillow. The leathers are Brent's so I had to do something to keep them up. :)
Our lovely pumpkins... TJ's says Trick or Treat, Gracie picked the skull and Faith wanted the vampire. No smiley faces for our kids.I didn't see very many Jack-o-lanterns up here. I think we were the only one's with pumpkins out....I'm not sure why. Maybe they're really expensive and I just wasn't paying attention. (You know me and that whole do math in your head while grocery shopping thing...)
Although Brent did get sent on a 911 call to a house where a terrified woman thought someone was kicking her door in. He didn't find an intruder just a large bull moose thoroughly enjoying her jack-o-lanterns....
Painted Faces
The kids got their faces painted at a Halloween Carnival. This is something I always wanted when I was little but never got to do. The kids absolutely loved it!...and don't they look so stinkin cute! :)
The girls wanted to be butterflies, so I thought maybe TJ could be a spider..."No I want something cooler than a spider" he says. "Like what?" I ask. "I don't know, maybe like a fly" OK here's our cool little fly!
The girls wanted to be butterflies, so I thought maybe TJ could be a spider..."No I want something cooler than a spider" he says. "Like what?" I ask. "I don't know, maybe like a fly" OK here's our cool little fly!
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