Conference

This is how conference went for us....



How about you?

It was actually really nice...especially the afternoon sessions when the boys were napping. (-: I think it's about time to come up with some Conference books for the boys.

I love Conference. I always feel refreshed and motivated to be better. I need that in my life. I love not only the fact that apostles and prophets are on the earth today, but that I know where to find them. I am so grateful for my membership in this church that I know to be true.

Scripture Time

Family scripture study is, well let's just say it's interesting around here. Between the typical 2 year old attention span, the fact that we have 2 of them, late afternoon grumpiness, and being on my own most evenings, it sure doesn't last very long, or seem very effective. But then, I will be tempted to skip it, and just move on to prayer, but as soon as I say the word prayer before reading scriptures, one of those sweet 2 year olds will remind me..."pipture!" and I just have to do it.

Samanta's Blessing

We blessed Samantha on Saturday. We wanted to do it while my Dad was here so he could participate in the blessing, but weren't ready to take her to church just yet (she wasn't even 2 weeks old), so we did it at home. The blessing was beautiful. She was blessed with health and a sound mind as well as a solid relationship with her mother. That was wonderful, as I am very nervous about having a solid relationship with a daughter. I think it is so different than boys, so I am grateful for that extra blessing.

She hated her dress b/c it was really itchy, but she looked beautiful. We feel so blessed to have her in our family. She carries an amazing spirit with her and we couldn't be happier to have the opportunity to raise her. We love you Samantha!

WARNING: VERY VERY LONG! ANOTHER SOAP BOX. LONG! BUT OH, SO IMPORTANT!

A friend had this posted on her blog, and I thought it important enough to post here as well.

Thursday, the California Assembly approved AB 2567, which designates May 22 as 'Harvey Milk Day.' Earlier this week, AB 2567 passed the California State Senate The bill will require all public schools to 'conduct suitable commemorative exercises' in commemoration of the anti-religious, homosexualist agenda of the late San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk unless Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoes the legislation.

According to a Senate analysis of the bill,: 'This bill requires the Governor to proclaim May 22 as Harvey Milk Day. ¦The designation of a day of significance triggers statutory encouragement for public schools to observe and conduct commemorative exercises suitable to the day.' 'This bill will teach impressionable schoolchildren the anti-religious, homosexual-bisexual -transsexual agenda of Harvey Milk,' warned Randy Thomasson, President of Campaign for Children and Families.
'If signed into law, AB 2567 will mean an official day commemorating homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality in California government schools. ¦This will harm children as young as kindergarten. '

What you can do:
Call 916-445-2841
GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER Office to make our voice heard. It's automated press 1 for english, press 2 to voice option on legistion, press 1 for AB 2567 Harvey Milk day, press 2 if you are against it.


CRAZY! I am absolutely against Harvey Milk Day. I called the above number and it really only takes about 15 seconds total...if that.

It is very frightening to me that more and more people are beginning to support such things.

However, I have struggled, as I know many of you have with how sensitive this topic is. It is very difficult to take a firm position when we consider friends, family, neighbors or simple acquaintances who may struggle with this. These are real people that we love with very real, deep struggles.

My friend also included on her blog an interview with Elder Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Wickman of the Quorum of the Seventy on this topic. These men are leaders of the LDS church. This interview helps explain why the church feels as they do, why they are taking the position that they are, and why they are expecting so much from their members. It was very helpful to me. You can read it here if you are interested. It is VERY VERY long, but extremely helpful. I believe that the more we know/understand about the Lord's will on this topic, the easier it will be to do what he is asking of us.

PROTECT MARRIAGE!

Cory attended a fireside here in our Stake recently about Proposition 8 here in California. For those of you unfamiliar with what is going on, California voters passed a proposition in 2000 by 61% to define marriage as between a man and a woman. However, this statue did not amend the constitution, so earlier this year, four judges overturned that vote by saying it was unconstitutional. So, we are now fighting to pass an amendment to the constitution. The text of that entire amendment is as follows: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California." It is the same text that passed by 61% in 2000.

Although I have always felt this issue to be very important, I have felt an enormous weight since Cory came home from that fireside. Maybe weight is the wrong word, but I have felt very strongly that it is urgent and imperative that we fight with all we have to get this passed.

The 1st Presidency has had a letter read in every ward in California that asks members to get as involved/donate as much as they possibly can. Since they speak for the Lord, this means that this is something God wants/expects us to do.

Some of the consequences of it not passing (that they talked about at the fireside) that frighten me the most were:
(1). Our children would be taught in schools that same sex marriage is the same as traditional marriage. They would not be able to opt out of this like sex education.
(2). Those who refuse to marry same sex couples could have their licenses to marry anyone taken away by the state. This could include bishops and temple sealers.
(3). This not being passed in California is HUGE. Eventually, other states would follow suit. Not living in California will not make you immune to these consequences.

So, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do anything you can to support this proposition. EVEN IF YOU DO NOT LIVE IN CALIFORNIA, You can go to protectmarriage.com and sign your name as a supporter, sign up to volunteer, or donate. If you do live in California and are LDS, you can also do much of this through your local ward/stake.

Last, please ponder this language from the Proclamation to the Family and see if it doesn't give you the same motivation it gave me to get involved:

"We warn that individuals who...fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

I personally believe that as just one individual mother in this nation, it is my responsibility to do all I can to protect the family and marriage as defined by our Father in Heaven. I want to do this not only for myself, but for my children.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now, but thanks for listening!

The Lord's chosen

I love being a mother. I want my children to know that. I also want them to know some of what I believe, so I want to note it here (especially since we are printing this every year). I love Micah and Noah more than I can express. I know they are amazing spirits with amazing missions. I feel so very blessed to be their mother. I need to live more in the now and enjoy them more. They are so fun and so easy to make smile and they love me. I know it won't always be that way, so I need to enjoy it while it lasts. I loved Elder Ballard's talk today, didn't you? It is so wonderful to know that the Lord (through one of his chosen prophets) wanted to recognize mothers today. It is so wonderful to be validated and recognized for the work we do. I've always wanted to be a mother, I always knew it would be wonderful and fulfilling, but what I didn't know was how incredibly difficult it would be. I guess you have to experience it to really understand. I don't think I have ever done something more difficult or felt more pressure. I want more than anything to be a good mother, and it is such an overwhelming responsibility. Most days, I just feel incredibly inadequate. It was so wonderful today to know God, my Father and my children's Father, appreciates my efforts, cares, and stands ready to help me. I am so grateful for prophets and apostles and even more grateful that i know who they are and where to find their words. It was wonderful this weekend receive a witness of the spirit that Pres. Monson has been chosen and prepared by the Lord to be His prophet. I can't express how grateful I am for that witness and the Lord's hand in my life through such men.

I'm a Daddy's girl...

I adore my Father. Not only is he a wonderful Dad, he is a magnificent human being. He is SUPER intelligent (a Rocket Scientist actually...currently a head engineer for the new space shuttle), but he doesn't take himself too seriously. I have great memories of him trying to break dance during a stake dance or playing pranks at girls camp. I love talking to him and I don't think I will ever stop trying to learn all I can from him. He loves to serve others and gives much to those in need. But the best two things about my Father are the following:
1 - He loves the Lord and it is very evident from the way he lives his life. He has a vast spiritual knowledge and loves to study and apply the gospel.
2 - He loves his wife and children and does all he can to bless their lives. We come first. We always have. He prays for us. He lives for us.

I was reminded of all this a few days ago when I received a beautiful letter from him. He sent it to each of his children. He bore testimony of the gospel and the importance of putting the Lord first in our lives. He told us how much he loved us and encouraged us to be our best. I want him to know how grateful I am for his continuing love and support in my life.

Dad, you are the best. I love you.

A True Prophet of the Lord

After watching Pres Hinckley's funeral (well most of it...with two noisy babies) on Saturday, I wanted to write a quick testimony about my faith in him as a prophet of God.

I love President Hinckley. He was an amazing example of hard work, optimism, perseverance, charity, faith, patience, and enduring to the end. He truly was a prophet of the Lord for our times. I will be forever grateful for the many things he taught both by word and example. He is an inspiration to me to keep the faith when the going get tough. He once said "It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is." In fact he said that shortly after his wife passed. What an example of fortitude and faith. I love him. He inspires me. I gained my testimony of this work while he was prophet and he will always hold a special place in my heart.

However, as much as I will miss his example and encouraging words and smile at conference, I am so happy and excited for him and the opportunity he now has to be with his beautiful wife again...and no cane!

Mothers who know....

Many of you are lucky enough to know my mother. Some of you don't have that privilege. Let me tell you a little about her. She is amazing. She is truly one of the most selfless people I know. She would do anything for anyone, but especially for her children. She does things large and small all the time. I am so lucky to have her support and love in my life. Anyone her knows her is blessed. This post is just one example of the many many things she does for me, my family, my siblings and others.We received this package in the mail yesterday. Yes, there is a cute little cover/saying for each sucker/mint/bag of candy. And what an adorable fun pillow! Yes, she truly is amazing! But what is even more awesome is the fact that although this is obviously a valentines package, I don't have to wait until a special holiday to get things like this. She sends one every month! The boys each got their own sucker complete with a cover with their name on it. Where does she find the time?I love you mom! You amaze me! I am so grateful not just for fun cute little packages, but for your strength and testimony, your listening ear, your patient disposition and humble nature. You truly are a "Mother who knows." Thank you for that gift most of all.

Grateful...

Thanksgiving was wonderful! We spent it in Thousand Oaks with Cory's family and had a great time. I have always loved Thanksgiving as it affords an opportunity to ponder those things for which I am most grateful. I didn't take much time to do that last Thursday. I guess I was a little busy with babies, but I took a walk along the beach today and had some time to "count my many blessings." Here is a partial list:

The gospel, especially the Atonement and the effect it has in my life. It has changed me and allowed me to be more accepting of others as they struggle to change as well. It offers so much hope...most importantly, the hope that I can change/become better and more than who I currently am. Not many people on this earth have my understanding of God's plan...and I still have so much learn

The power of God in my life whether that is manifest through a priesthood blessing, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, ordinances, the scriptures, or the temple. How many people have such ready access to God's power?

My wonderful husband. He understands/accepts/fulfills his responsibility as the provider for our family. He also loves me and is always willing to sacrifice for me. He makes me laugh more than anyone I know and has a way of getting me to relax and enjoy life a little more. (for those of you who know me, you know why this is so amazing) He makes regular efforts to understand me better and change himself in order to make me happier. I don't really know that many women can truly say that these days.

My beautiful boys. The fact that they were conceived. The fact that they are here. The fact that they are perfectly healthy. The opportunity the Lord has given me to do my best to teach them of his love and plan. I can think of no greater blessing than the opportunity to be a mother, and it is a privilege that not everyone gets in this life.

My parents. Being raised in a home where I regularly felt the spirit, and the effect that has had in my life. I am coming to realize more and more what amazing people my parents are. There is an amazing spirit in their home and I am slowly coming to understand how hard they have worked/are working to make it that way. My parent put nothing before each other and their children. Few parents take their responsibility as seriously as mine do.

My siblings. I love each of my brothers and sisters. I would call them my dearest friends. We can laugh, cry, and play together, and best of all we can discuss the gospel and I can learn from them. How many people really like all their siblings?

My husband's family. I truly consider them family, and I believe I was meant to become a member of their family. I enjoy being with them. I admire them. I have learned so much from them. I am comfortable in their home and feel loved and accepted by them. They are good. They want to be better and they care about me. I am motivated by their individual examples. We have fun together and I always look forward to seeing them. I believe few people have such a great relationship with their in-laws.

My health. I haven't always had it, so it means a lot. I have been incredibly healthy during my pregnancy and after and it has allowed me to enjoy the process more. With all the diseases/problems that exist, I am grateful for my health.

Living in the USA, and the opportunities that affords: I can worship as I want, learn and improve myself as I wish, speak my mind, and live free of oppression. How few people on this earth can claim the same privileges!

And now some less significant, but fun things:

*the smell of the beach that reminds me of my husband b/c he loves it so much
*the sound of water and the peace it can bring me
*baby stretches, baby body parts (mini noses, hands, toes, tongues, ears), baby smiles and coos, *Chocolate ice cream and berries
*hot baths and a good book
*blogs/staying in touch with friends
*long walks and fresh air
*naps
*the smell on rainy days
*otter pops
*music and it's ability to affect my mood
*The beauty of the world we live in and the evidence that is of God's love
*Good books

Overall, I feel that I belong to a very select and blessed group of people. I can't even put into words how grateful I am. Where much is given, much is required. I feel like my commitment to do God's will and bless the lives of others has been renewed as I have thought about all these blessings.