Happy Constitution Day!

On this day in 1787, the Constitution was signed in Independence Hall in Pennsylvania. In honor of this day and this document, here is some interesting trivia about the document. It has 4,440 words, and is the oldest and shortest constitution of any government in the world. Probably the most glaring misspelling in the Constitution is the word "Pensylvania" above the signers' names. For those of you who do not know, it should be spelled Pennsylvania. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams did not sign the Constitution. Jefferson was in France at the Time, and Adams was in Great Britain. Patrick Henry who said, "Give me liberty of give me death," was elected as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, but declined, because he "smelt a rat." Because of his poor health, Benjamin Franklin needed help to sign the Constitution. As he did so, tears streamed down his face. Benjamin Franklin at age 81, was the oldest person to sign the Constitution, the youngest was Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey. He was 26. The fist national Thanksgiving Day was established by George Washington on November 26, 1789. The reason for the holiday was to give "thanks" for the new Constitution. George Washington and James Madison were the only presidents who signed the Constitution. James Madison was the only delegate to attend every meeting. It took 100 days to actually "frame" the Constitution. I'm so grateful for this document that protects our freedoms and liberties. Read the Constitution, know it, and elect leaders that will continue to support it!

May We Never Forget...

Seven years ago today, our country was attacked by forces intent on causing terror and chaos. Seven years ago today, our country showed its true colors and united together against those who would seek to destroy us. After seven years, I wonder how much we remember of that day. I'm sure that most of you remember where you were when you heard the news about the World Trade Center falling, or the Pentagon being hit, or even the plane going down in Pennsylvania, but what else do you remember?

When I was in New York City this last summer, I had the opportunity to go to Ground Zero. I saw the hole that is left in place of where the towers once stood. I ate lunch at a Pizzeria that was right across the street. I witnessed the damage that is still scarring the sides of buildings in the area. I saw the monument that was erected for those who gave their lives, and those whose lives were affected. I witnessed people sobbing on the street and asking why and how something like this could ever happen. Seven years after the attack, and people are still weeping for those whose lives were lost - lives of strangers who were lost.

I was humbled by what I witnessed in New York City that day. The monument issued an invitation to all people. It said, "Dedicated to those who fell, and those who carry on. May we never forget." I hope that we never forget those feelings that we felt that day and in the months that followed. The country was united. People helped each other and served each other. Everyone was a little kinder and thought of themselves a little less. I wish that we could remember. I wish that as a people we would remember those feelings.

It is hard to remember charity in an election year. I for one feel frustrated and upset with where things are going, and I don't have very kind feelings towards liberals right now. But I remember 9-ll, I remember that it didn't matter to what party you were affiliated with, all that mattered was who was American. That is really all that maters. We can still have our opinions towards those running for office, but the unkind feelings that I feel, are lessened when I think that each candidate truly does love American and is trying to the best that he or she can. Does it really matter in the end who ends up as our president? Of course it does, but I am reminded today that no matter who is elected, freedoms and liberties will go on, because that is what the American people fight for, desire, and deserve. I love this country, and I'm grateful for those who are willing to give their lives for liberty.

Women in Politics

I like to think of myself as a forward thinking woman, who is proud to see women taking stands and doing good things in life; however, I am getting tired of women in politics. Don't get me wrong, if a woman wants to run for political office, and she is voted in, then I'm fine with that -- more power to her. What irritates me about politics and women is that people lump women all together. When Hilary Clinton was still in the running for President, people talked of her like she was the voice of all women. She wasn't MY voice, and she certainly wasn't the voice of many of my female friends. Now that John McCain has appointed Sarah Palin to be his Vice Presidential running mate, people are now talking of her like she is the new voice for women. Again, I'm not convinced that she is my voice, and women that supported Hilary certainly aren't ready to throw their support to her.

What I really would like to know is why women are supposed to vote for someone just because she is female? Saying that a woman will automatically vote for a woman is like saying she doesn't have brain power to look at issues and decide who the best person for the job is. I hope that women will not automatically vote for a woman candidate, just like I hope that black people will not automatically vote for a black candidate, or Asian people will not automatically vote for an Asian candidate, and so on. If that is where we are headed as a nation, then why should we have campaigns and debates, and conventions. People should just vote based on gender and race.


Discrimination is dying in this country. We can see that because we might have a black president or a female vice president in a couple of months, but why is this the highlight of all the national coverage. If this country really wants to kill discrimination, then maybe we should stop bringing it up... Maybe if we voted for Obama because we liked his policies instead of the color of his skin... Maybe if we voted for McCain because we liked his policies and not the fact that a woman is his running-mate, then we would be closer to truly killing discrimination. If we truly want to get over discrimination, then why do we keep bringing it up when we talk about the candidates. Why does the news make a bigger deal out of the fact that Obama is black, when really they should be highlighting his health care plan or his immigration policy. Why is McCain in the news only because of his female running-mate? Shouldn't we be highlighting his education plan and his energy plans?

It is time for America to stop focusing on 'focus' groups, and focus more on the issues at hand. Obama shouldn't win the election because he is black, and McCain shouldn't win because he has a female running mate. Women shouldn't let the media tell them that Sarah Palin is their voice, because perhaps she isn't. Personally I feel that there were more qualified choices for McCain's Vice President, and he chose Palin mostly because of her gender, and that is completely wrong and disrespectful. Sarah Palin deserves better, and Republicans and Americans deserve better.

One More Week of Sanity?

Four months ago when I got my teaching job, I didn't realize how fast the summer would fly. I have already been working at the school for a week going to new teacher trainings and setting up my room, and now, I only have one more week until the students arrive. I have reached the freaking out stage. I keep thinking of random things that I need to do. Then, when I start to feel like I am getting a grip on things, I think of a million more things that I need to do. I don't know what ever made me think I was ready to be a teacher. If I can make it through this next week of meetings and Back to School Night without my head exploding from information overload, it will be an accomplishment.

Okay, now that I've freaked out, I can reflect on how excited I really am. I was a volunteer at EFY again this summer, and was put over a group of girls that were 14-15 years old, which is the age I will be teaching. It really is a fun age to be involved with. It will come with challenges, but I am excited to be working with kids again, instead of salesmen at R&L that just act like kids. It is crazy to think that the summer is already over, but I'm excited to move onto a new adventure in my life.

Happy Pioneer Day!

This is my 2nd Pioneer Day in Utah. I would venture to say that this day is almost bigger than the 4th of July down here. Last year, this day was a little boring; Mom and I lounged in the pool with nothing else to do. This year, with Sarah, Brian and the Girls with us, we decided to go to the big Pioneer Day Parade in Salt Lake City. There are people who camp overnight on the parade route to ensure that they get a good seat. We planned to leave the house at 4am, but ended up leaving around 4:30. Despite the delayed depature, we ended up getting a spectacular spot right in the front, learning that perhaps we didn't need to get there quite so early. The parade started at about 9am. It was such a fun parade with a lot of beautiful floats. Sierra and Papa ended up getting matching umbrella hats to keep the sun off of their faces, and Sophie was a real trooper, even though she grew tired of the heat and the loud noises of sirens and drums. The best part of the parade though was to see the Prophet, President Monson, ride by with his wife. They were so cute. At first he was looking the other direction, but Mom called to him, and he turned his head, smiled, and waved right to us! It was amazing. I have known that he is a Prophet of God, but today it was reconfirmed in my mind and in my heart. There is a powerful spirit around him that I could feel. I'm so grateful to have a prophet on the earth today, and I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to see him no more than a few feet away from me. I'm so grateful for my pioneer ancestors who have left me a legacy of faith to build on. I'm grateful that I've had the chance to reflect today on the blessings that the Restoration of the Gospel has brought into my life, and the lives of my family and friends. I hope that you can all take a moment to reflect on the legacies of faith in your lives as well. This has been a fabulous Pioneer Day! The best one yet!!

The Wisdom of the Young

My nephew Talmage, who will be 5 at the end of August, is very smart, wise, and wonderful. I am constantly amazed with the things he comes up with. I was going to thank him for something he said to me the other day, and I thought, "What better way than to do it on my blog so everyone knows how wonderful he is?" About a week ago, I was having a rough day. It wasn't anything extremely challenging, I was just feeling a little down. On my way home from work, I decided that I wanted to talk to Talmage. I called, but they were eating dinner. I tried to hide my disappointment, and asked my brother to have Talmage call me back. About 20-30 minutes later, Talmage called. He instantly brightened my day with his enthusiasm, his wit, and his humor. We got talking about getting married. He told me that Anya, his 2 1/2 year old sister, was going to marry a boy in her primary class. He told me that he was going to marry a girl whose name he didn't know. I asked him who I was going to marry. He said, "I don't know, who?" I told him that I didn't know. He then responded, "You could marry me!" He giggled, and we laughed about the age difference, and how since he was my nephew that probably wouldn't work anyway. Talmage was giggling and laughing, and then he got serious and said, "You need to marry someone sensible and loving because you're sensible and loving, so you need to marry someone sensible and loving and be good." I was blown away by what he said. I don't know why something a 5 year old said affected me so much, but I felt so much love at that moment, and since then I have looked at boys in a totally different light. I'm looking for someone who is not only loving, but sensible, because my nephew reminded me that that is someone that I deserve. So, Thank you, Talmage. Thank you for lifting my spirits and in a way, reminding me of my divine worth. I love you Talmage!

Happy Birthday Nation!

One of my favorite eras to learn about is the time surrounding the birth of our nation. I am inspired by the men who had the vision to see and realize the importance of liberty and freedom. The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. There are many beautiful ideas and truths in this document, and for many, it has either been a long time, or they have never read the Declaration. Indulge me as I share some of my favorite parts with you:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. -- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -- that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable then to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security...

We have warned [the British] from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitable interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General congress Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for rectitude of our intentions, do in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That the United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of the Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

This is then followed by 56 signatures including John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.

The Declaration of Independence was signed 232 years ago, but it is still important to remember its teachings today. Remember that the government has a responsibility toward the people. When the government starts abusing its power, the people have the responsibility to stop it, even if it means voting for an "unpopular" candidate.

Recently I was talking with some friends about Germany and in particular Hitler. Someone mentioned how they don't understand how Germany could fall for someone so evil. I reminded them that Hitler didn't appear to be evil in the beginning. Germany was shattered after World War I. The Allies did not only defeat Germany, but they destroyed the country's pride and honor in hopes to prevent another war. In response, a young charismatic leader by the name of Adolf Hitler began his rise to power. People responded to his patriotism and his visions for the future. He promised changes that the people of Germany desperately desired. Once he gained his power, he was able to become a tyrant and follow through with all his evil designs.

I think about this country. We have a lot to be grateful for, but we are also struggling with a lot of things. I worry that we will get swept up in the charismatic leader who promises a lot of changes right away. Not that I would go as far as to call any candidate a "wanna-be-Hitler", but often people get swept up in the idea that we need to change many things in order to get this country back on track. I agree that there are some necessary changes, but instead of drifting further from our foundation, we must return to stable and sturdy ground from whence we were built.

According to the Declaration of Independence, we have the responsibility to hold the Government in check. This does not mean that we must start a Revolution every time we think the Government is swaying from where they should be. The Founding Fathers had tried for years to use the law and the system of Government to inspire change, and they were stopped at every angle. We must use the law, and the Government to inspire change. We are the only ones that can do it; by getting honorable men and women in office, who love this country, and desire to maintain our rights and liberties. Loving the Country, though, is not enough. We need people who are not concerned about how much power they have. We need a government who doesn't control every aspect of life. The kind of government that has worked for 232 years, is one where the people have responsibilities for themselves, and the freedoms and liberties to decide what is best for them. It is that government that I am putting my faith behind.

Today is a day of celebration. Happy birthday Nation that I love. Thank you for remembering God, and putting Him on your currency and in your documents. Thank you for being a Nation that allows people from all walks of life to experience Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. I pray that God will continue to look down on this Nation, this Promised Land, and that "we the People" will continue to uphold and fight for the rights and truths that we "hold to be self-evident". May we never forget, and may we take the time to celebrate our Liberties. Happy Independence Day!