Halloween Pictures

My nephew Talmage hase been asking me to put pictures of my Halloween costume on my blog. I was Flora from Sleeping Beauty. Hopefully now that my pictures are up, my two siblings who have not posted Halloween costume pictures will finally post some. :)

Yes, I am alive, and mostly well...

I know that it has been forever since I last posted. I have been busy with school, and church, and stuff. Usually I don't have time to post while I am at school, and when I get home, I have no desire to be on the computer. Teaching is going well. I've only had one mental breakdown day. 9th graders can be such jerks, but after an email sent to all the parents of the bad class, the students have been a little better. The reason I am mostly well is that I have come down with a cold. I figure I have done well since I was able to make it through my first 2 1/2 months of teaching without getting sick. I am loving teaching, although some days are better than others. Today's activity went mostly well, and I always get a thrill when I realize that my students have learned something in my class. I hope all of you are doing well. I can't wait for the holidays when I will get to see some of you!

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!

Another Tag, but atleast it gives me something to post about...

Let me just start by saying that none of these are in any particular order...

8 things I'm passionate about:

The Gospel
Liberty/Freedom
My Family
Harry Potter
Disney
Music
Sleeping
The Constitution

8 books I've read and enjoyed:

Scriptures
Twilight Series
Harry Potter Series
Mary Poppins
Tom Sawyer
The Ten-Cow Wives Club
Pride & Prejudice
Persuasion

8 Things or words I say often:

Oh my heck!
Whatever!
Take Luck!
Curses!
You're True.
If I knew that, then I would know everything!
Does the sun set in the East? (and yes, I do know that it sets in the West)
Well, technically...

8 Things I want to do before I die:

Go to Rome
Go to Disneyland
Get Married
Go to Washington DC
Live in my own place
Become a mother
Travel through Great Britain & Ireland
Do something I will be remembered for

8 Things I have Learned (or remembered, again) this past year:

My Family may be a little crazy at times, but I love them a lot
My nieces and nephews know more then I do
Things do work out, just not in my time
There are some people that just need more than one reminder
The Chrysler Building in NYC is modeled after a real car w/ hubcaps & everything
There really is a life after Harry Potter
5 hours of sleep is never enough
I don't spend enough time on my feet during the average day.

8 People I want to Tag:

Jill
Brittany
Rachel
Lindsey
Sarah
Brandon
Jessica
Mom

New York New York

For those of you who don't know, I just got back from New York last week. Some friends of mine (the regulars that I do everything with) and I went to New York City for 2 crazy days. We flew all night Wednesday night, and got to New York at 6:00 in the morning. We checked in at the Hotel, ate some breakfast and headed into the city. First we took a Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Both places are so amazing. The Statue of Liberty really is awe-inspiring. Ellis Island really touched me too. I was amazed at what people went through in order to come to this country. It was humbling to realize that I have ancestors who walked those halls and waited in lines and prayed that they would be permitted passage to the shore which they could see, but was just beyond their reach. There is a sacred feeling on that island that one cannot deny.

After we got back to the main land we walked to Ground Zero. I was amazed at how many people were there to see the place where the World Trade Centers stood. I saw people weeping, and some openly sobbing at the sight. As I looked at the big hole in the ground and thought about that fateful day so many years ago, I was amazed at the miracle behind it. 9-11 was awful, but looking at the huge buildings that are right next to where the Trade Centers were, I am amazed that there wasn't more damage. There is a monument on the side of a building across the street from Ground Zero. It says, "May we never forget". I too pray that we might never forget the price for liberty and freedom, and always remember to honor the men and women who give their lives fighting for it every day.

From Ground Zero we travelled to the Empire State Building. We traveled up to the 86th floor where the observation deck is. I was amazed at how far the city really stretches. That night we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe in Time Square, and saw "The Little Mermaid" on Broadway. It was absolutely fabulous and amazing. It was totally worth the cost of the ticket.

The next day we got up early and did an endowment session in the Manhattan Temple. This was probably the neatest experience of the entire trip. We knew what subway "exit" we needed to take, but didn't really know where the temple was in relation to where we would come out. We were walking up the stairs, and literally the temple was all you could see. It took my breath away. There I was climbing out of the filth and darkness of the Subway, and the temple stood as a beacon to keep climbing up. The Temple was beautiful and so peaceful. New York streets are just like they are portrayed in the movies. Loud, people everywhere, the "yellow ones" really don't stop, but as soon as you entered the Lord's house, an immediate calm, quiet, peaceful feeling enveloped me. I knew that I was entering a holy, sacred, building that housed the spirit of the Lord. When it came time to leave the Temple, the World really slaps you in the face. It was hard not to just turn around and go back in.

After the temple, we traveled to Central Park. We walked around Central Park for awhile (it is HUGE!), and saw many sights from our favorite movies. We then found went to Rockefeller Center and from there walked down 5th Avenue, gazing into huge stores that held merchandise no one I know could afford. We saw Trump Tower, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and F.A.O Schwartz, this huge toy store where I finally bought my very own Harry Potter wand... it's pretty much awesome!

We walked from there back to Time Square where we needed to eat, but didn't really have a lot of time, so we at the McDonald's at Time Square. It was a huge multi-story McDonald's with grossly enlarged prices. I paid $7.00 for 2 cheeseburgers, a medium fries, and a water. After McDonald's we went and saw "Mary Poppins" on Broadway. It was just as fabulous as "The Little Mermaid". The best was when Bert danced on the ceiling, and Mary Poppins flew with her umbrella out over the audience. It was spectacular.

From there we took the subway back to our hotel, got a few hours of sleep, and flew back to Utah the next morning. New York City is amazing, and I would love to go back and spend a lot more time, and see a lot more things, but I am happy with the highlights that I saw. Coming back to Utah, I appreciate the wide open spaces,or really just having to space to not be touching people as you walk by them!

Taking the Plunge...

I am sorry for my absence from the blog again. Sometimes I just feel like I have nothing to write about, but I enjoy updates from everyone else, so I figured I should post an update on myself. School ends this week. So come Friday I will officially be done teaching Math. I am so excited to begin teaching Geography next Fall!! I will be starting full time at R&L though once school is out, so I will still be working the same hours, I will just have a much better commute. Last weekend I went to a Regional Young Single Adult Activity. We went to Camp Williams which is about at the "Point of the Mountain" for those of you who know Utah. If you don't, then it is south of Salt Lake City. Anyway, while there I got to shoot military guns that have been rigged to only shoot air, but that feel like real guns. We shot at a screen, and lets just say I don't have very good aim. I also jumped off a 34 foot tall tower. It is a tower that they use to train paratroopers. They told us that 34 feet is the point where your brain tells you to not jump. Any higher or any lower and people have an easier time jumping, but for some reason at 34 feet, your brain shuts down and tells you not to jump. You are attached to a bungee cord thing that simulates what it feels like have a parachute open up. I wasn't going to do it, but with some heavy convincing from my friend Kim and my Branch President and his wife, I decided to just do it. I knew that I wouldn't die, and also that it would make a good story. I had a friend video tape me so that I could prove that I actually did it. It was very empowering to be able to conquer a fear. I was absolutely terrified on the top of that tower, and thought that I was going to hyperventilate, but I took the plunge and it was AWESOME!!!

I GOT A JOB!!!!

After way too long of a wait, I got a job!!! Next fall I will be working for the Davis School District at Syracuse Jr. High, home of the Seahawks (I'm excited about the mascot too). It will be fabulous. If I drive, my commute will be 2 minutes, and if I walk it will be about 10 minutes. I'll be teaching 9th grade Geography and possibly a couple of classes of 7th Grade Utah studies. I've never taught or taken Utah History, but I took Church History in Institute and that is basically the same thing right? I am so thrilled to finally have something solid and settled in my life. I have been in such limbo as I've tried to figure out where I needed to be going and what direction I needed to head. Thank you to everyone who supported, believed in, and prayed for me. This job has just worked out so well. Now I can really say that I am a teacher!

Update on Me

I check everyone's blog about once a day, and am always a little disappointed when they are not updated. I then realized that it has been a little while since I've updated mine, so I thought that I would. I am still teaching at LifeLine. I like it a lot, but would really like to be able to get a full time position teaching History in the Fall. I did have an interview at Syracuse Jr. High, but I haven't heard back on it yet. I am also working at R&L Vinyl fence. I enjoy working there, but am very busy and never get home on time anymore. Like if good though. I am going to New York in June with some friends. I am very excited. It is my first time there, and we are going to two Broadway shows. We are seeing "The Little Mermaid", which just came out, and "Mary Poppins". I am most excited for "Mary Poppins", they will actually dance on the ceiling from what I understand. I'm also excited to run through Central Park sing "How do You Know He Loves You?". For those of you who are unfamiliar with this song, you need to watch "Enchanted".

Speed Test

73 words

Speedtest

Okay, Sarah impressed me. I had to take the test about 10 times before I got this speed, and I don't have fake nails like she does. I will concede defeat... for now...

A Return to the Holidays

It is time to return to the Holidays. I forget how fun it is to have something to celebrate everyday. Today is another day with a lot of different things to celebrate. Today is "Listening Day". It is amazing how many problems in the world would be solved if people would just listen to those around them. How often do we watch a person move their mouth without ever caring to engage those things on the sides of our heads that allow us to hear and listen. I encourage all of you to take the time today to listen to those around you and not just watch their mouths move. Another holiday to celebrate today is the birthday of Dry Milk. So go get some powder, mix in some water, add some ice, and enjoy a nice cold glass of milk. Or if you are feeling adventurous, maybe try just eating the powder. I don't think I will be celebrating this holiday. I don't like milk to begin with, and powder milk is worse. Today is also "Astronaut's Day". On this day in 1959, the first 7 U.S. astronauts were selected. Perhaps to celebrate you can spend some time looking at the stars. If you are living in a place that will have clear enough skies to do this, perhaps you can look at some stars for me too! It is also "Name Yourself Day". If you have been disappointed in the name your parents gave you at birth, today is the day to change it. Go down to the courthouse and have your name changed. Personally, I like my name well enough. I mean, I don't know what other name I would prefer to have, so I think that I will keep my name what it is. But if there's anyone out there who's thought about changing their name, I am curious as to what they want to change it to.
Finally, it is "Winston Churchill Day". I think that this is a fabulous day to celebrate. Winston Churchill was a great man who deserves to be remembered, not just one day a year, but always. For my nieces and nephews who read this blog and others who might not know who Winston Churchill, he was the Prime Minister (the British version of the President) in Great Britain during World War II. In his first speech as Prime Minister he said, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat." Another inspiring quote from Churchill is, "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Another quote that made me chuckle is, "A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen." For more fun quotes from Churchill go to http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/winston_churchill.html. Needless to say Winston Churchill was a great man, probably one of the top 10 on my list of historical political leaders I would like to meet. I hope that you all have a wonderful day celebrating and remembering!

Austen Quiz

You are Anne Elliot of Persuasion! Let's face it; you're easily persuaded, particularly when friends and relatives try to use "the Elliot way" against you. But this doesn't mean that you don't have conviction. Actually, your sense of duty is overwhelming. And though you won't stick your neck out too often, you have learned to speak up when it counts. To boot, you know how to handle sticky situations. You love deeply and constantly.

Take the Quiz here!

I usually take these types of quizzes on Facebook, but this was fun to be able to take it and post it on the blog. I love Anne Elliot! She is one of my favorites!

Spring Weather

Finally, Utah got some normal Spring weather. It rained and hailed all morning off and on. Now, the sun is out, the sky is blue with white fluffy clouds, and looking outside makes me happy that it is Spring. This sure beats the snow we had last week! I hope you all enjoyed Conference. I loved it! It was so neat to sustain a new Prophet. I'm sad that I didn't get to see him wiggle his ears during the Priesthood session. Hopefully they will post video links online so that the women will be able to see it!

Disneyland!

I'm sorry for those of you who have been waiting to see Disneyland pictures. I've been meaning to post them, and I have been so busy since getting home, that I have failed to save them on the computer, much less post them on my blog. But here are some of my favorites, I hope you enjoy. Some of the pictures were taken at the specific request of my nieces and nephews. Talmage really wanted me to take a picture of Woody. Not the real one, but a balloon of him. Well, I searched the park for a balloon Woody, and didn't find one, but I got some good pictures of the real Woody. Rochelle loves Cinderella, so I took some pictures with her. Anya likes Snow White, at least that is who she dressed up as for Halloween, and she has a Snow White Monkey now too, so I have a picture her. I'm not sure who LaMar likes, but he'll probably recognize Pooh, or some of the other characters. Sierra is the oldest, and she didn't make any request on pictures, but hopefully I've included at least one that she likes. Sophie is too little to care... and she wasn't born until after I got back so... Anyway, I have more pictures, but I think that I've posted enough. I'll just show you all the rest when you come to visit me.. HINT HINT!

I Can't Believe It's True...

So you know how you get random email forwards and half the time the cure-all or the get-rich-quick scheme is totally false and a waste of time to even read? Well, the other day at school, the teachers I teach with were talking about an email they received that talked about Vick's Vapor rub and feet. I've received the email before, but didn't think it worked... but little did I know! Basically the email stated that if you have a cough/cold and are having trouble breathing at night, instead of rubbing Vick's on your chest like the instructions state, you should put it on your feet, then put socks on. It works faster and better. Believable? I didn't think so, but since the conversation at school, two of the teachers have tried it. One tried it on her 8-year-old daughter two nights in a row. Previous to the experiment her daughter was up most of the night coughing. Both nights, with Vick's and socks on her feet, the little girl stopped coughing and was able to sleep. Coincidence, well I thought so until a another teacher's 5 month old baby came down with a cold. She too was having trouble sleeping at night because of her stuffy nose. After the Vick's conversation, my teacher friend put some Vick's on her feet with some socks and the baby was able to breathe and get some sleep. I'm pretty much convinced now that it works. Personally, I would never do it to myself because I would rather not sleep while coughing and blowing my nose, then to sleep with something on my feet, but it works great for kids. I know we are coming to the end of cold season, but perhaps it will help some of you parents out there sleep better at night if you use this remedy on your kids. Oh, and P.S., I'm going to Disneyland tomorrow!!! So forward my calls, and any mail can be forwarded to the Happiest Place on Earth. I'll just pick it up from Mickey!

Happy Leap Day!!!

How could I possibly miss blogging on a holiday that only comes around every four years? What a wonderful day to leap for joy and be grateful for all that we have been given. I hope that you are all taking the time to celebrate the fabulous day because we won't see another one for a long while.

I've Been Tagged

I haven't been tagged in a long time, so I guess it was my turn. In case the people I tag don't read this entire post, I'll tag them in the beginning. I tag: Sarah, Brandon, and Jessica

10 yrs ago: Well, if you ask my friends here in Utah, I was just born. I like to joke that I am so much younger than all of them, so I've told them I am ten. But in reality, ten years ago, I was in 9th grade. I hated Junior High, hence, I'm done with my ten years ago memory. I will say though that Sierra my niece was a baby, and she was living with us. She was at the way cute 6 month stage, so that was fun.

5 Things on my list of things to do today: Start Fold my clean laundry, Wash my dirty laundry, go to institute, call Rochelle (my niece, she's turning 3 today!)... Let's face it, I'm not organized enough to really have a list of things to do, I just do whatever sounds good in the moment.

Things I would do if I suddenly was a Billionaire: I would pay off all my school loans, buy a car, buy a car for my parents and probably all of my siblings. I'd pay off my parents house, I would pay for everyone to come home for a visit, then I would travel travel travel! I'd probably go to Europe, and go to all fifty states. Once I returned from my trip, I would buy my own house, well, probably not, I'd stay with my parents, I get too scared when I am home alone!

3 of my bad habits: I bite my nails, I eat when my mouth tells me I'm hungry, I interupt people more than I should.


Places I have lived: SeaTac, Washington; Puyallup, Washington; Rexburg, Idaho; and Syracuse, Utah


Things most people don't know about me: If I could go the filming of any show, it would be "The Colbert Report". I am always in the mood to eat good nachos.

Happy "Thank the Mailman" Day!

Today is thank the mailman day. In Utah I think it is a great day to do this. We are getting so much snow. It snowed last night, and it hasn't stopped snowing yet. I'm grateful for the mailman who come out in the weather, and have to manuever around the piles of snow from plows and shovels to deliver the mail. So thank you to all the wonderful mail men and women out there who make sure we get our mail by 5:00pm no matter what the weather.

To report on my weekend, I had a girl's night on Friday. My friends and I watched Persuassion. PBS is showing a different Jane Austin movie every Sunday night at 8pm. They are redoing all of the films except Pride and Prejudice. My friend recorded Persuassion and so we watched it. It was fabulous. It was so much better then the older version. Let's just say, Captain Wentworth... wow, it was a good movie. They are going to be releasing the movies on DVD, and I'll definitely be getting that one.

On Saturday some friends and I went dancing. We went to a place in Salt Lake that does ballroom dancing. It was so much fun. I haven't gone dancing like that in so long. The place we went has two buildings. One building has a live band, and mostly it is older people who dance in there. The other building has a DJ and they play ballroom music too, but they play more Latin music then the older building. It was awesome. To coin a phrase from My Fair Lady, "I could have danced all night..." If any of you come to Utah, we'll have to go dancing.

The Press and Famous People

I'm sorry that I am blogging about another political thing, but I hardly know anyone who enjoys hearing me rant about politics, so this is a great way to get my frustrations out. Mostly I'm frustrated with the media. I understand the need to report facts. So, newspapers and t.v. should report that McCain has won the Florida Primaries. End of story. There is nothing more to report. Except why do they make it sound like it was a landslide victory; because it was a winner-take-all situation? McCain got 36% of the vote and Romeny got 31%. It was only a difference of 95,000 votes, and knowing Florida, we could probably recount the votes and find that Ron Paul was the actual winner...

Okay, but even if McCain really did beat Romney in the Florida Priamary, a week ago everyone was talking about how we won't be able to determine who the nomination will go to until the convention later in the year. Suddenly though, McCain is being called a shoe-in for the nomination, and Romney, it is being reported, doesn't have a chance. The LA Times even ENDORSED McCain! Why should a newspaper endorse any candidate over another? Whatever happened to unbiased and impartial news? I mean, I always believed that the media can be biased, but I have never come across such a blatant example of them being so biased!

I'm also tired of all the reports of who is supporting who. Mostly you hear about Obama being endorsed by Oprah, and now the big news is everyone jumping on the McCain bandwagon. We have the Governor of Utah, the Governor of California, and good ol' Rudy, who is now out of the race, is throwing his support behind McCain too. What is really happening is that these people are looking for appointments IF McCain gets into the Whitehouse.

Here's what it really boils down too. If the media focuses on one candidate, then that candidate is getting free publicity and will do better in the polls. Also, with people reporting that McCain has already sealed the nomination, supporters of Romney will not get out and vote in their State's primaries. So, please, please, please, vote in your state's primary for whatever candidate that you support. Don't let biased newspapers and power-hungry endorsers decide who ends up on the ballot in November. I know that my blog isn't read by very many people, but spread the word, and encourage everyone you know to get out and vote. This is a government of the people, not a government of the media. Let's keep it that way!

State of the Union Address

Last night I got to watch the State of the Union Address. This is the last State of the Union that President Bush will give. I hope you all watched it, but probably many of the people who read my blog don't like to watch something like that. I encourage you to all read it though. You can find it at www.whitehouse.gov. It was a great speech. My favorite was when President Bush was talking about taxes. He said, "Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm. I'm pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders." I encourage everyone who likes the idea of raised taxes to send their checks in because personally, I do not think the government needs more. If they can't budget what they have now, then why should we trust them with more. One of the huge reasons I support Mitt Romney is because he was able to balance the budget in Massachusetts and ended his term as governor with a surplus. I'd like him to have a shot in Washington D.C. too. If there is one thing we Mormons know how to do, it's budgeting and provident living. And now I will get off my political soap box.