Gay Marriage Vs. Real Civil Rights Movement

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Need I say more??? Well.. yah, because I like the sound of my fingers typing.
I met Brett in law school and I recall his interest in the power of the Supreme Court and his disapproval of how much power they hold.
I didn't know what he ment then (I was like "whatever you say hot guy"), but now I do. As I struggle with the thought that I must take my own daughter out of public schooling because they have infringed on my God given (literally) right to unbiased-taxpayer-supported schooling.

So it's 7 days left until election. That means I will be crankin' out the posts. Even though most people that read this blog don't live in California I want to keep you abreast of things.

these titles never seem to load quick enough

FYI- i finally updated MOST of the blog links I have. If you see someone I don't have let me know! -chances are i don't know they have a blog.
Also, sadly the restaurant Merchant and Main has been taken off the fine dining list at the bottom of the page. The prime rib was "sub-prime" last time we went.

Miracle Blanket

As far as learning how to put a baby down to sleep, Brett and I are no pros. We really don't know what we are doing (or are going to do). However this blanket from Grandma Great is a miracle.
We have wrapped her up in it almost ever since she was born right before she goes to bed.
This way she can sleep anywhere, her bassinet, her crib, the couch, our bed, the floor, under the kitchen sink... Kidding!- and she is "signaled" that it is time for beddy-by.
So even though we don't know how to put her to bed it's like Grandma Great is tucking her in every night. Being wrapped in this blanket is like getting the best hug ever!
We love our Grandma! Her blankets are pure magic!

I looked out the window

I looked out the window and what did I see? Rachel B waving a yellow prop 8 sign out on the busy street corner. What a good trooper. I was driving home from work and there were about 15 people from our ward holding signs at an intersection. Rachel was there with her big, cute smile, waving her sign, and waving at me. I know it was hard for her, and she wasn't looking forward to the birds and the cusses she would receive. Yesterday she told me she'll just play a game, and count the flip offs, and when she has been flipped off 6 times it means she can go home.

Anyway, I'm really proud of her. I'm so lucky I married somebody who takes seriously the council of the church leaders and prophets and has such a strong testimony. We've been asked by the First Presidency to donate our means and our time to this campaign. We've been asked prophets, specifically Elder Ballard, Elder Bednar, and Elder Cook in an address to California members to work on this campaign 4hours per week. They encouraged us to blog and email about this, even to those outside of California. Rachel has done a much better job of this then I have. I know she's just trying her best to do her part to make sure society doesn't go to hell in a handbasket.

In other news, here is a picture of me and Marie watching BYU get dominated by TCU. It was pretty terrible. Marie was pretty upset at their defense, as you can clearly see.



Also, can't we just all agree that ice-cream cakes are way better than regular cakes? We had Midnight Delight from Coldstone and it was...wait a second...wait a second...okay, I'm back. I ran and got a piece. Where was I? When is that? Whatever. I got to go, this cake is awesome.

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

I've been "tagged." Also, today is my birthday so it's fitting I list "7 things about me" today.

#1

I love being a mom. When I was younger I was so afraid to grow up. I had no idea how fun being married and having babies would be. Every time I think I have reached the pinnacle of happiness, life gets so much better.

My life, my love, my 3 am alarm clock.

Marie is my best little buddy.

#2 I love this man!

He's my best friend. Ever since we met it feels like we've always been on the "same wave length." One of his friends, Charles, said while we were dating that it seems like we've always known each other. And its true. Also, I once told my dad that as I get older, the crazier everyone I know gets, except my husband. I think alot of us feel that way.

And he always puts up with me!

#3 I have some cool brothers:

Nigel: Hilarious, super handsome (always thought he should model), and loves video games!
Marcus: Always makes you feel good, peacemaker, produces really cool music- just got back from Peru! Hope he got me something good.
Malcolm: Very persuasive, stylin, just graduated high school
Jesse: Super Super Nice, has a cool wife and baby girl, recently diagnosed with Diabetes (and doing well now!)Heck I have an awesome family, including in laws. … I’m not just saying that!

Families can be Forever! High Five!

#4


Cool shows I like are Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, The Dan Ho Show,
The Office (holla!), Good Eats and anything about food or weddings. I know a lot of you gals can relate.




#5 I had a childhood crush on this guy... and never missed an episode of Magnum P.I.

#6 I love making Brett laugh.

# 7 I'm self aggrandizing. Hence I will finish this awesome post with a picture of myself.... in a wedding dress... that I am wearing right now... haha I kid- I kid... but I should wear my wedding dress every year on my birthday to celebrate myself. Next year I'll start that tradition.

I now tag THE ENTIRE SMITH FAMILY! Thats RIGHT- the whole fam.. or at least all the kiddies! Also Matt, Avery, & Rachel A.

I'll be waiting!

Crossing a Bridge

The Parker Family Tells it Straight (plus or minus cheesy music)



Growing up in Idaho and Utah, Brett and I were "morally" well sheltered. Granted we had our personal and family challenges, we were blocked from many societal moral conundrums. However, as of late, it seems no matter where you live the pressure of media and mainstream (or lame-stream) society wants to challenge your religion.

In August we joined in on the YES ON 8 campaign, to RESTORE the definition of marriage to be between a man and a woman. Not the Yes on 8 campaign to take rights away from homosexuals, because they have their rights preserved in civil unions- but the Yes on 8 campaign to protect our families right to unbiased public schooling (watch video), protect the majority vote of millions of California voters, and protect what we know society will prosper from; appreciation and respect for heterosexual marriage.

I've never thought too much about homosexuality until college. A high school friend "came out" and let me know he realized he had been gay all his life. He then proceeded to share his anger that the President was against same-sex marriage and same-sex child-rearing. At the time I was shocked, but still sympathetic. However it caused me, over the course of a year, to study the subject thoughtfully and thoroughly.

The answer lies here http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,00.html .

However, where is the material proof? The ultimate equation that is a convincing enough answer that it could persuade ANYONE that married, heterosexual relationships are best for the individual and for the child the couple might raise?
Surely, even the atheist or agnostic could admit that nature biologically only gives the "key" to producing children with the aid of one male and one female, and therefore nature even clues us in on the best and ideal way to raise a family.

However, whatever the drama caused and feelings hurt, I have to stand up for my family.

But why would God make people Gay? If marriage and children are the ultimate happieness we find in this life, why would God deny gay people that?
Now this is the part where I could really get up on my soap box and tell people Love is a choice, but the reality is that the answer is private, being between the individual and God. He loves them and won't deny them happiness.

My job is not to judge but to protect my rights and teach my daughter that God does love everyone. He loves me just as much as everyone on the No on 8 campaign. And that's were I cross a bridge. Every time I see a "No on 8" sign, a movie star promoting immoral behavior, or hear of people in high political places making it difficult for me to teach my daughter my religion- I remember that God loves them exactly as much as he loves me. It's almost frustrating. I want be like "Seriously God, can you just smite them now? Because they are like totally in my way." But instead He gently reminds me through one of his servants that he loves them to, he answers their prayers the same way he does mine, and the only thing I need to worry about is teaching my family what is right and to be helpful to others. Not be self-righteous to others, but to be kind and helpful.

Anywhosers, I could go on but I will spare you.

Please take the time to watch the video and visit the link in the side bar to see where I am coming from.

Feel the same way? Donate at http://www.protectmarriage.com/ - even a couple bucks helps! And trust me, California needs all the help it can get!