My Life Story told by gratitude

At church, one of the speakers exemplified gratitude by narrating his life by telling what he was thankful for from his preschool years to the present. It was fun to listen to, so I'm going to do the same thing.

When I was four and five I remember being grateful for:

• my Big Bird big-wheal bike
• tape recorders so that Desha and I could record our voices and then listen to them
• songs at preschool
• my pretend ironing board
• our giant hill in the back yard for rolling and sledding down
• our swing set
• my yellow blanky

When I was six and seven I remember being grateful for:

• barbies
• my two wheeler
• dress-ups
• being able to sleep with Desha and play Bedknobs and broomsticks
• piano lessons
• my purple backpack

When I was eight I remember being grateful for:

• being baptised
• my new set of scriptures
• my new baby sister
• all the second grade kids that were nice to me when I changed schools from CA to CO
• Squirty, our pet dog
• our brand new magenta van
• my first real friend in CO, Abbie Steinbrueck
• living next to my Robertson cousins

When I was nine, ten, and eleven I remember being grateful for:

• our new house
• cows in our backyard
• summer
• the giant bush in Grandma's backyard that was the perfect fort
• my cousins
• sidewalk chalk to make bike racing tracks on our cul-de-sac
• being with Dad

When I was twelve and thirteen I remember being grateful for:

• the girls in Young Womens who were nice to me
• the 2:35 bell indicating that one more day of middle school was over
• band
• cute boys
• my journal
• babysitting
• cousins
• going to the temple to do baptisms

When I was fourteen and fifteen, I remember being grateful for:

• Church dances
• drama
• choir
• prayer
• Dad's typing skills to help me when I was in a time-crunch for reports
• seminary because it meant that I didn't have to ride the morning bus
• speech and debate
• being Mormon

When I was sixteen, seventeen and eighteen, I remember being grateful for:

• my license and a car
• having jobs (secretary's assistant at dentist, babysitter, playgroup owner, and assembly line worker)
• musicals
• modest prom dresses
• good dates
• instant messaging
• my patriarchal blessing
• my parents' trust
• learning about biology
• graduation gifts
• lots of friends

When I was nineteen and twenty I remember being grateful for:

• my fifth ACT score that allowed me to get into BYU
• callings
• SO many friends that were of my same faith
• really hot mormon boys
• all you can eat every day
• freedom
• inspiration
• going to the temple every week
• boyfriends
• new perspectives
• the BYU library
• inspiration
• Jine
• Megan
• my rolling backpack
• clean dishes
• Mom
• honest roommates
• my rental piano
• BYU dances
• benefits of being a music major like free tkts to all of the arts performances
• knowing every secret study place on campus
• sharing meals
• Walmart
• Friday night 1:30 am curfew

When I was twenty one, after living in Thailand, I remember being grateful for:

• food
• clean streets
• clothes
• stable government
• books
• literacy
• folk songs
• money
• toilet paper
• cake
• laughter
• hugs
• cameras
• humidity
• The Book of Mormon

When I was 22, 23 and 24 I remember being grateful for:

• taking chances
• Las Vegas
• feeling my complete, best self with Jeremy
• the golden gate bridge
• the word Love
• temple marriage
• wedding gifts
• dancing
• a piece of paper with these words: Bachelor's of Arts
• pencil sharpeners
• collaboration
• un-invited hugs
• accurate assessments
• planning time
• that invigoration when a lesson clicked and was remembered
• witnessing 25 ten-year olds sing and sign "I've Got Peace like a River"
• narrow-minded administrators. Yes I was grateful because they taught me some important lessons
• unexpected homemade dinners and clean laundry
• square dancing
• Ryan and Chelsea
• being told I'm the coolest, nicest, prettiest, and best teacher
• The Atonement

Now that I'm twenty five, I'm thankful for:

• sea urchins
• faith
• palm trees
• sick teachers
• clear lesson plans
• faithful priesthood leaders
• Prop 8, not because it passed, but because of the work it required of me and the things I learned from working for it
• temple ordinances
• The Nilsson Family
• laughing everyday with my husband
• our dishwasher
• our piano
• having time
• knowing and learning my family history
• blogs
• peace
• the future

A Taste of Parenthood

From Friday to Saturday evening Jeremy and I babysat the Nilsson girls while Brooke and Ryan went to Catalina Island. In case you don't know yet, this is the family from church that I help nanny twice a week. They have three girls: Rylie, who is two, and Brielle and Zoey, who are twins, 11 months old. We actually volunteered to do it since we love their family and know that Brooke and Ryan probably don't get a lot of "couple time." And we hope that when we're parents there will be a nice, capable couple out there who would do the same for us.

I'm not gonna lie. It was the most rewarding work I've done in a long time. No kidding, it was a LOT of work and we were pooped by the time Brooke and Ryan got back. But it was also soooo fun. How often do you get smiles and giggles in exchange for making a silly face and simply saying "AaaBOO"? I mean, you've gotta admit how neat it is to have a little person fall in love with you simply because you make the most ridiculous sounds!

It was awesome to have Jeremy help. He is really embarrassed that I'm saying this, but I don't care! He deserves to be recognized. Seriously, I got a great catch. And fortunate, too, because I never had the chance to prove Jeremy's children skills before we were engaged. With every other guy I dated, I organized at least one date around kids to test his capabilities with children. Somehow Jeremy got a rain check on that one and I had to go on faith. It must have been his way of surprising me with his hidden talent. Jeremy is a complete natural with children!

Jeremy exceeds all of my child-skill expectations in a man. He holds babies and little people perfectly, not in the awkward way that some guys do- even though he is large in stature. He's really sweet and gentle with them. Even if someone else is holding the child nearby, without thinking about it, Jeremy will reach over to the baby and stroke its leg or let it grab his hand, just while he's carrying on a conversation with people.

Jeremy knows how to change diapers, rock babies to sleep, feed babies bottles, and calm an upset two year old. He can multi-task with babe in arms. He knows how to kindly discipline, play imagination, and read books without sounding monotone. In fact, Jeremy makes funny sound effects for every voice or object in books that he reads to kids. (I should've known since he does this in adult conversations, too, which is something that I fell in love with right away). Jeremy also knows how to use teachable moments. He makes mundane things like pushing a stroller interesting. He loves to cuddle, and kids love to cuddle with him.

Below are some moments to give you a picture of our babysitting weekend:

Funny Moment: While playing imagination, Rylie and I "drove" to the store. I asked her "What kind of store are we at?" Rylie proudly responded, "Um. A white one!" Later, Jeremy said that's how he categorizes his store visits, too. He either sells to Vietnamese, White, Hispanic or Black stores.

Most Stressful Moment: Bathing the girls one at a time in the kitchen sink. (Jeremy was at a bball game). Zoey was really upset about getting in the water, and kept leaning over the edge while I tried rinsing her off. Water got all over me and the floor. She cried a lot and I got frustrated.

Music Moment: Since I'm a music teacher and worked at the BYU music preschool for 2 years, you can imagine that I do a LOT of musical activities with the girls. We stopped at our apartment for Jeremy to change his clothes. The girls have been there once before, and Rylie was really excited to be there. (And I mean REALLY excited. It was so funny.) Anyway, while we played in the living room, Rylie got up to the piano and sang her version of "I am a Child of God." Then, she played some lower notes and talked in a deep voice, "Monstas walking in castle." She was retelling the Halloween story that we made up at the piano before! We told about a castle where ghosts, witches and monsters lived. The monsters were represented with low, slow notes. How rewarding to see that she remembered!!

Longest Quiet Moment: After calming Rylie from a nightmare, I went to sleep and the clock said 12:40am. The next time I was woken by Zoey and the clock said 2:35am. I have a better understanding now of what parents mean when they say Sleepless Nights. And this was cake compared to newborns!

Sentimental Moment: Jeremy gave me a kiss and we sat down together on the couch. Rylie jumped on my lap and said, "SawahLynn, Jehmy loves you?" I chuckled and said, "Yeah. And I love him. And we love you, Rylie." A big grin spread across her face.

Annoying Moment: I was holding Brielle, and headed for the pantry door that is in the corner of the kitchen. Rylie went ahead of me to help get the food. Keiko, the dog, lept in front of me before I got there. We were all cramped so that I couldn't open the pantry or move. When I finally got what I needed and tried getting out of the mess, Zoey and Keiko had creeped up and blockaded my way out! I know the dog's just trying to be a part of the family, but really. It's so annoying when I've got people in my arms and he's in the way.

Messy Moment: We got Wendy's and set out a picnic at Mile Square Park, which is a gorgeous square mile of grass, ponds, playgrounds and bike paths. I fed the twins baby food in their car seats. We had all our food spread out on the blanket and the girls' faces were covered in Gerber goop. But the breeze and warmth was perfect, and it was great to just be outside, eating and making a mess. All messes can be cleaned, ya know.

Another Funny Moment: We found some ducks to feed. The girls were enthralled. After 10 minutes of feeding the ducks, Jeremy realized that he was standing on a giant sign painted on the pavement: DO NOT FEED THE DUCKS. We looked around and realized that these signs were painted every five feet apart and there were other signs posted around the water. Then we noticed that people all around the pond were staring at us! Fearful of getting arrested or something, we threw in the last chunk of duck food and walked off to the playground, trying to look inconspicuous. We also got chased by geese later on. Not the friendliest bird-of-a-feather out there, that's for sure!

Favorite moment: Jeremy had Zoey bundled and cuddled asleep on his chest and his arm around Rylie, who was sitting beside him. Both of them were staring wide-eyed at SportsCenter on TV.

Educational Moment One: Unlike other times that I've done this sorta thing as a single gal, there was a huge feeling of security from the girls because Jeremy was there. Rylie often made comments about how Jeremy was going to go to the park with us and eat with us and sleep with us. Zoey and Brielle loved that he was there, too. Just more evidence of how important marriage between a man and a woman really is!

Educational Moment Two: Indeed, it was a lot of work. But very rewarding. I'm really excited for Jeremy and I to be parents someday! I think we'll do a pretty good job of it because we were a great team!! I'm still baby hungry, but I think I can hold out a little longer, as I really enjoy the freedom to sleep through the whole night undisturbed. We're gonna gladly sleep it up as long as the Lord sees fit!

Very Funny Videos

If The Other Party Wins


Sarah Palin Disney Trailer

We Have Fought A Good Fight

We voted! Yesterday was my first time voting in a general election. I was one of the 3% in CA that voted for Alan Keyes as president. He supports marriage between a man and a woman, is against abortion and wants to annihilate the income tax. I didn't vote for McCain because I don't agree with his war policies and his economic/tax/health plans. I didn't vote for Obama because I don't agree with his abortion and marriage views and his finicky ways. So I found what I feel was the best medium. And I can say that I helped make history, too, because Alan Keyes is black.

Jeremy voted for McCain mostly because his policies were supposed to help the food industry more than Obama's, so considering that's our income, Jeremy felt it a great need to vote for McCain.

Our Fight for Prop 8
The presidential election wasn't as exciting or nerve wrecking as fighting for Proposition 8, which was the measure to restore traditional marriage in California. Right now, 99% of the votes have been reported and it is 52% YES, 48% NO. This means that:

• Every vote made a difference
  
• The $85 that we gave to the campaign and the 100+ hours that Jeremy and I spent collectively walking door to door, rallying, calling voters, blogging, educating friends, delivering signs, attending meetings, and getting out the vote truly made a difference.
• Your support, no matter how meek, made a difference. Thank you!!
  
• The voice of the people is more powerful than 4 court judges, several multi-million dollar corporations, unions, celebrities, and biased media that all tried to keep this Prop from passing.
  
• We can trust the virtue of our people over the cunning ways of the rich and loud.
  
• Faith without works is dead. It wasn't enough to pray that voters would consider the future with Prop 8. We had to work to make it pass.
  

Interesting facts about Prop 8 results:

• Arizona and Florida also voted that marriage is only between a man and a woman. Both states passed this measure with flying colors.
  
• Las Angeles county had 100,000 more votes for YES than no.
  
• Orange county, where we live, had 57% YES and 43% NO. Can you imagine if we hadn't done anything?
  
• Nearly all of the coastal counties in northern California voted No.
• All southern California counties voted YES, but one
• Nearly all of the inland counties in California voted YES
• When the Campaign began, we were losing by 20 percentage points. By educating voters and prompting them to think about the long-term effects that allowing gay marriage would have, we made a huge come-back.
• Most of the other propositions, the presidential vote and the legislative votes took favor by the democrats. But Prop 8 stands apart from these votes. That proves it's possible to be a democrat and support traditional marriage.
  
• Unfortunately, Prop 4 did not pass, which means that parents don't have the right to be notified before their child performs an abortion. I wish that I had YES on 4 signs with my YES on 8 signs. But once again, this shows that we have to work hard for a cause, and when we do, the efforts pay off.
  

Highlights of our Experiences throughout the campaign:

• Practicing our "script" together in the car 5 times before we knocked on the first door in our neighborhood to tell people about Prop 8 and record their views on the issue. That was back in August! We were so naive then.
  
• Realizing after the first 10 doors that we needed to get our sources right if we were going to sound convincing.
• Being cussed out by several complete strangers on my blog.
• Arguing with Jeremy about how to record what the neighbors say and which route we should take on the street.
  
• Watching funny, disturbing, threatening, false, and moving u-tubes about Prop 8.
• Attending the Church broadcast about how to support Prop 8. Feeling the strong sense of urgency from our leaders to truly do everything in our power to preserve the family.
• Getting the nasty note on our window attempting to cover up our sign.
• Figuring out by trial and error how to put those rickety signs in the ground.
  
• Cheering whenever we found a car with a Yes on 8 bumper sticker.
• Delivering a sign to someone that was on the lawn with his friends and denied ever meeting me or saying yes on 8. What a dope for giving in to peer pressure.
  
• Seeing our friends on some of the u-tube ads and preservingmarriage.org videos.
• Figuring out how to spell ad after sending a note to a news station and Jeremy making fun of me for spelling it wrong!
  
• Participating in Sunday school discussions on how today is the time when people call good evil and evil good, esp with gay marriage.
  
• Surfing the internet during dinner and every sitting moment to correct false information in articles and blogs.
• Telling Riley and the twins about how much we are fighting for their future and how frustrating it is that so many people were mean to me about Prop 8.
  
• Enjoying healthy discussions with other bloggers that disagree with our stance.
• Laughing and crying with Brooke about the latest No on 8 arguments.
  
• Getting the finger and mean shouts while waiving signs with the Nilsson family.
• Being thrilled every time anyone would say they are voting yes.
• Constantly regretting that we didn't say such-and-such about this-or-that while at the door or on the phone with someone.
• Crying on my birthday for fear of the world my children will live in.
  
• Gorging on yummy snacks and gormet food made by volunteers while we walked and called.
  
• Meeting people from other churches and waiving signs with them.
• Realizing at the door with a stranger that we went to the wrong house to deliver a sign, but ending up having an awesome conversation, committing him to vote yes, and giving him a bumper sticker.
• Hearing about the abuse done by No on 8 including our friend that was beaten up while chasing after his stolen prop 8 sign and a lady at church that was pushed, hit, and kicked while walking to her car after putting some signs up in a public place.
• Meeting two funny, slightly drunk, loud ladies while walking door to door one day. They were so fun to talk to and said they would vote yes, but since they were felons, they lost the right to vote!
• Being hung up on.
  
• Getting angry at three voters who said they would vote yes, but wouldn't get to the polls because they didn't want to put their shoes on or because they were eating dinner!!
  
• Watching Rick get a citation for walking next to the on-ramps to put up prop 8 signs.
• Listening to our neighbor boy (6 years old) explain that marriage is for one boy and one girl, not two boys or two girls. He declared, "I'm voting yes on 8!!"
  
• Feeling my heart pound before entering the voting booth because I knew my vote would be crucial. It felt like taking a test, luckily I had my cheat sheet with me for all of the other Propositions.
  
• Feeling defeated, but working with every last ounce of hope to do our part.
• Having someone mad at me for calling to ask if they've voted, telling me to take them off their list. HELLO! As a registered voter, any campaign has access to your info. We can't take you off our list unless you un-register. Duh!
  
• With palms sweating, frantically dialing the last few phone calls before the polls closed.
  
• Saying our final prayer with the 110+ volunteers at our post that spent election night calling thousands of voters to make sure they voted. As President Ward prayed, it was a solemn assembly.
• Looking in near-disbelief at the polls. YES was in the lead!
• Feeling our heart sink every time the percentage for yes dropped. 57 down to 52.
  
• Taking a deep breath before I post this, trusting that 1% of the votes won't do anything to change the outcome. California, and America, we DID IT!!
  

My Final Statement on Prop 8
Throughout this campaign I and many others have been called intolerant, shameful, liers, hateful, satanic fascists and bigots because of our personal and/or religious beliefs. I can't understand how people can demand that I be tolerant of their views and yet refuse to be tolerant of my views.

I can confidently say that I have been loving, accepting, and kind to those who believe that homosexuality is acceptable. I know and believe that they are good people, but they are strayed on one basic element of humanity and eternal purpose. All I ask is that they respect my beliefs and realize that it is not hate speech to testify that marriage is between a man and woman and that maintaining this definition will preserve and strengthen the fundamental structure of society: the family.

We have fought a good fight. But we know that this was just one battle over truth. The war for protecting families, protecting truth and religious freedom still rages on. "Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till... the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done." -Joseph Smith