I prefer to sit on the sidelines...

Just some thoughts I am having this morning that I thought I would post. Hopefully I do not come off as though I am preaching...and maybe there are other people out there that agree?

When it comes to getting involved about any issue - state, local, or federal- I prefer to sit on the sidelines. Really I hope someone else fights hard for what is right and that the outcome is good. Reasons for not taking a stand on issues is that I usually tell myself, "I am just one person." What difference can I really make? It is also hard because no issue is without opinions. Lets face it- even our friends don't agree with us all the time. And who wants to offend their friends?

Today I was reading Elder Dallin H. Oaks speech given at BYU-Idaho on 13 October 2009. http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/religious-freedom You should read it. The issues of OUR day are ugly. I feel like our days of doing nothing are closing and that we all have an obligation to have a voice. This quote comes to mind, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. ". Yes we have the option of doing nothing- but I must say that IF we take that route we can have no complaint to the outcomes.

I am feeling encouraged about the power of public opinion. My encouragement stems from a couple of things that have happened here in my community. One of them was a prison was going to be built close by. The community was not happy about it and petitions were signed, letters were sent to our state reps and the outcome was that there was no prison built. The public does have power!

This also comes to mind- I took a Book of Mormon class and was required to write short thoughts about the scriptures. Captain Moroni is my favorite in the Book of Mormon- A man of honor. Here is what I wrote:
Reading through Alma 60 I was surprised by the direct language that Moroni used towards the government. His letter was a complaint for them not doing what they are supposed to do. In verse 6 he says "we desire to know the cause of this exceedingly great neglect". In verse 7 he asks, "Can you think to sit upon your thrones in a state of thoughtless stupor". In verse 20 he asks,"Have ye forgotten the captivity of our fathers?". In verse 29 he tells them to ,"bestir yourselves in the defence of your country".
Moroni was a good man who was always fighting to preserve FREEDOM. It sounds a lot like the arguments still going on today. I DO NOT like politics. I follow what is going on but I do not do very much to be involved. And yet I think I should be doing more. Is it not our responsibility to hold our government responsible for their actions? Is it not our responsibility to let them know when they are in the wrong?

OK I am done. I have said too much...

Puppies

Pictures of the puppies! They are so cute. We (especially the kids) will be broken hearted when they leave but as for now we are enjoying them.

Truck

I want a truck. Its prob kinda weird but its true. I have always liked big trucks. Something about the big engine and I'm bigger than you so don't get in my way. I am to the point where its almost time to be thinking about the next car. Now don't get me wrong- there is nothing wrong with a minivan. EXCEPT once I have one I will have it for the next...15 years. I don't want a minvan for the next 15 years. This is what I want. Its a Nissan Titan.

So here is the story- I was at my parents where my dad has a truck. I was impressed because that thing had room! Crew cab- big back seat. Getting car seats in and out was never a problem. It was definately wide enough to fit 3 across. AND there is always the option for a middle seat in the front for extra room. Storage of course wouldn't be a problem. Hello back bed. And how many times have we needed some way to get something big from A to B. WAY to many. Its frustrating. Just the other day we were going to buy a rug but how could we pick it up?

On the more worldly shallow side. Its a darn good looking truck! Not to mention lots of fun.

So now I need your help. Vote yes or no. Should Leah's next car be a truck?

Latest Indy Trip Pics

WARNING- I was there for 3 weeks...there are lots

(yes that is a scorpion in the sucker)

Our Little Soccer Player

This was Jonah's first soccer practice. Jonah's coach says he is a really good listener. Yay Jonah!

(turn off music to hear)

Our Fight

All couples are different I guess. Some disagree on important stuff. We disagree over VERY important stuff...like American Idol.

My vote (if I actually voted) goes to Adam Lambert. Jonathan can't stand to look at him. I think is is extremely talented and I say, "So what if he is gay".

Innocent

I love how kids have no shame. The thought doesn't even occur to them that they should have any shame. And they shouldn't. Its a short time in life you can be naked in the sandbox and its cute.

My current struggle with Kayla: I CANNOT KEEP CLOTHES ON HER!

Easter

Jonah dying eggs.

Easter Morning!After church.

Driving in a car.

Playing with Uncle Bryan.

Aunt Victoria came and spent a week with us.

Watch

I hope he is wrong.

What?

Jonah: "Mommy you look like a vacuum cleaner"
Mommy: "What? Why do you say that"
Jonah: "Just cause you do"

I am still very confused by this. Maybe he thinks I clean like a vacuum. Does he think I am full of dirt? Do I look yellow and black like ours? Maybe I sound like one...

Dear Jonah,

You inquire daily and therfore here is how its done.

How to get mommy to run fast- 10 steps

Follow directions carefully. Do not skip any steps as this may mess up the end result.

1. Go upstairs with Kayla.

2. Go into Mommy's bathroom

3. Move step stool over so that you can reach anything on the counter you may want.

4. Get scissors (yes, I know. Scary.)

5. Ask Kayla to come over.

6. Smile at her sweetly

7. Take small handful of her hair and cut it.

8. Yell to your mommy that you are giving Kayla a hair cut.

9. Listen for mommy to say, "What?!"

10. Wait 5 seconds for mommy to RUN up the stairs and into the bathroom.

Warning: It is recommended that you cross your fingers that she doesn't beat you when she sees the hair on the ground.

Hope this helps!

Sincerely,
Anonymous

Catch up

Moments. We start good and sometimes do not end so well. Cute none the less.


1. Kids playing drums...or pots, pans, lids, bowls, spatulas, spoons, potato mashers, tongs...did I forget anything?

Not many things end well as you can see!

2. Dinner time?

Wooooo! Whose child is that standing on a chair!!! Their mom should know better!

3. Movie and Popcorn.

Thank you Jonah for teaching Kayla how to make faces. (Who am I kidding, she loves it!) Notice Kayla's popcorn on its side. Where is her popcorn you ask? That's right, it the crack of the couch. Whose mom is letting them eat food on the couch!!!

4. This is cute in a way. Jonah keeps trying to change Kayla's diapers. She just lays down and lets him.

5. Yogurt? Shampoo? Yogurt? Shampoo? I guess when you are not sure there is only one way to find out.