Girl's Day Fun

Earlier this week my sister Ranna told me that she was planning to take our niece Anna downtown to try on a shirt she wanted to get for her for her upcoming birthday. She works at the Gateway JCrew and had the shirt on hold. I started thinking. Steve was going to be working on Friday night, which meant he would be sleeping all day. I could go too. AND, my niece Jade could come down and go with because Anna has been asking me when we could get together with Jade.

A little background side note there. Anna is my brothers "step-daughter" (this is a technicality). Jade is Steve's brothers "step-daughter". They are a year apart in age and a few years ago I thought it would be fun for them to both have a sleepover at my house and meet. They hit it off very quickly and get along very well. They actually have a lot in common, including having two dads. So occasionally I arrange for them to hang out.

Back to the story. We decided we wouldn't let Anna know that Jade and I were coming too. So Jade came down Friday night for a sleepover with me while Steve was at work and Ranna picked us up on Saturday morning to go surprise Anna. A few minutes before we left, we learned that Anna didn't even know that Ranna was coming. Her mom, Sarina, had kept it a surprise. Even better! We showed up and it took her a minute to realize really what was going on. And, it seemed that she really was most excited to see Jade, she got a much more enthusiastic "hi" than Ranna and I did.

We decided to take Trax because it was snowing and we didn't know how ugly it would get throughout the day. To do this, we had to stop at the bank for some cash. So we found an ATM and then stopped for drinks to break the $20s because the machine for Trax won't take anything larger than a $10. This was probably a sad site. We each had our own money and bought our own drinks. Anna and Jade bought the same thing. Sadly, Ranna and I matched each other as well. What a site, the "big girls" with one drink and the "little girls" with another.

We got the Trax station in very good timing. We only waited for about 5 minutes. It was a great way to travel downtown. It's easy and actually pretty fun. Plus, you can actually talk instead of stressing about driving. Our stop put us not far from the store, which was very good since it had started snowing harder while we were on the train and got pretty cold. We went in, Anna tried on the shirt and she loved it. Ranna let us use the staff bathrooms in the back and this is what the girls did...





Guarding the hangers

Playing cupid

They were having fun in Ranna's workspace and being quite imaginative. We finished up at JCrew and wandered around Gateway making a few stops, including Lane Bryant, a picture booth and finally Jason's Deli for lunch. By this time it was 1:30 and we decided to head back to the car, but not before some fun before getting on Trax.

Enjoying an after lunch airhead in the cold

A cool sculpture at the Trax station we hopped on to head home.

After reaching the car, we headed to Hobby Lobby. I had some yarn to pick up to finish a project and Ranna had a gift card she still needed to use. She hadn't ever been. Hobby Lobby is a very fun store and you can find almost anything there for crafts or for decor. Ranna and I both found what we needed/wanted and we even found a frog for my mom's garden that was 50% off and the last one available. We couldn't pass it up because it just fit so well.

Jade had some money left from what her dad gave her to spend and she and Anna decided they wanted something that matched from their day together (other than the pictures we already did). After searching the store, they decided on some Valentine's Day stuffed puppies (40% off is a beautiful thing). The cashier was very good with Jade as she paid for their gifts and she got on her eye level as she counted out her change. Ranna and I were very impressed, especially considering the lines were getting longer and crazier by the minute.

After leaving Hobby Lobby, we stopped at my parent's house to deliver the frog and borrow some sprinkles to make Valentine's Day sugar cookies. My mom agreed that it fit too well and was excited (I really should have taken a picture because it was so darn cute). And we headed to my house. Since it was after 4:00 I wasn't worried too much if we woke up Steve since he had been able to sleep uninterrupted all day. He still didn't wake up until after 5:00 because the girls did a great job of being quiet while they played on the X-box and helped with the cookies where they could/wanted to.
Later, when Jade's parents came to pick her up, I had a cookie thief.

He was quite sneaky...


















I think he had two whole cookies by himself.










Overall, our day was just a lot of fun.

Flashback Friday - Fun pics

We have someone at work who is retiring this month and part of my job is "party-planner". I have a bunch of pictures from past events and so I was assigned to look through my pictures to find some of her for a scrapbook. During the course of my search I found some of family members who have come to different fun events we have had at work.

Fall Festival 2006

Family Fun Night 2007

Nasty Nose

Warning! Rambling post that may not be interesting to anyone at all. Read at your own risk of TMI!

Growing up I never really had many issues with getting sick, except for tonsillitis, which I got frequently. I frequently had 100% attendance in school and HATED missing school. I know, I know, let me do this for you...GEEK!!! Please don't misunderstand, I didn't like school, I just hated missing it. There was this thing with my family, good grades were important.

Tangent alert!

Back to the story at hand. The last few years I have really had some issues with sinus infections, among other issues (my immune system is not what it once was). I remember Britta having a lot of sinus problems as we were teenagers and her having surgery to fix those problems, but never really thought much about it past that. I didn't really understand them and was in my own world since I was graduating high school and going off to college. Sheesh, how insensitive could I be? Now however, I almost always have some sort of nasal issue. What was that called? Karma?

The past week I have struggled with "the cold of death" and I'm pretty sure it was at least a borderline sinus infection but I didn't want to go to the doctor for antibiotics. With my immune system so shot I need every chance I can get for my body to re-train itself to fight. Antibiotics won't give it that chance. So, I've been doing what I can to get rid of it naturally. Last year one of my chiropractors mentioned getting a neti pot. I hadn't ever heard of them but decided to give it a try.

If you haven't heard of a neti pot, look it up. You will find a lot about it. But the important part is, pick one up. It is amazing! Yes, it feels weird. Yes, it is gross. No, you will not find a medicine that clears out more than this will and as quickly (although guifenesin does really help). This week I have reminded myself how much of a difference it makes. I haven't been using it on a regular basis and I really need to. Doing so may prevent sinus infections from ever creeping in and help me avoid surgery (we all know I don't need another one of those). Not to mention saving money and time. Salt and water are much cheaper than a doctor visit and a perscription.

And there you have it folks. The mindless, late night ramblings of me. Isn't your life now complete? Maybe now I can have the energy to save the world. Too much? Fine. Have it your way. I'll just go to bed now.

Killjoy.

Long Time Coming

It has been a long time since I have posted. For this, I apologize. It's been a rough few months, to be honest. For those of you who have known me for a while, you know that I struggle in the winter and I am much more prone to depression. I wish I could say this winter was different...

Regardless, there were a few events I could have (and should have) posted, such as:

• My sister Amanda had her baby and we now have baby Lexi in our family. She was born early on Thanksgiving morning. This was also Ruthann's birthday, which made her very happy. This past Sunday she was blessed.

• Christmas came and went with little to report. Since Steve was not working we didn't have a lot of money. But we did spend some good time with family. The more time goes on the more I realize how much they really mean to me.

• My baby brother Joel (yes, I said baby) got married a few weeks ago. Ruthann is now officially part of the family and our total is now up to 25. It will be 26 later this spring, and Britta will again round out the grandkids making it an even five boys and five girls. Here are a few pictures from the wedding and reception.

I have been lost...

My nephew Zack says so. I'll share that story in a moment, but first...

I'm doing well. I know you wouldn't have a clue about that since I have not posted since my surgery. I apologize. I have no excuse. I just didn't feel like it. Also, I really didn't have much to share except having my gallbladder removed has almost been like magic! It has made such a big difference in my overall well-being. Don't jump too far ahead though. I still have my crashes, and usually allow my weekend to be that time. I was talking to my sister Ranna tonight and realized it is basically controlled crashing. I push myself during the week to get to work and be productive there, and on the weekend I let the crash happen, to whatever degree that may be. Some weekends I have felt great, others not so much.

I believe that the greatest difference I have noticed has been my mood. I have felt so positive and it is so nice. When I went back to work I came home and told Steve that there were two words that people said to me that fit so perfectly, "Welcome Back." I have truly felt that way, for myself. I have felt more like myself in the past month or so than I had for a long time. Optimistic, silly, spontaneous and happy. That is who I really am and it is nice to feel that way.

With that out of the way, on to the good stuff. My nephew Zack will be three in a few weeks. He is very silly and he knows it. His personality is so fun. Last week was my sister Amanda's birthday and he went to grandma's while she and Aaron went out. On their way home from picking him up he informed them he was sad. When Amanda asked him why he was sad, he explained "I lost my Charlene." He then proceeded to talk about me being sick and needing to go to the doctor. She explained that the doctor fixed me and that I am all better. He said, "Oh, Steve had to go to the doctor. He bumped his head." She and Aaron were quite surprised with this conversation and have no idea where it came from. But I sure felt special after she sent me the text telling me I was lost. I saw him a few days later and it was fun to have him be so excited to see me.

Last night my mom had a Lia Sophia jewelry party. I decided to go a little bit early so I could hang out. Both Amanda and Britta were already there with their kids. Amanda came into the living room as I was taking my jacket and my shoes off and hollered at Zack to come see "who's here". His excitement when he saw me was so touching. He ran up and gave me a big hug and kiss. Lately Zack has been afraid of the dark. A few nights ago he was crying before bed and Amanda thought this was the reason. Nope, he was crying because he lost his Charlene, again. While it is sad that he cried about it, I have to say, it is darn cute!

These stories make me feel very special. To put this all in perspective, Ranna watches him every Wednesday. Britta watches him about once a week based on my mom's schedule. Because of the regular visit he has with them it is natural for him to have a good connection with them. I don't see him at any regular intervals. But, now I know he likes to see me and misses me.

Basically, I feel very special and loved!!!!!!!

My take on Prop 8

Hello! This one is all me (Steve). It's a hot button topic, but I'm not scared. Please let me know what you think. Yall should have my Email or you can post it here.

California proposition 8- This is one of my hot button issues lately. A good chunk of my non LDS friends have given me grief about it, until I explain to them my beliefs and the facts on the matter. In this blog, I will attempt to show possibly why my church, with others, got involved in this issue and then I’ll explain my beliefs. I'll break it down into parts and then summarize at the end. I’ve included a bibliography at the bottom where you can find my references.

Marriage as a religious ordinance:
To me, marriage is religious at It's core. I personally believe that government got into it, at first, to keep a record and then realized It's monetary potential. Because of that, I choose to use religious context for marriage.
My religion teaches that marriage is ordained of God; sacred₁. Most Christian religions do. Most religions who believe in the bible also believe Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13 and
1 Corinthians 7:2 to name three examples. So, why would any Christian church, including the LDS faith, even for a minute, support people who engage in what is believed as abomination worthy of death entering into something they consider to be sacred, ordained of God and between one man and one woman?

The Law:
First, The LDS church didn’t violate any laws in their participation in Prop 8.₅ They did lobby- legal. They did encourage members of the church who felt the same way to go door to door and do things within their power according to their own free will, choice and agency- legal. Billboards are legal. They simply cannot spend the majority of their time lobbying, and, as stated before, taking on issues is also legal so long as they do not endorse a single candidate. So, it doesn’t seem like the church did anything illegal nor did they do anything that would jeopardize their tax-exempt status.

Furthermore, They weren’t alone. There was a coalition of religions who all did the same thing that the LDS church did. Catholics, Baptists, Evangelicals, Jehovah’s Witness, and Jews were also involved- to name a few. I find it rather interesting that the LDS church gets singled out. I have not heard of protests at any other churches, temples or synagogues. Now, envelopes with white powder inside were reported at two LDS temples and at a Catholic Cathedral. By the way, that’s multiple federal offenses for the person(s) who sent it.

Now, here’s a little bit of law for you. I'll tie the relevance in during the summary.

UCA 76-5-403: Sodomy- Forcible Sodomy₆
“(1) A person commits sodomy when the actor engages in any sexual act with a person who is 14 years of age or older involving the genitals of one person and the mouth or anus of another person, regardless of the sex of either participant.
(2) A person commits forcible sodomy when the actor commits sodomy upon another without the other’s consent.
(3) Sodomy is a class B misdemeanor. Forcible sodomy is a felony of the first degree.”

That’s right boys and girls! Oral and anal sex is against the law and punishable by six months in jail and a fine of $1,000, per count.

Now, this law was written with rape in mind, but it effectively makes homosexual/lesbian sex illegal. Again, going towards the “why” would people be against proposition 8.

Influence:
I want to address the “separation of church and state” comment. It seems to me that some people think that Utah is somehow the exclusive place in the U.S. that this occurs. I am not going to say that there isn’t some of this going on in Utah, or any other state, but I don’t think it’s as bad as most people might think. Let’s start here in Utah.
Since we in the United States practice government “of the people for the people”, we draw our statesman from our population. According to adherents.com₇, Utah is 71% LDS. With those numbers, you’re probably going to have an LDS majority in government.

Politicians vote according to two principles-
1. What they want/feel
2. What is politically expedient. (Re-elections, party lines, lobbyists, etc.)

Based on that criteria, it’s probably smart to vote and support things that your constituency likes and wants. If you’re a politician from Utah, you’re probably not going to have a long career if you support abortion and taking away gun rights- UNLESS you live/work in Salt Lake County. In fact, Salt Lake City is one of the toughest liberal strongholds in the United States. A Republican/conservative hasn’t been mayor of Salt Lake City since the early 1970’s. So, I don’t think there is a lot of interaction to/with church leaders and politicians saying “do this or that”.

Now, the exception that proves this rule is just what I’ve said. California, Oregon, New Mexico, Washington and Nevada are all liberal leaning states. They also happen to have a large LDS population. So, you can surmise from this that just because your LDS or from Utah, you’re going to vote a certain way or be prone to direct instruction or illegal influence from church leaders.

Now, Utah is not exclusive to this and neither is ‘Mormonism’. For example, the south is predominantly Southern Baptist. The east is predominantly Catholic. Who do you think makes up their governmental body? Just like Utah, religious population percentage doesn’t determine total or illegal influence or anything that would constitute a violation of the legal definition of separation of church and state.

Summary:
To summarize, I personally believe that religious organizations participated like they did as a statement of their beliefs. It appears that they wish to fight/stand up for what they feel is right. Those who follow the teachings of their religion or conscious have made the acts of homosexual or lesbian sex against the law, so too are they making this their law. I believe the religious organizations simply want to defend what they feel is good, holy and sacred.

So what do I believe?

I personally believe that allowing marriage between homosexual or lesbian couples is wrong. I do not support it in any way, shape or form. Nor do I support civil unions for said persons.

However, the last time I checked, this was a free and capitalist country.

I believe that you have the right as an individual to place anyone you wish on your insurance policy, regardless of residency, income, sexual orientation, relationship, or any other person or group protected under U.S. Title VI.

I believe that you have the right as an individual to grant anyone you wish rights of decision in legal and medical matters.

I believe that you have the right as an individual to claim any person you support as a dependant.

I believe that homosexuals and lesbians are entitles to be treated with the same kindness and respect that would be given any other person.




Bibliography: all scriptures from King James Bible
1.http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=1aba862384d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1&contentLocale=0
2.Leviticus 18:22 “thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind; it is abomination”
3.Leviticus 20:13 “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them”
4. 1 Corinthians 7:2 “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”
5. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf
6. Page 540 of the Utah Code Annotated, enacted 1983
7. http://www.adherents.com/rel_USA.html#Number1

I'm alive...and well

My surgery went well and I am home recovering.

Steve and I arrived at the hospital yesterday morning at about 7:10. My mom rearranged her work schedule so that she could be there as well and she arrived before the nurse took us back. Even though it was early and I was going to be having surgery, I was in a pretty good mood and really wasn't nervous. I received a blessing the night before and it gave me great peace. I had a student nurse follow me all the way through my stay. It was rather interesting, but it was fun to have someone to talk to during the few times I would have been alone otherwise.

According to Steve, the doctor told him that my gallbladder was pretty scarred up and had been causing me some grief for quite some time. The largest stone was too big and had to be crushed before they could remove my gallbladder. For me, having this knowledge gives me a lot of peace with my decision to have it removed. I was a little unsure at one point, even though I was extremely sick.

I can not say enough good about the care I received while at the hospital. Everyone seemed to really be concerned about me and seemed to really enjoy their work. Overall, other than the fact that I had a tough time coming out of the anesthesia, my experience was very positive.

I am able to get up and down realatively easily and even handled a few visitors last night. My pain is under control and I have been in good spirits. I'm quite encouraged at this point and look forward to getting on with life without the nasty attacks.

I want to say thank you to all my family and friends that have shown a great amount of love and support during this time. I feel very loved and very special.