Will you forgive me?

Early this year I listened to a fabulous CD. In fact, it was so good that I listened to it twice. The second time I even took notes and then I watched the bonus DVD included in the package.

I know I should have shared it with you then, but I got busy.

I did tell a couple of friends about it. One friend even ordered a copy. I decided to get an extra copy to share with you. I meant to tell you about it, but you know how it goes. I had so much going on. First it was my husband's birthday. Then March was just crazy busy and then there was spring break and . . .

Enough with the excuses!

I'm going to interrupt myself to tell you about one of the most powerful CDs I've ever heard. Author Jill Manning speaks specifically to LDS women. She explains how she became fascinated with elephant society. Elephants have very strong, matriarchal families. The female elephants work together to protect and raise their young. In times of danger or crisis, they encircle the young elephants as a means of protection.

But this isn't just an interesting zoology lesson. Instead, Manning uses this as a metaphor to empower LDS women to step forward and protect their families from pornography. She doesn't use guilt or scare tactics. She covers everything from teaching toddlers to choosing a spouse. Most importantly, she helps you feel that there IS something YOU can do. You shouldn't ignore this issue, but you shouldn't be stressed about it either. This CD will help you get started in whatever way is right for you and your family. And since it is only 60 minutes long, you can find time to fit it into your busy schedule!

As a peace offering, and to help you forgive me for not sharing sooner, I have decided to give away one copy of "Let's Talk About the Elephant in the Room".


So please leave me a comment. I will select a winner by random drawing this Saturday. In case you don't win, I also have another copy available to loan. Just let me know. You don't have to do an elephant impression or tell me your best elephant joke. Just leave a comment.

Just one woman (you!) can make a difference in this elephant-size problem facing our families and our society.

July Faces

My summer has been filled with gorgeous faces!
Thankfully, Marianne loves to capture them with her camera.

This is my niece Cammi with a teardrop and pouty lips after she fell during a walk. She wanted to hold Roxy's leash, but it didn't quite work out like she planned.

Dallin pretty much looked this way the entire two weeks he was at my house.
For some reason he loves to have his tongue hanging out.
Kind of reminds you of a puppy, doesn't he?

Alyssa looked thoughtful after she came home from dance class.
She found out that she successfully completed her exams
and brought home the certificate to prove it!

We were so glad this cutie pie was able to visit for a few days.
Riley is full of expressions and we loved seeing them all!

We can't get enough of Brianne's beautiful face.
She is our family celebrity. Everyone rushes over when she enters the room and she is constantly followed by fans and the papparazzi!

One beautiful face is all it takes to make my heart sing!

The Power of One!

One pix text

One smile

One sweet baby

made my day

One month old!

Thank You Denise

I love books, especially picture books. One of my favorite books this time of year is Thank you Sarah! It is the story of Sarah Josepha Hale. She was the widowed mother of five children. Over a period of 38 years she wrote to president after president, trying to persuade them that our country should have a national day of Thanksgiving. Abraham Lincoln finally listened and in 1863 he declared the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving day.

One woman writing a letter can make a difference!

My sister in law Denise is a very busy mom of 4 children. I am grateful that she took the time to write a letter about tolerance that was published in her local paper. Thank you for making a difference Denise!
Here's her letter:

Our choices have been made and now we should look at ourselves to see where we stand in the name of tolerance.

It seems in our quest to participate and to be active in the political process we have fallen in the trap of accusing people of hatred and bigotry when their view hasn't matched our own.

When we lean out a car window or have our children lean out the car window to call a group of people bigots or racists, we should be sure we aren't being hypocritical or bigots in our own right.

It may be time for us to teach our children what democracy is, what tolerance is and is not, and what freedom of speech is, because from what I saw during the last three weeks of the election we as a community are confused.

We claim that we want a better world and a place where our children can be responsible and sensible adults, but that is not what we are teaching them. We certainly do not want to become the parent or adult who provides the example by saying "do as I say, but not as I do."

I have been left to think about the community of Agoura Hills and the things I saw people doing to each other during the election. Truth be told, I am dismayed by the hatred and the intolerance I was a witness to. Verbal abuse and physical intimidation is not tolerating someone's view. Stealing signs is intolerant. Throwing objects at people that have a different view from yours is called intolerance. I am left to wonder what we are teaching our children.

We shouldn't have to live in a community where we are scared to voice our view because it may not match our neighbors. Your neighbor may have a different opinion but it doesn't make your neighbor a racist, a bigot, or a hater.

We should be teaching our children how to make good and wholesome political choices, not showing them how to tear other people down.

We have time before the next political process to evaluate what we are doing in the name of tolerance.

Thank you Shireen!

I woke up yesterday morning to the good news that Prop 8 had passed! I had expected to feel elated. After all, I had spent many hours working on the campaign. Instead, this thought came into my mind, "You have done well, but this is only the beginning. Much more is expected of you." I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I do know that I need to work harder at opening my mouth and speaking up for truth and righteousness.

Today I opened up my local paper to find an opinion article written by a dear friend of mine. It has nothing to do with Prop 8, but it has everything to do with making a stand for honor. The article quotes the words of John Adams in reminding us that our "constitution was made only for a religious and moral people."

I met my friend Shireen many years ago when I was a new homeschooler. Aaron was in a gardening club with her oldest son. She was a great example to me as an experienced homeschooler and helped give me confidence that I really could do it!

Today she continues to inspire and encourage me through her writing. She not only took the time to write an essay, but she submitted it to the newspaper and got it published! Shireen is a very busy mom who also works with her husband in their business and volunteers in the community. She doesn't have time to write an article--but she did it any way!

I hope you will take a few minutes to read her article "Where is honor?" HERE

Then take a few more minutes to decide how you can heed Shireen's call to "become involved and stand up in this fight against moral decay and corruption."

Shireen is only one person but she made a difference. We all need to follow her example and work to strengthen the power of one.

Each of us can and should make a difference by standing up and speaking out!

Out of My Comfort Zone Again

Jenny and I gave up our morning walk twice this week
to stand up for truth and right!

John and Aaron paved the way.
Last week they volunteered to stand on a busy corner during rush hour and
wave signs in support of Proposition 8

While they were there, some women came to protest holding up
"No on 8" signs.
One of the women was rather confrontational and asked Aaron,
"My sign stands for equality. What does yours stand for?"
I wouldn't have known what to say, but Aaron did.
He didn't hesitate. He replied, "My sign stands for morality."

This week was my chance to stand for morality.
I spent two mornings this week holding a sign, smiling and waving at all the drivers during the morning rush hour.
I also learned what "hate speech" really means.
One motorcyclist sat at the traffic light screaming obscenities and making crude gestures for several minutes.
A businessman rolled down his window to scream, "I hate you people!"
Several women flipped me off.
I was called a number of unprintable names.

Fortunately, about 80% of the response we received was positive.
Many people waved and honked their horns or gave us a thumbs up!

The other people with me had great attitudes. We continued to smile and wave regardless of the reaction of others. One man in our group was so positive. He laughed when we received what he called "a one finger salute". He explained, "That means they think we're #1!"

When I came home from sign waving, I decided it was time to fill out my absentee ballot and send it in. So I have officially voted!

And I'll be back on that street corner again next week.
I am only one person, but I'm doing what I can to make a difference
for my children
for my church
for my goverment
for the family
and for the future.

It's another example of the power of one

Ryan also voted for the first time today!!
He called me last night from Idaho when he was filling out his ballot.
This morning he reported that he had put in the the mail.

When will you vote?
Do you fill out an absentee ballot?

Protect Marriage, Protect the Future

Here's the truth: I really don't like talking to "strangers". Maybe my parents trained me really well, or maybe I'm just not very friendly. Either way, I'm not the kind of person who usually starts a conversation with someone in line at the grocery store.

So what am I doing out knocking on doors all over my neighborhood?
I'm trying to be a good citizen, uphold the sanctity of marriage and make a better future for my children and grandchildren.

In the past few weeks while I've been out talking to people about Proposition 8, I've met just a few nasty people and lots of wonderful, friendly folks who may or may not agree with me. I can respect people who say, "I've studied this issue and I believe I need to vote no on prop 8." I completely disagree with them, but I respect them.

The saddest and scariest part has been meeting people who are apathetic or indifferent. I've encountered people who say things like, "Well, I'm not registered to vote. I'm just too lazy" or "I don't care about politics. It doesn't matter to me." Worst of all was a 30 something mom with young children who told me, "Oh, I'm in support of Proposition 8, but I'm not going to vote." When I asked her why, she answered, "It doesn't matter anyway. It won't make any difference. The courts didn't listen to us last time and they won't this time either. " I tried to explain that this time the wording "Only marriage between and man and a woman is valid or recognized in California" will become part of our California state constitution." Because the courts must uphold our state constitution, it isn't something that can be overturned easily. Unfortunately the woman wasn't convinced. "I'm completely disillusioned and I'm not going to vote anymore" she said as she shut her door.

I wish everyone could see that they CAN make a difference. One person can have an impact through her efforts, her example and her vote! I just need to take Thomas Jefferson with me next time I head out to talk to my neighbors.

Here's a great video about protecting our families and the future.

I Love My Life!

"Have you started school yet?"

This time of year I am asked this question quite often, and I'm never sure how to answer.
Our homeschool life just doesn't fit into that big "First Day of School" mode.

Aaron's math class has continued all summer
Seminary started this week
Our Scholar Projects start next week
Math, Art and History Club start on Sept 8th
Our Young Statesman Club & Young Stateswoman Society start mid September
I traveled throughout the summer teaching and attending trainings.
Our reading, learning & discussions are just part of life and we don't stop or start by the calendar.

Was today a "school day"?
I'm not sure, but we learned a lot and had a great time!

Thanks to free passes from our friends, Marianne, Evan & I went to the San Diego Zoo. I was worried it would be packed for the start of Labor Day weekend. Amazingly, it wasn't crowded and we were able to enjoy some of our favorite spots.

We love this peaceful little garden with the pond and waterfall. Evan loved watching the turtles and the colorful koi and Marianne took this great picture of one of the locals.

The Polar Bears were the more active and playful than I've ever seen them. They were jumping, diving & playing with their food. It is amazing how graceful those huge animals look in the water.

I love seeing all the plants and gardens at the zoo. This plant is a great combination of delicate blossoms and big thorns. Evan wondered if this could be a safety issue for zoo guests. If you look closely you'll even see a spider in the picture.

The Reptile House is another favorite place at the zoo. It's always nice and cool inside! Isn't this Burmese Python beautiful? It is incredible to be so close to such powerful and/or venomous creatures and yet know that they are safely behind glass. (Well, as long as Harry Potter isn't around)

I love the Sky Ride, but I hate waiting in line. Usually we ride it once across the zoo and then walk back, but today we rode it 6 times in a row. The views of the zoo and Balboa Park are gorgeous and the fresh breeze is wonderful.

Here we are on top of the world!

It only takes one day like this to remind me why I LOVE homeschooling!

Our anniversary

Twenty-one years ago today, we were married in the Los Angeles Temple.
John was so nervous that he didn't get any sleep the night before.
I was so uptight that I didn't really enjoy the luncheon and the reception.

Fortunately we have have great pictures to remind us of what a wonderful day it really was!
We had a fabulous honeymoon in Hawaii. During our week on the islands, our good friends were married in the Hawaii temple. It was wonderful because we could really focus and listen to the sealer because we weren't the ones getting married. It was also fun to be a bridesmaid & a groomsman less than week after our own wedding.

Marrying John was the best decision of my life. He is exceedingly kind, patient and gentle. I am so blessed to be married to a man who is a devoted husband and father. John is another example of the power of one. His love and influence have have made all the difference in my life.

Here is the picture I promised of my cousin Heather as a cute little flower girl. Jenny was a lovely 13 yo maid of honor.

My Manly Men

My boys like to do something they call "power struggles" .

They battle with sticks while rolling back and forth on our empty water barrels.
At least we know they've got good balance!

They also love to hike.
Here's Aaron on the top of "Sunset Peak".
It is a hike of less than 1/4 mile from our house.

Evan enjoys the great view from the top!

I am so grateful that my boys enjoy nature. John and the boys love to hike and mountain bike. Sometimes they even bring Marianne and me along.

I've never really been an "outdoorsy" type of person and I am a terrible athlete. In fact, the word athlete probably shouldn't even be in a sentence about me!

When John and I were first married, he suggested we go to the park to play frisbee one Saturday afternoon. I told John I couldn't play frisbee and he didn't believe it. When we got to the park and attempted a game of frisbee he realized I wasn't joking. I really couldn't catch or throw a frisbee. Fortunately, my husband proved himself to be unbelievably kind and patient. For about a month we went to the park once or twice a week to practice. John very lovingly taught his completely uncoordinated wife how to throw a frisbee. Most people would have given up, but not John. I am pleased to say that 20 years later we love to play frisbee together at the beach or the park. I'm by no means an expert and I still make the occasional wild throw. I can't imitate John's fancy moves and catch it under my leg or behind my back, but I can play catch!

I am grateful that we live in an area where it is easy for our family to go biking or hiking or spend time at the beach. It only takes one hike or one walk or one game of frisbee to help us relax and remember what is really important in life. This is another example of the power of one.

President Gordon B. Hinckley wrote,

Our lives are so busy. We run from one thing to another. We wear ourselves out with our studies and our social lives and our pursuit of money. Please don't misunderstand me: I am not saying that any of these things are wrong or bad. But we are entitled to spend some time with ourselves. We need to spend time out in nature where we can think and breathe deeply and feel the earth and listen to the sounds of the ocean or the woods or the mountains.

Find some time to drown out the noise of the world . . . . and take occasion to think about your life. Take time to think about the kind of man or woman you want to become. The scriptures admonish: Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

I Have a New Nephew!

This is Riley!

8lbs 9 oz, 21.5 inches

Isn't he beautiful?!

He was born on Feb.13th to my brother & sister-in-law.

My sister-in-law deserves a gold medal. She had a really tough pregnancy, a long labor and a cesearean to top it all off! But I'm sure she'd be the first to say that it was all worth it.

I just wish I lived close enough to hold this little sweetheart!

Congratulations to his Mom & Dad. Now they get to experience "the power of one" first hand. One little baby changes everything! It is the beginning of a wonderful adventure.

The Power of One

I recently read a great biography called The Real Thomas Jefferson. It was full of inspiring stories and quotes. A theme throughout the book was Jefferson's effort to end slavery. In 1784 Jefferson sponsored a bill about the western territories. He included a clause barring slavery in any of these areas after 1800, but his proposal was defeated by one vote! Jefferson lamented:

The voice of a single individual . . . would have prevented this abominable crime from spreading itself over the new country. Thus we see the fate of millions unborn hanging on the tongue of one man, and Heaven was silent in that awful moment! But is to be hoped it will not always be silent, and that the friends to the rights of human nature will in the end prevail.

Sadly, this is a negative example, but it doesn't change the fact that: One person really can make a difference! This is a true principle and it is important to remember in this election year. I have seen many examples of this in history, in literature and in my own life. I feel strongly about the "power of one" and I will share other examples in future posts.