The Story of Life

More birthday wishes.... Taytum style

While we're on the subject of birthday wishes. Our youngest daughter Taytum turns 9 in a couple weeks. I sat down with her the other night to get a comprehensive birthday list of things she would like for her birthday. 

Mom: Taytum, let's make up a list of what you want for your birthday this year. You can put whatever you want on it.

Taytum: hrmm, let me think. I want a whole entire strawberry shortcake room with strawberry shortcake all over the walls and in my bed...

Mom: Taytum, mommy just custom painted your room for you a month ago remember? You wanted watermelon colored walls and we painted the white birdies on the tree branches?

Taytum: Oh yeah. Well, I guess maybe just a Strawberry Shortcake pillow. That would match right?

Mom: (writes on list- Strawberry Shortcake pillow)

Taytum: I want Room Service.

Mom: Room Service?

Taytum: Yeah, like when you call someone and they bring you whatever you want right to your room.

Mom: Really. Where did you learn about Room Service?

Taytum: On the Suite Life of Zach and Cody.

Mom: I thought we weren't supposed to watch that show, Taytum.

Taytum: Oh, yeah. But I only watched it when you didn't know. and to learn about Room Service.

Mom: (writes down on list- Room Service)

Taytum: (thinks for a minute- then bright idea) I want a diamond dress! Super sparkly with real diamonds. Well not real real diamonds cuz that would be like a thousand zillion dollars, but just kinda real diamonds cuz that would be like a thousand dollars. Is a thousand dollars a lot mom?

Mom: Well, let's just stick with a pretty sparkly princess dress.

Taytum: alright. (silence, and a little disappointed sigh) Mom. I want a new friend. A brand new ALIVE friend. Not a toy friend. A brand new alive friend cuz I don't have one of those.

Mom: That is always a good thing to wish for, let's write it down. (writes down- brand new friend, alive.)

Taytum: This list of things I want is really hard to discover. (She starts looking around the room trying to get ideas) (sees Kanyon) I know! I want Kanyon to be cuter!

Mom: What do you mean, cuter? I thought he was already the cutest thing ever?

Taytum: Yeah, but he'd be cuter with a crown. Then I could wear my princess dress and he could wear his crown and we could be the prince and princess together.

Mom: (writes down- crowns)

Taytum: You know what I love mom. Fashion. I LOVE fashion. Do you think I could be in a fashion magazine? I've always wanted to see my cute face in there... Do you think I could get new hair for my birthday?

Mom: It's going to take a while for your bangs to grow out again, just like the last time you cut them all the way off.

Taytum: hrmm. Well then how about me be a Superstar! Like on T.V.! Like Hannah Montana!

Mom: Well, you could get a karaoke machine and then you could sing like Hannah Montana and see yourself on the video screen.

Taytum: Is that kinda like T.V.?

Mom: Yup.

Taytum: That'll work! Sure.

Taytum: How about a nintendo DS? (sneaky grin)

Mom: Taytum, you're grounded from DS for life.

Taytum: For my whole life?

Mom: You're whole life.

Taytum: Then what about a new game for my Leapster.

Mom: You're grounded from that too.

Taytum: For whole life?

Mom: No. Just for a little while.

Taytum: Then you know what I really really want for my birthday?

Mom: What.

Taytum: AA batteries.

And thus ended the conversation about birthday wishes. And I still have NO idea what to get her.

Happy Birthday, my silly sweet little girl.

Make a Wish

A beacon on a hill cannot be hid

It has been difficult lately to make time to write in my blog. 

I have to admit, when I started my blog a couple years ago it was a pretty lighthearted attempt at chronicling parts of my life. I say "parts" because blogging seemed to be more a way of keeping a "show-off journal" (I steal that phrase from my darling niece who called it like she saw it when she saw blogs for the first time) than a way of journaling anything of true substance or of intimate feelings.

Lately, I am not so interested in the superficial things. I don't care so much about posting darling photos of my children, or happy-go-lucky quips of the day. Not to say there is anything wrong with that. It's just not where my thoughts are at as of late.

I never intended for my blog to become a political platform or an overly personal glimpse into my innermost workings, but I can't help but share some of the things that are really on my mind. So here goes...

Unless you've been living under a rock, I am sure you are aware of the recent controversy over the passage of California's Proposition 8 - which protects the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. It is shocking and disheartening the events that have taken place since the people of California voted and passed this Proposition. Members of the church are being targeted. Our places of worship are being vandalized. Our holy temples are being assaulted by protestors. This stream of pictures tells the story.  When I first saw them, I cried.

Here is a first hand accounting from a missionary couple (sent to me by a friend):

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2008, 10:03 AM

...We come down on Monday evening and stay in the temple
apartments.  The temple complexes are all enclosed with in a
temple wall and a gate and so we are protected.  This
morning several of them tried to come into the temple and so
we now have several men manning the recommend desk,  One of
them even tried to get in through the Baptistry door.  They
were told to go to the front door.  One young man, an
ex-Mormon who has turned gay, wore his missionary tag.  A
woman wore a pair of temple garments on the outside of her
clothes---anything to ridicule the Mormons.

Our new temple president was set apart by Elder Uchtdorf
who told him, that within the next 5 months, the LA Temple
would be shown to the world as a beacon of light.  Within
the first week that he served, those prophetic words came to
pass.  Most of the temple photos, on TV, are taken at night
and show a beacon of light a top a hill.  A Jewish Rabbi
came by the temple this morning and asked how their faith
could support the Mormons because of the great works that
they have done.

The protesters did not show up until 5:00PM as they could
not afford to lose any more work money.  By that time, it is
dark.  The police came and stood inside the gate and
promised us protection.  They kept the gates open and the
members kept coming in spite of the protesting outside.
We left the temple about 5:30 PM and we only saw about 60
protesters down below.  There was more ground media and
helicopter media covering the story that there were
protesters.  Cars honked as they drove by...in favor of the
protesters or against them, I'm not certain.  There may
have been more protesters arrive after that hour, but once
settled in our apartment, we didn 't bother to go back.
And of course, all of the interviews, via TV, were all one
sided.  Our governor, Arnold Schwartznegar thinks that the
vote was unfair and that we should over turn it in favor of
the gay.  They are marching against the New Port Beach
Temple on Sunday.  They will be surprised to realize that we
don't attend the temple on Sundays.

Love ya, Irene and Wally

 

I wouldn't have thought it necessary to state what my position on the matter is, but it seems nothing is certain with this issue. So let me just say, I support Proposition 8 with all my heart, might, mind, and spirit.

I could tell you all the political reasons I support it. I could tell you all the moral reasons I support it. I might even tell you the personal reasons I support it. But none of that would matter. There could be an argument against any of those views. What matters more than any of those reasons is that I support it because I support, uphold, sustain, and follow the prophet as a seer, revelator, and prophet of God.

Even if I had every reason in the world NOT to support Proposition 8, (which the fact that I have a gay brother whom I love would easily fall into that category) the bottom line is, the leadership of the church has made it very clear where they stand on this issue. So as a faithful, though not perfect, Latter-day Saint I follow.

Elder Maxwell, who surely saw vision of our time, for in 1987 he spelled it out clearly:  

"Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency.  Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions. President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.'

"This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked.  In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ.  . . . Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions.

"Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive.  Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened. ... Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost.  Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel.  There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do.  We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was, till then, unconscious of itself.  Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, 'summer is nigh.'  Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat."   (Neal A. Maxwell, “A More Determined Discipleship,” Ensign, Feb 1979, 69–73 An address delivered at Brigham Young University, 10 October 1978)

Each day we decide the degree of our discipleship. Each day we answer the question, "Who's on the Lord's side? Who?" 

Elder Maxwell also testified:

"Now, my brethren, 'these are [your] days' (Hel. 7:9) in the history of the Church. Mark well what kind of days they will be, days when, with special visibility, the Lord will 'make bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations.' (D&C 133:3.) God will also 'hasten' His work. (D&C 88:73.) He will also 'shorten' the last days 'for the elect’s sake'; hence, there will be a compression of events. (Matt. 24:22; JS—M 1:20.) Furthermore, 'all things shall be in commotion.' (D&C 88:91.) Only those in the process of becoming the men and women of Christ will be able to keep their spiritual balance. Brethren, may we 'walk by faith,' and, if necessary, even on our knees!" (Neal A. Maxwell, “‘My Servant Joseph’,” Ensign, May 1992, 37)

    

Here's President Hinckley explaining why the Church becomes involved in issues like Prop. 8.  {This is from his comments in the priesthood session of 10/1999 General Conference, while the Church was working for the passage of Prop 22 a month later.}

 

 
I have time to discuss one other question: "Why does the Church become involved in issues that come before the legislature and the electorate?" 
 
I hasten to add that we deal only with those legislative matters which are of a strictly moral nature or which directly affect the welfare of the Church. We have opposed gambling and liquor and will continue to do so. We regard it as not only our right but our duty to oppose those forces which we feel undermine the moral fiber of society. Much of our effort, a very great deal of it, is in association with others whose interests are similar. We have worked with Jewish groups, Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, and those of no particular religious affiliation, in coalitions formed to advocate positions on vital moral issues. Such is currently the case in California , where Latter-day Saints are working as part of a coalition to safeguard traditional marriage from forces in our society which are attempting to redefine that sacred institution. God-sanctioned marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years. There is no justification to redefine what marriage is. Such is not our right, and those who try will find themselves answerable to God. 
 
Some portray legalization of so-called same-sex marriage as a civil right. This is not a matter of civil rights; it is a matter of morality. Others question our constitutional right as a church to raise our voice on an issue that is of critical importance to the future of the family. We believe that defending this sacred institution by working to preserve traditional marriage lies clearly within our religious and constitutional prerogatives. Indeed, we are compelled by our doctrine to speak out. 

Nevertheless, and I emphasize this, I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. As I said from this pulpit one year ago, our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married. 
 
I commend those of our membership who have voluntarily joined with other like-minded people to defend the sanctity of traditional marriage. As part of a coalition that embraces those of other faiths, you are giving substantially of your means. The money being raised in  California has been donated to the coalition by individual members of the Church. You are contributing your time and talents in a cause that in some quarters may not be politically correct but which nevertheless lies at the heart of the Lord's eternal plan for His children, just as those of many other churches are doing. This is a united effort. -President Gordon B. Hinckley

 

It is not often that the church takes a firm stance on political issues. Let it be said, that it is everyone's right to express themselves and have a voice in the democratic process. For those who are unrightfully targeting the Mormon church and its members because we have exercised our rights, and who in protest to Proposition 8 are calling for a Separation of Church and State, I say "Exactly the point."

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." -Constitution of the United States of America

Updated 11/15 to include:

Today the First Presidency issued this statement about the democratic process: 

Since the people of California voted to reaffirm the sanctity of traditional marriage between a man and a woman on November 4, 2008, places of worship have been targeted by opponents of Proposition 8 with demonstrations and, in some cases, vandalism.  People of faith have been intimidated for simply exercising their democratic rights. These are not actions that are worthy of the democratic ideals of our nation.  The end of a free and fair election should not be the beginning of a hostile response in America. 

The Church is keenly aware of the differences of opinion on this difficult and sensitive matter. The reasons for this principled stand in defense of marriage have already been articulated elsewhere. However, some of what we have seen since Californians voted to pass Proposition 8 has been deeply disappointing. 

Attacks on churches and intimidation of people of faith have no place in civil discourse over controversial issues.  People of faith have a democratic right to express their views in the public square without fear of reprisal.  Efforts to force citizens out of public discussion should be deplored by people of goodwill everywhere.    

We call upon those who have honest disagreements on this issue to urge restraint upon the extreme actions of a few that are further polarizing our communities and urge them to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other.

It's the vote that counts

"This is still God's world. The forces of evil, working through some mortals, have made a mess of a good part of it. But it is still God's world. In due time, when each of us has had a chance to prove ourselves--including whether or not we are going to stand up for freedom--God will interject himself, and the final and eternal victory shall be for free agency. And then shall those complacent people on the sidelines, and those who took the wrong but temporarily popular course, lament their decisions. To the patriots I say this: Take that long eternal look. Stand up for freedom, no matter what the cost. Stand up and be counted. It can help to save your soul--and maybe your country."

(Teachings of Ezra T. Benson Chapter 5 - P. 592)

{I am just passing this along as a friend passed it along to me.}

To elect the Elect

In just one more day, our country will have a newly elected President. More than any time before I feel the weight of this decision. I am sure many of you do as well.

There are many people out there that feel stuck between voting for the lesser of two evils in this Presidential election. Many of us struggle with the thought that our votes are being thrown away. I would like to share some thoughts on that which an acquaintance shared with me.

It feels rotten to think that what we have are "Gadianton Team A," and "Gadianton Team B" that most people will be choosing between.  In other words, most will be "throwing their vote away."  Such are duped and fooled to think they, in casting their vote for one of the two top stooges,  are helping ensure the "worse" gadianton robber doesn't get in. 

Christ taught "by their fruits ye shall know them," not by their rhetoric.

More recent, even President Hinckley tried to give us some understanding of "scheming leaders" as he described the Book of Mormon, a book "as current as the morning newspaper."  It was President Hinckley too, who in 1997 stated that he looks out across the world today and "search[es] in vain" for men like unto the US Founding Fathers.  If a seer today "searches in vain" for men like the founders, it is because they are not currently filling the judgement seats---they are not to be had, even the ones who profess to be "good conservative christians."  In that same talk, Gordon B. Hinckley gave us as strong an endoresement of the US Founders as any prophet in our history has done.  And yet he "searches in vain" for such.  That is the truth today, even more than it was then. Neither Obama or McCain are men like unto our country's Founding Fathers. And certainly neither of them are focused on upholding and preserving the principles of our Constitution, those principles which our Founding Fathers established through pure inspiration from our Father in Heaven.

So, what then can we do?

Hear the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith's Brother, Hyrum the Patriarch:

"We engage in the election the same as in any other principle: you are to vote for good men, and if you do not do this it is a sin: to vote for wicked men, it would be sin. Choose the good and refuse the evil. Men of false principles have preyed upon us like wolves upon helpless lambs. Damn the rod of tyranny; curse it. Let every man use his liberties according to the Constitution. Don't fear man or devil; electioneer with all people, male and female, and exhort them to do the thing that is right. We want a President of the U. S., not a party President, but a President of the whole people; for a party President disfranchises the opposite party. Have a President who will maintain every man in his rights."  (History of the Church, Vol.6, Ch.15, p.323)

and Joseph Smith himself professed:

"...we shall have the satisfaction of knowing that we have acted conscientiously, and have used our best judgment.  And if we have to throw away our votes, we had better do so upon a worthy rather than an unworthy individual who might make use of the weapon we put in his hand to destroy us." (Times and Seasons, Nauvoo, IV, 441.  Cited also in Roberts, Comprehensive History, II, 208-209.)

So I would ask you, on this election day, what will you do?

I will tell you what I'm doing. I am voting Independent for someone who upholds and values the Constitution of the United States of America. 

And then I am going to pray for our country.

Who's behind the curtain?

Does anyone else out there feel like this election is a great big joke?

There is so much media spin and political rhetoric going. Am I the only American that sees how manipulated these elections are?

We talk a lot about the political process in our home. About liberty. About choice. About freedom and the responsibility that comes with it.

Yesterday my daughter's school had a mock Presidential election. All week Lainey was telling her friends about the candidate she wanted to vote for. No one had even heard of him. When it came time for the ballots, Lainey was devastated to see there were only 2 columns. One for Obama and one for McCain. She took her ballot to her teacher and asked where the other candidates running for President were. The teacher then told her, "There aren't any other candidates you can vote for." Lainey explained to her there was! So she took her ballot and wrote in "Chuck Baldwin- Independent".

I was so proud of my Lainey when she related the story to me, and disgusted at the same time. How many Americans have been duped into thinking there are only 2 choices?! and why aren't our children being given the opportunity to see for themselves that they have a voice that doesn't have to comply with mainstream gullibility? 

Somebody please pull back the curtain and expose this political process for what it is! We DO have a voice!

FALL-ing asleep

Fall is finally upon us! It is one of my favorite times of year. I love the way the leaves change colors right before your eyes. But I HATE how those leaves fall all over my yard and driveway, thanks to the ginormous OAK trees that surround our house.

The other day we pulled in the driveway and Taytum asked if she could rake up the leaves. Of course I was happy to let her!

As I was getting Keaton out of the car he asked, "What is Taytum going to do?" 

I told him, "She is going to rake up the leaves. Do you want to help her rake them up?"

He says, "Sure mom!"

I plop him down on the driveway and he walks over to a large pile of leaves laying on the grass, bends over closer to them and shouts to them "WAKE UP leaves! WAKE UP!"

I love that boy!

and they say we're not Christian... BAH!

My brother's friend took the official transcript from this past General Conference and placed it into the website www.woodle.net to see what words were most commonly used during conference. This is what came up:

What I took away from conference:

Prepare. Stay Faithful. Be ready for tribulation. Remain true to the principles of the gospel, despite the world. Always be patriotic, despite the imperfections of our government. Remember that our country was established by the hand of God. Follow the Prophet.

Don't you just love conference?

A series of fortunate events- THE REVEAL

PHEW! It took a little longer than I meant to update this entry!

I suppose it is time to let you all in on what has been happening lately.

This little baby of mine is growin'!

You might remember that I was introduced to the satirical site SERIOUSLY so BLESSED a while ago. We placed our ad for our Greeting Cards on there thinking it was the perfect place to advertise! It was! We doubled our site hits + more and had rolls of orders coming in.

What I didn't anticipate was the other doors it would open for me....

Shortly after placing the ad, I redesigned TAMN's website for her. That turned into a request to design a shirt and card for her, which in turn led to designing her business logo. A few weeks ago she asked me again to design another shirt. She wanted one with the saying from her blog I need a personal mini vaycay. As I was working on it, it came to me "Hey, I really do need me a personal mini vaycay!" So, I finished the shirt and headed off on my own vaycay to Utah.

The shirt:

Originally my trip to Utah was scheduled because of this:

My littlest sister Amanda's Wedding. (Isn't she gorgeous!)

But because of the turn of events that has happened since getting my name known on Seriously so Blessed, my mini personal vaycay turned into this:

I was hired by The Sweet Tooth Fairy to redesign her business, give it a facelift, and act as designer and consultant on the opening of her new storefront in Provo! In the process of all the business we had to take care of, we found that we made great friends too! {Love you Meg!}

It was a whirlwind of creating and pulling things out of thin air, putting it all together and late late nights, but TOTALLY worth it! What I didn't realize is how much I would love doing that kind of work. Once I did, amazingly, jobs starting seeking me out! I started getting request for other design jobs, and so my personal mini vaycay took another turn. I simply had no choice! When I got back, I had to do this:

 

My new design and consulting service. My hope is to help other mom's like me take their creativity and turn them into profitable ways to make money, or fulfill a purpose, or become something they only dreamed was possible! And, for those not so ambitious, I also do blog designs. :)

{If you are my friend you can get 50% my fees- but you have to know the secret code: my hubby's real first name.}

I am excited to see where things go. I have always known that I would help provide for my family by using my talents, but I am never sure how that will show up in my life. Right now, this is how it is playing out I guess!

I have already had a lot of great opportunities presented to me, and I hope to be up to the challenge!

Go check out my site! I hope it inspires you! Daydreams by Design.

Now, just when you think that is all... one more very fortunate turn of events that came about because of my personal mini vaycay:

I got to have a whole week ALONE with my baby! (Who isn't going to be a baby much longer!-choke back the tears) 

With 4 older children demanding my attention, a husband who is gone ALOT, business ventures keeping me glued to my computer chair, I had never really had the chance to fall head over heals in love with my last baby boy!

Don't get me wrong, I knew Kanyon was adorable. I knew his looks took after his father and that his tenacity came from me. I knew that he was an easy and cheerful child that gives others joy to be around. But I didn't KNOW him like I should.

On our trip together we bonded, we laughed, we cuddled, we talked, we shopped, we picked out paint colors, we danced, we ate, we played, we chased little dogs. We connected in every way and I discovered that I have been blessed with the sweetest, happiest, strong, loving, and joyful little boy to love and raise! Thank you Heavenly Father for sending me such a gift!

My life is full of fortunate events.

A Series of Fortunate Events

It has been a while since I have been able to post. I have been super uber busy! Here is a hint at what I have been working on: {click on cookie to see answer}

Prayers for Nie Nie

About Nie

On Saturday, August 16, 2008, Stephanie Nielson was in a plane crash with her husband, Christian Nielson, and his flight instructor, Doug Kinnear, near St. Johns, Arizona. Doug Kinnear passed away soon after arriving at the Maricopa County Hospital.

Christian & Stephanie remain in critical condition at Maricopa Burn Center. Christian has sustained burns on over 30% of his body. His wife Stephanie’s body was burned over 80%.

For the past four years, Stephanie has welcomed the blogging world into her charming abode through the NieNie Dialogues. The Nielsons are ingenuous examples of family devotion, eternal romance, and Christ centered faith.

Even though I don't personally know Stephanie, I am connected to her through various friends. This family's story has touched me so deeply. It is amazing to watch the outreach of loved ones and complete strangers coming together in prayer and love for this family. 

As anyone would, I wanted to do something! So I decided to design a card dedicated to their welfare & recovery. 

Stephanie is known for her talent of making silhouettes. In the design of the card Prayers for Nie Nie, I used silhouettes of her and her husband. The balloon is a tribute to the Nielson family's sweet tradition of sending balloons up into the sky with wishes inside. Since their accident, thousands of balloons have been released with prayers and wishes for their recovery. To me, the balloon in this design represents the Nielson Family receiving the grace of all those prayers and wishes.

The Prayers for Nie Nie card will be for sale on my website www.lineuponlinecards.com, with all proceeds being donated to the Stephanie Nielson Fund. 

We are also sending the family their own set of cards. Hopefully they will be able to give them out as Thank You's for all the generous outpouring of help they have received.

{To make your own donation, go to paypal and donate to nieniefund@gmail.com}

Follow their Recovery

Seriously, so Blessed

Someone's been holding out on me! I finally came across this hilarious blog the other day and couldn't believe that I had not before now known of it's existence!

Seriously so Blessed  is a darling little site where the author spoofs the Mormon mommy blog phenomenon by writing her own over-the-top exaggerated version! It is full of ironic observations and tons of Mormon banter.

Here's some of what the Deseret News had to say about it:

She is way in love with her cute husband. She sells yummy-smelling candles. She hearts Stampin Up! and is super-excited to be preggers.
She is Tiffany/Amber/Megan/Nicole, and she's a composite character — some might call her a stereotype. She's the voice behind "Seriously, so blessed!" — a satirical blog that is so true to form, you might not catch that all those exclamation points are meant to be ironic.

The site was created in June by an individual who prefers to remain anonymous but who via e-mail correspondence claims to be a married 25-year-old Mormon mom living in Utah. "Seriously, so blessed!" was intended to be a good-natured response to those perky mommy-blogs so prevalent in family circles.

"I made 'Seriously, so blessed!' one afternoon while our baby was napping last month, just as a joke for a couple of friends after laughing about how funny family blogs can get...the widgets, the enthusiasm, the tone, the whole bit," she said. "I definitely made it in good fun and not out of spite."

Riddled with cheeriness and superlatives, TAMN's blog is a hilarious spoof on the way women portray their family life for their readers. TAMN and her husband, Jordan/Jason/Wes/Taylor, have a fairy-tale romance. They live in a condo/townhouse/mini-mansion while JJWT attends law/dental/business/medical school -- take your pick. The site has been a hit in the few weeks it's been online, catching the eye of MormonTimes.com's Emily Jensen.

The author of "Seriously, so blessed!" says, "I figure the attention this is getting just shows what a hilarious phenomenon the married Mormon blog has become. TAMN combines everything entertaining and obnoxious in the blogs that make us all both laugh and cringe; I guess joking about them is an easier, more entertaining way to deal with it than barfing."

Read the full story online at MormonTimes.com

She had me at "now we are going to Law/Business/Dental/Medical/ school -so hard!"

Needless to say, it is the PERFECT place to advertise my funny little Mormon greeting cards! Where else are you going to have 5000 daily readers that love Mormon hilarity all in one spot?

So, we placed an ad. AWESOME! 

Working with "TAMNers" has been super fun. She even keeps her anonymity through our emails. But we did get to know each other a little bit and I was able to do some design work for her, including making a new look for her blog {see header above}, blog buttons and links, her new Seriously, so Blessed Logo, a rockin' T-shirt {the fairy tale one} which will make it's debut this week, and her very own Line upon Line greeting card. {She is seriously, so blessed.}

I just wanted to pass along the blessings! Go check out her site! or watch her on this local TV interview: KSL NEWS.com

And if you hurry you might be able to win some of our cards we have in her giveaway! Because life is all about giving.

...a continuation in LOVE.

For those interested, I meant to follow up on my previous post Adoption is about Love by showing you some photos of another get-together of my dad and his birth family. This evening pictured, my dad was able to meet all of his brothers on his birth-mom's side. His two sisters weren't able to make it. It's uncanny how much he looks like some of them. I think it's safe to say that they have all been overwhelmed by my dad's new presence in their lives. Some overwhelmed with joy, and some just overwhelmed, but none the less they all have embraced him with open, loving arms.

So my sister's obsession continued, and not able to let it rest just yet, she went back into detective mode. She found my dad's birth father! ....Once again, unfortunately he has already passed away; back in 2000. Since my dad hasn't shown interest in meeting his birth dad or his family, in a strange way, maybe it was good he had already passed on; His death gave us the opportunity to learn about him in his obituary. We even learned some much needed/useful medical history (so applicable to many of us in the family) Since this side of the family may or may not even know of my dad's existence I won't post details, except that my dad has 4 more half brothers and 3 half sisters! I have to admit, I really would still like to meet these siblings!

His birth dad seemed to really be a great man. I suppose they can catch up in the life to come. Here are a couple of pictures of him. I think you'll see the resemblance here as well in the nose and mouth area (though he still looks more like his birth mom to me than anything).

Forecast: 10 months of sunshine

It is amazing to me to think that a mere 10 months ago on October 13th, I birthed forth from my body this boy!

Oh, my sweet not-so-little Kanyon! Were did you come from?! 

The other day I took the boys to have their doctor check ups. Kanyon (10 months) weighed 25 lbs, and Keaton (3 years) weighed 29 lbs. No wonder our friends love to call Kanyon "Tank" and at home he is always lovingly referred to as "Chunky Monkey".

I will tell you something though. That boy needs that much room to hold in all the gianormous personality he has! What a big buttery ball of sunshine he is! He is always happy and smiling, and shining his big huge teethy grin at you. He loves life, every bit of it and wants every one around him to feel it too.

I love you my little Kanyon Man!

Taytumism #374

The other day I took Taytum to her psychiatrist appointment. We usually spend quite a long time in the waiting room when we go. While sitting there in the large, white, sterile waiting room with all the other waiting patients sitting in silence, Taytum made this observation:

Taytum: Mom I'm bored.

Mom: I know honey. Just keep sitting still and it will be our turn soon.

Taytum: Why is everyone being so quiet.

Mom: uh-huh (not really listening)

Taytum: This place is too quiet and too boring. 

silence while Taytum is deep in thought...

Taytum: Mom, you know what this place needs?

Mom: What's that.

Taytum: They need a quiet little clown.

Mom: A quiet little clown, huh...  (While in my mind I am thinking: "Yup, that's just what this psychiatrist office needs... a little quiet clown running around freaking out all the psych patients with his silent little juggling act." I can just see the patients rocking back and forth in their seats crying for their mommies while they think they are having another mental breakdown! Clowns are CREEPY! Especially little quiet ones!)

But you know, she does have a good point. It wouldn't be so boring then, now would it!

Adoption is about Stewardship, not Ownership

With all this adoption excitement, I just wanted to share a little more of our own family's personal experience.

As you may know, we adopted two of our children through DCFS services in Utah. Our daughters came to our family at different times but are actually full-blooded sisters. Their birth-mom was abusing drugs and that's why they were taken from her. We have had a very open relationship from day one with their birth-mom. We consider her a friend and part of our own family. She has worked so hard to straighten her life out and we are so proud of her. Giving her children up had to be the hardest thing she ever had to do. We have so much gratitude to her for that selfless act. We have always felt it important to keep her and the girls connected. We see her every time we go to visit Utah.

The last time we were visiting, she surprised us with an offer to meet the girls' birth-dad. We had not known him before because he had been serving time in prison. After his release he married and had 2 other children, but she and him had stayed friends. At first I was hesitant to have the girls meet him because I didn't know what to expect. But I put myself in his place and thought about what it would mean to meet his children.

We agreed to meet with him.

As soon as we walked into the place we had decided to meet, I saw him and my heart swelled when I looked at his face. It was like looking at a replica of my daughter Lainey! Taytum immediately went up and grabbed him and hugged him. It was like a magnet. Both girls instantly connected with him and their half-brother. It was an emotional and overwhelming reunion. I was full of joy for each of them.

As the reunion wound to a close, he approached me and thanked me for giving him the greatest gift of meeting the girls. He told me how grateful he was to us for caring for and loving them and giving them such a good life. He said he didn't think he deserved to meet them, but had prayed for that moment for 10 years. I felt I needed to thank him for allowing me the privilege of having these wondrous daughters. It was clear to me that Heavenly Father had a hand in each of our lives. 

I am so thankful that these parents were able to see past themselves and love their children enough to give them a better life. I feel honored to know them and have them as a special part of our lives. It is such a blessing that my girls know where they come from and how loved they were. 

This experience has taught me the sacredness of adoption and even of having my own children. Heavenly Father allows us to be a steward of His spirit children, just as these parents have allowed me to mother their children. What a glorious and loving act!

{Lainey and Taytum with their birth-mom Shandell}

{Lainey and Taytum with their Birth-Dad Jeremy}

{Lainey and Taytum first meeting with their Birth-dad}

{Family Reunion}

Adoption is about LOVE

I don't normally like to make lengthy entries on this blog, so let me apologize to those who don't like to read a lot on these...I can't help it. This post deserves quite an explanation.

My dad was born in 1947 (sorry to reveal your real age dad) and adopted by two wonderful parents: Faye and Jerome.

He was raised, an only child, by parents who loved him and did everything for him. He was their entire world.

He had a happy childhood and has grown to be a successful, accomplished man.

Through the years us children have gently urged him to find his birth parents so we could know our ancestry and maybe our medical history. His answer was always the same, "I had the best parents in the world." We respected his feelings for that. Then about 3 or 4 years ago my dad just out of the blue mentions that he had found his birth mother...I was floored. However, he said when she was contacted she denied ever having him. I'm sure this was quite the blow. After not really wanting to find her and finally talking himself into it, he gets that response! We were all really disappointed and sad.

However, my sister who works as an LDS Social Worker in the Adoption Agency found herself obsessing about it. Wanting to find as much as she possibly could, she kept searching but hitting dead-end after dead-end. Finally she found someone who knew someone who could get her some information that she otherwise wouldn't have had. This opened doors! She soon found our father's birth-mother. There had been two records of information; one on the actual birth-mother and one that my dad thought was also his birth-mother. She soon discovered that the latter was, in fact NOT his birth-mom. The woman who had denied ever having him, actually hadn't. They had contacted the wrong woman! That was happy news! 

It turned out his birth-mom had passed away, but had been married to a man whom she had several children with. Coincidentally, this man lived just blocks away from my dad's summer house in St.George! My sister passed along the info to my dad in hope that he would do something with it.

One Sunday after church, my dad and his wife decided they would stop by this man's house and see if he could give them any more information about his birth mother.

When the old man came to the door my dad asked if he had been married to Lawana Williams. The man said "Yes." Then my dad asked the man if he knew if his wife had, had a child before they were married. This sweet old man answered "yes." and my dad declared that he was that child. After a short pause this man said with tears in his eyes, "Well, son, I think I have some things I'd like to show you. We have been hoping to find you for a long time." Thus began my dad's welcome with wide-open, loving arms into his new family. 

He has 4 brothers and 2 sisters! Some of them knew of him and some did not. One brother in particular had been praying since he was 17 (when he found out about him) that he would find his big brother one day. My dad's birth mother's wish was to find him before she died. My heart hurts to think of the loving heart of a mother aching and yearning for 50 years, wondering how her son was, and never finding the answer in this life. Thankfully, now in heaven we're sure she knows he was happy and always felt loved; That he was raised with care and adoration, and that she had given his parents the best gift she ever could. And now my dad knows that he was wanted, and yearned for, even by the man she married just one year after his birth.

So this last weekend as many of my brothers and sisters joined my dad in St. George to meet some of our new family. They met with one of my dad's brothers and all of his children and his "Step-Birth-Father." And oh what a happy, spiritual, and emotional reunion it was. We look forward to meeting with his other siblings soon. Adoption is truly about love.

("Step-Dad Webb")

(Brother Harold)

(Birth mother- Lawana Williams Webb)

Thank you to the Webb Family for opening your arms and more importantly your hearts to us, your new family. And thank you, most of all, Lawana, my dad's birth mother, for your selfless act that gave my dad a wonderful life, and for your hand in heaven that helped reunite a family.

Monkey see monkey do

I can hardly believe my little Keaton just turned 3 years old! Where does the time go? This birthday snuck up on me so fast I didn't even have a party planned or a birthday cake made until an hour before we decided to take the family to Caesarland as an impromptu celebration. Oh, I am such a good mom.

I managed to take inspiration at the last minute from my mom and sister who had just made this masterpiece of a cake  together for my sister's birthday a couple days ago. Yeah, after seeing that I had no choice. I HAD to do something for my little guy! This was my first attempt at a cake decorated with fondunt. Not necessarily ACE of CAKES worthy, but my little guy loved it and that's what counts!

So this is what he got:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEATON!

Nothing puts a smile on your face like Bare Naked Ladies

It's really hard for me to pin down my favorite group of all time because I love so many and like so many different kinds of music. But I would have to rank The Bare Naked Ladies right up there at the top.

Before they were popular I was listening to them, and so was my husband Kent. So when we met, it was a funny coincidence that we had a love of The Bare Naked Ladies in common. When we were first married we went to see them play at a club. There were probably only a few hundred people there. Then, just a couple short years later they hit it big time. For years to come we would always try to go see them in concert whenever they were in town.

So, maybe it was a bit of nostalgia that made me so happy I made this purchase:

After a long and dreadful day, I went to Target to pick up some necessities. Then I saw it there- the Bare Naked Ladies' new CD for kids, staring up at me, saying "Buy me" "Buy me". So I did! 

In the parking lot I stuck it in my CD player and listened to it on the way home.

I had a huge smile on my face the whole way!

It is clever and sweet and everything you would expect from the Bare Naked Ladies.

As I was enjoying my listen, a song came on that made my heart swell with joy. It's called "Eraser."

"Why" you ask, "would a song about an eraser make you so happy?"

I'll tell you the reason:  Taytum.

You see, Taytum has a little obsession about erasers. She loves to write and draw, but gets a little OCD about it. She will draw, then erase, then draw and erase some more. The problem has gotten so bad that she was spending all her class time working on one little word or picture and erasing the life out of her papers. Finally her teacher had to make the rule "No erasers!" But then, Taytum started pilfering erasers from home, only to have them confiscated by her teacher. At the last parent/teacher conference the teacher told me that she had a drawer full of erasers that belonged to Taytum. We had a good little chuckle about the absurdity of it all.

So, when I heard this song, I just had to do something with it. I came up with this little music video that I plan to give her teachers at the end of school.

NOTE: BEFORE WATCHING YOU MUST PAUSE THE MUSIC ON MY PLAYLIST SO YOU CAN HEAR THE VIDEO

Enjoy!

Taytum-ism #61

Taytum has a nervous habit of chomping on her fingers, tearing all her nails down to the nubbins and then gnawing on her cuticles. We can't seem to break her of the habit. We have tried a lot of different things, but none have worked. I have thought about duct-taping gloves to her hands but she would probably chew through the fabric just to get at those tasty fingers.

Kent had the great idea to take her to a professional manicurist and get her cuticles cleaned up and nails painted pretty with nail polish. Maybe they would look too pretty then to chew at. {Her nail polish was chewed off by the end of the day.}

When she got home she excitedly showed my her beautiful manicured hands and then exclaimed to me, 

"Look mom! They cleaned the testicles off my fingernails!"