My all time favorite movie in song form.

My Portrait Photography

Have you visited my portrait photography blog?
Check it out here: http://paywhatyoucanportraits.blogspot.com/

Simply Give Birth

This is a lovely new book that came out this month.
I even happen to be in one of the stories. I have loved reading this gorgeous book, and I hope you will to.
http://www.simplygivebirth.com/

9/11 Let there be peace

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

There are a lot of ways to handle and approach this day.

But I hope that love and good will be what reigns.

May our good works and love for our fellow men, clean the wounds of this day.

I still remember the outpouring of goodness I saw and was a part of, in that first night and in the days to follow. I'll always remember holding sobbing strangers in my arms.

I wish we could all always be so close and kind to each other as many were in those first hours and days. The horrific images will never be forgotten, but below are how I want to remember. For far too brief a time our hearts were broken, our spirits contrite, and we loved one another.

(Yes, there were some who chose to be cruel and racist. But they shouldn't be defining.)

Candlelight vigil that night

The following day

If you look closely you can see people clapping.

It was a beautiful moment of mutual love, respect and support

Spontaneous Sweetness

On the side of my blog you'll also find a 9/11 music playlist on the Finetune Player.

The Way

Do Justly

Love Mercifully

Walk Humbly with thy God

In meditation and scripture study lately, I have been stuck by how often humility and charity are the things that are most often asked of us. But not only that, they are the solution to everything we come up against. Can you imagine if everyone dealt justly, loved mercifully, and walked humbly with God? How would all our lives be different if we did?

sources: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/micah/6/8#8

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/ether/12/27#27

There's a real prolem

I'm not sure how to approach this because it's all connected.
but let me start with a list of physical parts of a woman.

Thighs
Hips
Waist
breasts/chest
Lips/mouth
Hair

Considering the way women are portrayed and viewed then that list is rather sexy.
But that really bothers me. I'm fine with being beautiful and my husband finding me attractive. But females are made so erotic as to be nothing more than an glorified sex toy. An object that is either used or hidden. Wrong by our very nature.
I find our hair an interesting example. Oh the drama that is hair. Women on makeover shows cry over it. It is often forcibly removed as a means of fetish or punishment in books and film.(I looked up "cut her hair" on Google books almost everything was degrading/erotic/abusive. Also there is a site that chronicles on screen haircuts almost all are on females and are erotic/abusive/degrading) There is a great big world of fetish about it. (I sadly know about this, since a part of my abuse as a child related to my hair. So now haircuts frighten and intrigue me. Look up hair on the Internet, you'll find interesting stories and hairstyle ideas and you'll also find degradation, porn and abuse.) And Men never receive this kind of depiction, nor would a list of their non- sexual body parts be so salacious.

Similarly our breasts are made for mammalian nourishment, but they are so highly conceived as sexual, that a photo of a child nursing sends people into fits and at times even gets law enforcement involved. What bothers me is that there is sooooo much degradation of women out there that no one really cares about. From horror films, music and video games to advertising. We are so saturated that I think many have stopped noticing all together. But when people are up in arms over public breastfeeding more than the are abusive fetishes and/or poor music/film/written depictions of women we have a real problem.

Also I would also like to rant about the unfortunate idea that if a man has a pornography addiction is behooves woman to be "sensitive" to that. As in cover up, in our clothes, in our breastfeeding. The breastfeeding one really pisses me off because it means that supporting a man doing something wrong is more important than supporting a woman doing something right.

As I said we have problems...

Part of my solution is talking about it, and breastfeeding publicly. (without the poncho)

What's your solution?

1 sleeping 30+pound toddler in a car seat.
2 sets of stairs up to our apartment
4 bags of groceries
1 fabulous hug-a-monkey sling
+ 92 degree weather and a conscience that would never let me leave my baby in the car
Solution:

Put on sling, add one toddler, add one milky breast to toddler's sleepy mouth.
Carry up my bag and the first two grocery bags, put away the ice cream and milk contained therein.
Go back down stairs, carry up the last two bags, lay down with toddler on bed, slip the sling off of me and resume breastfeeding still sleeping toddler. Sigh a sigh of gratitude and relief. While toddler sleeps, put away the perishable groceries, spend time on Internet, and blog.

Thanks to the sweet crunchy mamas who made such a moment possible.
(Just think if I had weaned my daughter by now or stopped using slings.gasp)
Oh crunchy life what would I do without you? :D

Yesterday Was Tough

I find this song comforting. I always feel a bit shaken when abuse rears it's head once more within my community. I know it happens all the time, every moment really. But when it come too near to home... I can't feel okay. To everyone who has even an inkling that someone you know may be being emotionally, physically or sexually abused. Please call the police. Don't just look away.
To anyone being abused, you can find peace and happiness. Life described in this song can be true for all of us.

Target Women

This is one of my favorites. Basically Target Women cleverly roasts the way women are marketed too. To enjoy more visit: http://current.com/target-women/

P.S. Ironically the yogurt one is so good, Eve wanted yogurt after we showed it to a friend.

Homemade playdough fixes everything and I agreed with palin on something

I have returned to the world of blogging.

I made play dough this morning out of one part each: cornstarch, baking soda, and flour. I mixed in water and olive oil. Then I heated it in the microwave, then kneaded it, then heated it again, then kneaded in more water and oil until it reached a good consistency. The proof that it can fix so much is that I'm PMS-ing, and Eve is teething with a possible uti. Why, yes we are grumpy and temperamental. But play dough fixed us both right up. Huzzah!

Now for the real shocker:
I completely agreed with Governor Palin when the whole tasteless Letterman joke went down. I was real proud of her as a fellow mom and women for making a big deal out of it. I doubt I will ever agree with her on something again. But I still thought it was great that she spoke up and out about the matter.

I also enjoyed a Disney movie today. It was Dinosaur. I liked the messages, characters, and plot. I had never seen it before and I don't like most Disney stuff, always excepting pixar, so I was surprised how much I liked it.

Blog posts to come:
Good lunch ideas
Great reads
Eating locally
two year olds
Not Buying it

I'm loving this blog

What an active and wonderful advocate this lovely blogger it.
http://one-of-those-women.blogspot.com/
Though I'm rather sad we need her efforts, and oh boy do we need them!
No one gets fussed about the multitude of smut found far and wide out there. But anything to do with breastfeeding, is dirty and wrong. Oh heaven help us all. As mammals we are made to feed our young. I understand that there are women who really need formula, I'm saddened about the women who use formula who could make perfectly nice breastmilk for their babies.

You know I bet I'm in the minority to think that Nestle and Playboy something BIG in common, but boobies are sexy/dirty sure is their main reason for making money. (You two should really team up, maybe you should even be bff's.) :)

I miss this....

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-170758033818344363&hl=en

(I couldn't find a way to embed this video)

How I loved the NW Folklife Festival....

Contra Dancing there was always my favorite part, sadly I haven'tmade it to a conrta dance in years.

I highly recommend finding a place to do it in your area: http://www.contradancelinks.com/

There is nothing I've ever done that's felt quite that exhilarating. Also while it looks impressive, it's picked up quickly and people are always kind to beginners.

"http://d.yimg.com/m/up/fop/embedflv/swf/fop.swf"/>

The Raping of Rock Canyon

So a certain Mister Davis wants to pillage and plunder a certain gorgeous park in Utah.
People love to hike, bike, climb, and camp there. Not to mention that it's smack dab in a residential area and very close to an LDS Temple. Fortunately in a community that I thought cared only of blind-drill-baby-drill-Republican-greedy-capitalism, people are trying to stop it. While I still need to write to my representatives, I figured I could should still get the word out with my blog.
To learn more please visit:
http://provo.org/displayarticle200.html

http://preserverockcanyon.com/

http://nn.byu.edu/story.cfm/72104

I encourage everyone to find a way to get involved. If he really gets his way, it would be a tragedy.

Make It Stop

I am so incredibly fed up with the never ending disparagement of the female form.
It often feels like our looks should be our only concern. To achieve the rather impossible standards set for us, it would we require our full attention. Everywhere I look there's something about someway to change or "improve" our appearance. I am sick and tired of it. Especially since most of the attack is sent at moms. (Happy Freakin' Mother's Day) At a local Women's Expo one of the speaker's is a plastic surgeon talking about "Mommy Makeovers". You had children? Well, let us help you look less disgusting, with luck perhaps you can even pretend that mess never happened to you. :)

My body has performed miracles, not that prepubescent stick figure this sick county reveres.
Also while I am nearly three sizes smaller than I was pre-pregnancy, I'm still curvy so it doesn't matter. I'm sure those muggle nutters would be more than happy to take care of my "mom tummy".
All women within the sound of my blog, please love yourselves enough the way you are, to put a stop to all this madness. Stop letting women be ripped apart. Embrace what's real and good in all of us. We have far better things to put our minds and energy into than the size of our waists.


I suggest we could all learn an important lesson from Connie Culp. Her husband shot her in the face 5 years ago. Recently she underwent face transplant surgery. She says: "I was worried about my weight and everything," she said of her life before the shooting, lamenting how foolish that seems now. "You're always going to worry about something, you know, your waist, your weight ... your hair. It's so funny."

Now she's just grateful to have a face and a nose. I found her refreshing and admirable. She's also taking the time to speak out about domestic violence. A topic I care greatly about. To learn more about her please visit these links:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/Story?id=7535591&page=1
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7536175


To learn more about Domestic Violence please visit:
http://www.ncadv.org/
http://www.justicewomen.com/cj_whydoesntsheleave.html
http://www.newsweek.com/id/188353
http://alisaterry.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-society-supports-abuse-and-abusers.html

Lest you feel that there is a disconnect between the beginning and the end of my post, keep in mind that all of this talk that degrades and demeans women lowers their self worth and is really just a form of societal abuse. A women with low self worth is lot more willing to take abuse, especially from loved ones. (Yes, I know that abuse can be perpetuated by both genders and no one deserves to live that way. The sad truth is that only the "lucky" ones do live.)

We must stand up, speak out, and do better.

Renaissance Festivals aka the ren faire

So I've always heard of them happening somewhere at sometime or other.
I hear of people who have been to them.
I remember one on Reading Rainbow.
But I've always missed them.
I use to have a lovely costume collection, but since I had no place to use them I got rid them. :(
But then I just found out that there's a Renaissance Faire this weekend and next.
Huzzah
No how to talk my husband into this.... Well at least my daughter and I can go. It's a fantasy faire too. So I'm thinking Fairies!!!!!
I just found this website http://www.renaissancefestival.com/
Go find out when your local faire is.

Helpful Links:
http://www.ehow.com/how_17228_dress-renaissance-faire.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_17227_enjoy-renaissance-faire.html
http://www.renaissancefairecostumes.org/
http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-the-Renaissance-Fair
http://costumes.lovetoknow.com/Renaissance_Festival_Costumes
http://www.fabrics-store.com/blog/2009/05/06/easy-ideas-for-renaissance-garb/
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080513233106AAW29Si (Men's shirt idea is clever and simple)
http://mydisguises.com/2009/03/18/ren-faire-resources/
http://www.ehow.com/how_2284941_talk-like-belong-renaissance-faire.html
http://www.forestfaire.com/language-guide.html

"This is what Nursing a Toddler Looks Like"

As part of TOPHAT's "This is what Nursing a Toddler Looks Like" carnival, I am writing about what my experience nursing a toddler has been.

Nursing a toddler looks like calm in the midst of a storm.

The Storm being the bewilderment of being and having a toddler.

For my daughter there is little nursing can't fix. She adores it.

My daughter, even in conversation with strangers, will grab her chest and say: "A nurse, a nurse, a nurse, a nurse, a nurse, a nurse, a nurse!"

I tell people she still breastfeeds and thinks quite highly women's ability to do so.

For me it's a crazy, miraculous, and magical thing. I find it alternately joyous and challenging.

Overall I still love nursing her. It makes life smother and happier. It has been proven that there are still benefits to our nursing relationship even at this age, so admittedly I see no real downside.

To conclude there is this cartoon, I can't find, in which a nursing mother quells the meltdown of her nursing toddler with the power of her love and milk-filled breasts. I was thinking that is what nursing a toddler looks like to me. But this also works:

To see the rest of the Carnival be sure to check out:

http://motherslamentations.blogspot.com/2009/05/joys-humors-and-struggles-of.html

http://brightonwoman.blogspot.com/2009/05/nursing-older-toddler.html

http://melissaclee.com/2009/05/05/nursing-a-and-around-atoddler-creates-cute-stories/

http://itsallaboutthehat.blogspot.com/2009/05/comfort-in-sick-times.html

http://theprudentwoman.blogspot.com/2009/04/i-never-thought-id-nurse-toddler.html

http://www.phdinparenting.com/2009/05/05/nursing-a-toddler-in-a-ring-sling/

http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com/2009/05/the-pros-and-cons-of-breastfeeding-a-toddler/

http://blog.babyready.ca/2009/05/carnival-post-my-nursing-toddler-story.html

http://alisaterry.blogspot.com/2009/04/ready-for-my-breastfeeding-close-up.html

http://mariawj.blogspot.com/2009/04/beautiful-at-every-age.html

http://threegirlpileup.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/this-is-what-a-nursing-toddler-looks-like/

http://permissiontomother.blogspot.com/2009/05/this-is-what-toddler-nursing-looks-like.html

http://mamasapplecores.blogspot.com/2009/05/this-is-what-nursing-toddler-looks-like.html

http://gazeintotheheavens.blogspot.com/2009/05/this-is-nursing-toddler.html

The Weepies

I was at a fabulous birth on Monday, more on that later, and the birthing mother's playlist had a band on it I had never heard before. Folk -Pop Band Duo The Weepies.

The Weepies Website (Check out the music player on the bottom of their page)
Wikipedia article about them
Lyrics to my favorite song

Pick The Tall Tales and Win a Prize

I will post a list of tall tales from my life, pick the three that are compleatly faulse, be the first to post with the correct answer and you'll win a prize. The prize will be real, but hopefully I'll fool some of you since it is April Fool's Day.

• I usually cut my own hair.
• I didn't have my first kiss until I was 19.
• A portrait I took has become famous.
• I could have been an Osmond.
• I have ridden a bicycle high in the air.
• I've been paid to play with fire.
• I've met Maria from Sesame Street.(I hate Sesame street now because the Children's Television Workshop wont stop whoring out the characters to make a buck. but I digress)
• I think Chocolate Cake and French Fries are the best foods, and I'm still losing weight.
• I am a Hula Hoop Master. I have a gold hula hoop to prove it.
• I had a great time in a dressing room the other day.
• I have been in two educational films, in one I played a mad scientist.
• I've been a paid psychic magician
• I've held a boa.
• I once got a job by singing and teaching my interviewer, Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree.
• Once Madagascar Hissing Cockroach got me a job.
• I once found something deadly in a motel room, and we both survived.
• I've posed topless.
• I went from being a Bush supporter to a Democrat.
• I once hit on five guys at the same time, personal best.
• I've walked on the Titanic.
• Fed an apple to a rhino.
• I have stood on the pitchers mound at a major league game.
• I was purposed to in a moving car.Once when my husband was putting my shoe back on a a restaurant a waiter came by and said: "Dude are you proposing?"
• When we had only been a couple for three day, a homeless man told us he knew that God wanted us to be together and that we would do great things.
• I have completely disowned my family and baring an act of God will never speak to them again in this life.
• I have lived in two haunted houses. My room was so haunted the next tenant wouldn't sleep in it.
• I've been a successful street performer.
• I won a dance contest.
• I've been a dance teacher.
• Had a good enough British accent that many didn't think I was an American including some Britons.
• I've made love on a mountainside right in the middle of the trail.
• I've only donated blood once, and I wont ever be able to donate blood again.
• Childbirth was not the most pain I've ever experienced. (No I did not have any drugs.)
• I gave birth to my daughter at home in water, on purpose.
• My 18th birthday involved fire, dangerous chemicals, and a pumpkin.
• I was married at 19.
• I've been to my state capital to rally for a cause.
• I've never had morning sickness.
• I've had stitches, but no broken bones.
• I was attacked by a nest of yellow jackets in a gully and ran out with my eyes closed.
• I once told a guy I was stalking him, not a good a good pick up line. ;)
• My husband saved a Good Charlotte concert.
• Anywhere my daughter has been I have nursed her.
• I've been on the news many times.
• I've helped with the set decorating of a major motion picture.
• I nearly drowned in a river in Idaho.
• I crashed a celebrity wedding.
• In my single years I was once called a player.
• I once got trapped in a public women's restroom and escaped out the men's.
• I use to wear vibrant red lip stick and was given the moniker on "Lips".
• I was almost hit by a car twice in one day.
• Twice I've survived earthquakes in a buildings that was not suppose to withstand one.

If you didn't get enough of Tall Tales by reading this, you should check this event out tonight:

Timp Tellers April Fools Tall Tales and Liars 7pm in the Orem Library storytelling wing. Free

Your Best April Fools Prank

I want to hear about your best April Fool's Day prank!

Mine was years ago when my husband came home from work. He was greeted by a crumbled newspaper cascade, my fake black eye, a buttered toilet seat, and a sugared shower floor. Mmmmm good times. ;) I don't think I'm into pranking much now, but I would like to know about your best prank. Please share your best fooling on this day, in my comments section.

Answers

I love that this is a gospel of answers. You or I can go to our Heavenly Father at anytime about anything. Isn't that marvelous? Isn't it wonderful that we don't have to go it alone! I heard Sister Wendy Nelson speak a few month ago. She spoke of the importance of asking the right questions. She spoke of the power that the right question can have, both spiritually and in all other areas of our lives. She also gave us somethings to try.

• For thirty day go to your scriptures with a question. Start with prayer and you will find an answer. (Every time I have tried this, it has worked)

• Pray each day to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and then really see and believe that He is there with you. In each situation you face in your day rely on that companionship. She said to try it for five days and the we would beamazed by the difference it makes in our lives.

I Sea-Gal would like to take a moment to tell my audience that I am very grateful for the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am grateful I have a source for all knowledge and power. I am grateful for the Divine truth it provides, and that any humble seeker can find that truth and a wittiness of all truth. I am grateful you don't have to take my word for it. You can ask Him yourself. I am grateful that as unprofitable a servant as I am He loves me as his child and is always there for all of us.
If you have any questions please visit mormons.org

I Love How Equitable...

The full Gospel of Jesus Christ is.
Case in point, See Alma (in the Book of Mormon) Alma 32:23.

23 And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the learned.

It is gratifying to know, that God see value in each of us. That He loves his daughters and the precious children he entrusts in our care, as much as any man.

A Share Worthy Blog

I came across this blog yesterday. It is stuffed with how-to's.
It's a must visit.
http://www.littlehouseinthesuburbs.com
Go learn something new!

I'm a Crafty One.....

I made it yesterday with branches I had picked up on a walk the day before.

I used brown sewing thread to bind it together and blue ribbon to hang it.

I had both in my sewing drawer. So it cost me nothing to make it.

I have been meaning to make something like this for so long.

I felt so proud of how it turned out I had to share.

Earth Hour

8:30PM local time, wherever you live on planet earth. Saturday 28 March 2009

[In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.] Taken from http://www.earthhour.org/

Why Toddlers Don't Do What They're Told

This was the headline I saw on Yahoo this morning:

"Why Toddlers Don't Do What They're Told"

When I say it I thought, "Umm because they are thinking, feeling, autonomous beings; who have needs and desires of their own." I would also like to know how many adults actually do as their told. None of us do all the things we know we should do. But anyway the article was interesting. The main point being that they think differently than adults or even older children. I also like that they were able to document the mental effort toddlers go through. I try to tell people all the time, that being little is hard. The lack of empathy and compassion most people raise their children with is shocking. For a prime example see this fairly good article about stemming tantrums and the disgusting comments section. I wish I could convey to those commentors and all parents like them, that you take so many risks by parenting that way. I'll admit their children may behave better than mine at times, but I'm not willing to pay the steep prices they are and will pay.

And while I've brought up the topic of tantrums check out this must read article:

Cry for Connection: A Fresh Approach to Tantrums

Now my daughter had a meltdown while I was writing this very blog post. I tried giving her affection, but that wasn't what she needed. So I took her to our bed, shared a snack and a picture book with her and she calmed down. At the moment she is nursing because the snack was homemade rice crackers and almond butter, as in very dry. I find that she is very logical and tries very hard. She gets hurt, confused and frustrated. I don't think of her tantrums as her trying to get her way, I think of them as her trying to cope. I let her express her feelings, and I try to comfort her. It has nothing to do with her getting her way. I don't understand why this whole my child has to learn they can't get their way is so important. Sometimes she can have what she desires and sometimes she can't. But her emotions are always ok. She can always find love, safety and acceptance with me. For me that makes it all worth it.

Finally...

I've made a good flaky biscuit. I used my usual baking powder biscuits recipe, but took the tips from this recipe and article: Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits and How to Make Flaky, Buttery Biscuits

My biscuits turned out amazing.

What I did:

• I thinly sliced the butter, using about a quarter cup.


• I separated each slice and then tossed them in the flour mixture.


• I added a quarter teaspoon of baking soda in addition to my baking powder.


• I used sour heavy cream and milk instead of buttermilk. I'll use buttermilk next time, but sour milk and buttermilk are interchangeable.


• Here is the best tip of all, fold your dough. Fold it over and over, before rolling it out. That is how you get those delightful layers


• I cooked my biscuits on 400, but I would imagine high heat and then low heat would brown them better. Mine were a little pale on top.

Okay people now go make some amazing biscuits!

An Artist Discovery

I just came upon this artist's work today.

It is so beautiful, inspiring, and even thought provoking.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5899985
http://www.paintingmotherhood.blogspot.com/
http://www.kmberggren.com/index.htm

Now how am I decide which one to buy, her shop is so full of such beautiful paintings....

All of The Things I've Wanted to Blog About...

But never seem to get around to.

I thought the whole "Don't Tase Me Bro" incident was abominable, not amusing.
It inspired this interesting blog

My daughter has been trying to learn to use the potty, and it was really her idea.
When she's at home and naked we have almost total success when we're out and about not so much yet.

If like myself you are resistant to purchasing plastic toys, you may find this helpful:
My daughter has desperately coveted a baby doll of her very own. Fortunately for her I found this site, and subsequently this toy store site. From them I purchased a rubber playground ball and this doll. For now her life is complete ;)

I thought this was a beautiful news story.

I read one news story, can't find the link, that mentioned that it is illegal for youth to run away from home in some states. In fact some of those states have gone so far as to incarnate youth for running away from home. Sick, sick, sick. I had no idea.

I've also learned that recycling in Provo is not that hard, even for us apartment dwellers. Thanks to this helpful blogger, I have been saving my recyclables and have taken them to the drop-off twice now. It's quite easy. It's only a few blocks behind Good Earth.

These bloggers are looking for birth stories.

I found this tutorial very helpful, if only I had found it before my fresh coconut had gone bad.

I adore this magazine I found at the library.

This was a very tasty dish I tried recently.

I wish I was this brilliant on my own, without fabulous blogs like this to help me out.

3 Things I Struggle With:

One. I hate how it feels like there is only one way to be a "Good Mormon", those of us who are unconventional (for Utah), but still keep the commandments are constantly made to feel like we don't belong. I feel perpetually uncomfortable. I have been repeatedly chided for being myself. So now I'm nervous and distrustful. I certainly don't feel safe around my fellow sisters. Fortunately I know that this is not the gospel of Jesus Christ, just some people trying and making mistakes. It still stings though...
I especially struggle with how some of the "Mormons" around these parts will harass the unconventional ones, saying we make the Church look bad. NEWS FLASH: Being a mean and narrow minded person is what really reflects badly on the church. It's not pretty and it's defiantly inappropriate behavior for a disciple of Christ.

Two: I don't like feeling uncomfortable around formula feeders, and it's NOT because they use formula, but because of their bizarre ideas about modesty and animosity towards successful breast feeders. Note: Formula manufacturers that cheat and trick new mothers and their sweet babies out the experience they deserved, deserve our animosity, not fellow mothers.

As a third and final rant why don't more pregnant woman inform themselves. As in read, research, and seek out information. I just don't understand that....
As a by the way, dear readers, I am always happy to help with that. :)

I liked this

Surprisingly Good Films

My husband I were both surprised by the charm of these truly must see films.
If it hadn't been for one local newspaper reviewer I probably wouldn't have given "Lars" a chance
Netfilx recommended Miss Potter.
I'm grateful to both, for I found these films so cheering and delightful.
My dears if you have not already, you simply must see them.

http://www.larsandtherealgirl-themovie.com/
http://www.misspotter-themovie.com/

God Bless America

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task. This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

....Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

A Civil Rights Journey Video

I loved this video and I wanted to share with all of you.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=11608851

What a sweet and beautiful day this is.

He Had A Dream.....

Do you think even his wildest dreams held this?

President Barack Obama

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

I'm Grateful For This Day

I grateful for what it stands for and that it has come to be a day of service.
I'm grateful for the difference Martin Luther King Jr made and all he taught us.
I really liked this cartoon
I thought this was great and very enlightening:
http://www.hulu.com/the-legacy-of-mlk

I Adore Her Company

It is so nice to get to spend my days with someone so wonderful.

She is the best companion for window shopping, museum visiting, and adventure.

Oh how happy I feel when she is near.

She fills my days and heart with laughter.

She really is a joy monger. ;)

I am truly blessed.

Does everyone know about this?

I do portrait photography. I even have a blog about it. (although it's still a work in progress) Also I haven't uploaded all of the photos I've taken over the years to this blog, but I just thought you all should know that it's something I do.
I think my favorite photography is maternity, but I enjoy it all.

New Years Journal Post

On the crisp and beautiful morning of January 1, 2003 I started a tradition. I had stayed up all night, outside, to see the dawn and before retiring I wrote a journal entry. This year, as a mom, sleeping sounded way better than staying up to see the dawn. I woke up in time to see a ribbon of purple and pink on the horizon, but then returned to our snugly family bed. I played with my daughter and watched movies all day with my sweetheart. I decided to let the tradition wait and enjoy the time with them. After enjoying the time with my spouse and daughter immensely I should really get back to writing this post, 2008 was an interesting year....

• I was at a friend's unassisted birth, that was a life changing and breathtaking experience.


• I was able to attend my first real doula birth. What an honor that was, Carrie is such an incredible and strong woman.


• Eve had her first birthday.


• Eve learned to walk, talk, and eat.


• Eve has gotten more and more fun this year and very affectionate.


• I ended things with my parents and brother once and for all, hooray!


• We celebrated our 6th year of marriage with fun family getaways to Park City & Manti.


• School is going great for Chris and he just landed a great local internship.


• My doula studies are coming along nicely and I have two clients due this Winter.


• The three of us shared an a amazing Halloween (Park City Haunted Inn), a sweet Thanksgiving, and a perfect Christmas.


• Witnessed Change come to America with my friends and family.


• We bought a new car. (We still need to take it on a road trip.)


• One of the portraits I took has been in the media.


• This has been a year of sweet friendships. From my birthday surprise party and playgroup to game nights, long talks, one fabulous New Years Eve. I am grateful to have so many amazing and good hearted people in my life.

My hopes and goals for the new year are:

• Become very good at Balloon animals and hats.


• Increase my Doula work.


• Take a real vacation outside of Utah.


• Make even more great friends.


• See the good in others.


• Food preservation.


• Read the The Five Love Languages, The Soft-Spoken Parent, Legacy of the Heart.


• Improve my scripture study habits.


• Become more involved in good works in my community.


• Be a more compassionate wife and a more patient mother.


• Make my home more beautiful.


• Increase my temple attendance.


• Have greater love for those around me.
• Become a certified doula.
• Become better at forgiveness and learn how to let go.


• By the end of 2009, feel like I've made a difference.