Don't Underestimate the Will of the American People

Great video - no talking. Powerful pictures, moving music and stirring thoughts.

Fortify and Defend the Family

While doing some researching on lds.org, I found this quote from Elder Ballard in this talk, What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest (click the title to read the whole article).

"In today’s world, where Satan’s aggression against the family is so prevalent, parents must do all they can to fortify and defend their families. But their efforts may not be enough. Our most basic institution of family desperately needs help and support from the extended family and the public institutions that surround us. Brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, grandparents and cousins can make a powerful difference in the lives of children. Remember that the expression of love and encouragement from an extended family member will often provide the right influence and help a child at a critical time."

I definitely know that my efforts are not enough, especially as our family enters the teen years. I appreciate all of you for being a part of my children's life. I appreciate the time you take to make quiet moments with them individually. I know that it means a lot to them and to me. I know that I am in desperate need of your continued support. I know that for many of us miles separate us physically. So my big question is "How can we support each other? "

Stake Conference and a Picnic

This morning was Stake Conference. It was a bit unusual because they had technical difficulties. We listened to more than half of it through a cell phone connection. At the half way point many people left - probably more than half! We sat on the next to the back row in the gym. The gym was almost completely empty. After people left, the connection got better. They were able to eventually get a good audio feed but no picture. (Our Stake Conference was held simultaneously in three buildings). This isn't the first there has been troubles. We missed the Twin Falls Temple Dedication because they couldn't get the connection to work. After waiting at least 45 minutes for them to fix the problem, we left along with many others. I later learned that they were able to recover an audio feed and hear part of the dedication. I wish we would have waited.

What did I learn from the meeting last night and this morning?

• I was reminded that if you want your children to serve missions, have the missionaries in your home often.
• Between the US and Canada 34% of LDS young men serve missions. If that number increased to 50%, 140 missions would be opened to accommodate the increase.
• We don't need to preach and teach, we are called to testify of Christ.
• "It happened because somebody cared." (Families are brought to Christ and sealed in the temple.)
• "Commitment is the thread in which covenants are woven." (I can't remember who said this).
• Reach out and rescue families.
• Inspiration is 90% information. We need to be informed and learn about others before we are able to serve them.

The best talk was saved for last and was given by President Henneman, our Stake President. He spoke about creating defenses against the advesary for our families and gave 12 points of advice.

1. Know that as parents "you are enough". We usually think we are inadequate but you aren't, you are enough. Thomas Marsh was a member for one month before he was called to serve a mission. Turn to Heavenly Father and Jesus often, they are there to help you. Carry a notebook around with you and write down those thoughts that come to you - they are inspiration.
2. Get your priorities straight. This is the order of importance: 1. family, 2. work, 3. church and 4 self. Father's must lead the family spiritually. Often the mothers to this, but it is the father's responsibility to lead out, guide and bless the family with the Priesthood.
3. Enjoy the journey. Enjoy your family while here on earth.
4. Show constant affection for spouse and children. Brother Holland said that we never rise above the relationship that we have for our spouse and children.
5. Limit your time that you spend in the wireless world (texting, blogging, emailing, internet, games - all of it!) We are loosing the ability to communicate directly - person to person with each other. Also cut back on tv and video games.
6. Limit the watching of sporting events. The sporting events are scheduled during prime family time - especially Sunday NFL games and Monday night college games and all the other days in between.
7. Don't bring work home with you. The only place sacred as a temple is the home. When you are home, really be home.
8. Hold Family Home Evening every week. Let the children participate and help plan.
   
9. Have daily family prayer. This is the key to spirituality! Bless every member individually.
10. Scripture study daily.
11. Keep the commandments. Two hundred times in the Book of Mormon we are told to keep the commandments and that we will be blessed by doing so. It means that we will be blessed in this life.
12. Bring the spirit of the temple into your home. Go often to the temple and bring your feelings home with you to share with your children so the advesary won't penetrate your family.
    

P.S. It is our fairly new family tradition to bring a picnic lunch with us each Stake Conference. We enjoy our picnic lunch while everyone else is waiting to get out of the parking lot. The kids look forward to food as soon as possible. This time the Richael's joined us! The kids loved visiting and running on the grass.

Corbin and I dined at Tucanos

What is Tucanos? Straight from their website..."Come to Tucanos Brazilian Grill, where a dining experience rich in flavor and heritage awaits you. The Brazilian tradition of grilling, or CHURRASCO (shoe-HAS-ko), is a fusion of South American and European cultures. From its birth in the Pampas or grasslands of Brazil, to the sparkling beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Tucanos now extends this festive tradition to you. At Tucanos, meats and vegetables are carefully selected to ensure that only the freshest cuisine is served. Our meats are tastefully seasoned and cooked on skewers over open-flame grills. The skewers are then brought to your table where sizzling portions are sliced onto your plate. You may choose as many different flavors and cuts as you like."

Corbin and I took advantage of his birthday special. They sent Corbin a postcard in the mail to use the following month for a free meal. Click HERE to link to their website and join Club Tucanos.

We had a great date. We talked about school and his new interest in girls. I'm scared at that thought. We also ate lots of great food at their salad bar and then we ate way to much meat that they continuously brought to our table. It was too hard to turn it away, especially their sirloin steak and grilled pineapple.

By the time I got home, I told Paul I wasn't feeling well and that I didn't want any meat for a long time. I woke up in the night with strained muscles (from hefting food storage boxes) and a heavy stomach. I got out of bed at 3:30 am after laying there one hour with no luck of returning to sleep. I started packing up the girls bedroom, then I tried to throw up but only dry heaved. I told Paul I thought I may be "pregnant" because I felt so yucky. He said I was only pregnant with meat! Oh, those all-you-care-to-eat places get the best of me every time because everything tastes so good and I can't stop! The next day all I ate was watermelon - I still haven't had a bite of meat.

April warned me that it would be too much meat. I believe you now! Meat in moderation is best.

National Day of Fasting & Prayer

I just received this as an email from a friend. I normally don't forward emails - but this message is what our country needs. We are at a very critical moment in history. I hope you get informed, pray and fast, and have faith that God will help us through these troubled times. - Tiff



During the Revolutionary War, Congress appointed a Day of Fasting & Prayer to call upon God, and plead for His Providential aid. The fasting and prayers of three million Americans were answered as the power of God enabled them to win battles they otherwise shouldn’t have won and gave them strength to defeat their enemy.

Today, we too are in need of miracles for this great nation. We invite you to join us as we call upon God again through Fasting & Prayer on September 11, 2009,

to help us secure and preserve our

Faith * Family * Freedom

and for guidance to know what WE can do to protect our Nation and its inspired Constitution.

Please join us.

I had a garage sale!

I wish I would have taken pictures of the garage sale that I had this morning at the house. It started at 7:25 am with some early birds! It was successful - I got rid of lots of stuff. You all should be proud of me! Some of the bigger items I sold on craigslist the previous week.

I like observing people shop at garage sales (normally I don't do this because I am the one trying to find the "deal"). Some people take their time to look, touch, and hold almost every item and walk away without finding anything. Others take a forever and find 1 or 2 things that total 50 cents. It's funny how much people like to touch - even though they already know how it will feel. The power of touch! There was a tall oak bookcase (real wood) that I thought would sell fast for only $7.00 -but it never sold! I paid over $100 for that. I think I may just paint it black and sell it to myself. :-) When I garage sale, I like to come prepared with small bills and change (so many people don't) so I can get in and out. I figure if I take too long at one garage sale, I might miss a deal at the next one! Time is of the essence!

I love garage sale shopping. The girls were bummed that we didn't go out today - we ALWAYS go out Saturday morning and then we end at the Farmer's Market (next to Lowe's) and buy some produce and a pork tamale for lunch!

Must be out in 7 days or less!

I thought I would let you know that my life was turned upside down again with moving. Paul told me about three days ago that the closing date is set for Sept. 4th or sooner (depends on the bank). Last night I bought 20 clear plastic totes, and a few others for packing up things. Fortunately we are only moving about 1 1/2 miles away, but it still takes the same amount of packing, sorting, dejunking and headache! It is a huge undertaking with all of our food storage. I wish you were all here to help! :-) I know some of you have offered to help - but as much as I hate moving I don't like to put you through it.

Life is crazy. We are purchasing the home we are moving into. It will be a nice temporary home (until our final one is built - less than 1 mile away) because it is close to the bus stop (no more driving to the bus stop 4 times a day), it has a park three houses away with a playground and beautiful grass.

Celestial Drawers

Today Jody taught the lesson in Relief Society about temple worship. Excellent lesson Jody - it was a treat for us that you were able to fill in for someone else. In the lesson Jody mentioned three things that Sister Dalton does to make her home a temple: 1) Guard your home like a sentinel, 2) have a clean, organized home even down to the drawers,"celestial drawers", 3) No loud voices, arguing or contention in the home.

I wish my drawers were "celestial". This morning a total stranger knocked on my front door (before church) and asked if they could see the front room and kitchen. She said that her friend was purchasing this home and that she was visiting from out of town. I was surprised but granted her wish. It wasn't a total disaster but it wasn't "celestial" - especially the drawers or closets. After that experience, I was reminded that it would feel good to always have a clean, organized home! That is one my next goals!

Grateful for Sabbath Observance

Yesterday while we were attending a big birthday party of our previous neighbor's children, I was reminded of Sabbath Day observance. She (our neighbor) had mentioned that she was sad that we moved and wished me would move back. One thing she said was that she appreciated that we observed the Sabbath because they also observed the Sabbath (even though they are a different faith) as a day of worship and reverence.

We can be examples to each other even when we don't realize the significance. The Sabbath day is such a gift, although it is difficult with children. Today Olivia initiated Sunday Stations which helped keep them occupied with appropriate activities while I put on my make up and did my hair. I think I would enjoy it more if I woke up earlier (instead of staying up late Saturday night) and had personal time to myself in the morning to study, read and review the lessons.

Cooling Off

I've never seen someone jump off the diving board with fins. This is a first!

Last night I spontaneously invited the Richaels over to swim. It was a HOT day (100) so I was ready to cool off. Boy, that water sure cooled us all off in a hurry. It isn't heated and is very cold (I'm too cheap to turn on the heater). Here are pictures of our fun. I think we are swimming again tonight - come on over. Paul was busy with church stuff and Corbin was eating all he could eat pizza with the scouts - that's why they aren't pictured.

LuLu comes to visit

Paul's grandmother, Aunt Louise, and Uncle Milton stayed the night with us. They brought LuLu their adorable chihuahua. Oh, we love dogs so we were in heaven. Here is a short clip of LuLu. (Don't worry we aren't getting a dog or puppy.) I put Belle's dress on LuLu - I don't think she likes it but she wore it for us.

Why the move? or should I say moves?

Some of you have wondered where and why we are moving. I asked myself that same question many times. We had hoped of moving someday to a home with a basement, one more bedroom (so the kids all have their own- Vivian and Olivia shared), and a food storage room for our one+ year supply of food. It just happened on a different time schedule.

We are looking to break ground on a new home (one level plus full basement) in the next six weeks. We have been tweaking the house plans and it is finally coming together to something we are excited about. This home is located a couple miles northeast of our last home (I don't want to give you the address - trying to stay somewhat private)- still in the same town. If you email me, I will give you more details of it's location.

In the meantime, we have been busy with some other homes - one that Paul has been remodeling and a couple others that we are buying and then selling. It has been a crazy summer. I know it seems that I am being somewhat vague, I will give you the low down when the deals are final. There is a lot up in the air.

First Day of School

On the first day, Vivian was 8 minutes late so she was issued an unexcused tardy! What, on the first day there is no leniency?

They survived their first day of school! Porter, Olivia and Vivian all got into a charter school this year with Corbin. Now our family is on the same schedule and at the same school. Yeah!

Corbin catches the bus very early at 6:45. We have to drive him to the bus stop which is 1 1/2 miles away. He gets up early to shower, unload the dishwasher, read with the family and catch a bite to eat. He is now in the 8th grade. Watch out - he says the girls love him! I'm not ready for this.

A.C. Drive In

After the fair fun and food, we stopped at A.C. Drive In for lunch. They were celebrating their 55 years in business with an awesome special. For $2.55 you got a hamburger (gotta love their special mayonnaise sauce), fries and a large drink. I started working at this fast food restaurant when I was 15 years old and all the way through High School.

Those were the good old days of making shakes, flipping burgers, cleaning the grill, blanching fresh cut potatoes, taking orders, experimenting with food, and eating whatever we wanted. I had a great time their because many of my friends worked there, also. Oh, Kristen - do you miss it?

Cassia County Fair

I was dying for some homemade maple bars from the Oakley Stake food booth. Paul graciously waited in line for 45 minutes to buy these at 75 cents a pop! Thank you honey, we loved them.

What is the fair without Hawaiian shaved ice, tater tots, stinky cows/pigs/sheep/turkeys/bunnies and horses, and a giant pita fajita!

Oh, we all loved this baby goat. Of course, I had to ask if I could hold it. I love animals, I just don't like taking care of them.

The pigs were extra squeely. Oh, the Hawaiian ice was delicious we had one both Friday night and Saturday! Thanks Mom and Keith for exploring the fair with us! Next year we need to step it up and attend the rodeo! Do you want to come?

Paul Rides the Bull

Paul was the first to decide to give this a try. He said he got tired really quick because it hurt his hand that was hanging on. Way to go!

Porter Rides the Bull

Porter was the only child from our family brave enough to ride the bull! Way to go Porter.

Saying Goodbye to Ridge Haven

Porter on the stairs with the first door upstairs being his bedroom.

Vivian by the front door.

Corbin posing in the fire pit that Paul beautifully designed.

Vivian, Olivia, Porter and Corbin - this home has a lot of good memories!

Oh, I will miss all the beautiful plants and flowers. It represents a lot of hard work over the last three years.

This was our last morning at Ridge Haven home. After lots of sweat, hardwork, boxes, and prayers we found a wonderful family to move into this home with a lease to purchase agreement. I brought the children over to the house to pay their final respects and to take a few photos. We were all happy with how things worked out....now on to the next home or I should say homes until we are finally parked!

Memories of this home:
We moved in on Corbin's 10th birthday
We tiled 1,000 square feet - oh, it was terrible but turned out nice!
Movies on the family room wall - life size with the projector.
Painting my first pink wall.
Faux painting in the living room and oven hood - lots of nice compliments!
Choosing the lot and making all the decisions along the way.
Watching the neighborhood take shape.
Serving in the HOA - nightmare.
Making snow slides in the winter.
New friends in a new ward - love ya.
Loved the kitchen with the two dishwashers - now it's a must.

1984 - Read it Today

Here is a copy online that you can read for free - no need to go to the library! This book was written in 1949 and by 1989 it had been translated into 65 languages.

Book Rags, summarizes the book as a "novel, published in 1949, takes place in 1984 and presents an imaginary future where a totalitarian state controls every aspect of life, even people's thoughts. The state is called Oceania and is ruled by a group known as the Party; its leader and dictator is Big Brother.

Winston Smith, the central character, is a thirty-nine year old man living in London. He secretly hates the Party and decides to rebel by starting a diary in which he reveals his rebellious thoughts. Through keeping a diary, Winston commits thoughtcrime and knows that one day he will be discovered by the Thought Police and probably killed." (part of the summary from Book Rags).

The party slogan:
War is Peace
Freedom is Slavery
Ignorance is Strength

Quote that stood out to me:
"'Who controls the past', ran the Party slogan, 'controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.'" Part 1, Chapter 3, pg. 37

Tiff's take - Keep a record of your lives, your thoughts, your concerns, your convictions - don't let the past be written by someone else - write your own. Write in your journal!

Focus on Life-Years or Lives?

Obama's approval ratings are dropping.

According to the latest polls:

• 65 percent say President Obama is taking on too many issues

• His approval rating is at 50 percent (worse than Bush was after six months)

• He's fallen 7 points with independents (45 approve, 45 disapprove)

• 52 percent now oppose how he's handling health care — only 39 percent approve

• More than 3 out of 4 think Obama's plan will add to the deficit (speaking about health care)

Currently the proposed budget for Universal Health Care is $1.6 Trillion. Even at that price tag, when does anything that the government touches actually stay on budget? The bottom line is that we will not be able to pay for this program. When the funding is unsustainable they will have to decide who gets what care.

White House Health Care policy adviser- Ezekial Emanuel said, "When implemented, the Complete Lives system produces a priority curve on which individuals aged between roughly 15 and 40 years get the most substantial chance, whereas the youngest and oldest people get chances that are attenuated... The Complete Lives system justifies preference to younger people because of priority to the worst-off rather than instrumental value." Take a look at this chart that he made to explain this.

Cass Sunstein, currently the administration's Regulatory Czar, wrote this in the Columbia Law Review in January 2004:

"I urge that the government should indeed focus on life-years rather than lives. A program that saves young people produces more welfare than one that saves old people."

Are you worried yet? Well you should be, especially if this is what is coming from our current czars and advisers. Universal Health Care is not the answer.

In His Own Words - Single Payer Health Care/Universal Health Care

This just came out (the 2nd video) - Linda Douglas is just trying to clear things up here about Universal Health Care. I can read right through you, Linda - the public is smarter than this - come on.

I am beginning to dive into the book "1984" - if you have never read it like myself, now is the time to pick it up. We are all taught principles of truth - now is the time they are being tested just like they are in the book. Oh, America let's not be deceived. Stand up for truth, stand up for your values and make them known to everyone. The voice of the America must be heard!

Making of America Seminar - Online and free!

The National Center of Constitutional Studies is now offering this seminar free online through their archives. This is what they say:

About our Making of America Seminar

"Over the years, we have held seminars in many different places: schools, libraries, business meeting rooms, churches, homes, college campuses, city convention centers, etc. No matter the setting, when good people come together in the spirit of learning—people who sense that something is terribly amiss in America and they are seeking to know if there are better answers—a sense of peace and hope pervades the room as the story of the Founders' message is unfolded to them.

We invite you to come join us as we discover the Founders' original success formula for freedom." ---NCCS

I am beginning this course and thought that you may be interested as well!

Study Guide Part 1
Study Guide Part 2
Study Guide Part 3
Study Guide Part 4
(Print out the study guide before you watch the webinar).

Complete Study Guide with answers

Webinar Part 1, 2, 3, 4 Archives
Scroll down page and look for the links in the right column. They are video downloads.