To My AP Government Teacher

Dear Mr. Howell,

Remember me? I'm the girl who slept through most every 5th period. Remember that afternoon you pulled me aside after class and asked if I planned on voting when I turned 18? I said that my vote didn't count so why would I bother. And you, Mr. Howell, promised that someday I would find out otherwise.

Someday has come.

In the last few weeks my husband and I (and everyone else we know) have been knocking doors, making phone calls, waving signs at street rallies and writing letters.

Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

This year I can't wait to vote YES on Prop 8. I know that my vote matters.

You were right all along Mr. Howell.

Listen Up

Guster. Great harmonies, amazing perucussion (the drummer is unbelievable, beating his bongos and congas like a crazy man) and just all around likeable.

Listen up here.

Our Girl

sage: (noun) : a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom

a recent observation:

"Do you know what Jesus made? Everything! I think when he was done he had a big drink of water...he was tired."

a conversation with an imaginary friend:

"...he shall grow up as a tender plant out of dry ground..." (that one's from Isaiah)

Shane in the Spotlight: Part 1

Once upon a time during chiro school my sweet hubby Shane was a security guard. At a dark, empty office building.

He sat around in his uniform and studied in total silence. And got paid really well.

His weapon of choice? A flashlight.

His training? "If you see an intruder, RUN!"

Nice.

Prop 8 in Plain English

This video makes Prop 8 crystal clear.

Listen Up

I've been hearing a lot of late about the Aussie singer Lenka. When I finally had a listen she didn't disappoint...her music is bright and innovative and hard to get out of my head.

Listen up here.

Another Year, Another Primary Program

5th year in Primary, 2nd Primary Program written and 1st time I've cried (happy tears).

Phew...I'm ready for a nap.

The Tao of Chris

This is Chris, a kid from church who is currently serving a mission in Ohio. He's quite a character. He wrote us recently and shared this story:

"...I was biking and a woman approached me in her car. She asked me how many wives Joseph Smith had. I told her that I honestly did not know but I will ask ask him when I went to heaven. She said that he did not go to heaven and I told her that she could ask him."

We had a good laugh over that one.

Listen Up

One of Eva Cassidy's albums is entitled Songbird, very fitting for such a lovely voice. She died young and only after her death did people begin to hear her music. Her albums are mainly covers and the way she interprets those songs is a wonderful thing.

Listen up here.

We're Voting "Yes" on Prop 8 for Sage

1. Because we don't want to her to learn the mechanics of homosexuality at school.

2. Because we want her to enjoy the same freedom we enjoy...to belong to a religion that is free to teach and practice it's beliefs.

3. Because we want her to marry someday in a world where marriage between a man and woman is honored.

4. And most importantly because, “The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother..." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World)

Listen Up

Lux Land, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Let's start with her name; yes that is her real name. But it's her sound that gets me...it's as fresh and clean as a spring morning. The beauty of Lux is that her songs are just as appealing on the 20th listen as they are on the 1st.

Listen up here. Listen to all the songs if you have time!

Adventures in Babysitting:Take 2

The C's went off to Costa Rice for a week and we moved ourselves in. Nice roomy house, 3 sweet kids and gigantic backyard (complete w/basketball hoop, trampoline and play structure)...not too shabby. Shane is in heaven watching the Playoffs (baseball)....have I mentioned we don't do the cable thing? Sage is in heaven with 3 playmates and a "park" (her words) right outside the door. And me...well let's just say I'm learning a lot.

P.S. No camera cord=no pictures...mea culpa.

Temple

Yesterday was Stake Temple Day. Last minute I decided it would be nice to go...a little too last minute for a sitter so instead Sage and I went. We took our lunch, a blanket and some good stories. If I couldn't be in the Temple at least I could be almost there.

Snackin' in the shade (it was H-O-T!)

So glad the temple is so near and we can go as often as we want.