This I believe... religiously

Recently I have bumped up against several mentions in national arenas of my faith. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, LDS, or commonly referred to as the "Mormons". Anybody who wants to know what all Mormons believe can easily gain access to "The Articles of Faith" on www.lds.org. What follows are my personal beliefs with the context of that framework.
     I believe that Jesus Christ is my personal Lord and Savior; that he literally came to earth, born to a virgin as the Son of God. He lived in, what we now call, Israel. Although the man who raised him was a carpenter, he was the rightful heir to the house of David. The young Jesus trained to become a rabbi, but he knew who he truly was and is. He selected several men from his followers to help him share the New Law. Some of these men demonstrated their own human frailties in their lives. The existing hierarchy of the church was not fond of Jesus. Together, with the Romans, they put him to death by cricifixion. He was placed in a borrowed tomb. On the 3rd day, he rose again. He first appeared to Mary Magdalene. He ascended to his Father, but returned to bear witness to his disciples. He allowed his life to be taken to atone for the sins of mankind and take our sorrows from us. From the life, death, and resurrection of this man came many churches based on one religion; the religion of Christ.
     I believe that I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me and I love him. This is also the father of Jesus Christ. I believe that I show my love for my Father-in-Heaven by following his commandments including the 10 Commandments given to the prophet Moses, as well as others given by the Savior and the prophets. I believe that in order to live with God again, I must do the best I can with what I know and look to my Savior for forgiveness of my sins. As hard as I try, and I will continue to try, I would always fall short without the atonement of Christ.
     I believe that the Holy Ghost, the 3rd member of the Godhead exists and is there to be a comforter and protector of mankind. I have felt his presence in my life and have come to understand the love that a Heavenly Father has for his children through his influence.
     I believe that the Lord has placed prophets on the earth to lead people to the gospel. He did this in both ancient and modern times. Moses did not ask to lead the children of Israel. He was called by God. Likewise, John the Baptist was ordained by God to preach of the coming of the Savior. Prophets were also sent to the Americas to lead the people there. During the time known as the Dark Ages, prophets were not on the earth. However, God would not leave the world he created without spiritual leadership. A boy who had been chosen, just like Moses and John, read in the Bible that if he lacked wisdom, he could ask God. With pure faith, he went into a grove of trees and asked. He certainly did not expect to see God, but he did. Despite persecution and death, he never would deny what he saw. He was given an ancient record by an angel. Eventually he showed the gold plates to 8 other men. Some of these men would go on to leave the church that was organised by Joseph Smith, but none would deny the existence of the plates.
     I do not claim to understand all of the works or intents of God. I do not know why Blacks were denied the priesthood in the early days of the church. I do know that Joseph Smith was opposed to slavery and a supporter of people of color in general. I certainly don't claim to understand polygamy, but I know it existed in the primitive church as well as in the early days of LDS history. Moses and Brigham Young were both polygamists. They both had some problems because of it. My 3rd great-grandfather, A.O. Smoot, was a polygamist. I have studied his life and find no evidence that he was a lecherous man. Indeed he was a philanthropist. My 3rd great-grandmother, Anne Mauritzdotter, was alone in the world when A.O.'s first wife suggested that she wed her husband (wife #4). I don't know what she thought, but she accepted and gave birth to a future senator as well as my grandmother's grandmother. Despite my lack of understanding, experience and logic show me that this church teaches truth, as instructed by God. (btw, polygamy is no longer practiced in the LDS church.)
     I believe that the family is an eternal structure given to us by our Heavenly Father to help us through our earthly trials, even if sometimes they are our earthly trials. I believe that the bonds of family are strong, eternal, and good. I have felt the guiding hands of my ancestors in my life. There is nothing more important to me than my role in this plan of our Father-in-Heaven, to raise my children in a way that is pleasing to him.
     This I believe.

A thank you note

When I'm done writing this, I should probably send it to Glenn Beck.
Dear Glenn Beck,
I felt compelled to write you this note to thank you for the contributions you are making to our society in the U.S. I am a regular watcher of your television show. I honestly can't remember when I first started watching, but I do remember why. My family has always been interested in politics and preserving the God-given freedoms that we enjoy in this country. My younger brother has been a huge fan of yours and showed me the video of your conversion to the LDS faith. I felt a connection with this and your fact-based, Constitution-based ideology. I watched my brother add the books that you would recommend to his perpetual Christmas list. We would have Saturday discussions after watching taped episodes of your show. I started taping your show at home and would watch it late at night. My youngest sister and her family attended the Rally to Restore Honor. We enviously watched from home. I appreciate the research that you do and share with your audience.
I also recently finished reading your book with Dr. Keith Ablow, The 7 Wonders That Will Change Your Life. It was really the perfect time in my life to read this book.  I am a conservative woman living in Arizona. In light of the recent events in Tucson, this is a somewhat difficult position. I was extremely upset by the senseless disregard for human life taken by the shooter. As I listened to and read the news about the events, I was disturbed by the rush to judgement that the shooter must have been driven by the conservative talkers. I began to get angry and spend more time reading and watching people placing blame for this man's actions on others. Thankfully, at this time I was also reading the section of your book on compassion. I realized that, while one can and should still work to correct misconceptions, my being angry at rash commentary was not improving the situation. I was able to let go of my anger and focus on reasonable discourse on the great chasm of truth in our society.
Additonally, I have never been an alcoholic or addicted to drugs, but I appreciated the honesty and depth of feeling in your stories of overcoming these trials. Of course, I do have trials of my own. I recently left my teaching job after 5 years of feeling that I was spending more of my time on other people's children than my own. My husband and I have struggled with financial issues. My father had a stroke that left him paralyzed on one side of his body and my mother was coming into a situation where she would be caring for him on her own 24/7. (She is lucky/blessed enough to have several therapists who come to their home.) We prayerfully decided (with my mom) that we should move into her large home to help her care for my dad. I have worried about not making a financial contribution to our family situation. I am now looking for breadcrumbs, some of which I may have overlooked, that will help me follow the path that will be helpful to me and my family.
Finally, I just want to restate my thanks to you for your contribution. I've read several of your other books and enjoyed them as well. This one really resonated with me. I took notes. When I finished, I started making lists of things that I love to do. (I really love history!) I've started thinking back to the inspiration that has been given to me and looking for future inspiration. Thank you for sharing this book and your experiences with me.

Sincerely,

Monique Fullmer

Things I'd like to do this year.

not in any order
1. read my scriptures more often
2. spend quality time with my girls

3. celebrate our 20th anniversary with David by taking a trip together. (It would be the 1st trip together, without the kids since they were born. Some ideas pictured here.)
4. Get more exercise.
5. be more financially responsible.
6. be aware of the world around me and active in it.
7. read some good books.
8. work on family history.
9. be a good, kind, positive person
10. learn something new.
to be continued...

Shutterfly Christmas

Merry Christmas! Time flies, whether you’re having fun or not. So let’s get crackin’. Shutterfly is doing a really cool Christmas promotion! They’re offering fifty free Christmas cards if you blog about it on your blog site. I looked at their Christmas cards and they have tons of really cute options. Their photo cards with the candy stripes are some of my favorites. Look here, and you can see for yourself.
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards
So, my plan this year is to use a photo of my kids that I took with big wax lips in their mouths. They are so hilarious! Lauren looks rather amazingly like Lucille Ball. Emma is, of course, a little more reserved, but she participated willingly. I think this will be so adorable with a red candy stripe card. This will be my first time using Shutterfly and I’m really looking forward to it.
Of course, they also have really cute invitations if you have an event coming up, ya know, like your big New Year’s Eve party. Check these out… http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/party-cards-stationery
While you’re checking out this stuff, hop on over and take a peek at their equally cute Christmas address labels. Your Christmas cards will definitely be the most stylish ones on the post office conveyer belt.
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-address-labels

So, do you like any of these pictures? Which one would you choose?

Open letter to VP Biden (still under construction

September 27, 2010

Dear Vice-President Biden,

I respect the sacrifice that you have made of your time to serve your country in a rather thankless job. I understand that being the vice president of the United States must be extremely stressful and difficult.

I would like to share one idea with you. I believe that, as a role model for our nation’s children, it is important not to curse. I recall Charles Barkley’s famous quote when a similar complaint was directed at him, “I am not a role model.” I even appreciated the message that he followed with, that parents and others closer to the children should be the true role models, not a sports star. I’m sure that in the situations that you are in, there are rarely children around and they probably don’t come to mind during your conversations. However, in the position that you hold, children should look to you as a model and a successful guide.

I am a school teacher. (So I can relate to the thankless job.) I realize that I am presenting anecdotal evidence; however, it seems pretty consistent. Having taught sixth grade for a few years, I began to notice a pattern. Children who swear at school seem to demonstrate less regard for their parents, teachers, and education in general. I don’t know what the statistical correlation actually is, but it is there. Students who consistently swear generally perform less well in their studies and have more discipline problems. Interestingly, some of my most difficult students were the ones whose parents didn’t care if they cursed.

Of course, I know you are an adult and have many freedoms that children should not be allowed. We restrict children from drinking alcohol and place the age for voting at an age when they have had a chance to mature and improve in reasoning skills. Adults are capable of deciding what is appropriate in their own lives. However, when children hear respected adults use foul language, they believe that using similar language makes them more adult as well.

I have heard throughout my life that swear-words are vocabulary for the uneducated. Obviously times have changed and such language is heard in every walk of life. It is simply my opinion that the dignity of the office you hold is denigrated by the use of foul language, and that hurts us all.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Monique Fullmer

Grade school

So, I've been playing on a new FB page created by John Rubalcaba called "Chandler People". Wherever else I may have been, I am definitely and will always be Chandler People. Luckily, we're back in Chandler. Mom and I were looking through old pics and I found these. This one is from Mrs. Blocker's 1st grade class. Before she got married, that year, she was Celeste Celeste. I'm right up front in the red. I was always in front, because I was one of the shortest. One of my best friends was Shelly Hudson, and I'm pretty sure that is her behind me to the left in the yellow dress. She lived right next door to me. I also remember being friends with Lynn Row in the green on the right. She was always very nice. Monica Boles was in the purple gingham in the middle row. We both ended up at Knox School and often sat by each other because of the whole name thing. One day I opened up a Catsup packet and accidentally squirted her across the table. I don't think she ever spoke to me again. 1st grade was weird for me. I started school in 1974 when I was 4 at John Hancock Academy. When I moved the next year to public school, they wouldn't let me start 1st grade because I was only 5. Well, back in those days, kindergarten was where you played with play dough and colored for half the day. I had learned to read at the private school and so half way through the year, they moved me up anyway. I did love Mrs. Blocker. She made me feel very welcome in her class.

This was 3rd grade at Hartford. I think that Mom moved me over here because she liked the principal, Mr. Ethington. I am in the front row again, right behind the sign with my hair pulled back in a tight bun. (Thanks Mom) My best friend here was Heather Allen, front row, red skirt. One day on the way to school, she got hit by a car. I remember being very sad, especially that she was gone from school for so long. She was very seriously injured and lost about 1/2 of her blood supply, but she recovered well and came back to school. I actually student taught at Hartford when I was getting my degree. The secretary there remembered me (almost 25 years later) when I told her who I was. She said oh yeah, you're the one who wouldn't stop screaming when your friend got hit by the car. The teacher told the class what happened and you started screaming. We had to call your mom to come pick you up. The boy at the top, second from the left, was Ray. His Grandpa lived by us and worked for the farm. We would play when he came to visit his grandparents. I loved to chase him around the playground and kick him in the shins. That is how you show that you like someone, right?

just a note

Well. School's out and I'm not going back. This should be interesting. The fam is moving in with Nana B. and Grampy. Lauren and Emma are so excited to be heading to Chandler. I think they love it almost as much as me. I'm a little emotional right now, but not about this. My dear friend from years ago, Celeste's father passed away this week. I just imagine how difficult this must be. He was always such a kind, gentle soul with a witty sense of humor. My prayers are with their family at this time. If anyone knows when the funeral is, will you let me know. I looked for an obituary and didn't see one.

An open letter to President Obama

October 22, 2009
Dear Mr. President,
I feel compelled to write to you concerning the statements made by you as well as some members of your staff regarding FOX News. It offends me that my fellow Americans would insult my intelligence, as well as many others, by insinuating that we cannot tell the difference between straight news and commentary. In fact, we are quite experienced in this matter as we have had to look past the liberal bias of several other cable news networks for many years. I am shocked that you would allow and participate in this scurrilous attack on free speech. It seems to me that when you spoke of hope and change during the election, the emphasis was on transparency in government, disentangling the government from big business, and promoting equality.
Since you have taken office, legislation has become more confusing, more divisive, and less accessible to the public. The voice of the people is ridiculed when they disagree and make their concerns public. What happened to the promise of public access to bills before they are signed?
Additionally, you discussed the dangers of big business being involved in government. Does the reverse not apply? I thought that the founders of this nation laid out the structure of our government to limit their own power and keep the power in the hands of the people.
Finally, and perhaps my most heartfelt point, I am beginning to believe that we have very different ideas on the concept of equality. You see, I thought that you were referring to something like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of being judged by the content of one’s character. Instead, you seem to follow the more Orwellian principle of some being more equal than others. This brings me back to my original point. Simply because you disagree with the reporting or commentary of a group does not authorize you to attempt to relegate it to a nonentity. You are certainly not the first president to feel pressure from the press and you won’t be the last, I’m sure.
Please don’t be the man who allows shallow, insecure compatriots to influence you in a manner that would restrict the god-given rights of the people to free speech. Please believe in the intelligence of the American people to discern for ourselves whether we watch commentators who toe the liberal or conservative line, or both for that matter. When one champions hope and
change, one must make sure they do not lead down dangerous paths. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Monique Fullmer

Also being sent to President Obama, directly.

Kids n Dads

Just a quick Emma story since I REALLY should be in bed. This afternoon Emma was a little peeved at David for something. He was getting ready to go to the store because he didn't buy the salmon that he told Karen he would bring for dinner today so he knew she was going to get mad again. He said to her, "Emma, come snuggle me since you probably won't later when you're mad at me for going to the store on Sunday." Emma replies, "Daddy, don't you know? I always snuggle you when I'm mad at you."

She is the strangest kid. Cool, but strange.

Emma's blog

I could have sworn I blogged since this post. Then I remembered, that was Emma. Check out her zoo photos.

A couple photos

This is the picture of the vase that Chris sent down for our family for Christmas. We all love it. Emma had me bring it to school so that she could show her class for show and tell. Lauren was there that day to help with our field day so she took it around to show the art teacher and a whole bunch of other teachers who all greatly admired it and were amazed that her uncle (my brother) had made this beautiful work of art. Of course, it is less fuzzy in real life, I have a problem taking pictures with my phone. Thanks again Chris, we love it. That's Chris Bogle for anyone who might be looking for a gorgeous piece of glass.

This is a project that I stole (borrowed, because there is no class, it is just an example) from my favorite, Melrose Vintage. The base is a sheet of metal and everything on it is a magnet. I've already made one and I will post a picture as soon as I have a family pic to put on it. Ooo, that may take a while.Yay, it is Spring Break, so we are going to go play now. Weeeeee!

Too much or too little

I hate it when it's been a month since I blogged and I really don't have anything to say but feel like such a slacker because I really want you all to blog and am sad when you don't.

Ok, a few things...
Megan brought down my vase from Chris and it is gorgeous! I will post a pic when I bring it home. It is still at Mom's house because I was feeling sick when I left yesterday and didn't grab everything. I'm also a little scared to move it. It is green and blue swirled and absolutely beautiful. Thanks Chris!

I went to the doctor on friday for the tiny little rash below my lip and just as I lknew would happen, now they want me to make up for the years I haven't gone. The lip thing is not contagioous, but may be worse for me. The dermo said rosacea or psoriasis or something, so does that mean I'm doomed to having a bumpy red face for life and still have to go have all the tests done that the doctor ordered? LAME

I am laughing my head off watching my High School reunion on TVLand. Yes, MY high school reunion. It's like eavesdropping on the stupidest conversations that you ever heard and realising that this is television, so the entire world can hear how dumb some people were 20 years ago and how dumb some people still are. Chandler High Class of 88 rocks!

I am addicted to Lush bath and body stuff.

Happy late birthday Emma

Oh yeah, I'm totally stealing Darilyn's kid interview. Not only that, it's practically with the same kid, my own 10 year old Emma had a birthday New Year's Eve. So, here goes...
What is your favorite TV show? Can we skip this one?
What is your favorite movie? I'm not sure
What is your favorite color? Blue
What is your favorite food? How many can I list? Teriyaki wings, crab legs
What is your favorite thing to do with mom? Hang out
What is your favorite thing to do with dad? Play on the trampoline or go for a bike ride
What is your favorite thing to do with your sister? Play games
What do you want to be when you grow up? Either a sculptor or a dog shelter owner
Do you have a favorite friend? Maddy, Shyla, and Katie
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not at home? Play with my cousins
What is your favorite toy or thing? I danna know
What is your favorite book? You know, Warriors
What is your favorite animal? a dog (especially Sonny)
Do you want to go on a mission? Yes
Do you want kids? Yes
What's hard to do? Write a story in 2 days, with a dedication page and cover
What's have you learned from your primary teacher this year? Joseph Smith
What do you love to do? Hang out with my cousins, friends and family
What would you want to add? What kind of dog would you have if you got to choose? Some sort of golden retriever mix, golden retrievers rock (This was a great choice, seeing as how we have a golden doodle.)

For some reason, I can't load a pic right now, so...

make-up time

Okay, this has to buy me some time before I have to change my background. This is a quick replay of the holidays. I actually thought that we might take a Christmas picture and send out cards. It went something like this.
"Lauren, I want to take pictures of you guys decorating the tree. Would you please put on a shirt with sleeves."

"No, Lauren, those are not sleeves. And Emma, eewww."
"It still doesn't work, even with a hat."

"Could we stop dancing with the dog long enough to take a picture?"

This might have worked, but by then I was too wiped out to even think about having the pictures printed.

Yup, those are my girls!

Yay Chris!

These are beautiful. You really should come see.

Christmas time is here!

Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year and it officially starts Thanksgiving morning at about 9am when Santa shows up at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. this year, the girls and I spent the night before at Nana B's so we could wake up and watch the parade with her. David arrived just in time for dinner, per his usual plan. He honestly can't understand why you would show up more than about 10 minutes before sitting down at the table. Austensibly, we were there so we could also help her get ready for the crowd coming to her house. She however, was up and had most things done before I ever woke up. My timing is impeccable. Lauren however, did help Reuben set up the rest. (I know you helped too, Meg. And I played with Catcher so that you wouldn't feel left out. wink.) Ok, this is going to be a little backwards since I obviously don't know how to post pics in order and I am slow getting everything on my blog. I'm so glad that Elise called on Friday (12/5) to see if we wanted to go to see the Nutcracker with her and her girls. I had planned on going to the Hamilton football game, but no one else could go. I asked the girls what they would rather do (thinking they would totally back me up on football) They were shocked, of course they wanted to go to the Nutcracker. It's a holiday TRADITION, didn't I know. One that it's been a couple years since we've done. The girls loved it, Zo especially! She asked Elise nonstop questions throughout the entire show. So hilarious. Lauren was enraptured. She told Zo to be quiet when she tried to ask her questions and Zo was mad. She told Elise that Lauren wouldn't play with her. She only wanted to play with HER friends. I'm guessing these were the ballerinas. Afterward, Lauren reassured Zo that she was her best friend.

At Nana B's house Thanksgiving Day, Lauren was so busy taking pictures of the food, that she pretty much forgot to take pics of the people. It's a tribute to how delicious dinner is at Mom's. Here we are playing the traditional Mexican Train game at the Miller's house Thanksgiving evening. Traditional, in that it is played almost every Sunday!

Back at Nana B's house, Lauren was able to take a picture of Catcher, because he had food in his hands, and face. He was so cute eating this apple. Nana B was enthralled by the tiny apples at Safeway (you know, the ones they used to let people come u-pick after they sold all the good ones to the stores). Well, this one was perfect Catcher size. He couldn't quite break through the skin with his 2 1/2 teeth yet, but once we took a little starter bite, he was going to town. I think he chewed on, sucked on, and generally adored this apple for about 1/2 an hour. He is so hilarious.

This is the pecan pie, before David and Lauren picked off about 1/3 of the pecans. Yes Lauren had already gained control of the camera and was on her food photo marathon.

The day before Thanksgiving, the girls helped make 6 pies, an apple, cherry and pecan for each house we went to. When I took the bags of apples out of the fridge, I almost died. The smell of those apples was like heaven. I just wanted to stick my head in the bag and leave it there. I hear that's not healthy. The girls were a big help with the pies. I don't know how I used to do 10-12. Oh wait, I didn't have a job. We had a blast and were covered with flour and dripping with apple juice by the time we were done. I love it!

Fine Merilee!

Believe it or not,

my mom actually found suckers like this in gorgeous Christmas colors at Walgreens. Please don't buy them all, because I haven't been able to get any yet. I am so ready for Christmas. I know lots of people don't like the early displays, but they could have Christmas stuff up all year long and I would be just fine. I love to listen to the songs, see the lights, create the lists, make the pies, wrap the presents and everything else that goes along with the only holiday I can think of that makes strangers smile at each other and people go sing in front of other people's houses. I love it! Even when I'm not sure I can do it all and I am stressed out beyond ever, I still love it!

Happy Halloween

I wonder, do bad memories of Halloween make it through the filter of childhood? I don't think I ever remember not having fun on Halloween.

Lauren's actual costume is "Alice Cullen, dressed as a wood nymph for Halloween", hence the black hair. Thanks to Aunt Megan, the wild bandido for coming over to do Lauren's hair and makeup for our ward halloween party and Aunt Elise for loaning the costume. One reason Halloween was more stressful for me, ward halloween party on halloween night and knowing my kids still wanted to trick or treat.I just loved this pic of Bad Guy Megan!

Emma dressed as Sally, from the Nightmare before Christmas. She actually won "Best Costume" at the ward party, which I think may have made up for missing out on trick or treating when Mom, Dad, and Lauren all got asked to help with game booths at the party.
However, she did inform us that no Halloween is complete without the annual dumping out of the candy and swapping with your cousins tradition. So, we made the trek out to Chandler, because for some reason, I'm all about making memories. Of course, this way we get to see Nana B. and Grampy when we're all dressed up for halloween too. Now, one holiday down....

Garbage trucks

Thanks to Mike Bogle for this link to a site that shares a truth that is easy to forget sometimes.
http://www.bewareofgarbagetrucks.com
or just click the title of this post.

September

Well,

Fall is here, hear the yell back to school, ring the bell brand new shoes, walking blues climb the fence, books and pens I can tell that we're going to be friends

It's that time of year again. I don't want to bore you all with school stories, but of course, the classroom antics are interesting as usual.

On top of that, it's my um, 20th high school reunion next weekend. That should be interesting. The closer we get, more people are posting old and new pics on classmates. It's pretty funny. The amount of big hair is not really so surprising I guess as just amusing.

It is strange though, the change in the weather (even if it is just the monsoon flaring up), school starting, football, and I don't know who lit those fall scented candles in the dining room... I seem to just feel a static of excitement in the air. Whenever anyone asks what my favorite season is, I always think of Christmas, but then I realize that it's really the build up that I love. Right after Christmas is always a let down, so winter is not really my favorite. I love the crescendo as football leads to halloween leads into Thanksgiving and the Christmas season. I do love Fall. I don't even care when they start putting Christmas stuff up in the stores. To me, it's all just part of the fun. And hey, if they want to clearance the other holidays before they actually happen, I just get a better deal, YAY!