Remember It

Facebook is a public journal.  People’s status’s range from personal feelings to ordinary life events.   

There are the everyday statuses.   “Just got home from the store with the kids.  Now off to make dinner!” or “Going out to dinner with my hubby!  I can’t wait!”  

There’s the more touchy feely, ones, “My little boy came and gave me hug today out of the blue and told me he loved me.  I really needed that.” 

Or the testimonies, “Today was another reminder of how amazing the Savior is.  He never leaves us, even when it feels like we’re alone.” 

I’m not saying a person sharing their lives on Facebook is bad.  (If I had a problem with it then I would delete my Facebook account).  What I am concerned about is all those little things we put on Facebook will eventually fade away.  I don’t see the day, but I’m sure someday Facebook will be like MySpace—no one uses it anymore.  The same will probably happen with Twitter, Instagram, and Pintrist.  All of those tidbits of life will eventually disappear. 

May I suggest a simple way in which people can preserve those special moments of their lives?

Keep a journal

Maybe you’re the kind of person who “doesn’t keep a journal very well.”  Honestly, it’s easier than you think, and there are soooo many ways to keep a journal! 

The Personal Traditional Journal

I’ve kept one since I was nine years old.  It is so much fun to look back on my kid and teenage journals to see how much I’ve grown.  Journals like these can provide a sense of strength.  Earlier this year I was pretty down.  I flipped open the journal in which I recorded the last few months of my mission.  I read several entries where I had gone through difficult times and how I overcame them.  Reading those entries strengthened me at that particular difficult moment.  I knew I could do hard things.

Your entries don’t have to be long.  In fact my last entry was a paragraph long.  I recently came across something on Pintrist where a lady literally wrote 2-4 sentences for each day.  Those simple sentences are snapshots into her life. 

Adding titles to some entries makes it a little more fun.

I sometimes add pictures to my journals.  It spices things up a bit.

My very first journal entry.

Typed Journal

Maybe writing’s not your thing.  I admit it takes awhile.  Typing doesn’t. There’s nothing wrong with typing out our journal.  Just remember to print it out once in awhile and get it bound so you can go back and read it now and again, and your posterity can have it as well.

Bullet Journaling

I saw this on Pintrist a couple months ago, and though it’s not for me, it was still pretty cool.  What you do is write the date, then write bullets as to what happened that day. 

An example:

This is not mine.  I got this image from Pintrist.  Yours doesn't have to be this fancy

Blog Journal

My mother in law has a blog journal.  She writes the happenings of her family and life on a private blog, posts pictures, and then gets them printed in a book.  It’s a place where both pictures and words go.  It’s not personal, so her boys can flip through them.  I had the privilege of looking through one.  It was amusing to see my husband as a young teenager, looking tough in his Bomber football uniform, or snazzy, all dressed up to go to the Prom.

If you’re looking for something kind of like a scrapbook, but way easier and not as fancy, try blog journaling.

Kid’s Journal

Again, I found this idea on Pintrist (don’t you love that site)?  A couple kept a journal for each one of their kids from the time they found out they were pregnant (or the adoption was official) to the time they were 18.  Then at graduation they gave their kids the journal.  The couple wrote about special events in their kid’s life, and how they felt about them, as well as the everyday things their kids did. 

Thinking this was a fabulous idea, Chris and I bought a journal for Lilly when we found out we were expecting.  My first entry was the day we had our first ultrasound and I saw her for the first time.  I was able to tell her about her birth several days after it took place, while it was fresh in my mind.  I recorded when she cut her first tooth, when she had her first taste of ice cream, and when she began to crawl—little things that are forgotten overtime.  I don’t write it in everyday, or even every week.  I do try to write in it every 2-3 months, or whenever something monumental happens.  I also stick pictures (or ultrasounds) in the journal too.

Spiritual/Scripture Study Journal

I have so many of these, and I hardly look through them again.  For this reason, I stopped keeping one, until one of my mission companions showed me something spectacular—a topic-by-topic study journal.  I listed a whole bunch of topics, then wrote each one on the top of a different page, leaving anywhere from 1-4 pages in between each topic.  When I found a scripture, a quote, or had an insight, I would turn to the appropriate topic and write it down, dating it afterward. 

If you are exclusively studying one topic you can write everything down on a loose sheet of paper.  Then put it in a three ring binder.  Continue to add to it as you study more topics, or the same one.  This gives you the freedom to add to it over the months and years.  You’re not constrained by how many pages there are. 

I love adding fun things to my scripture journal . . . like stickers

A sample from my journal.

Photo Albums

Hey all you Instagram junkies out there.  Ever thought of printing off your photos to put in an album?  Yeah, a bit too much work, I have to agree.  I have several boxes of pictures in my closet just waiting to go into albums.  I thought of an easier way to make pictures available in print (although I’m definitely not the first.  More like the millionth).  Go to Shutterfly, Walmart.com, Snapfish, or any other picture book website and make a picture book, adding words and titles.  These books usually cost less then printing out all those pictures, and buying countless albums, and they are thinner, which means more room on the shelves! 

Pictures are a great way to preserve memories and events.  I enjoy going through albums of when I was a kid, remembering camping trips, birthday parties, and everyday life.  Next time you post a picture on Instagram or Facebook, remember it will fade away someday so you might as well print it so you can remember the memory. 

Good memories from my high school days captured in a photo

Scrapbooks

If you’re looking for a more artsy way to display your pictures, you can scrapbook.  I scrapbooked during my teenage years.  It was not for me.  I however, love looking at different layouts, amazed at what some people can do.  It’s a beautiful way to document a life.   

One of my first attempts at scrapbooking when I was a kid

I got a little better, but eventually gave it up.

Smash Books

I prefer the Smash Book.  I’m a pack rat.  I have papers from my grade school days.  I keep movie and concert tickets, notes from friends, cards from grandparents, and feathers from camping trips.  Instead of piling them in a box I Smash them.  I glue them into a special book, write a little something about it, and call it done. There’s no color coordination, or picture placement.  It’s a way for me to keep those things that are sentimental in a place I can go back to, without having to unpack and repack a box. 

I told you I'm a pack rat! 

This page took me about 30 minutes, and I have a memory preserved. 

Hobby Journal a.k.a I-don’t-want-to-forget Journal

My hobby journal is just a notebook.

For me a hobby journal consists of writing down ideas for stories and blog posts, mainly so I don’t forget my ideas.  For you it could be a doodle journal, an art journal, ideas for a room you want to decorate, the first verse to a song you’re writing, ideas for how to better your business, date ideas, or fun things to do with kids—anything.  Write them down before you forget.

Only one of these stories ended up on paper.

The Purpose of Journals

Why keep journals?  I believe there are a couple reasons.

For posterity

Journals are for our posterity to read and learn about us.  When we read the personal words of our ancestors we learn about them, their likes and dislikes, what a regular day was for them, what they feared, what they treasured, and trials they went through.  Our hearts are turned to them.  When our posterity reads our journals their hearts will be turned to us.  Keeping a journal is having the Spirit of Elijah. 

Al 22 of my journals I've kept over the past 16 years

For Remembering

We’re humans.  We forget.  It’s so fun to go back through my childhood journals and remember what it was like being a kid, when my only worry was a scraped knee.  When I read those scribbled words I feel like a kid again.  I keep a writing journal to remember things I want to write someday. 

Memories are treasures we should always keep with us.  Memories become stories we tell our children and grandchildren.  We, and they, can learn from them.

Journals come in all sizes

So next time you write something on Facebook, post a picture on Instagram, pin you’re favorite quote on Pintrist, make sure to write it, glue it, or print it. 

Remember it. 

For some fun journaling ideas visit my Pinterest board on Journaling! Click Here. 

Cramming in the Summer Fun

With all Chris’s final papers turned in and tests taken, we only had a month and half left to us of summer.  We needed to pack as much fun into the summer as we could. 

We started by taking a trip to Yellowstone for Chris’s 23^rd birthday.  It was our first family vacation with just us three. 

Lilly didn’t enjoy the constant getting in and out of the car at all the stops, and she wasn’t too impressed with the sights either.  The bubbling mud at the Artists Painting Pots didn’t impress her in the slightest.  (I on the other hand, thought they were pretty sweet). 

Watching the bubbling mud

One of the coolest things we saw was a momma bear and her cub.  I say “one of the coolest things” for several reasons.  One is they were pretty far away.  We had pulled into Roosevelt’s Tower (a waterfall) and saw every person there (about 100+) crowded around the guardrails.  We jumped out of the car and saw a mamma black bear with her two cubs about 200 yards away.  We only saw them for a couple seconds before they disappeared in the tall grass.  Needless to say we saw wild bears!  Later as we were coming back from seeing the waterfall, we saw the mamma bear in profile before she sauntered away into the woods.

The other reason this event was one of the coolest things, is The Lion Group Geysers located by Old Faithful.  After seeing Old Faithful erupt we walked along the boardwalk behind Old Faithful and looked at the other geysers.  We passed an older couple with their young adult daughter sitting at The Lion Group Geysers.  They informed us it was going to erupt in 15-20 minutes.  We weren’t on a strict schedule so we decided to stay.  Chris chatted it up with the couple, while I pretended like I could hear them.  (Wind and hearing loss don’t go well together).  Then in a guttural eruption, the water started gushing out.  It squirted about 20 feet in the air and rained just to the right of us.  The boardwalk got soaked, but we stayed dry.  Then Chris said, “I’m just waiting for the wind to change,” and instantly the wind shifted and cold water fell right on us.  We jumped out of the way, except for the old man.  He sat on the bench and laughed.  Eventually his wife convinced him to move. 

You don’t see a geyser go off besides Old Faithful, very often. 

We found Lilly's geyser

The day after we got home from Yellowstone we headed down to Salt Lake to see Wicked.  My parents had gifted us, Jackson & Katie with tickets for a late 1^st anniversary present. 

It was the first time Chris had ever seen a Broadway play, and the third time Jackson and I had seen Wicked, which was the only Broadway play we had ever seen. 

Apparently, I had forgotten how incredible Wicked was.  I was amazed most of all at the skill of the dancers.  Jackson, during intermission, found out that the actresses playing Glinda and Elphaba are paid $5,000 a week, and they are only contracted for a week at a time. 

We were also able to stop by Chris's Great Grandma's place.  Lilly has now met all of her great, great grandparents! 

Lilly on the carousel

 Last week was our last summer vacation.  Chris’s uncle got married on the Oregon Coast, and Chris’s parents decided to make a vacation out of it.  It was Lilly’s first time on the coast.  She got to see the seals at Seaside, ride the carousel in the mall with Dad, and be smothered with kisses and hugs from her grandma.

Chris and I got a date night one of the evenings.  We went and got Tilamook ice cream, then walked on the windy beach.  It was a relaxing evening where we didn’t have to worry about Lilly. 

Chris, his dad and brother went clamming one morning.  They got up at four and were out on the beach at five digging for clams.  That evening I made clam chowder from freshly made clams. 

Recipe for Clam Chowder

Two 6½ cans minced clams

1 cup chopped onions

1 cup chopped celery

2 cups chopped potatoes

1 cup chopped carrots (optional)

¾ cup butter

½ cup flour

1 quart half & half

1½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. sugar

dash of pepper

Drain juice from clams and pour over vegetables in medium saucepan.  Add enough water to barely cover veggies.  Simmer covered over medium heat.  In another medium pan melt butter and add flour.  Blend and cook a minute or two.   Add half & half to butter and flour.  Stir until thickened.  Add to cooked vegetables.  Season with salt, pepper, and sugar.  Add clams.  Do not boil.  Add a little vinegar when ready to serve (optional).

One of my favorite parts of the vacation was watching Lilly play in the sand for the first time.  Chris and Matthew built a sand fortress.  Lilly was the monster that destroyed it.  She loved squishing the sand between her little fingers, knocking down the sand castles, and trying to eat the sand.  She was even rolling in it at one point.  She had a blast, and I couldn’t get enough pictures. 

Right after she tried to eat the sand

Don't ask about Chris's face

I'll Stand With God's Prophet

Several weeks ago I posted a quote from Elder Neil L. Anderson on Facebook about the Lord’s definition of marriage. 

“This past month the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve published a letter to leaders of the Church across the world. In part it read: ‘Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society. His law of chastity is clear: sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife . . . .’

“While many governments and well-meaning individuals have redefined marriage, the Lord has not. In the very beginning, God initiated marriage between a man and a woman—Adam and Eve. He designated the purposes of marriage to go far beyond the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of adults to, more importantly, advancing the ideal setting for children to be born, reared, and nurtured.” (Spiritual Whirlwinds). 

I commented on how every time I’ve read this, the Holy Ghost has confirmed to me of its truthfulness. 

Overall, the feedback I received was positive, except for one person who commented on how human rights aren’t trends.  A link was shared regarding a study done on children of same-sex parents.  The article states, “Children of same-sex couples fare better when it comes to physical health and social well-being than children in the general population . . .” 

I disregarded this study.  Here is why.

In the spring of 2012 I was assigned to do two research argumentative papers on one controversial issue.  One paper was to be for the issue, and the other against.  I decided to research how children fared when raised by heterosexual parents and how they fared when raised by homosexual parents. 

I found this researching topic extremely frustrating. 

Usually when researching a topic, most research tends to lean toward one conclusion, with a few researches leaning toward the other side. 

This was not the case. 

I found many articles and researches that claimed children raised by heterosexual couples fared far better than those raised by homosexual couples.  On other hand, I found just as many articles and researches that claimed the opposite: those children raised by homosexual couples didn’t fare worse, or even fared better than those raised by heterosexual couples.

While writing these papers I couldn’t disregard the research that claimed children raised by homosexual couples did just fine.  Nor could I disregard the research that said children develop better when raised by heterosexual parents. 

One could feel like Joseph Smith when he said, “In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?” (JS-H1:10)

Fortunately, I didn’t feel like this.  I knew where I stood, and no amount of research was going to persuade me. 

I believe there is a living prophet on this earth today, just like there were prophets in the Old Testament times.  A prophet’s purpose is to guide God’s children, teaching them His laws and commandments. 

God’s word was revealed to prophets such as Adam, Moses, Abraham, Daniel, and Isaiah.  They told the will and laws of God to the people.  God just didn’t love those who lived thousands of years ago.  He loves his children so much He has given us a prophet today.

Today!  As in 2014! 

There are also twelve apostles, just like Christ had when He walked the earth. 

IN 2014!!!

God has not left His children to rely on imperfect research, and imperfect human ideas and opinions.  He has a mouthpiece on this earth that speaks for Him. 

Thomas S. Monson has been called to be God’s prophet today.  He, his two counselors, and the twelve apostles are God’s prophets, seers, and revelators. 

In the midst of all the research I pored over for my paper, I relied on what the prophets have said about marriage and family to formulate my own opinion. “We . . . declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.. . . Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.” (The Family: AProclamation to the World). 

To me that clearly states marriage, as defined by God, is between a man and a wife.  It is a child’s right, in the eyes of God, that a father and mother raise them. 

Are these ideas old fashioned?  Yes.  If enforced everywhere would there be people saying their rights are being taken away?  Yes.  Do God’s laws change?  No.

These may be old-fashioned ideas, and I know people will think me a hater (of which I am not) because of my beliefs, but these old fashioned ideas are God’s law.  Just as God revealed his law to the Israelites through prophets, He has revealed them today through prophets.  And just as people rejected His law in Old and New Testament times, they reject them today. 

When studies of man are contradicting, when issues in government, or in the world, or even in the community or my family arise—I look to God’s prophets for guidance. 

What is God’s law on abortion?  Or what does He say about lying?  Or murder?  Or even our personal health?  God has revealed all of these things to His children through His prophets. 

I love the words of a primary song,

“Now we have a world where people are confused.

“If you don’t believe it, go and watch the new.

“We can get direction all along our way,

“If we heed the prophets—follow what they say.”

We do not have to walk in darkness.  Though at times I personally wonder why He gives a certain commandment, I know that He is all powerful, He sees the beginning from the end, He, through Christ, created this world.  I don’t want to base my opinions off of man’s research.  I want to base them off of God’s word, because I know it’s 100% true. 

I am so grateful the Lord has given His children a prophet to guide us in a world full of confusion.  I know President Monson is that prophet today.  God created all His children, and loves them all equally.  I am grateful for this love.  God has commanded us to love everyone regardless of what they believe, and how they choose to live.  I hope to live this commandment, and try to everyday. 

God lives.  He loves us. He has given us a prophet “Who guides us in these latter days.”

President Thomas S. Monson

What Would I Do Without Chris?

One day I asked Chris what I would do without him,

"You would be really bored."

Like when he jumps fully clothed in the bathtub with Lilly

…

I stopped by Winco after work one day on a very cold January evening.  Chris had agreed to cook some steaks for dinner.  By the time I was done with Winco I was more than ready for a nice hot dinner.  However, my dreams were cut short when Chris called me telling me the steaks hadn’t thawed. “Don’t worry, I’ll think of something for dinner.  It will probably involve something out of a can,” he said.

I was disappointed.  I really wanted a nice hot, REAL dinner that night.

I got home thirty minutes later and the good smell I smelled was actually coming from our apartment!  I walked in and Chris was sautéing something!  What the?

“I thought you were going to make Spagetios or something?” I asked

“I wanted to surprise you,” Chris said smiling. “Um, how much is one clove of garlic?” 

“How much did you put in?”

“Is this a clove of garlic?” he held up a whole head.

“Um no.  Is that what you used?”

He smiled guiltily and didn’t say anything.

Offering the prayer that night he said, “Please don’t let the food made us sick, and please let it taste good and not too garlicy.”

…

When Lilly was about a month old Chris was sleeping on the couch with her when he snapped awake and said, "Where's the onion rings?"

"The what?"

He didn't answer; instead, he just looked around.

"Chris, where are we?" I asked several times.

"The moon," he replied.

…

A couple months ago I got on Chris’s case about putting a new liner in the garbage can when he took out the garbage on his way to school.  Exasperated Chris said, “Well what do you want me to do?  Take the garbage out and then come all the way back to the apartment to put a liner in when the garbage?  That’ll take five extra minutes, and I don’t have that time when I’m on my way to school!”

“No,” I said disbelievingly.  “I want you to take the full garbage out, set it down, put a liner in the pail, then take the garbage out on your way to school.”

“Oh…”

I just had to laugh at that one. 

…

My favorite non-boring incident happened about a week ago. Chris was home four about an hour.  He helped me take care of Lilly before heading off to a study group.  Later that evening I was out talking to a friend when Lilly pooped.  I went in to change her.  When I took off her pants poop gushed out of her onsie.  I had never seen so much poop outside of her diaper in my life.  As I went to carefully unbutton her onsie I noticed something was terribly wrong. 

She didn’t have a diaper on. 

Who changed her last? I thought.

It was Chris.  He changed her right before he left, and left me to clean up the diaperless-poop mess.  But I made him clean her clothes off when he got back. 

I couldn’t do anything but laugh as I used about 10 wipes to try to get all the poop off, then, giving up, put her in the bath.  At least she liked the bath.

And at least my night was anything but dull.

I can't help but love him and all his craziness!