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!

A Little Dirt Never Hurts

Our last camping trip started in disaster when Chris got the car high centered in snow.  With a lot of prayer and a random stranger pulling us out, it ended with miracles.  Thankfully on our next camping trip there was no snow, only lots of sand.

My parents, four brothers, sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, and cousin came up to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes last weekend to go camping and ride four wheelers.  They decided to invite us too. 

Camping reminds me of my grandpa Skinner.  When I was fourteen, my family, my grandpa, and several aunts and uncles went on a pack-trip.  I complained about there being dirt in my food and water.  My grandpa responded, “A little dirt never hurts.”  I repeat that to myself whenever a small speck of dirt gets in my food. 

So it was with this sand-dune camping trip.  But is it really fun without a little dirt?

Without the dirt there would have been no four-wheeling, and that’s all the boys wanted to do.  It was my husband’s first time out on the dunes, and he loved it.  The boys had a great time riding up and down the endless sand dunes.  They eventually wore a four-wheeler to the ground, a tire was popped, and Cody dumped his own bike in order to avoid crashing into the twelve-year old Wilson.  Meanwhile back at camp, the girls chatted and attempted to stay out of the afternoon sun.

Dirt was inevitably in our food.  But the time I got a mouthful was out on the dunes.  Saturday morning the group went on an “easy” ride for the girls.  Katie road with Jackson, and road with Chris.  We road up and down the smaller sand dunes.  I didn’t know how to move my body with the four-wheeler, plus I didn’t have a lot to hold onto and couldn’t predict what Chris was going to do next, so by the time we got back my whole body ached from the jumping and jarring.  At one point we got stuck in the sand.  Chris, not knowing how stuck we were, tried driving us out, only burying the back tires in the sand even more, causing a wall of sand to spray me in the back . . . twice.  Katie, who was behind us at the time, said she couldn’t even see me.  The crunch of sand between my teeth wasn’t too pleasant.  Needless to say I was excited for my warm, soapy shower later that evening. 

Even though dirt never hurt us, it’s still not too fun to be covered in it.  Katie and I started counting down the hours until we could wash away all the dirt, but those boys kept going on one more round of riding the dunes.  So we waited.  We slowly helped pack and got excited when one of the boys would pitch in too. We laughed as Jefferson and Jackson attempted to take down the tent (it took them forever), and rejoiced when we saw someone coming back from the last run, only to find out that one of the four-wheelers had stopped working fifteen minutes outside of camp.  

Our showers were delayed. 

Then the rain came just as the broken four-wheeler was being pulled into camp.  That made the boys hustle to get things packed.  By the time the rain left, the camp was packed up.  Katie and I smiled at each other.  A little rain never hurts, especially if it means we get to take a shower sooner.

A little dirt never hurts, but it’s always nice to wash it off.

Grandpa thinks he's funny. 

Chris putting Lilly to sleep for her morning nap

The family :)