How I spent my Week...(when not at work)

The Plan...

Empty closest...

The supports have been added...

Then the painting. I really like how the colors turned out. Final pictures show them better.

Grateful my brother & family showed up Saturday morning...just when extra hands could be used!

Then, it all came together...

New Happy little office space.

I am going to move in slowly. Goal is to bring in what I actually use and get rid of the rest.

Monday Memory Moment

It seems there are days I can go without noticing the date. Today, I saw it repeatedly. It struck mee as familiar and important for some reason. Maybe it is someone's birthday. Nope, no one I could think of ( I even checked facebook). Then all of a sudden it came to mee.

ON THIS DAY... June 27, 1844 Carthage, Illinois. Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith were martyred by a mob in Carthage Jail.

Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith

There are many emotional and intellectual responses to the name JOSEPH SMITH. This range includes disgust, admiration, or nothing at all. There are few names more generic in the English language than Joseph Smith. Ask mee: Who is Joseph Smith?

A prophet of God. The first prophet of this, the last dispensation, or the dispensation of the fullness of times. The founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Translator of The Book of Mormon. A friend of God and all mankind.

Monday Mess Making

I did a pretty good job making messes tonight. I had heard about Bountiful Baskets a few months ago. I hadn’t gotten myself to the point of participating until last week. To help give you a better idea of how much food there is, this is a cardboard apple box.

At that point, I was ambitious. Rather than starting with the basic basket I went for the basket, and the Mexican add-on. I have so many peppers, I don’t know what all of them are. At first look I thought…salsa.
I have never made salsa before. Neither had I worked with tomatillos. That too was interesting. I thought it tasted alright tonight. We’'ll see how it goes over at work tomorrow.


The other mess I started a while ago. It was actually an effort to clean something.

After my grandfather died I wanted a ratchet set. When Dad asked why I said: “If nothing else, for when you are there and need to use them.”
As you can tell they need some help. I remember my dad telling mee Cola would clean rust.

I actually soaked them twice. I bought this bottle a year (or two) ago. I didn’t know if it did what it was suppose to. After the first soaking, it still looked like a lot of work. It still took more elbow grease than I would have preferred.
Have you ever thought “This is going to make a big mess”, and then did it anyway.

After taking out and scrubbing all the tools, I decided to soak the case as well…
I dumbed the cola from the bucket to the case, which was too big for the sink.
Here is the out come…

I could have done a better job on the case…but it was getting late. I am not sure what else to do with these bits.

Monday Memory Moment

More from D. C. This is my favorite picture. It took a lot of effort to get. You may want to click on it to enlarge. There is lightening above the Lincoln Monument. !

I had heard the Lincoln Monument contained the Gettysburg Address:

I may have even heard it contained his 2nd inaugural address. I don't believe I had ever read it before. I took pictures. Including the trascript to make it easier to read.

Transcript of President Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address (1865)

Fellow Countrymen

At this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement, somewhat in detail, of a course to be pursued, seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention, and engrosses the enerergies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself; and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.

On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil-war. All dreaded it -- all sought to avert it. While the inaugeral address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war -- seeking to dissole the Union, and divide effects, by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; 

and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came.

One eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the Southern half part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union, even by war; while the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war, the magnitude, or the duration, which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!" 

If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South, this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a Living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope -- fervently do we pray -- that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said f[our] three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether"

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan -- to achieve and cherish a lasting peace among ourselves and with the world. to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with the world. all nations.

Washington D.C. : Jefferson

The first monument we made it to was Thomas Jefferson. I would of liked multiple hours dedicated to each monument. As it was, we were lucky to have a day to get in as many as we could.

Mr. Griffin, our Social Studies teacher was able to give historical significance to the architectural style. While I found it interesting, I don’t recall most of it. I did find his depth and breath of knowledge amazing. Thomas Jefferson was truly a renaissance man. Under the memorial was a small museum and gift shop (s).

 This first quote was from there. The rest are part of the memorial.

If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was, and never will be. 1816

God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the Liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, this His justice cannot sleep forever. Commerce between master and slave is despotism. Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate than that these people are to be free. Establish the law for educating the common people. This is the business of the state to effect and on a general plan.




I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions. But law and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened. As new discoveries are mode, new truths discovered and manner and opinions change. With the changes of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as wall required a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.




We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights governments are instituted among men. We …solemnly publish and declare, that these colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states…and for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honour.




Almighty God hath created the mind free. All attempts to influence it by temporal punishment or burthens---are departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our Religion---no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship or ministry or shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief. But all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of religion. I know but one code of morality for men whether acting singly or collectively.

(around the top, inside)

Washington D.C. : Charters of Freedom

Yes, it has been a while. I was informed I need to share more of my D.C. pictures.

The Education Department went the Council of Exceptional Children Convention and Expo which was held in National Harbor, MD. I struggled deciding which I was more excited about: convention vs. Washington D.C.
We had almost a full week in the DMV (District of Maryland, Virginia).
We had three days of Convention and three days of site seeing. I had one MUST see:

The Charters of Freedom. Housed in the National Archives, 235 year old parchment, elegant penmanship, and inspired words protected as the priceless gift they are: The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States of America and the Bill of Rights. Amazing, amazing, amazing...this should be the Mecca of all freedom loving people.

While I will treasure knowing that I have seen the actual documents. I am most grateful for a keener understanding of the sacrifice and foresight of these, our founding fathers. As I wondered the monuments and museums I kept reflecting on the words given to the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning this great land and are freedoms.

Doctrine and Covenants 101:77–80‎

77 According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I [God]  have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;
78 That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.
79 Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.
80 And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land [The United States of America], by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.

ginger? house

The task was to make a ginger bread house.

I made a sugar wafer out house. 

 The trees tell you it is out in the forest. Look closely. There is even a moon on the door.

Frost is going in. Hope there is toilet paper.

Say... :)

 Last week I was a girls' camp. We had a lot of fun. One of my goals for the year was to participate in the hike. While near the height of our climb I decided I wanted a picture. 

I stood up on a mountain slope giving a directive; "Say cheese", when another time and place came to mind.

I was in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) for three weeks. While I was there we took lots of pictures, especially the last day or so. One of our MTC Instructors had his own twist on picture taking. Where most might prompt, "Say Cheese" we were prompted with...say...

 

POLYGAMY !!!

Monday Memory Moment

As children, my brother, sisters and I enjoyed swimming. I remember swimming at Black Canyon Reservoir when we lived in Emmett. Most of memories, however, are of swimming at Eagle Island State Park.

The swimming is in a slow portion of the Boise River. There is a "beach". I really remember the cattails, and swimming out the island. I also remember diving for rocks. There is also a water slide. It was a special treat to enjoy. I do remember trying to keep our bare feet cool on the hot cement. We might follow wet foot prints, or stand on our mat, if we grabbed one.

We often got a season pass. It was close enough we would often go for just an hour or so after dad got home from work. I cannot say there was one particular time I remember the most. All of them sort of run together. However, I do remember what TIME we often went.

If we were wanting to go swimming when dad got home, first we had to eat dinner. Then, we had to clean up from dinner. We where usually given the same time frame as to when the dishes had to be done if we were to go swimming.

Dishes had to be done before...Hogan's Heroes was over.

I wonder...

Tonight, I want to bring you into a world you may not be too familiar with. This world I speak of is one where I find myself. I didn't necessarily plot the course to get here. It is not the place I would like to stay. Nevertheless here I am.

Let mee begin by telling you a couple of stories. Names will be changed to protect the innocent, or the guilty, whatever the case maybe.

Story number one: A day in the mountains.

They had been announcing in church the stake would be having a service day. We were responsible for fixing up a camp ground north of us. We were to meet at the stake center and go on up as a group.

When I got to the stake center I was expecting to see families. All I say where men.  

“Did I miss that this was a priesthood responsibility?”

“Oh no, we are glad to have you help.”

I thought about backing out. But, it was free ride to spend the day in the Sawtooths.

I enjoyed the solitude, the fresh air, and manual labor. Solitude? You ask. Yes, there were a number of men there. They were all married or teenagers.

I wonder…

• How uncomfortable or cautious should I feel when talking to married men?
• How long can I just sit and chat with them? At work? At church?
• Do I need to keep it work/church related?
• Is anything personal allowed?
• How do you make friends with others who are in a different world i.e., women married with children?

Story number two: A chance meeting.

It was actually a planned meeting. It was random happenstance that I was there. I had been asked to go only 10 hours before hand. I was excited to go; we were to be talking about Girls’ Camp.

Before we broke up into our separate groups the stake presidency was to give us some instruction. I don’t think I have ever been this fond of a stake presidency. In the past I might have recognized a name, or face of one or all three. I often enjoyed listening to them teach. With my current stake presidency I feel that I can approach each one of them with anything. I looked forward to hearing what they have to say.

The Higher Priesthood, what a blessing it is. It seems the topic has come up a lot. When it does I have a hard time keeping my emotions inside. As President Z talked I doodled. I was trying so hard to not let it bother mee. I agreed with everything said. I would gladly be a member of the choir.

I wonder…

• If home teachers of single sisters know how much they are needed?
• How important it is we feel comfortable enough to call you when we are sick in body or heart?
• How frustrating it is when you feel like you have called half the brethren in the ward to find someone?

Next we are talking about the youth.

***I didn't record the event, so these are not direct quotes***

Question: “What does a young women have to have before going to the temple?”
Responder A: “A testimony”
Questioner: “Yes… what else does she need?”
Responder B: “A worthy man to take her to the temple.”
Questioner: “Yes!” He moves on…
Responder A: “Do we really want our young women believing they have to be getting married to go to the temple?”
I believe there was a side comment.
Questioner: “Or a mission call.”…again moving on…
Responder A: “I went through the temple two years before my mission.” (It was actually three…)

This is an example of a myth which continues to be perpetuated. “Marry a return missionary in the temple and all will be well.”

I wonder…

• Have you ever thought about living on a concrete slab?

I am an idealist. 100% believe being married in the temple is the way to go. It is the way to start. Come along for a quick analogy. YM/YW is a preparation stage. Plans are made, skills are learned and refined. Marriage in the temple is a very solid foundation for a great life. The home still needs to be built.

• Can we talk more about the sweat, the tears?
• What about the frustration with warped boards and imperfect timing?
• Is there fear that if the hard times are talked about they will want to back away?
• What about the possibility of not getting married in this life?
• Do we get to learn how to be single?

I was Responder A. The biggest thing that kept mee from walking out was the two sisters sitting between mee and the isle. I decided later a reason I was so upset. Earlier that same day I had a thought…”I am not married, so what is my purpose in life, what am I suppose to be doing?” And there I had it confirmed. I was supposed to get married.

To be fair, I know President X responded to my statements. It was reported to mee that he validated everything I had said. I however, missed it. My focus was on trying to keep the tears inside. I failed miserably. President C (he he, get it Presidency, President C) stopped mee later to thank mee for my comments.

  

Now what? Only God knows, and I will leave it in his hands. I will also continue to pester HIM. And, continue to do those things which will insure blessings.

I wonder...

• Will I remember to recognize my trails as blessings?
• That each day is another opportunity to become more prepared to return to the home I long for?

Sincerely,

Your Single Adult Awareness Activist

I was some what hesitant about posting this on a public blog. I am a sociologist. I know the manner in which I was raised has an enormous impact on the thoughts I have, and expectations for life. I am also not worried about revealing the truth. For anyone who may want to respond to this with; “See, I knew those Mormons were all {insert negative adjective here}. Know this, I know for myself The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lord’s only true and living church on the earth.