I had the fun opportunity to do an engagement photo shoot for my wonderful daughter! Do you like these? Which is your favorite?
Ok, so I'm a sucker for shoes!
& I love to play with the color!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Strawberry Days!
Every June, our wonderful little city holds a huge, city-wide celebration:
Strawberry Days.
Pleasant Grove has been celebrating this for like 100 years.
Here is just a short list of what I LOVE about this celebration:
1. Block Party! This has to be what I love most. The Chipman Family has been holding this for over 30 years. Hundreds of people show up for an evening of yummy food, a live DJ, dancing, visiting, and fun. Kids of all ages can't wait for this party to come around every year!
2. Parade! Everyone loves a parade, right?! Between cool floats and numerous entries of cheerleading squads--this has to be a hometown favorite!
3. Carnival! Fun for kids of all ages--love that the city closes off a main street for this!
Micah & Nick at the Block Party this year.
Have I mentioned how much I love Pleasant Grove?!Happy Strawberry Days!
Friday, May 13, 2011
I Wish We Could Solve This!
**Note: Names have been changed
The anthropologist in me has been mulling over what I consider to be a huge social issue--immigration. Several things contribute to why I have the opinion that I do--among these:
*Being raised by a Mom who truly loved everyone
*Close friends of all races
*My belief that God loves ALL of us--no matter skin color, ethnicity, gender, etc.
Hoping that my brief description (above) is helpful in understanding my opinion...here I go!
There is no easy answer to the issue of immigration. Unfortunately, there are several countries where corruption is the norm and citizens are persecuted for their beliefs, ethnicity, gender, etc. and where they just do not feel safe. I know if my family was in danger, I would do anything to ensure their safety. Thousands of families every year do just that. America. So many freedoms: free to worship, free to earn a living, free to feel safe, free to get an education...I could go on. My ancestors came to America for those freedoms. They passed through Ellis Island with thousands of immigrants. They had to learn a new language, culture, and in many cases, a new vocation. Oh wait, almost ALL of us "caucasion" folks came to America this way. Ok, that's a post for another day.
I personally know familes that have had to flee to America for safety, literally for their lives! How do we send them back? How do we close the door to those who need US so desperately? I do realize, too, that not all who to flee to America do so for noble reasons. Many come to exploit the 'system' or with the intention of taking advantage of all they can--there are people like that everywhere, and every color!
How do we take this disfunctional system and fix it? How do we address those who need US so desperately and wish to learn, work hard, and contribute? How do we tell a US born child, whose parents came to America illegally that he is not entitled to education? Do we not compound the problem when we fail to educate?
We are all guilty of sterotyping. What a horrible thing. We sterotype all races, cultures, and genders. But what about Jose** who is turning 16 but cannot get a driver's license because his visa expires soon at which time he will be illegal. Nevermind that he is an honor roll student at school, active in his church, and a terrific example to his peers. Do any of us bother to find out why he and his family are here? Well, let me tell you. His family was very successful before they came here. His father owned several businesses. Because of the corruption in their community, it became very unsafe. His parents feared for the safety of their family. They gave up all their success, their businesses, their fine home, etc. to come here and feel safe! I have never met a more loving and giving family. What fine examples they are!
Or what about Elena** who came with her family to America illegally. They, too, gave up everything to come here and have nothing but these freedoms. She is a high school student who works hard in school and to perfect her English. Her father was a doctor in his native country. They had a fine life complete with private schools, lots of family and friends, and a country and culture they love. The fled to America after Elena's grandfather was kidnapped and tortured to death. They will most certainly face the same if forced to return. Yet they fear daily that they could be forced to leave the safety of their adopted home. Remember her father was a doctor--because his medical credentials are not recognized in this country, he now works as a car salesman . But he does so willingly because here his family is safe. This family works diligently to perfect their English. They contribute to their neighborhood, church, and community. I have never met a more charitable or Christ-like family. How do we send them back? Why would we want to?
So, what is the answer? I have no idea. There MUST be a way to allow the folks like those I've mentioned to stay and have the basic freedoms we take for granted daily. Certainly we have room in our country and in our hearts for all.
The anthropologist in me has been mulling over what I consider to be a huge social issue--immigration. Several things contribute to why I have the opinion that I do--among these:
*Being raised by a Mom who truly loved everyone
*Close friends of all races
*My belief that God loves ALL of us--no matter skin color, ethnicity, gender, etc.
Hoping that my brief description (above) is helpful in understanding my opinion...here I go!
There is no easy answer to the issue of immigration. Unfortunately, there are several countries where corruption is the norm and citizens are persecuted for their beliefs, ethnicity, gender, etc. and where they just do not feel safe. I know if my family was in danger, I would do anything to ensure their safety. Thousands of families every year do just that. America. So many freedoms: free to worship, free to earn a living, free to feel safe, free to get an education...I could go on. My ancestors came to America for those freedoms. They passed through Ellis Island with thousands of immigrants. They had to learn a new language, culture, and in many cases, a new vocation. Oh wait, almost ALL of us "caucasion" folks came to America this way. Ok, that's a post for another day.
I personally know familes that have had to flee to America for safety, literally for their lives! How do we send them back? How do we close the door to those who need US so desperately? I do realize, too, that not all who to flee to America do so for noble reasons. Many come to exploit the 'system' or with the intention of taking advantage of all they can--there are people like that everywhere, and every color!
How do we take this disfunctional system and fix it? How do we address those who need US so desperately and wish to learn, work hard, and contribute? How do we tell a US born child, whose parents came to America illegally that he is not entitled to education? Do we not compound the problem when we fail to educate?
We are all guilty of sterotyping. What a horrible thing. We sterotype all races, cultures, and genders. But what about Jose** who is turning 16 but cannot get a driver's license because his visa expires soon at which time he will be illegal. Nevermind that he is an honor roll student at school, active in his church, and a terrific example to his peers. Do any of us bother to find out why he and his family are here? Well, let me tell you. His family was very successful before they came here. His father owned several businesses. Because of the corruption in their community, it became very unsafe. His parents feared for the safety of their family. They gave up all their success, their businesses, their fine home, etc. to come here and feel safe! I have never met a more loving and giving family. What fine examples they are!
Or what about Elena** who came with her family to America illegally. They, too, gave up everything to come here and have nothing but these freedoms. She is a high school student who works hard in school and to perfect her English. Her father was a doctor in his native country. They had a fine life complete with private schools, lots of family and friends, and a country and culture they love. The fled to America after Elena's grandfather was kidnapped and tortured to death. They will most certainly face the same if forced to return. Yet they fear daily that they could be forced to leave the safety of their adopted home. Remember her father was a doctor--because his medical credentials are not recognized in this country, he now works as a car salesman . But he does so willingly because here his family is safe. This family works diligently to perfect their English. They contribute to their neighborhood, church, and community. I have never met a more charitable or Christ-like family. How do we send them back? Why would we want to?
So, what is the answer? I have no idea. There MUST be a way to allow the folks like those I've mentioned to stay and have the basic freedoms we take for granted daily. Certainly we have room in our country and in our hearts for all.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
I Really Need Some Sunshine!
Oh SUNSHINE!...my long lost friend! You have been hiding from me this spring. I have looked and looked--but can only find you for moments at a time.
Things seem so gloomy without you, so dark, so grumpy, so sad. I need happy, I need bright, I need warmth, I need sunglasses, I need sunblock! Oh how I am ready for you--please come visit...and stay a long, long time!!
--Luv, Mama Jones
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Bi-Polar Observations
It seems that there are several things today that I would classify as bi-polar.
First of all, BYU basketball team. They played so amazing yesterday--I mean Mr. Jimmer got 52 points after all! They OWNED the game, the floor, the Thomas & Mack Center....all of it! They beat a team we haven't beat in like 3 of the last times we played them. Then today, Mr. Jimmer wasn't quite as hot. As amazing as they were last night, tonight was the polar opposite. We lost to a team we beat twice this season. Bi-polar basketball boys!
Next we have the weather today. It was cloudy this morning, a bit breezy, and kind of on the cold side. Then this afternoon we had the most beautiful sunshine. I sat in my porch swing--well, it's a swing but not on the porch...anyhow--with my sweet soul sister, Dena and we visited, laughed, complained, solved the world's problems, donned sunglasses, and pretended it was summertime. My nose even got a little pink! Then a few hours later...BAM, thunder, lightning, hail, and rain! Bi-polar Utah weather!
Then there are my legs. What...you may say. Well, let me explain. While I move, my legs are fine. But if I sit down, try to watch relax, work at a desk, etc., they go NUTS! Micah and I worked for a few hours in the yard. We raked, gathered up piles of branches, old leaves, and the recently pruned rosebush mess--and hauled them to the 'burn' pile. Not once did my legs give me fits. But when I quit the physical activity and tried to watch the aforementioned bi-polar basketball game, my legs wanted to jump out of my skin! Bi-polar jumpy legs!
Life is just bi-polar!
First of all, BYU basketball team. They played so amazing yesterday--I mean Mr. Jimmer got 52 points after all! They OWNED the game, the floor, the Thomas & Mack Center....all of it! They beat a team we haven't beat in like 3 of the last times we played them. Then today, Mr. Jimmer wasn't quite as hot. As amazing as they were last night, tonight was the polar opposite. We lost to a team we beat twice this season. Bi-polar basketball boys!
Next we have the weather today. It was cloudy this morning, a bit breezy, and kind of on the cold side. Then this afternoon we had the most beautiful sunshine. I sat in my porch swing--well, it's a swing but not on the porch...anyhow--with my sweet soul sister, Dena and we visited, laughed, complained, solved the world's problems, donned sunglasses, and pretended it was summertime. My nose even got a little pink! Then a few hours later...BAM, thunder, lightning, hail, and rain! Bi-polar Utah weather!
Then there are my legs. What...you may say. Well, let me explain. While I move, my legs are fine. But if I sit down, try to watch relax, work at a desk, etc., they go NUTS! Micah and I worked for a few hours in the yard. We raked, gathered up piles of branches, old leaves, and the recently pruned rosebush mess--and hauled them to the 'burn' pile. Not once did my legs give me fits. But when I quit the physical activity and tried to watch the aforementioned bi-polar basketball game, my legs wanted to jump out of my skin! Bi-polar jumpy legs!
Life is just bi-polar!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
A Gnome for the Home!
Today I bought Lyndsie a Gnome! It was the most fun thing I have done in a very, very long time!On another note, I totally need to vent:
1. A lady told our cashier at work that her son was 'climbing on the bookcase and it fell on him'. She then suggested we bolt it down so that doesn't happen again. REALLY LADY? What the heck was your son doing climbing on a bookcase, and why were you not watching him?!
2. Why is it so hard for the world to believe that there are actually places and people who still believe in values such as integrity and virtue?
Ok, I feel much better! Thanks for listening.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Teach Me How To Jimmer...
Yep, I'm hooked! This kid is absolutely amazing and so very fun to watch!
I LOVE that we beat San Diego State! Go Cougars!
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