And By the Power of the Holy Ghost, Ye May Know the Truth of All Things

Due to the flurry of opinions, accusations, and rebuttals that have flooded the world of social media concerning the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints recent policy changes, I felt impressed to document my personal feelings regarding these changes.

As a firm believer that "man will be punished for his own sins..." I struggle to understand some parts of the policy change.  After the Supreme Court ruling on same-gender marriage, it seemed obvious that the language used by the church in certain policies and procedures would need to be changed, but the baptismal requirements for children of same-gender couples felt harsh and overbearing.  I knew that I needed to seek understanding, and I also knew that the understanding I was seeking would not be found on Facebook.  I knew that the understanding I sought would only come through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Since that time my mind has been inundated with a cluster of thoughts and ideas, some shaking my testimony, and others strengthening my testimony, but in the end I am on the Lord's side.  In the words of Jeffrey R. Holland, "We must constantly remind ourselves that He is God, and we are not." (Morgan, I stole this quote from you.)  Do I have all the answers?  No.  Do I understand the reasons for the changes?  No.  Have I gained MY OWN confirmation to trust the Lord?  Yes.

To my "church" friends who feel the policy change is un-Christian, and discriminatory, or really, any friends who are struggling to process the changes, I ask you to consider the young widow. Does she not carry an undeserved burden?  Is she not an innocent?  Carrying only the "sin" of marrying someone who died too soon?  What advice do you give to her?  Should she remarry and deny her new partner the opportunity of an eternal family? She should remain single and live out the rest of her life alone?  Raise her children as a single mother?  Would it shake your testimony, and cause you to question your church membership? And what about the man that fall's in love with her? Should he abandon her because she cannot offer him eternity, or should he sacrifice what he could have in the next life, for what he has in this life?  Or do you tell them that things will work out, that the Lord has a plan; that He loves them and is aware of their unique circumstances?  Or would you not give it a second thought because it doesn't push any of your personal hot buttons? As a member of the church whose life does not fit into the neat, tidy, Mormon box, I know that there will always be policies that are exclusionary, but more importantly, I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father who more than compensates when you are innocently excluded from receiving certain blessings.

Now, I could list a slew of reasons why I have come to terms with the policy changes, but in the end, they don't really matter to anyone but me.  They are the oil that fill my lamp, and as much as I want to, I can't give you that oil. We have to fill our own lamps.  We can do that by relying on the promise given in Moroni 10: 4:
"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost."

Photoshoot

You know how it has become very popular to have your own glamour photoshoot? Then you can photoshop the crap out of every shot until you look like America's Next Top Model, post them on your facebook wall, and count how many "friends" tell you how beautiful you are.  This trend has not caught on in my family; they are still stuck in the "take a funny one" stage. 

"Pretend I'm reading the book with this family."

"Take a serious one; so we both look like prophets."

"What do you mean this isn't Santa Clause?"

 While other families enjoy pretty pictures, we will continue to enjoy this.

The Second Amendment: Bringing Families Together Since 1791

What to do on a pleasant, sunny day in St. George?  We went with shooting bottles, clay pigeons, and blowing up tannerite.

I sometimes worry Cameron might go all anti-establishment, take my little Cassidy to the backwoods country, and try to fend off tax collectors with his shotgun.

Cassidy looks like a natural.  I can almost hear her saying, "I'm gonna give you to the count of 10, to get your ugly, yella, no-good keister off my property."  Home Alone

Me, not a natural; I prefer handguns.  But, my shadow looks kind of cool.

Can you see the wheels turning?  Brian is obsessing about all the shooting accessories he needs to purchase. 

Tannerite detonations occur at a very high velocity, producing a large explosion and cloud of water vapor.  Using bricks to prop the tannerite in place, may result in flying shrapnel...

...physical damage to your truck...

...and emotional damage to your puppy. (Poor Tulo was so traumatized; he jumped out of our truck and into Cameron's friend, Mark's, truck.  I guess it seemed safer there.)

Look, I am sparkly.  I think I might be a vampire!!

Did I Mention...

I still hate (I know, we don't say hate) the science fair.

Even though our puppet/stage making skills are obviously well above average,

not really a fan of the Puppet Show either.

Though I do not have a picture, The Battle of Hastings would have to get my vote for Least Favorite School Project.  Maybe it wasn't the actual project that wasn't my favorite; maybe it was my son that wasn't my favorite.  This is how Colin tends to get things done:

Wednesday, 11:30 pm

Colin (in his really, whiny voice):  "Mom, I am not going to get to do anything at school tomorrow."

Mom:  "Why not?"

Colin:  "Because you haven't helped me make my sword and shield for The Battle of Hastings tomorrow."

Mom:  "Did I know you were suppose to make a sword and shield by tomorrow?"

Colin:  "Didn't you see that cardboard in the mudroom?"

Mom (in my frustrated, I am trying not to want to beat you voice):  "Colin, really?  How am I suppose to know what the cardboard is for if you don't tell me?"

Colin:  "Don't you read your emails?  Don't my teachers send you an email about what we are doing?"

Really, Colin.  Sometimes I have to remind myself that I love this kid.  Needless to say, Colin did have a sword and shield to take to school the next morning and did get to participate in the battle. 

I think I should write a book:  "Surviving the Irresponsible Child" or "Responsibility: It Skips a Generation" 

As an added bonus, the sword and shield needed to be personalized using symbols from our coat of arms.   Tip of the day:  Fingernail Polish (It is, also, good for painting pinewood derby cars.)









A Proud Moment

Tony Parker is my new best friend; well, at least in my books, this makes us friends.  I have long held the belief that professional athletes get paid to be heckled; it's just part of their job description.  I kind of enjoy this part of the sport.  OK, I'll admit it, I think I am funny, and so I like it a lot.  Not long ago, Tony Parker totally shafted Eva Longoria (not Evan's twin sister (inside joke)).  So, at the Jazz game the other night, early in the game before the crowd is really into it, I yelled, "EVA."  Tony, nonchalantly, flipped me off!! A subtle, wave of the bird down by his leg.  It was pretty much awesome, and encouraged me to continue being obnoxious.

Remind me again, when does basketball start being fun to watch??

There are few things in life as painful as watching city league basketball.  The offensive strategy tends to be: if you have the ball...shoot.  There is no passing, lots of traveling, and really bad reffing.  But, like many other unpleasantries, it is impossible to avoid.

The first game of the season, Colin's team was down by about 20 points; it felt more like I was watching a rugby scrum than a basketball game.  Colin (if you have forgotten, Colin has some anger issues), after being bumped, scratched, slapped, pushed, and elbowed, received his first flagrant foul and game ejection.  I immediately attributed his behavior to Brian's genetic contibution. Then, I remembered a few people with Nilsen DNA (Randy, Colton, Nickole, Kicker, etc.) that may have gotten caught up in their "competitive spirit". Man, maybe it's not his Tudor side.
I'm not sure what happened, but a couple weeks later the refs called EVERYTHING; the normally 40 minute game lasted 1 hour 15 minutes.  After that things really calmed down, and the game started to look a little more like basketball.  Each game, we were still able to catch a glimpse or two of Colin's temper, but he never let it boil over.  Colin evolved into a mad shot-clocker and a rebounding machine.  He, frequently, enjoyed disputing calls with the refs. (Colin...It's city league, not the NBA!!)  Even though I feared during each game that I might be asked to take my son and never come back, Colin started to really like basketball, and I survived another year of city league basketball.

On a side note, Colton had his coaching debut (filling in for one game) and led the team to a one point win, without beating up his brother.

I Suck at Blogging

Blogging has not been at the top of my priority list.  But my friend Melanie has motivated me to find my inner-blog. So, I am giving it another go.  We'll see how long it lasts.  Haha

Your Call Cannot Be Completed...

Wednesday morning at 5:30 a.m. I was sleeping soundly when the phone rang.  My first thought is, "Who in the freak is calling at five in the morning."  I look at the caller id which reads, security screen 043-910-1800; my next thought, "Seriously, telemarketers at five in the morning."  So I immediately think, "I am not answering this." and I let the phone ring.  The caller calls right back and I think, "What the crap, leave me alone."  I pick up the phone and hang it up.  And the phone rings AGAIN!! I answer the phone and in my most annoyed tone I say "Hello."

 A heavily accented male voice cheerfully responds "Hello, Mrs. Loftus?" 

What??  Loftus?? Definitely a telemarketer.  I reply "You have the wrong number." 

Caller "Mrs. Loftus?" 

 Me (using a tone to display my disgust),"You have the wrong number." 

 Caller (still cheerful), "Oh, Mrs. Tudor?" 

 Me again "Wrong number."
 
Then I hear a very sweet, not nearly as accented male voice say "Mom, don't hang up.  It's me Colton; I'm in the hospital."

After I picked myself up off the floor, Colton was able to explain that he had three kidney stones and they needed my permission to do surgery.  Would it be considered bad parenting if you are happy your child is in the hospital because it allows you the chance to talk to him?  Well, I was.  We talked to him before and after the procedure and he is all fixed up and back to work.

Oh, and the heavily accented male voice... Mission President Tavares!!

The Trouble With Blogging

When I first started writing a blog I thought it would be a nice way of keeping track of my life.  Blogging has had an affect I did not anticipate; I now realize how repetitve my life is.  Same people, same place, same pictures, just a new year.

Nothing Says American Hero Like "John Lennon"

It was time for the annual 5th Grade Wax Museum.  The theme is American Heroes.  I'm thinking Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, maybe James Madison.  Colin was thinking John Lennon.  I tried to explain that he was not an American.  Colin informed me that he revolutionized American rock music, which makes him an American hero.  Can't argue with that logic.  He was awfully cute and did a great job.  (Thanks Janae, for the help with the wardrobe.)

The Science Fair

Needless to say, I am not a fan of the Science Fair.  I think Colin summed up our feelings when he said, "Mom, can we just do something really boring so there is no chance I will have to move on?"  Sounds perfect to me!!

Who Knew...

 under all that hair...

there was such a good looking kid?!!

Top Ten Things I've Learned in 2010

1. I can do hard things.
2. I am a crazy dog person.
3. Golf...Who Knew?
4. Blogs are so 2008.
5. B Willie Smith...still the best band ever!!
6. I am a little bit of a U.S. History nerd.
7. Brazil is very far away.
8. Reality is not absolute, everyone has their own.
9. You can do anything for thirty seconds.
10. Forgiveness is a sign of strength, not a show of weakness.

This is just sad...

The traditional "top of the stairs" picture.
Christmas 2010

Look at My Over Achiever

Cassidy called me the other day and said, "Guess what?  I just found out I am the Student of the Semester for the Health/Science Department.  I know it's kind of nerdy, but it's still kind of cool.  I get to go to lunch."  I don't think it's nerdy at all, I think it's way cool.  And Cassidy can no longer claim that Colton is the smart one!

I Miss This Kid

Today Cody Christensen spoke at church.  He just returned home from a mission in Chile.  He entered the MTC exactly one year before Colton.  As he started his talked, he apologized for his poor English skills.  I started to tear up.  I continued crying through out his talk. I'm not talking a little watery eyes crying, I am talking full on tears streaming down my cheeks crying, quite possibly crossed over into sobbing. Maybe it was just hormonal, but sometimes I really miss Colton.  Bright side...one year down, one to go.

Why I Like Winter

This post was originally going to be "Why I Don't Like Winter."  But, man oh man, who has time to write a post that long.  So, I decided to go with the much shorter version (I will be lucky to be able to come up with five)
The Reason's I like Winter:

• Boots- Yes, I really, really like boots.  I wish it was possible to go straight from sandal season to boot season.  Who needs those inbetween shoes?
• Fireplaces-Just flip the switch and within minutes you are warm and snugly.
• Coats- I like coats.  I don't if this really fits in "winter" category, because I often wear a coat in the summer (or at least have one with me-just in case.) Oh well, it's going on my list.
• Layers and Long sleeves-What up with those people wearing tank tops?!! It's winter, for heaven's sake!
• Soda-I love when you can leave your soda in the car for four hours and when you come back it is still cold.  Can't get much better than that. 
• Christmas Lights-Don't confuse this with Christmas decorations.  I like to see festive Christmas lights. I don't like putting them up, taking them down, or any of that other Christmas "fun."  I just like the lights.

I think that is pretty much everything that is good about winter!!

Seriously...

Today I was told by my health teacher that he gave me a "B" on my Family Health History paper because he could tell I was one of those people that always had to get an "A."  Not to worry I would still get the grade I "wanted" in the class, but I would just have to be mad at him about the paper.  True story!!

...You Might Be Colton

• 
  
  If you eat five bowls of cereal for breakfast...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If you have over 12,000 songs on you ipod and actually listen to them...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If you have 9 1/2 toes...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If you have ever had to ask why your "ABS" came on...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  When asked how many siblings you have, if you have ever answered : 1 whole, 1 half and 2 steps...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If you can order off the dollar menu and still spend over $10...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If your favorite television program is "Web Gems"...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If you frequently buy video games and beat them the same day...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If you have ever been awarded a certificate for scoring in the top 10% on the science section of the ACT, but you struggle writing a complete sentence...you might be Colton.
• If your hair has been every color of the rainbow...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If you refuse to wear flipflops...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If the tailgate of your Xterra is covered in random stickers...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  You you have never bought a random sticker...you might be Colton
• 
  
  If you can text, read and listen to your ipod at the same time...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If your best friend dates all your x's...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If you have ever told your prom date "This is what I am wearing, if you want to match me."...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If everyone thinks you are your mom's favorite...you might be Colton.
• 
  
  If you are the best Brazilian missionary ever...you might be Colton.

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY!!

Remember when I went on vacation?

I had really good intentions to blog all about my cool Baltic vacation...oops, doesn't look like that is going to happen.  Maybe I should just blog about my favorite unconventional parts.

Let me start with an explanation as to why this is my favorite.  Several years ago, while traveling with Cassidy and some high schoolers through Europe, I was introduced to the "There's your boy/girl friend game."  To play this game you find the wackiest, most inappropriate person you can and then exclaim to the person you are with "There's your boyfriend."  Digital technology has actually allowed us to take this game one step further as you try to take a picture of them (preferably with them!)

This dude deserves two pics, one with both me and Brian.  Really, can you get any better than a drug addicted, skin head cutter?  I think not! (I was a little bit afraid of him.)

A lovely Estonian couple

Mike!  Ha, he didn't even know he was part of the game.

Finnish boyfriend

And my personal favorite:  My nerdy husband!!

If you want to add some excitement to your next vacation, give this game a try!!