jenni, ferenc & gracie

She's Still Got It!

2011-07-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

I thought some of my family would enjoy this adorable video of my Grandma Luan dancing with her brother Val, at his 80th birthday party. I came across this video when I was cleaning up some files and I just had to share it. This is such a sweet video of them, and is particularly special because they rarely get to see each other. They had so much fun that night celebrating together. Grandma's still got the moves....look at her go!! We need to bring that kind of dancing back, it looks like so much fun!! For those of you who know my parents, you can catch a glimpse of them busting out a few moves of their own to the left of the video:)

Can you forgive?

2011-07-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

I recently watched the video below, which has caused me to reflect on forgiveness in my life. Many of you may have already seen it, but I thought it was such and inspirational story that I felt it was worthy of a post.

Forgiveness is a beautiful virtue, one of which I have struggled to fully develop. As I have gotten older and have had people do hurtful things to me, I have to admit that I have become somewhat of a grudge holder:( It's terrible but true. If you do something mean, you can depend on the fact that I will remember it for a long time. It's a sad thing to admit, and is something I have been trying to work on. I didn't always feel this way until the true tests of forgiveness started presenting themselves to me a couple years ago.

I thought I had forgiven different individuals and circumstances, until they would either do another mean thing, or something else would trigger a thought about a particular hurtful incident. There I would be right back at that same ugly, bitter place! Remembering all those mean things past and present (in exceptional detail I might add), and I would get mad, sometimes even furious, all over again. It was really hard for me to forget it and let it go.

It's very easy for me to forgive those who can admit when they have done wrong and can sincerely apologize. But boy I have found that it is hard for me to forgive those who have hurt me and cannot or will not apologize. You all know who I'm talking about; those people that intentionally do or say mean things, and then skip off about their business and pretend like nothing happened.

We have all done things that are not nice at some point or another. I believe our true character comes out when we find that we have hurt someone, and either choose to be stubborn and insist we are not in the wrong, or when we can soften our hearts with empathy for others feelings and apologize.

And even greater test of ones character is revealed by how we are able to truly forgive others no matter what the circumstances are, no matter how wrong or sorry the other person is. To develop the ability to forgive and forget is one of the best gifts of peace and freedom you can give yourself and others. My dad has often told me, "you have the ability to choose to be offended or not." We can choose how we will let others actions affect us and how we will react to them.

This man's story put my struggles into perspective. It inspires me to change. It gives me the desire to develop a higher standard of moral excellence in my life. If he can find peace through his choice to forgive during great tragedy, then certainly I can choose to do the same in my own life.

What happended to Barbie?

2011-07-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

As I was strolling around Toys R Us the other day, Ferenc said, "hey you need to see these Barbies". The both of us were laughing out of pure shock. I guess by that you can tell that we are definitely out of the toy scene. Now, I know that these are collector dolls, but they were right on the same little pink girlie isle as all the other dolls and the box advertises 6 years and older.

Let me first introduce you to my barbie doll, Peaches and Cream! I loved her and I loved her beautiful ball gown. As a little girl I would play with her and wish I could wear a big fancy dress like that. I would pretend she was going to a party, and would be the princess of the ball. I suspect other little girls were doing the very same thing.

Now let me introduce you to the barbies of today, which are being marketed to very young children (please click on the picture to see the dolls in detail). The first is called Barbie Basics....the other dolls in this collection were dressed in jeans and tank tops ect. I don't think a plunging neckline down to your navel is considered a basic wardrobe must have. What is this message conveying to little girls?

This second photo is a doll for a famous rock star, however, I feel like there could have been a better way to depict this person besides a dress with leather criss cross straps over the boobs.

The last picture is proof of the age advertisement. I have never been one of those people who had a problem with Barbie's perfect figure or attire. I know many people don't like the fact that Barbie has boobs, personally I don't care, fact is girls have boobs. The problem I have is that Barbie is not covering up her boobs! I used to pretend with my doll I was going to a ball. What are little girls pretending with these dolls?

Maybe I'm too old now, but this is not age appropriate for little children. If they're not meant for children then they shouldn't sell them on the same isle as My Little Pony! Our babies grow up too fast and this just does not need to be a part of their young imaginations. They need fairies, butterflies, princesses, and tea parties. We don't need to introduce hoochie dolls. I would love to hear what your thoughts are on this!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

I know all my posts lately are of Gracie, but I had to post these because they were so fun. We had such a fun weekend celebrating the 4th with all are friends that we don't get to see often enough. It was so fun to catch up with everyone and see all the babies that are growing way too fast. I love our country, I love summer, and I love barbecues, so the 4th is a super fun holiday for us:)

It's a tea party!

2011-05-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some funny eight month pictures that Ferenc and I took of Gracie. She was such a good girl and so patient while we took all these silly photos:)

Easter

2011-05-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

We had such a wonderful Easter this year. We spent it with my grandma Dorothy and our brothers. We decided to ditch all tradition and eat what we love so we had a BBQ:) I especially loved Easter because I got to dress Gracie up in a little Easter dress and play Easter Bunny! A special thanks to my mom who found the cutest Easter dress for Gracie, I loved it!

Every year since I was a little girl my dad bought me, my mom and my sister an Easter corsage. It's and old tradition that your grandparents might remember and seems to only still be alive with my family! I never see anyone with Easter corsages anymore. Anyhow, when my mom got married my grandpa passed the responsibility to my dad, and when I got married my dad passed the responsibility to Ferenc. What was so special about this year was Ferenc got Gracie her first tiny Easter corsage. He ordered her tiny baby pink roses and it was so adorable!!

It was a beautiful day celebrating our first Easter as a family, and remembering the atoning sacrifice and resurrection of our Savior.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

I love my little leprechaun! I just want to kiss her little cheeks off! We love to play dress up:)

6 Months

2011-01-16T16:42:00.000-08:00

Gracie is six months old. I can't hardly believe that six months have gone by since Gracie was born. We just had her doctor's appointment and she is 16 lbs, 7 ounces and 28.5 inches long. She is in the 100 percentile for her height. She's going to be tall like her mama:)

Everyday I try to stop and take in the special moments we share. They go by so fast and she is changing and learning new things everyday. I never appreciated how miraculous and precious life is until I had my daughter. Everything I do is more meaningful because the choices I make are with her best interests in mind. Life is more exciting and joyful. I have a stronger belief in God and a new understanding of His love for each of us. Here are a few Valentine pics of her. She loved dressing up!

Fear Not

2011-01-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what happened this week but it seems as though every time I turned on the news I listened to another evil act being reported, and with each report I felt more and more sickened. The news usually does not have this sort of affect on me. I try to keep current on what is going on around me and in the world, however this week I had reached my absolute limit when I heard about one of the most gruesome acts committed toward a mother at a local park. When I first heard the report I expected the details to reveal that she was there during odd hours or was at one of the more sketchy parks in town. I later realized this crime was committed by a random homeless man in the middle of the afternoon in one of the better parks.

Living downtown we are surrounded by a lot of homeless people. I am hear to tell you there is a lot of mentally unstable people roaming around the streets. I am approached often by these people, mostly men, and find myself conflicted with the choice of being kind and generous or untrusting and rude out of fear for my safety. As I saw the sad picture on the news of the women holding her baby my heart broke thinking about how that could of easily been me or one of my friends. I felt terrible thinking about what that poor women must have gone through and how defenseless she was. My sadness for this women lead to being furious, which then lead to being enraged! I think mostly because I am a new mother and have these very strong protective instincts that I never new existed with in me.

I'm tired of wondering if one day when I go out to do my errands if I will be at one of those locations a looney bin decides to shoot the place to pieces. I'm tired of being afraid to fly because I wonder if I might happen to be on a flight with a psycho who wants to blow the darn thing up. And now I'm mad that I'm afraid to take a stroll to the park without being paranoid every time I pass a stranger.

I have been raised around guns my whole life and I have always had the intention of getting my concealed weapons permit. As part of my new year's resolution I am getting that darn thing, 2011 is the year! I am taking back my fear, my freedom, and my protection. I do not want to be faced with a situation where I would be thinking, "If I only had..." Regret my friends is paved with good intentions.

About a month ago I got on an elevator with a man who was standing there wearing rubber gloves. I did not think much about it, until he said, "Aren't you afraid to get on an elevator alone with a man wearing rubber gloves?" I looked at him a little shocked and alarmed and I said, "Well I wasn't, but I am now." I immediately got off on the next floor. I do not know what his intentions were, but seriously who says that?? Evil is always armed and it prays on the innocent and the naive a.k.a. women! Protect yourselves ladies, load those dang purses with bullets, pepper spray, rape whistles, tasers, or whatever you are comfortable with (LOL, but seriously, protect yourselves). Do not be afraid to use them!! Be careful of your surroundings. Stop shopping at night, stay off your cell phones, do not be alone in isolated areas, and lock your doors!

I will protect my child and myself. She will not have to suffer the consequences of me not being prepared. The next time I get on an elevator with a crazy, he will meet the wrath and rage of one crazy mama.

True or False?

2010-11-19T04:23:00.000-08:00

It's 3am, I've been up for several hours because little Gracie decided it was play time. As I was yawning and hoping she would go back to sleep, I started to reflect on the past three months and a thought came to me....you big liars:)

While I was pregnant I received a lot of positive comments about becoming a new parent. I can laugh about it now, but not to long ago I was still having the shock of my life. I knew it wouldn't be easy and that babies are a lot of work, but I have to admit as a first time mom I was very very naive. The whole nine months I was really dreading the delivery, well the delivery was a breeze compared to what followed. First, the beautiful picture I had painted in my mind of how things would blissfully be with our new addition was rudely interrupted with reality. Second, I experienced complications which made recovery a nightmare....and I'm sure has contributed to why things seemed shockingly difficult. But I have come to realize during those nine months I was fearing entirely the wrong things, below are just a few examples to explain why.

True or False?

1. Comment to me: Jenni, Babies really aren't that expensive. They only cost a lot of money if you buy all the really expensive baby gadgets. If you just get the basics you really won't notice that much.

My answer: FALSE, I don't know what planet they are on! The basics are what is costing me my retirement...and she's only three months! A bit dramatic I know, but formula and diapers holy cow (for those of you thinking just breastfeed don't bother with expensive formula....ha ha wait till you read #4). Gracie is growing at rapids speeds, she wears and outfit once or twice and then we need a new size. I knew diapers would add up, but because a certain person told me it really wasn't as bad as people say, I kind of believed him. I had no idea how often I would find a "mississippi mud pie" as Ferenc likes to put it:) To all you future parents.....babies cost money....lots of money.

2. Comment to me: You will be tired but you will get a burst of "mommy power" and really your newborn sleeps so much you will be able to get rest.

My answer: FALSE, Ha Ha Ha Ha I really can only laugh that I actually believed that one. I had so many people tell me how good their babies were and they slept all the time. Some how I thought mine would too. I didn't even consider my baby having colic. Can you imagine the shock of my life as I was pacing the floor and bouncing a crying infant from 9pm to 6am.

3. Comment to me: It is so fun to not have to go to work and to stay home with your baby, I really hope you get to stay home.

My answer: Um False, I have to say going to work was a lot easier than staying home with a baby. I am very grateful to raise my daughter but fun is not the adjective I would use. There were mornings I watched Ferenc leave for work and wished we could trade places for the day. I work ten times harder at home then at work. I give my mom major props, boy I took her for granted. Ferenc would come home from work and say "you didn't take a shower yet?" Well between comforting a crying baby, feeding the baby, diaper changing, pumping, trying to nap, bottle washing, house cleaning, laundry, bathing the baby, and playing with the baby, and doing all of that sometimes several times a day.....no Ferenc I didn't get my shower yet:)

4. Comment to me: Breast feeding really isn't that hard or painful, you just need to learn how to have your baby latch on. It's all about the latch, it's that simple.

My answer: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha and more ha ha's. Well false, you haven't meet Gracie! All the horrible breastfeeding problems that could happen did! I was so bound and determined to master the darn thing I pulled up my boot straps and plowed threw hell. The ironic thing is I recently found out Gracie was allergic to my milk! Yes babies can be allergic to breast milk, I know I was just as shocked to hear that as you are! My poor little Gracie. All that time I was thinking it's okay this is all for her benefit, and in all actuality I was causing pain and stress for the both of us.

5. Comment to me: Don't worry about gaining weight, your body will bounce back in no time with exercise.

My answer: Bounce back??? My body took flight to another galaxy! Even after I lose the weight it ain't hoping, skipping or bouncing to any pre-pregnancy status. Changed for good ladies, hate to burst your bubble on that one. I especially like the phrase "in no time". Who has time to exercise???? My time is so precious these days and sleep is a valuable commodity in my house. Plenty of people look great after birth but I just don't think it's possible to look exactly the same. Unless of course you are one of those Victoria's Secret super models who have a baby and 2 months later are parading their bodies down the runway. Don't worry ladies, having had a baby I would now bet my savings they had the following team of experts: nutritionist, personal chef, personal trainer with home gym, plastic surgeon, nannies, makeup artist, hair stylist, spray tan engineer, personal tailor, and photoshop miracle worker. But hey it's okay because I'm proud of the new sagged, stretched, plump body my baby gave me;)

6. Comment to me: Babies are the most amazing gifts.

My answer: TRUE! Nothing can compare, words can't even explain how amazing it is to have a baby enter your lives. The whole process is a miracle and the love that just fills every inch of your heart is so overwhelming. I never could have imagined the amount of joy this little person would bring to my life. She is the reason I wake up in the morning....not because she is crying, but because she has brought my life new meaning, purpose and excitement. I wouldn't change any of the last three months. As cliche as is sounds I truly love our baby Gracie more than life its self.

I Love My Mummy

2010-10-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!! You can tell our little Gracie does not enjoy playing dress up to much:(

Three's Company

2010-09-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

Gracie Adeleine Pethö was born on August 16, 2010 at 5:53pm weighing 8lbs, 5 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. She is such a blessing to our lives and has brought us more joy than we could have ever imagined. We are so grateful to be her parents and to have her in our lives.

Here are a few pictures of her birth and all the fun we have had the past six weeks!

Chillin with my mom.

6 1/2 hours later....our little munchkin arrived.

Daddy holding his baby girl for the first time.

One day old.

Gracie's first party.

Grandma Luan turned 79.

We celebrated our third anniversary with a new baby.

Her first dinner with Nagypapa at Ruth's Chris.

Blessed on September 19, 2010.

(her great grandparents)

Cozy with Nagypapa.

Mommy's pride and joy.

Papa Doc

Sad face :(

Late nights with Grandma.
Passed out with daddy.
Gracie and Marmee.

The Baby Nursery

2010-08-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Well we are 3 days from our baby's due date and we are seriously ready for her! I don't think there is anything else I could possibly do. You name it I have done it! Ferenc said I went over board with the whole nesting thing:) We have been ready for quite a while. The doctor told me 3 weeks ago that they didn't think I would make it a week, and definitely not to my due date. Lol we fooled them! I have tried every thing in the book, everything that is....minus drinking caster oil...yuck! This baby girl will come when she is darn ready:) We are so anxious and excited for her. Here are some pics of when we did her nursery. Thanks to the help of my patient husband and my sweet sister, our baby will come home to her own little perfect space! We are so happy for her to arrive we can hardly wait!

The before pictures.

Auntie Mee Mee helping.

Me micro managing:)

The after pictures.

Lady Bugs

2010-08-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

I love cupcakes and lady bugs. Ferenc surprised me with this treat the other day. I think these are the cutest cupcakes!! Thank you Ferenc, you're so sweet to me:)

You should leave her at home.

2010-07-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

So I have to tell you about an experience Ferenc and I had today. Most likely due to what they call "pregnancy brain" I left my cell phone in a store the other day when I was checking out. After work Ferenc picked me up so that we could go over and get my phone. On the way home we decided to stop at Lowe's to look for the worlds most impossible light bulb.

We found a cute little lamp for our nursery and of course we picked the one lamp that requires a light bulb that does not seem to exist anywhere! I wanted to stretch my back and legs and get a little exercise so I decided to go in with Ferenc and walk around.

Ferenc being very protective of me because my doctor told me to take it easy this week, insisted that I use the electric cart, those ones usually reserved for the handicap. I appreciating his concerns, but also acknowledging the cell phone slipping out of his pocket for a future blackmail picture, told him no. I promised I would be fine and if I started having contractions or pain I would go get the cart. I wasn't trying to be tough, I just didn't want to look like a big, lazy pregnant lady rollin around Lowe's in my motor cart. Besides, we were just going to look at the light bulbs and nothing else.

Well we couldn't find the light bulbs right away. Finally an employee by the name of Tom who noticed we had been walking around, directed us to the right area of the store. We of course once again couldn't find our light bulb, so we went to customer service to ask for assistance. They told us to go back to the light bulbs and the electrical specialist would be able to help us. Guess who our electrical specialist was....yup, it was Tom.

I being a little tired from my unanticipated walk decided I would sit on some patio furniture while Ferenc discussed our lightbulb dilemma with this so called specialist. I noticed that our friend Tom was looking over at me and was talking a little quieter than before. I just sat there and rocked in the patio swing till they were done.

As we were walking out I asked "so what did he say about the light bulb, does he know where we can find it?" Ferenc told me that awesome Tom did not know, and that he told Ferenc, "you should leave her at home."

Ferenc said he was serious, didn't even joke about it. I was shocked lol! I couldn't help but laugh because previously when we were at the store getting my cell phone a sales person asked me if I was having twins. I must look like the baby was due last month! Ferenc who had tried to get me to use the electric cart did not find Tommy boy's little comment very funny. I on the other hand found it hilarious and shocking that someone would actually tell him that!

How did we survive without our cellphones?

2010-05-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

While the progression of technology offers amazing benefits to simplify our lives and streamline businesses, I feel that recent strides in the last couple of years are infringing upon my ability to have quality social interactions with my friends.

Recently I got together with a group I had not seen in quite a while, and found myself completely annoyed that the majority of the group could not put their phones down for more than 2 seconds to join in on the conversation. With the ability to be linked to the internet and various social networking sites through our cell phones 24/7, rarely does a gathering go by that someone in the group is not glued to their phone. It seems as though it's become somewhat of an obsession to be constantly engaged electronically. Have you ever noticed how bad we tend to freak out if we can't find our phone or better yet actually forgot it when we left home? Can you even remember life with out the cell phone, how did we ever function?

I am guilty like everyone else of texting while I have been hanging out with people. But more recently I find it so annoying that while I am trying to spend time with a friend or family member, they are practically checked out of what is going on in front of them, only to be completely consumed with an electronic dialogue that seems to be much more important.

I am really tired of meeting up with friends only to sit and watch them play on their phones instead of engage in actual face to face conversation. I think it is rude and tells the people you are with that you don't really care to be there. Whether you're the person who is just easily distracted, or the person who uses their phone as a crutch to avoid uncomfortable situations or conversations, one thing is for sure, these cellular tendencies are perpetuating horrible communication and socializing skills.

So next time your out with family or friends please do them a favor and put the phone away (unless it's important or urgent) and spend some quality time with the people you care about.

Something to Think About

2010-05-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

"I believe that if at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this and I am happy that I lived long enough to find it out."

~Roger Ebert

IT'S A GIRL!!

2010-03-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

We finally arrived to the doctor's appointment I had been waiting for since I found out I was pregnant. I was counting down the days like a little kid waiting for Christmas. I couldn't hardly sleep and was so excited to get up and go get my 19 week ultra sound! I was SO excited to hear that our new little baby was actually a little baby girl. I would have been excited for a boy, but lets be honest I love to shop and shopping for cute little pink things is really really fun:) Here is a picture of her profile, I love her little button nose.

My Favorite Foods In SLC

2010-02-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share a few of my favorite places to eat that Ferenc and I have found while living downtown. Next time your in Salt Lake, if you get a chance, you should definitely check them out!

1) Les Madalines, is a cute little french cafe, and they have the BEST pastry called the Kouing Aman. It is this crunchy, gooey, sweet and salty dessert from heaven. Don't be fooled by the way it looks one bite and you will be in love with it just as much as I am. They also have a lot of other delicious things on the menu, it's a great place for lunch!

2) Bruges Waffles and Frites, is this awesome tiny spot where you can get authentic Belgian waffles and fries. I love the cinnamon Liege waffle topped with fresh strawberries, hot Belgian chocolate, and fresh whipped cream. These waffles will put any other waffles you've ever had to shame. You also need to get an order of frites with a side of their special garlic aioli sauce for dipping. A very rich but extremely yummy treat!

3) Estes Pizzaria, is a great spot if you love New York style thin crust pizza. They have a variety of pizzas to choose from but I prefer to keep it simple with their plain cheese. Estes gives you an authentic good taste of back east!

Christmas In New Jersey

2010-01-17T13:12:00.000-08:00

This year we were able to go back east to visit Ferenc's family for Christmas. We had such a great time with both his parents! It was fun for me to get to know all his family a little better. Ferenc was simply happy to be "Home" and excited to share all his favorite things with me.

Ferenc grew up in Ramsey, New Jersey which is just 30 minutes north west of New York, here are some pictures from one of our days in the city. I would have to say this is one of my favorite times of the year to visit New York. The whole city is so festive. If you don't mind the crowds like me, there are so many fun things to do and see during the holidays.

We started the day with lunch at the famous Sardi's.

Then off to a broadway play,

Alfred Hitchcock's 39 Steps,

so funny!

We ended the evening with a stroll around

the city and Time Square.

Empire State Building

Ferenc with his mom and brothers,

not fans of the large crowd.

The tree at Rockefeller Center, so pretty!

Thanksgiving Fun

2009-12-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

As the year comes to an end, I reflect on this past year of challenge, growth, and joy. There are so many things to be grateful for, but mostly I am grateful for my wonderful husband and my awesome family. I'm very thankful for the close relationships and fun times that we share with each other.

This past Thanksgiving weekend was jam packed with as much fun as we could possibly fit. We definitely know how to make good use of the limited time we have together. There was eating, shopping, snowboarding, shooting, eating, movies, and a lot of late night games of Greed, did I mention eating..... oh how the food was delicious! We didn't waste a single minute! The only thing missing was Aimee and Cole who couldn't make it this year.... we missed you guys!

ANNUAL SHOOT OUT

SNOWBOARDING WITH DOC

DINNER AT THE GRAND AMERICA

I HATE FALL

2009-11-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, most people love fall time. The nip in the air, the beautiful colors of the trees, the beginning of the holiday season...yes there are many great things to appreciate. However summer has always been and will forever remain my most favorite time of year. As the signs of fall start to manifest and the days grow colder, I become very sad that summer has once again come and gone in a flash. The vibrant colors of the leaves only give me anxiety as I realize the dreadful long winter months will soon arrive bringing snow, cold temperatures, and days and days of depressing cloudy gray skies.

From the generally beautiful year round temperatures of California, to the generally miserable year round temperatures of Utah, I have not been able to adjust to the weather. Ferenc however grew up on the east coast with the luxury of enjoying the beauty of all four seasons and fall happens to be his favorite. In efforts to help me appreciate fall as much as he does, he took me for a drive, here are some pictures from our fun day.

A Call To Remembrance

2009-09-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

On the mark of the anniversary of September 11^th, images on various news channels cause for reflection of where I was and what I was doing when I first heard of the unthinkable attacks on our country.

One feeling that has always been a keen memory in my mind was the kindness and unity I found from complete strangers as I was traveling from California to Utah shortly after the attack. Every car that I saw stood together and displayed the American flag, an emblem of their patriotism and their respect and love for this great country.

Whether we were directly affected by the attacks or not, Americans across the nation took it personally and united together waiving the colors of our flag, reminding one another of our pride, strength, and precious freedoms. The unity I felt at that time reminds me of the Gettysburg Address when President Abraham Lincoln said, “… from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Eight years later, we stand in what now feels like a political battlefield of the left verses the right. I am baffled by the attitudes people have regarding the current state of our country. Some of my friends have a threatening disposition towards those who do not share their same radical views, while others simply do not care. When did we decide that we no longer care? When did Americans become complacent having no thought for their liberty, speeding the success of those who have unjust agendas for government control?

Inexperienced leaders are rushing personal policies and bills that have had minimal review. To my friends who do nothing, it’s time to wake up! It is time for Americans to care that unemployment has reached over 9 percent. It’s time to care that the national deficit is over $11 trillion dollars ($11,000,000,000,000.00). I can’t even comprehend that number. The $787 billion dollar stimulus promised to save and create jobs has proven to do nothing more than put us deeper in debt. It is time to worry about our country and our economy. The government has a very strong presence in the auto industry, financial institutions, and now they seek to nationalize healthcare.

I believe government has a purpose to protect and preserve rights, not to take them away. Americans need to pay attention to issues such as cap and trade, card check, gun control, and mandated youth service to name a few. Many proposed bills will drastically increase taxes, hurt small business, and bully Americans little by little, robbing each of us of our freedoms and rights to chose. We need to be aware of government corruption and organizations with questionable business practices such as ACORN and the SEIU, whom have received government funding through our hard-earned tax dollars. We need to understand that some of the political savvy agendas are now being disguised in nice little incentive programs that entice us with something free.

I will protect what so many American’s have sacrificed their lives for. I will fight for my independence and for the independence of my family. It is time to pay attention, to care, and to worry. It is our right and our duty to preserve America’s great legacy of freedom. We must become familiar with our congressional leaders and their policies. Let us not be dormant any longer, it is time to take an active role in electing those who will uphold and secure the privileges conferred upon us by the great Constitution of the United States.

I love the words of President George Washington in his first inaugural speech, “…we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”

On the anniversary of one of the most horrific attacks on American soil, I call you to action by becoming vigilant toward corruption and writing your Senators and Congressman. Our allegiance is to America and not to a political party. Let us remember Her beginning and the traditions of our founding fathers, the pledge to which they signed their names, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

To contact the Utah Senators and Congressmen click here

To contact the White House click here

"i love my life and family"

2009-06-06T23:12:00.000-07:00

This was too funny not to post. In an effort to make good use of our camera investment we have been taking our camera with us when we are out and about. This was on our way to grandmas and I simply couldn't resist taking this shot.....this adds a whole new meaning to expressing gratitude:)

SURPRISE!

2009-06-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

While Grandma Dorothy was in California our family thought it would be fun to be give her an early birthday surprise with a little summer toy she has had her eye on. We love you grandma!

I think she likes it.

Testing it out.

Happy grandma.

Sunday's Deadliest Catch!

2009-06-02T21:21:00.001-07:00

One of my most favorite things to eat is CRAB! I love it and can't get enough of it. My grandparents first introduced me to this most delicious creature, and have made a point to cook me special crab dinners ever since. This is always a treat that I look forward to. Ferenc being a seafood lover himself has especially enjoyed this tradition because grandpa does not skimp when we have crab.....it is all you can eat, and is the only thing we eat! Some of my favorite memories with grandma and grandpa are of the fun times we have had eating crab dinner together!

Congratulations Cole!

2009-05-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 9, 2009 my brother Cole graduated from the UNLV Business School. He worked so hard, carrying 21 credits and a job. We all love him and are so proud of his accomplishment. Here are some fun pictures of the family hanging out this weekend.

Happy Mothers Day Mom! We love you so much!

What Are You Afraid Of?

2008-11-13T21:09:00.000-08:00

Due to the recent explosion over the controversial issue that has risen with the new passing of Proposition 8, which amended the California constitution to state “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” I decided to express some of my feelings concerning this issue. I recently listened to a program that asked a question I feel a great desire to answer. In a critical tone toward the citizens who simply exercised their democratic rights and voted yes on 8, the question asked, “Why does this matter to you?” “What are you afraid of?”

It matters to me because marriage is one of the oldest fundamental institutions that has existed in every culture, society, and race across the world. Its roots are found in every ancient culture, and while marriage was not always a result of love between a man and woman it’s critical role has always been to establish husband and wife for the purpose of procreation, perpetuation of man’s name and the protection of bloodlines.

Marriage then and now is a solid building block of tradition, culture, religion and laws. Marriage has anchored the social framework of society by creating the family unit. The family unit is sacred and the role a mother and father plays is invaluable to the development of a child. While families exist today in many different circumstances; to re-define what has existed since the beginning of time, and to raise a new generation in a culture where traditional family values are dismissed, would hasten devastating consequences to the moral fiber of society.

What are you afraid of? I am afraid that through gay marriage, extremists will embark on a quest of indoctrinating young children in the classroom that it is okay to choose your sexuality. Such mandatory compliance that is aggressively being sought after, infringes on the rights of parents to teach their children according to their beliefs and values. Children are precious and very impressionable. Why would you want to rob a child of their God given gender identity? I do not attempt to question one who claims they have always been gay, but I do believe gender is an essential characteristic with a divine role given from God. I have a big problem with the confusion a young child would experience in a world where they are taught that gender really doesn’t matter anymore. Re-defining marriage will re-define families, communities and nations. Over time individual adaptation to same sex marriage will be the downfall to propagation, moral responsibility and the fortitude of humanity.

So I pose a question of my own, why would you want to participate in something that stands for the exact opposite of what you believe in? What is it to you, to insist on participating in what historically and biologically can only be employed by man and woman? And why should we allow the 3 percent of the 300 million Americans to change the progressive course of society because they claim minority discrimination and a civil right? They still have the civil right to a union that all of us have. They maintain all civil liberties, equal protections, freedoms, and privileges guaranteed in the 14th amendment. Protecting marriage does not take away any right to a gay individual. It does not affect the love, commitment, happiness, or permanence that a devoted gay couple has for each other. All legal, social and economic rights are upheld. They have the right to have a family and raise their family according to their own beliefs. Those who voted yes on 8 believe in equality and tolerance. They want their children to respect all people. So what are we really taking away from you?

I feel very sad that a small group of people who claim they are standing up because they feel they have been discriminated against, have desensitized the public into believing their own acts of bigotry towards religious organizations and individuals are justified, and fail to realize they are doing the same. I have not become trapped by the idea that exercising my civil right to vote has perpetuated hatred toward the gay community. I never vandalized their places of worship, boycotted their businesses, marched with signs full of hateful slanders or even criticized anyone for voting no. I find the outrage and reactive behavior extremely hypocritical. So while I am being accused of breeding hatred, my love for mankind is questioned and my friends are being persecuted because they chose to take a stand and exercise the very same right you did that day, don’t ever ask me “What are you afraid of?”