The Results of our Pottery Date

Well, if you read my blog every few days or so, you saw that Dalin brought me on an awesome date a couple of days ago. We each painted our own piece of pottery. Dalin chose to paint a mug, and I did a bowl. I promised to share pictures (unless mine came out terribly...) so that is the purpose of this post. The pieces were fired in the kiln and we were able to pick them up on Saturday! Here is how they turned out:

I love the inside of Dalin's mug...it looks way cooler in person

 We made the mug for Dalin's dad for Father's Day! Since we won't be able to see him soon enough and we don't want to risk mailing it, we are providing these pictures as a sneak peek!

Here is my bowl. It looks a little different than I'd expected, but overall I am pleased with how it turned out!

I painted the inside to look like sand.

In case you don't know, I'm pretty much obsessed with the ocean which is why I painted ocean waves washing up on a sandy shore. I am missing the coast a lot right now.

We don't know for sure, but we have a suspicion my mom (who is possibly more obsessed with the ocean than I am) might just want to take this bowl from us when she sees it. We'll see...but I think I would need a trade--like plane tickets to New Hampshire after our baby girl is born ;) 

What do you think of our artwork? Have you ever painted pottery before?

My Awesome Dad

I have the best dad. I know that he loves me because I have always felt his support in everything I do. He has always been one of my biggest fans. He always came to our showcases in elementary school, and every sports activity he could throughout the years, including cross-country meets, soccer games, tennis matches, baseball/softball games, and more. He is always on my side. He encourages me and is proud of my talents. He always brags about my artistic ability and asks me to paint something for him as a gift each holiday. He also tells everyone about how I love English and earned the English award as a senior in high school. He tells me that he likes to show his customers at work this embarrassing video of me accepting the award, which I have provided for your entertainment.

He sets a good example for my brothers and me. My dad righteously holds the Priesthood and uses it to bless our family and the lives of others. He would give me father's blessings when I was sick, before I began a new school year, or when I was going through a particularly difficult trial. He is an excellent example of generosity and service. He always gives as much as he can. This includes his time--he loves serving others, especially the elderly. I have always loved visiting nursing homes and getting to know the residents because of my dad. He would always ask them about their lives and find a way to make them laugh as they shared their memories and stories. He loves history and learning, which has inspired my own interest in history and fed my already strong feelings of intense patriotism and loyalty to our country. My dad is a great teacher. Whenever we go on vacations, I love when he takes the time to read us the information about a particular exhibit or attraction. He often shares fun random stories with us about things he has heard or learned which is something I always enjoy. 

I am very much like my dad. We both have a good sense of humor, and are not afraid to defend our beliefs or those around us. We both enjoy talking to strangers and feel completely comfortable doing so. My dad is always so nice to all of my former classmates and is quick to strike up a conversation with anyone he knows. He also is always friendly to those he interacts with, even if he does not know them well or at all. He loves to begin a conversation with the cashier, our waiter or waitress, the people at the drive-thru, and anyone else who he might meet. He is a great missionary because of this. I get my willingness to talk to people about the gospel from him. He is never afraid to tell people that he is a Latter-day Saint and what we believe in. 

My dad is very hardworking. He owns his own business installing home theaters and sound systems for a living. He has instilled the value of hard work and earning a modest living in his children. He especially has taught us the importance of being honest in our dealings with others and having integrity in all situations. Because of his and my mom's careful spending and budgeting, we always had enough money for vacations and to be able to live comfortably. Throughout the years, my parents together have made our home a peaceful place where others want to be. 

I cannot wait for my dad to become a grandpa to our little girl. I know he is going to be the kindest, silliest, most giving grandpa anyone could ever ask for. I love my dad very much and miss him--especially on Father's Day. I am grateful for my loving and wise father and for the example he is to Dalin and my brothers. Make sure you call your own dad and tell him you love him on Father's Day. You can never tell someone you love them enough. 

My Dad and Payson on our front lawn in Gilford, New Hampshire

My dad and me in front of Lake Winnipesaukee

What is a favorite quality that your own dad has? 

My Little Stand for the Family

Well you all know me and how very conservative the majority of my views are. This time around, I will admit, I was intending to stay completely clear of the recent discussions on marriage--not because I do not have a valid opinion to defend, but because I wanted to preserve the peace. But something about marriage just causes my heart to burn with emotion and I feel so strongly that it needs to be defended. Maybe it's because as a Latter-day Saint (or, Mormon), my beliefs are frequently mocked and trodden on. Maybe it's because I am stubborn and have to get a word in when I feel passionately about something. Either way, here I am, putting my "two cents" in. I will boldly say though, that I know the following things are worth so much more eternally than a mere two pennies.

The words I want to share are not my own, but I felt they were written so beautifully and articulately that I wanted to quote them. Because the first woman's comments are in response to words of others, there may be a little confusion which I will clear up if necessary.

I have never met these women and do not know anything about either of them except that we share the same views in regards to marriage. Disagree with us if you would like, but I will simply (and as politely as I can) reply with a defense of our belief that marriage is sacred, and ordained of God for one man and one woman. 

Written by Aly R. Taylor:

I do believe my entire world and life will change if gay marriage passes and that within 20 years our entire society will look more different than imaginable. I also know that it will affect my children and their children, for the worse...I also believe that divorce rates will go up if people do not appreciate the sanctity of marriage. Marriage is an important institution that makes our society better for many reasons, including an increase in stability which is better for the economy, and raising good children. Take a look at this article for an interesting opinion from someone who is a libertarian and not pro/against marriage but describes that in all likelihood it will make a change our life as we know it: 

[This is a very interesting read if you have the time to get through it]
 http://fireflydove.wordpress.com/2009/10/12/a-libertarian-view-of-gay-marriage/

Divorce rates would easily go up to 80% plus within 10 years if we keep ignoring the importance and sanctity of marriage, and our society will be worse off. From my experience divorce often creates unhappy or bitter people and broken families. That is but one of my 100 concerns with gay marriage.

It saddens me that very few people think of consequences to their actions nowadays. But you are right -----, it is a choice and hopefully my children will have such a burning desire and love for God that they will choose to follow him over any carnal desire.

Everyone is so concerned with making "history" that they don't think through the actual impact and the eternal perspective. I believe in eternity, and don't understand individuals who can say they follow Christ and go directly against his Word. To love Christ is to follow him. I love my fellow man, but that love for them and for God is what drives me to help his cause. It's like if you knew someone was about to commit murder, wouldn't you do what you can to stop them from committing this sin? Why would you not help your fellow man and do what you can to help them find eternal happiness versus worldly temporary happiness?

Written by Annie Z. Edwards: 

It doesn't have anything to do with sin or feelings. I have no problem with gays having a union and any and all tax or whatever benefits heterosexual couples have. But the sacrament of marriage is partially for pro-creation which physically can only be done one way. I feel there should be equal and separate benefits for gay couples and their unions but disagree with changing the definition if marriage. And having my own opinion on the subject while respecting your right to have yours does not make me intolerant. 

This link conveys the reasoning behind my belief that children thrive best in a home with one faithful father and mother. It is so worth your time! It was created by Erika Bahr. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNahtS4XJ8E&feature=youtu.be 

“Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.” ~Rachel Jankovic

If you are wondering what we as Latter-day Saints (or Mormons) believe in, this article called "The Divine Institution of Marriage" is put out by leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and leaves no question as to what members of the Church believe in.
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/the-divine-institution-of-marriage 

Here is a video about it if you prefer that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsR9HPhsjJ4

This beautiful document, entitled "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," additionally conveys my personal belief in the sanctity of marriage and the family order:  https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation

There is more to say and more things I could express, but for now, I would like to leave this post as it is and ask you to respectfully keep your differing beliefs to yourself unless you have a question or comment that in no way needs to be censored. Otherwise, I thankfully still have the right to monitor what is said here and I will utilize that right. 

I appreciate your tolerance of (and patience with) my beliefs. Once you have read everything on this page, I invite you to share your beliefs--but only once you fully understand where I come from. 

If you desire, here is a link from a Christian woman whom I am not acquainted with, but I appreciated her thoughts on children and the family, shared here: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/motherhood-is-a-calling-and-where-your-children-rank

"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home."

~Confucius 

"The family is the first essential cell of human society."

~Pope John XXIII

"Science has established two facts meaningful for human welfare: first, the foundation of the structure of human personality is laid down in early childhood; and second, the chief engineer in charge of this construction is the family."

~Meyer Francis Nimkoff

"The family is the cornerstone of our society. More than any other force it shapes the attitude, the hopes, the ambitions, and the values of the child. And when the family collapses, it is the children that are usually damaged. When it happens on a massive scale, the community itself is crippled. So, unless we work to strengthen the family, to create conditions under which most parents will stay together, all the rest--schools, playgrounds, public assistance, and private concern--will never be enough."

~Lyndon B. Johnson 

"The important thing is the family. If you can keep the family together--and that's the backbone of our whole business, catering to families--that's what we hope to do."

~Walt Disney

"If a country is to be corruption-free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who make a difference. They are the father, the mother, and the Teacher."

~Abdul Kalam