Politics

OK, so I'm not sure that politics is a subject for a family blog, since it incites so many varied (and heated) responses, but I'm firey mad right now and need to say something. We are a country of lemmings - really! People, get educated. Take a look at this exit poll data from Florida. Perhaps you won't find it interesting, but I did . . . .

http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/01/30/florida-republican-exit-poll/

Notice anything about who voted for McCain?? Yes, generally liberals and independents, fairly well educated, pro-choice, pro-amnesty, and a huge portion of hispanic and cuban decent. Any conclusions we can draw from this?

My conclusion is that the bedrock of this country's values is being undermined by a candidate who "says" he's republican and people are going along with it because the media says "McCain good" . . . "Romney Mormon" and all the illegals and their families will benefit from the amnesty that is sure to come for them if McCain wins. These illegals (or at least their family members that are legal and registered to vote) are what took McCain over the top. Some may view this statement as a racist one. It's not meant to be. It is simply a fact that life for them is better here than where they came from and they'd do pretty much anything to stay, even it means that the rest of the country's quality of life (and particularly medical care) is sent straight down the toilet since we don't have the resources to take such a hit all at once. Immigration is good and is what made America what it is - illegal immigration and sucking off every government program out there without a care in the world is not!

I, for one, want something different. Not a president that will promise me something (and probably not deliver), but a president who shares my values and will stand up for and fight for the values that made this country America in the first place - strong families, respect for marriage, a love for hard work and competition, a respect for God and his laws, a good work ethic where everyone earns what they sow, freedom of speech and worship, and as little government intervention in our lives as possible. I can promise you that McCain won't do that. He's more interested in compromising his values so we can all "get along". Look at the writing on the wall, folks. The liberals of this country LOVE McCain. Of course they do! He'll help them get to the "free-thinking" "do whatever you want with your life and your body" world they're seeking. If they can't have Hillary or Obama, at least they'll have McCain.

I think this election is a sad case of giving up what we want in the long run for what will give us immediate gratification (supposedly). It makes me very, very sad.

That's my soapbox for the day . . . and don't even get me started on the lemming lovers named Obama and Hillary!

A Fond Farewell

Tonight we say goodbye to a beloved man - our prophet, Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley. He died with his family around him tonight. We had a good idea it was happening today as his son was supposed to be our presiding authority yesterday and today at Stake Conference but was called away suddenly by way of a phone call from Elder Packer. As a result, many of the talks last night and today focused on stories of Pres. Hinckley. Did you know he didn't like spinach? Apparently when his daughter recently told him it was good for him and it contained lots of iron he told her he'd rather eat a horseshoe. What a funny man! When his doctor asked him how he stayed so positive when things were hard, do you know what Pres. Hinckley told him? That he would just think of a couple of swear words (I'm sure they weren't bad ones) in his head and get a chuckle and move on. He was an enduring optimist and such a wonderful example of a human man, with all his foibles, transformed through faith and hard work into a powerful leader that was able to touch so many lives. He will be sorely missed, though I know the legacy he leaves will continue on for years to come.

I loved this picture of him with his wife, Marjorie. I know that he missed her dearly and now they get to be together again. That's what it's all about, right? Thank you, Pres. Hinckley for being such a beacon of hope for all of us. At a recent conference for regional authorities, Pres. Hinckley chastised the men for looking so frowny. He told them how wonderful our world was and how much better it was getting - better and better every year. As the wicked get worse, the righteous get stronger and the gospel light gets brighter. I believe he's right. And what a great perspective he leaves for each of us. This moment is sad, but I know he'll be watching our work from above and cheering us on. Thank you, dear Prophet. We will never forget.

Parker

Took this shot of Parker today. Isn't he cute!!!!

Digi Scrap

I've become completed fascinated with the "digi" world, as they call it, of scrapbooking. I can't say I've ever gotten into scrapbooking - I've tried and lost interest - but because digital scrapbooking allows me to be creative and capture memories while still using my favorite tool - my computer - I'm starting to really like it. I can't say I'm good (and this layout is a copy of a template) but I'm starting to feel more comfortable. If you're ever interested, the queen is Jessica Sprague (jessicasprague.com). She'll teach you everything you need to know and more. Here's a fun layout of Parker that I did for my first assignment.

Christmas 2007

We had a fabulous Christmas with the whole Williams clan this year. It was nice to all be together, but it was even nicer to have two new additions - babies! - Parker and Clementine. We are never great at taking pictures, but here's a couple of us on our last day together. I kept telling everyone to "lean in" for the picture. Apparently I was the only one who took my advice. Nice! :)