Friday, January 29, 2010

Positively Politics

Here I am, back in the game of politics. I have a new blog because I realized that my old blog was too negative for me, and I don't want my life to focus on negativity. (A reminder thanks to the wonderful book, Left to Tell). You may ask, isn't politics pretty negative right now? Most people would say yes, and most things you read aren't both truthful and positive. So, I would like to have a place, when I find something positive, whether it suggests positive change or makes me smile because someone in Washington said something I liked, I will post it here. I may not have very many readers, but I don't care. If it makes me feel better to have it on paper/screen, I'll be happier...especially when our country's future is at stake. If you are interested, check it out at www.positivelypolitic.blogspot.com

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Adoption Request from our best friends


Our best "couple" friends, Mary and Merrill are trying to adopt. They are so awesome, that I want to help them spread the word. Here is their letter and link to their website:

After four difficult years of trying to conceive, Merrill and I have decided to adopt. We feel that this is the path God has intended for us and are very excited about the prospect of being parents.

We are currently working with the LDS Adoption Agency. This is not a typical adoption where we go to an agency and get a child. Instead, the birth parents actually choose us and for this reason, we have created an adoption website to provide more information to the birth parents.

Here is where you all come in. We are asking for your help. You can do this by spreading the word and sharing our website with all your contacts, especially schools (ie school counselors) and doctors. Feel free to facebook, blog, twitter, but especially email our information out to them, as you never know who might be able to help us find our child.

Thank you for your love and support,

Merrill and Mary Jordan

http://www.merrillandmary.com

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Avatar

Wow. I have never blogged about a movie, and I may never again. This movie is so amazing, I was speechless at the end. It has revolutionized movies the way Star Wars did in the 70's-80's, only this time I am old enough to really appreciate it! It has all the elements of a remarkable movie, in my mind - a social statement and showing our spiritual link to nature.

The first of which, in my opinion is much more a statement about humanity as a whole, than about a politics. It's not so much about the "white man vs. the American Indian" or the democrat vs. the republican, but about humanity in general - striving to destroy another group in one way or another for political or economic gain. I've read about it in England, Rwanda, South Africa, Israel-Palestine, Ancient Rome, and on and on. It's also about the corruption of money, and how greed can destroy civilization. I know that many of the left and the right have used corruption to gain money and power, even in times of supposed "peace." C.S. Lewis said it best when he said "Let's pray the human race never escapes Earth to spread its iniquity elsewhere."

Second, I LOVED the association with nature and their interconnectedness to each other and to all the living things in their world. I truly believe that all living things have a spirit, and relate back to God. I believe we could have such associations if we used our full God-given intelligences and spiritual capacities to do so. However, our world is so corrupted in so many aspects that it is inconceivable that it would happen in my lifetime, without a major global change.

Sure, it's predictable and simplified in it's plot, but I've never seen this kind of story told so very well. It makes it's beautiful statements as simply as possible, and leaves the viewer to ponder the rest. It is a truly beautiful movie and has quickly become my favorite science fiction movie of all time.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Christmas Vacation

We had a great time in southern Utah for Christmas this year. Most of the time was spent at Scott's parents house, Gary and Fatha in Hurricane (yes that's a town, not a storm, and it is pronounced like you would talk about the storm if you lived in Kentucky)


Bryce and his cousin Garrison playing in fake snow in the kitchen. They are only 5 weeks apart in age and they both love the move Cars! (surprise, surprise) They had so much fun together!


Cousins Paige and Jonah, who are three weeks apart in age eating their fingers :)


Santa paying a visit to the grandparents' house on the 23rd.



Bryce kissing Paige on Santa's lap and a last ditch effort to show how good he is!


Taking a pose in the snow when we went sledding near Todd and Jenna's house in Cedar City! It was Bryce's first time really in snow. He looks grumpy, but he's quite pensive and observant about the whole snow experience.


A family shot from Fatha's photographer friend (don't worry Mary, she holds no candle to you :)


Our big family shot (ignore the homeless man sitting off to the right. He's not part of our immediate family!)

The funnest part of the trip was playing games with the brothers and sisters and going to see Avatar in 3D twice! All in all, it was a very fun trip!