He Never Wore Jeans

Being in the hospital today with Joe was like deja vu. He was pale like Nono. He couldn't move like Nono. He couldn't talk right... which actually brought a tear to my eye because I was able to say, "Don't mind him, he's doped up." I've always wanted to say that. Or, "No. That's not his real hair, it's a wig." 1 down, 1 to go.

So I started missing Nono. I let myself do that and think it's healthy for me personally. I cry and just feel sad. I only do this a little bit, because really I'm happy he's with Heavenly Father.

Nono never wore jeans or t-shirts. He never got his hands dirty and actually had a doctor clip his nails. Mafioso. He always wore gold, a suit and tie. Later on, in his 80's, he broke down and would wear an occasional pastel yellow or blue polo with slacks.

When I was little we would run in the sprinklers, him in his suit managing never to get wet. Then, with my girls he'd sneak them cookies or tell me to give them bananas every 5 minutes.

He'd also tell me to put newspaper under my clothes during the winter to stay warm. We could never wear flip flops to his house or else he'd verbally threaten spankalino. (Never followed through. I was spoiled rotten.) He'd go and get me socks to wear, always brand new, always gold toe socks. Christina would always say, "He's weird about socks."

Oh these many moments I cherish. Just the other day Yaya Sofia told Christina there was a present for her on the bed... which yes, happens every time we go up... indulgence. She came back into the room, opened up the gift, said thank you and then asked, "Where's bobolino. Where's the envelope?" Nono used to put an envelope with a few dollars in it for her with a sticker of a dog (bobolino) on the front. He would tell her to kiss the dog, which she did and it always made him chuckle. Mafioso chuckle. But alas, this time there was no envelope. Yaya Sofia scrambled and gave her some "green", as Nono called it, but it will never be the same.

Dare I Post This....

Well, Sunday was an interesting day. Joe woke up feeling a little queasy, we went to church, came home and he starts vomiting. He's been on this "cleanse" since we found out he has high cholesterol which was recommended by his doctor. Basically he eats one meal a day and takes lots of supplements. Basically, he's starving all the time.

So he decides he's going to the rest of his meetings and I decide he's not. Hello. Barf. Time to rest. But within 2 hours it was just getting worse. He decides he's just going to sleep it off. I decide he's going to the hospital. **As a side note, we 99% of the time agree on things and even if not, (the 1%) we're both really laid back so it's not a problem. But when it comes to his health I'd rather just be safe than sorry.

My dad took him to the ER while my mom and I got the girls ready for bed. Then I went over during the surgery and thank-you Heavenly Father... he's OK. He had acute appendicitis and so they did laparoscoptic surgery. It took about 1 hour and then he was just loopy and ready for bed. I just feel so bad for him, it was very painful and I guess we have 2 weeks of recovery time.

So this one goes out to my little surgeon Christina. 2 minutes and 50 seconds of... can't think of the right word to put. She wanted to actually do the surgery, but since we don't have anesthesia at home... PLEASE READ CAREFULLY-
If you get woozy at the site of surgery, do NOT watch this...
even though the music makes it very pleasant and almost "snap"able.

Shake Shake Shake

(picture found on AOL News)

You know the classic 70's song (possibly 60's) shake your booty song? Well, it's taken on new meaning in our home. Because last night, not only were our "booties" shakin', but also our house.

We were up pretty late talking when all of the sudden our house starts swaying back and forth. I right away knew it was an earthquake (around 5 on the Richter), but Joe thought someone was breaking into the house.

Since no giants or trolls or any other Harry Potterish creatures live nearby... well, possibly house elves downtown, but I digress... I didn't panic running to check the front door to see who was coming in.

Fortunately the girls were able to sleep through the whole minute ordeal, but it was a very odd sensation. I was excited, yet humbled to see and feel the power of God. The newspapers and experts have told us that in Reno we need to be prepared for a larger earthquake coming. I'm really grateful that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints already teaches us the need for "being prepared". We have plenty of water and food, our candles and matches are in one area. We even have a mini-butane stove and plenty of blankets. One thought came to mind though that we should always have 1/2 a tank of gas, which is a little hard with rising gas prices.

Sooo.... here we go. What is to be will be. I pray to God for the safety of my children, my family and friends. I pray for the safety of those in this town and throughout the world.

Miss Gallegos

When I was in 8th grade at Dilworth middle school, it happened. It was my moment to step to the plate and stick up for myself. Some girl liked some boy. This boy was a drama starter. I really can't remember all the sordid pre-teen details but somehow I was to be in a fight. I was to meet the girl that liked the boy and I suppose have at it. But, she as well as I, knew that we had to have back-up. So I rounded up Miss Gallegos and Irene... picture Tupac and Sug Knight Latina style. (Thank you early 90's and Oakland Raider jackets a must) The girl I was supposed to "fight" rounded up Natalie (oh the bangs... the big fanned out bangs...) who was in turn really good friends with Miss Gallegos and Irene. They weren't going to fight each other and so, thankfully, the drama fizzled out.

Now... Am I advocating violence. No. I, as part of 60-85% of all pre-teens and teenagers, was extremely stupid and lame. So then what is my point? We are who we are. Take it or leave it. I was going to go in, scared as hell, but I was going in. I wasn't going to run, I was to take my stand along with my Mexicans sisters, and breath free.

I have an open blog. If you want to comment fine. But really, I'm not blogging for comments. I find it curious to have so many hits, when really, I'm not that exciting. I blog because I probably will get Alzheimer's and need this to help me reminisce on the best days of my life, thanks to my gorgeous hubby and angelic children. I also have family that reads and find this is a great way to keep in touch!

(If confused see ILAC week comments)... Take this as a life lesson my anonymous friend. Take a stand. Be proud of who you are and your opinion. I think it's great you enjoy mausoleums... kudos! I find them odd. I feel like bodies should be laid to rest in the ground, ashes to ashes. And those are my thoughts, Sofia's thoughts. Because this... this is my blog.

PS... I have an invisible tracker that shows me exactly where my hits are coming from, how long each person is staying on my site and exactly what time that person was on my site.

PPS... "Cemeteries" is how it is spelled. I find http://www.merriam-webster.com/ to be a helpful site.

TMCC Multicultural Fair

We are a family that loves to celebrate diversities! So off again to another Multicultural Fair. You would think though, after 2 college multicultural fairs they would have something other than world masks for the kids to make. I'm awed at the lack of creativity. But seeing the dancers in full costume... thank you full on butt cheeks and loin clothes... and watching the musical performers (especially the sons of Thailand drummers) was really neat. Also we got to meet 2 members of IMOJA, the black student union that Joe is an advisor for, Charles and Darnell. If I bet, I'd bet $30 they know Lateef.

Nap Time

She wakes up at 5ish to breastfeed still, but then is down until 7:30 or 8:00 AM. She has 2 naps a day still.

Sometimes I find her in her crib and I wonder what happened... like with no pants on? Without a peep!

ILAC WEEK at Preschool

I am LOVABLE AND CAPABLE week was a fun experience for Christina. She dressed up everyday to show school spirit... ah, my future student leadership/government child. I wonder if she will be more dedicated than I. 5th period student council, meant doughnut runs for me and ram. But I digress.

Monday - Anything Sports Day (She had an option of wearing a Sacramento Kings jersey and I being such a loving and understanding mother, did not force her to wear it... free will, free will)

Tuesday- PJ's

Wednesday- Wacky Hair Day (We were going to color it and make it Texas style, but alas, we were burying Nono that day... actually, I'm not sure of the right term when you put someone in the mausoleum. I'll tell you one thing though, Mausoleums are Creep-ae!)

Thursday- Hat Day

She started out with her princess hat then had a change of mind to the red fur.

Of late, I really enjoying taking pictures of her. She makes great faces. Very creative child.

I can't believe we're not going to Ryan's Graduation

This is my niece's reaction when told she wasn't coming up to visit her Aunty for Ryan's graduation. (* Notice the firm fist in the air, raised to protest such an idea)

Misconceptions

I always feel bad when people get the wrong idea about our church. For example, the other day I was asked the question - you baptize the dead so they won't go to hell right? So I thought I'd clear up some common misconceptions about our church.

First, Joseph Smith is a beloved prophet who restored Christ's church to the earth in present day times. We believe that once Christ established His church and His apostles ministered throughout the ancient lands, there was an apostasy (a falling away from). This was a falling away from the truths he taught. With time all the apostles were killed (except for John the Beloved/the Revalator) and His doctrine was distorted and twisted. So the gospel of Jesus Christ was taken from the earth and then through the humility of a 14 year old boy, kneeling in prayer, found again. We do not worship Joseph Smith, we do not worship any prophet. They are mouth pieces or spokesmen for the Lord. We worship Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world.

Second, we believe that we are here on earth for a purpose. That purpose is to gain a body, to learn as much possible and to be tested and tried. Do you believe in God? If you do, you can see His touch all around us. In a beautiful lily, in the setting sun, in a calm breeze... even the feelings of joy and peace that fill our hearts. Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are 3 separate beings, but one in heart and purpose. We lived in heaven before we came to earth. And we know that after we die we will go to a place called paradise or prison.

(I'm not the smartest person... visuals always seem to help... Please note in the 3rd circle, the Spirit world, we can divide it into 1/2... making one part paradise and the other spirit prison and also, you could place the words Final Judgement after Spirit World)

** Studying the scriptures, we see Hell is referred in 2 ways: (As outer darkness or spirit prison)
"The prophet Alma explains that the wicked “shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil.” (Alma 40:13.)

On the other hand, “the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.” (Alma 40:12.)

These statements may seem to reflect the traditional Christian view of heaven and hell. (See Matt. 13:36–43.) But the Book of Mormon takes us a step farther. It describes these conditions as being, for most of mankind, temporary. Alma, for example, states: “Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection.” (Alma 40:14; italics added.)

The Bible alludes to that fact in a number of places. David is promised that his soul would not remain in hell (see Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:27, 31), and it was promised that others as well would be delivered from spirit prison (see Isa. 49:8–9; John 5:25). This, in fact, happened when Christ opened the doors of hell to missionary work among the dead. (See 1 Pet. 3:18–19; 1 Pet. 4:6; D&C 138:6–37.)

Those who hear and accept the message of salvation, whether in this life or in the spirit world, are raised “unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5:29.)

At their resurrection, Nephi explains, all men “must appear before the judgment seat of the Holy One of Israel; and then … must they be judged according to the holy judgment of God.
“And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, … that they who are righteous shall be righteous still, and they who are filthy shall be filthy still; wherefore, they who are filthy are the devil and his angels; and they shall go away into everlasting fire, prepared for them; and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever and has no end.” (2 Ne. 9:15–16; see also Rev. 22:11.)"1

Now think about it. We know that after we die, there will be a final judgement. After everyone has heard the doctrine of Christ (in paradise or prison) they have the choice to follow Him or not. Heaven will be divided into 3 kingdoms, with 3 different levels of glory (Comparable to the Sun, moon and stars) God is a God of order, He is just, fair and wise beyond our comprehension. Doesn't it make sense that there are different degrees of heaven. He also has told us and shown us through the example of Christ,the things we need to do in life to return back to Him... such as baptism. Doesn't it make sense that if we don't do the things God has asked us to do, that we won't reach that highest heaven? He wants the best for us, but if we are not obedient we won't be blessed. Christ who was perfect had no need of baptism, he had no sins to be cleansed... he showed us though the importance of following the Father's will. And we, who have sin, need the ordinance (or stepping stone) of baptism all the more!

There has to be a final judgement, because we all have to be resurrected. God's glory is to bring to pass the immortality of man. (Moses 1:39) Men are that they might have joy. (2 Nephi 2) Paradise is a temporary happiness. We cannot have a fullness of joy until our bodies and spirits are reunited. Does this seem complicated? Just ask yourselves the following:

Why then was Jesus resurrected? Why do His scriptures and words testify these things?

We are the only church on the earth that believes this doctrine. May I extend the challenge that is so eloquently offered in the Book of Mormon by an ancient prophet named Moroni, " 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." (Moroni 10:4)

Footnote 1 H. Donl Peterson, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Apr. 1986, 36–38

Fun Educational Site

www.starfall.com is our new favorite website! We are learning our ABC's and the games and songs here are fantastic!

Things That Make Me Smile

Since I've posted rather depressing posts of late, I thought I'd share some things that make me smile. Of course, my children are what make me smile most in life, but I choose to share some old memories that might make others happy too!

Remember Spades nights? This was my first photo I ever got of Joe almost 8 years ago! I had such a crush on him and would kiss this picture before I went to bed! Suckafied! This was right before we went to Wal-mart... our first "outing" together. I had to get candy to do missionary packages. We (Hope and I) rock, paper, scissored and I won so I got to pursue Joe. Lucky me!

Anything "Green Eyes in Africa". Ryan may be saving orphans in Ghana, but to me he will always be the one who sings at the top of his lungs Alanis Morissette (word for word) in cramped Mini-Van quarters, annoying and bothering uptight Mormons and Marshall, beloved Asian Key Club adult supervisor on the way to SoCal. He was also known as the "pigman"... what book was that from? Because he had jaw surgery and it messed up his face for a bit.


Andy! 10 years ago! Our little next door neighbor came over for lunch one day and a friend of mine barfed at the dinner table. He kept right on eating like nothing was wrong and asked the girl, "What's your problem? Come on!" Indeed. What was her problem. Perhaps she watched Matlock too much. Day in and day out.
The only boy band I ever learned word for word their hit song. Thanks ABC for creating this long lasting, successful froup. I mean group.

Why did I always have to take pictures with random people. Seriously, in all my photo albums I have 100 pictures of me with strangers. What did you teach me as a child mom?
The culture club!! All the ethnics of the world at BYU in one area. Hoorah!
The fly. Miss StiVen's infamous green pants.

One of the best books you'll ever read in your life. If you're into alphabet books. My favorite is K for Kant.

Random... yes.

Who was our Nono?

I'm not a writer. I wish I could write. I wish I could tell the world about who our Nono really was. But I just don't have the words to describe how wonderful he really was and is.

Nono was an Italian import, a rare and fine one at that. He came to the US with his first wife and owned a successful pawn shop in downtown Reno. He always drove Cadillacs and wore suits. He met my grandmother as she was a checker at the local Raley's grocery store. He and his wife became friends with Yaya and Papou. Then his wife died and Papou died. Friendship bloomed into more and they were married. 22 years!

Nono gave me my first bath in the hospital and I gave him my first smile in life. He spoiled me rotten. He gave me everything in life and I never deserved any of it. I saw him almost everyday of my life, and when I was gone away for school, he called me everyday like clock work. He is everything to me. He was more than a grandfather, he was more than a friend... I just can't express how much I love him.

When Nono met Joe, I didn't know how he'd react. But he embraced him and they soon became best friends. They spoke spanish together, discussed politics, watched sports and frequented the Casino food courts. He called Jody "Moses" because Joe always wore a beard, but it was more. He saw in Jody wisdom and strength, a great person destined for more in life. He always told Joe how much he loved him and always told him the places he could go in life.

Nono loved our children. He played and laughed with them and I'm so grateful to Heavenly Father that they were able to be near him. Because to be near Nono was happiness.

We're at peace because we know Nono is in a better place. Grieving is so difficult and different for everyone. It's odd an odd thing missing a person but being calm in one's knowledge of God's eternal plan. Our hearts and souls mourn for our loss, but I know the comforter is near and already I feel his arms wrapped around me. Families can be forever, what a wonderful thing.

Nono's Passing.. Friday, April 11, 2008

For a couple months now, Nono has been in and out of the hospital. He had congenital heart failure and on Friday passed peacefully back into our Savior's arms. I had gone with Yaya at 10 AM to the rehab place (which he had been at for 1 day and we were deciding on how to get him home, or how long we would try rehab because the doctors said it was very possible for him to walk again) when we immediately noticed a drastic change. Just the day before when they had moved him there he was talking and moving. I had visited with the kids and then called at 10PM when the nurse informed me he had had a panic attack and they had to give him medication to sleep and calm down.

So in the morning we went and he wasn't responsive to our voices, he was breathing very heavily almost gasping for breath and the nurse came in and told us that he was "passing" and couldn't swallow anymore and would die very soon. It really was a bit shocking. We were ready, but I started to get panicky thinking we had ten minutes or something. So I started crying and shouting (he's hard of hearing) I love you Nono. There was a fire alarm test going off and I guess I started to scare some of the other residents. Hooray for staying calm Sofia.

I managed to call up everyone. So as our Nono died, Yaya Sofia, Yaya and Papa, Joe, Me and the girls were all able to be there with him. At 3:30 PM, holding Joe and Yaya Sofia's hands he sat upright, fixed his hair and then stopped breathing. And that's what happened. It was peaceful and I'm so grateful to Heavenly Father for that. He didn't suffer any pain, he was holding the hand of his wife and best friend... really it was just OK.

Roseville, CA... Fight for your rights!

On Wednesday we took a day trip to Roseville, CA to contest a speeding ticket that my good looking hubby incurred on his way to San Fran awhile back. I mention that he's good looking because it seems to defuse the anger I have... it was a hefty fine.

So Joe (his arms are really cut) took us to the court, estimated wait time 4 hours. We decided to play by a nearby park while he awaited mercy or justice. It was a beautiful park! I can't get over California parks- how green they are, nannies with screaming and over-indulged children, the perfectly maintained houses nearby... I really enjoy our experiences when we head over the hill. This park included "Claire", a young girl who was in school uniform and out with her grandma. Soon Claire took to making the trains run on time.(Yes, I'm referring her to Mussolini) It really was a 10 minute version of what happens to a dictator when the people revolt. Minus burning objects. Ahhh... the fine line between raising a leader verses a bossy child.

After the park was the local library and then a pizza buffet. Maria ate 25 small cherry tomatoes, 1 piece of pizza, 1 peach and a cup of water. Do I have a young Kobiachi on my hands? The judge ruled that Joe had to pay his ticket, so defeated, we went to enjoy some miniature golf and then head home. Where he got another speeding ticket.


Just joking, but that would have made a nice ending.

Bonding Time in Vegas

My niece and I have a special bond now. She knows my smell and kind words and I will forever be her favorite Aunt. She is 7 lbs 4 oz now and a bundle of happiness. She never cries, she is very alert and attentive when awake. Well, I shouldn't say she never cries... when Grandma came and took her from my arms, she cried. She loves me, what can I say... the feeling is mutual.
Ramalat have a gorgeous home and I was quite surprised at the classiness of the decor. It was a definite WOW when you walk in! It had a very cultural and bright color feel. Very peaceful home and comfortable. They have 5 or so animals, but you couldn't even tell. My allergies were very mild.
I sure did miss my kids though. I forgot who I was talking to, but they had told me to relax and enjoy some time to myself away from my kids. Time away from my kids makes my heart ache. We are one together, they bring me happiness and joy. Don't get me wrong, 3 hours to go to the temple or library is great! But any more than that and I get fussy. I need them and crave them. But I needed to see my other baby... so a day trip it was! And I was very grateful to spend time with her and watch conference together, and sing and read a book together and talk. And just hold her.
Come to primary Miss A!! We'll make you a Mormon yet!


A question was also posed to Rama Mama on how much of a time commitment does a baby take. My first thought was if you have to ask a question like that, don't have a child. What a privilege it is to have a baby in one's home. What a privilege it is to rock and feed and hold that child. Silly people. Putting it mildly. I was glad to lend information too. For example, humidifiers need distilled water to work properly. We learned that one the hard way!

So overall, great trip! Perfect little Miss A! But also very happy to be with my little ones again.

Reflections of Christ... New Art Exhibit

If you want to see some beautiful artwork... not just beautiful, but inspired, check out the following. It will be touring throughout the world and it is really just amazing. Click on the movie to play! (It is a little long, 7 minutes I think, but worth it)

http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ

Night of All Nations

I love the cultures of the world! I love that we are all different and have learned to use the world in so many ways for the positive. It was a crowded event, mostly college students, but it was just nice to be around so many faces. We didn't get any food, but we did get chocolate from the Switzerland booth, and really... do you need any more than that?

Christina's world mask.
A PhD student from Iran studying Civil Engineering. She told us a little of the struggle it was to leave family in dangerous circumstances and how she wishes the process was not so expensive or confusing to come to America. We need reform!!
Name that Reno Sri Lankan!! Are they related to Ram? Yes!
My hub is a hotty. And my kids love being cats.

Operation...

Christina (since she was 2 years) has said she wants to be a doctor. She likes to wear scrubs, she enjoys watching gastric bypass surgery-the actual cutting open and everything, she always is pretending to heal things and fix them... so for Christmas she got the game Operation. This would be great practice! But my little tender one did not want to hurt the man. Every time you touch the silver part he beeps...loudly... so she wouldn't touch the game. I took it out again just recently and Maria had a blast with it. She loved to make him beep! Finally, Christina got a little frustrated."You're hurting him!!" and then solemnly, "I will operate." And she did. After 1 day of playing, she can take out all the white objects with very minimal beeping. Kudos child. Kudos. I'd trust my kidneys to you any day!

Playdough Family

From left to Right: Maria, Yaya, Mommy and Christina (who has buff arms)

We enjoy playdough at our house. Thoroughly. In fact, we have many playdough sets. Dinosaurs, Food shops, dentists, birthday, cookie cutter, press and plays, teletubbies... thank you, garage sales. Of recent, Yaya got Christina and Maria a funny face set and this was our end creation.

Snakes Alive! Bugs Alive!

Joe took Nouli to see the Snakes and bugs at our local "museum". I use that word very loosely. I loved the pictures he took as Christina's body language says it all.

Quote, "I don't want to go in that room. There are too many sharp teeth."

Another photo of me and Joe.

Further Research...

I feel strongly like I've smeared smut on my blog. And I truly apologize to anybody who read the whole Snoop Bit. I had no clue. Religions just aren't something to be joked about.... whether Mormon, Catholic, Jewish... whatever.
Honestly... I can't even believe this. I GUESS it really was an April fools joke.

http://cnnentertainment.co.nr/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/01 is the actual link and at the very bottom in very small writing it says April fools.

However I really don't find this funny. Perhaps because race in the church is a sensitive matter. Why do we so easily mock something that is sacred, like that of one's testimony or character? My heart was so happy as I thought to myself all the windows of opportunity this could open! I was so genuinely excited for him and for the positive publicity it could bring.

Our church is a worldwide church with 13 million members strong. It is very culturally diverse, yet within the United States only about 15,000 members are African American. Blacks could not hold the priesthood until 1978. It's difficult. Why would good men be denied blessings because of the color of their skin or possibly lineage? I don't have the answers, only God does.

My husband is black. My best friend has dark skin. My other best friend is black. This is something that hits close to home. Oddly enough, I was just reading in 4 Nephi (in the book of Mormon) today when I came across one of my favorite verses 15-17,

After Christ was resurrected, He appeared to the people of the America's as foretold by ancient prophets. He ministered to them and then ascended to the Father leaving them in this state...

" 15 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.

16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.

17 There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God. "

How I wish the Mormon click at school would have been friendlier to Ram. How I wish I wouldn't have done all the stupid things I did, and then you were there to see me. Because you weren't there hour after hour, day after day, month after month, year after year... of me pleading to the Father for forgiveness. I've made my many mistakes and I know that I can be forgiven. This is what my church is. A church of miracles.

The church is perfect, the members not. Joe grew up being called the "n word" at scouting activities and Jody waffles (like aunt Jamima) at church. They'd make fun of his hair and often things turned violent. Hope went on a handful of dates while she spent 6 years in Utah. It's the deepest desire of my heart that all of us, whether Jew or gentile, black or white, male or female, old or young could eliminate hate from our hearts. That we could be just children of a Father who loves us with no manner of "-ites" to divide or segregate.

I'm grateful for the words of President Hinckley, (Priesthood Session April 2006 General Conference ),

" I have wondered why there is so much hatred in the world. We are involved in terrible wars with lives lost and many crippling wounds. Coming closer to home, there is so much of jealousy, pride, arrogance, and carping criticism; fathers who rise in anger over small, inconsequential things and make wives weep and children fear.

Racial strife still lifts its ugly head. I am advised that even right here among us there is some of this. I cannot understand how it can be. It seemed to me that we all rejoiced in the 1978 revelation given President Kimball. I was there in the temple at the time that that happened. There was no doubt in my mind or in the minds of my associates that what was revealed was the mind and the will of the Lord.


Now I am told that racial slurs and denigrating remarks are sometimes heard among us. I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ. How can any man holding the Melchizedek Priesthood arrogantly assume that he is eligible for the priesthood whereas another who lives a righteous life but whose skin is of a different color is ineligible?


Throughout my service as a member of the First Presidency, I have recognized and spoken a number of times on the diversity we see in our society. It is all about us, and we must make an effort to accommodate that diversity.

Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children.


Brethren, there is no basis for racial hatred among the priesthood of this Church. If any within the sound of my voice is inclined to indulge in this, then let him go before the Lord and ask for forgiveness and be no more involved in such. "

Part 5 End of Cali Trip

If you've never been and you have kids you need to go!!! These places are wonderful!!

I love kachikis.
One of many slides Christina went down 30 times. Why do the stairs still make me so nervous though?
The crooked mile... we were tired after this one and Christina needed a drink. "Wow. I'm sure glad we made it mommy." Quote.
Maria be nimble, Maria be quick, Maria chase after the roosters sick. (as with all poultry)

Why am I so lame?

All we need is Miss AiVen in this picture!

THE SACRAMENTO ZOO

*Disclaimer. I really am Anti-Zoo. Thank you Happy Feet last 20 minutes. But the children enjoy it so, so we go. And have lots of fun at the animals expense. Poor things.

There is no butterfly pavilion. Please, update your maps Sacramento Zoo. And your employees.

There was a 10 year old trying to run Maria over on the baby playground, and Maria gave the girl her two cents (a nice loud squawk) on the matter. The girl then left.

As soon as I brought the girls to the window, the tiger started to come our way. Time to go.

Me and Joe.

Exploitation of Penguins. Oh Happy Feet... How will we save Antarctica?

Also, Yaya bought her girls some pink popcorn. Just like her Yaya used to do when she was a little girl. It was nice to see her get so excited about it and the girls really enjoyed the treat.

FUNDERLAND

A big thanks to Papa and Yaya for this fun, spontaneous vacation!!