14 Years ago today my sweetie and I were married for all time and Eternity. It was an arranged marriage. We barely knew the other existed 3 months before we were married, we had talked some on the phone and had met each other once- he wanted to meet me before I flew home for Christmas, but it was finals week and I had an exam on the writings of Isaiah to study for. He listened on the phone while I studied. Luckily, most of Isaiah is poetry and flows of the tongue in sinuating waves. So he decided to offer me a ride to the airport. Sure, I would save the $75 bucks adn take a shot at letting him drive me.
I wasn't familiar with the route he took to the airport. It caused me to be a little worried, but he did know where he was going and I would soon become a very frequent traveler on those roads.
Well, everyday we talked for hours during Christmas break. I was in Minnesota and he in Utah. The day after Christmas something special happened. Well we were talking we both got the very strong impression that we had to get married, and we both knew the other knew it.
My challenge came in breaking it to my mom that I was going to marry I guy I had only met once. She took the news better then I had thought, and we set a date for June.
Mike was there when I flew back to Utah. He was a handsome man in his Sunday clothes and asked me to marry him (officially) when we got out to his Bronco at the airport. Then he took me home to meet his family. His parents were a little blown away. How could Mike (to shy to talk to most girls) manage to snag a catch like her?
For the next month we hung out with each other and got to know each other and realized that if we were going to make the Temple marriage then we would have to move the wedding date up. So we really moved it up- 6 weeks away. That put our families in a relative panic. But a day with Mom in Salt Lake got it all set up.... dresses, flowers, hotels ect.
The week of the wedding dawned and I quickly gave up on school work and headed up to join my family that was flying in. I don't think school work entered my mind for the next 2 weeks. (There is a reason I got mostly Bs and Cs that semester).
The wedding morning I had my endowments and Mike was there to bring me through the veil. Then we broke for lunch and came back for the wedding in the after noon. It was a breezy March day with lots in interesting clouds and a fair amount of sun.
I can remember some of what the sealer said. Which I consider to be a pretty good feat- he said we wouldn't remember. After that it was meeting family and pictures and waiting for the reception. After the reception I kept wanting everyone to leave so Mike and I could go to our hotel room. I knew what I wanted to do (the thing we kept so hard from doing those last 6 weeks). But alas.... it wasn't as easy as I thought and it took us all night to figure it out. But then we practiced for the next few days- hardly leaving the hotel room.
We must have got it right though- we got 6 kids to prove that :)
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Yum- Stuffed Mushrooms- Yum
For dinner tonight we had stuffed mushrooms- Vegan or Vegetarian (depending on if you add cheese)
We took the left over brown rice, lentil and onions and added kale stir fried in toasted sesame seed oil then stuffed the bottoms of some big portabella mushrooms. These we put in a pan in which we oiled, salted and peppered the bottom. On top of the mushrooms I either drizzled some more toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds or put a slice of swiss or provolone cheese. Then I baked them for about 45 min at 350.
We served this with a strawberry walnut salad (toasted walnuts). And when I got near the end of my plate with the salad and stuffing all mixed together- that was good too.
We took the left over brown rice, lentil and onions and added kale stir fried in toasted sesame seed oil then stuffed the bottoms of some big portabella mushrooms. These we put in a pan in which we oiled, salted and peppered the bottom. On top of the mushrooms I either drizzled some more toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds or put a slice of swiss or provolone cheese. Then I baked them for about 45 min at 350.
We served this with a strawberry walnut salad (toasted walnuts). And when I got near the end of my plate with the salad and stuffing all mixed together- that was good too.
Thursday, March 08, 2012
You know my family is sick when....
Cookies I made in the morning still exist at dinner time.
Menus consist of soup and crackers.
There is washed bedding hanging all over the house to dry (our dryer is out too this week).
Kids haven't insulted each other all day.
I allow a movie to be watched during the day.
Menus consist of soup and crackers.
There is washed bedding hanging all over the house to dry (our dryer is out too this week).
Kids haven't insulted each other all day.
I allow a movie to be watched during the day.
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Nullify the NDAA
To be delivered to: The Minnesota State House, The Minnesota State Senate, and Governor Mark Dayton
Minnesota should stand up against this UN-consitutional attack and nullify sections 1021 and 1022 of the NDAA.
When the National Defense Authorization Act was signed by Pres. Obama on Dec 31st not only did it lay out military spending but it also allowed for indefinite detention of Americans. (with out due process of law as laid out in our Constitution). Minnesota should stand up against this UN-consitutional attack and nullify sections 1021 and 1022 of the NDAA.Sign it
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Why not to be quiet any more.
For a while I didn't speak out too loudly about this. I signed a few petitions but was afraid to really have my name associated as a voice opposed to the actions of our current government administration. I have 6 young kids. I could not risk the possibility of being branded a "dissident" and being hauled away from them.
But then I realized how could I not?
I would rather rot in Guatanamo bay for raising my voice in defense of Liberty then to raise my children in a world where we dare not speak aloud.
I would rather do what I know I should, then wish I had and see this country fall.
What is scares you more? This Land of America without Liberty and Freedom? or possibly being illegally detained?
But then I realized how could I not?
I would rather rot in Guatanamo bay for raising my voice in defense of Liberty then to raise my children in a world where we dare not speak aloud.
I would rather do what I know I should, then wish I had and see this country fall.
What is scares you more? This Land of America without Liberty and Freedom? or possibly being illegally detained?
God Bless the USA
224 years ago, a group of God inspired men got together and penned a document that lays together the government of of this fair land. It carefully lays out a Federal Government with 3 distinct branches to provide check and balances to each other and keep any one group from getting too much power. With in a few years they added 10 amendments to this great document known as the "Bill of Rights."
Amendment 1 is our right to free exercise of Religion, Speech, Press and Assembly.
Amendment 2 is our right to keep and bear arms.
Amendment 4 is our right to have a warrant requiring probable cause before any government official can do a search or seizure of our location and property.
Amendment 5 and 6 are the rights to juries, trials and help with defense of someone accused of a crime.
Amendment 7 allows us to bring civil suits for grievances.
Amendment 8 is against excessive bails, fines and cruel and unusual punishment.
Amendment 10 States that all powers not specifically given to the federal government is given to the states.
WE the People can only be free when we are willing to abide by this Constitution and let no governing powers take it away from us.
Stand up for this beautiful document. Stand against government corruption, for the usurping of powers by any branch, stand up against the tyranny of corporate lobbyist or overextending military reach and take back our freedom.
There ain't no doubt I love this Land. God protect the USA.
Amendment 1 is our right to free exercise of Religion, Speech, Press and Assembly.
Amendment 2 is our right to keep and bear arms.
Amendment 4 is our right to have a warrant requiring probable cause before any government official can do a search or seizure of our location and property.
Amendment 5 and 6 are the rights to juries, trials and help with defense of someone accused of a crime.
Amendment 7 allows us to bring civil suits for grievances.
Amendment 8 is against excessive bails, fines and cruel and unusual punishment.
Amendment 10 States that all powers not specifically given to the federal government is given to the states.
WE the People can only be free when we are willing to abide by this Constitution and let no governing powers take it away from us.
Stand up for this beautiful document. Stand against government corruption, for the usurping of powers by any branch, stand up against the tyranny of corporate lobbyist or overextending military reach and take back our freedom.
There ain't no doubt I love this Land. God protect the USA.
Saturday, March 03, 2012
Supporting Ron Paul part 2
(read part one first- it'll make more sense).
The Resolutions process scrapes like nails on the chalk board of my best judgment. The Resolutions that passed the precinct caucuses are read, discussed and voted on by ayes or hands (if you they can't tell by the ayes and nays if it passes then they count raised hands.)
A lot of them are based on false assumptions about the way things work. We had several today trying to have grand juries available to the public to bring information to. Even though a county prosecutor who was there tried to explains that not how it works - it was still voted on anyways and the ayes won.
Some of the things that really annoys me about the resolutions is when 1- it is not clear what they are trying to say. 2-The concepts are often not researched or the logic behind how it works now understood, 3- that all of us everyday people who have no understanding of the topic save the 2 minutes of discussion vote to support or not support the item.
Some of the major issues with the Republicans in their resolutions is that they are not researched. When the topic of energy independence was brought up (they proposed drilling in the arctic and a national oil pipeline) everyone cheered, even though they have no concept of ROEI or diminishing returns. I was literally the only Nay in that vote. Over and Over I just wanted somebody to ask about what the real world impact of those resolutions could be. I mean, it's great to be pro-life but if you outlaw all abortions it could be your niece that dies due to a botched back street abortion. Besides it is not really abortions that are the problem. The problem is unwanted pregnancies. If people had access to birth control or just stopped sex outside of marriage (best solution is both of these) then abortions would be practically non-exsistant. The basic concept of voting with out understanding more then 1 small view on the issue eats me up.
About then my husband texted me and asked how much longer it was going to be. "Eternity?" I texted back.
The results for the delegates came in. I was number 4 alternate, which gives me a really good chance at being seated. I wasn't sure how many of us 11 Ron Paul supporters got in. The young pregnant lady did, and then I realized that she was one that talked more about pro-life and being pregnant is something that people could remember. That is when I realized how "geeky" us Paul supporters look as a group. We were much more likely wear glasses and to have dressed up (ie- in something besides flannel). It also looked like we were a well read group.
After nearly 4 hours of Convention/ Caucus the last Resolution was read and when they asked if someone would make a motion to adjourn they had 50 hands shoot up.
I walked out of there debating the reality of what just happened.
The Resolutions process scrapes like nails on the chalk board of my best judgment. The Resolutions that passed the precinct caucuses are read, discussed and voted on by ayes or hands (if you they can't tell by the ayes and nays if it passes then they count raised hands.)
A lot of them are based on false assumptions about the way things work. We had several today trying to have grand juries available to the public to bring information to. Even though a county prosecutor who was there tried to explains that not how it works - it was still voted on anyways and the ayes won.
Some of the things that really annoys me about the resolutions is when 1- it is not clear what they are trying to say. 2-The concepts are often not researched or the logic behind how it works now understood, 3- that all of us everyday people who have no understanding of the topic save the 2 minutes of discussion vote to support or not support the item.
Some of the major issues with the Republicans in their resolutions is that they are not researched. When the topic of energy independence was brought up (they proposed drilling in the arctic and a national oil pipeline) everyone cheered, even though they have no concept of ROEI or diminishing returns. I was literally the only Nay in that vote. Over and Over I just wanted somebody to ask about what the real world impact of those resolutions could be. I mean, it's great to be pro-life but if you outlaw all abortions it could be your niece that dies due to a botched back street abortion. Besides it is not really abortions that are the problem. The problem is unwanted pregnancies. If people had access to birth control or just stopped sex outside of marriage (best solution is both of these) then abortions would be practically non-exsistant. The basic concept of voting with out understanding more then 1 small view on the issue eats me up.
About then my husband texted me and asked how much longer it was going to be. "Eternity?" I texted back.
The results for the delegates came in. I was number 4 alternate, which gives me a really good chance at being seated. I wasn't sure how many of us 11 Ron Paul supporters got in. The young pregnant lady did, and then I realized that she was one that talked more about pro-life and being pregnant is something that people could remember. That is when I realized how "geeky" us Paul supporters look as a group. We were much more likely wear glasses and to have dressed up (ie- in something besides flannel). It also looked like we were a well read group.
After nearly 4 hours of Convention/ Caucus the last Resolution was read and when they asked if someone would make a motion to adjourn they had 50 hands shoot up.
I walked out of there debating the reality of what just happened.
Supporting Ron Paul part 1
I am usually not a political person. I prefer to leave that to people who believe their contribution will make a difference for good, and most of the time I didn't see much difference between the two parties or think raising my voice against the seas of conformity would help.
This year however, I had to take a stand. I had to let my voice be heard against the tide of evil infiltrating our country. When President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act, on New Years Eve, allowing for indefinite detention of American citizens with the least suspicion of any "anti- American" sentiments, I knew that line had been crossed.
Not only does it throw the Constitution away, but it could directly harm the innocent who all they did was have a different opinion of an issue and face-booked about it. Then, this week a sneaky portion was added to bill to make it illegal to protest anywhere near secret service protected politicians (whether you know they are there or not).
Romney originally got my attention this year. I like him. He's a nice guy, but he has yet to stand for anything. I believe his back ground in turning failing businesses around would serve him really well in Washington. However Romney has yet to call any one to attention of the desecration of our individual rights and freedoms.
Ron Paul has stood up to be counted as a Constitutionalists. He wants to restore the limited constitutional government our founding forefathers had envisioned when the wrote that great document. I also have a great appreciation of his plans for eliminated the Federal Reserve and getting out of/staying out of other countries affairs.
So because I feel that Ron Paul is one of the last great hopes for our Constitution. I went to the Republican Caucus.
Going to the Republican Caucus for someone who eats an organic diet, drives a prius and owns a house that heats itself is an interesting thing. In many ways I am the young modern hippy- I want to permaculture-farm my yard and home-birth my babies, so it strains many ideological areas of my brain to sit in a meeting where everyone votes for oil drilling in the arctic wildlife refuge.
When I walk in, there are a lot of neighbors and friends that wave me down. Most of them are about twice my age.Flannel is abundant, but that just shows that most of these Northern Minnesotans think it is a dressy occasion. I was voted as a delegate from our local caucus so I get a seat in the voting section, meanwhile I look around wondering how I will possible know who else is there that might be supporting Ron Paul.
The meeting opens with a prayer from a local pastor and then the Pledge of Allegiance. It feels good to say the Pledge of Allegiance. We don't do it much in our country any more. It reminds me why I am here. I am here to support this great country and keep it's flag flying over the land of the free (and not the land of the indefinitely detained).
Typical meeting business commences. The squeak of a permanent marker distracts me. One of the volunteers is writing names on a large pieces of paper and hanging them up front. I realize these are names of those who have already been nominated to be delegates at the next caucus up. I compare those names with ones on an email I received so I know which ones are Ron Paul supporters. There are 14 nominations so far. It is pointed out by the speaker that our caucus can send 15 delegates and 15 alternates to the next caucus. Then she points out where to sign up to be nominated. I make my way to the back table and add my name on the list of possible delegates.
Meanwhile, the state senate candidates start to speak. Most of them are new. The smart looking guy sitting next me goes up next. His name is Mark Anderson. I was about to ignore him when his second sentence that got my attention. He pointed out that we are all Americans, rather then going on the typical anti-Obama rant. I decided I like him.
After more speakers and committee reports all the potential delegates get lined up and each of us have to give our 1-2 minute speech. When I gather at the back of the line (there are now 34 of us nominated) I see a man in a suit with a Ron Paul sticker on him. I cheered inside. He talked to each one of us that are known Paul supporters. We are the youngest people there, each trying to use the silly 2 party system to elect somebody that stands for something. One pair is father and son. They decided to act upon supporting Ron Paul when the homeschooling curriculum showed them the state of our nation. Another couple supporting Ron Paul is young and pregnant and just started a new little church.
As the nominated speakers talked, my eyes glazed over. Each introduced themselves, Most of them mumbled. I was glad I had a cheat sheet on who to vote for in this sea of quiet, polite Minnesotans. Well, I hate being in front of a crowd without deserving their attention. I was going to change that when I got up there. "I can't believe I'm doing this." I said to myself. "I hate politics, meetings and a large majority of basic Republican policies." But I took a deep breath and stepped up there.
"Hi, I'm Round Belly," I begin. (not my real name for sake of a little anonymity here on the blog). "I am the mother of 6 beautiful children. I had a small business but had to close that when one of my kids ended up spending months at the Mayo. Today I am here to stand for something. I am here to stand up for our Constitutions! For our Freedoms! We have the right to bear arms, we have the right to Freedom of speech. I will support the Constitution. Please vote for me." It had some passion and energy- not too bad for a quiet, backwoods Minnesotan. Mark Anderson said I did a good job when I sat down. A few minutes later a lady at the end of my row whispered "Are you pro-life?"
I had forgotten that Republicans have a tendency to be single issue voters, I thought that would be obvious by the fact that I have 6 kids.... but I guess one can not always remember those type of details on 34 candidates, so I assured her I was. She said she voted for me.
The ballots, little papers with the numbers 1-34 on them, were all collected. I sighed, hoping we were mostly done. I had forgotten about the resolutions. The Resolutions are where the Republicans get their party platform. It is a place for individuals to put forth (usually very poorly written) concepts of what they want the party to support.... (see part 2)
This year however, I had to take a stand. I had to let my voice be heard against the tide of evil infiltrating our country. When President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act, on New Years Eve, allowing for indefinite detention of American citizens with the least suspicion of any "anti- American" sentiments, I knew that line had been crossed.
Not only does it throw the Constitution away, but it could directly harm the innocent who all they did was have a different opinion of an issue and face-booked about it. Then, this week a sneaky portion was added to bill to make it illegal to protest anywhere near secret service protected politicians (whether you know they are there or not).
Romney originally got my attention this year. I like him. He's a nice guy, but he has yet to stand for anything. I believe his back ground in turning failing businesses around would serve him really well in Washington. However Romney has yet to call any one to attention of the desecration of our individual rights and freedoms.
Ron Paul has stood up to be counted as a Constitutionalists. He wants to restore the limited constitutional government our founding forefathers had envisioned when the wrote that great document. I also have a great appreciation of his plans for eliminated the Federal Reserve and getting out of/staying out of other countries affairs.
So because I feel that Ron Paul is one of the last great hopes for our Constitution. I went to the Republican Caucus.
Going to the Republican Caucus for someone who eats an organic diet, drives a prius and owns a house that heats itself is an interesting thing. In many ways I am the young modern hippy- I want to permaculture-farm my yard and home-birth my babies, so it strains many ideological areas of my brain to sit in a meeting where everyone votes for oil drilling in the arctic wildlife refuge.
When I walk in, there are a lot of neighbors and friends that wave me down. Most of them are about twice my age.Flannel is abundant, but that just shows that most of these Northern Minnesotans think it is a dressy occasion. I was voted as a delegate from our local caucus so I get a seat in the voting section, meanwhile I look around wondering how I will possible know who else is there that might be supporting Ron Paul.
The meeting opens with a prayer from a local pastor and then the Pledge of Allegiance. It feels good to say the Pledge of Allegiance. We don't do it much in our country any more. It reminds me why I am here. I am here to support this great country and keep it's flag flying over the land of the free (and not the land of the indefinitely detained).
Typical meeting business commences. The squeak of a permanent marker distracts me. One of the volunteers is writing names on a large pieces of paper and hanging them up front. I realize these are names of those who have already been nominated to be delegates at the next caucus up. I compare those names with ones on an email I received so I know which ones are Ron Paul supporters. There are 14 nominations so far. It is pointed out by the speaker that our caucus can send 15 delegates and 15 alternates to the next caucus. Then she points out where to sign up to be nominated. I make my way to the back table and add my name on the list of possible delegates.
Meanwhile, the state senate candidates start to speak. Most of them are new. The smart looking guy sitting next me goes up next. His name is Mark Anderson. I was about to ignore him when his second sentence that got my attention. He pointed out that we are all Americans, rather then going on the typical anti-Obama rant. I decided I like him.
After more speakers and committee reports all the potential delegates get lined up and each of us have to give our 1-2 minute speech. When I gather at the back of the line (there are now 34 of us nominated) I see a man in a suit with a Ron Paul sticker on him. I cheered inside. He talked to each one of us that are known Paul supporters. We are the youngest people there, each trying to use the silly 2 party system to elect somebody that stands for something. One pair is father and son. They decided to act upon supporting Ron Paul when the homeschooling curriculum showed them the state of our nation. Another couple supporting Ron Paul is young and pregnant and just started a new little church.
As the nominated speakers talked, my eyes glazed over. Each introduced themselves, Most of them mumbled. I was glad I had a cheat sheet on who to vote for in this sea of quiet, polite Minnesotans. Well, I hate being in front of a crowd without deserving their attention. I was going to change that when I got up there. "I can't believe I'm doing this." I said to myself. "I hate politics, meetings and a large majority of basic Republican policies." But I took a deep breath and stepped up there.
"Hi, I'm Round Belly," I begin. (not my real name for sake of a little anonymity here on the blog). "I am the mother of 6 beautiful children. I had a small business but had to close that when one of my kids ended up spending months at the Mayo. Today I am here to stand for something. I am here to stand up for our Constitutions! For our Freedoms! We have the right to bear arms, we have the right to Freedom of speech. I will support the Constitution. Please vote for me." It had some passion and energy- not too bad for a quiet, backwoods Minnesotan. Mark Anderson said I did a good job when I sat down. A few minutes later a lady at the end of my row whispered "Are you pro-life?"
I had forgotten that Republicans have a tendency to be single issue voters, I thought that would be obvious by the fact that I have 6 kids.... but I guess one can not always remember those type of details on 34 candidates, so I assured her I was. She said she voted for me.
The ballots, little papers with the numbers 1-34 on them, were all collected. I sighed, hoping we were mostly done. I had forgotten about the resolutions. The Resolutions are where the Republicans get their party platform. It is a place for individuals to put forth (usually very poorly written) concepts of what they want the party to support.... (see part 2)
Friday, March 02, 2012
9 cups o' veggies cake
It's March and that means it is time for carrot cake. Only this year it's vegan.mix:
4 cups of freshly ground whole wheat flour
2 fat TBS cinnamon
dash of cloves, nutmeg
1 tsp salt
4 Tbs baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup ground flax seeds
add:
1.5 cups water
2 cups pumpkin
3 Tbs oil
2 Tbs vinager
Add:
4-5 cups of shredded carrots
1 cup walnuts
1 cup raisins
1 can drained pineapple chunks or tidbbits
put into greased pan- bake 350 for 1 hour.
Frosting:
whip 1 cup almond milk with 3 Tbs white flour- heat and stir until thick as brownie batter. Cool Completely. When cool add 1 Tbs vanilla.
Whip (like 5 minutes in the blender on high) 1 cup vegan butter and 1 cup white sugar.
Combine the cool flour mix with the whipped sugar and whip for another 10 minutes or so.
Frost cooled cake (or if you are like us and can't wait: spoon frosting on the warm cake pieces individually as you are serving). Frosting will melt and loose it's amazing fluffyness. So eat your cake quickly before that happens :)
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