Equality

Today while checking Instagram I came across a comment on a picture talking about Wear Pants To Church and this movement. I don't know if its Kansas or the fact that I remove myself from a lot of political stuff but this was new to me. I had a heard bits and pieces but didn't really know what it was about. After talking to my mom, sister and googleing stuff I got the idea. According to these women wearing pants is a step toward equality and closer to the argument of women receiving the preisthood.

At first I found it odd and somewhat silly. Then I found myself feeling a little sorry for some of these women. I truly do not mean to be offensive or ridicule them for their opinion but I don't see where they are coming from. If you feel that being able to wear pants or hold the priesthood is needed to be an equal in this religion then I truly feel sorry for you.

I love this faith. I have never not felt respected or an equal. I know I am valued and respected. I know that being a woman holds a different meaning in this religion as opposed to the world. I know that to the world I have only gotten married, graduated from college, had a baby and now stay at home and don't even "use my degree". I know it's rare or odd that I am married and a mom at 23. But in my faith and in my own family I am doing the most important thing in the world. I am being a mother.

In my own marriage and life Jake and I are complete equals. We make every big decision together. He does not rule our family just because he has the priesthood, were a partnership making decisions together as one. It was this same way growing up in my family. My mother and father were equal partners. I always knew how much my father respected and valued my mother. He never saw her as less of an equal because she was a woman. I can easily say the exact thing for both grandparents as well as my in laws.

That is one of the things I love most about being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The value placed upon women in this faith is incredible. Lessons and talks are given on the power and influence of various women and how we can strive to learn from their wonderful examples. If you listen to the amount of respect and love shown when a member of the 12 talks about a woman it's hard not to see just how special they feel we as women are.

I see the priesthood as a blessing and responsibility that men carry just as women have the privilege and blessing of carrying babies. Men and Women are just different however both equally loved and cherished by God.

The Best Day in December

A year ago today was my "due date" which always seems so weird to think about. Ty did not show up early or on time, and as I think back I sometimes laugh at how completely clueless I was. Thinking back to last year and how much our lives have changed.  I can no longer deny that I have a one year old (next week!!!).  Looking at that first picture reminds me once again that Jake and I had no clue that in a few shortish hours our lives would change in ways we didn't know were possible.

I am grateful everyday for this precious gift Heavenly Father has sent us.  I know that most 23 year olds don't dream of staying home and having their lives revolve around nap schedules, eating schedules, diaper changes and all the other things that go into being a mother or a parent but for me its perfect.  I couldn't imagine being or doing anything else.  It has challenged me and changed me for the better.  Every day I am blessed to call this little boy mine and in return be called a mother by him.  Thanks little T, I can't imagine my life without you...love you
 

About an hour before my first contraction (ever) and a grand total of 5 hours before going to the hospital 

First time I held him

Saying goodbye to the elevator he was trapped in

Life Long Dream Fulfilled

It has been a well know fact in our relationship that Jake has always wanted to go to a San Francisco 49er game.  Needless to say it has been a life long dream.  Well this year we found ourselves in the position to fulfill this dream.  The Niners were playing the St. Louis Rams the weekend after his birthday.  We found a great deal on two aisle (aisle baby) tickets from a season ticket holder who was selling his tickets.  We drove the 4 hours to St. Louis and had ourselves a grand ole time.  Minus the time the we stayed up until 3 am trying to help a sick baby with a super high fever (102.6)   All in all this years birthday was a thousand times better than last.  I made a pretty stinking good apple pie, Ty helped Jake open presents, and we fulfilled a life long dream...success in my book!

Here are just a couple of our fav pictures from our trip.  

View from our seats

Buddies 

Happy Birthday Jake! 

Sunny CA

Being home seems a little surreal. It's been so long since I've been here for Christmas. The last time was 2009 and Jake came to ask permission for us to get married. Needless to say a lot has happened since then!

Ty and I luckily got out of Kansas just as the cold came blowing in. Before arriving in CA I was actually missing the snow from Utah. It took a whole half a second of 70 degree weather for me to change that idea! Ty and I have honestly been having a blast in CA. He loves my family's dog Rascal, crawls after him and constantly giggles whenever the dog looks at him. Seeing Ty yelling gage (doggie) every time he sees him and interacts almost makes me want to get one! Then I realize I don't want two kids just yet!

Living so far away from family has made truly enjoy and appreciate my time with them. We're loving are three week Christmas vacation and making every minute last. Can't wait for all the fun activities we have planned for when Jake and Kenzi get here! Here are some of my fav pics from being home so far.

Ty just stands at this gate and talks all day

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