The Weed: Club Unicorn: In which I come out of the closet on our ten year anniversary

In this post I am linking to another blogger who writes on a very controversial subject.  It is a very good read and I recommend everyone read it.  I learned a great deal and know I will be more full of empathy, love and acceptance towards my fellow brothers and sisters in and out of the Mormon church who find themselves with these same type of attractions.

The Weed: Club Unicorn: In which I come out of the closet on our ten year anniversary

Still need to write up Part 5 of my vacation and get that posted... look for that really soon.  See ya then!

God Loves Me!

Everyday I see evidence of God's love for me in my life.  I am a blessed woman!

The most recent blessing is regarding our move.  It is a blessing that we already had plans to move to Texas, because we found out two days ago that Dear Hubby's job is being eliminated here in Bozeman.  This just confirms to me again that our moving to Texas is what we are supposed to be doing.

God must really want us there soon, because now we are needing to make the move much more quickly than originally planned.

We have recently been told that we need to gather and strengthen our families for what lies ahead.  I really believe that is why it is so urgent for us to be near family.

We are packing packing packing so that we will be ready when his job on the other end gives us a date they need him to start.  We expect we will be moving sometime in September.  That means there is only a few more weeks to enjoy our Beautiful Montana!

So... Yes, I believe it was a blessing to have already prepared to make the move.  And that is why I know that God Loves Me!

I am a Mormon! To learn more about my belief's go here.

Texas Part 4 - Parker's Baptism & Lockheed Martin

Besides wanting to see and visit with family, there was another reason for our Texas vacation.  My nephew, Parker, was going to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It was another really great reason to be there during that time.   My parents came from Utah to be there, and it had been almost a year since I had seen them.  And so we were able to spend time with both families.   I'm really glad my sister, Valerie, and Billy's parents and family all live within 30 to 40 miles from each other.

Here are a few photos of the baptism.

Parker with his parents

Bob, Parker, Valerie

Parker with Gpa & Gma Alldredge 

(my parents)

Parker and his dad in front of font

Parker with his Dad

Both Grandfather's

Both Grandmother's

The Alldredge side of the family

Bob, my parents, Valerie and Parker

Parker with his cousin at the luncheon

 Luncheon after the baptism

It was a great day.  I am so glad I was able to attend and participate by playing the piano for the baptism.  Parker, thank you for inviting me!  I am so proud of the wonderful boy you are.  I love you!

___________________________________

Later in the day after the baptism, we met up with Bill's parents.  We were scheduled to go on a tour of Bill's dad's work.  He work's for Lockheed Martin in Ft. Worth and he was able to give a tour of the whole plant.  He had to go to a lot of trouble to get the proper security in order for us to see the plant and I am so grateful for him doing that.  This was another major highlight of my vacation.  

The plant is HUGE and we had to drive golf cart type vehicles in order to get from one end to the other as it is over a mile long.  This is where they actually build fighter jets from start to finish.  At the Ft. Worth plant they are currently building the F-35 Lightening and the F-22 Raptor.  

 

It was an awesome place to be able to see where and how our fighter jets are created.  My father-in-law has worked there for years and has a very important job.  He has invented many things that have been patented and used in the building of some of these aircraft's.  I always new that he is a very smart and knowledgeable man, but I didn't realize how much until I saw his wall of fame in his office.  Love him!  Thanks Dad for making it possible for us to see where you work and what you do.  

This day is the last day of our Texas trip.  The next morning we flew back home to Bozeman, Montana.  We left 100 degree hot and humid weather and arrived to a rainy and cool 55 degrees.  That is Montana for you.  

We had a wonderful week spent making memories that will last us a lifetime and beyond.  Thanks to all my family for making it awesome!  Thanks for the many laughs, good food, card games, and all the wonderful experiences we got to share with everyone.  I am blessed to have two wonderful families that I love.  

Texas Part 2 - Geo-Caches and a Temple

The next part of our Texas trip consisted of taking Parker and Valerie on their very first Geo-Caching adventure.  We explained to Parker that he needed to gather some items that he could trade for other items in the Geo-Cache's we find.  So Parker put together a backpack full of all kinds of things to trade.  He loved the idea of a treasure hunt and that he had to use stealth so non-muggles (people who don't Geo-cache) don't see us finding the location of the Geo-Caches.

This first stop was a Geo-Cache which was located in a park near Valerie's home.  We got out our GPS' and  the coordinates and began the search.  When we got to the general location where we were within a few yards of the cache, we explained to Parker that we were looking for an Ammo Can that could be hidden under bushes, rocks trees etc.   I may have had the GPS pointing the way, but Parker had the eyes.  He found that cache like he had been doing it forever.  He was so excited.

Here is a picture of Parker as he found his very first Geo-Cache.  So Happy!  

Valerie and Parker Enjoying Geo-Caching

On the way back to the car I saw this red cardinal.  I had never seen a cardinal in real life and I was very excited to get such a great close up. I have always loved this bird, even though I have never lived in places where they live.  

Seeing this bird brought back a memory from when I was in elementary school I had to do a report on a bird of my choice.  I chose the cardinal.  I don't remember much about the cardinal except that I had to do a bunch of research.  Back then there were no computers and it required actually going to the library and looking at books and also the encyclopedia.  I was also required to draw a picture of one. I remember the time I spent getting it just perfect.  I also remember that I received an A on this report and I was so happy.  Good memory!  

Beautiful Cardinal

Now back to the Geo-Caching!  

The second Geo-cache was located in a different park near a river bed.  And again Parker was the first one to spot it.  It happened to be located inside a hollowed out fallen tree.  In this picture you can see part of the  tree beside Parker.  Parker is an excellent locator.  He has great vision to spot  things others can't find.  

Parker's 2nd Geo-Cache

After this one we drove to Denton (about 30 minutes North) where we planned to locate two more Geo-Caches. This ended up being an interesting one because it ended up being on an LDS Church property.  It was in a beautiful wooded type location but boy it was a hard one mostly because we had to traipse through thickets, burs and thorny bushes.  Again, Parker found this one too, but he was not happy about all the thorns that was scratching us all up.  He didn't understand why someone would make it so hard to get to.  LOL.  I realize now that I didn't take one picture, and the only reason I can think of is because it was such thick bushes and trees we were in that once we found it we just wanted to get out of there.  Good memory though! And now I know where the LDS Church is in Denton, TX just in case I need to know that information in the future.  Ha!  

The next one is at a historical site in downtown Denton.  

This one was at the Firefighters Memorial and Museum.  In order to get the coordinates for this one you had to add the common names that was printed in the cement around the memorial and then add or subtract another number to it.   

Unfortunately, we spent about an hour searching and searching and never did locate this cache.  We found out later that others had not found it either.  They have been doing some construction on the property so we are thinking that this cache had been removed.  Parker did not want to give up, and was mad when we decided to give up.  

Firefighter Memorial

This next picture is one of my favorites.  It looks like Parker and Grandpa are in a deep discussion.  Cute!

Dad and Parker taking a break

Love this!

Big Smile Parker!

Later that day we took a drive over to Dallas to see the Dallas LDS Temple and to visit the LDS Bookstore.   For those that don't know what LDS means, it is an abbreviation for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

The next several pictures are ones taken on the temple grounds.  

Dallas LDS Temple

My beautiful sister Valerie

Us!

My beautiful and funny mommy.  

She might not be happy that I posted these pictures but I just had to.  

Sorry Mom!  

But you are a knockout!  

*Am accepting bribes for removal of picture LOL

Us again!

Dear Hubby - Cool Picture

I love to see the Temple

I'm going here some day.  

We had a really wonderful day!  Really great memories were made.  And I have created geo-cache monsters in Valerie and Parker.  Parker called me the other day to tell me that they have found a total of 21 cache's since we have been there.  Billy and I began two years ago and have only done 19.  So within a two week time period they have surpassed me.  Yup... they are Monsters!    

If you haven't done any Geo-caching, don't know what it is, or want more information go here

Butterscotch Pull Apart Bread

This is what we enjoyed for breakfast this morning.  Mmmm Mmmm Good Stuff!  This recipe is a tradition at my house on General Conference weekend and on Christmas Day. It is so yummy and very easy to make. Give it a try!

Butterscotch Pull Apart Bread

24 Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls (not Texas rolls)

3 oz. pkg Butterscotch Pudding (cook & serve)

1/2 c. Butter (melted)

1/2 c. Brown sugar

Chopped Pecans

1 tsp Cinnamon

Place frozen rolls in greased bundt pan.  Sprinkle 1/2 of the 3 oz pudding pkg over rolls (save rest for another batch).  Mix melted butter and brown sugar together.  Pour over rolls and pudding.  Sprinkle with chopped pecans.  Sprinkle cinnamon.  Cover with plastic wrap and let rise over night (start late at night).

In the morning, bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Turn upside down on serving tray and enjoy! 

Let me know how you like them! 

SCHOOL BOUND

Hi Folks! 

I know its been a while.  This last week or so has been pretty crazy.  Since my computer crashed, I have spent the majority of my time trying to put together another computer for me to use until I can get one purchased.  It's been stressful, interesting, and taking up way too much time.  

When I wasn't doing that I was getting myself registered for school.  Yes!  I  said that right.  I am school bound.  I have spent the last month or so trying to decide if going back to school was right for me, and realizing everything that has been going on in my life lately has been leading me right down that path.  So once I made the decision and decided on what I wanted to do, where to go and getting financing squared away, it all came together really fast. It all happened in about 10 days.  So now,  I am a student even as we speak I write this blog post.  I began classes on Friday.   

I figured that since this year is my 25th year high school reunion and I haven't been back to school since, that I might as well become a student all over again.  Crazy?  Maybe! But why not?  I am excited! Actually I am more excited to getting all the schooling behind me so I can start my exciting career. 

I am working towards my Associates in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Financial Forensics.   I will be combining my two loves.  Most of my career has been in the field of doing bookkeeping and accounting and then after spending a couple years working as as Private Investigator, I found I enjoyed doing that as well.  So in about 3-1/2 years I will have a degree and will be able to investigate money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, etc., for places like the SEC, FBI, Financial Institutions, Banks, Law Enforcement offices etc.  I am very excited! 

I decided I have to do something to be more competetive in this economy.  Being unemployed for a year now is not fun and competing with over 800+ applicants for almost every job I apply for is crazy.  So now I am a full time student with CTU- Colorado Technical University. 

In other news, DH and I just got back from camping over the weekend.  It was so nice to get away from everything for a couple days.  I caught a fish!  It's been a few years since I have been fishing, so this is big for me.  We camped along a river and I caught my fish with a worm, before I even put the line in the water.  I was just dropping the line in and the worm barely touched the water before that fish grabbed it.  It's a 9" brook trout, kind of small but big enough to eat. Haven't eaten it yet, but soon!  I will post pictures of our trip later on.

Well I have to get going.  I have assignments for school due this week, a talk I have to prepare for church on Sunday, plus preparing my normal Sunday School lesson and practicing songs on the piano for Relief Society, on top of all my normal day to day stuff.  It looks like it will be another crazy week. 

So TTFN.  Happy 4th of July!

How many people does it take to make a difference?

As I watch the news and see the devastation the earthquake in Haiti has left behind, my heart becomes full of sorrow and compassion for these people.  Aerial photos of Port-au-Prince shows that most of that city has been flattened.  Video news coverage show many bodies of the dead lying everywhere you look.  The look in the eyes of these people just tear at my heart strings.  And I find myself mourning for these people who I don't even know. 

There are so many buildings and homes that have crumbled to pieces with many people inside.  And many of these buildings and homes people have not even been able to get to, to check for survivors.  Time is running out for these people that may still be alive underneath all that rubble.  It breaks my heart.

The need in Haiti is huge.  Not only do they need things like medical supplies, doctors, rescue workers, police, and military to assemble order; they are in dire need of the basic needs like food, water, clothing and shelter for these people.  I am also sure there will be many, many children who will be orphaned who will need families. They will also need many people to help them rebuild.  This could literally take years. 

I am so grateful that I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who provides humanitarian relief when calamities such as this strikes.  It also makes me feel good to know that my donation of time in making needed items such as quilts, clothing and toys are sent to people who are in need no matter where they live or what their religious beliefs are. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has once again answered the call and needs of the Haitian people.  They are sending thousands of pounds of food and water, tents, tarps and medical supplies as well as emergency supplies, including personal hygiene kits and supplies for newborns.  They are also sending a team of doctors to assist in Haiti. 

I am so blessed to be a member of this church.  And I am glad to know that my small donations of time, money or items can do some good for someone else who is in need.  If you are interested in donating to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint's Humanitarian Services you can go here for information in how to do that. 

No matter what God you serve or how you worship, it is imperitive that we take care of one another. Not only during times of great calamaties, but everyday.  "When ye are in the service of your fellow man, you are in the service of your God". (Mosiah 2:17)

There is much you and I can do to make a difference in someone's life each day.  It doesn't have to be during times of great hardship.  It could be a simple smile or a listening ear.  How many people does it take to make a difference? "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." - Josephine Billings.

Will you stop to help someone in need, or will you turn away? 

Albert Schweitzer, humanitarian, once said "I don't know what your destiny will be, but this I know: the only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve."

I have given the subject of serving others a lot of thought lately.  I know there is so much more I can do for others around me whether they are family, neighbors, friends or people in my community.  And so I have decided that my goal for this year will be to find ways to serve others more.  And I would like to encourage you to do the same. 

What do you think?  If you would like to join me in making this your goal this year, let me know.  And let me know about ways you have given service to others or some ideas of ways I can be of service to others.

I may not be able to do something as huge as going to Haiti and volunteer my service there.  But I can definately do more here at home, in the community where I live. 

THE TOP TEN REASONS WHY I ENJOYED CONFERENCE WEEKEND

10. Watching it on BYU channel in the comfort of my own home.

 9.  Staying in PJ's until afternoon session on both Saturday and Sunday.

 8.  Several rows crocheted on the aphgan I am making.

 7.  Me, Bill, and our dogs piled on the couch in front of the TV.

 6.  Yummy pork roast cooking in the slow cooker all day Sunday.

 5.  Listening to the music being sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

 4.  The spirit that was in our home.

 3.  The spirit that burned inside of me bearing witness to the truthfulness of what was being said.

 2.  Pres. Uchdorf's talk on Saturday, in particular these parts..... "Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk." 

President Uchtdorf said he believes God does not care if people are wealthy, handsome or famous. "Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely," he said. "Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely. "God's love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant and the wicked."  That means there is hope, no matter one's current state, he said.

AND THE #1 REASON.....

 1.  I got to see and hear a true and living Prophet of God speak to me directly.  What a wonderful man President Thomas S. Monson is.  What a beautiful spirit he has.  I loved the part where he told about receiving the jar of warm fuzzies from some primary children and what he said....."I don't even know what a warm fuzzy is!"  And for being asked, "What have you done for someone today?"  And reminded to get out there and find ways to serve others. 
 

 
What did you enjoy about the weekend and about conference?