Really?!

Ive always been nervous sharing my beliefs with people not of my faith. I cant stand confrontation. I get really nervous and I feel trapped if I cant answer a question or accusation. Lately I have felt that pressure because of the most recent election. No one has confronted me, but I have had the fear of being put on the spot mostly because of prop 102, the marriage amendment here in AZ. California's is prop 8. I supported this amendment, but I think I was a closet supporter. The only reason I had a sign in my front yard was because my husband brought one home and put it there. I'm sad to say this. I have some friends who are homosexual, although I have not had contact with them for a long time. I also have a couple friends who have a son who is gay. He is a good and kind man. I love and respect the latter two, and it was mostly them who I have been afraid to talk to about this issue. I believe in tolerance, but I also believe that tolerance is not acceptance. I believe in the "ability to hate the sin and not the sinner." I believe in my religion and what my God has told me is true and right.

I was recently made aware of an article here, written by an LDS police officer in California. Reading it made me sad. A lot of the opposition of the propositions I read about were carrying signs that were for love, but they sent a message of hate that completely overrode it. I will never condemn anyone for the lifestyle they choose to live, and I would hope the same would be given to me. I choose to live my religion and not be ashamed, but I hope I can stand tall while doing so and not be afraid of the consequences. I know God will help me in my time of need.



Eta: here is a link with Elder Bednar talking about it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZE35Tz4lgQ

VOTE!!!!

Nuff Said!

Grandpa Great

Grandpa Great is the best! His name is Lloyd. Ever since I joined the Engstrom family, he has taken an interest in my life and my children. He remembers everything and if something big is happening in your life, he asks you about it. I love him bunches. Right now he is very sick and needs lots of care. Its really hard on him after being so independent for so long. My wonderful mother-in-law has been selflessly taking care of him in her home for the past few weeks as his health has failed. She said that he doesn't really need to be talked to that much, he just really loves physical contact. That's why I love this picture. We were in the other room and my mil said for me to come and look. We peeked around the corner and Auralee was holding her Grandpa Greats hand. It was very sweet. You always have to find the sweet moments in the hard times. We love you Grandpa Great!

*Happy Halloween*

Halloween was fun. The girls got lots of candy even though most of our little neighborhood didn't hand any out. They got lots of compliments on their costumes. Somehow we lost Taryn's little wings and after frantically trying to make some more at the last minute, Luc suggested she use the wings I made for myself a few years ago. I thought they would be wayyyy too big and heavy for her, but I lashed them to her pretty good and they worked great! Everyone loved them. Auralee had to work on her door aproach. Sometimes she would just stand there, but after a little coaxing, she started to say "Tirck or Treat." Next year we'll have to work on her volume and exuberence. She kind of fell flat :( I like a lot of yelling and excitement.



Because we were out, we missed a lot of the trick or treaters and ended up with a lot of leftover candy. We always end up throwing out lots of candy a year later because it never got eaten. Its really my fault. I dont let my kids have a lot of candy. Im such a mean mom!

If all else fails, pretend you're asleep

Sometimes Taryn just doesn't want to eat her dinner. It can be the same exact thing she ate at someone elses house with gusto, but when its served at ours, it just wont do. I tried feeding her, but that didn't work. I even tried the airplane noises, but to no avail. I think she got tired of me trying, because she then just pretended to be sleeping. I gave up and let her down, but she didnt get any desert. Poor thing.

Trunk or Treat

Our Trunk or Treat was a week before Halloween. I wanted to do something simple, and I kind of got my wish. Auralee wanted to be Ariel AGAIN this year. Luckily I didn't have to make another wig, I just used the one from last year and the top fit her still. The skirt from last year was too small for her last year, so I knew I couldn't use it again. I found some really cool fabric that worked great for fish scales and tulle is great for fins. It was just a straight seem, so it was easy. All I had to do was measure Auralee to make sure I cut the fabric out correctly and it would fit her. It turned out GREAT! Taryn got the REALLY EASY costume. I went to the dollar store and spent 3 bucks on a couple tu tus and a green onsie and dug through the dressup stuff for the tinkerbell wings. Owala! The girls had lots of fun. There were lots of fun activities and lots of great friends to play with.

Happy Birthday Luc!

My wonderful husband just (in October) had his 29th birthday. Yes, to all of those who care to keep track, he is 3 years younger than I am :] He likes to rub it in and during the two months between our birthdays, he likes to tell people its 4 years. Im looking forward to next year when he turns 30, because once you hit the big 3 0, you cant really use your age to claim youre a young buck ;) It will be a more even playing field then, right? Besides, he might BE younger, but I LOOK younger!

Hair Cuts!

Ok, so a while ago I stated that I was in need of a hair intervention. My sister, Mechelle, gladly obliged and hooked me up with a nice new do :) She always seems to know just what to do to make it work for me. Now, if I could just take the time to style it like its meant to be, all would be good.

Mechelle also cut my girls hair. Auralee was going to school with really cute hair and coming home looking like a tangled mess. She needed a style with more staying power, so Mechelle to the rescue! Taryn's hair was just thin and stringy. Mechelle gave them both a bob to help them out. Its GREAT on Auralee. She has gotten lots of compliments on it and it is easy to take care of. Her hair falls just the right way and if I part it on her front cowlick, there are no problems. Taryn, on the other hand, has hair like mine. One half curls beautifully under while the other half flips out. It takes a little time to style to make it look like it should. Someone suggested that I get one of those curling iron/round brush combos. It seems like that would work well on Taryn, so I think I'll try it.