Primary Talent Show

The Last Word

Jenny left a comment on our blog days ago that echos my sentiments. ...If only the country could run more like The Church [with regard to welfare, and programs of sort]... While the country has now proven that we're not racist, maybe we can overcome our prejudice against religion one day too. (By the way, don't you find it just as bad to vote for a person because of their color than to not vote for them for the same reason? Same with gender? Religion? A lot of people admittedly voted for Hilary in the primaries solely because she is a woman, and a lot of people would not vote for Romney because he is LDS. Many voted for Obama because he is black. Last night they were parading their signs of "overcoming" the racial issue. Hm, looks like many Americans still have issue, racial and otherwise.)

...

For now, I write in response to an article forwarded to me from Kristen. It originates from a conservative LDS online magazine, Meridian. I thank Kristen for sending, as I found it worth my time to read. Not only was it well written, I think it even more credible since the author is a democrat.

The thing that upsets me is that most people aren't aware that it is the Clinton Administration and the democrats in congress (as well as uninformed Americans who voted them in office) are to blame for the risky lending procedures, starting in the '90's.

Of course, what upsets me more than it all is the lack of wisdom in America. I thought it extremely political and dishonest that neither the republican nor democrat parties would say that the people who got themselves into these loans are to blame. They have the sole responsibility! I am aware that there are "predatory" loan practices out there - and on the mentally handicapped is inexcusable. But that aside, people should be held responsible first. Then we can say "shame on you" to Clinton and the dems.

As was evident in this election, even the general public with good intentions are easily swayed by charm, empty promises, and the pathetic media-reporting that delivers such one-sided liberal journalism, it almost seems like a joke.

In two years we will have a chance to correct Congress, and make for better legislation. 'Til then, may God help us. May we help ourselves by learning from our own mistakes. May we help others by sharing what we learn, and through compassion come to love everyone, even those with whom we may not agree.

I, like you, am glad it's November 5th. I guess it's never "over", but we could all use a break, even a short one.

Well, there's always next time ...

Happy Halloween Everyone!

There's Nothing Wrong With Being A [Conservative] Republican

I know, you're thinking, "They haven't posted in so long, and this is what we have to read!" But we're less than a week away from Election 2008, and since political conversation excites Brian and myself, I figure I should take the opportunity to share my piece.

If you know me, you know my piece, but I have had some thoughts lately that started a good conversation about what the Billingsleys believe the federal government should be in charge of. The list is short. It goes like this:

1. Homeland security, all military branches, call it what you like. I am so thankful to those who've fought, given their lives, and those still fighting to (bottom line) keep my family safe. I am thankful to be free.


2. Interstate mediation (for that which crosses state lines). For example, if all but a few states agreed to a new interstate highway, the federal government would intervene and rule with the majority.


3. Criminal justice system on the national level.


4. Monetary system; it just makes sense that from state to state, the same currency is used.


5. International commerce. Let's face it, the Germans, Japanese, Chinese - they know how to make stuff.


6. I guess they could still do postal service, although a private company, we're sure, could do better.

Basically, what we believe is government should be small. Federal government should only do that which states cannot do for themselves; State government should only do that which communities cannot do for themselves; County/ city government should only do that which families cannot do for themselves.

For these things, we are happy to pay taxes, which we believe should be a flat percent. Do you know that if it were, it would probably be less than 10% for everyone? Can you imagine paying only 10% or less of your hard-earned money to taxes? It is such a great concept - everyone uses the system in one way or another, everyone should pay the same, fair amount.

This is the basis for conservatism here in America. I guess my point is that there's nothing wrong with being proud to be conservative. There's also nothing wrong with questioning the motives, values, opinions of all candidates for political office and politicians alike, but moreover, it is important to understand there is a fundamental difference in the republican way vs. the democrat way. There's nothing wrong with being proud to be a conservative republican, and wanting so badly to see America how it should be, rather than where it's going. Of course, there are many crooked politicians, and republicans aren't exempt. President Bush isn't perfect (though NOT the reason for this recession), and I will admit I'm not a McCain fan, but in this election, of course, he is who I am voting for.

Realistically, I don't believe in my lifetime that I would see a candidate for congress or president that represented our political point of view exactly, because for example, no candidate or politician would dare risk their job to abolish social security, or the pathetic, abused, broken "welfare" system (which by the way is NOT what the constitution means when it mentions the welfare of our people. We believe taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves is best handled by churches and charities.) ...So even if I never see it happen in Washington, I guess it is nice to know what we believe in, and believe that we are right.

I do agree with Obama on one thing: we do need change - we need to get back to what the founding fathers of our nation had in mind, rather than a left-wing, liberal, socialized society dependent upon Uncle Sam for everything, and neglecting our God-given responsibility to be self-reliant, responsible, faithful citizens in the greatest nation of all.

God bless America!

Baby S

Stands for Surprise! Yep we were too! But we realize that sometimes blessings come even when we don't expect them, and now that we are expecting this blessing, we are excited for all of the wonderful chaos to ensue.

Today we went to the doctor and this is what we came home with:

A very clear picture of what is going on in there, don't ya' think? Yes, it's kind of difficult to tell, but trust us, it was very clear on the monitor. Anywho, it was confirmed, there is one in there, and only one! Whew.

Taylor and James came along to the appointment, and Taylor still has no idea. I love kids. He even asked while we were in the waiting room if we were at the hospital ("hosable", as he says). When we said "Yes", he asked if the doctor was going to get a baby out of Mommy's belly ('cause that's all they must do at the hosable). We simply said "Nope" and that was that. He listened to all the conversations, watched the ultrasound, and still had no idea what was really going on. Cute.

So, here's the 411:
We found out: Sunday, August 24
We are due: end of April 2009 (28, 29), which makes us about 10 weeks along right now
Whitney will be 8, Taylor will be 4, and James will be 13 1/2 months old. Woo hoo!
I am feeling: sick, tired, overwhelmed, excited, motherly, fat, but sometimes beautiful, blessed, loved, disorganized
Right now, I am most excited about: being pregnant and having a baby right along with my sister. I've never been the only one that was pregnant in my family (for very long, at least), which makes it more fun, but Taylor and Baby S are the closest to their cousins. Tay is only a week apart from Evan, and Jenny's due date is just days after mine. I don't think we could time it that well if we tried!
We will soon need to: say "goodbye" to our Accord and get a new vehicle (with any luck it will not be a minivan, but I am preparing for worst-case scenario); finish another bedroom; buy another crib, dresser

...

I'd like to say that the reason I haven't updated the blog is because I just haven't been feeling well (which is true) but really, it's because we're still not "moved in" yet (it always takes me a long while and I hate moving). But we are loving our new place, and as soon as I feel things are put together, I will be back. So, you may read from us in about a year. 'Til then!

Taylor Family Camp 2k8

This weekend we had our first family campout. Steph and I have been talking about going camping since we first met but didn't actually make it into the wilderness until just now. It was great fun. We had the whole Vardell/Brenda clan together for hiking, fishing, 4-wheeling, shooting, and an all around good time. Below is a slew of pictures to show how much fun it was. Enjoy!!!

Yea for Steph and Jenny! They got the kitchen tent up. Woohoo!!!

On moving day our neighbors gave us this carrier. James likes it A LOT!

Aunt Teresa shows James how cool the hot fire is.

Taylor and Landon had a great time playing together.

James spent a lot of his time in his bouncer. He loved it and we loved not worrying about what he was sticking in his mouth.

A look this devilish makes you wonder what they've been up to.

Taking the girls on the 4 wheeler. They pointed out every butterfly we passed.

The boys on the other hand didn't stop shouting their excitement during the whole ride.

We spent one afternoon fishing on Strawberry. Here Whit is going for the "Cutest Fishergirl" award.

The storm in the back ground would eventually overtake us and make for a very cold and wet ride back to the docks.

Taylor was the lucky one bringing in the only fish we caught that day.

Cleanliness was an issue up at the camp. The kids just LOVED playing in the dirt.

Grandpa gives some important pointers to Whit - like which direction to point the gun!

Taylor loves shooting with any toy he picks up. The real thing was a bit louder than he expected.

Tay wasn't the only dirty one.

"Oh the rains came down ..." and interrupted a great baseball game.

Teaching James the finer points of cooking a hot dog over the fire.

Once we got home it was straight to the bath for all of them. They were tired but had a great weekend.

I'm now realizing that we didn't get any pictures with Evan but he was there. Thanks to everyone for a fun weekend. We can't wait until next year!!!

Wanting to Move

James is starting to get really squirmy. He wants to move more than anything else. Unfortunately he can't even sit up yet so it's a big challenge for him. He now has a second thing that makes him cry (the first being hungry) and that's when he gets stuck somewhere.

A couple times now we have found him on the floor after we have put him in his swing. I finally had the chance to see what was going on. He starts by rolling over in the seat, then stops the swinging with his foot hanging over the edge and he then slowly pushes himself off to get on the floor. Then it's off to rolling and scooting until he jams his head under something. It really is just the cutest thing ever!

Here he is, caught in the act of climbing out. We now use the straps and buckle when we put him in the swing.

First Night

On Friday we finally got the keys to our new place. We were all so excited that we decided we should have a movie night there and have a sleep over in our new rooms. This was also going to be a great chance to test out the sleeping bags before our big camping trips this summer.

Well, the movie was great but the sleeping bags didn't work out so well ...

Coolest Commercial EVER!

So we're big fans of Discovery. Everything from Mythbusters to Cash Cab, Man vs. Wild to It Takes a Thief (though that one really brings out Steph's paranoia). Recently they started airing a new commercial and we absolutely love it. Hope you enjoy it too!!!

Now, when I first saw the commercial I'm sure it was longer than this. 90 seconds, maybe even 2 minutes. But for the life of me I can't find that version. The song always just makes us smile.

While I'm posting videos tonite

I thought I'd add this one. I'm running for office, at least that's what I learned when Jason sent me an email about the news story he saw today. Check it out, it's pretty cool!

4 Months and Fatter!

He's four months old (officially on the 13th). Wow. I don't remember clearly the last four months. What has happened. I guess one thing's clear: we've fed James! He is definitely growing, and here are his stats to prove it:

Weight: 14 lbs 15 oz, 50%

Length: 26 inches, 84%

Head Circ: 16 inches, 12% (hey, at least he doesn't have a big head, right?) I guess the doctor wants to "keep an eye on that one", but he seems healthy and smart... um, can a 4 month-old seem smart? We're sure he is. He's advanced!

Sing-A-Long

If you're lucky, you know my musical talent. Yes, I write songs for my babies and I sing them all the time. If you're really lucky, you've heard them. Well, the time came today when inspiration let loose, and I wrote James a song. It is to the tune of one of Taylor's songs, and these are the words:

Little man, little man, little man J

Little more chubby with every day

Cute little giggles, squeals with joy

Our beautiful, blue-eyed baby boy!

Now it so happens that I wrote one of Taylor's songs and mentioned his big blue eyes and had to change it when they turned the beautiful brown they are, so we'll see how James' turn out. Just so you know, he loves his song! Well, Daddy is also musically talented, and was feeling a bit left out, so he wrote a cute song too:

My first name's Jamesey
My second name's Wamesey
They call me Jamesey Wamesey!

I say creative genius! We all love to sing it, and we get louder and louder (if you can imagine). Maybe if I get enough requests, I'll publish some of the other songs I've written for the kids. If you like what you've seen here, you'll love what is in store.

This Boy Has My Heart

Taylor at Grandpa Karl's birthday dinner, wearing Grandpa Vardell's reading glasses

Grandpa Carlos' Teeth Turn Ugly, I mean 77

Grandpa Karl (aka "Carlos", thanks to Whit) celebrated number 77 on July 10, and we got together at my parents' house for dinner on the 13th.

Jenny gave Grandpa some bling grillz (I would have had no idea what these were otherwise), and he modeled them for the camera. Way to go Grampy! Hey, 77 don't look to bad. Bring it on!

We love Grampy. He's just great. Always good to rub your back. He'll let you know when you, or anyone else for that matter, is out of line. He pretends he hates Barkley, but then feeds him under the table. And he still plays a mean game on the golf course. He was diagnosed with the 'betes a few years ago, but doesn't let it get him. He revamped his whole diet, lost all of his excess weight, and then some, and now he's this cute little Ute fan, still gardening and working at the temple.

Nobody beats him!

Two of my most favorite people in the whole wide world! I love them so much! And how cute are they with their "Child of God" stickers? Everyone's a primary child to Mom!

People Who Helped Us

Like people usually do, we believe we had the best working for us throughout this process.

First of all, we have possibly the greatest real estate agent ever. I know, I know, everyone's an agent, or knows one. I know several. In fact, one of my best friends is an agent. But I've been calling on Tricia Ashby for my real estate needs since she sold my home in Midvale in 2003, and she has helped me buy and sell several more since. She is now with Keller Williams South Valley Realty in Riverton. Tricia is incredible and well worth every penny she's paid. If you can't tell, we highly recommend her, and if you need more information, like with anything else, we'll talk more.

I also recommend Stacie Marchessault as a mortgage broker. Again, I know, we all know at least one. I know several; two that I consider close friends, but Stacie has helped me a couple times over the years, and not only is she great at what she does, I really enjoy working with her. She is now with Approved Mortgage Funding in South Jordan.

BIG thanks to both of them for all they've done to help us, and all they'll do in the coming weeks to get us closed.

House Hunters

Well, where do I begin? Let's see... It was a Thursday morning, June 19 to be exact. I awoke with an overwhelming feeling that we needed to look at existing homes for sale. You probably know we've been holding out for that perfect piece of property on which to build our perfect home to raise our family.

We've kept our hopes high for years now that the piece of land we sought would become affordable, and though the price of land has come down, it hasn't been enough. We thought we'd just have to keep waiting patiently, since we knew that our patience in the past had paid off; I think we were immensely blessed to not have bought any of the land that we thought we wanted so badly.

As we had been waiting we saw the one lot that we would have bought in Saratoga finally go, after more than a year of being on the market and several price reductions, and we were so sad... or so we thought.

Then I told Brian how I was feeling about looking at existing homes. He was surprised by my suggestion, and at the same time completely supportive and excited, as he understood the great positives of buying an existing home: an immediate yard, established neighborhood, big, tall trees, knowing what we're spending up front, much better location for us, the list goes on...

So we began looking that Thursday evening and have seen nearly four dozen homes the past two-and-a-half weeks! After a couple offers on a couple different houses, and some simple negotiating, we've got one under contract! Yea, yea, yea! This is such an exciting time for us.

You ask where? Well, we'll still be in West Jordan. In fact, we'll be in my parents' ward. This was not my idea, it just so happens that Brian suggested we see it, and when we did we realized all the positives this specific house has for us: It not only keeps Whitney in the same school that we've been taking her to for the past two years, but we'll be right next to it! Also, lots of little ones around for the kids to play with; a much better commute for Brian (20 minutes in rush hour traffic); a great little shed in the backyard that Brian can use for his workshop; a good sized yard (the 3000 sq ft rambler sits on about a .25 acre lot); And it really is neat for the kids to be able to grow up so close to Grandpa & Grandma. It is a great house and we're excited to have found it. Hopefully things go smoothly over the next few weeks; we plan on closing on July 23, if not sooner.

Freedom for All

For some reason this year found me more emotional than years past. For instance, on Sunday when we stood and sang the Star Spangled Banner in Sacrament meeting, both Brian and I were sobbing, and I had to say the closing prayer right after. (I should have chosen to say the opening instead.) And just days before I had listened to some dialogue my dad emailed me that has been floating around the Internet about Francis Scott Key writing what became the national anthem - really cool story and narrative.

So then came the actual day we celebrate our Independence. Brian found the documentary series The Revolution playing on The History Channel, so we watched a few episodes and recorded the rest for later. Fascinating stuff.

I guess I'm turning into my parents, because just as my parents did (especially my dad) I've begun to quiz Whitney, and so we asked her what she knows about the history of America, and why specifically we celebrate the fourth of July. Of course, we had to kind of steer her in the right direction, and there was a bit of comic relief when after we defined independence she exclaimed "That's what I want!"

I don't think any of us can express perfectly in word what living in this blessed land means, but I do think it's important that we try. I think it's important we thank the service men who are in active duty and those retired; I think it's important we thank the families of those service men who have died, especially those who've gone while defending our freedoms. I think it's important we appreciate all we have here in America - not just the freedom of speech, not just the freedom of religion (note that I said "of" not "from"), not just the ability for the American Dream and all its material conveniences we enjoy, but all the freedoms we have, and all that we don't even realize we have because we live here. I know we are blessed beyond awareness, and I thank God and those who have served us all that we have this blessed nation.

So we celebrate! And this year was no exception. It didn't bother me to be so busy; it's such a neat day - one of my favorite holidays - and I like to fit in all the fun we can.

We had a lot of stuff to take with us, and we also wanted to drive cheaply, so we loaded up the Civic as best we could. It worked.

It's hard to tell, but the trunk is only about a foot deep!

While I wouldn't want to go long distances riding this way, it was fine to Orem. My legs didn't even fall asleep!

First it was down to Orem with Bri's family. We had a fun barbecue and a good visit with lots of the Billingsley clan - Dad & Joan, Steve's family, Christian & Emily & Emily's friend, and most of Joan's family. Good food. Good times.

Grandma Joan with a grandson (James) and a great-grandson

Taylor and Whitney enjoying Grandpa Marlow's homemade ice cream on a cone. Mmm messy!

Then we came up to my parents' for more food, water fun, food, and fireworks. The kids had a little pool to swim in, and thanks to JenEric, a slip n' slide! I don't know who had more fun, though, Aaron or the little ones!

So Tay didn't really get the slide part, but he eventually sat in the puddle at the end!

And my dad thought he was funny pretending to toss James onto the slip n' slide. And he was. But just a little.

Aaron and the kids - he's so funny and they're so cute!

After a while my dad had a brilliant idea to start a water fight. I wouldn't have said so at the time, but I really did think it was a good idea of his - what else is summer for? So, in the end, after avoiding most of it by taking my baby inside for protection, I got drenched. Yep, I went back outside and Eric poured a bucket of water down my back. Hey, at least it was warm water. Thanks, Eric.

Later in the evening Brad took Whitney and Taylor to the Bees game for baseball and fireworks. We hung out for awhile and then went to the elementary school to watch the West Jordan fireworks. In the past they have started around 10 p.m., so we walked over there about 9:45. About an hour later, after moving from our spot about three times to avoid being sprayed by the sprinklers, and NO fireworks, we decided to go back to my parents'. We could still hear the rodeo, and figured it'd be awhile yet, and we were all getting tired.

As it would go, as soon as we got back to my parents', we heard the fireworks. Oh well. Some of us went to the other side of the street to watch; others of us were annoyed at West Jordan City and refused to participate. So we watched Rob light some fireworks for the grandkids, and then went to pick up Whitney and Taylor from Brad's parents' house in Midvale.

It was late by the time we got home and to bed, but isn't that what it's about? Family, food, and late nights. Yep, that's what our forefathers wanted for us! God bless America.

Getting So Close

Last night was miraculous! James slept almost eight hours straight! It's marvelous, it's fantastic, wonderful, and refreshing! It felt so great, and although I know it would be foolish of me to expect this two nights in a row, I think it can happen again, and soon, again, and again, and again!

Also, this week, our little bundle rolled from tummy to back, so now he's got both covered and we cannot leave him anywhere falling could produce an injury.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Jerry Seinfeld!

Abravanel Hall, June 27, 2008, 7 p.m.

What a terrific venue for a terrific show! Yes, this is the third time I have seen him live in Salt Lake doing pretty much the same material. It's classic Jerry, though, and well worth it!

The opener was a different guy this time. Tom Papa, I think. He had a few funny jokes, but we thought it took him awhile to get there, and most of his stuff was either dumb or crude - neither of which makes for funny. So we were very excited when Jerry took the stage.

Now, I would not want to be the first to suggest Jerry's popularity is waning, but I think I was the only one to stand when he came out, and that's just wrong.

His set was great, just what we expected. It was weird, because Rob asked us to share some funny Jerry jokes when we got home, and we couldn't think of much, but I've heard most of the jokes several times and we were laughing the entire time, so just trust me, it was good stuff.

And yes, we'll be there next time. Maybe we'll be nice enough to invite others as well (sorry about this time Mom & Dad).

Dinner Guests

So we haven't written about all of our dinner guests, but got some cute pictures today, so I wanted to include them.

Since we didn't see Bri's dad on Father's Day, we invited him and Joan for dinner and good times today. And dinner and good times we had. My favorites:

Marlow, Brian, James

Grandma Joan playing Barbies with Whitney and Taylor - aren't Grandmas great?!

Rolie Polie Olie

He's small and smart and round...

Today James rolled for the first time from back to tummy - a feat he's been working on for days now. He'll soon have it mastered, we're sure.

The sad thing is none of us saw the act - Whitney said, "Hey, James rolled over," and I looked down to see him on his tummy. I was on the phone at the time with Jenny, so she witnessed it too, kind of.

Yea for Jamesey!

It Was A Zoo!

Well, we made it to the zoo today. It was fun. Not too hot, and not too crowded, and just the right amount of time to spend before Bri had to head to work tonight. Gandolfo's and the zoo - it just sounds good.

Whitney is getting so big. I don't mean physically, because she's very skinny. I mean old, she's getting older. Old enough that we can send her with the money to buy the tickets for the carousel. This is so cute:

(Of course, it only saved me from standing in line, because I still had to get up to get the cute picture.) Speaking of the carousel, here's my adorable family (minus James and me) enjoying this new attraction. It's nothing special; everyone's been on a carousel, but it's new to the zoo, so I guess that makes it exciting.

So how funny is my husband? Just a big kid. But I hear that's normal.

Then we went to the bird show. A nice lady volunteered to take our family's picture before the show. That was thoughtful of her.

We didn't know what excitement awaited us, but Whitney was chosen from the crowd to stand in front and let a dove eat out of her hand during the show:

Then we saw more animals on our way to the train.

James is excited for the train!

And when we got home all three were tuckered out! Too much fun for one afternoon, I guess.