Internet Problems

We've been without the internet for a while, that is why there are no blogs of recent. Over the Christmas break, in Washington, I will do a full scale update. Sorry for the problem.

We Support Prop 8

I feel it's important to say that I support prop 8.

For the past two months I've been going door to door to discuss this proposition; this has made me reflect on my own reasons of why I feel marriage should stay between a man and a woman.

All of these points are what I personally believe. It is not my wish or intention to hurt others feelings or beliefs. I'm grateful we live in a country where we can hold beliefs and values, and that they have a say.
Upon the many reasons of why I feel it's important to keep marriage between a man and a woman, I will pick a few to discuss.

1) Marriage is not a concept that has been made by man; it's not a right that is ours to manipulate or to give to any one; marriage has been given to us by God for man and woman.

2) I feel maybe it would be best to create something for homosexual couples, instead of marriage, that can symbolize the commitment they are yearning for. I feel that part of the issue is that homosexual partners are looking at marriage and saying, "I want to make that commitment (marriage)." It's not marriage that they're seeking; it's the commitment that marriage holds. I don't feel the word "marriage," needs to be tied to the commitment they desire. The commitment they desire can be as strong as marriage in this world, but it needs to have a different name. Marriage is between a man and woman; _________ (fill in the blank) is between, man and man, and, woman and woman. I understand this concept is easier to say than to achieve; but, I don't feel redefining marriage is what we're looking for.

3) California is already a state that recognizes homosexuals and gives them the same benefits that come from marriage, with few exceptions. If necessary, let's address those exceptions, not redefine marriage.

4) If this proposition fails it will have negative influences on religion and the beliefs of others. Although it doesn't directly say in the proposition that these negative effects will happen, it's inevitable that they will. My beliefs that marriage is between a man and woman will be viewed as an intolerant hate opinion, and not an opinion that comes from my root/heart/religion.

It is said that those who vote yes on prop. 8 are intolerant and judgmental; I feel that if this proposition fails I will be judged and people will be intolerant of my beliefs. I also feel that if prop. 8 succeeds I still, will not judge or be intolerant to homosexual people.

5) This is a personal matter, I have extended family that are homosexual and I love them very much. I don't judge them or love them less because they are homosexual; I embrace them and love to hear about their lives.

Marriage is sacred to me because it has been ordained of God for man and woman. Marriage was given to us to unify and become one with our husband or wife, and to bring a family here to earth. This world would never survive with only women or only men. Marriage started at the beginning with Adam and Eve, and was given by God for them and all men and women.

I can imagine it's hard to live a life that can't obtain marriage and it must be painful, but it isn't marriage we need to redefine.

I have many more feelings and thoughts on this topic, but I felt I should keep it brief (or as brief as I could keep it).

Jackson family having some fun

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Updates!

I've been pretty busy the past little while with; my church calling, auditioning for a choir, working on becoming the assisstant coach for a High School soccer team, being with Edwin, family/friends visiting, and other things that have kept me from updating the blog; so I will update it now with the past events. Sorry it's kind of long

The picture above is of one of the boys in the Young Men's program. Grant is the Young Men's President in our ward and he is so good at it (in my opinion), he really loves his calling and the boys, he shows a great deal of care for the boys, and their welfare. This picture was taken on Tuesday night after mutual, he brought two of the boys home that evening, one who was waiting for his mom to pick him up, so Grant thought, while he waits for his mom he can come to our house and play fusball. When they came here they also came with a roll of toilet paper and was wondering what they should do with it, I suggested the mummy, so we wraped the boy up in the toilet paper, and when we were done he ripped thru; very amusing. I wanted to add this because I wanted something to show the amount of love Grant has for his calling.

Another example of Grant and his calling; on occasion Grant will invite all the Young men over to our house in the evening, they will play some night games and then come to the house to play the game 'mofia.' Very fun for Grant and I, and I know the boys love it and look forward to everytime we have this fun night.

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One of my best friends, Venessa, came to visit, we've been friends since 6th grade and on this visit she was able to meet Edwin and I was able to meet her husband Raul. It was so nice to see her, meet her husband, and hang out with her brother (who was getting his Brasil visa), and hang out with all of them.
We went to San Fran, first to get the visa and then to sightsee. We went to the sea lion docks, which when we visited them they were very lively and some of them were getting into fights. Then we enjoyed a yummy lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp. After that we walked the Fisherman Wharf and walked to the historical trolleys; where we took a ride on the trolley to downtown San Francisco. In down town we walked around and took in the great culture of the city. Then we headed for the Golden Gate bridge, we drove across, and they got out on the other side to walk around, but I stayed in the car because I was exhausted. Then we headed home, we where all exhausted but had an excellent day.

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I recently went to the beach with two of my friends from the ward, Danielle and Angela and their children. It was a nice day and I enjoyed hanging out with Danielle and Angela, but for some reason that day Edwin was not happy. I think the wind at the beach was a little too much for him; so if you look at the first picture from the beach, you will see Edwin all snuggled up in a coat and two blankets, and that's how he preferred most of his time at the beach. It was actually quite funny to me, to take him somewhere so beautiful and all he wanted to do was stay in his carseat away from the wind. Maybe when he gets older he'll appreciate the coast.

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I love this time of year, when fall comes and it brings with it the start of so many fun holidays, so one day in all of my excitement for fall and Halloween, I dressed Edwin in his pumpkin shirt and socks and took pictures, I can't help it, he's soooo cute.

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Here's a fun video of more developments from Edwin. He loves this toy and moves a lot while playing with it. It is a lengthy video and I forgot to edit it and shorten it down. So watch a couple of seconds and you'll get the idea and see how cute he is.

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My sister Amanda came to visit with her two kids Elijah and Alia, and Mark her boyfriend. They finally got to meet their new nephew and cousin. It was so nice to have them visit and see them again and meet Mark. It's crazy to see the family and how much my niece and nephew have grown. We hung out around the house mainly and played with Edwin, we also went to Central Park which is a very nice park here in Fremont. We played some games and walked around, it was nice to have them visit but definitely too short, they came one evening, stayed the night and left the next evening.

This last video I know my family will especially love; it's the cousins saying "hi" to you all. Although, I do have to warn you, Edwin starts crying pretty hard in this video, he's alright no harm was brought to him. I think it was just an unfamiliar environment and a lot of stimuli, so bare with the video and his crying, but know he has a very loving mom, who soothed him right after the video was over. Plus his crying is pretty dang cute.

HAPPY OCTOBER!

Edwin is TWO months old.

Edwin turned two months old on Sept. 4th and he had his two month check up. At this check up he got some shots, which was very hard for me to watch, and poor little Edwin had a bit of a reaction to the shots. So on his two month old birthday, Edwin was in misery, but he did get all of my attention. I was willing to do whatever he wanted whenever he wanted it. He survived and the next day he was alright.
In this month of development Edwin has begun to laugh, he smiles a lot more, and talks more, and he's becoming stronger and stronger all over. I've included pictures of him from this month and videos of some of his developments.

Here's a video of Edwin somewhat laughing.

And a video of him talking.

Pictures with mommy, I thought he needs some more pictures with me, usually I'm behind the camera taking the picture.

And some very cute pictures of him throughout this month.

It has happened, I thought I could avoid it, but I've been tagged.

TagRules: list 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 current goals, 3 current things your really into, and 3 random facts about yourself. Then tag at least 5 people at the end.

3 Joys:

• Of course Edwin
• and of course Grant
• and quite honestly my family (both current and extended) *I love family*
• oh, and one more I love walks with family and friends

3 Fears:

• I don't like to be home alone, not usual day time alone, but when Grant goes on business trips.
• I really, really am scared of killing spiders
• Anything bad happening to Grant and Edwin

3 Current Goals:

• To improve my sewing skills
• Be able to be more in tune with the Spirit
• To fit into my jeans before pregnancy, but if not Edwin's worth it!

3 Current things I'm really into:

• My family, and always will be
• Sewing
• The Harry Potter books, I'm finally reading them

3 Random facts about me:

• I have broken my tailbone twice; once in, at age 16, when jumping off a cliff into water, and second time just recently broke it out, giving birth to Edwin
• I have lived in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, China, Utah, Austria, and California, in that order
• I can literally cry like a baby. I don't know how I discovered this weird talent, but quite honestly (and my mom will testify for me) I sound like a baby

I would like to tag: Danielle, Emily, Sheryle (sorry, I know you get it a lot, you can just comment it to me if you want), Maegan Millar, and Lisa Dryden

Edwin Pushing

One thing that Edwin does is push. It's probably one of the things Grant and I love most about him, and we think it's absolutely hillarious. Edwin is a serious pusher. Sorry for those who may think this is gross, but I think it's so cute. Whenever Edwin has gas or needs to go poop, he pushes. His most serious pushing usually occurs in the morning, and sometimes Grant and I are woken up by his loud pushing. Because of this cute and hillarious thing Edwin does I was determined to get a video. So the following videos are of Edwin pushing, he also smiles in some of them and does a little "goo" in one of them. I hope you enjoy, I know I do. This is the type of stuff mom embarasses her kids with, lol. These videos are all from this morning starting at 5am.

GRANT AND EDWIN attending their FIRST ever professional baseball game.

Last night Grant, Edwin and I got to go and enjoy a game of the Oakland A's playing the Minnesota Twins. It was a fun game, Minnesota was up 2 to 1 all the way through to the 9th inning; and then in the bottom of the ninth, Oakland cashed in 2 runs and Oakland won, making the score 3 to 2.

I have to say even though the game was fun, the company was better. I got to be with my family and Jon, Danielle and their children, close friends of ours here in California. Oh, and Edwin had bats, baseball gloves, and baseballs on his onsie.

Edwin goes to Utah

Well Edwin and I got to enjoy Utah. My sister Suzette graduated from BYU with her Bachelors in Social Work, and for that special occasion Edwin and I decided to come over. It was wonderful to see family and friends; a little bitter-sweet realizing that we would have to leave. Here are some pictures of our trip

My sister and I after her graduation.

Edwin with Summer and Keegan, some of his cousins on the Allred side. They were so cute and loving to their cousin, it was so fun to watch Edwin with them.

Edwin with Grandpa Allred

Edwin falling asleep with "cousin once removed" Greg

Edwin with Jackson and Logan, his cousins on the Jackson side. Three boys having a good time together, in their pajamas; aren't they all so cute. The pajamas Edwin is wearing is of dinosaurs, Nanny Jackson gave him those pajamas.

Edwin completely pooped from all the adventures in Utah. He is ready to go home and see his daddy.

Edwin is ONE month old; Wahoo!

Edwin is a month now and life with him has been absolutely wonderful. Every movement, noise, face, and action he does, Grant and I just melt and become more in love with him. It is so cool to have this child and know that he will be with us forever. He's so cool!

Here's Edwin doing his E.T. impression . . .

. . . witnessing a car crash . . .

. . . watching Brian Regan . . .

. . . singing in a barbershop quartet . . .

. . . at the movie theatre . . .

. . . posing for GQ . . .

. . . at school . . .

. . . after 9 hours of Nintendo 64 . . .