Pick up the phone!

I e-mailed many of your already, but I'm making a post as well. How many times in church, in neighborhood conversations, in discussion with your spouse, do you complain about how bad TV, radio, movies, etc have gotten? It's been mostly talk for me as well, but since I joined Mary's Army (see my David vs. Goliath post on July 17), I've realized how many opportunities are out there where we can stand up and fight against the evil in our society.
Read the information below. The major networks are fighting the FCC's right to censor and even pushing to have indecent programming shown at all hours of the day. Call your senator and let them know that you support the Protecting Children from Indecent Programming Act (S. 1780) and urge them to have Senator Harry Reid schedule a vote for the act.
I'm sure there are many other things vying for your time, but it took me about 3 minutes to call and afterwards it felt great to know I was DOING something - not just sitting back and complaining.

If you're in Utah, here is Senator Hatch's #: (801) 524-5933. Now, pick up those phones!

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Indecency legislation stalled in U.S. Senate

Urgent: call your senators to urge Sen. Reid to schedule a vote for S. 1780

Take Action!

Call Now! Click Here to get the telephone numbers for your senators at their district offices along with suggested talking points for your calls. Ask your senators to urge Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., to schedule a vote for S. 1780.

Forward this e-mail to everyone on your list asking them to e-mail their senators. This Act ( S. 1780) reaffirms Congress' support for vigorous enforcement of the existing broadcast decency laws and the importance of protecting the public airwaves from indecent content.


August 23, 2008

Dear Sherrie,

Did you know that the four major television networks have declared war on decency by suing the FCC for the right to air profanity and nudity at any time of day? We do have a counter attack but the Protecting Children from Indecent Programming Act (S. 1780) is currently stalled in the U.S. Senate. The Act (S. 1780) would reaffirm Congress' support for vigorous enforcement of the existing broadcast decency laws and the importance of protecting the public airwaves from indecent content.

In order to ensure the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) ability to fine broadcasters over "fleeting" instances of profanity or nudity, S. 1780 needs to be voted on by the full Senate. If S. 1780 does not pass, the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act passed two years ago will be rendered essentially meaningless.

Recently, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia threw out a $550,000 indecency fine levied against CBS for the infamous 2004 Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction." CBS also allowed profanity during Big Brother 10, which airs during prime time.

We are in a pivotal time regarding the ownership of America's broadcast airwaves. The law says these airwaves belong to the American people, but the networks are trying to take them over and turn them into a toxic sewer. Now is the time to fight back!

Gymnastics Routines that NBC Didn't Air

My sister and husband both forwarded me these videos that were going around. It brought back a lot of memories since Paul Hunt was my gymnastics coach. Obviously, they weren't from this past Olympics, but I love that they have commentators and everything. Watching this, you might assume that he was the funniest, happiest, most easy-going coach around. Actually, quite the opposite. I watch these and wonder who that guy is. Sure, he'd joke around here or there, but honestly the guy scared me to death most of the time. He was quite the slave driver. It's fun to watch these videos, though, and see the lighter side. Anyway, thought I'd post these before the Olympics were too far in the past. Enjoy!

Beam Routine


Floor Routine

TOU Half

Last Saturday was the Top of Utah half marathon in Logan. I wasn't originally planning on it, but since my dad & I hadn't raced together since 2000 at the St. George marathon, I figured it would be fun. My main goal was just to keep up with him - for an old guy he's pretty fast! In the end, we finished at 1:45, which I was really happy with. It was a great, beautiful run. The weather couldn't have been more perfect - a nice, crisp wind and overcast skies. I kept waiting for the "hurt" to set in and I was surprised that it never came. Especially since I hadn't really gotten the training in that I wanted to. So, I was thankful that I felt great the whole time and really just enjoyed it. My dad was training with a guy from his work and he was just behind us the whole time - even placed in his age division. So - for a couple old guys and a sleep deprived mom (we stayed in a hotel the night before and I got maybe 4 and a half hours sleep), I thought we did pretty good! Thanks, dad, for letting me tag along - and thanks sweetie for more support with watching the girls while I trained!

pool at the hotel

me & dad coming in the last few yards

Me & my girls (who apparently didn't want to look at the camera) Notice the cute sign behind me my mom made

Me, Ron Houston, and my dad

Me & my dad

Me and my cheerleaders

After the race we asked McKinley what she wanted to do. She said "go to the temple and dance!" So, that's what we did. She loved it.

So, there you have it. No immediate races planned. I'm actually looking forward to getting more varied workouts in - yoga and weight training especially.

Family Pictures

We had our family pictures taken a couple weeks ago and just got the CD back. Love them! Thanks Valerie! Ireland was not into the pictures AT ALL. Of course, after Valerie left she started smiling & being cute. Oh well!

FAMILY PICS

McKINLEY PICS

IRELAND PICS

My Bucket List

OK - so I've never actually seen the whole movie, but being a major list-maker/goal-setter, the idea intrigued me. Below are 26 of the things on my "bucket list" (for those of you who don't know, this is the list of things I want to do before I die). There are some things not below that I've already crossed off - going to the Canary Islands & Hawaii (we have a separate anniversary vacation list), getting my degree, running a marathon. So there you have it. I'd love to know what's on other people's lists! (Trisha I know you have one)

1. Go to New Zealand
2. Do a ½ Ironman
3. Move to a small town. Have a few acres of land.
4. Go to Ireland & Scotland (Jason & I have ancestors there)
5. Make a difference in the lives of homeless people
6. Have 4 kids (including my 2)
7. Be financially stable when we retire and not have to work anymore
8. Take a dance class with Jason
9. Learn to crochet
10. Read Jesus The Christ
11. Take my family to a 3rd world country for a humanitarian trip
12. Read all of C.S. Lewis’ books
13. Shake hands with a general authority
14. Go to South America
15. Get scuba certified. Dive with the sharks.
16. Provide all my children a birthday book for each year of their lives
17. Learn how to surf
18. Learn how to be a great gardener
19. Learn how to mat and frame pictures
20. Be a temple worker
21. Take amazing pictures
22. Learn how to live in the moment.
23. Go to Alaska for a cabin fishing trip
24. Write some poems/songs/stories
25. Go on a mission with my sweetie
26. Be prepared in case an emergency hits

Tag - High School

High School Tag!

Ohh, high school. Sometimes it seems like a lifetime ago. Sometimes it seems like yesterday. I still will have strange dreams about old boyfriends or cheerleading dramas. So, here's my answers to Alison's tag. Let's see if I can remember 11 years back...

1. Did you date someone from your school? Hmmm - let's see...Mike Warner my Sophomore year, Tyler Jolley my junior year, Tim Sorenson and Wade McEntire my Senior year.
2. What kind of car did you drive? I first drove an old yellow VW Rabbit. Thank GOODNESS that thing got wrecked (not by me) and I got an old tan Toyota Camry to drive.
3. What was the most embarrasing moment of high school? At a basketball halftime, I was supposed to do a backhandspring - back tuck. The tuck was way short and I basically landed on my face on the basketball floor. My pride was hurt more than my face, but both were bad.
4. Were you a party animal? Not really.
5. Were you considered a flirt? I was a HORRIBLE flirt. For some reason guys intrigued me from the time I was like 12. It got me into a lot of trouble.
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? I was in women's choir my sophomore year
7. Were you a nerd? No!
8. Were you on any varsity teams? I was a varsity cheerleader - so YES - that counts. I also was on the diving team my freshman year and did some track & field my senior year.
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? Nope.
10. Can you still sing the fight song? Yes - it would be pretty sad for a former cheerleader to forget the fight song - Fight, fight, fight for black, blue and white. Win that victory...
11. Who were your favorite teachers? Mr. Wallentine (History), Kay Davis (line dancing), Kathy Stevens (Life prep), and I enjoyed all my English teachers for the most part.
12. Where did you sit during lunch? I sat on the third table in on the south side of the lunchroom with my group of friends.
13. What was your school's full name? West Jordan High School
14. School mascot? Jaguars!
15. Did you go to Homecoming and who with? Junior Year - Jared Jones. Senior Year - Wade McEntire
16. If you could go back and do it again, would you? I don't think so. Too much drama. I mean, there's plenty of things I would change, but I learned from them, too. I did love my high school years - lots of friends, fun, and freedom.
17. What do you remember most about graduation? It was the day of a Jazz playoff game. Lots of people had radios in the audience. My family actually left to go home and watch the game while I was left at SLCC by MYSELF. I had to get a ride home from my ex-boyfriend! It was not a happy day.
18. Where did you go senior skip day? I remember a sleepover at Lena's house & then breakfast at Denny's where there was a cute waiter.
19. Were you in any clubs? DECA
20. Have you gained some weight since then? Actually, I weigh probably 13 lbs less than I did in high school. I had major weight issues back then. I would go on really restrictive diets and then binge and it really messed up my motabolism. I don't think my motabolism recovered until my 2nd year in college when I started to run and eat right.
21. Who was your prom date? Sophomore - Mike Warner, Junior - Tim Sorenson, Senior - Chris Holtan. I also went to the Hillcrest and Copper Hills proms.
22. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? Yes - I already went. I almost didn't though. Ireland was 6 weeks old and I didn't look quite the way I wanted, but I went and was glad I did. It was fun to see old friends.
23. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself? To not kiss so many boys. To WEAR SUNSCREEN. Probably most of all - to not worry so much about what other people think.

I don't usually tag, but no one responds unless I do, so I'm tagging Melissa, Tiffany, Tara, Heidi, and Mindy!

My McKinley Girl

I just love my sweet pea - McKinley. She is CONSTANTLY entertaining me. Don't know how many of you read my newsletter a couple months ago, but I've been listening to classical music more lately and McKinley hears it and makes up a story to go along with the music. She's constantly asking "what's happening mom?" and we will come up with elaborate stories about different people and things to go with the music.

So, here's a video of her making up a story to the music. Here's what (I think) she's saying: "They pushed it away! Ran Away... the snake! Helped them. The snake helped them...And then somebody comes...and then Dora comes! and says Swiper No Swiping! And then there was a mom... on the porch. They were sad...(something I can't understand) and then they're happy and they run away! And then the moster runned away!" (drama with Ireland)


2nd video: McKinley loves to dance. If I dance with her, she will often tell me that I'm doing it wrong and show me how to do it correctly. This morning Jason tried to join in a dance and she said "Dad - that is not a dance for boys!" So - here's my dancing queen:


P.S. Congrats to Luikin and Johnson - all around Gold and Silver medals! Awesome! (I still HATE the scoring, though)

I'm not perfect

Last night I watched the ladies gymnastics team finals. When Alicia Sacramone fell on her beam mount, it was like slow motion. Her face showed what she already knew - the US gold hopes were all but dashed. My heart sank in sync with her fall. And then the floor. Cringe. This is not a rip on Alica. In fact, quite the opposite. I was in gymnastics from the time I was about 10 to 15. I had a goal to be on the U of U gymnastics team. I made it to level 7 optional and even got gold on bars in the Utah Summer Games. I rolled my ankle on a dismount from bars and during my recovery (about 8 weeks) after prayer and much thought, I decided that I would give up gymnastics in order to pursue diving, cheerleading, and enjoy my high school experience a little more. So much has changed in the sport since then - the vault is completely different and I'm still not sure I understand the scoring. One thing hasn't changed, though, and that's the pressure to be perfect. Even at the amateur level I was at, the expectations and pressure were stifling. I cried many nights about my back handspring series on beam or my giants on bars. And so, as I watched her fall, I didn't think about the US losing the gold, I thought about how many nights she's going to lay awake thinking about that mount. About what went wrong. How she could have done it differently. How she wished she could go back. I wished I could give her a big hug, look into her eyes, and say "it really is okay." You don't believe it now and you are feeling horrible, but it REALLY IS OKAY.
I thought about that on my run today and how often I still feel that pressure to be perfect. These feelings are more self-induced than anything, but it is still there. I need to look myself in the mirror and say the same thing "It's Okay if you're not perfect. You're going to fall sometimes. Just get back up and do the best you can."
We love Laurie Berkner at my house. We listen to her Victor Vito CD at least a few times a week. Here's a song from that CD. I love it for myself. I love it in regards to my kids. I love it in regards to my husband. I can always do better, but when I expect perfection - from myself or anyone else - inevitably, I am disappointed.

I'm not perfect, no I'm not
I'm not perfect, but I've got what I've got
I do my very best, I do my very best
I do my very best each day
But I'm not perfect
And I hope you like me that way

We're not perfect, no we're not
We're not perfect, but we've got what we've got
We do our very best, We do our very best
We do our very best each day
But we're not perfect
And we hope you like us that way

You’re not perfect, no you're not
You're not perfect, but you've got what you've got
You do your very best, you do your very best
You do your very best each day
But you're not perfect
And you know I love you that way

Potts Reunion

This year was the first official Potts Family Reunion. Aside from a few dramas, I think it went really well and we had a lot of fun! After MUCH searching and a few failed attempts at getting lodging for our get-together, the day before the reunion, my mom was able to get a cabin up in Timberlakes. My sister Tiffany and her husband even came up from Arizona. It was SO good to see them! It was really nice and we all had a great time playing games (ImagineIff, Uno, 99, a dice game - can't remember what it's called), jumping on their tramp, doing the zip line, water skiing at Jordanelle and lots more. The weather wasn't really cooperative for hiking or fishing, but I think it was nice to just visit more and enjoy each other. Here are a few pictures. There will be lots more on our monthly slideshow. Thank you for a great time family! I LOVE YOU GUYS!


Jason & Adam at the cabin

Fun Zipline

My beautiful family (we'll need to Photoshop dad & Joseph in there)

The CUZINS!

McKinley on the horsie tire swing

The boys with their "game faces"

We had so much fun on the lake. Thanks grandma for getting the boat!

Needed Inventions

This weekend was our Potts Family Reunion. I'll probably do another post about that, but we were water-skiing at Jordanelle today and we got into a conversation that reminded me about something that I've been meaning to post about.
I know we have it pretty easy. We have SO many luxuries that people couldn't even DREAM up 100 years ago. With that said, however, I also think there are some additional things that would be helpful. Here's my list of inventions I can't wait to see:

1. Alternative modes of transportation. This is what we were talking about at the lake today. I just can't see WHY we spend SO MANY billions of dollars on making bigger, more "advanced" automobiles when what we really need is an entirely different mode of transportation. 100 years ago they really did not think after the turn of the millineam we would still be driving around in wheel and axle vehicles. They thought we'd all be driving around in small flying machines. I'm thinking a cross between a helicopter and a mini airplane. Obviously, it would have to be something that ran on alternative fuel - like solar power - or hey, thinking of Back to the Future II, why can't we turn our garbage into fuel? We spend SO much $$ on asphalt, concrete, highway infrastructure, etc. I think we should be putting that $$ into a sky infrastructure. No pavement. No tires. Less traffic.
Jason & I were talking about this on the way home and we decided that flying machines would be great, but teleportation would be even better. Ok - I know Star Trek is more science fiction than science fact, but I think the science behind teleportation is not as unfathomable as we might think. Oh, the possibilities. Breakfast in Paris. Lunch in Moscow. Home for dinner. Living WHEREVER you wanted, not being tied to where you can get a job. Cool.

2. Self-cleaning floors. Don't know how exactly this would work. All I know is that I could spend ALL day just trying to keep my floors clean. Honestly, if I did it as much as it needed it, I would probably sweep and vaccuum 10 times a day.

3. Computer Functions applied to real life. Okay, so this is really more far-fetched, but I just wish sometimes that I could use the same function keys in my life that I can use on my computer. I will lose something (keys, library books, etc) and mentally, I just try to use the Ctrl+F to find what I'm looking for. Another one that would REALLY come in handy - the "undo" button. I can't say how many times I have done something that doesn't end up working out right and I just want to hit the "undo" button - UNDO, UNDO, UNDO. It never works. Of course, we'd never really learn in life if we could always hit the undo button, but for some little minor things, it sure would be nice.

4. GPS chip for children. Seriously, I would be in favor of getting a small GPS chip under my child's skin, so I would always know where they're at. I know that seems extreme, but I see the HORRIBLE things in the news and just can't help but wish that I could always know where my kids are. At least until they're 18.

So, there you go. Comment & let me know what your needed inventions would be!

Cheer Girls!

OK! So, we like totally had a cheerleader reunion last night! (sorry, I couldn't resist). We met at my house and had a great time visiting, eating yummy food & watching our cute kids run around. McKinley & Ireland were the only girls, but they loved all the boys. McKinley said "They're nice boys!" Below are some random pics - we all don't look a day over 18, right (Jason - RIGHT)? :)


1997 (Sigh - yes, that's me with the bleach-blonde hair)

1997

2004 @ Rachelle's house

Yesterday - our adorable kids

The girls! We missed you Tina & Krystal!
Thanks for a great time everyone - we need to do it more often!

July Newsletter & Slideshow

Below is the slideshow for July. The link to the newsletter is on the left. I don't know how many of you open the newsletter, so I have to include a few of my favorite things my kids have said or done this past month:

McKINLEY:
-McKinley says “I’m scary!” instead of “I’m scared!”
-McKinley is getting so excited about her birthday and she knows it’s in September. The other day she asked how old she was and mommy told her she was almost 3 years old. She replied “When I’m 3, then I can drive!” She is so anxious to drive and wear make-up already. We don’t know how we’re going to stave her off for another 13 years!
-The other day mommy was getting ready in the bathroom. McKinley wanted some of mommy’s lotion and mommy told her that she couldn’t have any. She kept pleading and mommy said “the answer is no.” McKinley looked straight at mommy and declared “Well, McKinley’s answer is YES!”
-McKinley heard jingle bells on something the other day and asked mommy “Where’s Christmas?”
-After her glass of water spilled mommy asked “Did you spill your drink McKinley?” She answered “No, mommy. It spilled itself.” (That was mommy’s fault for asking such a silly question)
-One day as mommy was putting McKinley down for a nap, she looked straight at mommy and said “Mommy, I promise I will never leave you. I promise, promise, promise. I will never leave you.” Then she smiled so big.
-McKinley was a bit grouchy one day when we got in the truck to go to the store. She yelled from the backseat in an accusing tone “Mommy – Ireland is looking out of MY window!”
-I think it’s so funny that McKinley calls flies “shoo-flies.” She naturally thinks that’s what they’re called because whenever they’re around we sing “Shoo fly – don’t bother me!”
-We are soooo proud of McKinley this month. She’s getting to be such a big girl! 3 times when mommy came back to the table after helping Ireland, McKinley had put her plate or bowl and utensil into the dishwasher without being asked. Way to go sweet pea!
-McKinley is such a good big sister. Sometimes, however, she seems to like to get Ireland in trouble. She will put something in front of her and as Ireland reaches for it, McKinley will yell “Mommy! Ireland is taking my ___!” or she will put her hand on Ireland’s & if Ireland even touches her, she will yell “Mommy! Ireland is hitting me!”
-McKinley likes to pretend sometimes that she is the mommy and that mommy is McKinley. She likes to count to 3 and put mommy in time-out.
-We asked McKinley what she wants for her birthday. She thought for a moment and then said “candles.” Smiling, we told her that could probably be arranged. “What else?” Mommy asked. She thought for another moment and said “a cake.” Wow. We should probably enjoy her enjoyment of simple things while they last.

IRELAND:
-Ireland was miserable on her birthday. Her pain was threefold: Canker sores ALL over her mouth – inside and out, cutting molars, and her gums were just so sensitive. If she bumped her mouth at all, her gums would bleed and bleed. It hurt to just look at her mouth, poor baby.
-Here’s the words Ireland Ireland has said this month: AGAIN, FISHIE, TIGER, THANK YOU, PEEK-A-BOO!, BALL -
Ireland has also signed: TIRED, WATER, BATH -Ireland loves to watch signing time and gets SO excited when it comes on. She moves her hands and tries to do the opening song with Rachel.
-Ireland has started folding arms for prayers. She grabs her forearm – good job Ireland!
-She LOVES stuffed animals – especially a stuffed tiger – and she says RAARRR!
-She has helped mommy to put utensils away from the dishwasher. She will hand mommy one and say “Thank you!” and then mommy will say “thank you!”
-We need to get it on video when daddy comes home. Ireland is just SOO excited - she just pants so fast, says DA, DA, DA! and practically RUNS to get to her daddy.
-Ireland has a hard time resisting electronics of any sort. Anything that has a button is free game – especially the BIG RED buttons such as those found on power strips – like to the computer or the TV or DVD player.
-Ireland had her 1-year-checkup with Dr. Daynes this month. Because she had hardly eaten anything in the week she had her cankers, she had lost a little weight – she was only 18.5 lbs, which is only the 10th percentile. Since then she has been making up for it, though, and we’re working on fattening up our little girl. She was tall, though – 80th percentile for height.
-Ireland has pretty much given up crawling – she is almost running now!