But as for me and my house

Even though it's late and I'm tired, I can tell that I won't be able to sleep.  While I usually enjoy the quiet of night, today I prefer the noise of day.  It helps me to forget.  Once the world grows still, I am alone with my thoughts and the tears that I have been holding back bubble to the surface.

I am so very sad.  Everything feels surreal.  How, oh how, did this happen?  While normally proud to be American, today I feel ashamed.  How did we elect as President of our nation a man who ran on a platform of hatred, division, racism, misogyny, bigotry, arrogance, and utter moral corruption?  What message does it send to my daughters that instead of a woman, we elected a man who brazenly denigrates women as sex objects?  I was no great fan of Hillary, but I am appalled that we as a nation would sink to the level of Trump.  I think the hardest part is that I felt so sure that it would never happen.  I had so much faith that we as a people would take a stand and say No, Mr. Trump, no.  You have crossed a fundamental line of human decency, and we will not be moved.

For the first time, I feel like I have lost faith in humanity.

While there is so much that I could to say, I am reserved for one single reason: my children.  While my heart may groan, I long for their hearts to feel happy and secure.  Through their eyes, I can still see the hope I wish to feel again.

I want my children to know that even though Donald Trump has given me no reason to respect him, I still have great respect for the office of President.  I will pray for the president, really pray for him, for our nation is in great need of prayer.  I will do my best to not speak negatively about things past, and give Mr. Trump a fresh start moving forward.  I will seek for healing and forgiveness, and strive to reunite a fractured nation.

I also want my children to know that no matter what, our family will continue to defend what is right.  We simply will not tolerate hatred, racism, and discrimination.  All will be welcomed and loved, no matter their religion, color, gender, orientation, and even voting record.  Women, men, and children will be valued and respected as daughters and sons of God. 

In the words of Joshua, "But as for me any my house, we will serve the Lord."

***

This article has helped me process how to move forward since the election: What Should We Tell the Children.

Sunday Afternoon on the Alpine Loop

Looking back on my college years in Provo, I don't have many regrets.  I do, however, wish that I had spent a little bit less time studying and a little bit more time enjoying the outdoors.  While I may not have hiked much, I occasionally drove the alpine loop with friends on a Sunday afternoon.  It took a bit of time, but it was always worth it.

A few Sundays ago I drove the alpine loop again with the best friends I'll ever have--my family.  It still took a bit of time, and yes, it was worth it.

Rounding off September

Seeing as to how it's already November, it's definitely time to finish the September photos.  With gorgeous weather, we spent plenty of time hanging outside.  If swinging is fun, and rollerskating is fun, then doing both is twice the fun!

Daddy Jason took a trip to New York City...

...and got to see this lovely view from the Wells' family yard.

We had another birthday in the family.  When it comes to Momma, she'd rather have the ice cream and leave the cake.

Annika sure knows how to dangle!

Here's Annie painting at the Leonardo.

Messy hands!

We enjoyed the outdoor bird show at Tracy Aviary (there's a vulture on the center post)...

..but got close and personal at the indoor bird show.

Our friend Jessica from Omaha came to visit with her great kids.  She even helped me figure out how to handle the furry but sick visitor I discovered on the back porch.  (Think Ratatouille.)  I'm still too traumatized to write about it.

Eli redeemed some of his birthday gift money from Uncle Lance and Aunt Callie at Toys R Us for this awesome remote controlled X Wing.  Thank you!

We took Jason to the Natural History Museum so that he could see the awesome architecture...I mean exhibits.

While there, we decided to pet some bugs, both big...

...and small.

Lovely views from on top.

The last Saturday in September, Brooklyn, Talia, and I tried to get stand-by tickets to the General Women's Session of conference.  Instead of standing around, they had us wait in the Tabernacle.  I had snacks and games so the time passed quickly.

Of course, Talia had her knitting too.

While we didn't get tickets, it was fun watching the broadcast from Temple Square.  Plus, our walk home afterwards was lovely (especially the ice cream sandwiches from Hatch Family Chocolates.)

Farewell fair September!