Birthdays this month

Whitney and Danielle,

Happy birthday to the both of you! I sent you each notes on Face Book also, but I wanted to say a few things about each of you on our blog so you know how much you mean to me as your brother!

You are both wonderful people. You have so many good traits that I love about each of you, and yet you are both so different from each other in some ways that make you unique!

I appreciate that both of you care about our family, and love to be around us. We miss being there for all the activities, but count it special when we do get to see you!

Danielle, I love how you treat your kids and your husband. You have a great family, and you are a great mother. Keep doing a great job on those kids.

Whitney, I love your passion for life, and passion to live it to its fullest. I'm grateful for what a wonderful aunt you are to our children. They love being around you.

Thank you both for the things I have learned from you (yes, even being older), I wish you both the best in everything you work for. My the choicest blessings find you!

Love and miss both of you, happy birthday, and many more happy birthdays to come.

Love Sean

superbowl

I loved that commercial.  It was almost a slam to Obama, but making a great point at the same time.  How confused the media must have been.  The choice to honor their great leader, or let a pro-choice ad air; wow what a hard choice for them.  Maybe they figured he's already gotten his fair share, so they better not take any chances on letting people see how beneficial pro-life is.

Superbowl ad

This is it, this is what proves the media is biased in their coverage. They won't air this ad during the super bowl this Sunday.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Blog/Default.aspx?id=404524

Go check it out. It is not offensive in it's production, but I guess it's too the point too much?

I don't get it. And the liberals talk about the unbalance on talk radio?

What a joke! I don't care if you are pro-choice, the ad should be allowed to be aired!

Reply-"Illegals"

I would have to say that I'm in the middle now as far as illegals. Yes they should be contributing, yes they should learn English, and YES they should do it the right way. I am very thankful for those that work hard and don't complain, but I am very angry at them and at the lazy white folk for using mediCAL that I should be receiving.

This was very humbling for me, but a few weeks after talking to Jill Pill, I applied for MediCAL. I don't have a job that offers benefits, I don't have parents to help, and I'm not married. So i did it. Well I got a letter back from them that reads:

"Your application for MediCAL is denied. Based on the information available to us, you ARE a medically indigent adult. A medically indigent adult is a person between the ages of 21 and 65 who is not totally disabled or blind, not pregnant, not living in a long-term-care or intermediate care facility or not living with a child who meets AFDC deprivation requirements. The mediCAL program is prohibited by State law from providing medical services to Medically Indigent Adults. However, if you should have a medical need which you cannot afford, you may be eligible for health care at a Los Angeles County health facility."

Really? It doesn't even make sense. The definition of INDIGENT is "needy," so basically they are saying that because I am "needy" i don't get benefits. Huh?

Did you also hear about the 26 year old from whittier who just gave birth to 8 babies? Yes i said 8. She is living with her parents in a 2 bedroom house with 6 children already. Are you freakin kidding me? 14!!!!! and get this......there is NO DAD! She went down to Mexico to receive hormone treatments so she could try for more than 1 baby at a time. Now talk about taking advantage of the system.

So there is me who has just gotten test results back that I have pre-cancerous cells on my ovaries and doesn't have insurance or a means to pay for treatment.........and then there is this young lady with 14 children who will now be set for life.

This state is unjust.

PS Dad said that blogs are egotistical so he probably wont be participating.

Illegal Response

Jillian, good points about the taxes. They do pay social security taxes, but that's not really my biggest concern. I feel we give away way too much to illegals that take advantage. They come into our schools, use the emergency rooms, and so on. I also agree with you that many white Americans do the same. We are talking about illegals though. Jared brought up a great point for people that want to work here and benefit their family. We have work visas, and maybe we need to make them easier to get, but people can come here and work. And like he said if they reach the end of the visa, they go back home to their country. If they want to stay they apply to become a citizen. We could weed out bad people this way. If you go to jail during this time, you are evaluated for what you did. If you were really bad, you don't become a citizen and you get kicked out. If you get into no trouble and you pay ALL your taxes, then you qualify to become a citizen. BUT, you learn english, and you become an American, part of our country.

As far as lazy people in general taking advantage of the system, well they are here, they will always be here, as long as we are liberal in our treatment of them. If we as a country lean more to the conservitive side, we will actually help people by forcing them to get off their butts. Now, I understand there are circumstances that allow for people to receive help, and some won't be able to contribute, but most could.

How about by providing work situations for people getting welfare. They could work jobs giving service of some kind, to earn the freebies. Kind of like the church does with it's welfare system. Did you know when you take from the Bishops storehouse, you should give of your time. They don't ask time for dollars, just time. How perfect of a system. So when someone receives welfare, how about doing work? It might be crappy jobs we don't like sometimes, like clean up a vacant lot? or collect trash from a freeway? I don't know, but the government could have all kinds of things that people could do to give back when they receive.

Remember the saying, you can give a man a fish and feed him for a day, or you can teach a man to fish and feed him for life. This is one big thing that scares me about Obama and the liberals, always wanting to give more and create more dependence on government handouts instead of creating self reliance.

I love hearing all the comments by the way, and we haven't heard from Mom or Dad lately, or Christian. I know we are all busy, but remember part of this is to all keep conversations going for the benifit of ME, being a state away, and Jill!

Please contribute!!!!!

Here's a thought....

Well many times illegals have to put down a "false" social security number to get a job. Sometimes a dead persons, and sometimes made up, which I agree with, is not honest. But, each pay check they get from that job takes out money from their check for social security that that illegal will NEVER get in return and will just be collected in the big pot of government money because it is not their real identity. So even though they are being dis-honest, some of them actually are paying some taxes.

Also, we need to realize that even though they are "taxing" the system, are they really? How about all the citizens that are taxing the system? How about all the women who keep having children solely to get more money for welfare. How about the people on welfare who have no itention on ever working. And if its the "system" why do people hate the illegals so much? Ultimately the illegals are the ones who keep our economy where it is. Sam the small restaurant owner can hire 3 illegals for way cheaper than any white guy, therefore Sam can keep more money for his small restaurant, thus adding to the economy. As much as we dont like to admit it, illegals help our economy and do the jobs that we dont want to do, ie: landscapers, cleaning ladies, dish washers, construction workers, and so on.

Everyone also keeps bringing up how they are not obeying the law, and how our country was founded on immigrants. Well the difference between now and then is that yes, we have laws now, and then, we didn't. We were still forming our country and our laws back then, so there were no laws to break. Now there are laws to break. I think generally illegals dont come here solely to tax the system. Generally they come to help their families and to survive. I personally think it takes a lot of guts to have to go to that extreme to help their family. Im not some crazy left wing liberal or anything, I just wanted to add another point of view to our interesting discussion! Now everyone go fire your gardeners and cleaning ladies because now we are adding to the illegal circle of law breaking.

Illegals and Jase

Why can't there be a law made to make illegals pay taxes?I say, if they receive anything from our country, they should have to contribute.  Wishful thinking, I know.  But it's too bad we can't tax them more on housing, cars, and credit cards, things that they have no problem getting.  I don't understand why there can't be a basic tax law anyways.  Everyone; no matter how much money you make, pays the same %.  A lot of people worked their butts off to make more money than others, why should they be punished for that?  This is something I will never understand.

I agree with the taking the car away punishment.  When mom and dad did that I hated it.  Time went by so slow and it was embarrassing to be dropped off everywhere by my parents.  Service is great too.  I don't think we can stress kindness enough amongst siblings, I know my kids take each other for granted.  Would he really have saved that much time anyways? What a dork!

Reply-"Illegals"

Good points Jared. All those coming in should be contributing as much as us that are legal!

AND i agree that Jase should also be doing something nice for Rilee and her friend!

Reply for Jase and illegals

Yes, Jase should have car taken away for week. and do an act of service for his sister and friend. that is a shame to be blessed with a car, and then not show gratitude for it, by helping his sister.

About illegals. our country was founded and populated somewhat by immigrants, and also by those who felt oppressed by their government. but in any case, i believe came and do come to this country for a reason, part of which has to do with God leading them here.

But, .........when our country was first founded and new settlers were coming in, they had to rely on themselves to make food, shelter, etc. the government really wasn't even established to the point, of providing any services, besides a militia. so, everyone had to work if they wanted to survive.

now it's different. this is the greatest country in the world, and has the most opportunities. illegals know that and take advantage of that. they send so much money back to their homes and families. if they want to get a temporary work visa, that's fine with me. you come here for 5 years, work, then you leave. if you want to stay longer, apply for citizenship. i had to get a visa when i went to korea, it was temporary, then i had to leave.

i do believe most of them come now, becuase of opportunity, but they know they will be taken care of, no matter what. and that is the travesty of this issue. our government is willing to take care of them, by taking OUR money (taxes), and deciding who to give it to. and give it to anyone who needs it, whether you put into the pot or not.

as long as you contribute what you can, then you can take what you need. that is the only way socialism will ever work. either **it or get off the pot. so, i don't care who comes to this country, do it legally and lawfully, and do your best to work hard and contribute.

if everyone took from the pot, and didn't put back in, eventually we would all die.

Reply-"What would you do"

I think this is a cool idea. Im not sure if we have eveyones participation thus far, (Ahem Robin), so I hope this will encourage more.

So I'm not a parent, obviously, but I do know a little about being a teenager. I think that being 15, 16, 17 you become the most selfish person you will ever be. Jase is going through that phase of being "cool" because he has the freedom of a car. He doesn't have to rely on his parents for transportation anymore, therefore he can do whatever, whenever. He is also "too cool" for his little sister. I think it really sucks what he did and needs a consequence.

My consequence would be car restriction for a week. Robin sorry, but he should have to go back to what it was like before his licence and have to rely on someone else. Driving a car is a privilege and he mistreated that privilege by treating his sister badly. Were you being Christ like Jase? I don't think it even matters that Rilee was hurt or not, Its still a really crappy thing to do and he should be punished.

PEACE

Reply-"Illegals"

So Jillian you have a good point that most Latin people are super nice. I have been to Mexico and love the people there. I also love most that I meet! I think the ones that I don't like are the ones that were born and raised here! The ones that participate in gangs, the ones that give you the "latino" attitude, and the ones that are racist and think that they are the "chosen ones." So its not that I am racist against them, its that I'm mad that they take advantage of the system. And yes ALL races including ours have trash and disrespectful members.

Sean I agree with you that the illegals should be entering the country the right way! Yes our country was founded on immigrants, but they obeyed the laws at the time. Now the laws are more difficult but that's probably because the US needs to really look deep at the people entering and wanting to reside here. We have so many countries that hate us and terrorists that try to destroy us that the US immigrations laws are set in place for that reason, to protect us.

Danielle, I do feel bad for the couple in your ward, but they can be the most like-able people in the world they still didn't enter the country the right way. If they want to go to the temple then why cant they go to the one in their home country or to one that allows immigration? The country can't pick and chose the people to let in based on whether or not they are nice. AGAIN, the US has its laws for a good reason and I'm happy with the way those laws are set in place.

New Idea - "What would you do?"

OK, Robin had a great idea for a new website, called "What would you do?" The idea being one could write in a question about something and ask what you would do in the same situation. Then get answers and opinions from people. So my idea is that we do the same. As we keep doing our normal posts, when we have something we want other opinions, we ask "What would you do?", and then explain what it is.

This is the situation that Robin had when she came up with the idea.

So Rilee has torn ligaments, and Jase and Rilee were in the car driving home from school. Now Jase, being the selfish butt head that he can be, decided that he was going to be late for an apointment at the gym (he and his buddy have new memberships). So, he stopped the car a mile away from home, told Rilee and her friend to get out of the car and walk home because he was going to be late and made her get out. Rilee called Robin who went and picked her up.

What would you do?

One thing I would like to ask, is to make it more intersting, everyone should participate and give an opinion for each "What would you do?" question.

Look forward to your answers on this.

Illegals

I thought this story would be interesting to share.  We have a family in our ward, a newly married couple, second marriage.  She was already a member, he got baptized, they went to the temple.  They are both illegals but have been trying to make it official for a long time.  The paper work I guess is crazy, and it is costing them over $3000.  He got fired from his job, which he did very well and where his boss loved him, because he was illegal.  They are struggling financially, so are having a hard time coming up with the $.  What a mess.  I saw a different side than what I usually see.  I usually disagree with illegals going to the temple, because in my opinion, they wouldn't be living by the standards (obeying the law of the land).  I think this couple is an exception and I admire them for their perseverance. I didn't realize it was so difficult to become a citizen, which is my point.  Why does the government make it so hard?  Lower the price, keep the classes, and maybe more people would be motivated to abide by the law and respect our country.  I know there would still be a ton that would still take advantage, but it would help those that are really trying.  I learned my lesson not to judge so quickly.

Illegal response

Jillian, I appreciate you comments about Mexicans and Illegals. First, lets make sure we are talking about the same thing. Illegals are people that come into our country illegally, broke the law. I have no qualms about the caliber of people that come in, most are hard working, however they come in to take advantage of our system. There is no payback into the system, only taking.

Now, from a spiritual standpoint, I don't like to refer to people as lower class. In fact I think we need to be better at viewing and treating people as the "same" class.

Now, with that being said, back to breaking the law. No one should be able to do it and get away with it. The law should be enforced, period. If the law needs to be changed, then so be it. But obey the law! Enforce the Law!

So now I bring up a question. What is different now, then from the early years of our country, when immigrants came into our country? Are the laws different now? I ask this with sincerity, because, as I want people to obey the law, what is different now? We speak of past immigrants as brave people that left worse situations to have a better life. Are we full? Are people coming from Mexico just looking for a better life? Maybe what we should do is stick to being America. We make the rules apply. We speak english, not spanish. No free stuff. Work for it, pay for things, pay taxes. Maybe we have a very short period where some help is offered in the form of food and shelter, and then after that time, they are on their own.

Just my thoughts as I try to be a better person. As for stupid people that we make fun of? they can and are any color, white, black, asian, hispanic, doesn't matter.

What are your thoughts?

Response to Whitney

OK I am going to openly admit that I dont know very much about Obama and what his plans and tactics are. I just know that he is very left wing, and I personally dont agree with the very left wing. But I will say, that I personally dont think that the "mexicans" are such a horrible thing that hurt our country, and that are lower class. First, most of them aren't even from Mexico. If you ever ask them where they are from, often times they are from another latin country and it is really interesting to hear their story. Second, even though they are lower class, they are the hardest working, humble, kind people. WHen do you even come across a rude or unkind latin?? When do you come across an unkind asian, white, or black? Very often! Third, Todd and I, being students and all, have seen a glimpse of the lower class life, ie: Me going to the government funded Insurance place and Todd taking the bus to school, have realized that there are actually more white people being failures in their life, and not working, and trying to take advantage of the government. I will not disagree though that blacks have their fair share in that too. I guess the point I am trying to make is I know our family has a little taste of hatred for the latin/illegal group. Since I have been married, I have seen another side to it, and been to a latin American country, and really changed my opinion about them. My post is somewhat off topic here, but I felt strongly about voicing my opinion about it!

Response on he quote

Whitney, I love the quote. That does sum it up so perfectly!

Is it a sign of anything when you don't capitalize???

Jillian - what the crap? Is this Mom?!?!?!?!?

Reply-"Our New Country"

ONE: Jillian, did you not get the memo that even if you are just making a short comment you MUST place it as a new post! We need to see the dynamic of the conversations.

TWO: No Sean, we all don't capitilize, but at least we can spell! JK, LOL, TTYL, <3

THREE: Danielle, your kids are awesome that they ask so many questions and actually care what happens to the mexicans and blacks......I MEAN, the lower class, which Im actually a part of if you think about it.

FOUR: Jared, you serisouly can get deep about this stuff. Its hard for me to follow, sometimes i have to read it twice! I do agree with most everything you say. I was just thinking about when Hitler became leader back in the day. The people were so excited for change and treated him like he was a god. Sound Familiar?

LAST: I read a quote on facebook today and thought it was perfect for our current topic!

The government cannot give to anyone anything that it does not first take from someone else. -Unknown-

Reply-Reply-"Our New Country"

Can you really say "no doi" on a blog?

So my family, what we need to do is help in the process. Write e-mails to your reps and senators. Write to the white house, write to the Senate leader idiot Reid, and the wing nut Pellosi. Write, and encourage others to write. Also, we need to change reps and senators in two years so the power can shift. I would much rather have a balance of power with a Democratic President, that way things would not be automatic. Remember what the country did when they were going to pass the amnisty cramnisty. Remember all the letters and e-mails and phone calls regarding the issue from the American People. It stoped it in it's tracks. We have power if we can unite. I believe Obama will do some things, but as soon as people realize he is full of crap and his ideas acually make things worse, we will see a revolt. We need to encourage it, and do our part by writing letters.

How many of you have done this? I have written to the leaders and my reps, and have also written to our city council and Mayor on different issues. One letter doesn't change things, many do. Plus the satisfaction that I felt by doing my part was cool.

Last thing, why am I the only person that capitalizes?

Reply-"Our New Country"

You guys get me fired up. I agree with all of you in most areas. My kids keep asking us if we're going to be poor now the Obama is president. They have even heard about tax raises. We too are preparing for hard times, it is scary right now, and I fully believe that Obama is turning us into a Socialist country without even realizing he's doing it. I don't live in America to live like I live in Canada, no thank you. Braden, Brynn, and I had a talk in the car about politics, and they said they don't understand why people should get money when they don't work or go to school to get paid even more. I just replied "exactly". I'm so proud of my little republicans. My hope is just that his power trip will cool down in a few months, and the smart people in office will fight against the outrageous things he's trying to pass. I have to believe there are good people in office, and no doi, if you cut taxes people will spend more money, it's not rocket science people!

Reply-"Our New Country"

Yah, Whitney, i gave Bill Clinton a chance when he was elected, and he was way more center than Obama. it still hasn't sunk in that he is actually the president. i feel like some black guy off the streets just hijacked the white house, it's just surreal to me still. but so far, every decision he has made, does not earn my trust, but actually confirms what i thought before i voted. and i think we are seeing the tip of the iceberg. he is very decisive, wants to let people know he is in charge, and i think this nation is in for the some strong weather ahead. socialism has already started with these bailout packages. what a huge mistake. and socialism is going to take our country's economy and flush it down the drain. it will happen in the next 4 to 8 years. i hope not, but it could if obama gets his way and congress gets their way. i don't doubt he has a good heart and good intentions for americans, but you have to have resources before you can distribute them out. and liberals/socialists have never understood and will never understand that principal. we obviously don't have resources right now, with jobs being lost/cut, deficit spending up, tax revenues down.....where does the money come from? it comes from generating it through our hard work, and giving a portion to the government for redistribution. so......yes, we will see what happens, and if things do turn around, if obama makes some good policy decisions, i will call him my president. until that happens though, my allegiance is to my God, my Savior, my wife and kids, my family, and then to my president.
Amen, peace, i'm out! wurd!