Today was a great day! I organized a press conference for Representative Wimmer's bill, Utah's version of Jessica's Law. The law is named for Jessica Lunsford, a 9-year-old girl who was kidnapped from her home, sexually abused, then murdered. The law creates a mandatory minimum sentencing requirement of 25 years to life for the rape of child. The bill would also create a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years to life for the attempted rape of a child. Without this law, perpetrators of these heinous crimes would strike a plea deal and often be out on the street in a few years to attack children again!!
This bill passed the House today unanimously. Now it must be voted on by the Senate and signed by the Governor to become law. It is a huge stride towards protecting our state's children from such predators!
The most touching part of today's press conference was watching Mark Lunsford, Jessica's father, speak passionately in support of this bill. He detailed why it is so important, then with tears in his eyes, recounted one of his last conversations with "Jessie." He said, "We were having a contest to see who loved the other one more. She put her two fingers together and said, "I love you this much, Daddy. There's nothing between us."" He then urged parents to cherish every moment with their children.
It was a very touching moment to be a part of and I feel privileged to have met such a great crusader for children today. (If you watch the news tonight you may see the coverage of the event- all the local news stations were there.)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
A new little boy!
Melanie (Hill) Baker had her little son, Nathan Bronco Baker, on January 28th at 3:07 a.m. He is eight weeks early and weighs in at 3 pounds, 8 ounces, and 16 inches long. Despite being born at 32 weeks, he is getting stronger every day. (The mothers of preemies will want more info: he is breathing on his own and beginning to tolerate larger feedings. He is jaundiced, so he is under the lights. He has a possible heart murmur and may need a blood transfusion at some point.) I'm sure Melanie will be posting more details soon on her blog, and I don't want to steal her thunder, but I wanted to share the news! Congratulations, Melanie and Riley, and my continued prayers and good thoughts for "Baby Bronco" and your family!! Love you guys!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
President Hinckley
President Hinckley, our beloved prophet, passed away at 7 p.m. this evening. I am so saddened by this news and know that millions will mourn his passing. His last public appearance was at the Utah State Capitol Re-Dedication, on January 4th, 2008, where he offered the dedicatory prayer. I was blessed to be there on that day to hear our venerable prophet with my own ears and see him with my own eyes. It is a moment I will never forget and treasure always. He was prophet and president of the church for the majority of my life and I will cherish him in my heart as "my" prophet forever.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
My job is so cool
Today I shook the hand of a true American Hero. George Wahlen, the last surviving recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor in Utah, attended my press conference today and I had the honor of meeting him. Dozens of veterans attended the House floor debate today to hear a UNANIMOUS vote in support of a bill that will appropriate money for another veterans' nursing home in Utah. Currently, there is only one veterans' nursing home and it has a waiting list of 100 people. (The current VA nursing home was named after George Wahlen in 2004.)
Monday, January 21, 2008
TWO YEARS!!!
I can hardly believe that John and I have been married for two years! Time has just flown by! John's kindness, intelligence, sense of humor, and love are all I could ever hope for in a spouse. He always tells me, "At the end of the day, every day, I love my wife." It's his affirmation that no matter what kind of day he's had or I've had or if we're going through a hard time, that there's no where else he'd rather be. I feel the same way! Whatever obstacles life has presented to us, we have tackled them together and come out the other side stronger for it. I know we will continue to grow and learn and struggle and succeed together and I'm looking forward to it!
I love you, Johnny, and I'm so happy that I'm married to you!
It's fun to work at the Capitol!
When I came into work today, there was a cute little customized cream soda waiting for me! All of the staff members and legislators got one. It has the Capitol on it! And my name!! And it was super fun to walk around with a brown bottle all day- all the interns thought I was getting sauced at 9 in the morning...hee hee hee.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Name tag
Normally, I don't respond to "tags" (otherwise known as "meme"s in the blog world, because they're all about me) but I saw this one on Rachel and James' blog and I thought it was pretty fun. So what the heck, here I go (I will also attempt to fill it out for John, and when I don't know the answer I will feel free to make it up.)
YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: [first pet & current car]
Barb: Sheba Sentra
John: Sunflower Element
YOUR GANGSTA NAME: [fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie]-
Barb: Vanilla Gingersnap
John: Cookie Dough Sugar
YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: [first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name]
Barb: B Tho
John: J Tho
YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: [favorite color, favorite animal]-
Barb: Chartreuse Penguin (??)
John: Purple Monkey
YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: [middle name, city where you were born]-
Barb: Lynn Columbus
John: Howard Holladay
YOUR STAR WARS NAME: [the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first]-
Barb: Thoba
John: Thojo
SUPERHERO NAME: ["The" + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink]-
Barb: the Pink Crystal (light)
John: the Black Doctor (pepper)
NASCAR NAME: [the first names of your grandfathers]-
Barb: Harold Floyd
John: Loile Wayne
RISQUE NAME: [the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy]-
Barb: Delicious Starburst
John: Burberry Snickers
WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: [mother's & father's middle names]-
Barb: Jean Harold
John: Bailey Howard
TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: [your 5th grade teacher's last name, a major city that starts with the same letter]-
Barb: Bleazard Boston
John: Potter Pittsberg
SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: [your favorite season/holiday, flower]-
Barb: Autumn Tulip
John: Arbor Dogwood
CARTOON NAME: [favorite fruit, article of clothing you're wearing right now + "ie" or "y"]-
Barb: Apple Cardigany
John: Peach Jeansy
HIPPY NAME: [what you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree]-
Barb: Oatmeal Willow
John: Enchilada Maple
YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: ["The" + your favorite hobby/craft, favorite weather element + "Tour"]-
Barb: the Photography Rain Tour
John: the Music Storm Tour
YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: [first pet & current car]
Barb: Sheba Sentra
John: Sunflower Element
YOUR GANGSTA NAME: [fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie]-
Barb: Vanilla Gingersnap
John: Cookie Dough Sugar
YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: [first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name]
Barb: B Tho
John: J Tho
YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: [favorite color, favorite animal]-
Barb: Chartreuse Penguin (??)
John: Purple Monkey
YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: [middle name, city where you were born]-
Barb: Lynn Columbus
John: Howard Holladay
YOUR STAR WARS NAME: [the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first]-
Barb: Thoba
John: Thojo
SUPERHERO NAME: ["The" + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink]-
Barb: the Pink Crystal (light)
John: the Black Doctor (pepper)
NASCAR NAME: [the first names of your grandfathers]-
Barb: Harold Floyd
John: Loile Wayne
RISQUE NAME: [the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy]-
Barb: Delicious Starburst
John: Burberry Snickers
WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: [mother's & father's middle names]-
Barb: Jean Harold
John: Bailey Howard
TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: [your 5th grade teacher's last name, a major city that starts with the same letter]-
Barb: Bleazard Boston
John: Potter Pittsberg
SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: [your favorite season/holiday, flower]-
Barb: Autumn Tulip
John: Arbor Dogwood
CARTOON NAME: [favorite fruit, article of clothing you're wearing right now + "ie" or "y"]-
Barb: Apple Cardigany
John: Peach Jeansy
HIPPY NAME: [what you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree]-
Barb: Oatmeal Willow
John: Enchilada Maple
YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: ["The" + your favorite hobby/craft, favorite weather element + "Tour"]-
Barb: the Photography Rain Tour
John: the Music Storm Tour
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
New job
I've started my new job and it's already pretty exciting. My official title is Media Relations Coordinator for the Utah House of Representatives Majority Caucus. Whew.
I have an ID badge that gives me access to all sorts of cool, secure rooms in the Capitol. My favorite so far? The kitchen with the built in fountain drink machine. Yay! I'm in a very nice, HUGE office that is really meant for two people but for now, it's just me. My office is on the fourth floor of the Capitol and overlooks downtown Salt Lake City. There are tours of legislative interns roaming the halls, getting acclimated to their new surroundings. Every now and then, I'll see a Representative or Senator. Mostly, though, everywhere I look are workmen and painters trying to finish the last minute "punch list" items. The Capitol is beautifully restored, but it's a huge space with such minute detail everywhere, so often I'll see shiny, dark wood, built-in cabinets... with no hardware to open them or blue tape on the walls marking where the paint needs to be touched up. Oh well- six more days until the Legislative Session starts- hopefully it will all be ready by then!!
I have an ID badge that gives me access to all sorts of cool, secure rooms in the Capitol. My favorite so far? The kitchen with the built in fountain drink machine. Yay! I'm in a very nice, HUGE office that is really meant for two people but for now, it's just me. My office is on the fourth floor of the Capitol and overlooks downtown Salt Lake City. There are tours of legislative interns roaming the halls, getting acclimated to their new surroundings. Every now and then, I'll see a Representative or Senator. Mostly, though, everywhere I look are workmen and painters trying to finish the last minute "punch list" items. The Capitol is beautifully restored, but it's a huge space with such minute detail everywhere, so often I'll see shiny, dark wood, built-in cabinets... with no hardware to open them or blue tape on the walls marking where the paint needs to be touched up. Oh well- six more days until the Legislative Session starts- hopefully it will all be ready by then!!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Happy Birthday Week!
This is the birthday week for a lot of my friends and family!!
My dear friend and sister-in-law, Chelsea, had her birthday on the 7th. Chelsea is stylish and creative- she has a great eye for fashion and design! She has also been a very sweet addition to the family- she is patient, genuine, thoughtful and fun! We have already spent some special moments together as sisters and I look forward to sharing many, many more with her!
My friend, Caroline, one of the best mothers and friends I know, celebrated her bday yesterday. She is truly one of my dearest friends. For years I was her children's nanny and I hope one day to be half the mother she is. She has been there for me through all my peaks and valleys of life- she nurtured my spirit when it was weak and was always my biggest fan!
My cousin, Christine, has her birthday tomorrow! She always has time for me and is a wonderful listener. Her compassion and loyalty have meant so much to me. She always includes me, supports me and makes me feel important. Even though I'm older by a year, I often find Christine is full of wisdom and grace that makes her feel like my OLDER cousin!
And my other dear sister-in-law, friend, confidant and example, Kerry, celebrates her birthday on Saturday! She is a great mom to the two biggest joys of my life, Sam and Lily, and a great companion to my big brother. She is so talented and hardworking and I really admire all she has accomplished!
What a wonderful week of birthdays! I am so lucky to have all these wonderful women in my life!
My dear friend and sister-in-law, Chelsea, had her birthday on the 7th. Chelsea is stylish and creative- she has a great eye for fashion and design! She has also been a very sweet addition to the family- she is patient, genuine, thoughtful and fun! We have already spent some special moments together as sisters and I look forward to sharing many, many more with her!
My friend, Caroline, one of the best mothers and friends I know, celebrated her bday yesterday. She is truly one of my dearest friends. For years I was her children's nanny and I hope one day to be half the mother she is. She has been there for me through all my peaks and valleys of life- she nurtured my spirit when it was weak and was always my biggest fan!
My cousin, Christine, has her birthday tomorrow! She always has time for me and is a wonderful listener. Her compassion and loyalty have meant so much to me. She always includes me, supports me and makes me feel important. Even though I'm older by a year, I often find Christine is full of wisdom and grace that makes her feel like my OLDER cousin!
And my other dear sister-in-law, friend, confidant and example, Kerry, celebrates her birthday on Saturday! She is a great mom to the two biggest joys of my life, Sam and Lily, and a great companion to my big brother. She is so talented and hardworking and I really admire all she has accomplished!
What a wonderful week of birthdays! I am so lucky to have all these wonderful women in my life!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Our role in gender roles
Check out this very interesting post over on Feminist Mormon Housewives. Lisa brings up a really good point about gender roles and how we emphasize or change them in our own lives. I really liked a lot of the comments, too. She also brought up the fact that religion (specifically mine) has very little to with the gender roles found in any particular society. I agree with that. We believe that gender is inherent, and with that comes a scope of responsibility. But Lisa's examples of sewing and car maintenance aren't in that scope, yet some would say those tasks have a "gender" attached to them. In fact, other commenters on this post brought up the fact that our church leaders have encouraged us to become more self-reliant in all tasks. I encourage you to follow the link to this post and read what Lisa has to say, then share your thoughts here (or on FMH).
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While I'm on the subject of sending you on link treasure hunts, head over to the Myers' blog where Steve has posted about why he likes Ron Paul for 2008 and he's asking for your feedback, opinions and questions. It's a great, friendly forum for discussing the election.
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While I'm on the subject of sending you on link treasure hunts, head over to the Myers' blog where Steve has posted about why he likes Ron Paul for 2008 and he's asking for your feedback, opinions and questions. It's a great, friendly forum for discussing the election.
Select a Candidate 2008 Widget
I've added this American Public Media Select a Candidate 2008 for you all. It's really cool- you answer how you feel about a certain subject and then you are matched up to the candidate you should support. I was surprised that I wasn't as similar to some of my favorites as I thought. It's a useful tool. (I won't be able to see your results, FYI.)
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
New Family Blog
I've started a blog for my family to contribute to called Spencer Pines. Soon I hope to have one for John's family, too. I'm following Lyndsay's good example!
Capitol Re-Dedication Ceremony
DISCLAIMER** I know that I am turning into the biggest political nerd and it's probably boring you guys to death, but that's just the price of being my friend.**
(Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News)
Some of you know I have a new job working for the Utah State House of Representatives. I am going to be the Media Relations person for the Majority Caucus and house leadership. (Mmm, kay, what??) Translation: whenever a legislator wants to hold a press conference, I will make it happen. I am excited about this new opportunity!
Last Friday, I was invited to the Senate breakfast at the Grand America. It was a fancy affair, with VIPs everywhere. The most amazing part was that I actually knew some of the people there!! Then after that, I headed over the the Capitol. I volunteered as an usher for the Re-Dedication Ceremony.
(Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News)
It was an incredible experience! The Mormon Tabernacle choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square, Bell Choirs, the International Children's choir, the Madeline School Choir and the 23rd Army brass band were there to provide INCREDIBLE music! I had a great view of the proceedings from the 4th floor balcony (right above the stage). The acoustics were amazing in the rotunda and it was so fun to look into the audience and see people I knew (or recognized).
(Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News)
The governor was there, along with Secretary Leavitt, the First Presidency, clergy from other churches, all the legislators and Supreme Court of Utah Justices, former governors... the list goes on and on! President Hinckley invoked the Dedicatory Prayer on the new building.
(Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News)
I didn't find out until later that the body of a construction worker had been found during the ceremony! What a sad (and kind of freakish) thing!
(Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News)Some of you know I have a new job working for the Utah State House of Representatives. I am going to be the Media Relations person for the Majority Caucus and house leadership. (Mmm, kay, what??) Translation: whenever a legislator wants to hold a press conference, I will make it happen. I am excited about this new opportunity!
Last Friday, I was invited to the Senate breakfast at the Grand America. It was a fancy affair, with VIPs everywhere. The most amazing part was that I actually knew some of the people there!! Then after that, I headed over the the Capitol. I volunteered as an usher for the Re-Dedication Ceremony.
(Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News)It was an incredible experience! The Mormon Tabernacle choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square, Bell Choirs, the International Children's choir, the Madeline School Choir and the 23rd Army brass band were there to provide INCREDIBLE music! I had a great view of the proceedings from the 4th floor balcony (right above the stage). The acoustics were amazing in the rotunda and it was so fun to look into the audience and see people I knew (or recognized).
(Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News) The governor was there, along with Secretary Leavitt, the First Presidency, clergy from other churches, all the legislators and Supreme Court of Utah Justices, former governors... the list goes on and on! President Hinckley invoked the Dedicatory Prayer on the new building.
(Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News)I didn't find out until later that the body of a construction worker had been found during the ceremony! What a sad (and kind of freakish) thing!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
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