Honor

It's been pretty easy for me most of my life to be a member of the church and not be ridiculed or "persecuted". It's been pretty easy to just go about my life and not really worry about how it fits in with the general population, though I suspect that as we progress farther into the latter days the gap between the Lord's people and the rest of the world will only grow wider. Probably less of a gray area socially and more of a requirement to make a stand or just stand by.

AKA "the feasting on of hands"

Not that I'm AT ALL the type to count on people buying you things, but if it's likely that friends will be throwing you a baby shower or two, you will probably end up with quite a few things. If this is the case, I wouldn't worry about buying too many little things like cute outfits. That's what everyone else buys. If I went through it again for the first time with what I know now, I'd be focusing on the big baby hardware, diapers, or even just saving my money so I could buy things as the time gets closer (or for when your husband gets the urge to nest... and he will). Just keep in mind whatever you buy now, you'll be storing for the next few months if not longer. We didn't even set up the crib until a few months after our son arrived because he was in our room with the bassinet (borrowed) or the pack-n-play next to my side of the bed making night time nursing easier.

Welcome to the club my friend!

So what you're saying is that being funny took quite an effort. Got it. Congrats!

I'm never very good with confrontation, but I do have strong opinions on breastfeeding. I always used a blanket, and tried to be very discreet, but even that is not required by law. Thankfully I usually found myself in nursing friendly crowds, and I was never asked to change my practices in church or any other public setting. For the most part I've found that other members in wards I've been in hold a similar opinion. If anyone didn't, it was likely they had never had children. I would respectfully hold my ground, although I don't really know the proper way to go about things should the bishop insist.

Is coloring one's hair considered vain?

Used to go monthly. Went twice in '09 and once so far this year. One session scheduled for next week and aiming to go at least once a month until the end of the year if not more.

Not to get too technical, but just for the sake of clarification, the tights with a shorter skirt question isn't quite the same as the tank top over garments situation. If someone wasn't wearing tights with a short skirt and letting the garments MAKE them stay modest, it'd be the same thing, but how different is wearing totally opaque tights from wearing pants when it comes to modesty. Unless a skirt is so short it's practicably leaving nothing to the imagination even with tights on, what is the real problem there if the garments are covered? If it's an issue of how tight something is, wouldn't it depend on each outfit? I have a skirt that when standing, comes to my knees. It has buttons down the front, and when I sit down, there is the chance that my garments would show between the bottom of the skirt and the first button, which is why I wear it with dark tights so I'm not paranoid about it every time I sit down. What's the real difference there? Do we dare bring the idea of leggings into this conversation? I'm not sure how I feel about this, just trying to sort it out in my mind.

"So wave goodbye to a time That you once believed was everything I’m ready to live I’m ready to dream I’m ready for fear, love and everything between Don’t tell me I’m right Don’t tell me I’m wrong Just tell me I’m strong enough for one more song And this could be the one to say it right Bringing warmth into the night I’m going for broke, but I’ve got hope Yeah, I’ve got hope."

I think it's been discussed recently here: http://www.lds.net/forums/general-discussion/32471-gay-but-clean.html#post507171

Happy Birthday Sweety!

THAT'S AWESOME! I think I know what I'm doing with my afternoon now!

Oh you think I'M singing?! HAHAHAHA

Could this possibly be because it's never the men that bring jello to ward functions? Uh oh, does this mean most women in the church prefer women to men too?!

Sounds like fun Bini! Hope it's as relaxing and enjoyable as it sounds. My son is with his dad for the holiday weekend and I don't really have any plans. My fam all lives in Cali while I'm in Utah so no Family BBQ's. Tonight I'm gonna go hang out at an open mic night in SLC as a "This Is Not a Divorce Party" Celebration. I haven't gotten the word yet that my divorce was actually signed by the judge, but my attorney expected it this week or asap next. Still playing it by ear for Monday, but it's kinda nice to have it be a little up in the air. Hope everyone else enjoys their weekends as well!

FYI: Kieth Merrill directed The Testaments and I've personally heard him speak about the process of casting and creating a non-commercial movie produced by the church - all those employed by the church are held to the same hiring requirements. http://www.lds.net/forums/general-discussion/32148-lds-casting-notice-project-new-testament.html#post503066 A little bit of info on some of the past LDS film projects: Leading Actors and Filmmakers in LDS Cinema

That's what I was thinking. I've viewed Child Support in a similar way to how I view a tax return. It's a reimbursement and I've already paid tithing on the income.

FT, I miss you!

Good luck to your boys T..... for now.

From BBC News - South Park duo write Broadway musical about Mormons Hahaha guess we'll see!

Welcome Beth, I am a single mother myself. I was raised in the church (which obviously doesn't make us immune to life's struggles, lol), as was my soon to be ex husband from whom I've been separated from for a year and a half. We have a 3 year old son. There IS a huge focus on families in the LDS church, but I don't believe there is an expectation for what we PERCEIVE as perfection. We believe that the family unit is vital in the Lord's plan for His children because it is the structure in which they will learn who they are, why they are here, and where they are going. It is the foundation for their testimonies of the Lord Jesus Christ, and shapes their outlook on the world. That always sounds like a bit of a daunting task to parents, but no home is perfect. We are all doing the best we can, in millions of unique family situations. It is not as black and white as married or not married. It is about the home you strive to create for your precious children as they grow, and the goals you yourself strive for in your own eternal journey. The focus on family extends past ourselves, our spouse and our children. As you come more in contact with the church, I believe you will see that it provides a family-like structure in each congregation, with programs for personal growth for all ages. It would be an amazing resource, network and help to you as you do the great work of raising your children. If there are negative feelings felt by single parents in the church is what they THINK people are thinking and not what people actually are. As I entered the world of single motherhood, I felt my ward members close ranks around me and show me a love and understanding in so many ways. I recently moved and have have been warmly welcomed into a new ward by strangers who had no idea of my specific marital situation - just that I was there with my son and no husband. I believe and hope that you will find welcoming arms in your experience. Most of the members in wards I've been in have been very charitable (see the quote at the bottom of my post) - realizing that none of us has the perfectly ideal situation in life, and that we're all trying to push on together, regardless of our differing trials. Try not to look for situations that would seem to exclude you or make you feel unwelcomed. I'd certainly never look at someone and think, "Wow, she's a single mother, she shouldn't be here" and never would have even when I was married with the "ideal" home. I doubt you would. Don't assume new people you meet would think so either. I know that I've been guilty of not being brave in initiating conversation with strangers, and I need to be, especially at church. Be brave, be friendly, be forgiving and I think you'll be surprised at how many people will welcome you with open arms, and befriend & love you and your children. I hope you have a wonderful experience becoming acquainted with this faith. It will bless your life more than you could ever imagine. Everyone else is just as imperfect as yourself, and this gospel is for you as much as it is for anyone else. Welcome (to the site as well) Sister! :)

Didn't know about this one. I hadn't even thought about if I really wanted to attend a mid-singles ward once my divorce is finalized (it'd be every other weekend that I'd be able to anyway) but good to know I shouldn't even bother.

It was a great time. You guys were all so sweet about Grant's business. It was great to see you all!

Yup! :) See ya there! (Kiddo will be in tow tonight - finally)