Friday: Ben and I went to look at options for jogging strollers and bike carriers for Troy. We learned that there are way too many options. I am officially confused on what we should get. It was fun to look though. Brittany volunteered to watch Troy without us even asking. So we got Jambas and went to a few stores to look. Anyones advice on this would be greatly appreciated. A single seems the best for running but it also seems pointless when we have more children. Suggestions on what kind or even where to look?
Saturday: Troy and I played all morning and went to the Kitchens for a little bit. I love having close friends near. Not as great as having them within walking distance though. I did not appreciate Cambridge Court enough when we were there. So many friends so flippin close! But we are loving where we are. I love our townhome. I didn't think I would love it so much. Maybe its because I just play with Troy. So really, it's Troy I love so much.
The main thing we learned on Saturday is from Ben's experience. Ben went to the Utah Coalition Against Pornography conference with the bishopric and other advisors. (Ben's a Priest Quorum advisor.) He said it was just eye opening and we just need to raise awareness. It is not uncommon at all and ignoring it makes it worse. They said it was an addiction that is worse than cocaine and so you can't overcome it without help. But you CAN overcome it. There were a lot of recovered guys there. I think it's pretty studly of them to come out and share their stories. We also learned that the addiction actually starts to shrink the front of the brain. They had a neuroscientist share lots of research. We just need to raise awareness. Most of the men that got into it started around age 12. 12!! I think the more I learn about it the less judgmental I am able to be because of how common and difficult it is for those who are going through it. We just need to help them get better through love and getting them to support groups if they are willing. For those who are not, my heart truly goes out to them and their families. Internet is great, but it has made this problem a bajillion times worse. Pornography sites are actually a federal offense but the representitives at this conference say that they have tried so hard with top people in Washington and they just refuse to enforce it. There is too much money in it and too many politicians are afraid of stirring up free speech rights. Too many companies profit from it. AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Apple, and many more. The only way that these Politicians will listen is through the voice of the people. That's why awareness is so important. Anyway, they recommended a couple of books to raise awareness. One is He Restoreth My Soul by Donald L. Hilton, MD,(this is the neuroscientist) and Clean hands, Pure heart by Phillip A. Harrison. Both can be found at Deseret Book. I'll get off my soapbox now... it will probably come back though. :)
Saturday night I went to the Utah Symphony with Rachel. The night started out pretty funny because we didn't realize that the General Young Women's meeting would be getting out right when we were trying to park. We finally found a place but we didn't know if you had to pay and so Rachel went over to a car to ask but the driver just sat their staring at her very awkwardly and wouldn't roll down her window. Oh I was laughing so hard. We finally got to the concert. I forgot how much I love going to the Symphony. During the concert we got to watch this amazing 16 year old boy play the violin and I could not believe how good he was. Ben and I will definitely be going sometime. Rachel and I had so much fun though. I forgot how much I laugh with her! Ben was at home taking care of Troy and getting his lesson ready. He taught his first lesson to the Priests on Sunday. He did an object lesson on Repentance and had them all hold mud (thanks Dave Card for the suggestion.) I don't think they will forget that lesson :)
Sunday: We both went to church partially. Troy was coughing a ton the night before, so we switched off the three hours of church. We went to Mom Allsop's after and ate an extremely delicious dinner. It's always that much better on Fast Sunday too. We played croquet and Brayden burned us all. I just love Sundays. I can't wait for General Conference!!
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