My Thoughs on Alternative Lifestyles

I have spent countless hours over the years evaluating my beliefs and pondering what is best for me and my family .  For several years after moving to Milwaukee I chose to put religion on the back burner.  I couldn't find a balance between what I thought was right and ethical and what I learned in church.  There is a popular "all or nothing" Mormon mentality that I really struggle with.  e.i. It's either all correct or it's not.  You can not enjoy the benefits of the gospel without embracing every aspect of it's past, present and future.  At times I felt out of place because I had my own unique beliefs.
For example:
I have a difficult time with the idea that this was ordained of God, (the original alternative lifestyle)

but this is of the Devil.

I have a problem with people who use the slippery slope mentality.  i.e. If we allow gays to marry why not allow bestiality.  If we allow gay couples to raise children, the children will grow up to be gay.  etc.  To me these arguments are very reminiscent of those made during the civil rights movement in the 60's.
  These conflicts are part of what kept me away for so many years.  After having Oliver I decided that regardless of these conflicts, I wanted to raise my children in the gospel.  I fell in love with the members of my ward and I can not begin to express my gratitude for the compassion that has been shown to me, especially this last year since my diagnosis.  I may not agree with all of the teachings and I certainly don't agree with some of the early church practices but I feel in my heart that it is what is best for my family.  And for the most part, people in the church are both accepting of my beliefs and tolerant towards the beliefs of others.  
I'm writing this post mainly because of a comment I left on Facebook.  I tend to be a sarcastic person and at times people don't understand what I am trying to say.  I in no way was trying to offend anyone.  I had spent the day reading bigoted and disrespectful anti-gay posts that I found offensive.   I was just trying, with humor, to show my disdain for people who are hateful.  There were many people, on the other hand, who wrote though provoking sentiments on both sides, which I completely respect.  I just hope and pray that as a Nation, and followers of Christ, that we can strive to love one another.  I think that is something that we can all agree on.

My Sweet Scandinavian Babies

 It's official, I have the cutest kids in the whole world!  They may look like I stole them from Denmark or Sweden but they are all mine and I love them. When I saw this photo for the first time I got a little choked up.  I can't express how grateful I am that Oliver and Hazel have each other. 

 Not our best family photo ever but at least we are all looking in the same direction.  Matt was really bummed out that I made him take pictures on his birthday. 

 Miss Hazel was such a poser.  She was rolling on the floor coming up with these yoga/ photo poses that you couldn't help but laugh at. She always likes to put her own little twist on things.

 This is Oliver's GQ photo.  What a handsome little man.

 

We have had Grandma Tina and Papa Phil out to visit for the last two weeks.  We had such a great time.