Thoughts about Cell Phones

Dear Readers,
Let me tell you a little story.
My sister is turning 16 tomorrow. It's awesome. She's awesome. She's turning 16 on 12/12/12. And she gets that awesome date on her license. She also gets a phone tomorrow. I don't think she reads my blog...and even if she did it wouldn't be a big deal because she knows she's getting it. We all got a phone for our 16th birthday. It's a good age. You don't need a phone before because 1) your friends all have one-so you can borrow it and feel lame that you don't have one (that's what she says at least) 2) you aren't driving so you don't need to call mom/have mom call you to pick something up 3) you aren't dating until you're 16 so you really don't need anyone to call you and if a boy is calling/texting you they shouldn't be because you shouldn't be dating. So they can call your house. And your mom can answer and then give the phone to you. DONE.

My mom washed her phone in the laundry machine. So my sister is getting my line (a different number) and my mom gets to put her SIM card in my phone.

All that being said, I am happily getting kicked off my parents cell phone contract. I will be joining Tanner's families plan.
I have a few mixed feelings about this.
-I feel like we should be independent and pay for our own phones.
-I also know we can't afford it and it's ridiculous how much they make you pay for phones
-Tanner needs a smart phone because he's smart and because his field of work (in the business world) basically demands him to be available via email at all times.
-I wish we could get our own plan. We've looked and it is soo expensive. That being said, we're still going to pay for our portion of the plan with Tanner's family, but I still feel bad.
-I will get a new number. I will also get a new area code and people will be like...woah she's cool cuz she's not from Utah

So my mother came and picked up my phone this morning. The number was disconnected and when I called, it said it was my sister's new number. I haven't had my phone for like four hours and it feels like i'm naked...
It is hard in this world to not have a cell phone. It's also strange that it's so hard. We were all fine, happy, functioning people before cell phones were invented. We were fine before it was mainstream to have one too. What happened? Why can't we just call the home line? It takes time for people to get back to you, to return your calls. It's inconvenient to look up addresses on google maps and WRITE DOWN directions for heaven's sake. It's also hard to wear a watch so you can look at your wrist for the time instead of your phone. And it's hard to have to play games on your calculator during class. I'm being sarcastic.
What is so hard about not having a cell phone?
Is it because we're used to having something there, something to check when we have nothing to do? Something to play and someone to text when we're bored? A way to "connect" us to other people. Even though since we've had cell phones I would say we're more disconnected as a society. I won't get into that now though.

Strange. Cell phones are so strange.

I'm sitting in a computer lab waiting for my husband to finish his final. I asked to borrow a strangers phone to text him where I was so he can come when he's done. I told this stranger that I left my phone at home. It was easier than relaying all of what I've written above. So then I was sitting here, doing nothing (because I have one final left on Thursday that is online and going to be EASY) when I just felt bad. I felt bad for telling her a lie. It ate me up so I apologized to her and explained that I felt bad that I just told her a little lie so I wouldn't have to explain details about not having a phone and such. I am so glad I did. It's so easy to apologize and have those bad feelings melt away. I'm so grateful I did so.

So there you have it readers, my cell phone saga and why I love repenting.
So go apologize to someone that you need to and let's start a revolution and not use our cell phones anymore.

What's in a Name?

Well, here I am sitting at home at 10:30 am. We have 9 am church. I sat through Sacrament meeting while Tanner was fanning me and felt like I was going to explode. Hi, I'm almost 39 weeks pregnant. I was hot, sweaty, anxious and could NOT sit still. And I'm supposed to sit upright without crossing my legs to help baby be in the best position. I turned to Tanner once and said, "I think I'm going to die". I really did, in that moment feel like every fiber in my body wanted to explode. He suggested I go home. So I'm home, sitting in bed lost in my thoughts.

One conversation I've had at least daily for the past few months consists of someone asking me if we know if we're having a boy or girl and then immediately followed by, "Do you have a name yet?"

Do we have a name yet...

A name is so important. It's defining. It's your identity. It is the word you will respond to, that cues your attention and beckons you to respond. A name is important.

I remember one of the first talks I gave in church was about my name. I was asked to talk about the importance of a name and my name. I was like what, 10? That's a topic for a ten year old. I don't remember all that I said but I do remember researching with my dad our last name. I remember reading about all those family members who came before me and coming to a small understanding of the significance of a family name. Perhaps the last name is most important because it connects you to other people.

Why does the name, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints matter? Because it identifies us with Jesus Christ. 3 Nephi 27: 3-9 . I love this set of verses. We take upon us the name of Christ and strive to do as He would have us. Verse 6 "And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day."

Yes, names are important. Perhaps last names are more important because it is your family name. But I know there is significance in a person's first name. We do have a name we love for this little girl. But we have back up options too. She may come out and not look like the name we've thought of. It may not be her identifying word.

After reading those verses however I have realized that it truly only matters that eventually in her life, this little babe will grow
up and take upon her the name of Christ. It only matters that she stays true to herself and her testimony of Christ. It matters that she feels connected to her name of Pearson and also to her name of Lewis. It matters that she feels loved and cherished by her parents and Father in Heaven. A name is important but a new name in Christ is more important.

This was taken last week just shy of 38 weeks. Gooo baby!

Remind me on Wednesday to write about our neighbors....and their Opera singing at 12 am...I MUST document this time in our lives.