Being A Good Citizen – Page 2

Pioneer Heritage…And The Tale Of A Farm Kid!

Pioneer Heritage…And The Tale Of A Farm Kid!

On July 24th, those of us who live in Utah celebrate the pioneers who first settled this beautiful state! No matter where you’re from, like me, I’m sure that you love all the wonderful things about the state you call home. (You can read more on a few of the things I love about Utah here.)

After several months and countless miles of travel and trials, Brigham Young led the first company of Mormon pioneers into Utah’s valley of the Great Salt Lake.

Gazing over the parched earth of the remote location, Young declared, “This is the place!” (Utah Archives)

One of the things I love most about Utah is the amazing people and the heritage of ingenuity and service they have, as well as the dedicated work ethic that has been passed on from one generation to another. My father’s parents came from Norway and raised wheat and barley. My dad continued to farm that same land when he wasn’t teaching his college courses. I cherish the memories I have of helping my parents out at our farm; I was taught a lot about hard work, lessons I may not have necessarily wanted to learn at the time!

A Farm Kid Joins The Marines!

Recently, I received this story from a great doctor friend of mine. I chuckled at the tongue-in-cheek humor, but I was also touched by the neat message it shares about the willingness of so many American people, committed to the heritage of the state they were raised in, as well as this great nation, to make the choice to live purposefully!

Pioneer Heritage...An A Tale Of A Farm Kid! www.mytributejournal.com

(Abbreviated from original version–shared with me by Dr. Doug Coombs)

Hearing the sad news about Marines being killed in Chattanooga this past week was a strong reminder for me that one of the best things we can do to pay tribute to those (past and present) who help pave the way for us to enjoy the freedoms we have, is to respect and serve each other and honor the great heritage that is ours, not only in our home states, but in this wonderful land of America!

Pioneer Heritage! www.mytributejournal.com

Happy Pioneer Day, beautiful Utah!

What part of your heritage resonates with you and helps you to live better?

–Mary

I Pledge Allegiance

I Pledge Allegiance!

Most mornings while driving to work, I listen to a local radio station who invites various elementary classes to recite the Pledge of Allegiance; I remember doing the same thing when I was in grade school. The hopefulness that is heard in the innocent voices of these children as they utter these age old words can’t help but leave you feeling very blessed to live in America!

The Privilege Of Being Able To Say The Pledge Of Allegiance!

I find it such a privilege to be able stand while placing my hand over my heart and say the Pledge of Allegiance in honor of America’s flag and the wonderful freedoms we enjoy here!

The Pledge of Allegiance! www.mytributejournal.com

I pledge (v. solemnly promising to a significant undertaking) allegiance (n. a loyal commitment)

I Pledge Allegiance! www.mytributejournal.com

to the flag (n. a piece of cloth used as a sacred symbol or emblem of a country)

I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag! www.mytributejournal.com

of the United States Of America (n. a federal republic comprised of 50 states that originated in the American War of Independence and the successful ascension over British rule)

usa-politcal-map

and to the Republic for which it stands (n. a form of government in which power is explicitly vested in the people, who in turn exercise their power through elected representatives)

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one nation (n. an organized body of people) under God (n. a divine being, perfect in power, wisdom and goodness)

Utah scenery www.mytributejournal.com

indivisible (adj. impossible to divide or separate) with liberty (n. the state of being free)

and justice (n. genuine concern and respect for people) for all!

I Pledge Allegiance! www.mytributejournal.com

May you all enjoy a very blessed 4th of July!

What gives you the “patriotic chills”?

–Mary

Yay, November!

Yay, November!

It has been such an amazing fall so far…but even as the temperatures start to get colder, and snow is dusting the mountain tops as I look out my windows, I can still honestly say…

Some of the reasons I’m saying “Yay, November”!

Did you know that today is National Sandwich Day! Yep, that’s right, one of America’s all-time favorite things to eat has a special day of celebration!

History records that November 3rd is the birthday anniversary of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. This 18th-century English aristocrat was apparently a hard-core gambler who didn’t want to leave the gaming table to eat, so he told his servants to place some meats between two slices of bread so he could continue to play in a gambling tournament while eating his lunch.

The Italian Place in Logan, Utah, is a fun, eclectic place to eat. Their roast beef sandwich, the Manhattan, served hot with melted provolone cheese and banana peppers, is probably one of mine and my husband’s all-time favorite sandwiches.

My husband often goes to the Italian Place whenever he’s in Logan on business, and has become good friends with the owner who let him in on some of the basic ingredients of the Manhattan sandwich. We make our version of this scrumptious sandwich for weekend parties and game nights. (I will share the yummy recipe soon on an upcoming post.)

We get to experience our right to VOTE in November–tomorrow, in fact!

I was always so impressed with the patriotic hearts of my dear parents when I was growing up. They saw the opportunity to vote as a most cherished privilege!

“I love voting day, I love the sight of other American citizens lining up to make their voices heard.” from the life history of Merle M. Jorgensen

If you aren’t sure where your voting district is located, or you’d like to study more on each candidate and their stand on various issues, visit your local government website. It was nice for me to be able to sit down with my husband and read more about the amendments that were being voted on too.

Our county is trying a new mail-in ballot with detailed instructions on how to fill them out included. They must be postmarked a day before official voting takes place.

The cold weather of November calls for some warm, cozy slippers to be worn!

I got these knitted slippers from the Esty shop, DaisyChain–they remind me of ones my grandma used to knit.

And who knew that the company who makes the popular Ugg boots, also makes slippers. Don’t these just say, “Hello winter!” Love the color!

November is the perfect month to enjoy spicy, warm quick breads!

I know everyone has their favorite family recipe for pumpkin spice bread, but if you want to whip up a quick loaf without a lot of fuss, I highly recommend this Krusteaz Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread!

I put a loaf in my oven this morning before I started taking down my Halloween decorations. My house smells like November now!

My husband recently discovered that they sell extra large boxes that contain enough for 4 loaves of pumpkin bread at Costco.

Like any other month of the year, November is a great time to appreciate all the things we have, and enjoy spending fun times with family and friends!