Week 7:

Class this week was different. The topic of sex and intimacy can be uncomfortable and awkward but it was just the opposite. The topic was treated with respect and dignity. I learned several things that will be beneficial in my life and hopefully the lives of my future children. 

Intimacy is a sacred experience. It is a very special opportunity we share with one certain person. It is crazy to me how Satan works so hard to make the most sacred things feel like dirty sins. We shouldn't feel this way! Intimacy should be seen as something that unites the marriage and strengthens bonds between a husband and a wife. 

I realized the importance of teaching my children what I want them to know, instead of them learning from their peers. Children should feel safe and secure when asking these questions. I hope that I can teach my children of the sanctity and importance of intimacy within a marriage. 

Week 6:

This week the topic of class was the transition into marriage. The one thing I have written down most in my notes is in importance of DATING. Dating is such an important part in getting to know somebody. But dating should not end there though. Dating is vital in all stages of preparing for marriage and is essential after the wedding is over and real life has set in.
In the reading this week, we focused on four steps everyone should take when going through this transition process.
   1. Dating - Dating a variety of people and doing a variety of different activities.
   2. Courtship - Exclusive dating, a trial period. It is still important to continue going on dates.
   3. Engagement - There is a ring on her finger and a date is set. This is a time for couples to rely on       each other, make decisions together, practice sacrifice for/with each other, establish boundaries, and to problem solve together.
   4. Marriage - Dating is still wildly important when trying to make a marriage last.

It is very important for couples to not get carried away with the trivial things involved in a wedding and focus more on the part that will hopefully last forever.
Brother Williams said, "More time is spent planning the wedding than planning the marriage."
I think we can all agree that the marriage is far more important than the wedding.

Week 5:

This week the main topic was preparing for marriage. Even though I have already picked the person I want to spend the eternities with, these helpful hints apply to me. We talked about the importance of dating. Today the rage is "hanging out." We miss out on so many things, and conversations when we just "hang out" with groups of friends. The decision of marriage is hard enough, but without enough dating and getting to know each other, it could be even more difficult. 

The dating topic is also a very good reminder to me as someone who has been married for two years. My husband and I need to do a better job at keeping things fun and entertaining. Dating is something we need to do even after being married for fifty years. 

As I look back on my dating experience with my husband, I am grateful for the time we took to get to know each other in different situations, and seasons. I loved seeing how he interacting and treated his friends and family. Both of which were very important to me. 

Before jumping into the big commitment of marriage, be sure important topics and future plans are discussed. I also believe that it is vital you enjoy having fun together. Don't take things and life in general too seriously. 

I loved this quote by President Kimball. Our decision about marriage effects generations to come. Choose wisely.

“Marriage is perhaps the most vital of all the decisions and has the most far-reaching effects, for it has to do not only with immediate happiness, but eternal joy as well. It affects not only the two people involved, but their families and particularly their children and their children’s children down through the many generations.” (Spencer W. Kimball, 1976, Marriage and Divorce, 2) 

Week 4:

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "In His grand design, when God first created man, He created duality of the sexes. The ennobling expression of that duality is found in marriage. One individual is complementary to the other. As Paul stated, 'Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord' (1 Corinthians 11:11). There is no other arrangement that meets the divine purposes of the Almighty. Man and woman are His creations. Their duality is His design. Their complementary relationships and functions are fundamental to His purposes. One is incomplete without the other." 

I love this quote. I know that God created men and women so that together we can be one. This week we have learned about the differences between men and women. We know that men are more masculine, protective, task oriented, focused, and women are more gentle, verbal, loving and detail oriented (not all). I know that both sets of characteristics help us help each other. They are created to balance each other and to become one. It is Gods plan for us. 

The proclamation states, "By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners." 

I know it is true. I believe that these differences are essential to every family and their family system.

Week 3:

The lesson I enjoyed most this week was on social class and families. I found the discussion very interesting. We talked about the things that might define "upper class" such as, money, social perception and education. We discussed that most "upper class" families will more likely have a set of values, structure, very clear rules. The "lower class" has to work themselves up and usually don't have those same set of values because they aren't focused on those things. The "upper class" has some similarities with the family. A family provides us with structure for the children and adults. Families have expectations and hopes for each family member.

A different way of looking as social class: I would not say my family is "upper class" but I do believe my parents are upper "middle class."
I grew up in Utah until my senior year of high school then we moved to Idaho. My father is an attorney and the pay decrease was huge when we moved to Idaho. While living in Utah, my siblings and I were given everything. We were spoiled. Therefore, it made it difficult for me and my siblings to move and to transition into NOT getting everything we want.
After being married for two years and realizing that money and social class are not the most important things in life. I have realized that the best thing my parents ever did for us is move us to Idaho. It has made us realize money does not come easy, to not be so high maintenance and to appreciate everything in life. I am grateful my parents made this sacrifice even if it meant a sacrifice for themselves.

This really doesn't have a lot to do with the actual topic of "social class" but this is the thought that popped into my head during the class discussion.