Shortly after I started my blog last June, I wrote a post titled, Mormons are Funny. The point of it was to make fun of myself for being “surprised” by the very funny Mormon writers I encountered in my blog surfing. I won’t elaborate since most of my current readers have seen that one – but if you haven’t, I suggest you read what I wrote before commenting on how offensive and closed minded I am (I fully addressed that at the time).
I like to think of my husband Chris as an armchair expert on Mormons (stop cringing Chris – this won’t be TOO embarrassing). He grew up in a part of Phoenix, AZ that had a large Mormon population and was one of the few non-Mormon kids in his elementary school. While his own experience has been limited to – well, his own experience, I’ve found that most of his insights have been backed up by my new online Mormon friends (expect for his speculation that Kacy is a Jack Mormon – he was dead wrong about that!)
One thing that I’ve found to be a theme throughout the various Mormon blogs that I’ve seen is that these people are by and large REALLY attractive. I mentioned this to Chris at some point and he verified that I was definitely on target. In his experience, Mormon girls are known for being pretty. Of course this is a generalization (what isn’t?!), but as a group, they are known for above average looks. I’m sure that a fugly Mormon slips into the mix here and there – but they’re also known for being kind and accepting people. So it’s all good.
As if to prove my point, I recently came across a blog showcasing people who could easily win a pageant for the most beautiful family, if such a thing existed (I bet it does – I should forward them an application). And what a surprise – they’re Mormon!
I would love to include a picture – but that would be inappropriate. I mean – they have a public blog, but I think you do kind of need permission to post pictures of SOMEONE ELSE’S FAMILY. Even talking about it is borderline creepy.
Speaking of creepy – this isn’t the first time that I’ve written about them. I also made mention of this family on Tuesday. I was annoyed because I lost track of the blog address and wrote everything above before realizing that I couldn’t prove that they existed. While I still think it would be crossing a line to steal pictures of someone’s family from their blog, I have no problem featuring a link. It’s done all the time with memes and whatnot – right? Besides, that blog once linked to my Mormons Are Funny post – so I consider it quid pro quo.
Luckily for me, I have helpful friends. One of them suggested that I check my web history. Of course this never occurred to me at the time because I’m whiny enough to complain about losing the link, but lazy enough to not actually do anything about it. So this little kick in the pants gave me the motivation to try (particularly since I knew it would take about two minutes and I could accomplish the task while watching television).
And luckily for you – I was successful! So here it is. The (two day) long anticipated link to the most beautiful family that I’ve ever seen. And even the name says it all: It’s a Wonderful Life. I’m not surprised.
To prove my allegation above about joint linking, here is the post I was referencing: Why Blog? I’m “and this one also.”
Now before you go traipsing over there to judge – just remember that my glowing reviews might tend to raise expectations. And of course there is that whole “to each his own” thing that makes for differing opinions on such matters. So I don’t want to see any unnecessary criticisms in my comments section. Remember that while they’re beautiful, they also have feelings – and they didn’t ask to be in the spotlight. Don’t hate them because they’re beautiful.
In all seriousness, I think I like reading that blog because it’s just really happy. Sure, they’re scandalously good looking – but they also seem like a nice group of people. Every post features a smile, a giggle or a tender moment. And what could be more fun than a big family of girls? They remind me of the books I loved when I was a girl (Little Women, All of a Kind Family, etc.) And ultimately, that’s what this whole blogging thing is about anyway – having a window into someone else’s life. Or maybe that’s what being a blog lurker is all about… Either way – the intentions are good.
I usually have good intentions – so please don’t read anything into any of this. I’m not saying that Mormons are all the same. I’m not saying that beauty is the most important thing about a person. I’m not saying that families of girls are more fun than families of boys. I’m simply saying that this is one pretty family – and from what I can tell they hold true to the saying “pretty is as pretty does.”
That said, I’m now off to find a new beautiful Mormon family blog to stalk – I mean lurk. I expect to receive my restraining order from the It’s a Wonderful Life clan within the week. Please feel free to propose candidates in my comments section.
Oh how neat is that? You found them! And they are truly gorgeous. I went to a Mormon college in Idaho for one semester of school; I was one of less than a dozen non-Mormons there, and I can honestly say the whole campus was swarming with beautiful people! I loved that line…fugly. hehe… I like that word. Okay, I’m going to go read on the pretty people’s site now.
Ok, I really don’t know what to say except please come by my house sometime and see us our natural state and you will change your mind. Pictures can be so deceiving….I do think my daughters are beautiful (doesn’t every mom) but really the outside pales in comparison to the inside. They are just good to the core and I feel lucky to be their mom.
It is so funny to me that I have been reading your blog, never commenting, thinking you were really awesome but feeling safe and anonymous. Not so much any more! When I read this today I was so shocked. I just took for granted that you have no idea who I am.
I love the way you write and the things you have to say. Thanks for the kind things you said about us! No restaining order!
We have a folder in my pictures file of all the ugliest, most unflattering pictures of ourselves. That will be my next post!!
Yeah Gale! I’m so glad that I can face my husband tonight with a “see – they weren’t offended.” I think he has a mini stroke every time I write something that might be taken the wrong way.
I have to admit, I winced a little when I hit publish. It’s not just Chris – I embarrass myself a little too.
Wow! They are a really beautiful family!
Holy gorgeous family Batman! I still must contend that they are not as beautiful as my family, but they are a very close second.
And they seem like lovely people on the inside too.
yes, they are an absolutely gorgeous family!
whenever i see a post that has the word “mormon” in it…i never know what to expect. will it be positive or really, really negative? seeing that i am also a mormon and that we have been getting a lot of heat lately, it always makes me nervous!
they are a beautiful family and this was a great post (and it doesn’t hurt that it was 100% real)
i’ve also been a secret reader but now felt like i could comment. i don’t know if we fit into “the “mormons are pretty” stereotype but we do know how to be adventurous!!!
:)
Catholic and just so-so looking over here. Although my children are stunningly handsome.
I keep thinking of the Seinfeld where he loved Chinese women and said it wasn’t prejudiced because he liked them.
You are a mormon-o-phile.
Ah…Since everyone is being so polite and happy, i’ll quip with, they are such a gorgeous family. All perfect smiles and happy!
(i’ll refrain from saying what I may think about religion being used as a tool to suppress women’s rights)
Hey now! Everyone should think of my blog as the Trust Tree. All are welcome if they focus on the good. Unless of course you like ugly Eames chairs – then you should head over to my post from last Friday and give me a piece of your mind. I’m fair game!
Protestant and frizzy over here! Loved your post and that awesome family pic. Just reconnected via Facebook with one of my drop dead gorgeous former students. She’s Mormon and has 4 beautiful kids.
Wow. I might convert to Mormonism just for that glowy skin.
But then I’d have to give up coffee.
And if I gave up coffee, I might become one of those bitter, jaundiced people who could take offense to at least one line of this post.
And then I’d write a bitchy comment, and all your friends would pile on me and it’d get so ugly, my skin would break out from all the stress.
I guess I won’t be converting, after all.
But really, they are all very good looking.
They are a pretty family!! and hey so is yours and mine…Hey I guess most Mormons are beautiful..lol…..
I’d never thought about that before… but you’re right! I have also noticed a lot (lot!) of very beautiful people and adorable couples now that we’ve moved to Germany.
Katie
i’m so jealous of people that pretty. :( i wonder if that prettiness converts when you convert to mormonism….i mean is it only people that are born into the church that are that pretty because a dude i went to HS with who…is not the prettiest person (infact quiet the opposite) could really use some of those mormon looks. No lie.
(i might be a shallow person too…don’t judge ;)
Very pretty. Im too scared to say anything else
They are a beautiful family. I also cringe when I see something mentioning Mormons, since we’ve gotten a lot of bad press lately! :(
I love reading your blog. You always make me laugh!
PS I got the necklace in the mail last night. I chose the one with the bird. It’s GORGEOUS! I love it. Thanks for the contest!
Secret Stalker here! (And a Mormon, to boot) See, when you start talking nice about people, they flock to you like…something that flocks to something else…
Anyway, I adore that family. They’re beyond gorgeous, obviously, but have so much more to offer. They are truly amazing-it shows what great parenting does! Thanks for your blog!
I really enjoyed reading this. I am a “blogging” connection to Gale. I am glad to find your blog, it looks like the kind I love to peruse.
I’m Gales sister and I know her better than anyone…and she does have a most beautiful family but would you believe they are more beautiful “inside” than out!! It’s true! She is an amazing person!
–L
As a mediocre-looking Mormon mom, I have to defend those of us who are average all the way down to fugly! Some of us have snaggle teeth, acne, poor taste in clothing, clubbed feet, unibrow, and unmentionable hair growing on our chin and upper lip. Not all of us are as gorgeous, talented, educated, hilarious and generous your poster-family for Mormons. Yet, aren’t they a great advertising tool!?
All jokes aside, as someone who has known them personally for quite a while and consider her as a close, dear friend, you hit the nail on the head. They are a beautiful, talented, hilarious, and a live-life-to-the-fullest family. And I’m glad her blog led me to yours, so I can have a good blog-read!
This whole conversation is so funny. I grew up Baptist and now attend a Methodist church. I’m going to pretend that all Bapthodists are exceptionally gorgeous. :)
I’m a Mormon, one of my best friends in High School was a non-Mormon. He once said, “How come all of you Mormons can SING so well? Geez, half the choir is Mormon!” I replied, “It’s ’cause we’re blessed for choosing the right religion.” He then punched me in the arm and we both had a good laugh.
We’re still friends and still keep in touch even though he’s a bit mad about the whole Prop 8 thing at the moment.
I’m glad you like Mormons! We need all the friends we can get right now!
acte gratuit – that’s a great example of what I’m talking about. If I refused to like people who weren’t in complete agreement with me on all matters political/religious/etc. then I wouldn’t have many friends. I don’t discuss my feelings regarding Prop. 8 here because I don’t think it’s the right forum (I try to stay away from that kind of debate on my blog) – but for the record, I don’t hold Mormons responsible for all of that. I grew up in a predominantly Catholic community and I’m pretty sure that Rome’s stand made it’s contribution… In fact – Moosh in Indy recently featured some very interesting thoughts on this: http://mooshinindy.com/2008/11/14/mormons-and-prop-8-oh-my/