Just a few of the many Thanksgiving crafts this year.
We have so much to be thankful for! Hope you have lots of good family and food! We really miss our cousins who couldn't come at the last minute! We love you and sure miss you guys!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
How great is this?
While reading books this afternoon...this happened. 
And this time, Sean fell asleep in place instead of laying down.
How often do two busy boys just fall asleep on their mom at the same time?
Love it.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Top 8 lists
I've been tagged...
hope you enjoy reading.
8 favorite TV shows
(In no particular order)
1. The Office
2. Dancing with the Stars
3. American Idol
2. Dancing with the Stars
3. American Idol
4. 24 (Can't wait for the premiere...it's soon!)
5. Survivor
6. Like to catch up with Jon and Kate plus 8 when I find it on...
7. Pretty much anything on The Food Network, have you ever seen their Challenge shows. Like them.
8. All the shows I enjoy ususally get cancelled...(Ed, Men in Trees, etc.)
8 Things I did yesterday
1. Watched Ryan's last Soccer game this season and a highlight movie an Asst. coach made for the team...Ryan's best plays were featured!
2. Changed Kyle's real food dirty diapers. Sean asked, "Where is the mustard poo?"
3. Helped Ryan prepare a Primary Talk (he subbed for a friend so it was a bit last minute - even though they asked several days ago...oops). I felt really bad today realizing I haven't made any cute visuals for his Primary Talks - does EVERYONE do them and I'm the LAME mom?
4. Watched my big boys race around the living room (they do laps daily).
5. Got ready for my lesson today.
6. Worked on some Christmas Present Craftiness.
7. Fed my boys (occupies a lot of my time...especially now that Kyle eats people food too.)
8. Roasted a marshmellow over the stove.
8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Thanksgiving and Scott's family coming to visit - Yay!
2. Christmas and my family coming to visit - Yay!
3. End of season Soccer party at Chuck-e-Cheese on Tuesday (no I don't plan on eating their pizza...it'll be fun to visit with the families and sad to not see them weekly anymore. Our team was nice.)
3. End of season Soccer party at Chuck-e-Cheese on Tuesday (no I don't plan on eating their pizza...it'll be fun to visit with the families and sad to not see them weekly anymore. Our team was nice.)
4. Our Youth production - Cumorah's Hill on Wednesday!
5. Ryan's School dance performance in December.
6. Kyle to finish teething and being stuffy so I can train him to sleep... (NOT looking forward to the training part) so I can SLEEP through the night.
7. Ryan's T-ball season in the Spring
8. Getting Christmas Cards in the mail...it's so exciting to check the mail!
8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Costa Vida (Cafe Rio immitation...since I don't live near a real Cafe Rio)
2. On the Border
3. Great Wall Grill (Mongolian BBQ)
4. Panera/Boudin/a restaurant on the pier in Monterrey...has the world's BEST Clam Chowder in Sourdough Bread Bowl. MMMMmmmmmmm!
5. The Cheesecake Factory (Avocado Eggrolls, please)
6. California Pizza Kitchen (they just opened a new one here, but I usually go to Virginia to eat at CPK!).
7. Fats
8. Leatherby's Ice Cream (Alan's Black and Tan) or Big Spoon (Self serve Frozen Yogurt with a multitude of self serve toppings!)
8 Things on my wish list
1. Economy to improve
2. Obama didn't win
3. finish all projects on my list.
4. more time with Scott
5. Shopping sprees
6. more hours in the day to accomplish stuff.
7. more hours in the night to sleep.
8. all my family and all Scott's family to live close together.
So I will tag...but totally understand if it doesn't happen...I've failed some tags in the past!
Sydney, Sam, Kristen, Heidi, Aunt Gina, Catherine, Nicole
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Back to our life :)
Rainy Saturday Entertainment...
After two weeks of spitting out all food, he's got it and now digs eating.
By the way he gulfs it down now, I think if he could talk...
he would say, "How did I ever survive on milk alone?"
(This is his first bite of watered down cereal)
If life were easy, it wouldn't be hard
Well, Election day has come and gone. 
I'm so grateful that voters showed up in support of traditional marriage! I never got to finish all my thoughts in my last post, but the preservation of marriage will bless our lives in so many ways! Freedoms for Churches, religious doctors, Bishops, Priests, religious adoption agencies, free speech, and families have been preserved!
Unfortunately I still haven't become over elated. I guess it is because I've realized and accepted the reality of this war on the family. On election day the No on 8 campaign ran commercials specifically targeted towards The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Prop 8 Yes votes: 5,977,457...California Mormon residents: 770,000 - pretty sure that includes children who are not voters). It shocked and surprised me! Sure, the Mormons are the most persecuted church in the history of the United States, but like I said, that was history.
It's okay. However shocking it was...the world is a place where values are not held as tightly anymore. Shades of grey surround us. Those who hold strong to spiritual beliefs are a peculiar people to much of the world. That is okay. It was not meant to be easy.
I'm so grateful that voters showed up in support of traditional marriage! I never got to finish all my thoughts in my last post, but the preservation of marriage will bless our lives in so many ways! Freedoms for Churches, religious doctors, Bishops, Priests, religious adoption agencies, free speech, and families have been preserved!
Unfortunately I still haven't become over elated. I guess it is because I've realized and accepted the reality of this war on the family. On election day the No on 8 campaign ran commercials specifically targeted towards The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Prop 8 Yes votes: 5,977,457...California Mormon residents: 770,000 - pretty sure that includes children who are not voters). It shocked and surprised me! Sure, the Mormons are the most persecuted church in the history of the United States, but like I said, that was history.
It's okay. However shocking it was...the world is a place where values are not held as tightly anymore. Shades of grey surround us. Those who hold strong to spiritual beliefs are a peculiar people to much of the world. That is okay. It was not meant to be easy.
Our ward's sign holding parties were rained on twice. Honestly, I'm glad! Why you ask? Especially since it was pretty chilly during the Monday night rain...let me tell you. I didn't cross a frozen river or live in Winter Quarters. I never crossed the plains trying to keep me and my family from starving or freezing to death.
The trials we face today are vastly different from those of the Pioneers. I always thought of the Pioneers trials as more and harder. My very own ancestor in 1952 said she'd rather the trials of her day than the ones that the youth were facing. Imagine what she'd think today! Honestly, I didn't think our trials were that difficult until now. We are in the midst of a spiritual war and it isn't going away. This is our test. So I am glad it rained while I stood on the street corner waving my signs to support Marriage, the Family, my children and Freedom of Religion!
So when the next battle comes...we'll be there...in the rain or snow or whatever else is required.
***I think I can now step down from the soap box. Thanks for putting up with my monologues. I had to get it out of my system. And I sooo agree with Nikki! Life is soo beautiful and joyous. I LOVE IT! I am so blessed with a wonderful life and amazing family. I guess what I was saying was, Where much is given, much is required...and I'm up for the challenge because of this wondrous life! (I could have gone on with the song quotes there...I'll go where you want me to go...but I tried to spare you on that:)
Sunday, November 02, 2008
YES ON 8 !!!
As Election Day nears, we've been busy rallying voters for California Prop 8.
The importance of this issue are many fold. Unfortunately, the opposition to Prop 8 has directed its focus on discrimination, bigotry and equality. Thir commercials have even showed old footage of Japanese containment camps, challenging voters to not allow such discrimination again. That argument is so frustrating as I do not discriminate others for any reason. In fact, it's offensive on my side. Seriously. I believe we are all children of God, therefore every person regardless of their race or choices are loved the same Father in Heaven I pray to. If he loves them as I believe he loves me, why would I treat them as less than a child of God?
My Yes vote on 8 is not based upon hate. A Yes on 8 vote will preserve my rights, my children's rights and does not eliminate the rights of homosexual persons or partnerships. Proposition 8 respects the rights of homosexuals while still reaffirming traditional marriage. They have the right to live the lifestyle they choose, but do not have the right to redefine marriage for everyone else.
A No on 8 vote compromises the education of innocent young children, as it has in Massachusetts. Californias Superintendant O'Connell claims that gay marriage will not be taught in schools in No on 8 commercials. Unfortunately this claim is wrong as it states in State Curriculum that children shall be taught about marriage and this section is not included in the opt out lessons. Moreover, a couple fought teaching gay marriage in school in Massachusetts, and LOST. Not only did they lose, but their opponents case made clear their objective to gay marriage and lifestyle to young enough students - before they have had a chance to make up their own mind. It frightens me that they would make that point clear in front of a judge and win.
What happened to the rights of families?
The group, United Families of California challenged California Superintendent O'Connell to a debate on Prop 8 and he declined. Disappointing. He will not even face the voters and give them an opportunity to be more informed. So I emailed Mr. OConnell and called every News station in our area prompting them to report his negligence.
My kids were not holding signs like we were (even though it was pictured it was just for a brief moment), they were in the background playing on the grass for the majority of the time, but since we were having so much fun on the sidewalks, they wanted to have fun too. Since they don't fully understand the issue and for safety reasons (there actually was an empty soda can and an egg thrown at our group...hmm...intolerance?), we kept them back. It was really fun out there, even in the rain...as Scott said, if you closed your eyes you might think you were in NYC, because we were getting soooo many encouraging/supporting honks...the whole time we were out there...and every time we've been out there! Sure there are those who disagree and that's okay...I just hope there are enough people who understand all parts of this important issue to pass Proposition 8!
I worry because if voters were more informed on all the issues, I honestly believe Yes on 8 would pass. However too many people just view this as a "CIVIL RIGHTS" issue and it is not. Again...they have the same rights already.
It is true that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has asked its members to give of their time and means to support Prop 8. The following is taken from their Aug. 13, 2008 letter to its members:
"The Church does not object to rights (already established in California) regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the family or the constitutional rights of churches and their adherents to administer and practice their religion free from government interference.
The Church has a single, undeviating standard of sexual morality: intimate relations are proper only between a husband and a wife united in the bonds of matrimony.
The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility towards homosexual men and women. Protecting marriage between a man and a woman does not affect Church members’ Christian obligations of love, kindness and humanity toward all people. "
My post about the Proclamation on the family was inspiried by my friend Kristen who was inspired by NieNie (the stylish lds mom blogger who was badly burned in a small plane crash. NieNie did a weeks worth of Proclamation posts in the summer of 2007) and the vote for Proposition 8. The marriage unit and the family is so central to the Plan of Jesus Christ and our purpose here on earth. With that plan, we were all allowed our free agency. One of my YW, wrote an opinion piece in her High School paper for Yes on 8. Wow. So proud of her! This issue has been very front and center in her school with No on 8 student supporters picketing before school and at Towne Hall meetings...all claiming Yes on 8 hate. For her to put her name in print with her picture beside it was a courageous thing to do! Way to be Ashley! In her piece she summarized an article by David Blankenhorn, a self-proclaimed “liberal Democrat,” wrote an article for the Los Angeles Times on just this matter. She said, "Blankenhorn, as well as I, believes in upholding the institution of marriage as between a man and a woman to protect children. Although each home is different, studies have shown again and again that the ideal structure for raising children is a home with two parents of the opposite sex. The differences of males and females complement each other perfectly for raising children. Protecting marriage would, in turn, help give children the idealistic homes to grow up in. "
This is a video clip of the Kick off Rally for the Yes on 8 Bus tour. Scott went and found my good friend in our ward there too! They are both on the video holding signs...Her's says, "I'm OK, You're OK, Prop 8, Ok Yes." BTW...they are from YouTube! So famous!
When the lady says, "I love your sign...she's talking to MY FRIEND! Go Stephanie! I love you and your explanation of your awesome sign!
Here is a new video ProtectMarriage.com has produced combating claims of our intolerance. In fact it is the other side of this issue who has behaved intolerant. One of my YW had the sticker taken off her car at school and then they keyed her car. Some youth in our stake were putting out signs late at night and a truck started tailing them...then at one point gunned the vehicle speeding directly at this young man who quickly ran to avoid being RAN OVER by a Ford
Explorer!(who's intolerant?...YIKES)
I'm long winded...but that is because I feel there is so much that needs to be said! I don't feel that the press or our coalition is getting out the messages clearly enough. We're doing our best and I hope the voters will see the importance and truth of this proposition, not believing false claims from the other side.
The importance of this issue are many fold. Unfortunately, the opposition to Prop 8 has directed its focus on discrimination, bigotry and equality. Thir commercials have even showed old footage of Japanese containment camps, challenging voters to not allow such discrimination again. That argument is so frustrating as I do not discriminate others for any reason. In fact, it's offensive on my side. Seriously. I believe we are all children of God, therefore every person regardless of their race or choices are loved the same Father in Heaven I pray to. If he loves them as I believe he loves me, why would I treat them as less than a child of God?
My Yes vote on 8 is not based upon hate. A Yes on 8 vote will preserve my rights, my children's rights and does not eliminate the rights of homosexual persons or partnerships. Proposition 8 respects the rights of homosexuals while still reaffirming traditional marriage. They have the right to live the lifestyle they choose, but do not have the right to redefine marriage for everyone else.
A No on 8 vote compromises the education of innocent young children, as it has in Massachusetts. Californias Superintendant O'Connell claims that gay marriage will not be taught in schools in No on 8 commercials. Unfortunately this claim is wrong as it states in State Curriculum that children shall be taught about marriage and this section is not included in the opt out lessons. Moreover, a couple fought teaching gay marriage in school in Massachusetts, and LOST. Not only did they lose, but their opponents case made clear their objective to gay marriage and lifestyle to young enough students - before they have had a chance to make up their own mind. It frightens me that they would make that point clear in front of a judge and win.
What happened to the rights of families?The group, United Families of California challenged California Superintendent O'Connell to a debate on Prop 8 and he declined. Disappointing. He will not even face the voters and give them an opportunity to be more informed. So I emailed Mr. OConnell and called every News station in our area prompting them to report his negligence.
My kids were not holding signs like we were (even though it was pictured it was just for a brief moment), they were in the background playing on the grass for the majority of the time, but since we were having so much fun on the sidewalks, they wanted to have fun too. Since they don't fully understand the issue and for safety reasons (there actually was an empty soda can and an egg thrown at our group...hmm...intolerance?), we kept them back. It was really fun out there, even in the rain...as Scott said, if you closed your eyes you might think you were in NYC, because we were getting soooo many encouraging/supporting honks...the whole time we were out there...and every time we've been out there! Sure there are those who disagree and that's okay...I just hope there are enough people who understand all parts of this important issue to pass Proposition 8!
I worry because if voters were more informed on all the issues, I honestly believe Yes on 8 would pass. However too many people just view this as a "CIVIL RIGHTS" issue and it is not. Again...they have the same rights already.
It is true that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has asked its members to give of their time and means to support Prop 8. The following is taken from their Aug. 13, 2008 letter to its members:
"The Church does not object to rights (already established in California) regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the family or the constitutional rights of churches and their adherents to administer and practice their religion free from government interference.
The Church has a single, undeviating standard of sexual morality: intimate relations are proper only between a husband and a wife united in the bonds of matrimony.
The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility towards homosexual men and women. Protecting marriage between a man and a woman does not affect Church members’ Christian obligations of love, kindness and humanity toward all people. "
My post about the Proclamation on the family was inspiried by my friend Kristen who was inspired by NieNie (the stylish lds mom blogger who was badly burned in a small plane crash. NieNie did a weeks worth of Proclamation posts in the summer of 2007) and the vote for Proposition 8. The marriage unit and the family is so central to the Plan of Jesus Christ and our purpose here on earth. With that plan, we were all allowed our free agency. One of my YW, wrote an opinion piece in her High School paper for Yes on 8. Wow. So proud of her! This issue has been very front and center in her school with No on 8 student supporters picketing before school and at Towne Hall meetings...all claiming Yes on 8 hate. For her to put her name in print with her picture beside it was a courageous thing to do! Way to be Ashley! In her piece she summarized an article by David Blankenhorn, a self-proclaimed “liberal Democrat,” wrote an article for the Los Angeles Times on just this matter. She said, "Blankenhorn, as well as I, believes in upholding the institution of marriage as between a man and a woman to protect children. Although each home is different, studies have shown again and again that the ideal structure for raising children is a home with two parents of the opposite sex. The differences of males and females complement each other perfectly for raising children. Protecting marriage would, in turn, help give children the idealistic homes to grow up in. "
This is a video clip of the Kick off Rally for the Yes on 8 Bus tour. Scott went and found my good friend in our ward there too! They are both on the video holding signs...Her's says, "I'm OK, You're OK, Prop 8, Ok Yes." BTW...they are from YouTube! So famous!
When the lady says, "I love your sign...she's talking to MY FRIEND! Go Stephanie! I love you and your explanation of your awesome sign!
Here is a new video ProtectMarriage.com has produced combating claims of our intolerance. In fact it is the other side of this issue who has behaved intolerant. One of my YW had the sticker taken off her car at school and then they keyed her car. Some youth in our stake were putting out signs late at night and a truck started tailing them...then at one point gunned the vehicle speeding directly at this young man who quickly ran to avoid being RAN OVER by a Ford
Explorer!(who's intolerant?...YIKES)
I'm long winded...but that is because I feel there is so much that needs to be said! I don't feel that the press or our coalition is getting out the messages clearly enough. We're doing our best and I hope the voters will see the importance and truth of this proposition, not believing false claims from the other side.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Halloween Day!
What a fun and full day!
"Wendy Darling" is one of our Young Women! You can't see her sweet ribbon on her nightgown in this picture... I thought she, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell were so cute.
School Halloween Parade...after the class party. The little boys and I got to go to the party too!
Thanks Nikki for the super Dragon Slayer costume! It was fun to change up the costume for the school party and parade!
The whole school lined up for the parade. The High School Marching Drum line leaded each grade around the parade route. It had been raining all morning...with occasional sprinkles during...so the rest of the band waited in the Assembly Hall to perform.
Mrs. Parker's (the K class Aide) son is in the drum line...so the kids were even more excited. Ryan knew he played the Bass Drum. Since Ryan loves the drums like his dad, it was a highlight(Scott thinks they both feel the rhythms in their bones!).
Mrs. Parker's (the K class Aide) son is in the drum line...so the kids were even more excited. Ryan knew he played the Bass Drum. Since Ryan loves the drums like his dad, it was a highlight(Scott thinks they both feel the rhythms in their bones!).
Adam, Jacob D, Jonathan, Evan, Nicholas and my very own Knight in Shining Armor!, then behind him is Badie. (For our future reference)
"Wendy Darling" is one of our Young Women! You can't see her sweet ribbon on her nightgown in this picture... I thought she, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell were so cute.
Finally after rushing around for Prop 8 stuff, the sky was dark and it was time! I remember how hard it was to wait ... apparently it still is soo hard to wait until dark.
Last weeks Trunk-or-treat.
At each trunk, Sean would say...
"trunk-or-treat!"
"trunk-or-treat!"
It made me giggle.
Can't wait to see what next year's costumes bring...there's already discussion on the matter...Ryan is thinking Yoda. We might need to have some sort of Star Wars debut in our household.
I just love Fall-idays!
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