Worth Reading

My good friend Amy is an amazing writer and her last post "We Fit" is a must read! I couldn't say it better! I wish some of that writing talent would have rubbed off on me while we were roomates in college! To take a look, go to Amy and Brian on my friends and family list.

Yes on Prop 8!

I never considered myself a very political person, in fact I usually have to ask my husband to fill me in on everything going on in the world. But... I have become passionate about protecting marriage and the importance of fighting hard for "YES on Prop 8." I believe the family is central to Heavenly Father's plan for us. Without strong families our society will fail. My faith is strong and I am not willing to have my religious rights taken from me. Marriage between a man and woman is sacred, it is a union with God and has been from the beginning of time. That is why we have marriages in churches and temples. I am a heterosexual. Others are called homosexual. They are different words because they describe different relationships. I am married. Marriage is the word that describes my union. A civil union is the name that describes a homosexual partnership. They are different words because they are DIFFERENT. You cannot change the definition of a word simply because that word doesn't fit your needs. Homosexual couples enjoy the same rights as married couples already.... we are not taking away the rights that they have. Yet, they want to take away my religious rights. I will fight for the right to teach my children the way I want them to be taught. I am not anti-gay, and I respect people no matter what their lifestyle may be. I do however want that same respect in return, and in no way, want my young children to be FORCED to learn about that lifestyle without the right as a parent to say no. Sorry for my soapbox, but this is too important to just stand by and "see what happens."

We went as a family to wave signs last Wednesday at a busy intersection and I have to say I was nervous at first! We had so many people honk and wave and yell "THANK YOU!" We had lots more thumbs up than thumbs down and middle fingers but there was the handful of 20 year olds yelling profanities. I am sad to hear stories of people taking down signs right out of people's yards and throwing things at them while waving signs. I mean c'mon.... I thought the NO crowd was so tolerant! I have learned that tolerance and freedom of speech only go one way I guess. The last 2 mornings Darren has gone out to his car to find a No on 8 sticker over his Yes on 8 sticker. I would never put a sticker on someone else's car! Every No sign I see around the city stays put and I swear I will see a Yes sign, and 1 hr later it will be gone. It just gives me even more reason to vote YES on PROP 8!!!!

Family Night at the Pumpkin Patch

Last night we took the kids to the Pumpkin Patch for Family Night. I was hoping to get a few cute pictures just because Christmas cards are on my mind and I have no idea what we are doing yet. Well, the family shot is out, since Logan was tired and wouldn't do anything but suck his thumb. All 3 of them together turned out okay so we'll see. This year might just be the kids.... We had a fun night and ate a yummy dinner at Islands with our friends! We love the fall.... I just wish we could have some FALL Weather!

My Parental Rights

I watched this on my friend's blog today.... if you think this won't affect our children.... you're wrong.



Protect Marriage~ Vote YES on Proposition 8!

Would You Look at that Face!

That is one HAPPY guy! Darren was all smiles on our big day at Yankee Stadium to see the last Friday night game ever played on this field! We had such a blast on our trip.... where do I even start? We LOVED New York City..... the food, the shows, the crowded streets, the history, the shopping (well, I loved the shopping .... Darren, not so much.) He says I need to come back with sisters and girlfriends to REALLY shop! He was a good sport though. We stayed right in Time Square where all of the action was. It was fun to be right next to the Theater District and see all of the Broadway shows around us. We even got to be up close with some Broadway stars! We had an amazing time! My sister Katie and her family came to our house and watched our kids the whole time so that we could go.... Thank you so much......YOU ARE THE BEST! Here are lots of pictures of our adventure.

Go Yankees!!!

Dylan's Candy Shop.... the biggest candy store I have ever seen!

Central Park was one of my very favorites!

Just one angle of Ground Zero. It is overwhelming to be here! I still can't believe it!

The memorial

The New York Stock Exchange

We saw Phantom!

We also saw a play Katie Holmes stars in called All My Sons. We waited outside to see her come out to her car.... she was so sweet!

Every girl's favorite store!

This is a super famous deli that serves the best sandwiches! I think every celebrity has a picture on the wall of their visit to Carnegie's!

Yep, that's about 1 pound of pastrami on each HALF! Soooo good!

Another favorite dinner in the city!

We shared a huge platter of the best BBQ ever!

Just a city shot as we were walking. The weather was PERFECT the whole time we were there!

Eating AGAIN in Little Italy!

We had to make a stop at the famous American Girl Store. This store was 3 levels and so much fun! I wish my girls could have seen it! I'm sure you can guess what they want for Christmas now!

We made a stop at Serendipity for a frozen hot chocolate. It is one of the best things in the world!

Remember the movie Serendipity? Here we are!

After a fun trip in the city we headed to New Canaan Conn. to stay a night with Darren's uncle John and family. New Canaan is so beautiful and such a quaint New England town. We loved it! I love the beautiful colonial homes and big green yards... it was breathtaking!

Thanks John and Lisa for showing us around and for making the end of our fabulous trip even better! We want to come see you again soon!

Yankees in NYC!!

Yes, I have to admit it..... I did good! I surprised Darren with tickets to the last Friday night game at Yankee stadium on Sept. 19th! I have to explain...Darren is a die-hard Yankee fan, I mean since he was 6 or 7 years old he has loved this team. All I have heard the past year is how this is the last season at historic Yankee Stadium where players like Micky Mantle, Joe DiMaggio and Babe Ruth played. So I just decided why not? I booked a flight, bought 2 tickets to the game and we are on our way! (Happy Anniversary) This is not normal for us to just take off on these little getaways, I mean how lucky are we to go on a cruise last month and now New York this month! Hmmm, what to do in October? Darren was SHOCKED to say the least and we caught a few pictures as he realized what it was. NYC here we come!

The confused moment.....

The "are you serious?" moment

The "looking into the details, like where are we exactly sitting at the game" moment

The Tickets!!!

Happy Birthday Emily!

Happy Birthday wishes to my beautiful wife! Happy Birthday Mommy! We hope this day is a special one for you. Here are just a few reasons why your family loves you so much:

Logan - because you keep me from playing with the toilet water, from ripping Ella's glasses off her head and breaking them, from causing what could be significant laundry work during dinner time, and from swan-diving off of any couch or bed. More sincerely, "Mama", I love you for the love and patience you give to me each and every day while still finding the time to teach me a thing or two.

Ella - because you "play dollies" with me, you give me tickles at night time, and you read stories to me. Daddy also says thank you for dealing with "the pickiest eater in the world" (I'm not sure what that means).

Avery - because you do my hair and dress me in cute clothes every morning before school, you let me have "playdates" with my friends, you help me with my homework, and because you're so beautiful.

Hubby - because you've taught our children how to love (see above), because you are the most selfless person I know, because you can look past the faults of others and be a friend to everyone, because you bring peace into our home, because your 11 younger siblings love you and look to you for guidance, because you somehow can "put me in my place" occasionally and yet I love you more for it, because you love finding a good deal, because of your love of the gospel, because you are an AMAZING photographer, and because you're one smokin' hot babe!

We love you and hope you have a Happy Birthday!