NO COMPUTER

A few days ago our computer crashed. We're waiting for the verdict to see if our data can be retrieved...keep your fingers crossed!
I'm glad that Wayne is handy and dug out our old computer for me to have something.
I hope everyone is having a great Christmas season!

I am thankful for...

Yesterday at church a good friend of mine gave a great talk in Sacrament meeting. She mentioned that she and her family had been blogging back and forth about all the things they were grateful for. Since I'll probably never be as fabulous as Stephanie I can at least accomplish this. So, if you are reading this post please leave a comment of things you are grateful for.
Here are a few things I am grateful for...
FAMILY...parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents, aunts & uncles, nieces & nephews and of course my CHILDREN
COMPUTERS...a life without computers--really I can't imagine!
MY ABILITY TO READ
THE GOSPEL
MY HUSBAND
MAKE-UP & HAIR PRODUCTS
SHOES...what girl doesn't love shoes?

Okay, so you get the picture. Let me know what you are grateful for. I'll probably add some more later!

Halloween fun...

HALLOWEEN is such a fun time around here. We LOVE it. We went to our friends the JOHNSON'S and baked and decorated SUGAR COOKIES.The whole FAMILY dresses up for all of the school FESTIVITIES. Wayne was DRACULA and I was DRACULA's BRIDE... We were the MYSTERY readers in Allyson's class. We had a great time reading Halloween stories and then making books and writing our own "SPOOKY" stories with her class. I think Brittany simply went as a 13 year old this year...she's so much fun to have around! CRAZY yes, but fun nonetheless! Jay went as BOB THE BUILDER ... here he is running down the aisle of people high fiving all of his adoring fans at the school PARADE...

Ally was TINKERBELL she loved being the first person in line for her class. She got to hold the sign with their class name.

Britt had several parties this year. Above she and ANIG show off their "GANGSTA' FAIRY" costumes before heading off to go TRICK OR TREATING by themselves with friends. (it never gets easy to let them run off by themselves...thank goodness for CELL PHONES)

Youth Dances are one of my favorite parts of being a youth leader. It's just so fun to see the youth find out that the opposite sex actually doesn't have COOTIES. Britt is lucky to have lots of boys and girls her age not just in our ward but in the stake too!

Our Stake TRUNK or TREAT is always so much fun. It starts with a carnival wth lots of food and games. Britt got to stuff nearly 500 hotdogs this year.Britt playing cranival games with friends...they even had a Wii set up and it was a big hit with Britt's crowd. "Mikey, you don't know how to fish very well..." LOL!!!Ally with her good friend MEG Johnson.Jay again as BOB the Builder getting ready to blow BUBBLES for a bubble blowing contest.We all had a great Halloween this year. It seems like it went on for days and days...maybe because it DID! We have enough candy to last us until the EASTER BUNNY comes. I'm sure, I'll throw it out or donate before then!

Final days of Prop 8

This is Nathan, Jay and Mikey running back across the street after waving YES signs and dodging eggs and insults. I love seeing the youth so involved and seeing them really standing up for their beliefs.

Our family has enjoyed every minute of getting the word out on Prop 8. We went down with a few friends and waved signs on a busy corner here in Pleasanton. We had lots of birdies flying, names like BIGOT yelled at us and a few other choice superlatives not worth repeating. We even had eggs thrown at us. One of my favorite parts of this whole experience was while we were waving signs this particular time a HIGHSCHOOL student parked his car and walked up to us. Of course our defenses went up as parents, but he simple said "this is my first time to get to vote and I'm undecided on prop 8--convince me why I should vote yes!" Wayne and I talked to him for about 10 minutes and he left with a better understanding of what PROP 8 really is. He asked us if we were a christian family and we all yelled happily "YES WE ARE!" He said "me too" It was really awesome to see the courage this kid had and his true desire to be educated on his own vote. YES ON 8...my kids are going to miss this. I told them we will probably be fighting this battle for a LOONG time!

WE GOT SOOOO WET! LOVE IT!

On Saturday we got a call to come and WAVE our prop 8 signs. It was pouring down with rain. My kids didn't blink, they jumped and said "let's go!!" When we arrived there were several NO on 8 people waving also. They were all very cordial. There were a few non-LDS folks waving YES signs, and they were grateful for the reinforcements. One of the NO wavers said to Jay "I'm so sorry, you're Mom is making you wave in the rain." Jay quickly with no hesitation said "my Mom doesn't make me do anything, I CHOSE to do this" Very proud Mommy moment! Last night at about 10:00 we went and put together about 100 YES on 8 signs and then drove all around Pleasanton to put up a sea of signs on every corner. My kids were'nt about to miss this "special ops mission" as they called it. They were in heaven. As I was driving and the family was jumping out at corners when they all jumped back in I was then pulled over by a police officer (we had just had a conversation at how many tickets I had and how many Wayne had so it was very ironic) I was freaking out but was happy to get a ticket for the cause. "Do what ever you can... "right? The police officer was very nice he asked what we were doing we told him and he said be careful and don't ever block traffic...NO TICKET!!! yay WHEW
Britt has stood steadfast during this election. I couldn't be happier to see her strength and courage to voice her beliefs. NO on 8 people say it won't go into the schools...too late it's there and the youth are having t defend their beliefs and they are doing it without batting an eye!

This is Jane Barlow, she is MRS. PROP 8. We met at her house to assemble all the signs. Many thanks to you and Steve for all you've done! You guys are AWESOME

Jay carrying out his "special ops mission" The kids loved darting in and out of the car blanketing our city with YES ON 8 signs. It was very fun, even though they woke up cranky this morning. We dealt with it, we were out until about 11:30--all worth it!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN... I'll get all of our haunting adventures on here soon. I'm off to vote!!!

Fun with Proposition 8...

This was to funny not to share...sad really!

My very astute friend Kathy Jackson wrote this allegory to the homosexual agenda a while back - Its pretty good.

Cat Lovers Unite!

This is a rallying call to correct a great social injustice. Cat lovers everywhere must awake and recognize the gross inequality imbedded in the civil code of Pleasanton and many other municipalities in the form of biased rules limiting the issuance of dog licenses to the owners of dogs. Those of us who do not like dogs, who, through no fault of our own, are afraid of dogs, allergic to dogs, or just naturally inclined to prefer cats are denied our basic civil rights to apply for and obtain dog licenses in our municipalities. We are being persecuted and singled out because of our pet preferences, and we must take action today.
So
1. Go to your city offices and demand to be issued a dog license for your cat. After all, cats are just as good as dogs! and we love our cats just as much as dog lovers love their dogs, and that is what is important after all. You may encounter some of the following arguments from the administration:
First, that your cat is not a dog, and dog licenses are for dogs. Take this as an insult. Become offended, and insist that this is a bigotted anti-feline statement. Who are they to suggest such a narrow minded interpretation of the purpose of a dog license.
Second, they may suggest that you have the same right as anyone else to go buy or adopt a dog and apply for a dog license. Do not be confused or softened by the obvious logic of this argument. Take it as an insult. Become offended, and insist that this is a bigotted, anti-feline statement. You cannot help the fact that you prefer cats to dogs. You were born that way, and cats are just an alternate pet choice. Everyone should be entitled to choose whatever pet they naturally prefer, and get a dog license for it.
Third , that, since dogs are different from cats, society has established different responsibilities and privileges to each, such as leash laws and rabies vaccinations. Take this as an insult. Become offended, and insist that this is a bigotted, anti-feline statement. Just because societies throughout time have seen cats and dogs differently is a sorry excuse for denying someone their civil rights.
Fourth, that if dog licenses are issued to cats, it would threaten the very legal or societal definition of what a dog license, or a dog for that matter is. Take this as an insult. Become offended, and insist that this is a bigotted anti-feline statement. Insist that the issuance of dog licenses to cats, far from taking away or confusing the meaning of what dog licenses are, would enhance it, and only add to the beauty of dog licenses as an institution. Look deeply wounded, maybe tear up a little and ask the totally rational question, "Why are you so hateful and selfish? How does giving dog licenses to cats diminish the meaning of your dog's license?" Point out that many dog owners are irresponsible and do not love their dogs or care for them properly. They get dog licenses, why can't you? Do not be discouraged that this has nothing to do with the argument. Throw it in there anyways. It is inflamatory, and cannot be argued against. Insist that the love of your pet is the only issue.
Fifth, They may suggest that issuing dog licenses to cats would open the door for other animals to apply, like birds, fish, hamsters, or even non-animal pets, like pet rocks. They may suggest that stretching the definition of "dog" that far would, in the end make it meaningless. Again, do not be confused by the logic of such an argument. You are not suggesting that licenses be issued to rocks. That is absurd. You just want to have one for your beloved cat. You have waited all your life for this chance. Quickly change the subject, becoming offended and accusing them of bigotry is always good.
Sixth, be especially wary if the city, to assuage their concience and keep you from feeling injured, suggest they create such a thing as a cat license, and allow you to apply for that instead. They may even make the two legally exactly the same as far as rights and privileges. Do not be placated. Keep your eye on the goal here. You do not want a Cat license. You want a Dog license and your rights are being denied if you receive anything else. So, take this as an insult. Become offended, and insist that this is a bigotted and anti-feline idea.
By now, you will probably have been issued a dog license. If not, go to another city, or better yet, take it to the California Supreme Court. They will assuredly see the impeccable legal argument here, and will overturn all existing dog licensing laws in the state. After all, who will it hurt?

2. Now the real fun begins. With your dog license in hand, go sign your cat up for a dog obedience class. If you are denied entry, sue the obedience school. You will win. Now that you are in the class, bring your cat and set it right down there amidst all those dogs. If it is chased, scared, or hurt in any way, you guessed it, sue the obedience school. Sue the dog owners. Sue whoever you can. Bring as many cases as high up in the courts as you can. The ACLU should be very helpful.
You may notice that obedience schools all over the state close, since they are now in a catch-22 situation. You should feel happy about this. After all, these were the same bigots that denied you your dog license for so many years. They deserve to suffer. In fact, you may notice that dog obedience classes all over the country shut down. This is great!

3. Now move on to dog parks. Take your cat/dog to your local dog park and plop it right down there with all those off leash dogs. Proceed as you did above, if anyone objects to your presence, sue them. If they relent and your pet is insulted, scared, or injured in any way, sue them, and the city. In this way, you should soon shut down all dog parks in the state. Isn't this fun.
Use your imagination about other ways you can ruin the lives of dog owners. Remember, our goal here is to abolish the very institution of dog ownership, but don't tell anyone this. Insist that it is all about your rights and the love between you and your pet. Oh, and don't forget to be offended. That seems to work really well.
If you run out of ideas, buy an iguana.

FAMILY CRUSADERS FOR PROP 8...

I love my family and all the hard work they have put into this cause. My Dad said that it is true we should all be "anxiously engaged" in a good cause. I am so pleased to have such an awesome family. I know my siblings and nieces and nephews have all been working hard. What an honor to be so "anxiously engaged" I love it!!! For the past couple of months we as a family have really been focused on canvassing surrounding neighborhoods to get the word out on PROP 8. Each ward in our stake as called a couple to organize the efforts in each ward.(i love organization) The couple representing the 4th Ward (my ward) offered breakfast and treats every Saturday between 9 and 1. When you arrive you are greeted by several members and non-members in support of PROP 8. You are given the choice to walk house to house or have a call log. Our family has done both. Unlike Emily (my sis-in-law) we haven't always been greeted with supporters. These opportunities to share the facts and have civil conversations has been a true testimony builder for me. We have met some who STRONGLY(to put it mildly) oppose PROP 8 and wanted to debate with us we never engaged, luckily the spirit always took over and it has always ended positive. I think we've even made some really contemplate their own positition.
We were also lucky enough to pick up 10 different signs and organize groups to stand at a local busy intersection and proudly wave our efforts. We will be doing this again with several families, friends and neighbors weekly until the vote. I love being able to do this with so many of them. I have a sign in my front yard and one of my piano students parents came into my living room and said.."I'd like to talk to you about your sign..." this conversation is still ongoing. Scott has been very respectful and has answered my questions and I have answered his. I love that this has been such a missionary tool for me and my family. Most of you know that I'm a crossing guard at my kids school...I have been blessed to be able to discuss this issue with so many people. Members of different churches who want to help any way they can and know that the LDS are organized and people who are in same-sex marriages who disagree with my decision to support PROP 8. I am happy to say I haven't lost any friends and my sign has not been destroyed. I love this gospel and everything it stands for. I am so happy to STAND FOR SOMETHING.
The youth in our area have been hounded by kids at school. I think the fight for PROP 8 has probably been the hardest for them. I am so proud of them for sticking to their beliefs and NEVER wavering. They truly are such an example of good to me! Way to go guys!

VOTE YES ON PROP 8...IT'S NOT ABOUT HATE!!!

Proposition 8...

I am going to ignore all advice I've ever been taught and I'm going to discuss RELIGION and POLITICS... I am proud to be an AMERICAN, it still is the land of the FREE. The Supreme Court of California ignored the voice of the PEOPLE and the people are upset. When courts go against the voice of its people it goes against everything that those officials are meant to uphold. It is the job of the courts to uphold the LAW not make laws, that is the job of the legislative branch.
Tolerance does not mean LIVE & LET LIVE . You can love someone while still maintaining and advocating your own STANDARDS and BELIEFS. Every American has FREE SPEECH and RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES. I'm always humored when a group goes after church organizations. Do they not remember that the PILGRIMS came here for the right to worship how and where they wanted!!! PROP 8 is not trying to "change" anyone or take rights away from anyone. PROP 8 is not a hate proposition, it's a freedom of speech issue. If churches can't tell congregations how to vote, in return the states can't tell people how to worship. A YES vote on PROP 8 is truly a vote for equality for EVERYONE not the other way around.
Out of 50 states 2 of them recognize same sex marriages--in both cases this decision was enforced by the courts not by the voice of the people! Why are there not more people upset about the fact that the courts are changing laws? Judges who legislate from the bench are breaking the law. There job is simply to UPHOLD the laws that are voted on by the people. It's not their job to make the law. That is UNCONSTITUTIONAL!

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I believe that it is time that ALL people should stand and CLAIM their privilege and be allowed to "worship how, where, or what they may"
The coalition behind PROP 8 isn't trying to take freedoms away from anyone (whether we agree with them morally or not) they simply want the definition of marriage to be written as between a MAN and a WOMAN.
Everyone has choices, and that includes ME. I choose to STAND for PROP 8 and TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE...I know I don't stand alone. It's time that the PEOPLE make some noise and take back what is CONSTITUTIONALLY ours! Get out and make some noise people!!!
GET OUT AND VOTE NOVEMBER 4th! I look forward to standing with the thousands of people in support of this proposition on NOVEMBER 5th waving a banner of VICTORY!

San Francisco fun...

Our family loves to go on adventures. The kids had completed all of their chores early on this particular Saturday so we gave them the choice of going to Rock City or Crissy Field. Jay really wanted Rock City, but everyone else was leaning towards the city. We packed up lunches and blankets (we forgot jackets) and headed off. We were lucky to get parking right under the bridge. It was really busy because of the Walk for a Cure going on. When we pulled up there was a sea of pink tents and ladies all in pink. It was fun to get to cheer them on. I forget that it's always colder in the city and it was cold this day. Wayne had a blazer in the car so he was stylin' in his shorts and a blazer. The kids took turns with our picnic blanket.
I'm rarely in pictures...I have what people call a little bit of a weight problem...so I don't care to be in them until I come home to blog and I'm never in any pictures.
I love pics of my family doing there thing...here we had hiked to the top of one of the Cannon Battery's. This is one of my kids favorite places to hike.
Britt got this cool sillouette of me and my cute hubby. Yes he was kissing me on the beach at Sunset. He's better than any character in some vampire book!!!
I am always awe struck when we hike up to the Golden Gate Bridge. It's just so massive and amazing! The view is hard to beat!

Labor Day fun

As I have previously mentioned, we madea trip up to the Redwood Forest for Labor Day. It's almost exactly half way between our house and Wayne's parents. They met us at the campground. We stayed just north of Crescent City at a KOA inside the Redwood Forest. We were on the West side of the Smith River but just minutes from the Jedidiah Smith entrance. If you are at all familiar with this area we were about 4 minutes away from Stout Grove which is where Return of the Jedi was filmed. Jackie is always good to pack what has come to be called the "Gramma Box" it's always filled with goodies for the kids to choose from. The kids love his tradition, especially when they are the only grandkids around and everything in the box has been customized to their own likings.
Wayne and his mom Jackie in the middle of Stout Grove.
Eating and visiting at our amazingly beautiful campsite.
Gramma Jackie hikin with the kids. They are about to cross the big foot bridge that crosses over the Smith river from the Jedidiah Smith park to Stout Grove.
Britt and Jay proud that they had tricked all of us. We were'nt sure which way they had gone and they were actually on top of the overturned tree listening to our quandry.

Britt and Wayne walking toward the playground at our campsite.
Gramm and the kids walk over to swing and play tether ball. (Wayne won of course)
These chickens and goats belong to the campsite owners. The kids loved walking over to th animals.
Ally wading in the Smith River on the Stout Grove side. Jay in tree climbing heaven.

I have lots of pictures and adventures to blog about if I could just add a few more hours to each day!

More adventures....

Jay turned 11 this year. I can hardly believe it! He now gets to go to 11 year old scouts, which makes life a little easier, because it's the same day and time as YW--no more driving to and fro! LOVE IT!!! Jay has never been a "t-shirt & jean" boy--he is pretty particular about what he will wear and it has to fit him "just right" I was thrilled when he was happy about this outfit I picked out for his birthday. (not an easy feat)

Jay wanted 2 giant ZINGER cakes. I made these cakes in bread pans, and then I took REDI-WHIP and filled them with cream and then frosted them. Jay was thrilled. His idea was that 2 ZINGERS would like an 11. Everyone loved them!Britt and Ally did all the wrapping of Jay's presents. School started just a few days after Jay's birthday so we've yet to have a friend party. (I promised will have one...stay tuned for that) This is Britt's last year of middle school--yes I'm in denial about that too! She is part of the Leadeship team this year and LOVED helping out at registation.
Britt was put at the cashier table. She loved every minute of this opportunity. She came home humored by a mom who bought a $7 planner and paid with $100 bill.
After a long day of registration duties the girls came back to our house for a little R&R! It ended up being a big whip cream fight. Of course I loved every minute of it!First Day of School...Britt 8th grade...Ally 2nd grade (yes denial)...Jay 5th grade... could we just not talk about it. Man, why do they have to grow up so fast?Redwood Forest fun... I never really blog about my cute hubby. For Labor Day we drove up to the Redwoods and met Waynes parents at a campground and had sooo much fun. Wayne loves relaxing and being with the kids. (he's really just a big kid himself)Wayne's mom said that when Wayne was a kid he would have stood at the Lake all day and skipped rocks...sure enough, we went over to STOUT GROVE and had to cross the Smith River and Wayne was skipping rocks. (he's actually pretty awesome--he got 7 skips with one rock)If you aren't familiar with STOUT GROVE it's where Return of the Jedi was filmed. It was amazing. I actually want to watch the movie again so I can see if I recognize anything. Leave it to my husband to hang from the root of a giant redwood.I have lots more picures to post of this adventure and this last weekend we went to one of our families favorites spots --Crissy Field. I'm off to a YW presidency meeting so I'm out of time for now. I'll be posting a lot in the next few days so please check back. Ally finally finished her first post by herself on her blog so please check that out too and leave her comments. I figure we can get some reading practice in too. Happy September!!!