Proposition 8 in California

Many of you have heard of Proposition 8 in California. I have had friends and family knocking on doors trying to educate the public about the consequences of this legislation. Here are some of the possible ramifications if it DOES NOT pass. Thanks to my sister in law Kelly for letting me borrow your typing! These are serious issues. If you know anyone in California urge them to vote for this proposition. States across the nation are waiting the outcome of this before drafting similar legislation.

1. Children in public schools will have to be taught that same-sex marriage is just as good as traditional marriage

2. Anti-discrimination regulations will become more important than religious beliefs.

3. Churches will be sued over their tax-exempt status if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings open to the public.

4. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father.

5. Religions that sponsor private schools with married-student housing will be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if counter to church doctrine, or risk lawsuits over tax exemptions and related benefits.

6. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech and could be fined by the government.

Canyon Lake

We enjoyed a fun afternoon at Canyon Lake with our good friends the Lymans. The kids each got to try skiing and wake boarding. Even Sadie got a turn with Troy -- what a trooper! All the kids decided wake boarding was the best. Thank so much Lymans for taking us and for taking such fun pictures since we forgot our camera! We love the lake!

Seattle

We spent a weekend in Seattle with our friends the Hamiltons and the Bruschkes. It was a fun filled trip. We spent a day in the city learning about the history of Seattle with an underground walking tour, going to the top of the space needle and browsing the famous Pike's Market. The next day we spent some time at the Ballard Locks and the salmon ladders, we took a hike to a beautiful waterfall and then ended the day taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. We had a great time.

Sadie's 4th Birthday

Sadie's Birthday was August 15th. Troy and I were actually out of town so Nana Plewe was staying with the kids. She wanted to make Sadie's day special so she took her out to lunch decked out with a Birthday Girl crown to Red Robins. They waitresses gave her balloons, an ice cream sunday and sang to her. She loved it. Later that night the kids made her day special with decorations and the special day plate accompanied a cake and candles. How sweet her siblings were to her. It is nice to get a glimpse of that - once in a great while :) - Two weeks later when scheduling permitted we had a small party with some of her friends. Haleigh was amazingly enthusiastic planning all the games and activities. She even had it written out how long each activity should take before determining the length for the invitations. How nice is that for Mom? She planned pin the crown on the princess, musical chairs and a princess pinata. Thanks Haleigh for all of your help! It was fun!

1st Day of School

The kids were excited to start school again -- but probably not as excited as I was :). Taylor is in 6th grade, Haleigh 4th and Camden is in 2nd grade this year. They all have great teachers and we are looking forward to a year full of learning and growth. Sadie is going to preschool and I will get her posted soon!