Thanksgiving FINALLY!!!

Thanksgiving was a fun week. Della, Troy's mom came for the whole week. She was able to come the weekend before and got to watch Taylor's last football game, Haleigh & Sadie's last soccer games and our Primary program. It was our first and last year all of our kids will be in it together!!! We had a fun Turkey Day with yummy food! Troy and I even got up early and did some Black Friday shopping. Later that day Troy and Della took the kids on a 3 mile hike to Lost Dutchman. They did pretty well and had fun climbing on the rocks at the top.

My Super Speller!!!

Taylor qualified for his school spelling bee for the second year! He came in third place this year! Way to go Taylor I am so proud of you.

Stop and think.....

I am often struck by the wisdom in simple observations penned by people I admire. I decided I needed to read them more often as they apply to my life. Recently I was on a weekend getaway with Troy and some fabulous friends of ours. We had just finished hiking to a beautiful waterfall and we were in a resort gift shop buying water. While browsing (and cooling off) I came across a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt.

"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. "

That really made me stop and think....as our life continues, as we grow older and our kids too, as good friends move away -I find myself most often discussing people -- how does that that apply in my life. What kind of benefit am I deriving from these discussions?

The next one came to my mind after my son's football game this past Saturday. We played a team that played really dirty. In a 40 min game this team had 3 holding penalties (that were called) and 5 flag guarding penalties called. (there were probably 15 incidents of flag guarding total - only 5 were called) They jumped and pushed and were very physical. It was frustrating gamee. The boys were frustrated, the coaches were frustrated. The other team was cussing and smack talking to our boys. It was a bad experience. After once again complaining about a call or a NO call -- the parents on the other side of the field started yelling to us to sit down, shut and and stop whining. Somehow (I know big surprize) " then stop cheating " was yelled quite loudly at the other side of the field by someone who shall remain nameless (me). After being embarrassed -- yep I admit it -- and reflecting upon it after the game the quote I had rubbed onto my boys wall came to my mind by John Wooden.

"Sports do not build character -- they reveal it."

I really think that applies to all aspects of the game. Players, Coaches, Referee's & Umpires and especially THE PARENTS. My goal is to now live that in my life during my many years of being a sports mom. Its harder then it sounds! But I know it is something important we can teach our children. LIFE IS NOT FAIR (don't you hate to admit that?) and we need to decide how we are going to deal with it. Are we going to get mad and yell across the field (oops) or are we going to put it all out there in our effort to play a game with integrity? I am grateful for the fabulous coach's that didn't get crazy mad - (or at least they didn't show it) and they told the boys to play through it and show them how to play the game with integrity. I am grateful for the positive role they are playing in my son's life. Now if I can just do the same!

I am voting YES on Proposition 102

I spent a few hours the last two days hanging door flyers for this proposition. I have family and friends in California knocking on doors and standing on street corners with 40 - 50 others getting yelled and cursed at and had thing thrown at them for holding up signs for their Prop 8. Yet others - strangers have stopped, parked their cars and joined them!

Recently I had an email containing a graphic manipulation of Samual the Lamanite on the wall having arrows shot at him -- but instead he was holding a Yes of Prop 8 sign -- doesn't it feel that way? What has happened to our country? I think the sadest part are members of my own faith picketing Church headquarters against the stand we as a faith are taking to preserve marriage between a man and a woman. It it suprizing how well Satan spreads his deception. I proudly stand for what I know to be morally correct and fundamentally crucial to the future of our country and our freedom and especially our families. I will vote YES on Prop 102 and I encourage you to do the same.

Halloween Fun

We loved having HALLOWEEN on Friday. It was one long day -- but then it was over. The kids of course went to the houses with the king size candy bars first and then enjoyed running around with their friends in a race for the most candy. Sadie did decide she did not like the haunted house and anyone jumping out at her -- as Troy was relaying that information she piped in and she said, "Yes mom, I screamed -- I did not like it!"

Fall Football Fun

This is Taylor's second year of flag football. He plays with great group of boys and coaches. One thing Taylor has learned this year is that hard work pays off. Taylor has had a lot of success catching extra points and intercepting the ball. In the game below he had two interceptions! One he ran with for a touchdown and another he made it back to the 5 yard line! As a parent there is nothing more satisfying than watching your child learn hard work equals success. A modest fist pump after a touchdown -- well there is nothing better! Go Cowboys!

After his interception turned touchdown! Go Taylor!

Sadie's 1st year of soccer!

I don't know if there is anything cuter than watching a bunch of adoreable 4 & 5 year old girls playing soccer! Sadie is pretty young but has done pretty well considering! She even scored a goal in her first game! Go Yellow Jackets! Both Nana Pat and Nana Plewe came into town for a weekend to watch the kids play their games. Sadie loves spending time with her Grandmas!

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.