Friday, October 31, 2008

Eman the Chef

I don't know if anyone remembers, but one of E's favorite shows was Emeril. He LOVED Emeril and would talk about him A LOT. Well, he has amazing Den Leaders for Cub Scouts. This week they took the Cubs to the store where they purchased all of the items to make dinner for their family. Ethan chose French Bread pizza (don't you wish you were here Bud?), salad, and brownies (which they made at Cubs) for dessert. He made dinner (a little knife help from Mom and the teeniest amount of help with the can opener, etc. from Dad), set the table, cleaned up, and did the dishes. I think I might be out of a job! ;-)
The happy Chef...
The main course

A happy family.
I must say I was so impressed with the preparation by his leaders. My new calling is Pack Committee Chair (with RS instructor) and I couldn't be more thrilled to be working with them and in the Cub Scout program. I heart Cub Scouts for the leadership skills it teaches our boys-evidenced by a meal made for 8 above! :-)
Go E!



And the Halloween package gets opened...

And the package from Mama & Papa is brough out...anticipation is in the air...
The front of the card

Inside the card (we have to show the card because it is so cool!)


A happy girl (Notice the name tag on the bag matches the card-this is the case with every package!! Is it any wonder that the moment a box comes ALL of us can't wait to see what is inside?)



And this sums up the excitement of all-thanks for an awesome package!! :-)

Yes on 8 on Monday...











Our family took part in a demonstration Monday late afternoon/evening where all the members from our building (3 wards) lined one of the main roads here in Temecula (the other 2 buildings lined 2 other roads). It was such a wonderful experience for us as a family. It helped that we had a lot of positive responses, but just to teach your children that you should stand for what you believe has been an empowering experience period. Of course our local newspaper put a picture of the HUNDREDS of people lining the street with an article about 1 (yep, 1) dozen students that stayed home from school for a sitout protesting the CTA donation. Give me a break-the picture of us lining the street AFTER school hours with that article was TOTALLY misleading-that's journalism for you! ;-) Anyway, we didn't really appreciate the people that gave us the finger (especially with all of the young kids around-I guess no on 8 doesn't believe in any kind of decorum or protecting our kids from anything vulgur, now do they?) and the people that gave us the thumbs down I could at least respect the fact that they weren't flipping off our 3 year old!
Back to the fact that it was a great experience for us. I love the activism feel-the high from know you are supporting something true and right! These pictures aren't the best-and why we didn't get a family picture like Rachel I have no idea. I really need to get better at this...
PS We all took a turn with the signs that we had-and those not holding a sign at the moment just waved. Very peaceful, very powerful, very unifying!




Garin's Birthday...

So, the Gman turned 13! And...his lame Mom barely took any pictures! (Who is she anyway?) The day started off with school, a ride home, and then a trip to Best Buy for a new Civilaztion game, McDonald's for dinner (yes, I know-yuck!), and white cupcakes with chocolate frosting for dessert! While we were carving pumpkins last night this is who came to our door-a bunch of adorable girls to sing Happy Birthday to our teenager!
Here is Garin with the best part of the day...

And just the girls right after the singing...(like the Yes on 8 sign in the background?)

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Monday, October 27, 2008

Today I feel so lucky...

I also forgot to mention I helped in Ry's preschool class last week. I had a lot of fun and I can't help but just adore this kid! He makes my days! :-)

Notice anything different? Or missing? (no, I don't mean their shirts or lack of muscles)
I have had one of those morning where reminiscing about your blessings just comes with the territory. I read this that made me think about my sisters (& brothers) and all that they have done for me and my family making me feel so loved. With 6 kids in a fairly short amount of time, a very busted foot, and various other happenings-help was needed and help was given. Be it through service in our home, watching the kids overnight (including movie nights...), or just coming over and holding the baby while I took a nap-we have been oh, so very lucky. And today I am really feeling it.

I read this and thought about Garth. How I was lucky enough to wake up with him this morning. How I just gave him a kiss and breathed in that smell of his that makes me feel all warm inside. How he let me just touch his face reminding myself that he is here and that I am a very lucky girl right this very moment...I have him close to me (very close right now), I have him forever, and he loves me. Does it really get any better than that?

And then Garth brought in boxes and boxes...our family loves us! My Mom sent the kids a Halloween package (a much loved tradition), Garin's gift came as well from Mama & Papa (he is dying to open it), Dad Isom sent Garth a shirt (Garth was just as giddy (sp?) as Garin for the record-I think I may have to start sending him packages occasionally!), and Ry's monkey costume came!
I am so grateful for my family, my friends, and my faith. It sure helps when the days are tough to think of days like today. Hopefully this afternoon will go just as well. As a family we have talked about Proposition 8 and what it means (on the different levels of understanding in the house). Today we will be lining Temecula Parkway (on the sidewalk) with other supporters of this Proposition in support of families. Will it be a little uncomfortable? Probably. Do I hope and pray the kids are more than obedient and well behaved? Yep. Do I hope it passes? With every fiber in my being. I worry so much about what will happen to the moral fabric of our society if it doesn't, but enough on that for now...we are headed off soon. Wish us luck (I am sure a few insults will be coming our way...freedom of speech is only a luxury for the other side)! ;-)

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Isn't this great?

My sister in law posted this on her blog and I thought it was terrific! We know a lot of people that have had signs stolen out of their yards!

I am in love...

right now with Garth (total given) and the little guy in the back. He brings me so much joy! :-)

Monday, October 20, 2008

Saturday, October 18, 2008

More on Prop 8...please read


Hi Neighbor, Friends, Fellow Bloggers, and Visitors to this blog in general….Please read this important information about Proposition 8!
On November 4th, YOU will have the opportunity to vote, once again, on the definition of marriage. The deeper I have studied Proposition 8, the more I realize the lasting effects it will have on our families, our societies and our nation. This is why I would like to share five reasons why I AM VOTING YES ON PROPOSITION 8:


1. TO PROTECT MY CHILDREN AND MY PARENTAL RIGHTS - If proposition 8 does not pass, children in public schools will be taught that traditional marriage and homosexual marriage are equal and that marriage is simply between any two adults regardless of gender. Teachers will no longer be able to use the term “Mother and Father” when discussing families. In health and sex education, they will be taught how sexual relationships function between partners. In Massachusetts where same-sex marriage has been legalized, parents are not even allowed to opt their kids out in elementary school when being taught same-sex marriage and lifestyle issues. PARENTS' RIGHTS ARE LOST. Whether you agree or not, parents should have the right to raise their own children according to their own beliefs. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs. Please check out the following link: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/?pageId=77373.

2. TO PROTECT MY FREEDOM OF RELIGION – If Proposition 8 does not pass, religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children in accordance with their religious beliefs. Catholic Charities in Boston already closed their doors in Massachusetts because courts legalized same-sex marriage there. They were being pressured by the same sex marriage law to grant adoption to same sex couples. It went against their beliefs and their freedom of religion and therefore discontinued their adoption services. Also, the California Supreme Court ruled that fertility doctors and clinics may not refuse treatment to homosexuals based on religious objections. The decision declared that it violates the state's anti-discrimination laws to deny fertility treatment to homosexuals simply because the doctor is Christian. An actual case right here in Southern California involves two lesbians in Oceanside who sought insemination at a local fertility clinic. During their initial meeting with doctors, they were told that the clinic would not be able to assist them. Instead, they were referred to other doctors whose conscience would not be violated by inseminating a homosexual couple. The couple was able to receive treatment from another doctor and gave birth to a child as a result. Despite their successful pregnancy under the care of another doctor, the couple retaliated by suing the Christian doctors, citing California's anti-discrimination laws. The doctors lost. The issue is that our religious and moral beliefs will be stamped out because of this law.

3. TO PROTECT MY FREEDOM OF SPEECH – If Proposition 8 doesn’t pass, minister’s, or any of us for that matter, who preach or speak out against same-sex marriages may be sued for hate speech and risk government fines. It already happened in Canada, a country that legalized gay marriage. A recent California court held that municipal employees may not say: “traditional marriage,” or “family values” because, after the same-sex marriage case, it is considered “hate speech.”

4. TO PROTECT MY TAX DOLLARS - If Proposition 8 doesn’t pass, it will cost ALL of us money. Tax exemption status could be changed for religious groups and charities who do not want to ‘uphold the law’. This change in the definition of marriage will also bring a cascade of changing governmental forms and procedures, school books and curriculum changes, an increase in lawsuits, and changes in the workplace. Think of your hard earned money that will be spent on such legal battles.

5. TO REDEFINE MARRIAGE BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN - Some will try to tell you that Yes on Proposition 8 takes away legal rights of gay domestic partnerships. THAT IS FALSE! YES on Proposition 8 DOES NOT take away ANY of those rights and DOES NOT interfere with homosexuals living the lifestyle they choose. Their rights to have civil unions and live together and have tax breaks, etc. WILL NOT change. Under California law, “domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits” as married spouses. Their union is just not called “marriage.” YES on Proposition 8 is NOT an attack against those who have same gender attraction. It’s about standing up for our own moral beliefs, our freedom of religion, and freedom of speech that this great Nation offers each of us. While homosexuals have the right to their private lives, they do not have the right to redefine marriage for everyone else.


On November 4TH, Please join me in Voting YES ON Proposition 8 which will….

· RESTORE the definition of marriage that was approved in 2000 by over 61% of voters “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
· Overturn the decision of four activist judges, sending a message to these judges that they can’t take it upon themselves to change the voice of the people!
· Protect our children, our freedom of religion and our freedom of speech.
· Settle it once and for all! Think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end? What will be next? Who will want to marry who going forward?

For more information about
YES ON PROPOSITION 8
Please go to the following websites:

http://iprotectmarriage.com/http://www.protectmarriage.com/http://www.protectmarriage.com//


(composed by Ginger Langston and covers what we feel perfectly!)

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Overheard Last Night...

Garth told Trevon he needed to go to bed and check for cracks in his eyelids.
(We here the bathroom door closing)
Trev comes out, "Dad, just checked-there aren't any. So, I can stay up.)

Jog-a-thon fun!

This last Friday was the Tony Tobin Jog-a-thon (donations still welcome). I am Starlee's Room Mom, so I brought a handsome helper to help me out for the day. Starlee's class ran at the same time as E's-so that was nice. I managed to get in a few laps with both of them. Garth was marking laps on the kids backs (they had stickers)-and I must say he did a mighty fine job! (He is also a great orange slice giver-outer in case anyone is in need of one!) ;-) I took tons of pictures, but here are a few of us and the kids (we went back later to cheer Trev on)!
E & Dad-pals forever. My mini-me, although I don't remember being such a ham!
(don't you just love the hair? It was SUPER windy...very nice weather!!)
Okay, I just liked the picture! The day was a lot of fun and so well put together!
(Thanks Chessa!)
My man Trev!
High five-he completed 41 laps!!
She really is a princess!
Starlee having a lap marked!


FHE Last Monday was spent...

washing the cars. Garth got a new wax (which he decided to try out on his truck first so that we could make sure it was "good enough" for the Suburban-yeah, right) and wanted to use it not to mention both of our vehicles were heinously dirty. (Well, mine might be again.) So, he gathered everyone around (the girls were still looking for suits I think) and we washed the cars and talked about the value of hard work. Here are a few pics of the fam...




Twilight Party

Last Thursday, I was able to go back to Alpine for my friend Pyper's Twilight Book Discussion! We took a Twilight quiz (included all 4 books), had a discussion, and ate yummy food! Pyper had a Twilight pencil for each of us along with a cute little box with Twilight chocolates (see photo below in the basket). She went to so much effort and I appreciated her inviting me-especially since we didn't know if I would be able to make it. (Thanks to a wonderful neighbor picking Starlee up-yep, Kristi saves the day again, I was able to go and see some friends that I miss thanks to a new friend. I really do feel like the luckiest girl in the world!) Anyway, of course I was lame and only got pictures of the food table because I enjoyed myself too much hanging out and forgot to take pictures! Thanks Pyper for a great time!


Tuesday, October 07, 2008

What a Great Day...

So, today was just plain great. We woke up early (well I guess that wasn't so great) and had family prayer and scriptures (great). Garth headed off to work, I went to lay down because I wasn't feeling too hot and accidentally fell asleep (both not so great), but woke up and pulled off getting the middle school kids to school (whew!) and then the elementary kids off. Afterwards I went to work on burning Garth a CD mix (great). We decided that this year it would be fun to act like teenagers and burn a mix for each other along with our traditional letter that we write to one another. So, a CD burning I did go. For those that know me, you guys know I am HORRIBLE with lyrics. So, you would have been proud-I looked up all the lyrics to every song (and there were 55) to make sure that I thought they fit the "two of us." And...to go with Garth's CD we got him an ipod (great). He has been wanting one for SO LONG and mine doesn't seem to hold enough songs for him-so he now has his own and is VERY excited. Especially since the songs I burned I created a playlist with too. After the ipod gift giving we...

went to dinner at a Thai restaurant here called Salas which was very, very yummy! (great)

Oh, did I mention that Garth got me this? A picture of the San Diego Temple! (GREAT) My brother-in-law, Casey, has a brother named Jason that take wonderful pictures. I saw this on his site a little after they came to stay with us and loved it...and Garth arranged with Jason to get it! (Yippee for me!!!) (Click on Jason's name if you would like to see more...)
PS Sorry the picture isn't better Jason-it is 10:00 pm and we have horrible lighting in there!

And then since he was hanging a picture anyway he got to work on our family pictures. (great)They are a little bit (okay a lot bit) more of a pain. He is currently cursing family pictures in his head, I think. :-) (maybe not so great?)


Back to the Thai place-here is our self-portrait. I look a little funny(not so great?), but I really wasn't drugged-at least I don't think so. ;-) (Sorry for the jumbled order.)
This is the cute rose that was at the top of our straw...I loved it! (great)
Garth's food...(oh so yummy-mango, chicken, shrimp curry) (totally great)
And mine...pineapple fried rice with chicken and shrimp. (deliciously great)

What a night, what a night! I feel so lucky! Now I am going to go cuddle up with my very cute husband, watch a movie, and have some quality time of our very own!

Have a great night everyone! We did and will! :-)
(GREAT!!)

And for our agreed on anniversary gift...

A CD! Yep, we decided to pretend we were a lot younger this year and exchange a letter (a tradition since 2002) and a mix CD. Remember how boyfriends and girlfriends would make a mix-well, we decided it was high time we did it officially. (Not just the "hey, will you make me a mix of ____?") Of course we are creating a playlist too...we wouldn't want to be too far behind in the times! :-)

14 years ago today...


I married the most wonderful man. And...on Sunday we found out that the prophet, Pres. Monson, was also married on Oct. 7th! (Just a little trivia!) So, since Garth occasionally reads my blog (when he can be turned away from the surf report, email, work, or me coaxing him to play hooky with me) I thought I would post 14 reasons I am so glad that he chose me.
1. He makes me laugh. He is not only fun 5 years later, but 14! :0)
2. He is so dang cute and has great pecs!
3. We make very cute kids if I do say so myself (and they definitely prove the strength of his genes)!
4. His testimony of the gospel is ROCK SOLID.
5. He knows when to get involved (think PROP 8) and when to hang back.
6. He puts me first (after the Lord obviously).
7. He is a great kisser, and I mean GREAT. Starlee says he makes my foot pop! (We do this just for her lately!)
8. He is a great brother-in-law.
9. He takes his role as Dad seriously, yet is tons of fun!
10. He doesn't let people intimidate him. (Maybe I should say he doesn't think about it...period. People are just people.)
11. He would defend me to his dying day...unless I was wrong-then he would defend me while turning around and saying, "Um...Janelle, you are totally wrong here."
12. He always says sorry and then spends quality time with me.
13. He has read/listened to the entire Twilight series because he is totally secure with his manhood (maybe it is the 6 kids we have that helped?).
14. He was willing to put up with me forever making my day 14 years ago and every day since.

So, Happy Anniversary Babe!
I love you!

Monday, October 06, 2008

Happy Birthday to...

photo courtesy of charm city cakes at charmcitycakes.com
Tori!

Tori's birthday is one of the easiest for us to remember! We hope that your day has been fun and that your night will be even better!
Have a great day!
Love,
All of us :-)
(and that's a lot...)

Saturday, October 04, 2008

YOU MUST WATCH THIS

I got this video from my friend Michelle's blog. I had seen something like it, but I really appreciate how this shows the implications of not voting YES on PROP 8. So, please watch this video and pass the word on! Thanks!

Scoop Night

The kids school had a fundraiser at Baskin Robbins called Scoop Night. This is where the teachers scoop the ice cream for the students! The kids loved seeing the teachers behind the counters and doubly loved the ice cream cones/cups that they had! I thought it was a fun evening. They had the High School Jazz Band there, which we all enjoyed and it was fun to see friends from school! All in all, I would say that we had a scoop of fun (lame I know, but the best I could come up with!) ;-)

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Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Sea Wolf-I love them...

you might too. Take a listen on their myspace page:

http://www.myspace.com/seawolf

Or here is one of my favorite songs: