agree or disagree, but this is my stance

It has been a little while since I have put any time into the blog. After a very inspiring General Conference, I am repenting and renewing my energy to blog. I know how important it is to keep my family in the loop even though they have defected the mother country for the desert oasis. Yes, we Californians love being challenged about our beliefs on a semi regular basis. Unlike Utah, we actually have to overthrow our liberal judges so we can keep the right to call marriage....um....marriage. I know, call us crazy, cuz, well.... you should.

On a side note, I have heard that the Reptiles in Australia are fighting to be named Marsupials. It's a bit of a PR stunt, but Marsupials are so much more popular, they feel like it would help overhaul their less than ideal image. Also, orange is fighting to change its name to blue. It is a bit strange, but you know how it is. I mean, when was the last time you heard someone say their favorite color was orange. They've been down long enough. Time to fight back.

A telling story. We ate dinner at some friends of ours tonight. My buddy, Jason, was telling us that his 6 year old was asking about why he was walking around neighborhoods (for prop 8). Kim and I have had these conversations on how much information our own 6 year old needs to hear right now. So Jason decided to tell him. Here was the conversation.

Jason: "Well, son, some people think that Daddies should be able to be married to other Daddies..."
Son: "Yeah right, real funny, Dad!" And then realizing he was wasting his time talking to a dad who was obviously just completely off his rocker, he ran off to play.

We then had a conversation about how it used to be easy to just follow a moral code, do what you knew was right, and not too many people had too hard of a time with it. Now, you have to be willing to seem intolerant, in order to stand for a moral issue. Those who read this blog, should know, if they don't already, that I believe in a Supreme Being who loves and is willing to forgive any person who has ever made a mistake. The price has been paid for every single one, no matter how severe. I feel that it is harder to be more tolerant than that. I know my Supreme Being isn't nearly as trendy as the one who doesn't care what our choices or are actions are, but I still think mine is pretty good. I've made my fair share of mistakes, and I know I have to improve and strive to live my life in more of a way that would please him. But the intolerant view in my mind is to say that I can not have the freedom of religion or speech to believe or share my view. This issue of marriage, and it is a moral issue, will have unforeseen, destructive consequences, if it is not fought for.

So, with that, I am taking a stance, and anyone in the world (there are only 3 readers of this blog so I realize this doesn't make me that brave) can know I have one. Excuse me for my sarcasm here, but in some ways I feel like I did with my daughters homework the other day. She asked me what 8 times 3 was. I told her to count it up and see what she gets. She then said 27. I tell her she should count again, and she tells me she did and it is still 27. After that, trying to convince her it is actually 24 was almost impossible. I certainly couldn't argue with her, she wasn't going to take my word for it until she had proof. I was just an idiot, until she figured it out on her own.

The time has come. I don't usually use this blog for much outside of family pictures and posts. But I want it to be clear where I stand on what I think is a very important, albeit, in many ways asinine (especially if you live anywhere other than Massachusetts's, San Francisco or Hollywood) issue. I believe marriage is between a Man and Woman. Call me crazy, and intolerant, but I DO.

Editor's note; I also believe that killing, bearing false witness, stealing, worhipping false idols, dishonoring father and mother, taking the name of Deity in vain, coveting, overspending by the people and their government(that is one of them right), and all the other 10 commandments that I can't remember right now should stay as thou shalt not's. If this also appears intolerant, I take full responsibility.

The Bates Nut Farm

Madisen and Dad had a nice 1st grade field trip. I haven't been on a field trip for school in about 15 years. It was a bit warm but the day was full. We had a fun hay ride, straw maze, lecture on gourds and their famous cousins. Madisen even picked out her own pumpkin at the end of the day. Great fun.

The Dark Knight (2008) New Trailer #4 HD

Randomness in August

Our gangster Jeddy! He has the perfect do not mess with me lips and face. Jeddy's Uncle Matt and Sarah came to visit. Matt outfitted Jeddy with this new look.
I am glad we do not live in Vegas anymore. I wouldn't be comfortable around town with him wearign this there.



Benson is so happily getting his first hair cut. He was growing too close to a mullet. We had to do what was right for the American people. We held him down and shaved it off.


I knew exactly what Jeddy was up too. He kept his eyes on me the entire walk into the kitchen. Got his 'surf board'. Came back into the living room keeping a close watch on me. And proceeded to the stairs. I listened to him as he sat at the top. He was talking to Benson down below. You better move this is going to be fun. yet before he went he moved down a step or two. After the first run down the stairs it was over.

Benson was not going to stand by and calmly watch Jeddy have all the fun. this is when i chimed in. I figured it was better for me to injure Benson on our stair surfing the Jeddy. so we doubled up and went for it. He loved it. We had a bunch of fun that afternoon. We went feet first, head first, on our bellies, on parents backs, and learned some great techniques. I was a little scared when Ben came home and wondered why all the pillows were at the bottom of the stairs. I wasn't sure if I was going to get in trouble for being dangerous with the boys. I wouldn't let Jeddy tell Ben what we did, I made him show him. So then We got Ben all involved. he had issues keeping his long legs inside the width of the stairs. but once he passed that challenge Benson picked him as his favorite stair surfing partner.



To any of my friends that are new to parenting or just want to actually sleep in and get a sound night rest. Look forward to this in the morning.

This was all Benson, 3 boxes of cereal. I full box of honey bunches of oats, and 2 half boxes of golden grahams and kix. I didnt even show the sink and kitchen pictures. I wasn't aware that Ben got Benson out of his crib, he said he told me and then left for work. well I must have been tired because I slept right through it. I only woke up when I heard the door close. Yes our front door. Luckily Benson was distracted by now with naked Barbie dolls and Madisen convinced Jeddy to shut the door. Madisen had turned into a Zombie in front of the TV. She gave this insightful advice after Jeddy had interrogated the person, and shut and reopened the door several times.

Luckily I was coming too and came down the stairs, I cant even remember who came over. I think it was a friend. the great thing is We talk about this issue ALL THE TIME. Seriously the one time you sleep in, all craziness happens. The older kids destroyed their room and the living room, Madisen had the TV on and Benson so politely sprinkled my kitchen. All in just a few minutes of rest.

I had no real reason to post all these oddities. Hope you enjoy the little happening around our house in august.

In awe!

Simply amazing. The opening ceremony of the Olympics was beautiful. The best I have ever seen. I loved the vast numbers of the drummers and dancers, the contrast in light dark, masculine vs feminine. I really could go on for 20 or so more run on sentences. I was so touched when Bob C. was telling the story of the c0-flag carrier for the Chinese Olympiads. It was the little boy with scars on his head. He was one of 10 survivors in his school class from the earthquake. He was covered with the rubble and ran for help and returned to uncover 2 more students. When asked about his actions he humbly remarked I am a class leader it is my job. What a wonderful little boy.

If you missed it . . . seriously watch it. I also encourage every one to read about it. the symbolism and historical lesson through out the display is amazing. Like the Chinese scroll that narrated and was the screen, the Chinese invented paper.

and holy cow who ever thought of a torch barer would be running in air to light the flame . . . . seriously so cool.


http://en.beijing2008.cn/ceremonies/headlines/openingceremony/s214516089/

An official plea for help!

Okay, blog buddies we have a situation. An unnamed person has found himself happily single at 34 with 2 wonderful children. I know many of you are thinking I am referring to Christian Bale. Sorry ladies he is still married. Yes, Christian Bale and I are good friends, and he is 34. But I am referring to someone else. The person I am referring to that needs help has many similarities to Christian Bale. I will call my friend the Dark Knight. He is charming like most of Bale's characters. Other similarities are the same height and wear their hair the same way. Both have many dialects and accents they use for career purposes. Both have daughters the same age. That is as much information as Christian is comfortable with so I will stop there. He is a very private guy.

I have no advice to offer the Dark night on online dating services Or being single and a Latter day Saint over the age of 30. So, I am out sourcing. My plea is those that know will comment on any or all of the below topics and any other you think He will need. Thank you in advance.

on the different services to use?

cautions and warnings?

appropriate online etiquette?

Singles ward? or family wards?

mail order brides from Russia?

feel free to link appropriate blog entries in comments to further educate us.

Surfing fun

Here are a few pictures of Madisen and I surfing on Saturday. We got up at 6:30 so we could beat the rush hour surf traffic. It wasn't a real big day, which was good for Madisen. But the waves are always fun.