An Interesting Thought

Here's an excerpt from John Steinbeck's East of Eden that struck me as true of our times today. Interpret it as you will:

"It is argued that because they believed thoroughly in a just, moral God they could put their faith there and let the smaller securities take care of themselves. But I think that because they trusted themselves and respected themselves as individuals, because they knew beyond doubt that they were valuable and potentially moral units--because of this they could give God their own courage and dignity and then receive it back. Such things have disappeared perhaps because men do not trust themselves any more, and when that happens there is nothing left except perhaps to find some strong sure man, even though he may be wrong, and to dangle from his coattails."

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Are We Still in America???

Here's a little video clip that should make you pretty angry, assuming you are a decent person. This was filmed at a rally where people who are pro-gay marriage are protesting the passing of Proposal 8, which thankfully overrode a recent California Supreme Court decision to recognize same-sex marriage as a fundamental right:



All other issues aside, does anyone else remember that in America, we have the right to free speech? It is disturbing to see a little old lady (who isn't even given the chance to voice her opinion) being utterly disrespected by being yelled at, signs being shoved in front of her face, and then practically being physically assaulted by men who should know better? Why are they so threatened by the presence of one elderly woman who had the courage to stand up for what she felt was right? Could it be that the view she had might have had an ounce of truth to it? It seems that evil only vehemently rears its ugly head when it feels the most threatened, and it is only in the face of what is truly right that it shows itself in its vilest forms. If these men were so secure in their view that same-sex marriage was absolutely and undeniably the "right" stance, then why would they even care that this tiny woman had come to the rally? They showed no respect for their elders, no respect for an individual's right to free speech and behaved like animals. Do they treat their own grandmothers like this?
I am sickened and ashamed. I thought this was America.

Gas for $1.93???

Holy frick, I must be dreaming! I got gas today for $1.93/gallon! Somebody pinch me! We must have gone back in time!

My Sweet Girl

This morning I was rushing around trying to get the kids ready for school. Ashlee had worn a t-shirt to bed that was so small for her that a lot of her belly was showing. As I was getting her dressed, I told her that her belly button was so cute that I wanted to pinch it. She giggled and finished getting dressed, turned around and said, "OK, Mom, I'm ready. You can pinch me now!" I said, "Why do you want me to pinch you? I was just joking around!" She said, "Because I want you to be happy!"
My kids are like night and day. I sometimes wonder how they even come from the same gene pool. Whenever I ask Nick if I can have one of his chocolate Halloween candies, he is quick to reply, "No! It's my candy!" I'll say, "Pretty please? Just one little candy?" I continue to get the same answer. (He has only shared something with me twice in his entire nine years, and even then it was with such reluctance that it doesn't count as sharing.) So I move on to Ashlee and say, "Ash, can Mommy have one of your Halloween chocolates?" Happily she says, "Sure Mom." I say, "Which one can I have?" She says, "You can pick whichever one you really like." Adorable.

Family Vacation to Utah in July

I'm so speedy at posting! Again, this is all catch up work, which it will be until I can make it all the way up to November, so skip this if you feel so inclined!


A professional photographer came out to the house we stayed at to take family pics of everyone. This is not one of his shots--my brother took it so we could practice before the actual thing. And no, Nick never smiled.


Ashlee soaking up "cousin time." She loves her cuzzies so much!


Here is Ashlee back in her element. This horse is so adorable I wanted to put it in my purse and take it home. I wonder which weighs more . . . the horse or the guy in the overalls?


This one was too big to fit in my purse.


Four-wheelin'! We had a blast! Isn't Tyler so dang cute? He makes you want to pinch his cheeks!


We four-wheeled up and down to the reservoir until Sarah and I convinced ourselves that there was a serial killer living in the tent we kept passing. We creeped ourselves out! (It was getting dark by this point.)


Jere locked himself in the outhouse . . . again. He did it so many times that we started to think he was enjoying his time in there!


Nick playing tricks on Grandpa in Strawberry Reservoir.


Staying cool. It was close to 100 degrees.


Ashlee back in her happy place again. I'm surprised we were able to get her back on the plane to Michigan!