Yes on Families,Yes On 8!

Proposition 8 is not a same-sex issue, it truly is a definitional issue. Defining the term marriage as between “a man and a woman”. Same-sex couples in California can enter into domestic partnerships. Ironically, heterosexual couples cannot enter into domestic partnerships. California Family Code 297 (b) 1.B states “persons of opposite sexes may not constitute a domestic partnership”So what is the difference between marriage and domestic partnership? There is NO difference in rights, benefits, responsibilities, etc. The only difference is marriage is between a man and a woman, and a domestic partnership is between individuals of the same gender.Nothing about Prop 8 is discriminatory or intolerant. It is about protecting a definition, and the institution the word represents.

Attributed to Andy Hiatt

Four years ago these rights were granted to same sex couples, now they say that is not enough. Now they want to change the definition of marriage, taking away my right to decide if and when my children are exposed to different lifestyles. What will they ask for next?

A yes on 8 vote, is a vote to protect our families, and to protect our rights as parents to decide what our children will be exposed to. Our family has spent several hours working to help this proposition pass. Jeff has dedicated his radio show discussion to this topic, and the boys have helped pass out door hangers. Sunday we spent several hours putting fliers on cars in parking lots, and then standing with friends and members of the community at a busy intersection in town holding our signs in show of our support on this issue. We were back last night in full force. It was a great learning experience for our kids and helped us all to recognise just how critical this is for the future of our communities and families. When we got home Sunday night Wes said, "Mom I feel so patriotic" I was proud of my boys as they stood tall with their Yes on 8 signs next to grown men, who were boldly holding their No on 8 signs.

Logan was our Mascot Super Yes on 8!

After an hour and a half in the drizzling rain, we met for dinner with friends.

Yes on the women sitting together so we could chat about girl stuff.

Yes on the husbands sitting on the other end to help keep the kids in their seats.

Yes on us being aware this crew is too young for a double date

Yes we were a bit irresponsible for putting this crew together in a public place!

Yes there were a few trips of pairs to the restroom from this group!

Get out there today and vote YES ON 8!!!

Halloween Haunts

Here we come a Haunting

Aunts, Uncles, Grandma, Grandpa, and cousins too

Brynne was a fairy and kept threatening to change you

The bag was as big as she was! After about 30 minutes she looked up and said,"Mom I'm getting kinda tired you can hold my bag. And mom, could you say trick or treat for me at the next house?

She sang all night,"Fairy dust, fairy dust!"

This crew plus Austin went ahead with Grandpa...

Ghost Garrett

The Rickards Boo Crew

"Mom I like it when you are a pirate, but I really like it when I am a fairy!"

"Uh mom, Ashlyn is eating her candy, guess I can too!"

"Better watch out Dad I'm going to change you into a pickle! Fairy dust, fairy dust..."

"Mom look I am going to show Ashlyn how to trick or treat"

Aunt Tara has a really big hat!

After our family fun around the neighborhood, we joined a few families at our friends the McCauley's. Here they are below. Aaron and his brother run a large business and Aaron actually wore this to work Friday. He even had the voice down!

Ready for round two of trick or treating!

Haley and I

Heather and Jason. Heather was wearing one of her Prom Dresses earlier in the night. It still fit! It showed a little more skin than when she was in high school but hey, who is going to complain? You just can't go wrong with spandex and sequins can you?

Jeff and Drew. Drew wasn't in many pictures tonight because instead of walking the 6 doors down to my moms for dinner he decided to trick or treat his way over there. Our sweet neighbor saw him going door to door alone, and insisted he stay with her son and her. After reaching her on her cell phone and arranging a meeting place to gather our little wanderer, the night was nearly done!

Cleopatra and her little girl Peyton

Brynnes best friend is Clara. They were both Tinkerbell.

They were both interested in this dead guy

They danced with him all night! This guy had all the right moves!

So you may have noticed our missing Wes. He went to his friend Nicks house and went trick or treating with a few friends. He and Garrett worked on carving out a pumpkin just right so that Wes could wear it on his head. He left for his friends house while I was out running errands, and I missed seeing his costume. Nicks dad said Wes' pumpkin head was the hit of the night and all the parents at the doors complimented him on it! Wish I could have seen that! Crazy that my guy is growing up so fast!

It's Raining, It's Pouring, This Girl's Not Mourning!

Oh Happy Day!