Updating

I apologize to all of you who have been waiting with baited breath to see what is happening with our family (ha ha). Not a great deal has happened in the past week or so. I suppose the most exciting news is that I have a new nephew (if you read my sister Kris' blog you'll already be privy to this info) his name is Jack and was born on Sept 26. Mom and baby are doing fine after a few bumps in the road.

I have been up to my knees in Box Tops this week. We ended the first contest at school and like always some of the teachers wait until the last day to turn in all they have collected. I think we did pretty good, we brought in more that 4000 Box Tops since August. I have to prepare a shipment so we can get paid by December. I find real satisfaction in doing something that earns our school so much money.

My Dad called Friday afternoon and asked if he could take Adam with him to Wilcox for the weekend. It was Rex Alan Days in Wilcox and that means...TRACTOR PULLS. My Dad and brother love going and participating in this red neck tradition. This weekend they only watched. Dad took the motor home and I hear that he and Adam had a great time. Adam came home with all kinds of treausres. I had sent him with $2 and I know all his treasures cost more than that (thanks Papa). I am so happy that my kids can make wonderful memories with their Grandparents.

It was great to watch General Conf this past weekend. It was a relaxing day with lots of great messages.

Other than these things we've been going to soccer games, gymnastics, school, and work. We just keep trudging through. We hope that each of you are doing well and are happy.

Morenci

After church on Sunday we took a little drive up to the Morenci/Clifton area. Dave works up there almost every day and I wanted to understand better what he does and sees. It is a historic area and I wish I knew more about the area. We drove around the mine and got to see lots of haul trucks and shovels. It is such a HUGE operation and run so smoothly. For those of you who may not know Morenci AZ is home to one of the largest copper mines in the world. They employ an enormous amount of people in our community. The company Dave works for, RSC, has opened a store on site at the mine and Dave has transferred to that new store. It is about an hour drive each way every day.

Along side the road we saw a train engine so we stopped to let the kids crawl on it. It sits right next to an old jail that is carved out of the mountain. We walked down inside of it, boy was it creepy.

Look Mom

Last week we were outside watching Adam ride the 4 wheeler and I decided to take Carson's training wheels off his bike. He is still on a little bike for now and I thought he might be able to master it. In 15 minutes he was riding all by himself; starting and stopping. He is so pleased with himself. This is such a milestone in his life!

My newest project

I am using these pictures for a project I am doing. I thought I'd share them with you. Can you tell who is who?

Yes on Prop 102

I am not normally political, however an issue has come to light that I feel is very important to voice my opinion about.

As most of you know, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not endorse any particular political candidate or political propositions... normally. However, it has become necessary for the church to vocally support an AZ proposition. A proposition that is morally relevant.

On November 4th, Arizonans will be asked to vote on Proposition 102. This prop states, "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as marriage in this state." That's it! The proposition would make this an amendment to the AZ Constitution.

Arizonans are taking preemptive measures to ensure that the minority, supported by our wayward judicial system, does not impinge upon our rights. By voting "yes" to Prop 102, Arizonans will make marriage, defined as the union between one man and one woman a constitutional amendment. Thus making it MUCH more difficult for our judicial system to declare traditional marriage as "unconstitutional".

There are SOOOOO many horrible ramifications if this proposition is not passed. I firmly believe that marriage between one man and one woman is ordained of God. As stated in the "The Family: A Proclomation to the World":

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children . . . The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is not the only church joining to support Prop. 102. Religions across the country have been adversely affected by this degradation of marriage and family and are now taking a stand.

So, my friends and family members...if you are living in California, Arizona or Florida I strongly urge you to vote on November 4th to preserve the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. Check out YesForMarriage.com and read the News Releases (The Divine Institution of Marriage) from the LDS church to learn more about the unique political propositions the church and its members are supporting. And vote YES on Prop 102!

Who needs toys?

For Christmas we will not be purchasing toys of any kind; instead we will buy boxes and tin foil.

The other day Carson called Dave and asked him to bring home a box. Dave found this big copier box for him. The boys have made a club house out of it and have played with it non-stop!

I can remember one of the best Christmas presents we ever got as kids was a huge appliance box that had been painted and windows cut in it. My Mom glued curtains around the windows. We loved that "fort" and played in all the time. Thinking back my parents probably didn't have lots of money that year for gifts for 6 kids, but we didn't notice. Funny how the simplest things can bring the most joy.

Silly

Amy babysat my kids the other day and apparently they found the camera in my bag. Ithought you'd like to see their silly faces! (Payback bites!)