Friday, October 31, 2008

Unimpressed- seriously

If you have a question at all about abortion this VIDEO should be viewed. Then of course decide for yourself.

I completely believe there is a time when an abortion is necessary- saving a mother (Obama did say this- I do not disagree with that)- however, there are right ways and wrong ways to go about this-

Said Obama- "The first thing I would do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act"
By signing that this would happen-

Remove all restrictions on abortion including:

Partial-birth Abortion (If you don't know what this is- go find out- you'd be disgusted)
Parental Notification
Informed Consent

Also quoting Obama "I've got two daughters 9 years old and 6 years old, I'm going to teach them first of all about values and morals but, if they make a mistake - I don't want them punished with a baby."

Hello? We must be held responsible for our mistakes- that is life- that is one reason we are here- make a mistake, repent and work toward becoming better. Some mistakes are so big in the eyes of our Maker that they include some pretty serious consequences- babies..... and other things.

Of course to me abortion hits home- we adopt our children so a birth mother to me is a complete saint- one that I must have in order to have children of my own. These sweet women who choose LIFE for these babies are making the RIGHT and really the ONLY choice in my opinion. If a child makes a "mistake" they need to make the right amends to fix that mistake- be it adoption or keeping a baby -that should be the CHOICE that is made and that should be made.

Oh wait- I had forgotten for just a moment that we as a society now are trying to make it so almost no one must pay for any mistake they make- society is on a slick down grading slope to hell- in a hand basket. Just my opinion. I will say it one more time- Just my opinion.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

The things he says...Halloween style

"Mom, let's pretend you're eating guts"

and

"Actually Dad, Michael was the Grimm Reaper"

Happy Halloween from us!


Compliments of my brother, Spencer- or as we like to call him at our house "uncle spenny". Thanks Spenny!

Halloween begins...









Halloween is a beloved holiday in our home. E looks forward to it for about 6 months out of the year. I get so stoked to tell him that it is only 3, 2, 1 weeks away- finally! He has wanted to be Batman since I can remember. We were sure he was going to change his mind at the last minute- like all 4 year olds- so we talked about all the different things he could be and told him that once he picked and mom made the costume he couldn't change his mind- he picked Batman. Then the other day he says "mom, I think I want to be a mummy." I reply- "oh really?" and he says "Well, I know, I already picked Batman, maybe next time." He is such a fun sweet guy.

Usually we like to match- we thought that I'd do Batgirl and Craig would pull a Boy Wonder/Robin- (I know cheesy- but what can I say?)- however, this year we just didn't quite get it all together- I didn't have enough time. I always love when Craig gets out the old 70's suit - he is so suave!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Totally random-

I have got that old Coca cola commercial song stuck in my head- for like 3 days- I have no idea why.

You know-
I'd like to teach the world to sing- in perfect harmony.....

ABQ- New Mexico and more



2 weeks ago we took a trip to Albuquerque, NM to visit Craig's brother Brad and meet up with all of Craig's family for a little family trip. We decided to drive and take a little family time of our own on the way. We first stopped in Phoenix to visit my cousin Kimberly and her husband Reed- and their little family of dogs. Elliott was in heaven with the dogs. Thanks Kim and Reed! (I am annoyed I didn't get my camera out while we were there!)

Then we set on our way to ABQ- we stopped in Sedona, AZ- it is BEAUTIFUL and so picturesque. I loved driving through- who knew that Arizona actually had forests? The red rock was amazing and it definently was worth the extra time off the route. We stopped at Slide Rock for lunch and a little hike- beautiful.



El was loving the rock throwing at Slide Rock- he looks like he is off to build something here.





I don't think my pictures do this place justice.




After being in the car another 6+ hours we pull up to Brad and Meri's and we are all stoked to see Mr. Brad the Sherriff's car parked in the driveway.- first thing out of E's mouth- "I don't want to turn Brad lights on...." We were unsure what he was talking about exactly- only that he was a little leary of the cop car. It was the siren- he was so not wanting to turn the siren on- he thought if the lights were on so was the siren. When the kids all got out to the car the lights were on within seconds- no siren of course. You can tell how stoked they are to be in this car.









We had a fun day at the ABQ Zoo- Elliott and Luke crack me up in this picture- so sure of where to go next.




The Mass Assention was incredible. Hundreds of these balloons- all going up randomly. It was beautiful and quite a site to see.

This Darth Vadar balloon was by far Elliott's FAVORITE- he wanted to keep going over by it- It was like a little Star Wars heaven over there- he and Craig got some shots with Boba Fet and a Storm Trooper. Elliott took the photo of Craig because he didn't want to get to close to the Storm Trooper. I love that Star Wars is so cool to him- such a classic.














This night was called the Glowdeo- the park is filled with all of the balloons and they do random countdowns every couple of minutes and everyone lights up their balloons. It was pretty cool to see- something just so random that I never thought I would go to or see- but so glad that I did- I loved it.


Our last day there we went to this giant corn maze. I'm from a small town- I LOVE a good corn maze. I honestly think that this day was my favorite day by far in ABQ. I have really been missing Idaho lately- I am not quite sure why- I think probably the change of seasons always makes me homesick for an actual "change" of seasons. This day just made me feel like I was in Idaho. I wish I got some shots of the fabulous hail storm that happened about 2 hours later- it was so perfect and totally made my whole day. It's funny- I live in paradise for the most part. Perfect weather 90% of the time- but in my heart I love WEATHER- the good kind- cold wind, hail, rain, snow, and everything the seasons bring with them. (Smiling)- but 90% perfect weather is not bad either!



The kids were always eager to hitch a ride- they were all cracking me up.




Dad- this one is for you- look at E's determined look on his face? They had this little area where you could lasso a plastic cow head- Craig was trying to lasso me. E decided to give it a try.
I have a great little video of Dave lassoing Jason who is running around galloping- it is pretty funny- I'll let Mandy post that one.



Auntie Jen- for some weird reason- I have like 3 pictures of Jen. Where were you Jen?



Shelly and Trev- I have 3 pictures where Trevor actually let me take his picture. He is a camera snob. Kidding. He was just not in the mood for all of us camera happy people.















They had a cool corn box- I have decided way better than a sand box- however, I have been finding corn everywhere.









We had a great time. I love getting together with my family and Craig's. We miss everyone we don't get to see very often more than they probably know- you know how we like to keep all that musshy stuff on the down low. Thanks for a great trip- Thank You to Brad and Meri for having EVERYONE stay under the same roof and for taking such good care of us and planning some great activities. Let's go sea level next trip ehh?

Friday, October 17, 2008

Thoughts...

Jessica gave us this one- it was thought provoking- that is a good thing.



I search: for health and the health of my loved ones.

I wonder: about too many things.
I regret: that I didn’t enjoy some of the physical activities I can’t do now.
I love: Craig, Elliott and our families. Rain and this time of year. Hello- do you people know me? If I wrote down everything I love we’d all be here forever.
I care: who I have and will become and if it will be good enough in the next life.
I always: floss and wear my retainers.
I worry: that Elliott won’t have any siblings and that someone close to me will get really sick.
I am not: as confident as I once was, I miss me.
I remember: the perfect moments with Craig and Elliott.
I believe: that I will get to be with Craig and Elliott forever.
I sing: all the time- I love singing. You know those nights when you can’t sleep? My mind is singing and I can’t get it to stop- sadly lately-it seems to be some Backyardagains song or something really annoying and not worth the brain power.
I dance: with Elliott- it’s often a dance off- then he says “mom, stop dancing and watch”
I don’t always: say things the way I want to and often want to go back a few seconds to re-do what I just said.
I argue: better than I used to- kidding! I hate confrontation- I don’t like to argue.
I write: my thoughts down when I read and to remember certain things that are important to me- I do my best work late at night.
I win: at speed.
I lose: at everything else- especially Risk with Craig.
I wish: I could see my family in Idaho and Utah more often. Thanks to Josh- one wish granted!

I listen: to classical music on Sundays and to Dr. Laura and I generally agree with her.
I don't understand: how some people have no gratitude and cynical people.

I can usually be found: at home with my boys- usually in the kitchen or outside.
I am scared: of suffocating or drowning.
I need: more time in my day.
I forget: things unless I write them down- I’m a list maker.
I am happy: to be Craig’s wife and Elliott’s momma. It beats a day job any day.

I tag: anyone who wants to think about things for a moment…..

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Catch up....

We've been out of town- Albuquerque, New Mexico to be exact. Everyone I tell this to says "Albuquerque? (with a look of bewilderment on their face) why?" Call it a family reunion. Craig's brother Brad and his family live there and so all of Craig's family got together there for the annual Balloon Festival. We had a great time- I will post that all next.

However, had to catch up on all that I had missed. My two Shelly's please see below- I am terrible with getting birthdays up here on the good ole blog- but I intend to do better starting today. Happy October to everyone!

Did I mention I love this time of year?

Happy Birthday Collin!!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLLERS!!!

1 year ago today I got to be there when this little man entered the world. One of my most treasured memories.

He is such a sweet loving little guy. I can't imagine not having him around.

Exqueeze Me?


Well- Who Knew? Not I...
My little brother- the charmer.....

ENGAGED!!!

Congratulations you little (big and tall) man.

This lucky lady- Janae- is getting quite a catch. One of the sweetest most sensitive (in a manly way) men I know and love.

I wish for you- way more than you want me to write on my blog!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Happy Birthday ShellDogs!!!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLDOGS!!!

I can't imagine my life without you in it- I know so shmoopy- but seriously.

What I adore about you-

You can always make my laugh- even if it is one of the worst days of my life.

You have such a good memory- you remind me of things that I had long forgotten- some of which I should remember- because they are hilarious.

We share so many silly things that only we know what we are talking about- (well, maybe Spen and Craig know a few of them...) "sometimes I slap it.." ".....water" "sugar"....etc....

You are such a good mom- your children and Scott always come first in your life.

You never waver from what you believe- I love this about you- it makes you such a strong person.

Your tiny motto that you gave me years ago "you can do anything for 3 months" has come in handy to believe and live by more than once in my life. Who knew Sun Valley was nothing compared to some of the other stuff life had in store?

You constantly amaze me with your ability to see things for way more than they are at face value- be it a room, a piece of furniture, or big things like a situation.

You are accepting of me and do WAY WAY WAY more for me than I ever can seem to repay you.

You are a selfless giver- of time, your talents, your belongings- really anything someone might need.

Okay- so I could go on and on- I am more than grateful to have you as my sister- no one could ever replace you.

Happy Birthday Shoogle!!


Happy Birthday Shelly!

Seriously- I adore everything about you- some of my favorites-

You are a well of knowledge (hence the Shoogle) I know that if I have a question you usually have the right answer and if you don't you will help me figure it out- and copy things for me and send them to me! (Remember my bug (ant) issues?) I still refer to all of those copies from your books- thank you.

I have never seen you mad.

You are such a patient person.

You are a WONDERFUL cook.

You always put others first.

You labeled me "fun Carly" which is completely priceless to me- at some of my saddest times you still would call and say "hey fun Carly"- you'll never know how much that has meant to me these last few years. And last week- I was in my room and Trevor comes happily in and says- "Hey Fun Carly"- seriously- PRICELESS.

Thanks for being a good example of a wonderful, talented, beautiful person in my life.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Oh and one more thing....

I welcome- whole heartedly OCTOBER and every lovely and beautiful thing that hereafter follows! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year. I get giddy just thinking about the days to come!

Cozy days in reading while it is raining outside.
Playing and splashing in rain puddles with E.
Watching the rain from the porch.
Pumpkin everything.
Warm drinks on a cold night.
Brisk walks or hikes on Saturdays with my boys.
Halloween excitement from Elliott. (Everyday we discuss Halloween)- I LOVE it!
Sweaters, jeans, boots, scarves and jackets. An umbrella once in awhile.

I could go on and on- I'll spare you....I just LOVE this time of year!

Axel Elliott

My videos are long- sorry- I have yet to attempt or master any editing things. He just makes me laugh- and I thought my mom would get a kick out of this. Craig made a comment that Elliott was a little Axel Rose with a few of his moves. I can't get enough of this little man.

Pardon the TERRIBLE song- kids LOVE kids music- sometimes I have to just deal. Yeah for the Aaron Carter version of I Just Can't Wait to Be King from the Lion King. Urgh.


Faces






Lately- E and I have had some SERIOUS momma and me time. I think he is getting bored of me. The other morning we decided we needed a cheer up item for Grandma Ede- it was such a fun project. I loved watching him laugh at how silly these faces came out.