Now is the time!

I will not be blogging until Wednesday, Nov. 5th. All my extra time and efforts will be going toward the Prop. 8 campaign. I had the privledge to be on a conference call this evening with our Stake Presidency. They had been on a conference call previously with many members of the Quorum of the Twelve, to name just a couple Elder Ballard and Elder Packer. They spoke specifically about the interest and concern the Prophet has for us in California. They are doing all they can to plead with the Lord on our behalf. It was amazing and touching to feel the spirit and know that our Prophet was giving all he can to help us in this effort. They explained that at this point these next few days will truly determine the outcome for Prop. 8. The more phone calls we get out, the more door hangers that get on doors, the more opportunity we have to talk with people will help this pass. They have asked that all non-essential meetings be canceled in order to focus more fully on these efforts. As a member of the church, I have never received that council and understand that our leaders are telling us that we need to give our very best effort. So, now is the time. Will you be able to stand before the Lord and say you gave your best effort to protect marriage? Our stake president reminded us of this and how powerful it was. Take the time to do more than vote. Sacrifice.

YES on 8! Yes on 8!

I just want to chant it because I came back from the rally at the Stake Capitol today. It was powerful and extremely diverse. How wonderful to gather with a variety of people and cultures to stand for something each of us finds so important. It's time to "Get out the VOTE!" Remind your friends, family, co-workers to get out there and vote. It is especially important to get those YES voters to the poll.









Ruth was interviewed by Bob Moffet on KFBK 1530. Her comment was aired at noon and 5 pm. Pretty cool!!

Samuel the Lamanite

And the Halloween fun continues...

Tonight was our third night of Halloween partying. We visited my parent's ward Trunk or Treat. Josh was amazed, once again, by all the candy he received. He couldn't believe people just gave it to him when he said trick or treat. I was impressed that he used his thank you's when receiving his candy without a reminder. (He must have been that excited, since it doesn't happen everyday.) Parker continued to enjoy making a mess with a sucker. His costume has had to be washed three nights in a row now.





They had a lot of fun game stations. Fishing, Wii games, face painting, ping pong balls into cups (a real fish was the prize, thankfully we didn't win), and the best of all, a cupcake walk!

Now, I don't know this little girl, but this is the best Halloween costume I have ever seen on a children. I think I over heard that her mom made it. She was Marie Antoinette. Her hair, make-up, and dress was amazing!!



Lastly, check out this video I took of a home decorated for Halloween.

A Night at Neverland

Arrr! We had a wonderful time visiting Neverland tonight. Josh asked if we were going to fly there, but instead we drove. We were greeted at the gate by Peter Pan and Tinker Bell. We even were sprinkled with fairy dust. Then we visited Wendy, Michael, and John's nursery. Captain Hook was quite intimidating for Josh, but Parker didn't seem to mind. Josh wanted to tell him he smelt like a Codfish, but he couldn't get it out when the time came.




They had crafts along the way. Josh and his friend Zander make these fun Peter Pan hats. Josh was pretty focused on getting candy though. So, that was our main focus.



Here is the best shot of the two together. They were looking at the sheep. Of course, Parker was thrilled.



We even saw a few croc's in the mote. It was a fun evening. I didn't get great pictures with all the activities going on, but a fun time for sure! Here is a little picture of Ninja Parker walking around the park.

Apple Hill

We made our annual trip this week to Apple Hill. Aunt Teri joined us too. I think it was the most fun we'd had there since we got engaged. We did the usual walk around the crafts, buy apples, and some goodies. This year though we expanded our fun at High Hill Ranch to fishing and pony rides. Dave and Josh were equally excited about catching a trout. While there were many fish in the pond, it took maybe 15 to 20 minutes before they actually made their catch. (They cleaned it for us and later that night, we ate it.)




Parker's highlight was the pony ride. He could barely stand it just looking at them. He loves animals more than any kid I've ever seen. He was even lifting his arm in a couple pictures like he had a lasso.





Our course we made a visit to our friend Wendy and said hello. Another woman who worked up there remembered us also. One other thing we did that we normally don't, is had lunch there. It was delicious! Their hamburgers and fries hit the spot. We definitely had a fun filled day.

Gratitude

I am posting a post of gratitude today. Last Tuesday I had an endoscopy done. This is when a doctor puts a camera down your throat to take a better look at, in my case, my upper intestine. The doctor also took a biopsy of my intestine to see if it showed signs of Celiac Disease (allergy to gluten and wheat). Late this afternoon I received my results, they were negative for Celiac! I almost cried when the woman gave me the results. They are still going to do more blood work and I guess there is a possibility of another problem, but for now the tests show negative!

I am so thankful. There have been countless conference talks, Ensign articles, and scriptures that I have read that have brought me comfort and guidance. I listened to a talk from April conference a few mornings before my procedure. It was give by Elder Bednar titled Ask in Faith. I felt like Heavenly Father was speaking straight to me.

Elder Bednar talks about three things, ask in faith and act, after the trial of our faith, and not my will, but thine be done. What stood out to me was sincerely asking Heavenly Father in faith for this blessing that I needed. The other was to recognize, not my will, but thine will be done. That is the hardest part, knowing that there is a plan for me and accepting that plan. I know I am not totally out of the woods, but I feel that I was blessed and comforted because the guidance from a man of God. I felt my prayers became more sincere as I asked for this miracle and sincerely understand that thine will must be done. I wish I were perfect and didn't need trials to learn new things about myself, but I appreciate the opportunity to have a "refresher" on gospel principles that are important to me. So, I have gratitude today for prayer and blessings of good health!

Who's that Gal?

This was my disguise for a YW's activity. I don't think I'm meant to be a blond. I borrowed everything from a friend who used to show horses. I was a real cowgirl, Wranglers and all! (Thanks Brittany for the outfit!)

Hilarious

If you didn't have a chance to check out Sarah Palin on SNL last night, here are some highlights. I have to say, it is amazing how close Sarah Palin and Tina Fey look. Also, check out Amy Pohler she must be due any time!

He Walks!

Parker has really started to get this walking thing down the past week. He is still unsteady, but is getting better everyday. Now, if I can get him to wear shoes!

First School Picture

Josh is enjoying preschool. Here is his first school photo. Apparently he was the most excited of all the kids to have his picture taken (the parent helper told me). You never know with him, either he'll want be involved in an activity 110% or not at all. He is enjoying preschool quite a bit. They are learning about the letter I next week and impressively he's learned all his days of the week. He has a little song he loves to sing.



Here's his class. He was telling Aunt Teri who all "his kids" were tonight. He's had a great time getting to know some new friends.

A Spiritual Note

"Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind... We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith." -Margaret D. Nadauld

My morning didn't have the best start, so I went to my scriptures and the Ensign for a jump start. I found this quote in the visiting teaching message. It spoke to me because especially lately, the world is trying to get under our skin. For me being a woman of God gives me peace and comfort. With so many things to be done and all the political unrest, I appreciate time to think about the Savior and his love for me. I want to be a woman of faith.

One of these sets are not like the other...

Can you tell which ones were my old pans and which ones are my new? Well, our pots and pans had very little use (since they have been stored for a few years). When we moved into our new place our dishwasher oxidized them. Even though they had been through the washer dozens of times before. So, finally we got a new set. These are Circulon brand and I have had my eye on them for a few months. Now I just need to have the desire to cook something in them!!

We Rallied!

Today we joined many people from different faiths to support Prop. 8. It was wonderful to see and hear many people who feel the same way about the issue. There was a Pastor from Abundant Life Fellowship church that shared an experience he had with his own daughter. Before they had heard anything about the state changing the marriage license forms to Party A and Party B, his daughter got married. When they got the license they wrote next to each spot Bride and Groom. They did not cross it out, just wrote next to it. His daughter got married and went on her honeymoon, only to find out when they got back the the state had rejected her marriage. Can you imagine? So, they got a lawyer and went up against the state. The state backed down. It is amazing that the state rejected them when up until just a few months ago it was the only thing on the marriage license.

There was a social worker from Auburn who spoke. She was very passionate about this issue. She gave great statistics about the need for children to have both a mother and a father. She gave the statistics about abuse in same sex households. She even gave the results of a survey from children who were raised in same sex households who said they found it made their life more difficult than those who lived with a mother and father. All of which showed the importance of having a mother and a father raising a family.

In addition there was an educator who came and discussed the issue of marriage in school. She pointed out that if proposition 8 does not pass when marriage is discussed in school, no matter what age, all options of relationships will be discussed. You will not be able to withdrawal your child from these discussions and if you interfere or even if your children comments on marriage being between a man and woman, it is likely there will be consequences. Maybe a note in a file, maybe a detention, not supporting that lifestyle will be seen as a prejudice.

Lastly, the thing that I found heartwarming was that they honored the American River Student Council members who wrote a declaration in support of Prop. 8. Everyone gave them a standing ovation and we prayed for them as a group. It was neat.

There are people all over the nation that have been praying and fasting over the last 40 days in support of all we are doing. Now we have to keep doing the foot work, talking to those we know and getting in our community to reach those undecided voters. As the last speaker said, we are not going to change the opposition's mind. They are not going to change ours, but we need to fight this battle with love. (Even the protesters that were there today were offered water and said no one was unkind to them.) We have to do this for our families and for the future of our children. It is obvious California paves the way for other states, so let's pave the way by making marriage between a man and a woman a constitutional amendment!

Escape to Neverland

Josh has recently been very into Peter Pan. I just came across an advertisement for Fairy Tale Town's Escape to Neverland. It is October 24th, 25th, & 26th. Peter Pan and Captain Hook will be there! We bought our tickets today. Josh keeps asking me, "Are we going to Neverland today?"

Here is the information about the event:
Join Fairytale Town and Peter Pan for one very special weekend with three nights of tasty treats and family fun. Visit 17 different candy stations, watch live puppet shows each night in Fairytale Town's Children's Theater, and get your picture taken with some of Neverland's favorite stars Click here to buy your tickets.

Protect Marriage Rally

I've never attended a political rally, but I am planning on attending this one Saturday. Maybe I'll see you there.

Bishop's Pumpkin Patch

Josh and I went on his first field trip for pre-school. We did so many fun things. We saw a chicken show, a pig race, had apple cider, played in dried corn kernels, road a train, had a hay ride, and picked out two pumpkins. Plus we wore our new Halloween shirts. What a fun trip. Thanks Miss Danai & Miss Jill!

A Little Time Off

This past weekend, David and I had a little time away. It was wonderful! We stayed two night, just locally in downtown Sacramento at a hotel that was basically right on the plaza. We walked everywhere. We just stepped right out our hotel doors and into the mall or to Old Town Sac. Plus the view from our room was beautiful. Especially at night with the bridge lite and the capital.





We went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner and then saw back to back movies, Eagle Eye and Nick & Norah's Infinite Play List. (We didn't movie hop, but when we went back out to pay I asked for a discount and she gave us the Senior price. Doesn't hurt to ask!) It was so nice to not have to worry about getting back to the kids.

On Saturday morning we walked into Old Town and had breakfast. We sat and read the paper and watched a wedding party take pictures on the railroad tracks. Then we walked through old town. They have a great candy store with barrels of taffy and treats. A little later in the afternoon we walked over to the Crocker Art Museum. They are having a Andy Warhol exhibit. There was a variety of pop art that was fun to see. My favorite room there is the Salon room. All the art if hung close to each other and up high to the ceiling. There are many old pieces that are just beautiful and interesting. Including their frames that look like pieces art themselves.
















Saturday night we went to one of our favorite restaurants, the Zinfandel Grill and then to Ettore's for dessert. It was nice to remember what it is like to just be a couple. David even commented how youthful I seemed, it must have been the lack of two little persons hanging on my sides. It was just wonderful to have the time together.

Thank you to all our family for watching the boys and helping out, this included Grandma Mills, Peter & Janell, Gramma Jean, Grandma & Grandpa Surganovich, and Aunt Teri. We really appreciate it and the boys had a wonderful time!

Birthday celebration with Jared & Sam

Jared and Sammie came for a visit last weekend. It was just in time to celebrate Jared's 25th birthday! Man is he old!



My shirtless boys had to get in on the action.



We started the morning with a birthday breakfast.



(By the way, Parker was there, just sitting with my parents on the other side of the table.)

Boo-tatoes

A fun Martha Stewart idea:
"When you've already got costumes on your mind, why not disguise dinner as well? Classic meatloaf is dressed up with two special side dishes. We used a pastry bag to pipe mashed potatoes into ghosts and sweet potatoes into pumpkins. The ghosts' eyes are black sesame seeds. For the pumpkins, pecan halves make the steams and bits of cilantro become leaves."

Vote YES on Proposition 8

I saw this video today on Megan Kanzler's blog and appreciated the information. Please watch it to see how Proposition 8 could affect your child's education.


I have been sent this other video a few times in e-mails and just watched it today. It is a powerful message and gives me comfort to know we are not the only Christians fighting in this battle.

So long farewell, auf wiedersehen, good bye...

It's official Elder Mills is off to the Argentina MTC. We all went to the airport to send him off. He looked great and was ready to go. Since no one we know has been to the MTC there, we don't know what to expect. We are just praying for his safety and look forward to hearing from him.



On Tuesday evening after Gramma Jean prepared a wonderful dinner for us all, the members of the family who have served missions shared experiences and gave advice. I thought it was very special considering Gramma, Teri, Jeff, David, Janell,Peter, and Jeff T. had all served missions. It was nice to hear what they had to say and feel the spirit that missionary work brings. It will be wonderful to hear about his experiences and see the growth he will have over the next two years.