The Ladies Man . . .

Emmett has a way with women, all it takes is making eye contact with him and instantly his big contagious smile melts your heart! But to add to his good looks and charm, his auntie April has provided a wardrobe that is sure to draw the ladies attention! You'd better watch out for this heart breaker!

 

Honestly, with a face like this it's no wonder he's irresistable!

 

And now for our all time favorite!

 

Where's the duct tape? This kid is ripped!

Fun Family Pictures

 

Earlier this week we went and had some fun taking family pictures. I realized that all of our current family pictures on the wall are from before Emmett was born so it was time to change them! My sweet sister-in-law, Trisha, was awesome and took time out of her busy life to come and play photographer. Thank You Trish!

 

Here's my completely wonderful little family. Aren't they cute, even when they're squinting in the sun?!

 

 

 

 

This last little Family Sandwich is my favorite one!

The Truth - Stay Informed

You may have heard about the protests against the LA and Oakland Temples in California over prop 8 (as well as the 7 church buildings in Utah that were vandalized the week after the vote.) But it's not getting widely reported that there are actual hate crimes taking place. Whether you are Mormon or not, whether you support Prop 8 or not, it is important that we all seek for truth and understanding and Stand Up for what is RIGHT regardless of our differences. Actions of Hate are inapporpriate on all sides and it saddens me to see them happening in the name of "Tolerance!" After my last Tolerance blog someone asked me for more info on Prop 8.

There's a great website detailing some of this that you might want to visit; http://mormonsdidnotstealyourrights.com .

It always helps to stay educated and might help to spread awareness to family and friends.

Tis the Season - Hunting, that is!

You might be from Utah if . . .
Your kids believe the deer hunt is a national holiday.
or
Schools stay open, even if two feet of snow falls overnight, but closes for the opening of hunting season!
I remember hearing these jokes and thinking they were funny but it wasn't until I moved to St.George, Utah that I realized they were true! Hunting is a way of life here and I don't think I will ever understand it. The dominance of BIG Trucks here complete with antler decals is shocking. Most of them are pictures of deer or elk (I have a hard time telling the difference) with huge antlers but some of them have humorous sayings attached to them. For example: "If it flies . . . it dies," or "Men Love Me, Fish(Deer) Fear Me." Then there's my favorite in big letters between two huge 5 point Deer it says "BAD BOYS!" No joke, I'm not making these up, I've actually seen them on the back windows of big trucks around town. I don't think the people who drive them think they are funny but I think they are hilarious!

Now you have to understand that I married into a family of hunters so I'm not saying there is anything wrong with them. They just get their kicks in different ways than I do! This last year Dan didn't know when the deadline was to put in for the draw so he missed it and according to his brother's reaction you would have thought he was the black sheep of the family! It has actually made for a lot of fun in the family. I love to tease my brother-in-law, Mike, about the huge Elk head hanging above his fireplace. I sincerely used to be afraid to look at it because no matter where you stand in the room it is looking at you. I also used to have fears of it falling off the wall and smashing the people beneath it. They tease me too because once when they returned from a deer hunt I said, "Did you catch a deer?" I guess I should have saved the "catch" question for their fishing trip to Alaska! Although I give them a hard time I am happy that they actually eat the meat they kill. They make some pretty good meals with it and I'm sure their freezers are filled with food storage! In all honesty The Riding boys love it but I think more than hunting the animals they enjoy riding around on horses with each other and just being in the outdoors together. You know the whole male bonding thing! I have to say that I am happy none of them sport around decals on their trucks and believe me there will NEVER be an animal head hanging from my walls!

One day last month I went to a meeting on a Saturday morning and when I came home this is how Dan had dressed Emmett! Camo & Orange! I'm specifically posting these pictures for Grandpa Riding who is on a mission in Guam and I know he's really missing being home riding his horse with his boys, especially during hunting season. We love you Grandpa! I think we got the best "catch," this little guy is the cutest "dear" of the season!

Happy Halloween!

My Little Pumpkin! We sure did enjoy Halloween this year and even though it was two weeks ago I still wanted to post some pictures about it. Lydia the Darling Little Dragon! Earlier in the month I hit up the D.I. and found some great princess dress ups from their costumes for sale. I was certain that Lydia would want to be one of them because she is really into princesses these days. When I asked if she'd like to be any of them she told me, "No, I want to be a Dragon!" Thus instead of the Princess and the Pea we had the Dragon and the Pea Pod! Precious Little Pea Pod Emmett our Sweet Pea! Our ward had a Halloween dinner at the church followed by a trunk-or-treat and carnival games outside for the kids. Lydia was so excited and all during dinner kept asking if it was time for "twick-or-tweet" yet? When it finally was she was ready to go! Here's Lydia enjoying the ring toss! Little Mr. Giggles also had a grand time and helped us pass out candy. Since we had walked to the church we used our stroller instead of our car for the "trunk-or-treat!"
When we got home Lydia did as we all did as kids and dumped out her candy on the table to get a better look at all the Good Stuff. Her favorites were the suckers and smarties. Over the next couple days she ended up sharing the rest of it with us and unbeknownst to her the majority of it was shared with the trash can!
On Friday, the actual night of Halloween we had a great time joining Dan's family up at his brother Mike's house. After the kids went trick-or-treating we all had a fun family dinner. Lydia again really only wanted the suckers and smarties which left us with yet another bag of chocolate and left me with a new goal. I realized that although I have never been a huge chocolate eater I was suddenly eating more of it than I should. I've never even liked fudge before but I tried my sister-in-law's (Kriss's) Fudge and it was so delicious! I blame my sudden appeal to chocolate on breast feeding but also recognized that I must develop some quick self control or I'll never get this baby weight off. I also recognize that with the Holidays fast approaching there will only be more of it available. Thus I have set a goal to NOT EAT CHOCOLATE FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR! My sister Chelsea is my motivation as she set a goal not to eat chocolate and hasn't now for a good four or five years. Any of you who are interested are welcome to join me in going with out chocolate for a year. Don't wait until January, start now with me! Just think the worst is over, Halloween was two weeks ago!

History in the Making - Where do you Stand?

44th President of the United States of America How can I not comment on the historic events of today? One week ago I cast my ballot at an early voting poll and suddenly realized that regardless of how the vote ended up, history was going to be made. A victory for one ticket would have given the United States its oldest first-term president (McCain, who is 72) and first female vice president (Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin). The other would see the first African-American (Obama) moving into the White House and the first Roman Catholic (Senator Biden) to win the vice presidency. It also marks the first time two sitting senators rally for the position of President and interestingly both candidates were born outside the continental U.S. Obama was born in Hawaii, and McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone.

Naturally I have followed this election more closely than any before. It required more sincere investment of time and reflection as I decided where to cast my vote. I was also keeping a strong interest and eye on the outcome of Prop 8 in California.

Last night as fate would have it history was made. Obama was named our 44th President and there will once again be children in the White House. In Chicago's Grant Park he said: "The road ahead will be long," he said. "Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America — I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We, as a people, will get there."

I too am hopeful and I too recognize that although my candidate for President didn't win, we as a nation have a president to support. We as individuals have a responsibility to do our best in our own homes and communities. We first must strengthen our homes and families. I fully believe that the Family is the Fundamental Unit of Society. If we want our nation to succeed than we must first be focusing on succeeding as a family. If we are strong in the core than we can become strong citizens, strong communities and a strong nation. Yes, the president is a powerful position but he can not be responsible for everything that takes place in this country. It is us as citizens who can strengthen this great nation. "Never underestimate the power of a small group of people to change the world. In fact, it's the only way it ever has." -Margaret Mead

In addition to the national historic headlines, Californians passed Proposition 8 as of 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning with 72 percent of precincts reporting. Prop. 8 passed with 52.2 percent. It will amend the state Constitution to only recognize marriage between a man and a woman. I support this proposition and feel that it is critical in protecting and strengthening the core values of family in this nation. Having said this does not make me an intolerant or unfeeling citizen. It makes me an American who values the institution of the family designed by God. I hold true to my beliefs and as I do so I still love and treat all people regardless of their faith and beliefs the same. I know this quickly becomes a controversial topic but it doesn't need to be. My sister wrote a fantastic statement and I've asked for her permission to share it with you. I'll post it below to conclude this blog. As for History I am grateful to be living in this great nation of AMERICA where History can be made and change can be accepted and I can Stand, Proud to be an AMERICAN!


The Tyranny of Tolerance
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Emily Ann Bush

I've been feeling troubled lately. It's this unsettled storm that is always at the back of my mind, quickly brought to the foreground by trigger words like elections, debt, and strangely…tolerance. I've spent 7 months of my life this year living outside my comfort zone, braving new countries by attempting to speak foreign tongues and adopt customs born of traditions hundreds of years old. I loved my experiences abroad and will eagerly pursue more of these tremendous experiences in the future. Yet after each adventure, the call of Home has burned my throat and pricked my eyes. Loyalty and love for this great country and the freedoms for which she stands abounded and the moment my flights touched down on American soil I breathed a sigh of contentment.
Sadly, my euphoric visions of peace and morality of four short weeks ago were not to last beyond an hour drive home from the where I was updated on the current economic crisis and our less-than-desirable candidates for the most influential position of leadership in our Nation. In India and Mexico I had witnessed on several occasions the corrupt state of local and national government and pitied the citizens of those countries who felt helpless in the face of so much adversity to progression. My pride for our Nation's freedoms swelled in my breast as well as earnest prayers of gratitude to God for blessing us so abundantly with peace and prosperity. I felt a keen desire to help those in less fortunate circumstances – to extend the blessings I had been given by my own two hands.

Four weeks later I am feeling slightly intimidated by the tremendous needs for courage and strength I will need to stand strong and attempt to make my voice heard here at home, in a country of liberty and prosperity where I am now the subject of persecution for my beliefs. How could this happen? When did the United States of America adopt immorality as its banner and "Anything Goes" as its motto? Where did this one-way tolerance come from?

I grew up in a home with a loving mother and father who taught me to respect others and treat them with Christ-like kindness no matter what there beliefs, race or situation in life. My father being a professional psychologist, having experience dealing with people with vastly different lifestyles than my own, I was taught to always look beyond behavior and strive to love the individual. I will never treat someone with blind prejudices, but I will not be made to accept practices and beliefs that I do not morally agree with. Why is it that someone who does not believe in God can be respected for that belief, but my avid faith in a Heavenly Father who loves and cares for each of us is mocked and viewed as close minded? I could not nor would not criticize another for their atheism, so what gives others the right to belittle my views?

I am in support for Proposition 8 and any other legal action that will work to keep the wholesome foundations and morals of this country alive! I am in support of a traditional family, consisting of a husband and a wife who are both biologically and psychologically prepared to bring children of God into a committed relationship and safe home. I am tired of seeing the rampant immorality of my peers at the university, in the cities of the United States and throughout the world. And I am tired of being silent! I am tired of having to hide my faith in the face of an intolerant beast plastered with the name "TOLERANCE" across its chest while roaring lies about equality and acceptance. The tolerance you preach, in the words of Elder Bednard, is a "tyranny of one-sided tolerance" that does not extend the same courtesy to anyone outside of your beliefs. I for one, will no longer be a fence-sitter and stand by idle to watch the future for our children and grandchildren become a pernicious and lethal battlefield of immorality where one can only hope to struggle by unwounded. I will not be a part of this pop culture where virtue has become old fashioned and antiquated. I choose to stand.

Recapping our trip to Cali!

Earlier this month we made a quick trip to California to visit Dan's Grandma. She is 91, living alone in Downey, CA and gets lonely so it was nice for all of us to spend time together. Hopefully we didn't overwhelm her but we sure did enjoy her! Dan was awesome and spoiled us all by cooking all the meals. They sure were delicious! We always love going to Grandma's house to see the beautiful flowers in bloom, the orange and lemon tree loaded and of course the Klondikes and Bear Claws she has waiting in her freezer just for Dan! This was her first time meeting Emmett and they got along perfectly. He gave her lots of good smiles and she even got to snuggle him a few times. Lydia loved bringing Grandma flowers from her yard and putting them in vases (cups and water bottles!)she also loved playing with Grandma's toys which are the same toys that Dan would come play with as a kid. Grandma has a cute little red play house in the back yard and I wish I would have taken a picture of it. Lydia kept wanting to play pretend that we are going on a vacation. She would call Grandma's house California and the play house "Saint Utah!" I think she was going for St.George, Utah but I thought "St.Utah" was pretty darn cute! This next picture is Dan and Lydia on the Pier at Huntington Beach. It wouldn't be a complete trip to Cali if we didn't stop at Ruby's Diner out on the Pier. Dan and I first went to Ruby's Diner for breakfast on our honey moon and we've been sure to stop by every time since. It is the cutest little restaurant at the end of the Pier. All decked out in surf and fifties diner style. Even the cooks and waitresses dress fifties style which makes for a fun atmosphere. Lydia especially loved the kids menu that turns into a car! Last time she was at Ruby's Lydia was only 10 months old. We went for dinner with our dear friends Mutt & Karlee Hall. We had all hooked up in Cali for the Clinical Pharmacy Conference and spent a couple hours together at the beach. Unfortunately Dan spent half of dinner in the bathroom trying to clean up a major baby blow out. When the diaper change had seemed to be taking an extra long time I went up the stairs to the bathroom to see what could be taking so long. When I called Dan's name I was shocked by him opening the men's room door and passing me a naked baby with a rather flustered look on his face! Now that's a memory we'll never forget! Emmett's first trip to the beach and lunch at the diner went much more smoothly and was very enjoyable. It was a gorgeous day but a little chilly due to the wind. That didn't stop Lydia from playing in the sand and wading in the water. Here are a few more photos from our fantastic vacation to California. We loved it all, especially time to chat with and hear stories about Grandma. We love you Grandma Brockman!

Lydia's First Hair Cut!

Lydia will be three years old in February and she finally had her first hair cut. I have been debating for a long time but it is so thin and fine that the longer it got the more straggly it was looking. I would brush it beautiful and with in ten minutes of running around she'd look like my darling little ragamuffin. My only option has been to keep it pulled up. So a couple weeks ago we got brave and I cut three inches off the back! Don't worry I kept it and put it in her baby book and keepsake box! Does she look scared? She was actually amazing, sat still the entire time and didn't seem at all nervous. It may have helped that I let her watch a sesame street podcast on the computer. It was a new one and she was so into it that she didn't even seem to notice what I was doing until I was done and gave her the mirror! She sure enjoyed looking at herself in the mirror and when it was all done she said, "Wow Mom, my hair cut is cute!" She then asked if I wanted a cute hair cut too! I have to admit I was a little nervous at first because of my lack of experience cutting hair. Of course I have been cutting Dan's hair for the past seven years but cutting short hair with clippers is a lot different than cutting long hair with scissors! I was pleasantly surprised with how cute it turned out!