For those of you who are out of state, out of the country (or maybe out of touch? ;-)), CA Prop. 8 is on the November ballot to specifically eliminate the rights of gays and lesbians to marry. That is to rewrite the CA constitution to ELIMINATE a right of a specific group of people. Obviously we are totally against it (even Laura's mother is AGAINST it and voted "NO" on this).
Heck, even the Episcopalians are against it, as stated here:
"We believe that continued access to civil marriage for all, regardless of sexual orientation, is consistent with the best principles of our constitutional rights," Bruno said at the press conference, according to the Times. He added: "We do not believe that marriage of heterosexuals is threatened by same-sex marriage."
And frankly, I think that last sentence is key. Nobody can say just how the marriage of gays and lesbians is threatening to heterosexual marriage. NOBODY. Because it doesn't, it can't - and like I've said before, it my marriage is threatening to someone else's marriage then that marriage is NOT solid. And just so you know, my marriage is ROCK-SOLID.
What was I getting at? Oh yeah, so in taking our stance against this discrimination, Laura and I both have messages on our rear windshields in opposition of Prop. 8. And I can't tell you how many times we got the "Thumbs UP" or the "I agree" (yelled at from the next car over on the freeway), or even the car honk and nod. So, if by some depressing chance Prop. 8 is voted in, it won't change a thing for us. We're still married and will remain so. I think we've come a long way, this wouldn't have even been brought to the polls just 15 years ago. And if it is voted in, then I firmly believe it will be defeated at another point in time. Either that or the thought that ALL marriages as we now know them should be eliminated in favor of civil unions for all (yes my friends, that is on the drawing board).
And just this morning I received 2 thumbs up and one "You've got MY vote" (from the car to my right at the red light) - and that's what matters. All in a 5 minute span.
Peace out.
10/14/2008
10/13/2008
My head will soon explode...
So, I'm not sure if my sinus' are acting all crazy or I have a cold or both. But for the past 2 or 3 days I've woken up with a sinus headache and a completely stuffy nose.
I'm not surprised - last week (read a few posts down) our patio thermometer read close to 110 degrees. Today we were in long pants and long-sleeve shirts and Laura put the heat on.
Come Tuesday and Wednesday, the expected temp. here will be around 90 - 93.
Come on WINTER - I'm waiting...
Maybe by then my cold/sinus will have figured out how to behave and play nice, 'cause I'm not liking this at all.
I'm not surprised - last week (read a few posts down) our patio thermometer read close to 110 degrees. Today we were in long pants and long-sleeve shirts and Laura put the heat on.
Come Tuesday and Wednesday, the expected temp. here will be around 90 - 93.
Come on WINTER - I'm waiting...
Maybe by then my cold/sinus will have figured out how to behave and play nice, 'cause I'm not liking this at all.
10/10/2008
Because you need to know the truth...
Proponents of Prop 8 continue to lie in their television ads.
Here’s what’s fiction and what’s fact:
Fiction: Teaching children about same-sex marriage will happen here unless we pass Prop 8.
Fact: Not one word in Prop 8 mentions education, and no child can be forced, against the will of their parents, to be taught anything about health and family issues at school. California law prohibits it, and the Yes on 8 campaign knows they are lying. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy Frawley has already ruled that this claim by Prop 8 proponents is “false and misleading.”
Fiction: Churches could lose their tax-exemption status.
Fact: Nothing in Prop 8 would force churches to do anything. In fact, the court decision regarding marriage specifically says “no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs.”
Fiction: A Massachusetts case about a parent's objection to the school curriculum will happen here.
Fact: Unlike Massachusetts, California gives parents an absolute right to remove their kids and opt-out of teaching on health and family instruction they don't agree with. The opponents know that California law already covers this and Prop 8 won't affect it, so they bring up an irrelevant case in Massachusetts.
Fiction: Four Activist Judges in San Francisco…
Fact: Prop 8 is not about courts and judges, it's about eliminating a fundamental right. Judges didn't grant the right, the constitution guarantees the right. Proponents of Prop 8 use an outdated and stale argument that judges aren't supposed to protect rights and freedoms. This campaign is about whether Californians, right now, in 2008 are willing to amend the constitution for the sole purpose of eliminating a fundamental right for one group of citizens.
Fiction: People can be sued over personal beliefs.
Fact: California’s laws already prohibit discrimination against anyone based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. This has nothing to do with marriage.
Fiction: Pepperdine University supports the Yes on 8 campaign.
Fact: The university has publicly disassociated itself from Professor Richard Peterson of Pepperdine University, who is featured in the ad, and has asked to not be identified in the Yes on 8 advertisements.
Fiction: Unless Prop 8 passes, CA parents won't have the right to object to what their children are taught in school.
Fact: California law clearly gives parents and guardians broad authority to remove their children from any health instruction if it conflicts with their religious beliefs or moral convictions.
Regardless of how you feel about the issue, we should not eliminate fundamental rights for ANY Californians. Please vote NO on Prop 8.
Here’s what’s fiction and what’s fact:
Fiction: Teaching children about same-sex marriage will happen here unless we pass Prop 8.
Fact: Not one word in Prop 8 mentions education, and no child can be forced, against the will of their parents, to be taught anything about health and family issues at school. California law prohibits it, and the Yes on 8 campaign knows they are lying. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy Frawley has already ruled that this claim by Prop 8 proponents is “false and misleading.”
Fiction: Churches could lose their tax-exemption status.
Fact: Nothing in Prop 8 would force churches to do anything. In fact, the court decision regarding marriage specifically says “no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs.”
Fiction: A Massachusetts case about a parent's objection to the school curriculum will happen here.
Fact: Unlike Massachusetts, California gives parents an absolute right to remove their kids and opt-out of teaching on health and family instruction they don't agree with. The opponents know that California law already covers this and Prop 8 won't affect it, so they bring up an irrelevant case in Massachusetts.
Fiction: Four Activist Judges in San Francisco…
Fact: Prop 8 is not about courts and judges, it's about eliminating a fundamental right. Judges didn't grant the right, the constitution guarantees the right. Proponents of Prop 8 use an outdated and stale argument that judges aren't supposed to protect rights and freedoms. This campaign is about whether Californians, right now, in 2008 are willing to amend the constitution for the sole purpose of eliminating a fundamental right for one group of citizens.
Fiction: People can be sued over personal beliefs.
Fact: California’s laws already prohibit discrimination against anyone based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. This has nothing to do with marriage.
Fiction: Pepperdine University supports the Yes on 8 campaign.
Fact: The university has publicly disassociated itself from Professor Richard Peterson of Pepperdine University, who is featured in the ad, and has asked to not be identified in the Yes on 8 advertisements.
Fiction: Unless Prop 8 passes, CA parents won't have the right to object to what their children are taught in school.
Fact: California law clearly gives parents and guardians broad authority to remove their children from any health instruction if it conflicts with their religious beliefs or moral convictions.
Regardless of how you feel about the issue, we should not eliminate fundamental rights for ANY Californians. Please vote NO on Prop 8.
10/08/2008
10/07/2008
You know it's gonna be hot when...
...your son's school principal sends this e-mail:
Hello!This is Rochelle D____, principal of W_____ Elementary calling to advise all families to prepare your student for extremely high temperatures tomorrow. Please have your student come to school dressed in light, loose fitting clothing and use sunscreen. During hot weather, students need extra fluids and I encourage you to send extra water with them to school and make sure they consume at least 6-8 glasses of water or cool liquid throughout the day. Our school will limit outdoor activities and will do everything possible to create a comfortable learning environment for students throughout the day. Thank you!
Tomorrow it's expected to be in the low to mid-90's here where we live. Now, I know that's not as bad as it can be but people, we live in San Diego. Land of the "Perfect Weather". This my friends is not perfect. It's also worrisome since this is "Fire Weather". This is just about the exact time frame that last year's wildfires occurred. Hopefully we do not have a repeat.
The annoying thing is that on Saturday, it's supposed to be about 66 - yeah a 30 degree drop. No wonder my sinus' are acting up.
So, I told Foster about the "e-mail from his principal" and he selected his outfit for tomorrow, and put a water bottle in his backpack.
I was actually planning to prune the backyard in preparation for a retreat happening at our house in a few weeks but methinks tomorrow may not be the best day.
No problem, I'll do it next week.
Stay cool.
Hello!This is Rochelle D____, principal of W_____ Elementary calling to advise all families to prepare your student for extremely high temperatures tomorrow. Please have your student come to school dressed in light, loose fitting clothing and use sunscreen. During hot weather, students need extra fluids and I encourage you to send extra water with them to school and make sure they consume at least 6-8 glasses of water or cool liquid throughout the day. Our school will limit outdoor activities and will do everything possible to create a comfortable learning environment for students throughout the day. Thank you!
Tomorrow it's expected to be in the low to mid-90's here where we live. Now, I know that's not as bad as it can be but people, we live in San Diego. Land of the "Perfect Weather". This my friends is not perfect. It's also worrisome since this is "Fire Weather". This is just about the exact time frame that last year's wildfires occurred. Hopefully we do not have a repeat.
The annoying thing is that on Saturday, it's supposed to be about 66 - yeah a 30 degree drop. No wonder my sinus' are acting up.
So, I told Foster about the "e-mail from his principal" and he selected his outfit for tomorrow, and put a water bottle in his backpack.
I was actually planning to prune the backyard in preparation for a retreat happening at our house in a few weeks but methinks tomorrow may not be the best day.
No problem, I'll do it next week.
Stay cool.
10/06/2008
"Meat Boy" - Vegetarians - you're being warned...
So tonite I was horrified by the amount of crap that was out in the house. I didn't want to clean it all up (it was 99% kids stuff) so I did my usual nagging to clean up.
It was getting close to dinner time and I know if it waits until after dinner (then bath and bed) - it will NOT get done. So I 'bribed' the kids as usual - is it a BRIBE to 'reward' them to do it OR is it a reward? Either way, I offered my usual - quarters - to all who pick up and clean up. Foster and Logan were on it like bees on honey. Seth on the other hand was still standing there while his brothers were doing a pretty good job of getting the stuff put away.
Hmmmmm. I was trying to find his "weak point". I offered him a quarter to which he replied "no, I don't want any". Then I offered him 10 extra minutes to stay up tonite, to which he replied "no, I don't want to stay up, I'm tired". Well, hmmmm, what to offer...suddenly I remembered his weak point. I exclaimed that dinner was almost ready and I would give him meat! Well, that boy's eyes lit up and off he went to clean up "his share" of the toys.
Meat.
Does a body good.
It was getting close to dinner time and I know if it waits until after dinner (then bath and bed) - it will NOT get done. So I 'bribed' the kids as usual - is it a BRIBE to 'reward' them to do it OR is it a reward? Either way, I offered my usual - quarters - to all who pick up and clean up. Foster and Logan were on it like bees on honey. Seth on the other hand was still standing there while his brothers were doing a pretty good job of getting the stuff put away.
Hmmmmm. I was trying to find his "weak point". I offered him a quarter to which he replied "no, I don't want any". Then I offered him 10 extra minutes to stay up tonite, to which he replied "no, I don't want to stay up, I'm tired". Well, hmmmm, what to offer...suddenly I remembered his weak point. I exclaimed that dinner was almost ready and I would give him meat! Well, that boy's eyes lit up and off he went to clean up "his share" of the toys.
Meat.
Does a body good.
10/03/2008
My proudest parenting moment (of the day)...
...the boys are "fighting" over who gets to clean the windows on the door, the dryer and the floor.
Be still my beating heart...
Be still my beating heart...
9/27/2008
And the parking Gods really SHINED today...
...wow...this will probably never happen again.
Today we took the kids to the Children's Museum downtown. We're members and it's a really cool place, except for the parking. There isn't much street parking (and of those spots you have to pay the meter). They do have underground parking but it's $10.00. BUT, upon arriving at the very, very front of the museum, what do we see? A FREE parking spot for two hours. Literally 20 feet from the entrance. SCORE!!!
Then, after about an hour and 45 minutes we decide to head out to lunch at Corvette Diner in Hillcrest. Well, the parking there is NEVER easy and we usually either spend 20 minutes searching for a spot or park a mile or so away. BUT, upon arriving at the very, very front of the restaurant what do we see? A metered spot DIRECTLY in front of the restaurant. $1.00 in the meter and we're set!! SCORE #2!!
Lunch was so much fun there. It's been quite a while since I've been there, and we've never taken the kids, but it's really a fun place for them as well.
And bonus - Laura rocks at the Claw Crane game and won a stuffed lovey for Foster at the restaurant. SCORE #3!! Oh, and BTW, Logan and Seth did try their hand at the Crane game but the "Crane Game Gods" were a bit busy at that moment and we weren't so lucky...;-)
Fun Day!
Today we took the kids to the Children's Museum downtown. We're members and it's a really cool place, except for the parking. There isn't much street parking (and of those spots you have to pay the meter). They do have underground parking but it's $10.00. BUT, upon arriving at the very, very front of the museum, what do we see? A FREE parking spot for two hours. Literally 20 feet from the entrance. SCORE!!!
Then, after about an hour and 45 minutes we decide to head out to lunch at Corvette Diner in Hillcrest. Well, the parking there is NEVER easy and we usually either spend 20 minutes searching for a spot or park a mile or so away. BUT, upon arriving at the very, very front of the restaurant what do we see? A metered spot DIRECTLY in front of the restaurant. $1.00 in the meter and we're set!! SCORE #2!!
Lunch was so much fun there. It's been quite a while since I've been there, and we've never taken the kids, but it's really a fun place for them as well.
And bonus - Laura rocks at the Claw Crane game and won a stuffed lovey for Foster at the restaurant. SCORE #3!! Oh, and BTW, Logan and Seth did try their hand at the Crane game but the "Crane Game Gods" were a bit busy at that moment and we weren't so lucky...;-)
Fun Day!
9/23/2008
Wedding Pictures!
(Our wedding invitation is above)
Here are the long-awaited pictures. The montage is set to Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole's version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". That's actually the processional song we used in the wedding. I love that version.
Since there are no captions, obviously the first half are the pictures of the wedding. The second "half" are of our mini-moon at Paradise Point where we stayed and had a very relaxing and enjoyable time.
Enjoy!
9/20/2008
I promise the next pictures will be of the wedding...
...but until then...
This is Foster's latest drawing, I was quite impressed. He did it all by himself and was very proud of it. I just had to share.
Next up...wedding...
Oh, and yes, in the first picture he IS wearing his helmet. He had just come inside from riding his bike and scooter and didn't take it off yet.
This is Foster's latest drawing, I was quite impressed. He did it all by himself and was very proud of it. I just had to share.
Next up...wedding...
Oh, and yes, in the first picture he IS wearing his helmet. He had just come inside from riding his bike and scooter and didn't take it off yet.
9/17/2008
The bane of my existence
The kids' toychest.
I try to clean it out, oh, "every once in a while" (nope, not defining that) but I honestly believe that when I'm not looking - the toys in there are having, well, too much "fun" and are multiplying....rapidly.
Exhibit "A"
And finally, the newly cleaned out, rearranged and pretty-to-look-at-for-the-next-five-minutes is...
Exhibit "D"
The best part of it all is that this is my son's "treasure chest" - AKA: all things near and dear to him. Almost everything else in the toychest could disappear and he wouldn't care as long as he had these few items. All of them that take up, oh, like, 6 square inches of space........
I try to clean it out, oh, "every once in a while" (nope, not defining that) but I honestly believe that when I'm not looking - the toys in there are having, well, too much "fun" and are multiplying....rapidly.
Exhibit "A"
I'm scared.
I start to take all the stuff out.
I'm half way down. It's like peeling back layers of an onion - or discovering treasures in the earth strata...
Exhibit "B"
The ridiculous amount of plastic "stuff" on the floor...is...
Exhibit "C"
And finally, the newly cleaned out, rearranged and pretty-to-look-at-for-the-next-five-minutes is...
Exhibit "D"
The best part of it all is that this is my son's "treasure chest" - AKA: all things near and dear to him. Almost everything else in the toychest could disappear and he wouldn't care as long as he had these few items. All of them that take up, oh, like, 6 square inches of space........
Why is it that...
...my kids have to be woken up on weekdays but wake up themselves at "o-dark-thirty" on the weekends??
I mean really, c'mon, 6:30am on the weekend is just plain cruel...
Ahhhh, but ya gotta love 'em anyway right?
I mean really, c'mon, 6:30am on the weekend is just plain cruel...
Ahhhh, but ya gotta love 'em anyway right?
9/14/2008
Vote "No on 8" AKA: "No on h8te"
Well, one the best bumper stickers seen so far (kudos to Laura who spotted it):
"Can I vote on your marriage now?"
Love it!!
Because really, if my marriage to another woman undermines YOUR marriage (opposite sex) or your beliefs - well, then your marriage isn't that strong to begin with and your beliefs aren't that rock-solid either - because tell me...what harm is my marriage doing to you - and you personally. Nothing, right.
And I can tell you - by the show of wonderful supporters, family and friends that attended our wedding - we are blessed - and best of all --- people really "GET IT". They truly understand that two people of the same sex can love each other and have kids and create a loving life.
I got it.
Oh, and I'm turning off comments on this one, because I'm just not interested in entering into a debate - I know how I'm voting (and the hundreds of our 'supporters') and you know how you are voting - if you want to contact me and you know how, feel free - but it isn't going to be here.
And no, this isn't directed to any one person - you know me better than that - this is my belief and my opinion directed out to the blogosphere.
"Can I vote on your marriage now?"
Love it!!
Because really, if my marriage to another woman undermines YOUR marriage (opposite sex) or your beliefs - well, then your marriage isn't that strong to begin with and your beliefs aren't that rock-solid either - because tell me...what harm is my marriage doing to you - and you personally. Nothing, right.
And I can tell you - by the show of wonderful supporters, family and friends that attended our wedding - we are blessed - and best of all --- people really "GET IT". They truly understand that two people of the same sex can love each other and have kids and create a loving life.
I got it.
Oh, and I'm turning off comments on this one, because I'm just not interested in entering into a debate - I know how I'm voting (and the hundreds of our 'supporters') and you know how you are voting - if you want to contact me and you know how, feel free - but it isn't going to be here.
And no, this isn't directed to any one person - you know me better than that - this is my belief and my opinion directed out to the blogosphere.
9/11/2008
Pictures from the first annual Stein-White Water Relay Race
Foster walking the plank
Logan walking the plank
Seth's turn
Getting the kids wet
Logan in a bucket
There were others but you get the idea. It was a hot summer day and the kids were asking to "get wet" so we decided to have them do all kinds of water activities.
They had so much fun!
No pictures, no problem
I don't know exactly what the problem was in linking to the picture album, but I'll try to post a few of the pictures here individually soon.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Some pictures I forgot to post...
See below for a cute "twinsies" picture. Note, I usually make it a habit to NOT dress Logan and Seth totally alike - but this time they both wanted to wear the exact same thing and luckily we had "two of everything" right down to their new shoes.
Anyway, please follow the link below:
http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=127fe5143e97d48e6cdd16a80fdf8c46
to view our fun summertime water relay race!
Anyway, please follow the link below:
http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=127fe5143e97d48e6cdd16a80fdf8c46
to view our fun summertime water relay race!
9/10/2008
9/08/2008
We're baaaaaaaaaack
We're home from our wonderfully relaxing "mini-moon" - pic's to follow.
Wedding was everything I could have hoped for...
We are so proud to be making history...
I'll post details and pic's shortly...
...need to go to bed now....
Wedding was everything I could have hoped for...
We are so proud to be making history...
I'll post details and pic's shortly...
...need to go to bed now....
9/02/2008
Four Score and Seven Years Ago...
Well, just the 7 years part...
My "baby" turned 7 years old today.
He also started first grade (again) today - what a bummer to start school on your birthday. But, in the end, he had a much better time than last year. He apparently has a really good teacher and he's much more confident this time around. He also started a new "before and after" school program, the formally "6 to 6" program which is now known as "Prime Time". He had been attending a private before and after school program and previously we didn't think he was ready for the "Prime Time" program because it was larger, had more kids and was (we thought) less structured. But - the "free" part of it drew us in. And the more we researched it, the better it looked. They recently restructured the entire program and it's much more organized and has kids grouped in smaller sections. They focus a lot on academics and 'movement' (music, karate, etc.). And, our neighbor kids go there too. So, in the end, Foster actually enjoyed his experience at "Prime Time" - and I'm so happy we made the switch - and yeah, it's free.
So, because it was the first day of school, I took the mandatory "first day of school" picture. And unlike the previous 2 years, the kid is smiling. See for yourself.
My "baby" turned 7 years old today.
He also started first grade (again) today - what a bummer to start school on your birthday. But, in the end, he had a much better time than last year. He apparently has a really good teacher and he's much more confident this time around. He also started a new "before and after" school program, the formally "6 to 6" program which is now known as "Prime Time". He had been attending a private before and after school program and previously we didn't think he was ready for the "Prime Time" program because it was larger, had more kids and was (we thought) less structured. But - the "free" part of it drew us in. And the more we researched it, the better it looked. They recently restructured the entire program and it's much more organized and has kids grouped in smaller sections. They focus a lot on academics and 'movement' (music, karate, etc.). And, our neighbor kids go there too. So, in the end, Foster actually enjoyed his experience at "Prime Time" - and I'm so happy we made the switch - and yeah, it's free.
So, because it was the first day of school, I took the mandatory "first day of school" picture. And unlike the previous 2 years, the kid is smiling. See for yourself.
Kindergarten 2006
First grade (again) 2008
.JPG)
After a very successful first day back to school, we celebrated his 7th birthday. Foster selected his "birthday dinner" - Carl's Jr. - and we all obliged. Following that we had ice-cream cake (his selection) and of course, presents. His party (for friends) isn't until September 20th - but that's okay - he doesn't seem to mind. This year, it seemed like the hints he had been dropping were mainly sports-related. He was very excited about all his gifts from his mommies, Bubbe, grandma and other relatives (money, gift cards to that THAT place, etc.).
Here are some pictures from this afternoon - we ate outside (picnic style) and that went over REALLY well too. Other neighbor kids joined in to watch Foster open his presents.
Opening presents
Bat, ball, mitt, frisbee
Scooter (and Logan and Seth looking on)
Hugging Gina (Logan and Seth's daycare provider) for her present (cash)
Panda hugs
Scooter love
Scooter time!
Make a wish baby!!!!
8/27/2008
The bad news and the very good news...
The bad news is that my baby minivan needs a brand new TRANSMISSION ($$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$)...............
The VERY good news is that the original transmission was under waranty for 109k miles and the minivan has about 73k so it will be replaced for FREEEEEEEEEEEE.
Whew! I most certainly wasn't looking forward to putting that amount on our credit card. It was towed this morning and luckily I was able to get a ride home and the rest of the day turned out fine.
I was concerned because I did buy the car at auction over 4 years ago - so I didn't know the history on the car. It's been a pretty good van over the years and didn't really need anything - this was the first major issue - and again, very happy indeed that the only thing I have to pay right now was the $21 to tow it to the dealership.
The VERY good news is that the original transmission was under waranty for 109k miles and the minivan has about 73k so it will be replaced for FREEEEEEEEEEEE.
Whew! I most certainly wasn't looking forward to putting that amount on our credit card. It was towed this morning and luckily I was able to get a ride home and the rest of the day turned out fine.
I was concerned because I did buy the car at auction over 4 years ago - so I didn't know the history on the car. It's been a pretty good van over the years and didn't really need anything - this was the first major issue - and again, very happy indeed that the only thing I have to pay right now was the $21 to tow it to the dealership.
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