Thankful

I know I'm a little late with this post. I am finding out more & more about who I am and it's a little scary at times. I've always thought I was pretty laid back, but have come to find out that I'm a bit of a control freak! YIKES!!! I'm also more needy & obsessive than I thought as well. These are traits I am NOT thankful for, but I guess I should be thankful that I am able to recognize them so I can limit the damage I could do with them (at least that's what I'm hoping).

Mom, Dad, Craig, Keri, Ryan, Aunt Karen & Uncle Byon all came into town for Thanksgiving @ Grandma & Grandpa Bird's. I didn't get to spend as much time with them as I would have liked as I was working, but the time that I did was fun. We celebrated Ryan's 5th birthday @ a pirate themed pizza place that is new in town. Dad helped me get more pumped up about looking for a house as we drove around & looked @ a few places. I am SO thankful for his help. We played card games & I played with Ryan. She has quite the imagination! We were playing "jail" and I got arrested for stealing a remote (what was I thinking?) Come to find out my "pretend" husband was a drug addict! (again....what was I thinking? marrying a drug addict? :) ) Later we played "restaurant" and Ryan went ALL out preparing for my "pretend" boyfriend. She pretended to decorate & was SOOO excited when he arrived. She is so funny! She gave me the biggest hug when I first saw her...I love it when all the kids get excited about seeing me! I had to include some pictures of Ryan in her pirate getup & her birthday present...dressup clothes.

I am so thankful for family & friends. How can anyone make it through this life without their support? I love you all!

Soccer & Fun

I decided that I needed to take a trip to California to see one of Ty's soccer games. I made it for the last of the season. It was fun to watch, but I found myself itching to get out and play with them. Ty's team won 6-0 and Ty scored a goal! Way to go Ty!!! Bryn changes every time I see her. She is so funny & definitely is showing her own personality. Lori is growing up like crazy & has beautiful hair. She has her own opinion of how it's done. She didn't like having 2 french braids, she didn't think it was pretty. Zack & Michelle are busy, busy. It's always fun to visit. We stay pretty busy & I love spending time with them all. I told Michelle that the kids are birth control.....but I was only kidding! I am not fond of the whining & squealing, but they are really good kids. Thanks to the CA Birds for letting me come hang out for a few days. Oh, Ty & Lori did GREAT in their Primary program on Sunday. Lori had been practicing her lines & said them without any help!

Here are some pictures from the trip.

Ty as goalie.......Bryn trying to get in the action........Lori with her braids

Bryn, Ty & Lori (morning snuggle)....Lori & Bryn playing......Palmdale sunset

Bryn playing the piano......the girls......Ty, Lori & Bryn in Sunday best

Opinions

So, I just got an email about a commercial against Proposition 8 in California. The commercial depicts LDS missionaries basically harassing a lesbian couple & tearing up their marriage license. I find it interesting that people are surprised at the church's stand against same sex marriage. We do, after all, have the proclamation on the family which spells out our beliefs on gender roles & families. HELLO people...it kills me that active members seem outraged that the church has asked members to support & defend the values that we hold along with many other denominations. Anyway, I thought the comment from a church rep was very good:
Scott Trotter with the Church released this statement, “The Church has joined a broad-based coalition in defense of traditional marriage. While we feel this is important to all of society, we have always emphasized that respect be given to those who feel differently on this issue. It is unfortunate that some who oppose this proposition have not given the Church this same courtesy.”

So, why is it that we all have to feel or believe what someone else wants us to? It seems that those who cry freedom of speech, freedom to believe as one chooses, are the same who ridicule & attack others for not agreeing with them. Is that backward to anyone else. I don't expect everyone else to agree with all my feelings or beliefs and I certainly don't want anyone else getting all up in my face if I don't agree with them. I'm a pretty stubborn girl & the more something's pushed on me the more I push back.

Can I tell you how glad I am that the election is over? While I am super excited about the results, I am not too surprised either. At least now I have a right to complain if things don't "change" as has been the promise/slogan of our newly elected official. I voted!


Side Note: Yes, I am still seeing Derek and NO I will not be blogging all details (Jen K. & Monica). :D If you are an inquiring mind....you have my phone # or email. We have fun together and I am enjoying having someone to do things with. It's all just nice & relaxed...just how it should be. Love to all!