History...

Last Tuesday marked a very significant day for our country. We elected an African American man for the first time in history.

Barack Obama won John McCain in the Presidental Election. There were very strong feelings about this election and we had the biggest voter turnout since the JFK election of 1960. Wow. We are all very lucky to be here to see this day happen.

I personally feel that while I very much did like John McCain (he fought, served and was a POW during war time - and I come from a military family so it is very personal to me). But I have to say that I have liked Obama since the beginning. I feel like he is genuine and I think he really does want to make changes to our country. And after everything I have read and seen about him I have realized that:

Everybody likes John McCain (besides his political issues), because he is a perfect American Story. I've heard a friend of mine call him "a meat and potatoes kind of guy". To me this means he fits the mold of what we have come to think of as "Americans".

But the truth is, America is about all different kinds of stories. And yes, I think John McCain is one of those, I have also come to believe that Obama is one too. His grandfather served in the war, his grandmother worked on a Boeing B-29 assembly line in Kansas, he put himself through school and utilized the education system.

They both have great American stories. Don't let anyone tell you any differently. I am excited and thrilled that our country has come this far and is capable of making change. I hope Obama can get into the White House and start making things happen.

And just incase your curious, I didn't vote for either. I was leaning toward Obama and felt comfortable that he would win, but since I don't like some of McCains issues and where his campaign money came from, and I didn't feel comfortable with the whole thing about Obama's pastor and the housing bail-out, I told myself that if it came down to voting time and I was still unsure, I would vote Libertarian. And that's what I did. Who's Bob Barr anyway?

Mama Mia we got spilly in Vegas!

Since it would be against the "what happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas" Code, I will only tell you that I went this past weekend with my sister-in-law Stacey, and some of her dear friends, Michelle, Char and Robyn (who happens to be my high school sweetheart's big sis - weird I know). We went down to see "Mama Mia" at Mandalay Bay (which was AMAZING btw). Anyway, if you ever imagined a perfect girls weekend crammed full of shopping, theatre, free food, some major dancing, endless margaritas, wins, losses, jr. high giggling, full belly laughing, and an entire lifetime of fabulous memories, this was the trip. Emphasis on the laughing. All the girls were so sweet and unbelievably cool. I had the most amazing girl's weekend. Not to mention, we left with about 500 inside jokes.

I needed that so much. I got home and felt so refreshed and renewed. Chad was a trooper. My parents helped out a lot too and made it bearable for him.

It's going to be hard waiting for the next one. What an awesome weekend. Thanks you guys!

By the way, yep, that's me and my 5 cent winning voucher. That's right. Read it and weap. Betcha didn't know I was so lucky!?!

JD is in the play-offs!

They didn't win the last one, but it was so close that they went into over-time and just lost by about two feet. Anyway, they are still in the play-offs.

Grandpa Phil came into town to see his game, and Grandpa Wil and Grandma Linda came too. It was so great to have them there and have their support. Chad brought our big heater for the team to warm up next to. It always seems to be a big hit. Those games get COLD!

G & G Petty are always so wonderful to come out for every single game and brave the weather and sometimes late nights (notice Grandma's yawn) with us.
We love you guys!

The value of cupcakes...

Julian and I made cupcakes the other day. I am trying to teach myself the value of teaching my children values. I know how much kids love cooking with their moms, and how important those memories are. I have avoided it in the past because...well, let's just say I'm not known for my patience. I always ended up frustrated because of the mess, or because I felt like I spent so much time explaining how to do things that I figured I could just do it myself much faster.

I think that getting older makes you kind of stop and re-evaluate what your values and priorities are. We started and finished these cupcakes and it was amazingly fun and satisfying. I just decided I would let him make a mess, let the cupcakes be designed by a three year old, and not get frustated.

I did. And we had so much fun. And look! They turned out very cute. And I have to say that is the face of a happy kid. Ahhh...the patience is coming along. In that regard, I am thankful to be getting older.

Juan Diego is rockin'!

Chase's football team is doing great and is only one game away from going to the championships. His last game is next Wednesday the 22nd. We'll let you know how it goes. Here are the stats so far:
GO EAGLES!!!!

Juan Diego (JD)
Game 1: JD 33 vs. Lehi 12 - WON
Game 2: JD 0 vs. Lone Peak 33 - lost
Game 3: JD 28 vs. Lone Peak 31 - lost
Game 4: JD 28 vs. Pleasant Grove 26 - WON
Game 5: JD 35 vs. American Fork 14 - WON
Game 6: JD 28 vs. Lindon 6 - WON
Game 7: JD 41 vs. Lehi 0 - KICKED SERIOUS BUTT

"Our first taste of winter"...or..."So long sweet summer"...

We had a lot of snow this past weekend. Our neighbors Tristan and his brother Nicholai came over to enjoy it with us. Julian couldn't even wait long enough to take off his Sponge Bob jammies. It came a lot earlier than it usually does, and luckily it didn't last long. But there it was. Enough to play in, make snowballs with, and cold enough for hot chocolate. It even put me in such a "Christmas kind of way", that Julian and I made a gingerbread house. (Which by the way ended up looking like gingerbread house that was hit by a hurricane - *See the second pic to get a close-up of the hurricane damage to the roof - it took out half of the top). Owell. He didn't care. He enjoyed eating it anyway.

"101 Ways to Save Your Sucker For Later" By Julian

Way #37
Stick sucker to the top of your chair with molding clay.