video

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid988092926/bctid1842856410
you should take the time to paste this link in your address bar. It is funny!

Let's get political

This video is so funny!
I wanted to post some of my political thoughts since the election is drawing near. Normally I wouldn't want to force my ideas downs anyone's throat, but no one is making you read this right now. One of my biggest frustrations with this election is how superficial our country has become. Many adults way older than 18yrs old are voting for the first time. Why now? What I am seeing is that voters do not even know or care about the policies that their candidate is proposing. They will not be basing their vote on the merits and qualifications of the candidates. This is pretty annoying to me. If it is not obvious, I am supporting McCain. He is a true patriot and I know that he cares about our country. You should check out his book "Faith of our Fathers" if you get a chance. There is some really good stuff in there. It lets you know what kind of man he is. Does anyone know what kind of man Obama is? I know that he thinks that the idea of spreading the wealth is a good thing. I think that is a terrible idea. It reminds me of Robin Hood. Now, I liked that movie as much as the next person (Kevin Costner-woohoo), but that concept doesn't make sense in our society. Taking from the rich to give to the poor implies that everyone who is wealthy is wicked, corrupt and is undeserving of their prosperity. That is ridiculous! Some people worked hard and overcame tough obstacles to get where they are today. Should they feel guilty because someone else hasn't achieved as much success. I completely support government programs that will help those who are working for the "American dream" and are starting out with a disadvantage. I don't mind help that will level the playing field a little. But it seems like Obama wants to give away the "American dream". He wants to give it to everyone. I have to wonder, though. If you give someone the "American dream"(whatever that dream may be), is it still a dream? What will they work for? Why work if the government will provide for you. The whole idea proves that there is a break down in the work ethic. Not only that, but people should have a right to choose how they spend their money. We have all wished at one time or another that a rich relative would send some money our way. But would we appreciate and value that help if we didn't earn it? Obama defended his position by saying that he is being called a socialist because he shared his toys in kindergarten. I must say that if he wants to share his money that is fine with me. But taking from someone else and sharing their money is wrong. He will raise taxes on everyone and then-AFTER the tax hike-he will cut taxes for a certain income bracket. He says that is fair. It doesn't sound fair to me. Having everyone pay the same percentage makes more sense to me. He says that they (rich people) can afford it. Does he know everyone's financial situation? People spend what they make. Wealthy people lose their homes too.
For the record, no matter who wins, we are in the military and the next president will be Clay's boss. We will respect and support whoever wins and do our best to accept whatever changes will come about. We have complete hope in the checks and balances and hope that we will have enough conservative representation to fight for the things that we stand for. I have high hopes that Marriage will be defined between a man and a woman. I also have high hopes that someday abortion will be illegal and that our country will recognize that there are only 4 circumstances that should justify abortion. As much as I like the respect that is given to women and their right to choose, it is wrong for a woman to choose what happens to a body that is not hers even though it grows inside her.
I could go on, but politics tend to bring contention and I don’t want to ruin my blog. So this will be up until I post pictures and a description of our Halloween night.

World Series!

I can get my life back now that the world series is over. I did want the Rays to win, but I don't hate the Phillies, so I am happy for them. There were some pretty tense moments so the entire series was wonderful. Clay and his dad seem to have the attitude that they are happy baseball is over so that they can move on to football. I do not like football. Maybe I need to go to a pro game in order to change my mind. Hmmm...Redskins or Ravens...what do you think?

Anyone have an extra $450...

Just kidding! We are just so excited about the world series! I bit off all my fingernails during the game last night! For those of you who don't know baseball, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays beat the stupid RedSox 3-1 last night in game 7! It was so intense since the RedSox have a short history of coming back after being down in a series. We were also thrilled that the Phillies beat the Dodgers in their series. Especially since Manny Ramirez is so annoying. It will be much more pleasant not to have to look at his nasty dreadlocks during the world series. Now we can't wait to see the Devil Rays play the Phillies in the world series. We are torn on who to cheer for because the Devil Rays have never won a world series. And they were pretty much the worst team in baseball last year. But Kasey is on a mission in Philadelphia so we are partial to them too. We are only about 3 or 4 hours from Philadelphia, so if we were rich we would try to go to one of the games. The minimum price at auction is $450, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are sold out now or if the cheapest ticket is more than $1000. I want to be there so bad that I have considered starving my family for a couple of months to pay for it. I love October!!!!

For Sale

We listed our house for sale on September 12 and we already got a contract going. Even though we are in conract, the realtor just put the sign out today. Don't ask me how much we listed it for...it is too depressing. It will be a blessing to move into a more affordable place. We will probably rent from a friend and be able to stay in the same ward. Dallan will have to change schools, but he actually wants to because he will be able to go to the same school that his girlfriend goes to. I will be excited not to live above a grumpy woman. The place that we would rent is less square footage, but has a basement. I am happy because it is the beginning of the next phase of our life-preparing to move and begin Dental school.

Which brings me to another piece of news...all of our (Clay's) dental school applications are in. We are hoping for UNLV, but we added:

University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry (UOP) CA
Western University of Health Sciences (WESTU) CA
University of Louisville (UL) KY
University of Maryland (MYD) MD
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) NV
Baylor College of Dentistry (BAY) TX
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (HOUS) TX
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (SAN) TX
If we don't get UNLV, I really hope we get WESTU because it is like 30 minutes from Disneyland! Yes, I still love Disneyland and I always will. The earliest that we will know anything will be December 1 and the acceptance process will probably last through April.
Keep us in your prayers.

End of summer

Our mornings are getting cooler and the leaves are changing. A couple of weekends ago we enjoyed probably one of our last warm weekends. We went to the park and played croquet and then we went to a local ice cream place called Jimmy Cone. Everyone in Damascus swears that it is the best, but I don't really like it. The kids loved it!

Down by the banks

This video is not exactly entertaining, but it does reflect the beauty of this area. Everywhere we go we are constantly impressed with the gorgeous plants, flowers, and trees. It is such a joy to watch the squirrels run around gathering their food. Even though the animals are great, we hate that they keep getting into our trash. If you have seen "Over the Hedge" that should give you an idea of what I am talking about. Leah is a little snotty at the end of the video, but that is no surprise. DUH

Crazy Eights

Rebecca Gibson tagged me!

8 T.V. shows I love to watch:
The Office
Seinfeld
Law & Order
America's Funnies Videos
Scrubs
Corner Gas
King of Queens
?

8 Favorite Restaurants:
(We haven't been out to eat in many months)
Olive Garden
Outback
Golden Corral
Ruby Tuesday
?
?
?
?

8 Things that happened yesterday:
exercised
did the laundry
did the dishes
walked to the bus stop to drop off and pick up Leah
made spaghetti for dinner
spent too much time on the computer
continued with our latest family scripture study plan (Yes, I am bragging because I am happy that this plan is actually working)
Had muffins with Clay and watched The Office after the kids were asleep

8 Things I look forward to:
Getting an acceptance letter for Clay from UNLV Dental School
moving to a cheaper place
more income because of the move
Being out of debt someday
Visiting family
upcoming holidays
The beautiful scenery that comes with the change of seasons
eventually some snow

8 Things I love about fall
Cooler weather
Fall smells (crisp air, fireplaces, warm meals cooking)
Halloween
Thanksgiving
The beautiful colors
going to pumpkin patches and corn mazes
Coming into a warm home from the chilly air
?

8 Things on My Wish list:
Be debt free
A new wardrobe
A home we can afford
Family to want to visit more
Us to visit family more
Clay to be done with school
More kids
Ryan to be potty trained

8 People I'm Tagging:
Amanda Cook
Michelle Scott
Mandy Crandall
Wayne Linford
Jennifer Dennis
I think that is everyone in my blog list that hasn't already been tagged by someone else...If you haven't been tagged by someone-then I tag you now.

This is cute

I wanted to add this video even though I am not crazy about seeing myself on screen (who is ever comfortable with how they look in pictures/videos?) But it is so cute and Leah is pretty funny so I will deal with it.

Leah's First Day

Leah started preschool today. It was all pretty unexpected. I didn't think she would go because we can't afford the prices out here, but she qualified for the headstart program which is free. So we ran out and bought her a backpack and lunch box and she started school this morning. I am glad it happened so fast because I haven't had time to get sad. She just looks too small to ride the bus that picks her up. She will go Monday through Friday from 8:10-11:30. I miss her, but I am excited for all the fun she will have and for the friends she will make. Oh, and I guess for the education. ha ha ha!