California-Prop 8 What's Next? Treading lightly...

The Protect Marriage coalition is gratified by yesterday's California Supreme Court ruling on the legal challenges to Prop 8, where their three major requests were granted.

First, the California Supreme Court agreed to review legal challenges to Prop 8. Ron Prentice, leader of Protect Marriage, said, We have asked the California Supreme Court to set a hearing to decide on the challenges that have been filed against Prop 8 because we are confident that the Court will do the right thing and uphold our right to enact the measure by initiative. By encouraging the Court to hear and decide these cases now, we are hoping to avoid years of costly litigation over Prop 8 as the cases would normally wind through the court system."

Second, the Supreme Court refused to stay Prop 8, meaning that same-sex marriages will be halted in California pending a ruling from the Court. This was seen as an important victory.

Third, the Court has granted the request of the proponents of the initiative and their campaign committee to intervene in the litigation as Real Parties in Interests. This ruling grants the backers of Prop. 8 full legal standing to submit written arguments and appear in oral argument before the Court.

"Granting the backers of Prop. 8 intervention in these cases means that voters can be certain that there will be a thorough and vigorous defense of Prop. 8, " said Andy Pugno, Protect Marriage General Counse. "Voters will not have to solely depend on Attorney General Jerry Brown to defend the measure. Since the attorney general was an active opponent of Proposition 8, we did not want the fate of the measure to rest in his defense of it."A verdict in this case will probably be given some time in March.

Recall—No Need for Discussion Now

The major efforts of the Protect Marriage Coalition now will be legal. However, Prentice said, b "Because we fully expect to prevail in court, we expect that, at some point, we will need to defeat a ballot proposal by advocates of same-sex marriage. Our opponents have threatened such a proposal as early as 2010. We are already beginning the planning process to lay the groundwork to defeat a future proposed initiative that would legalize gay marriage. What we are not doing is discussing the possibility of recalling justices who oppose us. We are fully confident that the California Supreme Court will uphold Proposition 8, even if some members of the Court disagree with the issue. We encourage all supporters of Proposition 8 to set aside any discussions about the possibility of recalling any justice of the Court. We see no need for such discussion.
Regarding counter protests, Prentice also has advised, "Many of our supporters have asked about holding events to offset the numerous protests that have been held by our opponents...We do not encourage supporters to organize local demonstrations or counter-protests. Doing so will only spawn further protests from our opponents and potentially spark street corner confrontations. Criticism of our opponents' tactics is mounting daily and they would dearly love to provoke our supporters into a confrontation that makes us look like aggressors. Every protest our opponents launch features angry gays screaming at California voters. They call voters bigots and homophobes, and many of them have used racially derogatory terms in referring to African Americans and their strong support for Proposition 8. Their protests are doing great harm to their public position."

Obama Signals Things to Come President-elect Obama has made his frightening intentions for family values crystal clear with his appointment of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D) as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human services. As Majority Leader, Daschle was an avid opponent of every pro-life measure-voting for tax-payer-funded military abortions, supporting a measure that would have forced Americans to pay for the distribution of the morning-after pill to young school girls and blocking the partial-birth abortion ban.
Look out, we are sailing into rough weather.

This is a direct contrast to the work that has been accomplished by Michael Leavitt, current Secretary at HHS. The department is just finishing up a rule that would protect health care providers who object to providing abortions or other procedures on moral grounds. The new regulations would bar anyone who receives federal funds from discriminating against pro-life doctors or other medical personnel because of their beliefs. Pharmacists, who make that decision, would also be exempt from dispensing drugs that could end a life. These important conscience provisions have taken months of work, and we hope will be a lasting legacy for Secretary Leavitt and President Bush.

When you thought I wasn't looking...

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator,

and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw you feed a stray cat,

and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw you make my favorite cake for me,

and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I heard you say a prayer,

and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to,

and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick,

and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing,

and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it,

and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw how you handled your responsibilities,

even when you didn' t feel good,

and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking

I saw tears come from your eyes,

and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking

I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good

and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I looked at you and wanted to say,

'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

Here's our sweet precious Zoe! She is 15 months old now and her world will turn upside down in 4 months. I love the innocence of her look because she is a go getter like her parents. Always on the move, checking things out, and doesn't miss a thing. I want to bite her cheeks, yum!

29 years and counting...

Our Anniversary was on the 10th. We spend a very relaxing day! Where have the years gone? I look forward to another 29+ years of eternity and beyond! I love you hon...

Life Scout it is...Court of Honor

Last night Brenan received 8 more merit badges equaling a total of 25...Way to go Brenan! On a side note- Brenan went camping to San Jacinto Mountain just above Palm Springs on Monday night. They were told they would be sleeping in tents, it would be 40 degrees at night and have a wonderful hike in. I think he was expecting to play capture the flag or something. WELLLLL, They got off the tram and hiked in 7 miles with snow on the ground. It was pitch black by 6pm with no tents to sleep in. They laid out their bags with a thin pad and ground cloth having about 1/2 inch between the snow and the sleeping bag. They would be sighted if they built a fire. The entire party were in their bags by 6:45pm and tried to go to sleep. Needless to say they all froze the entire night. One of Brenan's quote's after he arrived home was "that was the worst camp out I have EVER been on". So I'm waiting for him to either get sick and/or boycott, I mean investigate the next camp out. One of the requirements for the camping merit badge (required for eagle) is to sleep in the snow. We can check that one off the list. I think this tops it for his "Bear Grylls" wilderness survival event. After having a very warm shower and falling asleep at 8pm he began his recovery! I didn't make him unpack his hiking pack until after school the next day. I had to show some sympathy here...
This is Roger his Scoutmaster who actually wasn't able to go on the trip.
New patches for his sash and shirt pocket...The silver ones in the middle are required for Eagle. (4 more to go)

More Quilts

This is "Springbrook".
This is now owned by my sister Teri called "Indian Corn".
Love the cheetah fabric, this is "Crazy Hearts".
Civil War, I need to check on the name. It's in a box in the garage. Any of these quilts are for sale at the right price...

Quilts, Quilts, Quilts!!!

I've been quilting for 27 years now, and still find things to learn. I've given well over 200 quilts away. The last few years I decided to keep the quilts that I make but a few. (spousal pressure) Unfortunately, I don't have all of them on record but Iwill share what I do have. This is a hobbie. I'm careful not to make it a job, that would take all of the fun out of it! I hope you enjoy....


This is "Wahine" I made for the Stake President's daughter Elizabeth...this was special circumstances.

I have yet to name this fall quilt ....

This is my personal design "Harlequin" featured in McCall's Magazine in October 2005 issue.

This is a baby quilt I designed for Rachel Procuniar called "With Love" January 2005.

Persecution Continues

Today there were protestors at the LA Temple from "invalidate Prop 8". We've been warned they will appear at the Newport Beach Temple as well. This reminds me of Alma 2:4 where Amlici speaks to destroy the Church of God. So I've been pretty vocal on my blog lately as to make my voice known to those who chose to listen. I usually am content to enjoy my family, friends, and life. There's nothing better then standing on a corner waving signs for Prop 8 and watching all of the Waste Management Trucks honk as they drove by with their horns in support.

"The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done" (History of the Church, 4:540).


John said it best: > 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.' - John 14:27


I've had a personal request to post some of my quilts on my blog, so I share with you "Diamonds in Bloom" which I made for Brenan's Scout Auction in May. It was stolen for $500. Not literally, but my friend Mychele Barlow now owns it. Got to love it!

Prop 8 Victory!!! Hoorah for Israel...52% Yes

Not to spoil the victory, but words of caution:

First, millions of people in our state did not vote with us. While we had 61% with Prop. 22, we had markedly less than that this round. And our high schoolers can tell us how the up-and-coming voters are likely to approach this issue. While these folks lost today, they have only to look a few years down for strong support.

Second, given the aforementioned decline in proponent votes, today the No folks are already planning the next round. We picked the battleground for the fight to win this election -- the classrooms -- so I would guess that's where they go next. Our state superintendent, who appeared on the No ads, will likely be quickly crafting an updated curricula to implement diversity education in all our schools -- "whether you like it or not." Our kids in the classrooms may not be taught a liberal definition of "marriage," but there are another couple of provisions in the state Education Code that refer to diversity education, including "sexual orientation." If you google "California Code," you'll get a website that allows you to search the Code. Check the Education Code box and type "sexual orientation" in the search box. Note that there are no parental notification and opt-out provisions for diversity education.

Third, there is a giant snake out there that reared his head on Monday to reveal one of its intended targets -- us. My guess would be that the idea for the "missionary" ad has been around for awhile and allowing it to be released, in limited form, on Monday was to gauge how it would be received. The proverbial seed has been planted. In the next round, I think we might be prepared for very pointed attacks at our faith.

Fourth, while we had some support from other churches on this matter, it paled in comparison to the sacrifices and efforts made within our church. Yes, we are geographically organized which helps with these efforts. Yes, we have a lay clergy that is removed from other churches' pastors' concerns about church finances. But we need to have other churches be much more involved next time if the other side decides to make our church a focus....Because next time will come.

Fifth and I'll stop spoiling the party here, the laws that are given higher status than our ineffective free exercise rights are still on the books and people will be even keener to enforce them against people who would choose to peaceably live their lives in accordance with their conscience. The battle continues on that front.

So we push along and continue to make our voices clear...

Trick or Treat 2008-

Here are my cute kids having fun on Halloween! Utah is just too far away...Hugs & Kisses from Mom!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

Our Baby Butterfly, Zoe Girl!!! Don't eat too much candy. I wish we could have been there, she is adorable! Oh the memories of days gone by...now creating new ones!

Flying High

What else are Uncle's for, I like flying HIGH!
AGAIN, AGAIN!!!!
This house looks scary, take me Uncle Blake...

Aunt Aubree's turn!

Zoe loved to trick or treat...they had a lot doggies out!
The candy wasn't too bad too...
New concept, I like this!

Ms. Incredible with Robert Redford

Once a kid always a kid...Halloween never gets too old!
Aubree made the perfect costume...Ms. Incredible
Is Blake the sundance kid or what? Step aside Robert Redford.
They are out with our Zoe butterfly, trick or treating...Nanna wants to go!

Institution of Family untrendy?

In a world of toil and strife I'm given comfort in these words from Neal A Maxwell. This talk was given in 1978 at BYU. Are you in or out of the kingdom? There's no better time to rallie for righteousness! The fight for Prop 8 to save the definition of marriage has been difficult. We must leave our record of the clear choice.

"Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions. President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of theAuthorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.'

"This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. . . . Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. . . . This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions.

"Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened....Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even in these, however, let us leave a record so that the choices are clear, letting others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, but others will step forward, having been rallied to rightness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened aslumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds which was,till then, unconscious of itself. Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves, 'summer is nigh.' Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat...God bless you and keep you, my special friends, to the end that you will carry out each and every assignment given to you so very long ago. You have been measured and found adequate for the challenges that will face you as citizens of the kingdom of God; of that you should have a deep inner assurance. Be true to that trust, as all of us must, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.". --- Elder Neal A. Maxwell