Sunday, September 7, 2008



NOTE: These pictures are supposed to be at the bottom (that's where they fall in the story).

Yesterday David and I spent the morning spreading the word about Proposition 8, which will be on the ballot here in California in November. We knocked on a few doors, but people weren't home. We are working with the "Yes on Prop 8" campaign. Prop 8 is an amendment to the state constitution that says, "Only marriage etween a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." It's the same wording as Prop 22, which was passed in 2000 by a 61.4% majority. It was overturned by a 4-3 vote of the California Supreme Court and that's why it's on the ballot as a constitutional amendment. If the people vote yes, it will re-establish traditional marriage as the law. A no vote will allow the legalization of same-sex marriage. It's about preserving marriage; it's not an attack on the gay lifestyle. It wouldn't take away the legal rights of same-sex couples. Under California's domestic partner law, they already have (and would keep) all the rights that a state can grant to a married couple. If this amendment is not passed, teachers could be disciplined and dismissed if they do not teach that both are equally approved in society. (They are required by Education Code 51890 to instruct children about marriage in health education class.) Also, churches that are open to the public (almost all) would be required to perform marriages for same-sex couples if asked, whether it goes against their teachings or not. If they refuse to perform those marriages they will lose their tax-exempt status. If you are interested in reading more you can go to http://www.protectmarriage.org/. Anyway, we are just trying to figure out which voters are yes, no, or undecided. We were not trying to talk anyone into changing their minds. Since we didn't have much luck at the doors, we came home and called people. That was better, but we still had to leave quite a few messages. The responses were mostly positive. Between the two of us, we were only hung up on 3 times. Not bad. I'm not sure exactly how many phone numbers we called, but it was over 60 for sure. In case any of you are wondering: The members of the church in California have been encouraged by the First Presidency to donate our time and money to this cause. As most of you know, the church does not ever tell us (or even suggest) for whom we vote, but because this is a moral issue, the church has taken a stand. I hate to think what this might lead to if it is defeated. We have been asked by the man on the watchtower to really get involved. I am so grateful to have a prophet that we can look to for guidance and direction. I'm grateful for the scriptures and the lessons we learn from reading about people who fall away from the teachings of the Lord.


Back to the story:


So when we finished with that David started cleaning out the garage. How do we get so much stuff? He had a garbage/recycling pile, a give away pile and a keep pile. He hung more hooks for bikes, reorgainzed cycling gear, tools, nuts/bolts/screws, etc. He was out there for hours (and I helped some, too!). It was really hot. After he finished the garage we went to Target for a few things. Well, David has a driving game for the Playstation and for his birthday I gave him a steering wheel/pedals for it. He's been holding it on his lap which isn't ideal when you are trying to race a super car. At Target he found a black wooden TV tray and a black folding chair with a cushion. When he got the steering wheel attatched to the tray he realized that it was a little heavy on that side. So, (joking) I said, maybe you should put a big soda and a plate of nachos on the other side to weigh it down. Five minutes later, and his problem is solved. Notice how close this set up is to the TV.
Can anyone tell me how to get my photos in places other than the top of my post?

4 comments:

Summer said...

You guys have been busy. It feels so good to get junk cleaned out and organized. After I type my post and then get my pictures into it I just click on the picture I'm moving and use the down arrow on the scroll bar to get it to where I want it. Maybe there's an easier way, but I dont' know it.

Timani said...

YAY! I'm so glad you are updating more.

To move the pictures I do the same thing as Summer, it's a pain in the butt! Although if you remember to add them first and then type, it isn't so bad. I usually finish typing and then add the photos. I haven't found an easier way, but I want one!

I'm glad you are involved in Proposition 8, I've heard about all the work being done in California by members. That's awesome! Quote from my friend's blog that just moved to CA "If Proposition 8 passes, those who do not agree with a homosexual lifestyle would be allowed to disagree, without the worry of a lawsuit. Doctors would not be sued for refusing to artificially inseminate same-sex couples, church officials would not be forced to perform same-sex marriages, and parents would have the right to teach their values to their children without the worry that state-mandated curriculum would undermine their teachings."

In Utah, legally only abstinence can be taught in school. Just learned that last week from Elly's health teacher.

Natalie said...

My brother in law is so funny!! Wow, I CANNOT believe what would happen if that law DOESN'T pass!! I will definitely let Laramie's sister know and I WILL encourage her to pass it!! The worst part of it is forcing people to do the ceremonies whether they want to or not.

Anonymous said...

Just drag and drop the pictures where you want them. It is kind of a pain sometimes...