Berry Boys' Hunting Fest

All in one day Matt shot a deer (hanging behind Josh) and Josh slew three coyotes! I am very proud of those boys. ;)

What happens when Mikey gets me dressed!

Christmas Letter To The Masses

My first inclination for the Christmas letter was to say please refer to the blog archive for a summary of my year but in the spirit of Christmas I shall summarize for all those that only have five minutes.

I have been living in California for just over 1 ½ years now and many of my Idaho habits remain even though I retired the 1T Idaho plates earlier this year and don’t eat meat and potatoes for every meal. For an Idaho girl I am practically a vegetarian now by all the “healthy” habits I’ve picked up.

My year has been full of fun firsts: I attended the Silicon Valley Auto Show, attended my first hockey game and fell in love with the Zamboni, got lost in the city with the girls (oh wait, that wasn’t really a first), had my hair sculpted (if you’ve seen my hair you realize why that made the cut for the letter), went to my first Yankees’ game, ran two 5Ks, became active in politics, made Rejia’s gchat status, and had my first Thanksgiving eating on real china dishes.

My year can be summed up with attending as many baseball games my checkbook would allow, golfing as much as daylight would allow, and playing softball ad football as much as my body would allow.

The parents came to visit the bay in March and we had a blast. In May my friend, Jonathan, came from Seattle for our annual baseball bet trip where we watched the Oakland A’s beat the Boston Red Soxs for a series sweep while The Yankees swept the Mariners in New York. It really was the best weekend to hold the baseball bet trip. I met my family in Northern Idaho in July for some baseball and golf. My Grandma passed away in August, so I gathered with my family in Idaho once more. My birthday week this year was AMAZING!!! I do love the Berry National Holiday. The rest of my time was work, play, play, play, and play.

This year has presented many ups and a few downs but has been another great year to be alive. I am blessed to be alive and running 75 miles per hour (or driving that is)!

Merry Christmas!!!

P.S. To see photos of said events please refer to the blog (I am however still somewhat of a Grinch). ;)

SAM HALL THE GREAT

The first night in Palo Alto I met my new roommates and Samantha Hall. Little did I know that night I was being introduced to such a sweetheart. Sam in a word embodies service. Later Sam and I would work together in the Relief Society and I was amazed by her capacity to love and serve so much and so sincerely. Below is a pile of compassionate service notes that Sam kept while serving in that calling. I think this pile speaks volumes of what is important in Sam's life. She has again and again proven that in our interactions and as I watch from the background at her kind gestures of friendship. I feel a certain kinship with Sam Hall. On my gchat status it always reads I heart [Insert person or item here] while on Sam's status it always reads I am grateful for [Insert person(s) or item(s) here]. I do heart Sam Hall! She is a wonderful example of service, love, and humility. Sam will be serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in February and while she will be missed I am happy that others will feel the joy that Sam Hall brings to the lives she surrounds. Thank you Sam, good luck (soon)!

The Way To My Heart

This is just a sampling of the wonderful ways my friends blessed my life last week. I had botox injections (in my arm...do I look like I need botox elsewhere?) and have been laying low. All these folks have learned a secret, I heart food and DP. :) Adriana made me my own Lemonade cake, KT brought DP and flowers. Pete introduced me to other desserts from the cheesecake factory other than cheesecake (I was surprised as anyone else). Heather and B are excellent cooks and I heart SH and SJ! Good work on getting me ready M&M. Thank you all! ;)

Christmas Under The Lights

We ate, we listened to beautiful music, and yes even danced. I have witnesses to prove the last one if there are any doubters.

Mike and I pulling off our human Christmas tree. Last year we had red and green on but this year we are classy and beautiful so it makes up for the color scheme.
A SJ Sandwich!

I do heart ARRRR and Mike.

Grateful Gourd: Isn't It About Time

Now some of you might be asking yourselves why I am now writing a grateful post when Thanksgiving has come and gone. The so-called "grateful" train took off a few weeks ago Jess while you were golfing; get with the program. I have three responses to the obvious confusion and questioning.

1. Last time I checked the blog author is me so therefore I can run on my own schedule.
2. Mike(y) and I didn't open the Grateful Gourd until December.
3. My 177th post had to be special so I was waiting patiently; and given it is the 177th post it is lengthy but well worth the read!

The Grateful Gourd!

Heather Majors randomly emailed one evening and asked to stop by, we obviously accepted. She presented us with a ceramic green gourd and a stack of paper slips; explaining that we should write things we are grateful for as the month progressed and at the end of the month share with one another our thoughts. We gave it the awesome name!

I found myself somewhat addicted to the grateful gourd, it really did seem that everyday I was finding new things to be grateful for and got a slight thrill each time I tucked my thought into the gourd. I found myself emerged with things to write on the little slips of paper each day. I have decided everyone should have one, a grateful gourd that is. Mikey was a little harder of a sale but when the fateful day of the Grateful Gourd reading came Mike followed through like a base hit in the bottom of the ninth to score the winning run; in a word she was clutch.

I made Sloppy Dan's (for those that have had the privilege you can be jealous right now or if you haven't come see me and if you are lucky I will whip up a batch) and sweet potatoes (we are from Idaho after all), and even got Sparkling Cider to toast our gratitude.

It was amazing to read and look back on what we were grateful for. Some were serious things, others comical, others only Mike and I would understand, but all had the same tone: Thanksgiving!

Below are just a few of our random slips of gratitude; but there will be more to come as we've decided that the Grateful Gourd will reside year round at Park Blvd.

We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet
The Days when Max Hall was NOT the BYU QB
Funny emails from my girls
Yes on Prop 8
Adam's email 11/30
JB&MP are so skinny their clothes don't fit!
Silver bullets (our Hondas)
Heather Majors
My Gomer
Our testimonies
Costco tortillas
H&M (the people)
A roommate who forces me to write out thankful slips for the grateful gourd
The smell of wet grass at the golf course
Sloppy Dan's
The temple
DVR baby
Adam (The Inca warrior)
Jed's email
Sachi's gorilla hugs
The Top 5 (mine and Mike's!)
Being polished as silver
Rob Daines
Gchats
Gustavo, Gustavo, Gustavo!

Last but definitely not least in our home: Dr. Pepper BABY!

Jess Berry Quote of The Day

"When harder times come, stay with Him. There may be temptation to say, 'Well, I guess God doesn't care about me.' But when the winds and waves are unexpected and fierce, stay in the boat. This is no time for you to try your own little doggy paddle."
Jeffrey R. Holland

Fruitcake SHOULD Be Banned From Holiday Traditions

Jess Berry Quote of The Day

"Given the reality, however, of having "to look as young as you can, for as long as you can, so you can pay the rent," says former Designing Women star Annie Potts, who has had Botox, it seems fewer and fewer actresses will be able to avoid the needle. "I don't know why people want to make a controversy about Botox- it's a basic thing, like getting a manicure, or getting your hair dyed." Dr. Sebagh says. "It's on the grooming checklist. It is part of the game.""

Botox Confessions, People Magazine

Jess Berry Quote of The Day

Patience is not indifference. Actually, it means caring very much but being willing, nevertheless, to submit to ... what the scriptures call the "process of time."
Neal A. Maxwell

Little ladies’ man pens dating primer

Yes, that is right 9-year-old Alec Greven advises boys of all ages how to get the right girl.

My Favorite part of the interview:

Q: You say that boys should be careful around pretty girls. What do you have against pretty girls?
A: Well, pretty girls … all they care about is their looks. She doesn't care about a boy liking her, or how a boy feels about her. It's just, "Oh, do I look nice?" Regular girls can be pretty, too. Plus, a regular girl has other things on her mind and is fun to be around.

See Full article here:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28038281/?GT1=43001

Jess Berry Quote of The Day

"You feel as if everyone should write a book before they die, but their book is already written. The pages live within those they've touched" -William Shue

A Man to Emulate: Joseph B. Wirthlin

If ever there was a symbol of one man’s dedication to make the most of everyday, it is Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin’s old Olympia typewriter. In a time when computers dominate most offices, it sits on his wide oak desk and was put to good use each and every morning as he personally typed out his daily schedule on a small three by five card. “Every day is an adventure,” Elder Wirthlin said. “Every day carries with it a responsibility. I thought, well, here I am – sort of the 11th hour maybe in my life – I’d better make the most of it.”

See the full article here:
http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/elder-joseph-b-wirthlin-a-life-full-of-adventure-and-joy-that-surpasses-understanding

Finding Joy in The Journey

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.”3 We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.
Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”4

President Thomas S. Monson

H&M Twins

I heart AH!!! I showed up to church today and yes Adriana and I had the exact same dress on. We both looked smokin hot and I must say we have impeccable taste. This girl is amazing and I'd match with her any day!

HOT LADIES IN PINK!!!

KT and JB

There are very few people in the world that can pull off the pink tights, but among the few stands KT as their leader.
Pink Tights and Pink North Face Jacket. I bow down to KT!

Although those black leggings are something to behold. :)
PS: We did plan (after KT saw me) to match last night. ;)

Jess Berry Quote of The Day

"Patience is a willingness, in a sense, to watch the unfolding purposes of God with a sense of wonder and awe, rather than pacing up and down within the cell of our circumstance." - Neal A. Maxwell

Reija's Take on Harems

So let's talk about harems.
Specifically, let's talk about scriptural references to men with harems.
First up. King Ahaseurus. (I might be making that spelling up. The husband of Esther.) He had a harem. He had a queen too, but also then a harem. He would keep women in the harem and then take them out and if he didn't like them he killed them. Then he tried to kill all of the Jews. Now we think, well he was a good guy, he chose and then didn't kill Esther. But let us not be deceived. Clearly the man had some issues.
Next up we've got Solomon. Now everything started out great with Solomon, but in the end he ditched it all. Temple. Wisdom. Etc. And went after gold and lots of concubines and wasted his final hours in riotous living, forfeiting some blessings and leaving his kingdom in dwindling states of being. We forget sometimes the end of Solomon, caught up in his original glory.
Lastly we've got King Noah. He's in the BoM, and his life ends with him burning.
All I'm saying is this: Men with harems cannot be trusted to make clear decisions.

Amen Reija!

Ode From Meredith

Ten Days Without Seeing You

Crazy

Makes My Life Seem Dark and Hazy

By: Meredith

Haiku For HC: Farewell For Now

What is she doing?
She's chasing eternity
Best of luck to her.
(Haiku By: Mer)

Sachi: What are you doing?
I heart HC and SJ!

Meredith attempting to bite my thumb off.

The result of her attempt!

Oh look, we all look halfway normal. Yes, I did some photoshopping. ;)

Oh yes, back to our normal selves. ;)

Yes, that is Mike's favorite face! ;)

Jess Berry Quote of the Day!

I have been complimented many times and they always embarrass me; I always feel that they have not said enough. - Mark Twain

Opera: Elixir of Love

Sophia, Adriana, and I at the SF Opera.

Now I can say that I am cultured! I've attended an Opera. It was pretty intriguing (they had some footballs in this Opera so I felt right at home, almost a sporting event). :)

These two girls are great! I heart YB! They even humored a very long story on the way home and didn't fall asleep. I was impressed!

Mer comfortably herself in her natural habitat. ;)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JB (THE GREATER)!!!

I heart JB!

Besides having the coolest initials on the planet this girl in one word is SOLID! Check the letter "E" for All of the Above because JB has got it covered.

Adam, JB, Adam, JB

Yesterday I walked into ward council and sat next to Adam Richards. In came Adam Wilson and he proceeded to sit on my right side. The other JB (Jackie Ball) was there too. Adam R had the genius idea that JB move over. We couldn't pass up the chance to act as Meredith put it as "Asians" to take a picture. Oh then about five minutes later it got even better (but we didn't get a picture of it), Jefferson Bradshaw (JB) walked in and sat next to Adam Wilson. What a great ward council! This picture makes me smile! Thanks Adam R for the awesome thought!

The Brookester Turns Into a NY Fan!

Solid proof that even "had-been" Red Soxs fans can repent and come to the light that NY and the Yankees bring! We welcome you Brooke Trout into the fold! ;)

The JD Wants to Join the JB Club

Jes Deputy (JD) wants to join the JB club too! Now we did let Jonathan Blake in after a vigorous trial run. Yet the originals will remain the originals.

Now Jes' main case is she is a Jessica too, appealing to this Jessica. The "D" is also the un-accessorized "B" (no belt). It would be a lot easier to make this decision if her middle name was Betsy or Bertha or Bernice, or my all time favorite Jes "Bubbly" Deputy. Maybe it makes more sense to start another club for the J's? It would be a big club! I mean I have 40 J names just in my phone alone and those are just the coolest J's I know.

Vote Now: A JB for a Yah let her into the JB Club, A J for Nah, create a new J Club, or D for No Dice Deputy!

Adriana and Adriana (The Lesser)

I heart Adriana Higuera!

Just a few points of interest:

1. Hilarious!

2. In an email exchange one day she used the phrase in reference to a guy: Be Still My Heart and now every time I listen to Be Still My Heart by The Postal Service I think of AH! I call it her theme song.

3. Introduced me to Red Mango last night (seriously have I been living underneath a rock?)

4. A heart the size of Pacific Ocean.

5. One of the gchat staples!

The Real Adriana!
Adriana The Lesser!
Adriana and Adriana (The Lesser) at Take a Break '08. Will she still heart me after this post? ;)

Coolest Jess Berry Poser YET!

Let's be honest, Hannah would probably make a better Jess Berry! She at least has rhythm which is more than I can say for the original Jess Berry.

The Story of Prop 8

Best Halloween Costume EVER

For those of you that really know me I think Halloween is Pagan tradition that is an excuse for people to act ridiculous. Outside of Trick-or-Treating what is the point of this so-called "holiday"? This year I did dress up however. As The lesser "JB". Sorry Jonathan, that would be "Jackie Ball" not "Jonathan Blake". ;)

The criteria for dressing up as JB was: Solid color shirt, jeans, and looking Hot. Yep, I've got that covered! ;) I heart JB!

"High-Fives" Do NOT Equal Salutations

Does anyone else have an annoyance for using the "high-five" as a salutation? I find that most use the "high-five" as a defense tactic to not knowing the social procedure in many different social settings. I have this friend that actually got a "high-five" as the good night gesture (hehe...I am guessing there wasn't a second date). My personal philosophy is when in doubt just wave if you aren't a "hugger" and you still feel a gesture is necessary in the situation. There are many acceptable times a "high-five" is in order such as (please note these are just a few examples):

• During a sporting events and your team makes a great play.

• You play a practical joke on a sibling with another sibling.

• Playing flag football and someone makes a touchdown (this might call for a "ten" if it was a great play).

• Playing "Too Slow Joe" with a toddler.

But please no "high-fiving" Jess as a salutation!

Prop 8 Yes

Another friend voicing his position!

On election night, when other states tune-in to see the results of Proposition 8, how will they see California? How will California regard marriage and how will California define the family? What will the purpose of marriage be in California and to whom will California extend the “right” and privilege to marry?

First, who has the “right” to marry? To answer this question, we must differentiate a “right” from a “right” for which we must qualify. For example, everyone has the “right” and opportunity to become a lawyer. However, one must qualify to be a lawyer. There are standards, qualifications, and hurdles. It is the only way the integrity of the profession can be protected. Now, we must acknowledge that some people in our society, because of no fault or failure of their own, do not have the physical, mental, or emotional capability of completing law school, passing the bar examination, and receiving the necessary credentials. Is the requisite of completing law school and passing the bar exam then bigotry? Does it create inequality? Is it unfair? For some of these people, it is their lifelong dream and passion to be a lawyer. The formal certification would bring them great happiness and give meaning to their life, yet we are still enforcing difficult and challenging requirements that prevent them from attaining their desire. Are these standards discriminatory? Is this unnecessary? Is this wrong? Are we hung up on the definition of a word that has no real impact? Are we taking away “rights?” Are we limiting “liberties?” Are we keeping good people from achieving the “happiness” only some can obtain? We also know the system isn’t perfect as many in the profession already fall short of performing as competent and honest lawyers. So, why not qualify everyone who wants to be lawyer? What difference will it really make? Quickly, we see the red flags and understand the consequences of such an idea. The definition DOES matter and the qualification must be ensured.

Similarly, everyone has the “right,” “freedom,” and opportunity to marry. However, one must also qualify to marry. There is a standard, a qualification, and a hurdle. It is the only way the integrity of the institution can be protected. A constitutional amendment limiting the union of marriage between one man and one woman does not take away that “right” or “freedom” from anybody. No “inequality” or “injustice” is created. If one is predisposed to same sex-attraction, we are not taking away his “right” to marry. We are simply limiting and reserving marriage to only those who properly qualify to marry. The integrity of marriage must be upheld and strengthened! We know not all heterosexual marriages and parents uphold the integrity of the commitment they’ve made, but the answer lies not in qualifying all and any, but in further strengthening the institution as it is (and demanding more and better from those already married).

Next, the “right” to marry must be given only when marrying a member of the opposite sex because of marriage’s unique purpose. Marriage is to provide an opportunity for a man and a woman to support and love each other and their children. To the child, marriage provides a stable foundation for support and love. Marriage unites the three core dimensions of parenthood – biological, social, and legal into one pro-child form. The unique characteristics of both mothers and fathers are crucial to the emotional, physical, and mental development of a child. Many would like to focus the Proposition 8 debate on the “rights” and “freedoms” of independent adults to practice marriage in the way they desire. However, we must focus the debate on the “rights” and “freedoms” of dependent children. We DO NOT have the “right” to tell one child they get two moms, another child they get two dads, and another child they get a mom and a dad. Every child has the “right” to a mom and dad! From the child’s point of view, Proposition 8 could not be more “fair,” more “necessary,” or more “right.” Proposition 8 is what will guarantee “equality for all.” Homosexual couples are extremely capable, intelligent, and caring. But, gender matters! Children have a need for both a mother and a father – the sexes are not interchangeable. Whatever a father can do a second mother CANNOT do. Whatever a mother can do, a second father CANNOT do. “Parents” DO NOT equal any two capable, loving adults. “Parents” equal a mom and a dad. We CANNOT equate that which is not equal.

Finally, we have inherited (and are fighting to maintain) the “right” to ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ These "inalienable rights" often define what it means to be an American. However, we forget these freedoms are NOT without limitations. We must make and enforce laws to protect and preserve citizens from bringing undue harm upon themselves and/or others to protect the very “freedoms” and “rights” we enjoy. In that light, we must protect the “inalienable right” given to a child to have both a mom and a dad. And, we must protect the institution of marriage and uphold the most important and fundamental societal unit -- the family.

On election night, other states will see the results of Proposition 8 and California will say what our former President and Governor once said: “We will be as a city upon a hill!” California will be the example. California will stand up for marriage. California will support the family. California will give children both a mom and a dad. California will vote YES on Proposition 8!

Why One Friend is Voting Yes on Prop 8

I am sure that many of you are wondering how it is even possible that a Stanford student could vote Yes on proposition 8. Let me explain. My personal belief is that marriage is not a contract between two people. It is not right. Marriage is a vital institution that shapes the rights and obligations of parenthood and affects and shapes society in profound ways in regard to how parents view the obligation of parenthood and their rights and responsibilities as fathers and mothers.

Why would society even control and regulate a relationship? Why would we let the government intervene into such a personal aspect in our lives? It is because society has a deep vested interest in marriage. It channels the sexual attraction between man and woman, which could lead to procreation, in a socially desirable way; that of a family unit where they are bound to provide and protect for the offspring which result from their sexual union. It was not created as a contract between two people to devote themselves to each other, rather society has created the institution of marriage so that a man and a woman set aside their personal objectives and goals to produce a family which they protect and are bound to the offspring that they create.

Society has a vested interest in marriage because it is in that union between man and woman in which children are created and brought into the world and we should be very concerned about how the children in this world are raised, taught, and cared for. The UN charter on children's rights states that all children have a right to be raised by the parents who brought them into the world; Marriage ensures that this is the case and holds parents responsible for how their children are raised and taught.

The genderless marriage paradigm is radically different in its aims and teachings and the two cannot exist concomitantly, for it would define marriage as a union between two people lacking the power of mutual procreation, thus stripping marriage of its function of regulating how we are bringing children into the world and forming their identity. The adoption of a marriage paradigm in which its primary concern is the two married partners is one I cannot support.

I love my gay friends and family. It is horrible how much persecution and discrimination homosexuals have suffered. I do agree that one benefit of allowing same-sex couples to marry would be a reduction in this persecution and discrimination. I believe that homosexual and heterosexual couples should be afforded the same rights as everyone. I empathize and understand that it is a rational and reasonable thing for same-sex couples to want the status that marriage affords. I believe, though, that the costs of redefining marriage are too great. I fear a society in which people think marriage is a way to pursue happiness, fulfillment, and selfish pursuits and dodge their parental and spousal obligations; Sadly this is already too often the case, but if we break the link between marriage and procreation this second best scenario will be institutionalized.

“The man-woman marriage institution is:

1. Society’s best and perhaps only effective means to secure the right of a child to know and be raised by her biological parents (with exceptions justified only when they are in the best interests of the child).

2. The most effective means yet developed to maximize the private welfare provided to children.

3. The indispensable foundation for that child-rearing mode that correlates with the optimal outcomes deemed crucial for a child’s, and therefore society’s, well-being.

4. Society’s primary and most effective means of bridging the male-female divide.

5. Society’s only means of transforming a male into husband-father and female into wife-mother, statuses and identities particularly beneficial to society.”

(from Stewart, Monte Neil, Marriage Facts, Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, [Vol. 31 No. 1] pp. 321-322, http://www.marriagelawfoundation.org/mlf/publications/harvard%20facts.pdf)

Finally, I know that marriage is sacred, ordained of God, and gives to fathers and mothers, not rights, freedoms, and privileges as some would believe that marriage accords, but rather the solemn and powerful responsibility of “rear[ing] their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.”

(from The Proclamation to the World, by Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,00.html)

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

Or be like Julie and get it done early!

North Face Twins: Practically KT

To truly be genuine in my post I decided to post even our "ridiculous" photos because let's be honest KT and JB together almost always equals some amount of ridiculous behavior. ;) KT and I without even knowing got matching North Face jackets, complete with thumb or "monkey" holes. This is just one more piece of evidence that I am "practically" KT and KT is "practically" JB. Side note: This is my favorite jacket EVER!
North Face Ninjas!
Someone (namely me) forgot that Ninjas hold their fingers together....my bad! ;)

Never realized how tall and short we are till now!

I heart KT! What an awesome friend and a stalwart sprinter! ;)

Winner of the Brooke Trout PJ Party

Jess Deputy is all her glory! Congratulations, we bow down to the PJ master!

Artist interpretation-Courage on 8

My Position

Facebook Note From Kimball again...affirming his position!

Of the many ways humans can relate to one other, the physical, emotional and even spiritual intimacy between a man and a woman privately and publicly committed to each other is the most sacred of all.

I used the word 'sacred' because I am spiritual. If you are not religious, try 'special' or 'separate' instead. I heard somewhere that 'sacred' in Hebrew means something like 'separate' anyway.

I don't have any studies or conclusive clinical studies to support this statement, I just feel the truth of it in my heart. I can't think of too many possible amendments or changes to this statement that don't result in something that feels a little less true. I'm sure it has something to do with biology. I'm sure it has something to do with physiology. I'm sure it has something to do with how our species is perpetuated. I'm sure it has something to do with feelings and tenderness and hopefully love. But each of these factors on their own surely contribute, but do not entirely account for this truth to me.

That said, I believe in, value and revere friendship in all its kinds and degrees. I believe in, value and revere companionship in all its kinds and degrees. I believe in, value, and revere commitment in all its kinds and degrees. But this greater truth readily and easily coexists with, and is even the culmination of, all these beliefs and values for me.

It's my belief that marriage as an institution reflects, affirms, and reinforces this truth. I believe that people fail marriage, I don't believe that marriage fails people.

The Opposition

Facebook Note from my friend, Kimball:

I came across this quote in my non-comprehensive research on the subject of gay rights:

"For the lesbian and gay movement, then, cultural goals include (but are not limited to) challenging dominant constructions of masculinity and femininity, homophobia, and the primacy of the gendered heterosexual nuclear family (heteronormativity). Political goals include changing laws and policies in order to gain new rights, benefits, and protections from harm."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_rights#cite_note-1

Insofar as this quote correctly characterizes opposition to Proposition 8, I support Proposition 8. I believe that gender, masculinity and femininity are important and essential to individuals, family and society. As to what 'dominant constructions of masculinity and femininity' refer to, I am not sure. I readily concede that there exist many cultural norms concerning masculinity and femininity that are unimportant at best and extremely damaging at worst. But at the end of the day, every person alive is the product of one man masculine enough and one woman feminine enough to get together, however briefly or committed to each other. (Indeed, anyone who is such a product deserves our individual and collective respect as a member of the human family. If people ever start resulting from some other way, I will revise my opinion accordingly, but until then, gender is critical to society in my view.)

Consequently, I am against homophobia, insomuch as it entails the devaluing or diminishing of anyone's humanity anywhere. I also do support anyone in their right to an aversion to unwelcome sexual advances.

I am in support of the primacy of the gendered heterosexual nuclear family.

The phrase, "new rights" did not escape me, and I think the relaxing of the concept of marriage in this case is an instance of an attempt to gain a right heretofore nonexistent. I also support any law that protects all people from harm. This is all I will say concerning the opposition to Proposition 8.

Most concerning to me is the implicit notion that the opposition hopes for no less than for society to assign the same sanctity to same-gender sex as to opposite-gender sex, which to me is offensive.

Whether or not this quote is overstating the intent of the opposition to Proposition 8 is another matter, but I suspect it is not. But I do respectfully and strongly disagree with the opposition to Proposition 8 (including many of you whom I care about) on these terms.

Kimball Bighorse
30 August 2008

Baby talks Prop 8 adoption & Gavin Newsom

Holy Incentives To Promote Prop 8!

Helping Prop 8 go viral just got sweeter! Check it out!

http://hizzeather.blogspot.com/

E*TRADE Baby is dating online

Yes on Prop 8

An Editorial from a friend:

YES ON 8

Don’t be fooled – Proposition 8 is not about equality or rights. Why not? Because homosexual couples already can have access to all the rights married couples have. Read it yourself:

“California Family Code: Section 297.5. (a) Registered domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits, and shall be subject to the same responsibilities, obligations, and duties under law, whether they derive from statutes, administrative regulations, court rules, government policies, common law, or any other provisions or sources of law, as are granted to and imposed upon spouses.”

Proposition 8 is about how we as a society choose to define marriage, and I believe that marriage should be about children. Admittedly, not every heterosexual couple chooses to have children themselves; but if marriage were just about two people loving each other, then why do we prevent siblings and cousins from marrying? I will vote YES on Proposition 8 and prevent same-sex marriage, not to deny anyone of rights (which they already have), but to define marriage in a way that will leave intact the foundational unit of human society.

Modge Podge Continued

Mikey's masterpiece!

Mer devouring our FREE Pizza Chicago, yes that is right, FREE!

Beautiful right?

Heather's masterpiece, proving that she is the master Modge Podger while we are simply amateurs.

Not really sure...Mikey was playing with her camera again.

Mine: I would like to state once again how impressed I was with my ability to pull this off! Thanks to HC of course!

Josh The Mighty Hunter! Spoils of The Morning!

Matt says Josh called the Elk, while he may have been the one to shoot it. (Typical story every season between the bros, but I am going with Josh this year). He even did the gutting himself. I mean seriously, look at The Kid....definite Hunter! Not bad at all little Bro, not bad at all!
Although, he looks a little worn out! :)