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!
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! 
Jess Deputy is all her glory! Congratulations, we bow down to the PJ master! 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.
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! 
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! :) Our spiritual journey is the process of a lifetime. We do not know everything in the beginning or even along the way. Our conversion comes step-by-step, line upon line. We first build a foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We treasure the principles and ordinances of repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. We include a continuing commitment to prayer, a willingness to be obedient, and an ongoing witness of the Book of Mormon. (The Book of Mormon is powerful spiritual nourishment.)
We then remain steady and patient as we progress through mortality. At times, the Lord’s answer will be, “You don’t know everything, but you know enough”—enough to keep the commandments and to do what is right. Remember Nephi’s words: “I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.”2
In 1995, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” This proclamation is a declaration and reaffirmation of doctrines and practices that prophets have stated repeatedly throughout the history of the Church. It contains principles that are vital to the happiness and well-being of every family. Family members should study the proclamation and should live by its precepts.
“We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
“In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
“The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
“We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear 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.
“The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
“We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
“We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society”
Look Shalece, not bad right!!!
I am sure the DP gave me the necessary inspiration for this masterpiece!
The mastermind behind the Modge Podge evening! Outside of stealing Mer's idea to paint my canvas and stealing the bubble cutting from HC I would say that I was impressed by my creativity tonight. It was such a fun evening: FREE Pizza Chicago, finger-painting, Dr. Pepper, H,M,&M! Thanks Heather! You pulled girls' night off excellently! :)
October is here and baseball dirt is in the air. Some might say: Marry me to Reggie Jackson and call me Mrs. October. Others might glorify in the fact that Sports Center is almost strictly dedicated to the Post-season playoffs. October really is the 2nd greatest month of the year (next to September, of course (lots of important birthdays that month!!!))! The Dodgers lead the Cubs 3-0 in the NLDS and it looks like they just might be taking their lunch box (see above picture) to the World Series with Joe Torre at the helm. While Boston leads the Angels 3-0 I am still praying for some immortal angels to come help those boys tomorrow night. Yes, I am aware that this is the first time in 14 seasons my Yanks haven't made the playoffs, but at the end of the day my Yanks are still my Yanks and I still heart October! 
