Most of you who know me know that I am passionate about voting. I believe that it is an honor, privilege, and blessing to be a citizen of this great nation. I also believe that as with all blessings there comes a responsibility. My responsibility as a citizen of the United States of America is to be an educated voter and VOTE. The direction that this country takes as it relates to economic, political, social, and religious avenues rests upon the shoulders of its citizen. Some may argue that it rests on the over inflated egos of American politicians, but I argue that they did not become politicians on their own -- they were voted into office.
This November, there will be many issues at stake. Every vote makes a difference -- my vote is important, as is each of yours.
A friend of mine had this great link on her website and I was very impressed by its message. I am not Catholic, as you well know. However, the message in this video clip is pertinent to all US citizens. Get out and VOTE!

Random Pictures

So I just got myself a new camera -- Pentax K200D. Oh my goodness! This thing is awesome and I'm only beginning to figure out all the stuff it can do. I've been taking pictures of all kinds of stuff. Here's a few random shots.
First, here's a shot of the plethora of yummies I got in my Bountiful Basket this week. All this for only $15...can you believe it. If you would like your own basket of yummies, check them out www.bountifulbaskets.org.
I LOVE lemons, especially the smell of lemons. I would love my entire home to smell like fresh lemons (not the yucky fake stuff).
A party at Grandma and Grandpa Schaub's always includes swimming, food, and fun. Here is Grandma Schaub with Kara and Rachel.
Here are Audrey and Kaylie "making faces".
Tyler LOVES swimming at Grandma and Grandpa's.

September 11th

On Thursday, September 11th I asked my dad and brother Ryan to join me for lunch and a trip to visit the Sept 11th flag memorial at Tempe Town Lakes Park. My dad and I went to the memorial last year and I was very moved. The city of Tempe has a memorial to remember all of the victims of the September 11th attack. They've posted a 7ft American Flag for each of the victims and attached to each one a card with their name, the home city, and where they were when they died.

I am infinitely grateful to be a citizen of the United States of America. This is a blessing that I have never taken for granted. I fully recognize that this nation has been built upon the shoulders of great men and women who were directed by God and that our nation continues to be preserved by great men and women. Unfortunately, on September 11, 2001, forces which hate the freedoms, prosperity, and blessings which our country enjoy in abundances attacked and thousands suffered for their fear, hatred and evilness. I will never forget the day true heroes died for the freedoms of this country.

AZ Proposition 102 -- Yes for Marriage!

This past Sunday brought a very unique and unusual occurrence at church. As most of you know, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not endorse any particular political candidate or political propositions... normally. However, it has become necessary for the church to vocally support an AZ proposition. A proposition that is morally relevant.

On November 4th, Arizonans will be asked to vote on Proposition 102. This prop states, "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as marriage in this state." That's it! The proposition would make this an amendment to the AZ Constitution. Why is this necessary, you ask. We already have that definition as an AZ Statute. The people in California thought they were safe too.

"In March 2000 California voters overwhelmingly approved a state law providing that “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The California Supreme Court recently reversed this vote of the people...(lds.org). Therefore CA voters are being required to go back to the ballot box to defend their right to define marriage and family -- a right that the judicial system seems to think they are qualified to revoke.

Now Arizonans are taking preemptive measures to ensure that the minority, supported by our wayward judicial system, does not impinge upon our rights. By voting "yes" to Prop 102, Arizonans will make marriage, defined as the union between one man and one woman a constitutional amendment. Thus making it MUCH more difficult for our usurping judicial system to declare traditional marriage as "unconstitutional".

There are SOOOOO many horrible ramifications if this proposition is not passed. I firmly believe that marriage between one man and one woman is ordained of God. As stated in the "The Family: A Proclomation to the World":

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 . . . 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.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is not the only church joining to support Prop. 102. Religions across the country have been adversely affected by this degradation of marriage and family and are now taking a stand.

"Legalizing same-sex marriage will affect a wide spectrum of government activities and policies. Once a state government declares that same-sex unions are a civil right, those governments almost certainly will enforce a wide variety of other policies intended to ensure that there is no discrimination against same-sex couples. This may well place “church and state on a collision course.” ^[16] The prospect of same-sex marriage has already spawned legal collisions with the rights of free speech and of action based on religious beliefs. For example, advocates and government officials in certain states already are challenging the long-held right of religious adoption agencies to follow their religious beliefs and only place children in homes with both a mother and a father. As a result, Catholic Charities in Boston has stopped offering adoption services. (lds.org)"

So, my friends and family members...if you are living in California, Arizona or Florida I strongly urge you to vote on November 4th to preserve the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. Check out YesForMarriage.com and read the News Releases (The Divine Institution of Marriage) from the LDS church to learn more about the unique political propositions the church and its members are supporting. And vote YES on Prop 102!

CROP FOR AUTISM -- PASS THE WORD

My family and I are hosting a scrapbooking day in order to raise money for AUTISM research. The Dobson Ranch HOA has generously donated the use of one of the large rooms in their rec center and so where holding our crop day on Saturday, September 27th. We have also been the recipients of much generosity when it comes to the wonderful prizes which will be up for raffle. Here's just the start of the wonderful gifts we will be raffling off:

• a beautiful Hawaiian charm bracelet from Brighton's -- a giant thank you goes out to Nikki Wride of Brighton's
• a fabulous collection of Creative Memories products -- thank you, thank you, thank you to Brooke Krakora
• more wonderful things from Stampin'Up -- a big, huge thanks to Amy Smith
• an autographed copy of Ali Edwards book -- muchas gracias to Ali Edwards

The response we have had from everyone is soooo wonderful and I'm totally excited about this crop. It really should be a ton of fun.

So, if you are a scrapbooker, know someone who scrapbooks, know someone who would like to scrapbook, or know someone who would like to help us raise money for autism research, PLEASE PASS THE WORD and COME CROP WITH US on September 27th.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!