The Roper Family

Friday we had the fun opportunity to go on my dad and step mom’s boat. It was just the boys, G & G and myself. We went down to Walnut Grove to get the boat and then went up the river. My dad found a little section of the Delta that branched off. The river was really dead so my dad just stopped right in the middle. Riet jumped in first and the boys just looked at each other with eyes of amazement. The whole way up they were talking about not wanting to swim in the river because there were sharks (I corrected that myth) and fish that would nibble their toes. They thought for a little bit and it was Jacob who wanted to go in first and then the other two followed. They had a fabulous time and didn’t have a problem getting back into the boat and jumping out again. It was crazy to be out in the middle of the river, but it was fun. It was also a very hot day, so the cold water felt nice. Jacob liked the river, but hated his life jacket that made him lay on his back. Joseph and Kyle loved everything about the river and were mad that they couldn’t jump back in and swim some more. Grandpa even let all three of them drive the boat. It was definitely a fun day with Grandma and Grandpa. Thanks for letting us have fun in your boat!

P.S. And for your info, we did not get bit by a shark and didn’t even see any fish. Grandma was right!

P.S.S Kyle lost his front tooth on the way home from the river. So funny. Maybe I will post a picture of that later

On Thursday, we were able to go to the California State Fair. We went with our friends, The Phelps. Of course, we picked the hottest day of the week to go. It was suppose to be 106 degrees. We were glad that they inside exhibits to look at. We spent the first couple of hours inside and then went outside when it wasn’t so hot. I still sweat like a pig, but it was bearable. We had fun though as a family. My boys love picking up all the freebies from the different county exhibits and love riding the rides. By the end of the day (we only went from about 4-9), we were all tuckered out. We love going to the State Fair.

Our friends had this on their blog and I decided it was worth putting it on mine. It’s scary what could change if prop 8 fails. I already know that I am going to vote yes, but this encourages me more. Hope this will help you as well. I know it’s important for all of us to do what we need to. I am glad I am able to live in this free country and can vote how I want to. I am so blessed.

Six Consequences If Proposition 8 Fails

1. Children in public schools will be taught that both traditional marriage and same-sex marriage are okay.

The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. (§51890)

Therefore, if the definition of marriage is changed, children will be taught that marriage is a relation between any two adults. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.

2. Churches will be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings that are open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries.

3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston has already closed its doors because of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.

4. Religions that sponsor private schools and which provide housing for married students will be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if it runs counter to church doctrine, or lose tax exemptions and benefits.

5. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech and could be fined by the government. It has already happened in Canada, one of six countries that have legalized gay marriage.

6. It will cost you money. A change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits. Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today’s activist judges), think of the money – your money, your church contributions – that will have to be spent on legal fees.

I am just a little excited. It has been almost a month since I started potty training Jacob. He is doing SO well, that it kind of seems easy. I said “kind of”! My other two really struggled with this “phase” if you want to call it that. They were both older as well. I don’t know. We bought a whole bunch of McQueen cars, made a potty chart and bought M&M’s. I was expecting the worst, but he picked up on it pretty fast. I am so glad. I was really ready to be done. Kent and I were talking and realized that we have been changing diapers for 8 years. 8 YEARS! We want another little one, but at least we will have a break from diapers for a little bit. Yeah for Jacob! Yeah for me!

It’s finally here. On August 1, I went to the release party in Roseville. A few of my friends and I went together and hung out with the Twilight Moms Group. It was just fun to have others around me who were excited like I was. There were quite a few people that went overboard, but that is to be expected. As you may expect, I came home and read until wee hours of the morning. I was not as bad as some though! As much as I liked the book, it was not my favorite. I hope that Stephanie will continue this story through another character. Hmm. can’t wait. Here are some of the fun pictures from the release party!