A Speech with Lessons for Us All

I have read so much about Mitt Romney running for president. It is of obvious interest to me because I am a Mormon. This post is not meant to endorse Mitt Romney - I don't feel comfortable getting political. It is more because I take deep offense that someone would be disqualified in so many Americans minds not because of his abilities to lead but because of his faith - a faith that I share. It is a hard to thing to hear - it is nothing more than prejudice. I know that it means that those people would dismiss me just as they do him. What a strange feeling. Mitt Romney may not ever be our president but he gave a speech that each of us needs to listen to - to be reminded of the true strength of this nation. I too must remember we must put down our differences and not become a people divided but a people fighting together for the great cause of liberty!

Idyllic afternoon

The other afternoon the boys and I decided to explore the abandoned house across the street. It had always intrigued me and so we finally got the guts to go snoop around.After peeking in all the windows we found a beautiful old tree in the backyard that was surrounded with deep ivy. Looking up we realized there was an old swing wrapped around the branch. The branch had actually grown over the chains for the swing. We found the biggest stick we could and finally got it down. After checking to see if it could hold weight we all took turns swinging.

It was so idyllic to swing under that tree - the weather was perfect and the sun was setting through the trees. Some days are just the best and make up for all the rest that aren't so great.

Go elf yourself!

We got this from Jason and Jodi and loved it so we did it to ourselves - you should too - it was really easy and fun! Click here!

*poor Andrew is a total girl in this...good thing he's too young to care!

p.s. Mike just scrooged himself - thought you should see that too...

Ode to my chickens

I am so glad that my friend Marisa gave me the courage to get some chickens. I couldn't be happier with them - well, maybe when they start laying eggs I will be. Truly, chickens are just as good as it gets when it comes to a backyard pet. They don't need much - they don't smell or make noise. Both of which I was worried about. They are fun to watch and easy to care for. My kids love them - so do I - actually so does Mike which is nice- he doesn't really like Jenny all that much. Their feed is really cheap and easy to give to them. Our fence is only about 4 feet tall and they can't get over it. They love to just run around the yard catching bugs and eating grass. I am a lifelong chicken owner now I believe. I highly recommend it to anyone with even the smallest yard. We are renters so don't let that stop you if you are too! They each cost $1.25 to buy and their feed which will last for months was $15.00. You can find an old dog house or improvise with anything. They really aren't picky. They are pretty cold hardy too. Why not get one? I just found a good article about keeping chickens as pets - check it out!