McCain, McCain, He's our Man?

My family knows one of my favorite T.V. programs is The View. I still remember what was going on in some of the first shows I saw. It was about the time that Courtland was born so that was in 1999 Barbara, Joy, Meredith and Star were trying to find the next co-host. They had on a couple candidates, but it was clear to me that they would choose Lisa Ling who I remembered from watching in high school on Channel One News. Things have changed a lot since then, but I have continued to watch.
Now that we have TiVo, I am able to watch The View whenever I would like too. Since I am (still) undecided on whom I am to vote for I like how much the ladies talk about politics. Their conversations are always lively and give me something more to think about. Often I end up not agreeing with any of them, but I enjoy the experience to get to my own truth.
Ever since the bailout was purposed the ladies have been talking about it. Whoopi had an idea that I could totally get on board with. For EVERY home owner to get a percentage break off of their home loan. I really like that idea. I think it would help the economy. McCain came up with a plan in this last debate, a $300 billion plan to stabilize the housing market by buying up and renegotiating bad mortgages. Yet but he did so in a way that left many questions. I think McCain will still need to do a lot more in order to win this election.
So I give two points to Whoopi for the idea, Ten points to McCain for taking it, and trying to figure out how to make it work. Too bad it is going to take more than that to get my vote.
My favorite quote of the night came from McCain in his final statement: "I know what it's like in dark times. I know what it's like to have to fight to keep one's hope going through difficult times. I know what it's like to rely on others for support and courage and love in tough times. I know what it's like to have your comrades reach out to you and your neighbors and your fellow citizens and pick you up and put you back in the fight."
I believe him. That may be worth a few more points.

The Great Pumpkin Patch

Saturday between conferences we headed out to pick pumpkins. It was an honor to be able to support neighbors in this effort. In February, a three year old boy in the neighborhood was diagnosed with leukemia. Another neighbor planted some pumpkins to now be sold and the profits to go to this family. I love our neighborhood. It feels like a community. For two hours friends sold pumpkins, hay bales, corn stocks, and even hot chocolate. It drizzled and rained the whole time, but (I heard) every item was sold. I hope everyone felt like it was a success.
My kids certainly loved it!

Peaches’ pumpkin

Tate’s pick

Court got the big one

Set out front

This is on old picture of Peach with the pumpkins we grew a couple years ago.

Matching Dresses

Rights of a Father

Gentry doesn't even read my blog, but I finally talked him into writing a post.

I fondly remember watching my dad as he would get ready for Sunday. I was fascinated by him and would imagine the day when I would be like him. The day came when I was old enough to stand in front of the mirror with my dad and graduate from the clip on ties I was used to. I’m not sure if my dad could tell how excited I was that he was going to teach me how to tie a “real” tie. At that time I didn’t imagine that one day my turn would come to stand in front of the mirror with my son. I’m not sure if Courtland could tell how excited I was that I was going to teach him how to tie a “real” tie.
There are certain moments that rank up there in the great moments of life. As insignificant as tying a tie might be, standing in front of the mirror with my dad and standing in front of the mirror with my son are two of them.

Motor Boat, Motor Boat, Go So Fast

We spend some time Saturday on our own little Utah Lake. It was the perfect day. The water was like glass and hardly any other boats were on the lake so it was just us.
Courtland and his friend Jonas did a little knee boarding
Everyone was happy to ride around in Ben and Jennifer’s boat. Peach and Isabel just hung out.

The water was pretty cold so it took some warming up after being in the water.
It was a great family activity.

This is a video of Courtland knee boarding; it is about a minute long.