Big 10

I am a week late but do not let that fool you on our level of excitement that the boys finally have a cousin on Dad's side...

Carson Daniel Green came in on October 10th at a whopping 10 lbs, 1 oz. So, that's 10/10 and 10 lbs.

Photo by Danny Green

His dad, Danny, had the nickname in high school of 'Big 10' after his S-10 pickup. Even today he still has this on his license plate as well as uses it as his gaming persona.

Well, move over daddy, there's a new Big 10 under your roof.

Here's where I credit my brother-in-law Ryan because he was the smart one who connected the whole big 10, October 10th, 10 lbs thing that made this post so witty.

Plain English

This is a video about Proposition 8, the Marriage Amendment in California. Simple and clear.

How We Got Our New Home

Hello friends and family of Mark and Marily, most of you have probably seen the beautiful house that Mark and Marily purchased a few months ago. I had the honor and privilege of assisting them in purchasing their home that had been fully upgraded and remodeled for almost $20,000 less than the asking price, as well as negotiating in seller assistance towards their closing costs. If you have any questions and would like to receive free real estate advice, I'd be happy to help answer any questions you might have about the value of your home, how to buy a home in this difficult market, how to get financed, what is now needed to qualify for a loan etc. Please call me at anytime 480-326-7802, or email me at paulgreen@realtorpaulgreen.com. I'm never too busy to assist the friends of family of my favored clients Mark and Marily Smith.



Paul Green
Call Realty
Direct:480-326-7802
Fax:480-704-3165
paulgreen@realtorpaulgreen.com

This is Mark and Marily and we approve this message from our realtor and good friend, Paul Green.

Tasty Tuesday: Whole Wheat Kernel Pancakes

Because you knew you wanted the recipe even before you knew they were healthy....

Whole Wheat Kernel Pancakes

In blender, liquify four minutes:

• 1 cup milk


• 3/4 cup whole wheat kernels

While blender is still running add:

• 2 eggs


• 1/2 tsp salt


• 1 Tbsp honey or sugar


• 1 Tbsp oil or 4 Tbsp margarine


• 2 tsp baking powder

Add baking powder last and stop blender as soon as mixed. Pour from blender onto hot griddle.

We love this recipe--courtesy of Mark's mom. It's also a great way to use your wheat kernels without having to use a grinder. Enjoy!

Let's Pretend It's Autumn

Today has been a great day. I found out on Saturday night that Mark was going to be off work for Columbus Day. What a nice surprise. Who else celebrates Columbus Day? The small company he works for has gotten increasingly liberal concerning holidays. Though apparently they still tease him at work because on Veteran's Day a few years ago he was trying to get to work and the roads were closed around his office for a parade. He didn't try to figure out how to get through--he went home. Picked up the fam and we went to the parade. Everyone else was at work.

Today as a tribute to other parts of the country having fall, we went to Mother Nature's Farm. And what am I doing being so sarcastic? The weather has been beautiful. Here's what we did:

Here's the info if you live in town. And here's another cool site to find other farms with cool things to pick and enjoy.

(Psssst, Kathryn--Feel free to steal this info for your cool Mesa site. But only if you think it's cool enough.)

What's the Big Deal?

If we were more honest with ourselves, I think many of us would admit that with regards to the issue of same-sex marriage we have some questions. Mark and I have done lots of reading and researching for the last few years and I was finally feeling when I wrote this post that after maybe four years educating myself I'm actually getting a handle on this issue and I finally think that I can support my beliefs with arguments and facts.

It is a tricky issue. There is obviously a delicate balance in being kind and compassionate and yet standing up for your beliefs. I believe that most people, even those that are members of churches that actively oppose gay marriage, know that homosexuality is wrong and will support the marriage amendment, but they probably don't have much more of a standing than that. Maybe there is even an inner struggle--they know that homosexuality is wrong and they believe their church leaders, but they still have some questions that they can't quite answer.

That's where I come in. I am in no ways an expert on this subject, but I'd love the challenge to answer ANY and ALL questions about the issue of same-sex marriage, why we need a marriage amendment, etc. If you've ever heard an argument or question I'd love for the opportunity to answer it. I'd be happy to get questions from anyone--whether or not you've ever commented before--gay rights activists and all. Challenge me with a question even if you have your own great answer for it. I'll even turn off my comment moderating for this one. Ready, go!

Photo credit here.

A Lesson in Self Discipline

I have issues with self control. I am certain that I am a person who is predisposed to be an alcoholic or a drug-addict or an over-zealous-ten-cups-of-coffee-a-day addict. Fortunately, as a committed Mormon I have never tried any of these things. But I do seem to have an addictive personality--I can get addicted to all sorts of things that do nothing even to chemically alter my body. Like the Internet. Goodness. As soon as I get up and enter the common areas of our home I feel the pull of the computer. I have trained myself to not turn it on until after I have completed my morning routine which, when done perfectly, includes:

• Getting dressed and presentable


• Eating and feeding others breakfast


• Starting a load of laundry


• Emptying the clean dishes out of the dishwasher


• Getting the little guys into some clothing


• Making a to-do list for the day

So, I've been doing this for a few months now, disciplining myself to finish these tasks before I turn the computer on so I can check my email, check your blogs, and then move on with my day (in theory). But it's time to kick it up a notch. I really do spend too much time in front of this screen so I made some new rules. And I must admit, this is a big change from me, although no one else would really know that....

1. The computer cannot be turned on until NAPTIME--that's about 1-ish in the afternoon

Okay, yeah, just one rule....Is that okay? That's enough for now, I think.

Actually, if the boys were awake it would probably be better for the "this more often" to include them. But although it's more important to hold my children than it is to hold plastic kid-safe dishes, kid-safe dishes will have to do for now. Wish me luck.