What's happened to marriage?

It's been a really tough and strange year around here.  We've been hearing a lot about people divorcing and lots of infidelity within marriages.  I believe the economy has done in a few of those marriages but the latest is a couple we know through some friends and the story goes, she found out that he's been cheating on her and not just recently but pretty much throughout their whole marriage which I believe spans at least 15 years.

Not to mention the damage it does to the relationship itself but just the sheer health risks involved when you mess around outside your marriage.  We're not talking about just one woman but  multiple women and ones you pay money for as well.  It's so sad and disgusting the lack of respect we as a society seem to have for the sanctity of marriage anymore.  We all I think, hide what's really going on behind those closed doors every day and night.  What seems to be a perfect union is anything but; however you should finish one chapter before beginning another.  What would you do if you knew about one party cheating; do you tell the other?  Are you obligated in some ways to notify the other?  It's not a huge surprise apparently that this particular husband was cheating and has cheated but no one said anything to her...  I would hope that someone would give me a bit of a heads up; but then the argument goes that she probably had a clue about it.  I am aware of one other situation for another couple that has occurred but I didn't say anything either...it's a hard decision to make.  To stir the pot or not... or is ignorance bliss?...

I have no reason to not trust my spouse but am I just fooling myself too?  I'm a consummate believer that just when things seem to be going so perfect; the rug gets pulled right out from under you!  That's my pessimistic side coming out.  It seems to not be that big of a deal around here to go outside your marriage to take care of what's lacking.  I think my views are pretty old fashion some would say but I don't think I could live with the shame or look at my children in the eyes if I did anything like that but that's just my thinking.  

The stakes are too high and is it really worth it?  It makes you reevaluate your own marriage and ask is it strong enough?

50, it's just a number....right?

We celebrated our neighbor and friend, Jim Hormberg's 50th Birthday this Friday.  It was a surprise his wife Mary put together with a couple months of planning.

I have to say I thought for sure he knew what was going on and wouldn't be too surprised but he swore up and down that he was totally clueless!

All in all, it was a nice 60 peeps or so guests in our cul-de-sac; complete with a roasted pig and of course, lots of booze and music!  

It seems so strange that I can relate more to someone that's 50 or older than I can with a 20 or 30 something.  That number is not that far off for me...about 8 years, which goes by pretty fast these days.  I'm not afraid other than the fact that I will actually look and feel older than 50 when I'm there!  So far, I don't even feel 42 and have been told I don't look it either...so there may be hope but I am seeing some wrinkles on my forehead creeping in! Ughhhhh!!

What a milestone and one where you might do a little reflection I would think.  Such thoughts as ; have I done everything I wanted to do so far?  You know how popular bucket lists are these days!  However, more importantly I think, what have I done or put out into this world, during my time here so far and has it been positive and beneficial to anyone or anything?  I think we all want to feel a sense of purpose while we're here for what really is a moment in time, a glimpse...

Perhaps that's my real fear...not so much the age of 50 or older but that I had no effect on anyone.  I have good intentions and try to help when I can but sometimes it just doesn't seem to matter or change the universal theory of karma or an action equal a reaction.  What if I don't find what my purpose is...?  Is this something everyone knows eventually?  I may be the oddball here...What is your purpose?

Just let us choose how we want to go

In less than an hour, death row inmate, Ronnie Lee Gardner will be executed by a firing squad in the State of Utah for a crime he committed in 1985 and has spent the last 25 years on death row.  The controversy isn't the crime he committed anymore but the method he has chosen to die by.

It's bad enough most of our rights are slowly being taken away but even at our "death bed" we still can't do what we want and have our wishes granted.

Most inmates make their peace with their God and have their come Jesus moment while serving time.  I'm sure Ronnie has done his share and then some in the 25 years that he's been locked up.  What and who in society keeps feeling the need to stick their noses into everything we do, want or say?

We have a Catholic priest in Utah quoted saying idiotic things like,  "Guns are bad and it's the cause of this execution and how inhumane it is."  It's actually an end to the means.  What are we keeping these "people" around for?  So they can live better than our homeless at our expense?

"What is so bad about an eye for an eye...?

A Day with Little Man

Evan and I had the wonderful opportunity of hanging out together, just the two of us.  I really enjoy the one on one with my boys!  He helped me with some shopping at Costco just to get a few things...yea right! Who goes into Costco with just a few things!

I don't think it's humanly possible to buy just a thing or two there.  For us, a family of four we can't and do not use half of what these guys have to offer.

We did check out their book selection and their prices were very reasonable as always but it's always going to have to be the non perishable items we go for.

Then there's the occasional don't really need but want item that tempts you into coming out of there $300 poorer.  We went in for two or three things and ended up with at least 15-20 I think...oops!!

Evan wanted to go to Arby's for lunch; ahhh, the memories of my first job!  This is one of the crappiest looking Arby's and it would be the only one we have in our town.  It must be nice to have a monopoly on the roast beef franchise in one city.  I still love the taste of that roast beef though...! 

Didn't matter though we had a great time and he ate all his lunch!  It was still fun just to be with him. 

My Karate Kid! ♥

What are young girls thinking these days?...

I just saw this story on CBS this morning and can't help wonder what our young girls in society are thinking these days.

Apparently the famous celebrity blogger Perez Hilton posted a picture of an underage 17 year old Miley Cyrus getting into a car in a skirt without any underwear (remember the infamous picture s of Queen Britney?). He then proceeded to blast it on his website and claims it was to teach her a lesson on how to get into a car more "lady like".

I think it's completely tasteless to capture anyone without their knowledge in such a fashion; whether you're famous or not. However, as a celebrity of Miley's caliber you have to hold them somewhat accountable as well. I understand that a lot of people out there feel that it's more comfortable to go commando, male or female, but let's be a little more discreet about it!

These days it seems like anything goes anymore and as shocking as this may be to some; is it really that out of the norm for today's society? Should Miley be allowed any recourse? She did send out the invitation herself, right?

Keep in mind that Miley is also desperately trying to shed her "little girl" image. Whether it's through her music or pictures she's taken of herself. We are almost numb to how lax our society has gotten but should we openly allow bloggers or anyone to photograph us in such a way for just any reason?....or maybe we should be teaching our young ladies a bit about discretion.

One Down, One to Go!

Hard to believe but another school year has come and gone! Evan graduated Wednesday from Kindergarten...yes, just kindergarten. It's like starting all over again cause...we are! It's been a really great year for him and myself cause I had the chance to work in his classroom quite a bit this year and he had an awesome teacher!  It was such a cute program  she put together, I know the kids enjoyed it.  On top of that, she burned discs for all the parents with a slide show to music and pictures of all the kids throughout the school year.  It took a lot to not cry but luckily there were a lot of funny pictures to keep us laughing more than anything!

A few of the moms put together refreshments and eats for the graduation.  It was very well done.  The group of moms we've had were fantastic, everyone was just so nice and friendly...unlike the typical "Parker" ladies.  Just down to earth and fun to work with!

Evan made a lot of friends in his class and all the kids were so sweet and a joy to work with.  Yes, even the girls were tolerable.  It's a long road for these little ones but as long as they have a lot fun along the way then it'll be OK!