We had a really fun but busy October. To start off we have 8 family birthdays between chad and my family, crazy I know not only that but Halloween and all the fun stuff that goes with that. I was going cazy but my girls had a blast, so I guess thats all that counts Right??? October flew by lets hope November will slow down for me(i will kepp dreaming).

Last Friday night We went to the Pumpkin patch with my brother and sister and their families.
the kids had a blast running through the maze and getting to pick there very own pumpkin’s to take home.

Kalyi was so excited to push the cart,but that got old fast, daddy made her keep going. Doesn’t she look so happy.

Yea, so my sister Hilary just found out that I have a blog and asked this last week why I don’t update it that often. There are a couple of reasons I don’t like to update it all that often, mainly because it takes so freakin’ long to update and part of the stuff I want to write about really doesn’t really need to be read by anyone. I guess that’s where the journal entries come in (probably should start doing that). I like writing and posting and all that fun stuff, I think I just need to learn to keep it short, sweet and to the point.

Anywho - so I saw Hilary yesterday at her daughter’s birthday party and I asked her if she had been to my blog yet that day. She responded yes! I had to laugh because it had just been 2 days since our initial conversation.

So for Hilary, here is a blog post just so you can read it (I’ll check with you tonight at my birthday party to see if you read it!).

Pictures of Girls at the Kangaroo Zoo in North Salt Lake

In preparation for the upcoming elections I’ve been trying to educate myself on the issues at hand, Proposition 8 being one of them (for California voters - but will have far reaching affects to us outside of Cali).

In reading up on this through email threads from the BYU ISYS List, the LDS Churches stance on it, the articles and information on www.protectmarriage.com I would like to also post and show my support for proposition 8. I’ve included below some links and excerpts of the information that I read that I felt really helps explain the issue.

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A couple of things to understand about this Prop 8 issue:

a) This is not an anti-gay issue. The opponents of Prop 8 would portray it as such.

b) CA already has civil union laws that afford all of the tax and legal benefits to same sex couples. This amendment does not change that.

c) This issue is about restoring the will of the voters (60% of CA voted to approve this definition of marriage 8 years ago only to have 5 judges change it)

d) This issue is also about religious freedom. If this ruling stands all churches which preach that homosexual behavior is sinfull will face serious lawsuits.

e) there are also lots of statistics about benefits of marriages (longer life expectancy, greater happiness, children are less likely to go break laws, etc.). The statistics are reverse for children raised in same sex marriages. They have a higher chance of being subjected to domestic violence (there are others).
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Links:
Protect Marriage Website
LDS Churches Statement

Joseph Glen Tonge
“Joe”
1957-2008

Joe Tonge, our beloved Father, Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend returned to his Father in Heaven October 11, 2008. Joe was born to L. Glen and Betty Jo Christensen Tonge January 5, 1957. He married Carol Dee LaRue February 14, 1986, later divorced but remained best friends. Their children are Shareen Marie and Nicholas Joseph. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Joe was a very hard worker, meticulous to every detail. He had many occupations starting as a salesman selling “Tasty Donuts,” working on a dairy farm, gas station attendant, chef at several restaurants, carpet and floor installer, master computer network specialist, and insurance salesman. Joe attended schools in Davis County, Westminster College, Mountain West College and the University of Utah.

Joe lived on the edge! He was a hot dog skier, mountain biker, mountain climber and marathon runner – he loved challenging his nephews who couldn’t keep up with him. Joe loved roller blading with his son Nick, playing guitar with his daughter Shar and going to Utah football games with his father. Joe was always there for his family. He was a competitor and he liked to make everyone laugh.

Survived by daughter Shareen, son Nick, former wife Carol, parents, sisters Julie (Ray) Hilton, Marjorie (Dan) MacDonald, Matt (Cathy) Tonge, 13 nieces and nephews and 10 great nieces and nephews and friend Becky Pierce.

Funeral services will be held Thursday October 16, 2008 at 12:00 pm at McKay Ward (1623 South 500 East, Salt Lake City).
A viewing will be held 6:00 to 8:00 pm Wednesday October 15, 2008 at Russon Brothers Mortuary 255 South 200 East, Salt Lake City, and Thursday prior to the service 10:45 to 11:45 . Interment at Bountiful City Cemetery.
A fund has been established for his children at Wells Fargo Banks in the name of “Joe Tonge Memorial Fund.”

Obituary

That was the obituary, here are my comments:

There are certain individuals that help mold and direct who you are as an individual. For the majority of us our parents are those that are the main ones that help guide, direct and mold us. That is true for me as well. Generally the next individuals in our lives that have a long lasting influence would be our close relatives, teachers, friends, church and scout leaders. Joe was a close relative (Uncle) that had an everlasting influence on a variety of areas in my life. I can attribute a good portion of my interest in computers and my selection of my profession to my Uncle Joe, my interest in the great outdoors - specifically mt. biking as well as hiking and climbing. I have very fond memories of hanging out with my Uncle Joe, going on road trips with he and my brother, hanging out at family parties or helping out on carpet jobs. Joe was a great man and a great Uncle.

I had the chance to attend another funeral this last weekend and I do have to say - if you really want to put things in life into perspective, then attend a funeral or two. Life seems to take on a whole new meaning, the “purpose of life” rains down on your brain a lot clearer, as well as your ability to be in tune with the spirit seems to be a lot more in sync (for me anyway). I have heard people say a zillion times “that the knowledge that we will be resurrected and live again and be able to reunite with our family members” has helped them out a ton in times of mourning after the loss of a loved one. Up until this point I didn’t realize how much of an anchor and comforter that knowing and understanding the plan of salvation was.

I’m grateful to have been in Joe’s life, and I’m grateful that he was in mine. I will surely miss him but do know that we will see each other again after my mortal stay is over. Love ya Joe!