4th of July Fun

Grandpa Bill pulling all the kids in the parade. 

Alex and Aunt Jane with the Grand Marshals 

Hattie, Brady, Nicholas, Brielle, Larkin, Brynn and Bennett

Larkin Jae and Macey Jae

Swimming fun

Seaweed monster, Nicholas 

Brynn 

Auntie and Brynn

Sweet Baby Leilah 

A few pics

Bennett started basketball and is loving it. 

Can't believe we only have one more year to watch this boy play ball. Makes me sad and happy all at the same time. 

on my mind...

I was going to post something on Facebook, but I hate arguments between people who are my friends of mine, but have never met. It makes me sweat....a lot. And as you know, if your last name is Vangsness that doesn't take a lot. 

 I feel like I needed to get my thoughts out on what I see happening on Facebook because of the Senate vote on gay marriage today. A vote that can impact the lives of many people. 

I am here: 

as a catholic. 

as someone who has been judged HARSHLY by others for choices I have made. (Hello--two babies before I was married)

as a mother. 

as a friend. 

as someone who believes strongly in separation between church and state. 

as a person who gives as much and loves as much as I know how. 

as someone who doesn't believe she is "twisting" God's word because I don't think the gay lifestyle is wrong. 

as someone who knows my parents taught me to love others. 

So please friends, don't use God and the Bible to judge others. Don't use God and the Bible to pretend you are better, or more perfect than others. 

Please use God and the Bible to: 

spread love. 

spread joy. 

encourage others to be their best. 

teach your children that there is way more good than bad in the world. 

forgive those who haven't done right. 

volunteer. 

donate. 

love each other. 

 

Sweet Brielle

We spent the weekend with the Rademachers at Arrowwood in Alexandria. I am going to post more pics from my camera but here is one that shouldn't wait to be posted.

Weekend fun..

We had a great overnight at the cabin..we were missing Bennett and Jane which is a bummer but that means we will just have to plan another time to all get together! Here are some of my favorite pictures.

Brielle Elizabeth

Our beautiful niece was born on February 6th. She is more perfect than we could have ever imagined. I can't wait to see her ---and her most amazing parents---again soon.

Hello...after 10 months.

I have no reason not to blog. So let me just start with a picture of three cute kiddos.