Merry Christmas

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas. Here are a few pictures of what I love most.
Baby Butts

New Discoveries

MY BOYZ

The Light WithIn

Dazzling Adeventures

But most of all I love my FaMiLy!

Merry Christmas

DC Temple Lights

I've been neglecting to post the lastest happenings in my life, so in attempt to catch everyone up I'm going to try and post multiple posts today.
Roger taking pictures of himself on our car ride to the temple.

Me telling him he's weird for continuing to take pictures of us in the car.

The quick picture of the temple lights, taken while also driving in the car.

My eternal perspective; together forever, through all eternity.

The beautiful sacred temple. For those that don't know, I just recieved my recommend for my patriarticle blessing; I should be recieving it within the next couple weeks.

My little Nikholi, he's getting so big, and so anory.

Me and my Kami.. Isn't she just the cutest?

Roger took this picture: I think it's absolutely breathtaking, what a view.

And lastly, I love the stained glass, how beautiful.

Stick Figure Family

Get your own Family Sticker Maker & MySpace Layouts.

I read one of my favorite blogs recently and the poster said that she I watched a report where they said you shouldn't post these on your car because you become a target for predators, because now everyone knows how many kids are in that car, etc. So, she thought this was safer! I'm just following suit, and I'm lovin' it!

Intellectual Thought

One may wonder why I don't post more about the exciting happenings with in our family. And I am here to tell you that my intellectual thought is needed else where; whether it's taking care of the kids, making home more homey, participating in church activities, being apart of the PTA, being Chair Person of the Policy Council, tending to bills, conversing with my hubby across the country, doing homework, or simply catching up on personal emails. LOL, Now that I look at it, I can't believe I do all that: I should be getting paid! SHOW ME THE MONEY!

But here is something that might interest some of my readers, I had to answer a discussion question for school; which took A LOT of intellecutal thought. Once you've finished reading it, if you're a blogger, give me your opinion:

Discussion Question One; Week Two

Could there ever be one version of right and wrong across all societies? Why or why not?

I do not believe that there ever will be one version of right and wrong across all societies. Dating all the way back to the ancient Greeks, society has been trying to determine the rights and wrongs of social order; interpretations can be found in Aristotle’s Politics and Plato’s Republic. From here, I believe this relates back to the Theory of Conflict. When asking someone a question: What is human nature? What causes social inequality? What is considered to be a “good” or “just” society? There will be diverse answers throughout. Since society is composed of many competing groups, different interests will always be represented.

Conflict, rather than stability, is the inconsistent element of social order, and I believe social change only occurs in disorderly, revolutionary ways. When there is a general consensus among society about honor, virtue, right and wrong, the consensus would be held together by an elite person’s acceptance of these basic values. This is where we invest our acceptance of following the person with power and authority; hoping they will have intellectual or moral capabilities to represent our ethical beliefs as a society. If there is a common agreement concerning important values, social order can go forth in harmony providing a predictable fashion of the future. Meaning that if a social change were to occur, for better or worse, this change could only happen very slowly, in a non-disruptive, evolutionary fashion.

I believe power and authority tend to be a continuation of inherited patterns of political, economic, and social inequality. Law, in the conflict scenario, is just a weapon for the elite person to use to enforce their private interests, sometimes even at the expense of the public’s interest. Take the USA PATRIOT Act for example. Was restricting US citizens’ freedoms really necessary in order to protect America from potential acts of terrorism? Even just within America, since we are filled with diverse groups and ideas I do not believe a common consensus across all societies will ever be reached.

I Miss You on Our Anniversary

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I miss you on our anniversary.
It's been lonelier here than most days I'm alone,
Even though we manage through webcams and phones
We can touch with words and see our faces
but physically passion is impossible.
You are far more dear to me
than anyone who might remain at home.
The other half of my heart lingers in places that you roam,
being with you, where I cannot be.
We do not choose the objects of our passion,
but passibely await the holy fire
That immolate our past and lights our fate,
Twisting through alleys of desire.
So I am your and contently I'll wait,
until the love of my life greets me with fasion.

I love you ever much and miss you terribly.
Return Home Soon,
Your Wife

I'm Moving Up in the World Bob!

Okay, so I'm not finished un-packing yet; but as soon as I am, I'll be sure to post pictures.

In order to make the transition for Nikholi a smooth one, I have decided to continue taking him to his old school, 1 hour and 30 minutes away from our new home; until Dec. 1st when we will transfer him to the new one, closer to our home. He is currently enrolled in the Head Start program and next year he will be eligable for pre-K in public school system. For his time spent at Head Start I've become as involved as I can possibly get in his education and the education of his peers. Thus, leaving me with the position of President of the Parent Teacher Organization at his center. Since we are moving, I have stepped down from that position and accepted Vice President of the Parent Teacher Organization at his new school. This wasn't difficult to do because of the little parent participation at the Head Start centers; I practically walked into these positions.

I'm still attending the University of Phoenix and should be recieving my Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with in the next year and a half. Once I recieve my degree I may further my education, but my plan is to become part of or help develop a more efficient program for the youth. A program that will not only focus on kids with a 'Last Chance,' but also provide preventative measures. Crime on the streets start with our kids, and if their parents are going to help them, then I want to help. The YMCA has done a great job at providing after school resources, but what about classes that are going to educate the kids about the drugs out there? If they aren't in the wrong crowd now... doesn't mean that they won't be in the future!

SOoOo... I was informed about the Policy Council Committee through the Head Start program; which is federally funded. I started attending the meetings as meerly being apart of the parent involvement for the Committee.. And now you are reading the blog of the PRESIDENT/Chair Person of the Southern Maryland Tri-County Policy Council Committee. This is where it begins, this is where my career starts.. Even though it's only volunteer work right now, I'm able to dip my feet in the water - learn how to write grants for federal purposes, learn how to reach out for parent participation, and learn to coordinate information among all the centers within three counties. Whoopi, I'm so excited. I can't wait to start making a difference. Look out World --- Here I Come!

Completely Appauled

My husband wonders why people blog, this blog is a prime example of why. I'm outraged and need a place to vent, for the world to hear and comment on my coverage of LiFe!

Every morning I try to catch either a little bit or all of Martha Stewart; whom despite her legal disputes is my hero. Well, as I was packing my kitchen the TV stayed on and as always The View was airing (between 11am-12pm EST). If you don't know about The View, it's a show that addresses Hot Topics and interesting stories.
(This picture was when The First Lady guest stared) But today's show included: New, HD, (2008), John Stamos; performers from the big Apple Circus; the latest "Dancing With the Stars" castoffs. Also: a celebration of Whoopi Goldberg's birthday. (Talk)

The first topic caught my attention: MAN DELIVERS BABY BECAUSE MOTHER WAS UNABLE. Apparently on 20/20, which can be seen on ABC at 10pm EST, will be covering the topic what makes a man a man and what makes a woman a woman; or even a family a family. The story shared on the view was extremely touching. The wife was unable to have children, due to a hysterectomy, so science found a way for them to still be a family. In the interview, questions were asked, but the one that caught everyone of guard (including myself) was, "Are you pregnant again?" The answer was yes. There baby is currently five months old and the other one is due in June.

Already skimming on questionable morals in the LDS religion, if a man delivers a baby is that acceptable? I'll tell you what, it would save a lot of us women from a lot of pain! (lol). But then... Whoopi comes out about her protest in front of the Mormon Temple in California. WhAT?! -- Now I'm interested --


Apparently, many protested in front of the Mormon Temple because of an anti-gay ballot initiative.
"In Salt Lake City Friday night, a crowd of about 2,000 chanted "Separate church and state" and waved rainbow flags outside the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which encouraged its members to work to pass the amendment by volunteering their time and money for the campaign" (The Associated Press, 2008)
Everyone has to be such critics, but in my opinion.... The Constitution was written for minorities, so that under fair hearings and equal representation laws can be changed. But when a laws don't go the way YOU want them to, there is nothing you can do, and of course protesting isn't going to help a dang thing. Our Country was founded UnDeR GoD; which means, we go by the Bible. The Bible says a marriage is to consist of a husband (man) and wife (woman). But as time change, people change, which of course means our country is going to change too; I understand that. Laws can be change through a due process and a system of checks and balances. If the law doesn't pass, ChIlL, wait for the law to be presented again (because you know it will be, even if it's not in your time). If the law does pass, ChIlL, if you're for it great, if not, all you can do is cry and hope for the best. It's not right to impose these riots upon any religion!
The thing that really errked me about the story Whoopi was covering is the protesting signs: "God loves Gay marriage;" "Would Jesus support tax-free dollars to support hate and in-justice?;" "No more Mr. Nice Gay;" "God created the Rainbow so I could Catwalk to Heaven;" and lastly, a guy holding a sign saying "You have two wives, I want one husband."

Below is a comment from a gentlemen commenting on a news article from the New York Times:
Why can’t a church, made up of ordinary citizens, support a ballot measure? How can a church be a church if it doesn’t openly and proudly oppose immorality in all its forms. So, if you believe that homosexuality is not immoral and that gays should have the right to be called “married,” how much different are you than the people who don’t believe that. Its a belief. You vote on belief and conviction. I’ve never been so proud to be LDS, or Mormon, than I am now. We were part, not the cause, of an historic election in which we believe that we voted for morality.
I feel any church has every right to support ballots which are fundamentally morality based. Churches keep morality alive in America.

I couldn't agree more. Churches are what keep morality alive in America. If it weren't for churches instilling values and standards in the children and adults in this world we would be living in utter H***!



And for those of you who don't know too much about the LDS religion, let me share a couple things:

*The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was founded by Joseph Smith Jr in New York state in 1830 and developed by Brigham Young who migrated with the new Mormons to Salt Lake Valley, Utah, in 1847.

*There are approximately, 12 million membersworldwide who believe their church is a restoration of the Church as conceived by Jesus and that other Christian churches have gone astray.

*It is said to be the fourth largest Christian denomination in the whole of the United States.

*Mormons oppose homosexuality, abortion, sex outside of marriage, alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, tobacco, tea and coffee.

*The Church of Latter-Day-Saints tolerated plural marriage BEFORE the American Civil War. This is no longer practiced, and the ones who are still practicing this can not uphold the name of the church!

I bare you my testimony of this church, that this is the true church! When Joseph was led to the golden plates, which layed under a rock, the truth was revealed unto him; as it is shared and revealed unto us today. If there is any doubt in your mind that we are not "Christian" people: Search, Ponder, and Pray about the scriptures (see Moroni 10:4), Obtain a Book of Mormon, Find out FOR YOURSELF, and when you are ready the truth(s) will also be revealed unto you. Don't take my word for granted, or oppose what I'm saying until you have opened your heart and done your research. I do not want to force my religion upon anyone, but this church, if followed accordingly, can help you and your children battle this corrupted world! I leave these things with you, for this is the end of my post, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Moving

For those of you who didn't know, we're moving. I've taken apart Kami's room and have been packing more and more boxes to transfer to our new home.
I have soo much to pack!

Luckily, the kids have been keeping occupied with dad.

While I've been going whack!

To help the kids with the udjustments that will need to be made over this next week we have aquired some toys that will keep them occupied.

Kami loves her new activity center. Thank you Kari, you've been a sanity savor!

And Nikholi has been playing the Wii and with his automatic action figure four wheeler that rides across the floor. We just got Nikholi the new Carnival Game for the Wii as recommended by Jeremy, my big brother. I love it so much that I want to win all Nikholi's prizes and tickets.
Even though the big move will take place this next Saturday, I've been pretty stressed, but as a family we've been pretty relaxed.

Happy Halloween

Roger was suppose to be home from Alabama to go trick-r-treating with us, but things didn't work out as planned; he didn't get home until 3am. So I went up to Rogers' sisters' place to go trick-r-treating with her kids.

Getting ready to leave, making a few adjustments.

I made Kami's costume. She had a lady bug costume, but with her in the carrier no one would be able to see it. So I developed this ingenius idea to create a costume that would combine me and her as one. Can you guess what we are?

I was going for a Fire Lily, whether you can tell that's what it is, is another story. The flower looked to plain without the black flames sprouting from the center, so I taught myself how to applicea'. It's all attactched with a button and pins to my shoulder. I really felt like I was jumping off the deep end with this idea, but all-in-all it turned out pretty cute.
TRICK-R-TREAT

At this house, the gentleman handing out candy asked Nikholi if he had a trick for him: Nikholi paused, then started dancing, picking up his knees really high and said, "Booga Booga." (Leave it to him for some great improv.!)
Here's something I found scary:

PSYCHO BABY! (another Shaylee)
After we walked around a neighborhood filled with mansions, Nikholi's bag was more than half full; honestly I don't know how he carried it. So to kill some more time during the time designated for trick-r-treating out here, we went to a Christian Non-Denominational church for some activities and a Trunk-R-Treat.
Past Kami's bedtime, she was slowly fading.

Then passing Nikholi's bed time, he gave me a tantrum... when I caught this picture though it look like he was running from something:

But really, he should have been running from him:

ScArY!.!.
We really made out... and had a great night!

Check out all that chocolate with my name written all over it!
I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!
Love,
The Marini Family

Carving Pumpkins

Thursday Night, Fun Night.

I'm not touching that!

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This is cool!

We had soo much fun carving pumpkins. Even though it's a little early and they'll probably be rotten come time for Halloween, we figured we do it before Roger had to leave. He leaves tomorrow and we are hoping he'll be home to go trick-R-Treating with us on Friday.


Our Front Porch
I guess I wouuld still be considered a kid for wanting to carve my own pumpkin, but here it is. I think it's the best I've ever done.
A vampire preparing to suck his victims blood.

Milestones

Here are some pictures to share with you, to show you how Kami is developing:

My little girl is teething, she's not too happy here


We recently started Kambrya on solid baby foods, the faces she makes is soo cute


She's lifting her head up so nice and tall, when she lays on her belly


Any my favorite milestone, my little girl is sitting up ALL BY HERSELF!


She's getting so big!

Update

It's been a while since I blogged last, but I'm bloggin' now and this is what's new:

Roger got home from New Mexico about a couple of weeks ago, another reason I haven't been blogging, but check out what he brought home:

They are real squirpions inside flavored suckers! YuCk!

The same weekend that Roger got home we all (including his parents) rode up to Front Royal, VA. It was beautiful up there! They had a leaf festival that we walked around at, and a stationary train that Nikholi just had to see:

Nikholi on the train

Roger had to snap a pic of me nursing Kami

The next morning we woke up to horns and loud speakers from 7am-6pm and you would never believe what they were doing:

BOX CAR RACING! Check out these cars:

AWAY THEY GO!


This past weekend we went to a pumpkin patch and a corn maze.

Daddy and Nikholi

Mommy and Kami

Roger's off this evening so we'll be carving our pumpkins, I'll try to post more pictures of that soon. *preparing for Halloween*