More wedding pictures - I like looking at them and sharing them!

I was going through my wedding pictures, as I often do from time to time, and decided to post a few more of my favorites. This was inspired by my friend Nicole who requested more wedding pictures. So thank you Nicole for getting me to go through these again - I always enjoy reminiscing about what a wonderful day it was. So enjoy a few photos!

Ok so this is from the rehearsal dinner - but it was one of my favorites from that weekend


In the Japanese gardens where the ceremony took place - couldn't have asked for better weather

I love this picture!

The ladies and I - Monica is on the left Kazia is on the right

Monica (maid of honor and BFF) and myself

So I guess that's all for now - maybe I'll make random posts along the way with more wedding pictures because I love them! Hope you enjoyed!

Political Rant

I promise not to use this venue to spout off about my political opinions - not often anyway. However, yesterday was a rough day in California and I need to let off some steam. If progressive ideas bother you please forgive me my need to vent.

Yesterday the Supreme Court upheld the same-sex marriage ban that went through in November of '08. Now I understand that this is an issue that the "people" voted on. I however voted against it, as did many of the people I know. Unfortunately, Proposition 8 was all about who had the best marketing - the supporters of Proposition 8 pushed so much money toward their campaign they were sure to win. They swamped the air waves with misinformation that played toward people's fears. "Unless Proposition 8 passes, CA parents won't have the right to object to what their children are taught in school", "People can be sued over personal beliefs", "Churches could lose their tax-exemption status", etc. All of the previous statements are blatant lies used to manipulate the voters.

I guess I'm just disappointed. I was disappointed in November when it passed and I'm disappointed now that it was upheld. I thought California was supposed to be a forward thinking state? A state that stood up for minority's rights. I'm sad that this is even an issue in today's world when we have so many bigger things to worry about than who gets to marry whom. How is that anyone's business except the people choosing to get married?!?!

Let me put a little bit of a personal twist on this issue. I was lucky enough to add two aunts (as well as many other wonderful people) to my family when I married Paul. Laura and Terre were married before the November vote. We were all thrilled that they were able to do this and truly felt that things were moving in the right direction here in California. I'm very thankful that the Supreme Court is allowing the marriages performed before November '08 to stand - provides at least a little solace in the face of such blatant bigotry. But what about all of the people who didn't happen to be in relationships at the time the ban was put into place? Or better yet, what about my children? I know that I want my children to be able to live the kind of lives they want to live - regardless of what roads that leads them down.

I guess what it boils down to is me feeling guilty and ashamed that this is the world I'm offering my children. I wish I could give them more. Give them a world where people love and respect one another regardless of sexual orientation, religion, color, belief system, favorite cartoon, etc. I guess that's what we've been working on. We've certainly made progress over the last 75 years, but it's almost 2010! We consider ourselves advanced - I'm not sure we're very advanced where it actually matters though.

So here's the question:
What is more important to you? Making sure that people of the same sex are unable to marry and have the same benefits as a heterosexual couple? Or making sure that we do something about global warming - so that there's still some place for people to argue about whether people of the same sex should be able to marry or not?

For me, I believe our energy and money are better spent focusing on healing our planet than destroying the hopes and dreams of a specific group of people.

Introduction of Sorts

Hello there to our families and friends! I've started this blog as a way to keep you all updated with what's happening here in sunny Southern California - in the life of the Ginsberg's anyway. I figured it was a way to share pictures, thoughts, ideas, what we did last weekend, etc.

For those that haven't been kept up to date, or we've lost touch with along the way, I will try to catch you up as quickly as possible.

September of 2007 was a big time for our family. Paul and I made it official at the beautiful Japanese Gardens (right down the street from our apartment). It was a truly magnificent day, and we were blessed to be surrounded by our family and friends. I can't speak for everyone there but I know that it is a day Paul, Alex and I will not soon forget.

The happy family

After the wedding Paul and I were lucky enough to spend a glorious week in Hawaii! Paul had been when he was little, but it was a first for me - trust me, I'll go back anytime!!! You can't help but feel relaxed while you are there, that is just the overall vibe on the island.

We rented scooters to ride around the island - they even pulled a green one out just for me!

After that it was pretty much business as usual. Paul working for Countrywide while I continued at Cardservice.

Fast forward to September of 2008 and you find Alex starting 6th grade! Hard to believe the little munchkin I met when she was 4 years old was already starting junior high. She is, at this point, almost finished with 6th grade! Only 7 more days of school left - does it look like we're counting down? She has a radiance about her that draws people in. Her laughter is medicine after a rough day and her smile lights up any room. I have enjoyed getting to know her and look forward to watching her grow and continue to blossom into the amazing woman I know she will become.

Just turned 11 years old! (2-20-09)

Ok - so my time line got a little goofed up. Rewind to December of '08. Paul and I find out we will be adding 1 more to our family in August! Joyous news all the way around. Alex, Paul and I spent a week at Christmas in Michigan with my mom and had much fun building snow men and exploring the Detroit Zoo. We were also surprised to find out that my cousin Rebecca is expecting her first little one as well . . . . in August! I'd love to say we planned it that way, but alas it's just another instance of great minds thinking alike.

My pregnancy has for the most part been smooth. We found out March 25th that we are having a little boy! We could not be more excited to meet our little man this summer. I'm currently enjoying feeling him wiggle around (sometimes incessantly) and I think I've even caught him having the hiccups once or twice. I'm convinced he has quite the personality already. He doesn't much like people poking or prodding at him with anything, and has no trouble letting them know this by kicking or punching them away.

I think that brings us up to date for the most part. I hope to update here as often as possible, so if you are interested in reading what we've been up to feel free to stay tuned. With that I will leave you one more picture - one of the little wiggle worm still residing in Mama's tummy. Who do you think he looks like?

21 weeks