Supreme Court Ruling Makes Same-Sex Marriage a Right Nationwide

We woke up early Friday morning learning today would be the day we'd hear the much anticipated news that would affect our family and livelihoods, forever.   
In a long-sought victory for the gay rights movement, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage!!   

We cheered, we cried, we celebrated....

as did many others in  our nation...

 The many "rainbows" supporting demonstrations, in our country today....

 

and then, THIS at Levitt Pavillion in Arlington, TX tonight....

How appropriate.

A special "Thank You" to those of you who have reached out to us today.  We know you didn't have to, but can't express how appreciative we are that you took the time, even if you don't  agree with the ruling. Your (unprompted) act of being happy for us and sharing your congratulations with our family (via phone calls, texts, messages, Facebook / Istagram posts and likes); then subjecting yourself to backlash from people in your social circles, is lovingly appreciated AND noted. You are our village. 

And for anyone repulsed by the SCOTUS ruling and/or having difficulties being happy for our family,  please unfollow our blog. And if you're our facebook or instagram friend,  de-friend us there, too please, because:  (1) you will be torturing yourself following our posts, ( 2) you don't want to be a creeper  (3) your actions will make it easier for us to make that break, as well.  If this applies to you, I'm sorry and will pray that you learn to love everyone; not just those in your social circles.    

This is our blog, 
our story 
 and joyfully share it with anyone who genuinely cares about our family and/or our stories.

We are proud.

We are Equal

We are LEGALLY married!

#LoveWins

I Am So Much More Than Ok

What an awesome day to celebrate that my marriage is legal. 20 years ago to this exact day, I (Deona) came out to my parents. It was terrible. It changed our family forever. Hurtful things were said; things that made me feel less human; things that made me question my own existence. I moved out immediately and didn’t speak to them much over the next several months. It was to date the roughest part of my life. I had nothing except the clothes I left the house with and Shelby (my car). I could’ve stayed at home if I agreed never to see my ‘gay’ friends again, go to counseling and leave that life behind. For me it was the first time I felt like I understood who I was, and I wasn’t about to give that up. I slept on friends’ floors and sofas in Denton. I relied heavily on those friends and my camp friends who stuck by me for guidance and acceptance. I struggled daily with my decision and cried often about what I was putting my family through. It meant I would never be married, never have kids, never have happy times with my family again, never be comfortable in a job…lots of nevers. My how 20 years can change things. I am so grateful today to be able to celebrate my love and life with an amazing wife and our 2 incredible boys. I am continually energized by the love and support our family receives by our parents, our friends and most of our family members. I wish I could tell my 19 year old self not to worry, that it would all be ok eventually; that I would be ok. I am so much more than ok. ‪#‎lovewins‬

Day Camp

Everett enjoyed his first year at camp.  

Emory was also able to participate (in the "Tot Lot") because Deona volunteered all week.  

Boys are had a blast!

Soap carving:

 Emory thinks "This is the BEST day ever!!"

 First time shooting a BB gun and he hit the target.  Look at that (BIG) smile!

 Human Foosball!

A Scout is...

We always had a feeling Everett should have been a "lefty".  The archery instructor performed a simple dominant eye test on Everett beforehand; he felt the same.  

Here Everett's stance is "left-handed".

This week has been a fun-filled week for the boys and solidified our decision to stay in Scouts.  Even though the rest of our den / pack did not attend day camp, our family felt embraced and supported the entire week. Day camp was wonderful and I know we will be back again next year!