Fun times in Southern Utah yet again. This time we went west instead of East. The trip down was rather exhausting. It might have had something to due with the fact that we were all worn out before we even started.

We had a WIC appointment in the morning. Just a few highlights... I had to call a number to prove our file was still open or I would have to reschedule. So, I dial the number on my cell phone and have to push "1" ... then "3" ... then "2".... then "0" ... by the time a person came on the phone S was about to pee her pants. So, I took her into the bathroom, trying to balance my cell on my shoulder (it is too small...). I just left the twins and B playing and/or searching for me. S refused to get on the toilet (ever since the incident at the library when she literally fell into the toilet and after I saved her the toilet automatically flushed) she has to be gently persuaded/forced to use public toilets. I was trying to tell S that it wouldn't flush, and trying to talk on the phone. Then I had to hand the phone over to the lady behind the counter.... So, I left S crying and partially naked in the bathroom, ran to the counter, handed off the phone, and ran back to the bathroom. The twins spotted me, started crying and running after me.

All of that was in the first five-seven minutes. I won't bore you with the rest of the visit. But it only got worse. We were there for an hour and a half! At the end, a nutritionist tries to talk to you about the kids' eating habits.... everyone was crying! She just printed out the "checks" to let me escape when the thought popped into my mind to make sure R was given her goat milk. She had to tear out all of R's checks, look up a code and reprint them.... The sadness is that she still gave me the wrong thing. Instead of quarts of goat milk, she gave me cans of evaporated goat milk! I can't decide whether to make R drink that or try and make a new appointment to enter the dreaded WIC zone again. The taste of reconstituted evaporated milk is the only thing that haunts me. Gross... so can you imagine goat milk?

Then we helped Ana leave her apartment. She was at that point where you have worked so hard to move and you think you should be done.... but one thing after another keeps popping up. There is always more and more things in the apartment... the little annoying things that don't fit into boxes. Poor girl. She did it though... and she is now settled in CA, reunited with her husband. I took Ana to SL and dropped her off.

Then we met Steve... who had been waiting for me for about four hours. I'll teach him not to say he doesn't mind waiting. After this trip, I am sure he has changed his mind.

The cats were great up to that point. The next four hours were an absolute nightmare, full of asking/begging S to stay clicked, discovering that the crackers I had so liberally passed out had not been eaten... but had been crushed to decorate the floor, babies crying, stinky diapers, hungry monsters. Whew! We got to Ticee's around 10PM.

I was so excited for Susan to have such great boys. Kaber going threw the temple...so grown up, so not the little "baby" cowboy/army guy I can still remember. Chris baptizing Zachary... they both did their part perfectly. I loved watching Richard by the font... giving advice, making sure everything was alright, but not stealing the show. What a great dad.

The food was great. I feel super guilty that I didn't bring anything... my only contribution was helping Ticee with the forty desserts she brought. (exaggeration)... Also, I am still dreaming about the fluffy salads Janice made. Was that Jello, cottage cheese, cool whip and fruit? I can make that worth almost no points at all. Another thing I love about Sue and Richard, they always add a little class to their food. My delicious BBQ/au jou(sp?) (yes, I did both to the same sandwich) was on some special bread... that I didn't even get to ask what kind it was. Maybe Parmesan.. it was good. The best news of all for me was that I didn't gain any weight on the trip (other than water weight... which is now gone)

I am sad that I missed staying at the ranch. But I got to "watch" Ticee's kids while they went to a movie (everyone was asleep and I just held really still and enjoyed the quiet for a while before going to sleep myself).

Thanks to Susan and Ticee I was able to print out the application for E to apply for citizenship/naturalization as it is known in the Department of Homeland Security. We just finished filling it out last night. Now all we need is for our neighbors to pay for their part of the fence and we can send off the application and $330 to the previouslymentioned Dept. of Homeland Security. This really has been the easiest application so far.

I just realized that I had better check the instructions... because usually we have to send our last three years worth of tax information, photos, fingerprints etc. All I did was fill out the form....

Congrats to any one who was able to make it this far with me. Quite a feat... Oh, and about the "owl" necklace... at least I remember it's existence... I know Mom wore it at least once... maybe it wasn't "Bob" night... but I remember Dad worrying that it might break or something. Maybe I am blending memories. I think that is more convenient for my brain...

And, Jodi, the birthing panel is a pictograph/hieroglyph... some ancient drawing that Dad says represents the birth of Christ. I will see it someday.

I miss Ana... Tuesdays I slept in because I was wiped out from traveling, Wednesday it was raining too hard to walk, but this morning I went walking in a little drizzle of rain. It was nice... but I like talking to Ana more than walking alone. Although I did see a killdeer (bird) so that was fun.

Love to all!

Hey world.... how's it going? I've been keeping busy...

We had a super fun trip down to Southern Utah! We stayed at Alina's house... which is so beautiful. The colors, the art, the counter-tops, the furniture... loved it! B had so much fun playing with her boys.

Saturday, the cinco de Mayo, we ran down to Blan Juan... it was snowing!! It really was blizardy in between Monticello and Blanding. Craziness. So, we didn't go to the "birthing panel" with Dad. We will have to save that for next time. Donna did a big extravaganza for S's birthday. They made a cute cake with Dora, Diego and Boots on an island play ground. Everyone in the family loved it! Then they gave S some really cute toys... little princesses, which I love as much as S does.

Then we ran down to the Pow-Wow. In Blanding I got to see Robin Benally... fun... her daughter was our waitress! Robin and I taught together at WHS. Then at the Pow-Wow I got to see Vicki and Kenneth Joe (I taught with Kenneth)... the Pow-Wow was in honor of their son, JR Joe. He died in a car accident... so much death on the rez. I forget how much I love the rez. It is smelly and brown and rocky and Mussi is such a sad little town... but I love it so much! I met so many great people there. I am glad that E could be with me to enjoy a little of the rez spirit.

The 12th of May we had another birthday extravaganza for S because Silvina wanted to buy her a pinata... and it was big. I made a "Barbie in a gown" cake where the cake is the dress. It was really cute. It definitely looked home made but we all thought it was a masterpiece. That is a huge part of the fun, digo yo, getting in and making things.

Ana is about to leave me... and I am freaking out about that. I just lay in a dark room all day mourning the "loss" of a good friend. She is moving back to California... her husband is already gone to get ready for his new career as a lawyer (he just graduated from law school at the U). Nifty.

I must mention two things that I love about the branch. I received the friendship basket from a sister. She included a card where she told me how much she loved me... the funny thing was that it was a sympathy card. "Sharing your sorrow during this difficult time." Funny...
I also love that when I make mistakes or do something crazy, they just assume that it must be my culture. So, they don't judge me too harshly. Also funny....

Well...love to all.

Happy birthday to Mom yesterday. I know she loves my kids as much as I do. A few memories...
Bob Serawap taking off his shirt and giving it to her because she said she liked it. She was so embarrassed.
She wore the jade owl necklace Dad brought back from Central America to some event. Robert Redford was there and he commented on Mom's necklace, he liked it. She was in heaven.

To blog or not to blog... that is the question. I should be going to bed.. but a little sacrifice is necessary to do the blog thing.

A few pee/urine stories seem to be in order. Poor B... he peed (sp?) in his room today. Tyler was here and they were laughing really hard, and you know B. He is destined to never "gut laugh." I can just see him now, on a date, and panicking because someone is being funny. He will just jump up and run out of the room.

The other day S jumped out of bed (from her nap) and ran into the bathroom. Then I heard the distinct sound of liquid hitting the floor at full force. She obviously didn't make it in time. Then a few minutes passed and I imagined her cleaning up... taking off her dirty clothes... something. Then BOOM! She slipped in her pee and fell postrate on the ground. After running up to the bathroom I found her in tears, just laying there in the pee. It was soaking into her hair, her shirt.... gross. Good thing the bathtub is right next to the toilet!

R has started peeing in her diaper once then wanting to change it. She is too little to potty train, don't even think about it.

Hey... my favorite cousin Shauna Rae stopped by my home last night. I was in heaven. It feels like we talk every week... even though it has been three years since we have seen each other. When are we going to do a family reunion for Dad's family? Let's get on that.

Food order lady apparently got evicted and will be leaving the branch boundaries. A lot of guilt to be felt there... especially I feel guilty for being so relieved!

We are gearing up for our big SU trip, and I don't mean Cedar. Edge of the Cedars maybe. : ) E is going to love the Pow-Wow.... can't wait! (Sarcasm? you ask... you will never know).

Love to all!
Julie

Boy oh boy... time goes by. I remember Mom's journal and how every entry started out by saying how she was going to write more in her journal.... but, she never really got into the groove of journal writing. I, however, am going to post more often on my blog. How else will the world know how cute my kids are? Seeing as how, when we are in public, they don't seem to shine quite like I'd hope. The crying and the fits sometimes give people the wrong idea. You know.

We had the most beautiful snow storm yesterday. The flakes were as big as quarters floating down out of the sky. I decided to just sit and watch it snow while the babies were napping and ponder on the beauty of our planet.

The storm through Brigham off a little though. He decided that yesterday was Christmas and he couldn't wait till he heard Santa's "Ho, ho, ho" again. You see, this last Christmas Santa's "Ho, ho, ho" and the sound of jingle bells woke him up on Christmas morning. I explained that it wasn't Christmas... "Well, is it tomorrow?" Nope.... "Then when is Christmas? I know that it is close." We talked too much about the months of the year and how long till Christmas. The topic was revisited repeatedly. This morning Brigham asked if I thought he would like what he was going to get for Christmas. Grrrr....

I planted flower seeds. I am afraid they are not going to make it. Good thing I have more seeds, eh. I can't wait to plant my tomatoes, peppers, garlic... Yumma!

Leah said "Rachel" for the first time yesterday. She refuses to repeat it though. We are getting closer to little Rachie having her own identity.

Kindergarten Round- up was yesterday. Weird, being a parent and listening to them explain how they can't give medicine to our kids. Well, duh. He is going to wear a school uniform. So cute! His teacher is Mr. Garcia, from Spain. Sweet. When do kids learn to read? (Ticee, no need to answer 3 years old... too late) Should we be working on that during Kindergarten?

We were reading a Dora book and R saw a picture of Tico ( friend of Dora's). She surprised me by saying "Tico" excitedly. Then she started tickling me saying, "tickle, tickle, tickle." But it sounded like the exact same word (tickle = Tico). It was so fun watching her make that connection. Who cares that it really shouldn't be a connection. It was adorable.

S's birthday is coming up. I am still gung-ho on going to the rez that weekend, so I think we will have a party here the next weekend. I am thinking of a princess theme, hmmm?

I have the perfect theme for R & L's birthday. "Two by two." We can have animals of all kinds like Noah's ark. They love animals... they are turning two... there are two of them...huh? Good idea... I know.

I just finished reading the series "The Dark is Rising" by Susan Cooper. They were good books. Interesting, fun ideas. I wish I could find an object of the High Magic or be an Old One. Either would work for me. And the stories have King Arthur in them and Wales. I have been searching for some Welsh ancestory... Randy has a lot, of Welsh ancestory that is. Lucky.

Now I am reading "Physik" by Angie Sage. So great! We must make her famous, I am telling you.

E is trying to pass the CDL test. A license he needs for work. He is having the hardest time with it! He is taking it again tomorrow. A few prayers on his behalf wouldn't be unappreciated. I sure would hate to take a test in Spanish.

How many of you out there know what a polyglot (polyglaught?) is? You should hang out with Ana. Now, there is a smart girl.

Well, I just tried to run a spell check, without any luck. So, all of the errors will just have to stay. Sorry...

Love to all!

Happy Easter!
We have been having some great times. : ) Brandon went into the MTC, so we got to have a family reunion of sorts. Di and Susan got tickets for general conference.... lucky ducks. Susan loves hymns more than ever now. "Oh thou fount of every blessing...."

I was so happy to have people at my house that I am afraid I was quite blind to their comfort, or rather their uncomfort. (Not a word, I know) The house was so very full with teens sleeping every where on the floor. Susan got the place of honor, sleeping on an air mattress that has a slow leak... in the kitchen. She wasn't too impressed.

I was just having a great time. : ) Thank you, thank you for staying at my house!

WW is going great. I reached my first goal of loosing ten percent. Hurray! Easter will be sure to throw a wrench into the weight loss works. Bummer. I will just have to do more exercise. I met a very nice girl at WW named Mandy. She is the one with twins. We laughed a lot yesterday, which was fun.

I'm worried about Jaren, the crazy cat. I hope he heals well and doesn't play with gunpowder and matches any more.

It is so late that I can't think anymore.
So...
The End...

Howdy y'all:

How is the wonderful world out there? My life is wrapped around my kids. Warning: this blog will be very disjointed. I am just going to share random events that have occured over the last few weeks.

Ethan, a baby I care for a couple of hours here and there, just reached out and grabbed S's hair. She just said, "You like my hair, it so beautiful," as she tossed her hair back to illustrate the point. She is a hoot.

Yesterday I was downstairs moving boxes from here to there. I could hear B calling to me, something about someone wanting to use the bathroom. "Go ahead!" I just wanted to finish a little more, just this stack... When I finally got upstairs, I found the entire family in the bathroom with nothing but shirts on. B had taken out the tiny potty chair from under the sink for R & L. They had taken off their pants and were thrilled to be peeing freely. S & B had apparently used the bathroom as well. Some of the kids had missed because there was urine all over the floor. It had been a general pee fest. Since I have been forcing S to wear panties, there has not a day gone by that I haven't Cloroxed the bathroom floor. Good times.

B has started telling "jokes." I just asked him to tell me one so I could share with you. "Mom, what do you wear and where do you go when it's Sunday?..... shopping." Hey... that was pretty funny. The other day he said, "Mom, this is going to be so funny that is will send your glasses right off you face."

I met a girl at Weight Watchers (which will be known in the future as WW) who has twins and then I saw her at the library for story time. Give us a few months and we could become friends! I like her because she says she can't even remember the first year of her twins' life. They are 3 1/2 now. Usually I try to pretend it all away and say how much we love them... people always say how lucky we are, they wish they had twins etc. So, it was nice to meet an honest girl. Sure do love that honesty!

Ethan had thrown many Kix (cereal) off of his tray. Just now I looked and they are no longer on the floor. Must have been S.

Yesterday B opened his first can with a canopener. He was doing great till he got the top off and somehow all of the mandarin oranges were suddenly on the floor. I just scooped them up and put them in our salad. How low can a person sink? But you can't really expect a person to waste a whole can of oranges?! Beware of the food that comes from my house.

The chicken salad I made last night was so good! I threw in pasta, chicken, mandarin oranges, pineapple, grapes, celery, onion and coleslaw salad dressing... and a little Wasabi salad dressing. It was missing the cashews... but hey... Not that I have anything against cashews. We must support all of the poor laborers who are gathering the marinon fruit for only one cashew each fruit. Unbelievable!

Well, R has been crying this whole time. She is probably a stinky pants girl. Love to all!

Julie

Well, I have been on line for about the past two hours trying to get caught up on everything and everybody. That is about triple the time I "should" spend on line. I find that I have set many rules and regulations for myself without even consciously knowing it.

First: I must play the Blogger's Book Game.

Grab the book closest to you: The Subtle Knife
Turn to page 123 and copy down the first three sentences on your blog:
"Lee Scoresby sensed that the little community was glad to have a visitor, if only because he introduced a change on conversation. The Pole had been the last to speak, and then the Yoruba interrupted:
'What do you mean, a paleo-archaeologist? Archaeologists already study what's old; why do you need to put another word meaning "old" in front of it?'"

So, there you have it. That book was confusing for me... I can't decide if I liked it or not, but I am glad I read it. The author may be an AntiChrist... I will let you know after I read the last book. I will hurry because I am sure that many will be sitting on the edge of their seats.

Now... the "Jolie questions." I received them from Susan... and I am challenging Ana, Chiquis and Alicia to answer them as well. (Ticee, we know you are in "the way" but we would love to read your answers as well).

Watch out... to make things a little more interesting, I added a lie into each answer. See if you can figure out which answer is the truth. Let's see how well you know me, really.

1. What is your occupation? Research Scientist...or...Mother of the Year
2. What color are your socks right now? toe socks...or...not wearing any
3. What are you listening to right now? XM radio..Viva (Latin music) or...rap music
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Pancakes with butter syrup
5. Can you drive a stick shift? yes, Susan, Richard, DiAnn and Randy all had a hand in helping me learn...or...I don't think that is appropriate for women to learn
6. If you were a crayon what color would you be? green (the color of life)...or...pink (for girls... S thinks that skim milk is girl milk because it has a pink lid)
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Janett ( I find this funny because she never calls me)....or...Paula Ninataype, Erica had her baby yesterday.
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? yes....or ... no
9. Favorite drink? Coke...or...water
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? soccer & NASCAR (yes, it IS a sport) ...or...I love to watch all sports
11. Ever dyed your hair? Twice... hated it because I am too cheap for the touch-up ... or.. I have been dying it since high school
12. Pets? fish (our turtle just died Steve... B asked if we could get a pet that doesn't die)...or...a dog, two cats and a rat (wait, that's DiAnn)
13. Favorite food? Mexican food
14. What was the last movie you watched and did you like it? Cars... ca-chow... I love it! ...or... some horror movie I can't remember the name of
15. What do you do to vent anger? What does that mean? ...or...talking
16. What was your favorite toy as a kid? Barbies...or..a thing with round circle on one end that I would stick my foot in, on the other end was a ball. The idea was to get it swinging around faster and faster, jumping it every time it made one turn.
17. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Spring! Rebirth and everything is new... or...fall and the beautiful colors
18. Hugs or kisses? hugs...or...a big wet kiss from a dog
19. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries in muffins that Di makes... or...Cherries , only if I can use the pitting machine we used to have as kids in Orem
20. Do you want your friends to email you back? comments would be great
21 . Who is most likely to respond? Alicia
22. Who is least likely to respond? Chiquis
23. Living arrangements? I live in a mansion with a cleaning person (often referred to as a maid) and a cook...or...I live in our home with a husband and our four little cats.
24. When was the last time you cried? Today reading Susan's blog and remember the dolphins that Mom made. She is so great and I miss her so much. I wish she were here to teach me how to make a huge stuffed dolphin...or...It is really hard to get me to cry
25. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes and an old pair jeans that I can't throw away...or...a menagerie
26. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to: Alicia, we used to teach together but she married a doctor and I had twins... not we get to stay home : ) ... or...n/a
27. What did you watch last night? Zorro ...or... CSPAN and Nancy Palosi (sp?)
28. Favorite smells? no stinky pants or... my garbage can full of diapers
29. What inspires you? Susan's answer (the trust and beauty of babies) or... Coach Taylor and his wife on Friday Night Lights (OK, they are both true this time)
30. What are you afraid of? my husband dying or Barbies
31. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? I am a vegetarian or Spicy!
32. Favorite dog breed? I LOVE all dogs or.. I don't like any type of dog (hint: I am the opposite of Steve... read his answers as a comment on Susan's blog)
33. Number of keys on your key ring? three or 27
34. How many years at your current job? two glorious years or I wish I were teaching
35. Favorite day of the week? Monday (Sunday is very far away) or Wednesday, Toddler Time at the Tree house
36. What states have you lived in? Utah, Arizona, the rez (which should count as its own state) and Guatemala (they should really try for independence).
37. Favorite holiday? Valentines Day for the birth of our eldest, Christmas for the birth of the Saviour, Cinco de Mayo for the birth of S, Summer Solstice for the Pagan rituals and the birth of R & L, Memorial Day for me and my birth and Ana's B-day for the birth of my husband.
38. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery? John Rohdes taught me to drive a motorcycle while I was in college. I also worked on the crew digging the tunnel through Blue Mountain, which required a lot of heavy equipment handling.

I think that is enough for today, eh. Love to all!

Wow.... time just hasn't stopped, or even paused, to let me get caught up. We have had a month of sickness, of tears and fits, of not enough sleep... and that was just the parents. Our kids were quick to follow suit.

Ticee helped me make Valentine cards and I just sent them out yesterday. They were supposed to fill in the space left from not getting Christmas cards out. Oh, bother... But, they are out now. And... we are all very excited to have received Valentine's Day cards from out dear, sneaky, pregnant Ticee.

I am telling you, the story about her "issue" with Arby's... them not having pickles in the entire establishment. That should have tipped us all off. Pickles... freak out in public... Hmmmmm

Pregnancy... Good times...

I look out and see two little cats with fountain hair do's, and I can't believe I have two babies! TWO... we are so lucky.

You know how when you haven't talked to someone for a long time you don't have much to say... but if you talk to people everyday you have lots to say. Well, I feel like that on the blog... I'm not quite sure what to say.

So I will end with a wish that you could all watch my novela. Zorro is on Telemundo and I am loving it! I love what they wear... I love how silly Diego is, trying to be goofy, when we all know how tough he is as Zorro. It is just great and I can't wait to watch it tonight. : )

I am also glad that Jericho is back... and Lost... and I highly reccommend Friday Night Lights. Love it! Yes, I know I watch too much TV... but soon it will be summer and reruns will force me into gardening or something.

I hope Jodi is having fun!!! I have been watching the Price Is Right in her honor.

Love ya!

Julie

I'm Back.... Almost.

We had a great time going down to see Cassius for his birthday... and Susan for the day after, after her birthday. I wish we all lived close because my kids love playing with their cousins!

I wish I had a house like the lodge and I would invite you all to come and live with me. : ) And we could laugh and cook and clean together everyday. Hmmm. Sounds like I just want somebody, anybody to help me cook and clean. Not that Rachel's help isn't appreciated every time I open the dishwasher door. She starts unloading and handing silverware, plates, etc. to me to take care of. Cute. Mark my words, she will be my best cleaner-upper in about 13 years. Ouch, that is a long time....

Big News... Alicia had her tiny baby. Congrats Alicia (and Nathan)!!

I have been doing Weight-Watchers... and I love it. I am finally in control of my appetites. It has been a few years coming. I can't believe that like one month ago I couldn't say no if someone offered me a cookie. Even if it were a thumbprint cookie with jam in the middle (does anyone really like those?). Craziness... it is like I am a drug adict (junk food adict) and I just went through re-hab. Hurray! I am super excited.

Tomorrow is B's birthday. Five years old! What a cutie. We found the greatest pinata for only $14! It is a big round one with cones and streamers... Power Ranger is what he chose. Sound familiar Cash? Cassius chose a Power Ranger cake for his B-day.

Big news... B just informed me that it is almost Plankton's B-day.

I really should blog about fighting with E because he won't buy me jewelery even if we had a lot of money... He thinks it is a waste of money. I want him to buy me something I want. While trying to explain this he burst out, "If we had a lot of money I would buy you a Ferrari." I started tearing up saying he probably would, even though I couldn't ever drive it because it is a two seater and I am never alone. Before I started crying he started laughing assuring me he wasn't going to buy a Ferrari. I've got a few issues I am afraid, so I won't blog about that.

We went to WIC today, again, for Leah. She is too, too small. She was 2 onces shy of gaining a pound in one month. So, I guess they will still let me keep her. Would that we all had Leah's skinny problems. All of her skirts have safety pins on them because they will slip right off with out some help.

Big news... NASCAR starts this week. Get ready for the Daytona 500. E's car is Jeff Gordon #24 (Dupont) and my car is Rookie Dave Gillilad (sp?)#38 (M&M). I chose my car because it is the cutest car out there. Big ol' M&M's on the car. Cute... and fast. Let's not forget fast.

Well, I'm off to check the mail to see if my Valentine came from Ticee yet. The wait is killing me!

Love to all....

Hey.

Happy Birthday to Autumn today. Did you break up with your boyfriend yet? I spent so much time dating boys that I liked OK... but mostly I just went out with them because I didn't want to hurt their feelings. What a lot of skinny-me time I wasted.

I still find myself "sacrificing" so someone else won't feel uncomfortable. Yesterday at the bank I wanted to do a variety of transactions, cash a check, pay of my credit line, put some in savingss, put some money in a CD so we can go to Honduras when they dedicate the temple (hopefully it will be in more than a year!) and I wanted to open a savings account for my girls. The more transactions my teller completed the slower she got. When I thought she was done with the CD, I started talking about S's savings. It took me a couple of minutes to realize that she wasn't done with the CD yet! When she finished the CD, she was so proud to be done that I just didn't have the heart to tell her I wanted to do more. So, I just left. Poor S, will she ever get a savings account?

I took all of the cats to the doctor today. It was R and L's 18 month check-up. The had to get four shots each! I hope I remember to keep them loaded up on Tylenol. I always give them some right before they get the shots. I just remember when I got all of my shots for the mission. I was miserable and in quite a lot of pain and discomfort! My arm ached so bad from the tetnus shot, I also felt tired and naseous. I hope R and L don't feel like that.

Before I left I made appointments for B's big number 5 (lots of shots : ( he wil be sad), R and L have to go back in 6 months and I asked if I could just schedule S with them. The receptionist said that the doctor recommended seeing only two kids at a visit. So, of course I caved and made a separate appointment for S. We wouldn't want to inconnvience the doctor. Why do I do that? Now I will take them all with me in February, May, and July... and lets not forget the WIC appointments in February, March and June.

Next week we go to the dentist. The kids loved it last time we went and I love the free toothbrushes. I wanted to call them teethbrush. Funny.

Jodi... I haven't called you yet to tell you that I don't have your photos. You probably sent them when my mail box was full. I kept deleting things, but it stayed full. I was so confused. Then I realized that I had to empty the trash folder. Shamefully, it took me weeks to realize what the problem was. That's what happens when your life isn't your own.

It is snowy hear today. I love it. We haven't had very much snow this season. Elias has only cleaned the driveway once so far. The Elders cleaned it the other time for us in exchange for me telling them who is inactive and who has moved out of our branch. Good Trade.

Well... love to all!

Wow... it has been awhile. I am getting as slow as an old lady with arthritis stuck in molasses. Is that how the saying goes? In all fairness to Alma, I should not be making arthritis jokes.

Life is good.

Today I was pleased to see the amount of learning that took place with my children watching their television programs. After a "Blue's Clues" on different environments around the world, B informed me that..." deserts are hot and have a lot of sand and Cadillacs. A Cadillac is a tall, green thing with spines.:"

After an episode of "Backyardigans" where they visit a luau and the volcano sisters. He ran in to tell me that "voka-pele" means the volcano is going to blow in Spanish. I said I thought it might be Hawaiian... He just looked at me and shook his head, "I don't think so, Mom." Funny cat.

I received a little shock opening the pantry and finding three Care Bears looking at me (the work of S). Last week I kept finding Chevron cars smiling at me every time I opened the pantry door (that would be B). I opened up the "lazy Susan" (no offense meant to our dear sister, who we know is not lazy) to get out some raviolis for lunch and I found an empty can of black beans that had disappeared out of the recycling trash (this I owe to L, she loves to play in the canned goods). I have also found the trick-or-treating pumpkin and shoes, among other things, tucked away amongst the canned goods.

Alina called me today! She is settled in her house in Moab and enjoying the craziness. We who grew up in Blanding know that Moab always has been a little... you know...

Alina said the nicest thing and I am tearing up now getting ready to type it. She said the other day she was thinking about the injustice of us not being able to have our mother's things. How sad it is that many things have been lost or ruined (like all of her recipes, jewelery, and who knows what else). Then it came to her that those things are not even important. Our mom is so proud of us for being good wives and mothers (fathers) and good members of the church. That is what matters to her most, not if we have her "stuff". We are honoring her with our lives.

Do you see why I love Alina so much?! I am so glad that she can receive revelation for me. All joking aside... I feel the truth of what she said.

We are just good, aren't we. Not that we aren't still waiting for the stuff : ) We've waited more than 20 years, we can wait a little longer I guess.

My mother-in-law came back from Honduras last week. Now the contest begins... Nahum wants her to take care of his daughter (she really needs someone to bathe her regularly... they keep trying to "manipulate" me into taking care of her... I probably shoud, but the thought of it makes me so tired and sad... it would mean goodbye to the Treehouse and library... enough about me) Maribel wants to finish beautician school and needs my mother-in-law to take care of her kids (she has a brand new baby that is so cute!) and Marlen wants her to stay with her kids. I'm guessing that she will be hear for a month then go with Marlen for a couple of months, then come back again. That is what awaits us all. Our children fighting over us to take care of their kids.

My fiesty ex-counselor just had a baby. She refused (and said many unecessary rudities) to take a meal to a lady she visit teaches a few weeks ago... So we are pouring it on. We gave her a baby shower last week, the next day she gave birth. They didn't want to tell anyone from church, but we called when they didn't show up for church. They were inundated with visits yesterday (our RS presidency included) and they are getting meals taken in for a week! We'll teach them to not want to serve others.

Well, I am working on the family calendar. You will all have it before January ends. I need pictures from Steve, Jodi and Ticee... email them to me :) Hopefully it will work.

Love to all!

Hidy - Ho

I love our Christmas tree, I love presents, I can't wait to start my Christmas cards... I keep forgeting. I am making gifts that I enjoy making but the receiver will probably wonder what I was thinking! I love Christmas music, Nat King Cole, Celtic Christmas, Loreena McKinnett, John Denver... even good ol' Garth Brooks (a gift from my rez teaching days). Love it. I can't wait to start my neighbor goodie plates... they are going to be extravagant I tell you! Might I just add that I am so glad not to be working. Sorry... Even the humiliation I suffer at the WIC office can't make me wish I was teaching.

Last night we had to go back to the church for a practice for the Christmas program. I feel it sheer craziness to go back to the church after one has been able to leave once on Sunday. We had to wake the babies, find shoes and socks AGAIN, it is the day of rest for Pete's sake. ( You know, I think of Pete Black every time I type that.) So, at the church I am exhausted and the Branch Pres's wife acts like I am over the top. So, I start processing... Why am I tired? Well, I am getting sick (although I am still holding it off pretty well with "Airborn")... but that dind't phase her. She told me I was just like her sister that was always complaining, tired, she is super fat, hates children and had three kids, teaches school and complains about it. I was feeling pretty uncomfortable by then and had to beg my leave. I do sound like her... But I am still tired.

Here is a shout out to all family members. I need pictures for the calendar! Email or mail a CD would be genial. I like to throw in Spanish words for a little spice. Also, you might not catch my spelling issues because you may think it is probably a Spanish word. : )

Apparently Pinochet is dead. Maybe Mom can teach him the gospel. Wouldn't it be just his luck to repent and not have to suffer endless torment for all of the disgusting things he did.

Speaking of disgusting, I am still lamenting Mel Gibson making "Apocalypto." I wish he had made it PG because I think I would have loved it. Especially in lengua... in a Mayan language. Too bad ...

Happy anniversary Jan! Too bad she never reads my blog to see the good wishes.

Love to all! Merry Christmas!

Julie

Howdy!

A few highlights of my life since Thanksgiving:

... I went visiting teaching on the last day of November (shocking). All of my cats were playing with her kids and we were chatting. I could hear a muffled, "Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom," coming from somewhere behind a closed door. My subconcious listened for awhile before I realised it was B and he was probably calling from the bathroom for a "wipe." To my horor I found that he had already gone "number two" in his pants. I'll let you imagine how great the clean up was etc.

... Same visit, the lady gave Sarah a dress up Cinderella outfit. S was tired so she screamed and cried about the velcro scratching her, the waist line not laying quite right, the skirt poofing out too much and many other disasters. We had to drag her out of there kicking and screaming. That, my friends, is how you invite the Spirit as you do your VT.

.... S had some problems with constipation. She sat on the toilet for about 20 minutes-ish and then starting calling to me. "Mo-om! Sarah can't stinky!" I went in to find her in pain and crying. I am so glad Susan taught me about the exsistance of baby suppositories... I stuck one right in. S clung to me crying. "What happening? What happening Sarah?" It was so sad! She was in pain and so confused. "What happening Sarah stinky?" When she finally went she exlaimed, "I did it!!" Lets all drink a little more water and eat more fruit and veggies. Talk about mothering guilt... if only.

... Great times were had at the Treehouse. One night we went and learned about Hannakah (sp? Guess I didn't learn quite enough) They gave us all Dredels and B memorized what all of the Hebrew symbols meant for the game. Brilliant, brilliant child. We also went another day for cookies and milk with Santa. !Que vive el Treehouse! Love it...

... I had a WIC appointment at 9 AM and I actually got there in time... only to find that I had brought papers from October instead of December. I started crying. They made me reschedule. I told them that I was really greatful for the services they were providing but it was so hard for me to get there! They have complained about me having such a big family and they won't certify all four kids at the same visit. So, they have me going in almost every month... OK, every other month... It is hard being poor white trash sometimes, especially when I get treated like poor white trash while recognising that I am. Any who, the good news is because of the scandal, I now get to certify all of my cats at the same time and will have to go in only twice in six months instead of three times in six months. Actually, I have always had to do a follow up one month later because L is too small and they want to make sure I am feeding her. So, sometimes I do go in every month!

....Let me just state once again that I am so greatful to be home with my crazy cats.

... R and L have discovered that canned goods on my Lazy Susan (no offense). Bad news. Yes, I have had a can of tomatoes dropped on my toes. (Yet another argument for wearing steel toe boots in the kitchen).

... The lady I "released" from VT came to me to ask if she can do visits. She told me that her VT should be "released" because they haven't visited her for over a year. I kept my mouth shut even though I know she makes appointments and then will leave home. I even went to one when she wasn't there. So... I tell her that we would love to have her do visits and that I had been thinking about putting her with fulana. She immediately starts telling me that she doesn't have time to visit so do not give her more than two sisters. Are you kidding me? "Get out of my face!" I yell, shoving her to the ground right in the foyer of the church. Her dress flies up, covering her face. A gasp runs through the crowd of members gossiping after meetings.... The natural man is an enemy to God... I actually just smiled and nodded.

.... A guy who completely depends on the church (disclaimer: as far as I know... rent, food, furniture) has accused the recent converts he is renting a room from of taking advantage of the Welfare system. They have had a couple of food orders since her open heart surgery. He also pointed out that he hasn't seem them pray or study the scriptures. Is that what I sound like when I judge? I am afraid so...

... We are making felt stocking for enrichment. It hurts me, I actually burned my fingers when I reached out to touch the felt with sequin embroidery. The good news is that an inactive sister is teaching us. : ) I will be stiching one for all of you!

... My husband is excited because now he knows I can make money typing on the computer, because I love it so much.... Secretly he means, "Get off the computer, wench!"

Love ya tons!

Time:
I don't have time...
I didn't catch the investigator that visited church yesterday to meet her. I didn't talk to the sister who felt her baby move for the first time.. I didn't have time to talk to the Pres. and ask where we were with callings and meetings. I didn't even find the missionaries in time to give them their list of eating sites for the week. No time I tell you.

When I say I don't have time for me, I am not referring to sitting down to eat my bon-bons (are those even a real treat any more?). I mean I don't have time to go to the bathroom. For me to escape to empty my bladder before I pee my pants, I must leave someone crying, dirty, hungry... or like last night... someone (R) sitting on someone elses head (that would be L). I'm telling you I had to run.

No time to do my hair or make-up or get dressed. Don't worry though, I do steal time from my children to do these things. At least I am not walking around naked.

I can't put my finger on what has changed this last week, but life is getting busier! The girls, all three, are the biggest mess-makers in the universe. Combined they are like a tornado. It is all I can do to follow them around taking care of toys, blankets, underwear, wipes, diapers, clothes, canned goods, pencils (a favorite of Rachel's), paper, books, sheets. You name it, they are into it.

I am so glad to have B back from Vegas, he is such a big help!

Almost time for Thankgiving... ooo-oooo Can't wait to see everyone.

TTFN (flashback!)
Ciao

Today is Great!
Today is already shaping up to be a great day. I went walking in the morning, we walk three miles. I have already vaccumed and washed dishes and I made eggs for breakfast. Something about cooking breadfast makes me feel like a better mom than just giving them cereal.
The cats are all bathed and clean and the girls might go to sleep. Yipee!
I changed my blog to accept anonymous comments and now Steve can leave comments. Hurray!
Don't forget to be good citizens and get out and vote!
Love ya!

OK... I did bad things yesterday.... I made a lady (McCroby) want to leave the branch. And I was abrupt with negative lady yet again.

So, I taught the lesson yesterday. We were told to teach the lesson on faith and follow the outline given at the workshops right before conference. I felt strongly that I should emphasize that faith leads to action. At the end of the class I mentioned following the counsel of our leaders, just because they are our leaders. Having faith that they were called to lead us... I also gave everyone enough cards to write to the ladies they visit teach and asked them to mail a little note today. (Our number of visits have been very low... 18 out of 40 low)

Separately... Hna. McCroby (M) was released from the YW, is feeling a little sad... and refuses to come to RS. She also never does her visits and "tricks" her companion... saying that she will on this day, at this time, but never shows up. She also begs them not to go without her because she promises she will be able to next week, etc. Sunday I see her in the hall doing "secret combinations" (that's what Ana calls them) with GN during Sunday School. They are both notorious for talking and crying in the halls and missing SS and RS. Week after week after week. I never see M... and GN comes about once a month. So.... I am friendly and kind and tell M how much we miss her and I hope she will come to RS today. I am smiling, kissing, kind, kind, kind. M starts telling me how she has the hardest time doing her visits because she never has time... I jump in and tell her that I have great news. She can take a little break and not do visits for a few months (I had actually given her companion a new sister not even 2 hours before).
She was worried saying that they wouldn't give her a temple reccomend if I took away her assignment (??)... but I reassured her that she could just take a break for a while. I left her smiling and content... or so I thought.

After church M was seen in secret combinations with Hna. Huerta... another lady always angry with me... and then ... Hno. M went into my husband, very angry and said something like I have no right releasing her from her calling as a Visiting Teacher. They have stripped his wife from all of her callings and they are leaving the branch. They also talked to a counselor in the Branch Presidency ( who just happens to be Silvina's husband... yes she is still maddish at me) and apparently he went to the Branch Pres. and told him I had no right yaddah yaddah... I just had to laugh. Who knew I could cause so much damage smiling and showering kindness.

I think it was the class that threw her over the edge. Following your leaders and doing your visits. Sorry, Charlie... 1 Ne 16:2

Now to negative lady... last Wed. she complained about the way we were tying the quilt. Saying I should have asked her how to do it before we started. She, however, has never tied a quilt before in her life. Grrrr. Yesterday my counselor asked her to help lead the music. We bought the CD's to play in the background (we have no piano player or anyone to lead the music). The first hymn, "Todos los santos" (something like All of the Saints in English...?) she complained about, out loud, while walking up to lead... "No one knows this hymn, Why did you choose it?" I made it through with no comment. Counselor turns on CD and we sing. At the end of class she starts up again, but worse!

Lead Kindly Light was the hymn.. It is my favorite and we sing it all of the time, enough that I feel guilty. I even chose it as a practice hymn that we sang a few times before going to SS after sacrament meeting. She comes up saying, "Who is choosing these hymns?! (that would be me) Nobody knows this hymn, we have never even practiced it!" Talk about killing the Spirit....

My counselor tries to be nice and says,"We chose the hymns because they talk about faith."

I had had enough! I jumped up and said, "I'll do it!" and she handed me her hymn book and two seconds later I was singing. Then I looked down at her sitting there all sad and not singing. I felt stupid. But not stupid enough not to type this all out, apparently.

So, I must say I feel guilty thinking about how much time people are going to waste trying to read this. It is so long and so not important. You should all be doing something much more important! I am so sorry... not really... you know I can't even type a lie. I love blogging and I love reading your blogs!

Love ya!

I'm Back....

I didn't even go anywhere, except for in my brain. Halloween was glorious. ("Is it Christmas now Mom?" asks Brigham... ) I let the kids dress up for a couple of weeks. It freaks E out, so I bought $5 dress up clothes at Family Dollar. Superman and Snow "Wipe" have been spotted in my house often. As well as a tiger, duck, Sleeping Beauty and two Cinderellas. Saturday the Treehouse had an "Enchanted Woods" that was fun. We helped Dorothy prove that "ding, dong the witch is dead," and we met many princesses and fairy tale characters. Then Monday the Treehouse had a Pumpkin Party for toddlers. Pumpkin painting, storytelling, singing, etc. Fun, fun, fun...

The Trunk-or-Treat was last night and we Trick-or-Treated at Walmart. Who knew... we just went in to buy milk and found out that there were 10-ish stations around the store. They didn't skimp on their candy either. We got some great stuff.

At home we only went to one house, our neighbor made special bags for our kids with pencils, necklaces, erasers... so sweet! The worst was he asked if I was going to "Boo" them... he wanted to do it but couldn't remember the poem. Just great... I tried to "Boo" a couple of times, made treats and everything. But I didn't ever get the poem printed off of the computer. Grrrr.. and they had been waiting for it. How embarrassing. Next year.

We gave most of B and S's candy away to the Trick-or-Treaters who came to our house. B loves handing it out and then we don't have to worry about being on candy patrol. I, of course, kept all of the "good stuff." E and I both have our stashes. No need to worry out there. B and S eat way more candy than they need to.. and B is so good at finding my stashes.

B is watching the Wonder Pets... he just reround a part for me to watch... it was Lenny, Tuck and Ming Ming doing the Hula. Ming Ming was wearing coconuts you know where and B couldn't stop laughing. He said, "Mom, I wish you had coconut garments!" : )

Let's see if I can take care of this "Ticee tagging" thing. Five things about me that you don't know.
1. Anytime I have things with a variety of colors (crayons, candies,etc.) I must organize them into the spectrum. It makes me wild if the red is by the blue. Therefore you can see my sorrow that the rainbow has been used in ways that I don't like. Susan, however, has reminded me that we know that the rainbow is the sign of the covenant Heavenly Father made with Noah. You have got to love the spectrum of light!

2. I have a weakness for stamps. I have collected stamps all of my life... usually tearing them off of letters. But, if I go into the post office I know that if I see stamps I will buy them. The Postmaster in Brigham really had my number because he would just start pulling sheet after sheet out of the drawer and I would buy them all. I love STAMPS!

3. This one is something I really need to change. I feel guilty that I have such a great husband and such cute kids that it is hard for me to "brag" on them. I don't want others to feel bad. In the end I will hurt their self esteems.. I am working on bragging about them. The members of my family are all so attractive. : )

4. I aready came out of the closet on my stamp weakness... I also have a weakness for stationary and cards. Sitting here at the computer I can see 11 separate boxes of different cards. You will all be receiving a card from me soon. ( I am seeing a pattern here. Don't forget my freakyness about needing to buy every Chevron car, still collecting PEZ dispensers, I also love cute notebooks... boy oh boy)

5. I contribute eveything to the Spirit. I made Ticee laugh when I told her the Spirit would help her scrapbook. The Spirit helps me with everything! I owe that to Dad, he has always been a great listener of the Spirit.

OK... now I tag Steve, Alicia, Ana and Chiquis. You must share 5 unique, weird, or crazy things about yourself!

Love ya so much!

Coro del Tesoro

It is finally here! Tonight is our big dress rehersal for the final program tomorrow. My greatest wish is for someone to be able to go with me tonight and record the program.... but I don't have anyone. I can't see the program because from my seat in the choir, a pyramid blocks most of the dancing... as does the stage. Bummer.

The spirit of the program is amazing and so right up my allie, ally, alley. ( I like the last one best). The whole program is based on the traditions/beliefs in a Dios Blanco (White God). It talks about the Samoan islands, the Native Americans, the Maya, the Aztecs... There is dancing from all of the above in addition to Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Nicaragua and more! We sing some very fun songs...

Towards the end it talks about the Book of Mormon and how it identifies the Dios Blanco as Jesus Christ. We get to sing "From Cumorah's Hill, It is the Christ? ("El Cristo Es") and "We Will Shine". The program ends with such an amazing spirit. I am so excited to be a part of it.

I just wish my husband didn't hate it so much. He just finds the whole thing annoying. Then I have to see other husbands coming and filming their wives. Granted, their children are grown... but it still makes me jealous. It takes me back...

Last night we had a devotional before practicing. The guy talked about representing our families, our parents, grandparents etc... "Listen, and you will hear your loved ones who have passed on singing with you." I, of course, was quite teary... remembering how much Mom loved to sing, the "Chauntanettes" in Orem, going to choir practice with her since I was like 11 years old. Craziness, a 11 year old alto. I remember that after she died people would pick me up so I could keep going to choir practice. That was charity, the pure love of Christ.

Any who, I tried to tell Ana about it ( she missed the devotional). She mentioned that our loved ones would be singing on key. It really is funny singing in a mass of wrong notes, flat notes, and who knows what... But many seem to have enough faith to make it sound great. : )

One more sad thing... In the devotional he talked about becoming one pueblo in Christ. We mentioned all of the countries represented by the 1000 or so people in the production... all of Central and South America are represented as well as Spain, Portugal, Angola... Like 20 different countries! It really is amazing how the gospel brings us all together.

I was super sad to remember what I had read earlier about Escondido, CA passing a law making it illegal to rent to illegal immigrants. Thank goodness we can rent to drug dealers, drug makers, pedifiles, rapists, peeping Toms, burglerers, ex-cons, runaways, abusive parents, dead-beat dads... but keep us safe, please from those scary illegals! I guess people fear what they don't understand.

I am off to straighten my hair for tonight! Love ya!

Headache

I have a headache... hence the title. I am sure that it will go away as soon as I drink a little water.

Today a girl from our ward spent the day with us. She is 13 and just as sweet as can be. Her mom is out of town and her dad had to work, so she chose craziness over solitude.

I so remember Susan saying she would give anything to switch places with me just so she could be alone. That was eight years ago. I would cry and think she had no idea what she was talking about. Now, I would love to have one day alone. Can you imagine? What would I do? Read? Scrapbook? Window shop? Geneology? I would probably sleep... Good thing I have much to keep me busy.

We went to the Dinosaur Park today. The people who help us have no idea how wonderful it is to have just one more pair of hands. She helped me so much it was great. Then, after everyone had eaten and was down for a nap she cleaned up and swept my floor. I wanted to kiss her feet... but I just said thank you instead.

R showed her brilliance again today. When she saw the Dino Park, she totally said dinosaur. You go girl! And she has been "walking" for a few days now. Just first steps stuff... but it is coming!

Best news. I went to the Post Office and left the kids in the car with the wondergirl who spent the day with us. Dreamy. Just getting out of the car and walking directly away towards the Post Office. No stroller, no car seats, no jackets, no fighting... just walking and entering. Lovely. I know you can't appreciate it as much as I do... but some of you out there have an idea. I mailed Time Wise to DiAnn... the lady asked if there were any liquids. I am still feeling guilty about the last time I mailed moisturizer at the 24 hour machine thing and I lied. We all know that moisturizer is not a solid, gas or plasma. It is most definitely a liquid. So, I asked the lady if moisturizer was a liquid and she justed shushed me and said no, no, no. Now she is feeling the guilt and not me. : )

I also mailed Pampered Chef to Ticee. I couldn't take the guilt even one more day. You see, she is awaiting her egg seperator... I bought one too. I used it this morning making pancakes, thanks to Susan for the recipe. The egg separator has a little indent where it can sit on the bowl all by itself as you crack the egg into it! I enjoyed using it so much this morning that I could not cheat Ticee from that experience even on more day. Hopefully she gets it soon and makes a big Pavlova. Yummy!

Ana is home from Mexico. Hurray! I pretty much need to talk to her everyday. When we don't walk, I really miss it! DiAnn... Ana went to the same place you did in Cancun... Ixcaret... She loved it, too. I can't wait till I get to see a real sea manatee... Ana also swimmed/played with the dolphins. She got to give them many commands and they obeyed! Dolphins are so smart. Do you remember that B (my son) used to speak Dolphin when he was only a couple of months old?

Love you all!!

Blogging:

The exact second I started to type, Leah cried. She is apparently waking up from her nap. I am always so confused as to why I don't feel like I get anything done... more like I can't get caught up. I honestly don't know if it is because I am a lazy daisy or if it is impossible. It could be that the number of my chores is increasing logrithmically (sp?) and I will never be "caught up." I will, however, let L cry for a moment and blog.

I must say that the sheer beauty of my children brings me joy. As soon as the Target pictures are on line, I will send a link to all. We bought them all Asian outfits which are to die for... and B really looks like a knight in shinging armor protecting beautiful princesas. We are all a little excited for Halloween.

I wonder if Silvina will invite us to the Golden West Halloween party. We have gone for the last three years and I love it. It is a carnival for all of the kids of the employees... but Silvina has taken us. I should have thought about that before last Sunday. She came in at the end of RS and asked if she could make an announcement... I asked her if it was nice. Not going to be a fond memory for her, I am sure. Then, after choir, I was so anxious to get home. Our director always has much to say at the end.. we didn't get out until like 9:15 or 9:18... then I had a long wait for those in the car pool... and I was very distraught about the news that we would have to be there Saturday from 9-12 am and again at 4 pm for a complete run through, which might take like three or four hours... Anywho, I wanted to get home to my cats and some car was just stopped behind me in the parking garage. I couldn't pull out! The Audi is so loud anyway... I revved it and backed up a little, then a little more and then a little more. Getting louder each time. Then the car honked at me. Out loud I said, "I know you are there, I want you to move so I can get out."

A girl that rides with me says, "Oh, that's Silvina. She is talking to someone." Bummer... The good news is that they were struck with the fear of the Audi. Actually, they probably couldn't hear each other over my engine... and they moved.

Question. Was I ever nice? Is the kinder, gentler Julie in the past or in the future? It seems that I am on quite a short fuse. Bummer.

A lady in the branch had triple by-pass surgery. I get light headed thinking about her. She has me worried. Last week she got a blood clot in her leg. She told me about it like it was no big deal. She is wearing those support hoses and putting her leg up. I was freaking out inside about strokes and death. Sister Nielson, DiAnn, Dad... (I guess I should qualify.. Sis Nielson would be the death by blood clot traveling to lungs, Dad would be the stroke and DiAnn would be the good ending of blood clot in leg but no death or stroke.) So, I hope she will be OK... they are a little old couple and they have only been members for a little over a year. I have no recollection of their baptism so it must have been around the time the twins were born. Life... Hmmmm...

Leah is quite now. Does anyone else ever wonder if the slats in the crib are close enough together to keep her safe?

S threw her tantrum today because I flushed the toilet after I wiped her. She started chanting, "No! No! No, no... that my stinky, my stinky!" She then cried for 10 minutes straight. Refusing to put on underwear or a diaper or pants... or go potty again... or just flush water... or wash her hands. It was long... but we got past it. or it passed...

Oopsy, E is home. He is wondering why L is crying and I am typing. I'm not quite sure why...

Wonderful news! Jodi started writing her blog called the "Wheat Beat" which is a super catchy name. Ticee also decided to show us all how its done and you have got to check out her scrapbook pages. She is so honest in her journaling, which we all know I love. So, the links are over in the sidebar. Must reads.

I haven't written for a week! Life just takes up all of my time. Right now as a matter of fact, B and S are starving, looking for food in the pantry. S just spilled the chips on the floor and they are grazing off of the floor in the pantry. That is what a girl has to do to get amoment to herself. Let children graze.

I set traps for a would be boogie man that might want to come in through our door in the kitchen. I put the chairs in "his" way... then I put this toy, that always scares me, in front of the door. It makes music when you play with or push it... but somehow it turns on by itself when you get close to it and starts playing its little song. It has made me jump many a sleepy night when I am turning off lights to go to bed. That would show "him." If only a boogie-man would come in barefoot, then all I would have to do is leave out Legos or GI Joe guys. That would send anyone running (more like hopping or limping). They hurt!

By the way, we are very safe and absolutely nothing has happened to us or our belongings. And I only set traps for a few nights.

Potty Humor
Warning! The following is "Potty Talk" and is not appropriate for any age. The other day I respond to the shouts of, "I need a wipe!" by rushing up the stairs and into my bathroom. Only to step into something wet with my bare feet. Eew... and it is yellow! Then I see little drops of yellow liquid on B's leg and I ask him what happened. He begins to explain how he hates his potty thing (no, I haven't taught him the anatomically correct names of all of his body parts). His potty thing (as he calls it... poor kid) went crazy and shot potty all over the place, and he doesn't want it anymore.
"Well, what are you going to do with it?" I ask.
"Well, maybe I will keep it if it will just point down and shoot into the potty." (You can see how important the word potty is in out home.

I don't know how we would communicate with out it.) So, B has decided to keep his potty thing...

Although, he wet his pants on Saturday. E asked him why and B replied that he was in the bathroom trying to get his pants down, but the potty just came out so fast, as fast as a NASCAR. Finally I saw E laugh at potty humor. It is hard at times to find humor in the "house of urine." I am sure that when you enter my home, you can tell that here lives a boy who pees all of the time and everywhere. He has been potty trained for two and a half years. Hmmm.

My husband was so funny. Right before praying last night we were talking about work and he mentioned a name I have never heard. So, I asked who it was etc. He tells me that it is some Navajo guy. "What! Why didn't you tell me? What is his full name? Where does he live? Where is he from? How old is he?"

So... E says, "I don't know if he is Navajo or Ute but he is from some place like Mon-ti...Creek... something like that." So then I realize that he is messing with me, but I never know how much. He just knows me too well, he loves to torture me by never telling me all of the exact details. All who love to tease/torture (like my brothers-in-law who can no longer make me cry... maybe) all of "those" can see the beauty in my husbands actions. He is pretty funny. But I want to know who that guy is!

Today I must take the kids to get pictures at Target. By myself! Yes, we are doing an outfit change. Pray for me!

My husband scared me last night. He was standing at our bedroom door when he froze, staring downstairs. I asked him what he could see and he signaled me to be quiet. He then went downstairs to look out the window. He told me that he had heard someone trying to open our front door. Oooooooo, Spooky.... So I prayed and prayed that we would be protected and safe... and we were. I would like to talk to our neighbor, the detective. Just because.

B is in this stage of saying the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over and over. I do not know where he gets it from, from , from, from, from....

Ana and I are still walking in the mornings. It has been chilly but realitivly nice this week. I think of Janett and Georgette braving any type of weather and extreme darkness, not to mention lack of sleep. What brave souls!

I feel like I should just mention that I love my kids and I think they are cuties. R, my little scientist, is at the moment amazed by a PEZ dispenser. L is distraught because she has hit her head twice on the computer desk. She, of course, is howling. Oh wait, she is done now... she found a coupon treasure to bring me. S and B are up brushing their teeth... I just heard B say, "That's mine Sarah, its for boys."

Then a shout, "NO BOYS!" From S of course.

Well, we are actually going to try an outing. Wish me luck!

Positive mixed with the Negative

What an interesting weekend! We had tickets to the RS broadcast. Our ladies kept changing their minds about going. One lady signed up to drive and take 4 others, but ended up throwing a surprise party for her daughter (-). Luckily the four others didn't show up either (+).

We met at the stake center at 3 pm and the meeting didn't start until 6pm. Even I thought it was early (-), but with the crowds, parking, walking, ticket showing, meeting people to give them their tickets etc. ... we only had like 15 minutes of sitting time (+). One sister complained about her peanuts in the snack bags that the stake made 220 of (-), she complained that our seats were on the side and not in the middle (-), she complained about our parking spot (-), that I had to walk a block extra to meet someone (-), that we had to go down so many stairs to get to our seat (-), that her back would hurt from sitting for too long (-), .... after that I stopped listening to her. But the meeting was so great (+) and we saw and listened to the Prophet (+!)! It was so worth taking even her.

A funny thing happened while we were sitting there. One sister brought her camera in even though they are prohibited (-), free agency (+)... then she asked me to take a picture for her! I felt like a teen when my date took me to the movie theater in BlanJuan and there was only one movie showing and it was rated R (-)... so uncomfortable! I just started saying, "No, no, no, no... I just couldn't take a picture for you."
"Why not?"
"Because it is prohibited, and I just can't."

It would be so nice not to be put in those awkward situations!

Sunday choir practice was in the Assembly Hall... one more in a chapel then all of the rest are in the Conference Center! OOO-ooo, exciting. We had a great practice (+) except for being in a sea of altos that can't read music and were not singing the alto part 75 % of the time. Ana kept me on track though. She had a fiesty sitting next to her. Fiesty lady started tellling Ana that she was not singing the right notes. Ana tried to show her the notes on the page but nothing doing. Fiesty was sure beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was right. She would not leave Ana alone. I almost had to fight her. I kept telling Ana not to talk to her, kind of Jr. Highish I admit. So many bosses.

After singing we had a fireside about Quetzalcoatl. How could anything be more beautiful? I was in heaven.

My children have taken apart the couch and are jumping on and off of it. I am so tired! They behave until I want to do something... like blog, or eat, or go to the bathroom. They require constant, and I mean 60/24 (60 minutes and hour, 24 hours a day) attention. I am going to go CRAZY!

Well, I must go clean up the puzzle off of the kitchen floor, put the couch back together, pick up the things B just knocked off of the shelves and clean up the toys scattered everywhere. I vaccumed @ 10:30 this morning and it was spottless. No one would ever guess that now.... What about dinner, dishes, shopping, laundry, bathrooms...

I need a routine.

Love to all!

It has been a rough week. We have been trapped indoors everyday. The kids haven't gone out to play because it has been cold and rainy. I haven't had the guts to go out because of some bad experiences a week ago. S can throw some very humiliating fits in public when she is tired. We didn't even go to the Treehouse. I really need to get on the ball. Maybe going to the meeting tonight will spark a little something and get me going. I could certainly use a blast of the Spirit.

When S is with me, she must wear underwear. She has done very well with minimal accidents. When E is home he gets S to wear a diaper. So, all of the child psychologists out there who are dying to tell me that if I want her potty trained we can't change back and forth... I have decided that I might as well not fight with my husbando. She is only two and I feel certain she will be potty trained someday. So, whatever.... I do get tired of arguing. It just doesn't seem worth it.

B, all of the sudden, loves Pokemon, which annoys me greatly. He sings some sort of Pokemon song, throws pretend balls around that open, talks to Picachu and who knows who else. It is all very disturbing to me. Can't he just like Dora and Diego forever? B also loves Power Rangers... weird.

S is still a Princess freak... enough said.

R and L love dogs. They fight over a puppy book Susan gave us. They also love cats and both have their unique but precious way of saying "Meow". Love it!

Ciao

Babies
I'm amazed at all of the different emotions women get to experience because of babies.
Sometimes a baby is so saught/sawt (I really want to use that word... but how on earth do you spell it? I blame my scientific mind for my lack of spelling ability. You wouldn't believe the vocabulary I have in my brain... I just can't make use of it because of a spelling disablility)... anywho, you want a baby so bad that you cry every month when you are not pregnant. You go to the doctor and have to be naked (I hate that!) for ultrasounds and ovary probes. You take fertility pills and suffer through hot flashes, cold sweats, mood swings (mood tsunamis). And you make your husbands suffer through a variety of tests that they didn't even know existed and they will never mention again (pretending that they don't exist). Then one day, you are pregnant!

Some don't want to have babies and do everything humanly/medicinally possible not to have a baby. Sometimes they get pregnant anyway.

Some think they won't get pregnant and do nothing... and they get pregnant with twins and cry for 9 months or a year.

Some think they don't want any more, but they really do. They don't know whether to get pregnant or not... mostly they don't want to suffer the wrath of a husband.

Some teeny boppers get pregnant and won't give their babies up for adoption. Then it is the baby that suffers (and their teachers that try to teach them in public schools).

Babies.... my babies are so beautiful. I can't imagine our family without them. Our oldest son who is already the protector. Fiesty girl who just might be potty training herself today. She insisted on underwear, has gone on the Dora potty four times and hasn't had an accident yet. Dramatic girl who has cried more in her short life than many 25 year olds... but steals the hearts of many with her curls and blue eyes.... and last but not least Felicidad girl... she laughs at everything, but get her mad and watch out! She is, as a matter of fact, yelling/crying out from her crib right now. I must go rescue her because apparently she is done with her nap.

Toodles!

May all who desire a baby get pregnant,
those who don't ... may you stay unpregnant...
and may your husbands, just this once, not have a different opinion

So many things...

We were at Walmart. Ana helped me go with all of the cats and we were in and out in record time. For her it probably took forever, but it was less than an hour I think. I usually spend a couple of hours wandering around wondering what I need. Before we left the house I had made a menu and a shopping list. So the shopping trip was as smooth as butter.

Brigham saw some underwear and started begging for new underwear. So we started to bargain about him not wearing diapers anymore at night (price: $14.00/three weeks). If he would not pee in the bed at night we would buy him new underwear (price$3.68/package of three). I had tried this same technique a year ago, but B acted like it was the first time he had ever heard it. We narrowed down the choices to Scooby Doo and Power Rangers (the results of letting a "devil" into our home in the form of TV). He chose Power Rangers. He had to carry them around the store in his own hands... at one point he said, "Mom, my heart is beating front and back because I am getting Power Ranger underwear." How cute is that!

B also noticed boxers and started asking many questions like, "If I wear shorts for underwear, then do I have to wear other shorts too?"

Friday we went to a fiesta in SL for Hondurans. It was fun for quite a while. They had a "show" of dancers and two couples were so good... they danced the fox trot, samba, tango and cha, cha, cha. As on couple was gliding around the room S started yelling, "Princesa, princesa!" I think S needs to be a ballroom dancer, it was so beautiful to watch. After the food and the show came dancing. The music had been too loud the whole time and I couldn't believe that it got even louder. That was when things started falling apart. B wanted to play on the stage and I said no.... while I went to the bathroom B asked his papa who put him on the stage. Kids were running around hanging on the curtains and making me crazy... very uncomfortable at the least. So, E and I start to argue... S must join B on the stage.... babies start crying... everyone is sleeping. S got mad when we took her off the stage and she just tore out of the room crying. I tried to follow and she just ran blindly down dark hallways... anything to show me she is boss. She is a fiesty cat!
Anywho, soon all children were strapped in car seats watching a movie and E went back into the party to see if he knew anyone. He only saw a couple of people that he knew. Not even his ex-girlfriend was there... bummer (hallelujah for me because she is/was thin and lovely).

Saturday we danced in downtown Ogden. The ladies who wouldn't come to practice for the last two/three months, decided we should practice every night the week of. No thank you. We did practice Wednesday and Thursday... then they decided we should practice on Saturday before we danced. We agreed on 11:30 am for practice because we were supposed to be dressed and ready at 1pm dancing for sure by 1:30 pm. At 12:00pm there were still only four of us. A while later two more showed up and we practiced a little. At 12:50 another couple of ladies show up and at 1:00 pm I had to call Silvina (who set the whole thing up and told us to be there dressed and ready by 1pm). I asked her if she was going to dance with us. She was annoyed with me. Which is turning out to be quite common.

We have tickets for the General Relief Society meeting on Saturday! I am so excited. The stake wants us to meet at 3pm and leave at 3:30pm which seems really early...One sister in our branch has asked me several times what time we are actually going to leave. I kept telling her 3:30pm. She has a baby the exact same age as R and L and she says she doesn't want to leave her any longer than necessary. Finally I said remember Saturday and we said 11:30am (she was one of the four on time). I can't control the other sisters, they come when they want to. I don't want to leave my babies either (Wait a minute... yes I do).. anywho... it was nice to have one more person start to realize that coming late to everything effects others as well.

Holy cow... that was a long ol' explanation of pretty much nothing... Sorry... The dancing went very well, by the by. And the ladies were annoyed when I said it was our last. They said they can keep dancing anyway. As long as it is not affiliated with the church, said I... They came back with the fact that I am only over the RS. Talk about fiesty cats. People in our branch pretty much do whatever they want. We'll see how much I fight....

To end I would just like to say hurray for Kevin Harrvick who won on Sunday (NASCAR). He drove a dreamy Reeses car. Even the car looked delicious.... and go Jeff Gordon! (He took third) Que vive NASCAR!

Honesty
Not being able to lie is really getting in the way of my parenting. B has learned to turn on the TV in my room and find the channels he likes... but I don't really groove on Pokemon and American Dragon etc. So, I like to hide the remote. Well, when B asks me where the remote is I would love to tell him that I didn't know. Instead I say, "I hid it."
"Where?"
Now would be a great time to tell a lie... but I can't... Instead, "Under something soft." Which was the pillow.

Sure do wish I could lie everynow and then.

Technology

I am on a technology high... I followed instructions and figured out how to add links onto this page. Oh yeah, oh yeah... I'm an Html master!

I needed this moment because Sunday I was technologically challenged. Ana has an I-pod that I was trying to help with. We wanted to listen to our choir music and do a little singing on the way down to choir. Well, if you are like me.. it may surprise you to know that just running your finger around a cirlce thing can turn up the volume (counter clockwise I believe) and scroll down the menu (clockwise). No pushing buttons etc. Simple as it may sound, it is rather challenging to get the motion down. I started cracking up because I remember vividly "older" teachers trying to double click a mouse. They kept moving the mouse in between clicks and it wouldn't open the program. They were completely at a loss as to what was happening, and I laughed. I still do laugh thinking about it. But Sunday, in the car, trying to do the finger movement thing... I suddenly realized that these foreign movements are difficult and they (me) should not be made fun of. Who needs I-pods anyway?

(maybe Ana will let me practice in secret until I "look" comfortable doing the finger scrolling thing)

In case you are wondering... my R and L will not sleep today! I just heard L doing her little scream. It is not an angry scream, just a conversational scream. They are so cute! I keep trying to upload photos... I'm afraid that may be beyond the reach of our feeble computer.

A family (mom, dad, and two teens) took care of our cats last night for their FHE. E and I went to the mall and walked around just looking. We were shocked at how far out of style our clothes were. Even more shocking is the fact that we had no idea! Bummer. We had a great time with no stress, no money spending etc. Our kids were in heaven with so much attention. The ones that suffered were the teens. B made them watch "Scamper the Penguin", a movie even I refuse to watch. So long and so, so D-U-M-B...(spell it out, then it won't sound like a "bad" word)

Isn't it funny how great life is when the follow the counsel of the brethren. Are you all getting ready?.... It is right around the corner.... General Conference... Yipee!

Love to all...

9/11
Ana and I talked about where we were five years ago when "the 9/11" occurred. The emotions were still real and I shed a tear. I remember how long it took me to understand that we had been attacked. I just couldn't fathom the USA under attack. When reporters insinuated that it was something bigger than a flight going very wrong, I was annoyed. Even after the third plane hit the Pentagon. What a horrifying day. I am so grateful that the war is not here in my neighborhood. We are so blessed to be able to go about our daily lives without fear or interruption. No check points... I can go months without ever seeing anyone carrying a weapon. Even though the hunt has already started.

Speaking of which, our neighbor got a deer. I didn't, however, see it hanging from a tree outside. Honestly, not until 10 seconds ago, did I think about the oddness of deer hanging in trees. Back in the day we would drive around town and you could see who had a successful hunt and who had to settle for a spike, or even worse the doe permit! (Not to laugh at Richard on his birthday or anything. Happy B-day Richard!) My kids would probably be scarred if they saw someone skinning a deer in their front yard. Oh boy, we are city folk.

Peach Days were smashing. So much easier now that the twins don't need to nurse every two hours. We loved the parade... Although a small tractor actually ran over a little girl. This Peach Days will go down in history. The parade stopped for a long time... then they waved the floats etc. around the accident. So, the HS cheerleaders were cheering and smiling... it was a little bizarre. But the parade must go on and cheerleaders must be peppy. We talked to one of the police officers later and he said that the girl wasn't bleeding or anything. She looked OK but they took her to the hospital just to give her a thorough once over.

B and S went on a few rides. On the little dragon roller coaster we waited in line for ever. When it finally came time B climbed in the seat with S, then just as quickly climbed right out. He chickened out and left S sitting all alone. I thought she would freak out and cry, something... but she just sat there and had the time of her life.

After the rides we ate yummy pulled pork sandwiched and baked beans... and the best Dutch oven peach cobbler with ice cream. Yummers!! E thought everything was just a little too sweet, which means it was right up my ally. Our friends had a booth selling wooden jewelry from Costa Rica. E surprised me because he had saved a little money to buy me something. I bought a necklace, bracelet and earrings. So cute! By this time the kids were exhausted. I ended up bringing them home and E stayed in town with his mami and brother. I got to get out of dodge when I was exhausted and E got to have a little alone time. Which the poor guy never gets. He is set now for another couple of months.

My alone time is every Sunday for choir practice. Love it! The music is so beautiful. Our branch never sounds beautiful when we sing. So when we sing a hymn so start choir practice I always feel moved by the beauty of the hymn and how nice it is to hear people sing parts. Some of the songs that we are learning sound so good. Last night was hard though, because we worked on two songs I don't know at all. I was so lost, and I couldn't hear "director" (in quotes because she doesn't deserve the title). It reminded me of teaching. When the students feel offended by the teacher it is so hard for them to learn. I know I did that to many a kid... bummer. Because last night that lady was buggin' and I was really trying to be adult about it and just focus on the music. But no, she buggs. Anywho, the choir will be spectacular. You must all come on October 21st and enjoy a very cultural experience.

Well, I must leave blog land and get back to reality. L is standing by me just sobbing. Someone hurt her feelings and she must go down for a nap!

Studio 5

I am so proud of Brooke Walker, I taught her when she was in Jr. High. I have had fun watching her show all week. They had Sheri Dew on, starting a Studio 5 book club. Hello, I'm there. (The first book is the recent one by Virginia Pierce... we all know who she is, nudge, nudge.) They had the 5 Browns who I love... and they (the hosts of Studio 5) are going to Peach Days tomorrow to ride in the parade. We too are going to Peach Days tomorrow. Anywho... I reccomend Studio 5, channel 5, at 11 am. I likey.

We have even been setting a little money aside so we can let B and S ride on the little tots train. We'll have plenty to buy our annual dutch oven peach cobbler and ice cream, maybe even a Navajo taco... but only if it is made by Native Americans and not by some other ethnic group.

My trauma this week is a giant blemish right at the end of my left eyebrow. It is deep and painful. May it please go away quickly!

Dance is hilarious. The ladies wanted more practices (especially since they haven't come for the Wednesday practices each week for the last two months). So, they scheduled one for Thursday. It turned out to be Ana, myself and one other girl/lady. Oh, I cannot put into words how tired I am of this!! One more week, one more week, one more week...

Silvina has decided that "our" next dance should be Celtic dancing, like Riverdance. She talked Milla into taking a class with her. Wednesday they notified me that, "for our next dance, we are going to learn it then come back and teach the rest of the group." What group is what I want to know.

After the 14th (In Pursuit of Excellence) and the 16th (dancing for a Hispanic festival) RS will finally be done with the activities from the last RS presidency. Hallelujah!

Some need a testimony of the order of the church. A sister from the last RS Pres cannot bear not planning activities. She has been helping with the music in the Primary (which has been a story in and of itself... like the Sunday they sang "Are you Sleeping, Farmer John.") Last Sunday she announced to the kids that if they behaved she would throw a Spooky Halloween Party for them. She is not working with the Primary Presidency, she informed me that it is just her, on her own. That would be fine if it were at her house! She just doesn't seem to understand that the church already has a certain order to things built right in. I have learned that it is just as important to follow and let others be leaders... not only to be a great leader ones self. Actually, I would love to just sit back and let others practice their leadership skills! Sounds good, eh?

You must check out Ana's blog. Read Wednesday about dancing!
www.a-la-gran.blogspot.com

Lazy Days

I can't seem to get myself motivated today. Maybe I am still afraid from this morning. We went walking at 6 am and it was pretty dark. The dinosaurs scared us a little... then there was the scurrying of an animal right by Ana. I was trying to be brave, but when Ana asked if that was a man in the tunnel, I must admit fear coursed through my body. There was no man, just big rocks lining the entrance of the tunnel. On our way back we saw a police truck (a K-9 unit might I add) parked in the parking lot. Assuming the worst I was afraid the bad guy would take us hostage on the path or something. No hostage situation took place. Then, walking under the street, the path goes under the road and a car drove over us. Ana grabbed me and said it sounded like a ghost. It did sound a little like the ghosts I know. Oh boy... was I jumpy.
So, I get home and I'm telling E how spooky it all was when we hear the front door close. AAAHHH! E just lays in bed looking at me. I keep trying to push him out of bed, "Go and see what that was, go and see! Hurry!"
E gets up and starts digging around in the closet. I figure it was either B, who has met me outside in the morning before... or my father-in-law who has a key. Finally E stand up with a golf club in hand and heads out the door. I quickly grab the phone and follow. We check B's room first. He is sound asleep... Spooky! Creeping around the house we check every room and closet. Nothing. We even checked the garage and under the van. I don't know....... but nothing has happened so far. It turned out to be a pretty chilling morning.

We received a great package from Grandma and Grandpa Slade today! Brigham's moon and star curtains that Donna fixed up, Jeff Gordan teddy bears! and a gallon sized pitcher. I had bought a Pampered Chef pitcher, it turned out to be the small one and I thought I was buying the big one. D happened to hear me bemoaning the situation. Turns out that she had a big one.. so we traded! Talk about win/win.

Six years ago would anyone have ever guessed that I would want a gallon sized pitcher. My how life has its twists and turns.

Sunday --> Choir practice... People are slowly weeding themselves out by not going to the practices. They take roll of who goes every week and if you miss too many, you are not invited to sing. So, we walk up to the roll taker and a girl with us says, "Nicholson."
"Sanchez?"
"Nicholson."
"What?"
I am not sure why I thought it so funny, but Ana and I started giggling a little. Sanchez? Where on earth did she get Sanchez?

One thing that does get under my skin at choir is the constant praise of the Sopranos (sorry Sopranos of the world, I know you think you are a little better than the other voices. I don't blame you for thinking that, what for all the praise you receive.) But... has any one else figured out that the Sopranos are singing the melody? Everyone else must learn a new part. Is it any wonder that the Sopranos always know their part a little better? Hello...the Altos could use a little positive reinforcement now and then. And let's not forget the poor Basses!

Tree house mania --> On Labor Day the TH had a Pirate Party. There was face painting, a family treasure hunt, Pirate school (which we all passed with flying colors). We made pirate hats and the kids all got a baloon sword. We had a squashbuckling good time!

Today I spent three hours at the TH again. It is so fun for the kids and we do something different everytime.

ABC --> Today was "A" day. Last night I printed out 10 a's in different fonts, then taped them to objects around the house that start with A. When I got home from walking B yelled out to me from the window before I even had a chance to get inside, "Mom, we have ABC's!" He was so excited. After breakfast we went around the house writing down the words and drawing pictures of the objects. His picture of agua from the bath tub and agua from the shower was to die for. I need to make sure I get the b's up tonight.

Imagination --> B saw some kid with goggles on his head on TV. So he started talking about how if he put those on his head, then he could see in the water while he was swimming. "If you see a shark, then get out. If you see fish, then stay in. If I see an octopus I am getting out because they like to wrap their arms around me. But when I see the shark and the octopus, I will tell them that S is my sister and then they will leave her alone....." (Believe me, he goes on and on and on.)

B is also begging for a Pokemon from "Old McDonalds". When I said not today, he asked what about tomorrow. Not tomorrow either. "When it is night, then day, then night, then day, then night, then day, then night, then day?" I just laughed and told him of course!

S has realized the power of 'NO' and uses it often. Fiesty! This morning she was on her way into our bedroom when B stepped in front of her. She shoved the door, making it fly open and giving her space to walk in. The only problem was the door hit the wall and bounced back and bammed her in the head. She only stumbled a little and just kept right on marching. Fiesty!

R learned a new word today. She has added "go" to the list of no and boo (said as bow). I know it is boo because she uses it when we play peak-a-boo. You go girl!

I am off to hide B's around the house. Wath out bathroom, bed and babies. Here I come!

Lies, lies, they're all lies!

So, I must start off by correcting a huge error in what I wrote about milk in our home. We receive not nine gallons, but 17 gallons! How did we run out of milk? I have no idea!
I was supposed to take rice to the wedding fiesta on Saturday... E made it.
The Sunday School teacher asked if E would teach his class on Sunday, I said, "Of course!" ... I taught it.

Sheer craziness.

The wedding fiesta was nice. One week ago a new convert in our branch was driving to the chapel to get married. He got in an accident three blocks away from the church. We drove up on the accident and decided to stop, then I saw the bride come running up to her fiance's smashed car. She was in her wedding dress and her veil was flying out behind her. It broke everyones heart. Strangers kept coming up to her to tell her everything would be alright and wish her well. I stayed for a while and helped translate for the police and the ambulance paramedics. The bride climed in the front of the ambulance and the groom was strapped to the gurney and put in the back. It was heart wrenching to watch.

It turned out that he wasn't broken, just bruised. They ended up getting married that night at 9:30 PM instead of 5 PM. Some members of our branch were in the church and saw that the couple had no family, no party, no food etc. So they organized a fiesta for the following Saturday. The sisters decorated, we all brought food, there was music and dancing (and cake... my favorite!). It was really nice.

Tears came to my eyes when I compared it to my fiesta. My parents were there and I got to dance with Dad. There was tons of food. The music was great and Alma sang his heart out. The decorations were more than I could have asked for. It was so perfect, thanks to so many. I am really grateful for my perfect fiesta. Other than the fake candles my mother-in-law brought to put right at the entrance. She just wanted to feel a part of things.

Yesterday we also went to MZ new restaurant. She is a sister in our branch from Africa... she speaks Portugese. It was bizarre... all of the "waitresses" are the YM and YW from our ward. The food was OK but kind of coldish. It felt just like we were at a ward party. Only we had to pay $22. I told her I would help with the menus... but she never got with me. I assumed that she had gone a different avenue. The menus were hand written by the YW! Oh, boy....

Today when asked what he learned in Primary, Brigham answered, "About the tall guy who had a big stick and a kid who had a swing with rocks, and he hit him and knocked his helmet off and he killed him." One never realizes the violence in the scriptures until one sees the excitement of a small boy learning about David and Goliath or Nephi and Laban. Hmmm....

Special Delivery

Oh baby! Our Branch Pres.'s daughter had her baby this week. She is only 16 (a young 16 at that) and her boyfriend is 18. It was very sad when she got pregnant. Even worse, the YW leaders want her to feel supported so they have set her up as a hero. They are telling all of the YM and YW that they will all be aunts and uncles of the baby, since the parents are both from our YM and YW!
So, Abish goes into labor in the morning and into the hospital in the morning. Many of the YW and YM took the day off of school and their parents took them to the hospital to await the birth. Poor Abish kept asking her mom to tell the people to leave the room! Think of having your first baby, then add to that being a teen... how horrifying to be surrounded by teens, boys and girls. As Sarah says "Eeauww."
Hna. Ibarra said that McCroby (a YW leader) called and said she was on her way to pick up her daughter and take her to the hospital. Hna. I said that no, she couldn't go. Abish would not want visitors while she was in labor, and afterwards she would need to and want to rest. Hna. McCroby was angry, if you can believe that, and said that they were just trying to show support.
I just remember how tired I was... oh, poor, poor girl. And ignorant, or shall I say ignornt YW leaders and some parents. Both definitions of stupidity and rude would work in this situation.

We are slowly but surely turning into white trash, I tell you what. The other day S spilled chocolate milk all over her (and the car) on our way to a WIC appointment. We had to go in with her looking like that. While in the appointment Sarah went stinkies, shall we say, in her diaper. I took everyone into the bathroom to try and change her diaper. B recognized that it was a ladies bathroom and he, my friends, is a gentleman. He threw himself on the ground and cried that he would not go in. I grabbed him and pulled him crying into the bathroom just to find that I didn't have any S diapers, just R and L diapers. Fun times.
I am also becoming shockingly accustomed to receiving free milk from WIC. We get NINE gallons a month and we drink every drop! This month I ran out and found myself annoyed that I had to buy a gallon of milk.
We like Nascar, the whole family. B can recognize Jeff Gordon (of course as he is our families choice), Jimmy Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Tony Stewart. S just calls all Nascar drivers Jeff Gordon.
I also freely admit that I love Spam!
Dad gum! Trailer park look out, because here we come.

Oh, back to the new baby in the branch. She is really cute, by the by. Abish wanted to nurse her... but when I went to see her at 1pm she hadn't eaten since 4am. I'll bet that there are people in there all day long and Abish won't try to nurse in front of others, duh. Then her mom said, "Why are you going to nurse anyway, you are just going to go back to school..." Can you believe that?

I felt super guilty because I stopped nursing at the beginning of World Breast Feeding Month. Then to top it all off, I hear that comment to finish up World Breast Feeding Month! What about clostrum, did anybody think of that?

I went to the doctor this week and I shamefully report that all is well. I was hoping my iron was low or something, anything. I am sooo tired! I am afraid it is laziness, bummer.