On Not Being BIG!!

M is soon going to start Kindergarten. We went to her open house a few days ago and it ended with her in tears. Today as we drove to the grocery store I pointed out her elementary school as we passed by it. She refused to look at it and told me she wasn't big enough to go to Kindergarten. Not two minutes passed before I tried to cheer her up...our conversation is as follows:

Me: M, do you want to push a cart at the grocery store?

M: What kind of cart? The big one or small one?

(For the past year I have only let her push the small toddler cart. They have a bigger version for kids that is metal but I felt she was a bit small to maneuver it. She has always wanted the big metal one!)

Me: The big one!!

M: No mom, I'm not big enough for the big cart...I'm too little.

I could just see her little brain working. "Maybe if my mom thinks I'm not big enough for the cart at the store then she will realize that I'm not big enough for Kindergarten" I am sure that is the logic of a five year old...right?! I tell her she has no choice in the matter of school...after all, everyone is doing it. Isn't that what we teach our kids?!

P.S. The picture above is from the kindergarten open house. This is M's teacher and M's head at the bottom of the picture. She refused to look at the camera, let alone talk to her teacher.

Burning Rubber

Recently, we purchased an E-Z pass for our car. It is a pass that allows you to drive on all the toll roads without having to stop and pay at a toll booth. Conveniently our credit card is charged while we go though a lane passing all the other suckers stuck in the line waiting to pay! I was excited about our pass because my brother in D.C. has one and the first time I rode with him he was going really fast through the booth area and I was scared he would hit the gate before it went up. He said he has figured out how fast he can go without hitting the gate and likes scarring first timers through the toll booth. Right then and there I knew I needed an E-Z pass so I could scare all my future passengers! So, this summer my dream came true. I have a pass and my sister and I took a road trip to Boston...my perfect opportunity to illicit fear from my passenger. It ends up that most of the time cars are in front of me going through the toll booth and they slow down to the posted 5 mph speed limit. Of course I am frustrated thinking that the drivers should live a little...just go faster. My opportunity finally comes when no one is in front of me. I have to be careful so I don't hit the gate but I know 5 mph is really conservative. I decide that somewhere around 20 mph is okay and we make it through the gate. Now, my scare tactic doesn't work because my sister has driven with my brother in D.C. but the thrill of pushing the limit is still there! Well, we had a fun time in Boston and my sister has since left. Today in the mail I received a letter from the New York State Thruway Authority. They, the powers that be, have informed me that I was going 26 mph through the toll lane on Aug. 19 at 2:08 and warned that next time an infraction occurred my E-Z pass could be revoked. What? I think the punishment does not fit the crime. I think a ticket was in order...how dare I speed through a toll booth. Mr. Authority, I was just going with the flow of traffic. I guess it is nice having the pass but now where is the fun in it? How am I supposed to scare unsuspecting passengers if I know I am being watched by the Authority and I may lose the privilege of my pass? Such a sad day...but I am sure my travels will still go on. They will just be at a much slower pace!

Wordless Wednesday

Funny Girls!

It has been too long since I have blogged! Those of you who know me know about my addiction to the blogging world so you know that I have been busy! Vacation counts as busy...right?!! Today my sister left us after staying with us the past three weeks. We are going to miss her so much. She took these pictures of the girls being silly the other night. I have no idea where M gets the "see food" thing! I have so many great stories from the past few weeks so you will just have to come back and read them when I have a bit more time to post. Tonight the girls had fun playing with R. I thought it was funny that M kept telling daddy to get out the tickle monster...who in their right mind wants to be held down and tickled so much you feel like you might lose control of your bowels? I guess a five year old who loves playing with her dad!

In the bottom picuter B is saying cheese. When you tell her to smile a lot of times she says cheese, smiles, and closes her eyes.

Sleep...or lack of it!

B hasn't been sleeping well since we have been on our trip. I do feel badly for her though because she hasn't been in her own bed for quite a while. Last night after trying for two hours to get her to sleep I handed her over to my sister. It was midnight and I was losing patience. I just don't understand two year olds...I guess no one does. Well, today is a new day and little B can cry herself to sleep tonight. No more laying with her. She will go to bed and if it takes two hours of crying to go to sleep it is better than me getting upset with her again. Thanks to a good sister who finally got her to sleep last night after midnight. And here's to no more vacations for a good long time.

Busy

The past few days have been very busy for us. Aunt A is in town and we have been having a lot of fun. In the past several days we have:

*Discovered two delicious bakery's

*Made wishes at the "wishing pond"

*had a picnic at the park

*rode a carousel...twice!

*Discovered a local museum which housed some great paintings by, Degas, Van Gogh, Botticelli, Picasso...just to name a few.

*Shopping

*R and I went out for our first date sans children in a long time.

*lots of late nights talking and days filled with play

Tomorrow we're headed for Boston and Sunday to D.C. I am sure more adventure and fun is headed our way!

Is it Sunday

Today I made a roast in the crock pot for our dinner. We usually have roast beef on Sundays but it didn't work out this past Sunday so we saved it for today. M, B, and I ran a few errands and when we got home

M said "Is it Sunday"

I said "no, why?"

She replied, "It smells like Sunday"

Hmmm, nice to know Sundays have a smell!! I love my little M, she is so smart.

8 Years and Counting!!

Happy Anniversary to my best friend. Eight years ago we were married in the L.A. temple. Eight years has included so many fun memories including:

*A fun honeymoon in San Diego with the monkeys and in Nauvoo with my parents!

*Late nights of studying at BYU

* Fun dates when we were poor. Going to El Azteca in Provo and sharing the nachos and fried ice cream.

*Him telling me I complain too much and me shooting back that "I'm sick of you complaining about me complaining!"

*Learning to become our own family and taking the best of both of our families and meshing them together.

*Tons of laughs especially when a door and face is involved!

*Moving to four different states in three years! (Utah, Colorado, New York, and South Carolina)

*Having two beautiful girls and R catching B by the leg as I catapulted her from my body. (I'll tell the story some time!)

*Lots of long talks, crying and support, especially on the end of my wonderful husband!

When I was dating R I remember thinking that I couldn't love him any more than I already did. About a week after I thought that I realized that I loved him more than I had the week before. I have loved him for nearly nine years and know that my love for him will continue to grow with time. Thanks for being my best friend, my best supporter, and the best husband I could have hoped for! (since you were better than what I dreamed of!) Here's to many eternities of loving you!

Wonder

When we were in California I took M to Disneyland for the first time. One of the things she wanted to do was to see the princesses. I was hoping we would just run into some of them but that was not the case. We decided to watch the parade in the evening and M was so excited to see the princesses in real life. She had this look of WONDER about her throughout the whole parade. I am so happy we stumbled on the parade because it was her favorite thing of the day. I am not a huge fan of crowded amusement parks (I think it runs in my family!) but I would do it over again a thousand times to see her face light up like it did! I love my little M.

My Brother is Cool!!

Just a shout out to my brother J...he is so fun. We were just able to spend time with my whole family (minus S and his family whom we missed) and had so much fun. I will try to catch up over the next several days. J was the photographer on the hike some of the fam went on. He is always good to have around and makes everyone around him happy. I wish we could live closer to him and his cute family. By the way, I asked him if I could put a picture of his eyebrows on my blog and this is the pose he gave me! He has vitiligo and woke up one morning to find one of his eyebrows had changed color. I think it looks pretty neat if I do say so myself. Thanks to all my brothers, sisters, parents, and every other family member who made our vacation fun. We love you and miss you!

Comming Home

We have been on vacation for almost three weeks now. It is so nice to be around family and friends. I am excited to go home and yet I feel an overwhelming sense of loss. Why can't I live next to everyone I love? Why can't it just be easier. I want M and B to know their cousins and be friends with them. I always wanted this for me and it never happened. When I met R and saw how much he was friends with his cousins I decided I wanted the same for my children. I just wish life was sometimes easier. I love our friends where we live but why can't we all be a little closer to each other?!

Happy

I was going through some pictures on my parents computer and found this from Christmas two years ago. I like this picture because I am missing R since he is in the mountains with the rest of the men (and S of course...shout out to you for considering sleeping on the ground vacation!!!) I also thought about how I was trying to hid behind R in the picture because I was so fat. I look back on this now and realize I am not fat at all. Why can't I just be happy with what I have!?

Colorado

Colorado is so beautiful!! There is so much to do in such a close proximity. I have gone for walks almost everyday and they have been fun. It is nice to have good conversation while walking but it also helps to have beautiful scenery to be a part of! Today we went to the Garden of the Gods which is breath taking. We went seven years ago when we lived here. I have always remembered how beautiful it was and was glad to go back and get some great pictures! (I'll post them in a few days) I won't be near the computer for a few days but will try to post a few pictures when I get to my new destination. Hope all my friends at home are doing well!

Vacation

So today is my last day to get ready for our vacation. I have been running errands for so many days now I feel sick of shopping. (yes, I did say I didn't feel like shopping, just give me a day or two!) I am excited to catch up with family and friends. I I will try to blog along the way but please excuse me if I'm not as diligent as I have been! Bon Voyage all.

Addicted

I think B is a true Elmo addict. When we walk by the toy sections in stores she screams out "melmo, melmo" thinking I will go find something with Elmo on it for her to play with while shopping. He stash of elmo toys includes:

-talking stuffed elmo doll

-elmo purse with all the fillings (phone, keys, lipstick, etc.)

-Elmo shirt which I have to hide when it is dirty because she would wear it everyday.

-Elmo books

-Elmo Birthday cakes

-Elmo vibrating chair ( I don't know who thought of putting a vibrator in a kids toy...not so smart!)

-Elmo underwear (even though B isn't yet potty trained)

-Elmo DVD's

-Elmo figurines

-Elmo backpack

-Elmo diapers

-Elmo aqua doodle

Elmo is the first t.v./movie character that B has recognized and asks for. I don't know if I started her addiction or just enable her. She is a cute little girl and I am sure there are worse addictions to have!

Stress!!

Stress. It's a word used a lot in my family, especially by the females. I seem to use the word a lot to since M will sometimes ask if I am stressed out! The latest thing causing me stress is our upcoming vacation. What is the point of vacation if it makes you stress? I guess the vacation won't be stressful...it's all the planning, getting ready, and anticipation that is stressful. Can I just say how much I hate flying across the country with children?! M is at the age where she does really well and I have no worries with her. B on the other hand is enough to keep me up at night with worry! She is such a cutie but she definitely has an opinion on everything and doesn't mind letting the whole world know! I bought her an elmo back pack to fill with new and exciting toys so hopefully that will keep her busy for awhile! Other than the airplane ride and all the laundry/packing left to do before our trip I am super excited to go and see family and friends. See ya soon!

Target

Can I just express how much I love Target...it might actually classify as an addiction. (I know it's wordless Wednesday but you all know I can't go wordless for long!) Last night I went and got a pedicure with a good friend and then went shopping at Target for two hours. Two hours you say! Yes, I had no children with me!! My dear husband took them so I could go run errands and get myself some new clothes before our upcoming trip! Let me count the ways/reasons I love Target.
1. Cute clothes, low prices!
2. The Dollar Spot!
3. The snack bar...when I do have the girls with me I pick them up a cookie to entertain them while shopping.
4. Cute scrapbook supplies. (The Northeast is seriously lacking in this area)
5. End of the aisle red tag sales...gotta love them.
6. Jewelry. My friend C got me liking jewelry and I really love having a variety of it that is not expensive.
7. Clearance...last night I got several pairs of boys sneakers for $3.74, two pair of women's sneakers for $6.24, and three watches for $3.74. (All to be donated to a charity in Haiti!)
8. Archer Farms and Choxie Products...yum
9. Great Furniture at reasonable prices. (Love the Global Bizarre...might have to look and wait for the sale, but persistence pays off)
10.Great kids clothing. The girls can always look fashionable without paying the price.

Thanks for letting me rave about one of my favorite stores. It took me awhile to discover the beauty of Target but now I look forward to my weekly trip(s) there. (Did I mention R doesn't look forward to the same trip!)

Wordless Wednesday

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

B likes to be outside but hates having the sun in her eyes. We try to make it as comfortable as possible for her!

Sunday Shoes #3 Show Stoppers

Well, I don't own these shoes but I think it would be nice to! Wouldn't they look super cute with a black dress or with jeans. Maybe someday. They are made by Kenneth Cole and I love his shoes! And wouldn't they look great with tan feet?!!! We all know how much I love tan feet!

Happy Birthday to me!! Yes it is the 13th and it is a Friday. I was born on a Friday the 13th and married on a Friday the 13th...nothing but luck here. I had a great day and will post more about it later. B sat on my lap while everyone sang happy birthday...I think she thought they were singing to her!

C, M, and K are so cute and helped make my birthday a special one. R did such a great job on presents...I'll let your know about those tomorrow. For now, I'm headed for bed.

Christmas in July!!

Thanks aunt A for the fun hats and scarves! We also love the books. Who doesn't love getting a fun package in the mail?!! (my smile is a bit off because my face is a bit numb...i just got back from the dentist, yuck!)

Wordless Wednesday

Learning to Swim!!

These Two books + Me = ...













THIS!!

For the past three days I haven't done much besides read! I love reading but when I do, my house work goes by the way side. I can't just read a chapter at a time when reading a good book, I have to know what happens next! These books by Kahled Hosseini are excellent reads. I thought the first book was a memoir up until I was two thirds of the way done with the book. He brought up feelings and emotions in me that not many authors are able to do. At one point during The Kite Runner I felt sick to my stomach because of what was happening to the boy in the book. I learned a lot about different perspectives and a different culture. I know it is just bits and pieces of the culture, but it is more than I knew a few days ago. Now I am left with five loads of clean clothes to fold, (at least they are clean) but I did read two great books! (Mom, if you're reading this, sorry about all the clean clothes everywhere! I know you would have them folded by now...but it is, after all, my least favorite chore!)

Excuses

Today when putting M down for a nap our conversation went a bit like this...

M-Mom, I don't want to take a nap

Me-We're all taking naps today. We stayed up way too late last night and had to get up early today.

M-But mom, remember why I can't take a nap?

Me- No M, why can't you take a nap?

M- Remember mom, my hair will get messy if I take a nap.

Me- No it won't, now go to sleep!

M hasn't had naps regularly for some time and really didn't feel she needed one today. I came up with the idea and I give her credit for coming up with a rather creative excuse to get out of sleeping!

Little Fish

Today was the first day of M's swim lessons! She is in the same class with her friend K. Her other friends, C, M, and N are also taking lessons, but are in different levels than she is in. It was so much fun watching the kids, even though it was pretty early in the a.m. (I guess early for us...9 a.m.) M and K were so cute holding hands while going with their teacher for the first time. It is so nice knowing your children have such good friends!



I don't think B was thrilled to be left out of the festivities but she is still a bit too young for the classes. Maybe next year B. This year you will have to be content to sit and play with J in you stroller. It's funny to watch them because both the little ones are so feisty. Neither of them will back down from each other. J will touch B's stroller and she will scream and hit him off, and then she will touch his stroller and he will do the same to her! I know B loves J and gets so excited to see him. I guess they just need their personal space, especially so early in the morning. Next year they will be able to join in the swimming fun!

Sunday Shoes #2 Red Hots

So these are my newest pair of red shoes (notice not my first, my fourth) I love red shoes and think they go with just about anything. These shoes are so comfortable and I can wear them for hours with no complaint. They kind of remind me of shoes my mom wore in the eighties, which I like. The shape also reminds me a bit of bowling shoes in a strange way. I love this latest installment in my collection of shoes. They are probably my favorite, at least for today.

Mice and Frogs and Deer! Oh My!

So in the past couple of days I have noticed a plethora of critters while I have been out driving. I have seen ground hogs, mice, frogs, fireflies, chipmunks, and deer. Within the past few weeks I've come close to hitting some of these little guys. Others have not been so lucky and have encountered an untimely death under the wheel of my van. (Sorry little chipmunk and froggy) When I ran over the chipmunk I let out a yelp that startled M. I had to pretend like I didn't hit the poor creature as to not traumatize her. I guess where I grew up in southern California there weren't as many little animals that ran out onto roads. I think you are more likely to see a high speed chase in socal than to see a deer grazing on the weeds along side the 405. I like all the nature surrounding me but I really don't like seeing all the dead carcasses along the roads. It is fascinating to know all those creatures are out there...but please, stay off the roads little animals!

Cute Dolls

Just some recent pictures of my cute little dollies!