The Peterson Family

Jelly Belly, Camping, and Surfing Oh my!

2009-07-22T10:05:00.001-07:00

My mom and my cousin Sydnie came to visit us after our fast trip to OC. While they were here we went to the Jelly Belly Factory, the girls camped in the backyard and they went to "Dream Extreme" which is an indoor wave machine.

Swimming at the Lee's house

2009-07-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

Our friends Katherine and Steve Lee live in Bakersfield, and on this trip to OC we stopped to visit them so that we could break the drive up. Here are some pictures of the girls swimming in their pool.

Trip to OC/July 2009

2009-07-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some random pictures of the kids playing in the backyard at my sister Jennifer's house.

Avery and Brendon playing tag.

This is little Logan. So cute!

Avery and Brendon playing in the little pool.

All the grandkids on the "Nowack" side of the family. Savannah 11, Brendon 4, Avery 3 and Logan 5mo.

Avery's new haircut

2009-07-22T09:32:00.001-07:00

I was getting tired of Avery taking her out of her ponytail everyday because it's summer and she loves to go swim. So I made a comment one Sunday afternoon that I would like to cut her hair because it looks so "ratty" when she pulls it out. Next thing I knew she was upstairs and brought down my haircutting box and said, "Here is the stuff to cut my hair." So, here is the finished product.

Avery playing with her cousin Brendon

2009-07-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

Grandma, Grandpa and cousin Brendon all came in town from Utah for Savannah's 6th grade promotion. Here are some pictures of Avery and her cousin playing. They have so much fun together. I wish they lived closer.

The trash man came while we were out playing and he got out of his truck and brought the kids lollipops.

Savannah's 6th grade Promotion

2009-07-22T09:24:00.001-07:00

Where has the time gone. Savannah is 11 now almost turning 12 and has promoted from 6th grade and will be moving on to Junior High. Scary!

Savannah gets award for 4.0 grade average

2009-07-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is Mr. Sutter, Savannah's 6th grade teacher.

Here are some of Savannah's other classmates that got a 4.0 grade average also. To the left in turquoise is her good friend Hannah Montgomery.

While the cats away.................

2009-06-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

The rat came out to play...........

I'm sure the cannery can't wait to have his busy little body back there working.

The Fair.

A massage.

My sister in law Amanda sent me these pictures with that exact caption. I am glad my husband worked so hard while the girls and I were gone in Utah. :)

2009 Fun Run

2009-05-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

This year at Savannah's Elementary school, all the Fun Run proceeds when to "Locks of Love."

This was a charity that was very near and dear to the school this year as the Secretary of attendance for the school was diagnosed with cancer and has missed most of the school year. The kids love Mrs. Rohlfing and she is greatly missed on campus.

Every year the kids are the ones to design the shirts for the Fun Run. This year Savannah's design won and was placed on all the kids t-shirs. She was so proud.

Our trip to Orange County

2009-05-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

We went down for a quick trip to OC in February for Eric's sister, Jessica, who was graduating from Sargeants school in the Marine Corps.

After the Graduation we spent a few days with Aunt Kathy at her house in Fallbrook. The girls loved the horses AND Savannah especially loved being able to drive the golf cart around the property. A kids dream!

Jennifer's baby Logan

2009-05-02T12:28:00.001-07:00

My sister Jennifer had her baby in February when we went there to visit. Here a couple pictures of him in the hospital with the girls, and another one my sister sent. So cute!
His name is Logan Charles Adams

Avery my little "Fashion Diva"

2009-05-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

This is the cute little outfit she finally decided upon after trying on about 6 other outfits and throwing them all on her floor.

Avery's first day of preschool

2009-05-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

The Prophets B's

2009-05-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

Here is Avery being Savannah's little helper as she gives the FHE lesson President Hinckley's B's.

First day of Gymnastics class

2009-05-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

This was the first day of Avery's gymnastics class. We had a really fun time sitting and doing nothing but watch all the other little girls have fun for 6 weeks. Poor Avery! Just too shy to participate.

Ducks with cousins

2009-05-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

Avery loves to feed to ducks, or all animals for that matter. Anyways this day we went with Cousins. Notice the duck with the red eyes. They nicknamed him the "Evil duck"

Gratitude for my life although not perfect

2009-04-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

It has been along time since I have posted, and I do have pictures and things to post about, but for right now, I wanted to just write about this blog that I read.

It is about a family from Arizona. (Although they have since sold their house and have moved to Utah) The mom and dad were in a near fatal plane crash. The dad has done really well recovering from his wounds, but the mother has had a rougher time as she was burned more severely. She has 4 young kids and now she uses her blog to update everyone on her recovery.

Anyways, she is an excellent writer and many of her posts are so heartfelt. This morning I was catching up on some of her posts as I have not read anything for almost a month. I spent the morning crying and felt so grateful for my life even though there are always things you wish were different.

You have to read these posts. April 6, March 31, and March 23.

I think the one from the 23rd made me cry the most, but they were all touching. Start with the April one and go back. In her post on the 23rd, she writes about Lucy, who her kids call mom. This is a family member who has helped raise the kids while she was in the hospital fighting for her life.
http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Try to imagine being in her shoes, and being her young children. Heartbreaking. I was so full of love and gratitude this morning. I was grateful for the small things like being able to pick up my little one and hold her.

Then, I went out the garage to vacuum out my car and clean it out and my little one let the dog out and our dog runs the street when she get's out. I found myself losing all of the feelings of gratitude I felt this morning and reverting back to my old self.

I came in, re read Nie Nie's posts, cried all over again, and realized that I am so thankful to be a mother and I don't want to take any of that for granted. BTW my little one is sitting here at my side trying to bang on the keyboard while I type and she is whining she is hungry. I have a smile and I am loving it!

Stephanie Nielsons posts:

Monday, April 06, 2009

Nie: on being alone
Lying on my bed tonight I type to the sound of the dryer pounding away. My room is musty. Mr. Nielson just bathed Jimmy tonight and he is now curled up near my side of the bed drying.He stinks.I returned home from another day at the hospital. My burn therapists and doctor examined my body like it were a piece of meat. Jabbing poking, peeling and smelling my wounds. My doctor spoke of my upcoming surgery in two weeks.That news hurts my ears.During the examination my eyes would sneak from my doctor to Mr. Nielson sitting near the bed I was laying on. He was there and that was all that mattered. I felt comfort in knowing he was there to help me make hard decisions and care for me the way I needed. I would never be alone with him near by. You know how sometimes you can be in a room with a million people and yet feel so alone. Never with My Mr. Nielson. And that is how it should be.We are really good for eachother.Sometimes we say the exact same things at the same time, like today we both said mouthwatering at the same exact time. Who says that word (besides a commercial for shrimp or something like that) let alone at the same time!?It's awesome.I got a plate of homemade oreo cookies today. It was a beautiful treat and they were delicious. My cousin Katie brought her famous chocolate/chocolate cookies yesterday. Another beautiful moment. But best of all, I got a hand-written note from her and him...my favorite second cousin and one of my beloved friends announced their engagement. Very exciting. I hope I am invited to the wedding(I'll come to NYC, I will!! on a train though)Now, the children are in bed. It's my turn.My mind will now reflect on life before me as I lay in the dark. I will think about my upcoming surgery. I will think about how I may be down for weeks. Burns are a very difficult balance. Just when you think you are making steps forward you take some back while you are at it. It makes me nervous thinking that all this progress I have made will have been for nothing being laid up with more surgery. But I am reminded and tenderly assured that I am not alone.That is truth beyond measure.I remember as our plane violently crashed to the ground, I tucked my head down on my knees and prayed. I was not alone then. I felt rather calm in a very troubled moment which seemed to last forever. The plane whistled fast downward and in my head I saw my children. I saw them laughing and smiling. It was touching in such a dramatic time yet another peaceful reminder that I was not alone then, and certainly not now.I am grateful for my relationship with my Maker. He has preserved my life, given me a second chance and presented me with new challenges that I am ready to face here on this beautiful earth. All that I am is for my children and for my husband but espcially to my Father in heaven. I am trying to live selfless in a selfish world and it is hard, espcially when I'm the one with the problems.I feel your thoughts and prayers and I certainly know I am never, ever alone.Thank you.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Feeling good.
Its been awhile since I posted. I should post more often since I've been feeling good these past couple days. By feeling good, I mean eating some good quality chocolate, spectacular Mexican food, and love e-mails from so many people. It helps.But what really has helped has been my faith (that I am trying to muster up everyday) in my recovery process.It is the prayers on my behalf and the solid love my family, particularly Mr. Nielson has given me everyday. I will now happily name a few reasons why I am feeling good. They are also called "second firsts" to me- like, I have been able to wipe myself (and everything that entails). Showers are becoming easier, preparing food-well, OK like pouring the milk in the cereal seems doable enough. I am definitely getting better.This past weekend, we were invited to "5 guys burgers and fries" family/friend party. I invited my brother Andrew, his wife Megan and their children. Boy was it hopping. They just opened up in Orem. The fries were endless. A dinner dream come true. Everyone was so kind and that place is very kid-friendly, another dream come true. Andrew said the burger was "awesome". Since I don't eat meat I had to get an opinion. When you go, (because you should) ask for "Jeff".A delightful piece of chocolate cake was shared after hours at another restaurant with Andrew and Meg while their oldest babysat the gang. (thanks chick!)This evening, Mr. Nielson finished up our wallpaper in the entry-way. It looks fantastic. As he was working a whiny Nicholas pulled on his pant leg repeating something over and over again. I could tell my sweet husband was getting frustrated and Nicholas sensed it as well. He started crying and that's when I came in. I told the little man to follow me to the couch where he climbed up and I gently PICKED HIM UP!! Folks, did you hear that!It was another personal wonder in my recovery book.It is a detail in a mothers life that seems very everyday, but for me, it kept me up at night after the accident. I couldn't see myself ever being able to do that again.He lay his head down on my bony shoulder as I walked around the house once.(maybe twice next week?!)After I couldn't hold the little cherub anymore, I sat down holding him. My heart nearly jumped out of my skin. I was so privately pleased with myself (and also because Nic is a very heavy kid).I helped the girls do homework and Oliver asked me to itch his back-I think we all need a good itchin' now and then don't you?Spiritual Enlightenment...go here.Everything is going to be OK. I know it.

Monday, March 23, 2009

A mother.
Last week was hard. I mean like every breath was painful with sadness and depression and I was feeling slightly misunderstood.When the sun fades my heart sinks. Nights are hard.One night in particular was hard. Looking in the mirror gives me instant frustration because the questions begin in my head like: Who am I? Is this what I will look like forever? Will I ever truly love the way I look again? Do I love myself? Then I cry. Then Mr. Nielson holds me tight and repeats loving and calming words that slowly work their way in.A cry downstairs. Must be Nicholas. I look at Mr. Nielson and tell him I really want to go and put him back to dreamland. My boys devour Christian all day long like he were a ice cream cone. They can never get enough. I used to be that ice cream cone. The accident changed that. Getting Ollie to hug me is like pulling teeth. Nicholas wont have anything to do with me so when he began to cry I jumped at the opportunity to lay beside him.Tears dropped as I walked down the stairs to the boys room- anything could happen. He could scream for his Dad or mom (lucy) and push me away. Inside Nicholas sat up next to a sleeping brother (who by the way was wearing a Zorro mask) I lay beside him on he bed repeating soft words to him just as Mr. Nielson had done for me moments earlier.Nicholas cuddled up to me. He stopped crying. I was shocked. For a moment I felt like myself-a mother. I think that cured our relationship.Just today he asked for his mommy then curled up on my lap, rubbed my scar filled face and said to me:"bites mommy...ouch"Now he likes me. Just like that. It just takes one day at a time.Saturday I woke up and I was happy. My body felt like it was full of sunshine. No pain. I got up early and said my prayers then I turned on my music and opened the blinds. I ate breakfast with Nicholas while the other sleepy-heads slowly walked up the stairs for their morning nutrients.Again it happened, I felt like a mother. It's coming back.

Valentines Day

2009-02-14T15:03:00.001-08:00

The girls at the breakfast table.

Daddy dancing to his card.."You're simple the best. Better than all the rest."

My gift from Savannah. This was rolled up and wrapped in about 9 seperate pieces of tissue paper.

Can you roller blade and scooter at the same time...

2009-02-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

Avery is attempting it..............

Mom, I did it all by myself..

2009-02-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I thought I would let Avery try to do the bagel all by herself. She is actually pretty good at doing alot of things. So, since she already knows how to toast the bagel, lets see how well she spreads the cream cheese.

Some may say she WAY passed! Others, including her Mom, say she still needs a little help.

Why did Jesus leave this...

2009-02-10T21:09:00.001-08:00

The other day when Avery was emptying the dishwasher she said something about this skewer and Jesus, but I dismissed it until today. She was putting the can opener away while we were preparing dinner and saw the skewer in the drawer and said:

Avery "Why did Jesus leave this at our house?"

Mom "What is that?"

Avery "A candy cane."

Mom "What does Jesus do with a candy cane?"

Avery "He holds it in his hand."

I think she is remembering at Christmastime when we talked about the signs of Christmas and the candy cane that represented the shepherds. It's cute that she can picture in her little mind this skewer representing something that Jesus would have held.

The Quick Cleaners

2009-02-10T09:02:00.001-08:00

I am beginning to really like it when Savannah has friends over. They get her to work harder than normal. So, yesterday I found this sign hanging in the kitchen.

So, I got my living room and family room carpets vacuumed. I got all the tile up the entry way in to the kitchen and family area and bathroom all vacuumed and mopped, and I got the downstairs bathroom cleaned as well as just a couple of small odd things.

What did this cost me?? The cost of the two of them having lunch at Carl's Jr. They spent around $11-$12. It was worth it to me!

Lesson on getting along..

2009-02-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

It seems like Savannah and Avery have been arguing much more lately than normal. It does not happen daily, but it happens enough where I have noticed a difference in how they speak with one another, so I was trying to nip it in the bud.

Tonight I had a discussion with them from Mosiah 4:14
"And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel with one another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness."

So, I discussed with them my role as a parent, and how I need to teach them ways that they can better handle situations that arise, so that they do not fight and quarrel with one another. We role played many scenarios where Avery might do something to upset Savannah and then I reacted in 2 different ways to let her see the difference of how situations could be handled better. I think the points were well received. I thought that if Savannah knew that it was in the scriptures that we are not to fight and quarrel that she would be much more mindful of her reactions to her sister.

We discussed how satan wants us to be unhappy and fight and quarrel. That makes him happy. But we do not serve satan, we serve our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and there way is better and leads to peace and happiness.

Hopefully, things will go better. Not perfect, but better.

Randomness......

2009-02-05T19:23:00.001-08:00

Scary with his cool orange ING sunglasses.

Daddy helping Avery climb a tree.

Savannah's soccer team at year end party.

Savannah with her coach.

Sister Abakite

2009-02-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Savannah with Sister Abakite. We have fallen in love with this missionary. We love all the missionaries, but this one we just developed a special bond with. Eric told her we will go visit her island when she gets off her mission in 18months. She was CRAZY excited. So Kirbati (pronounced Kirabas), here we come!

Here is a little glimpse in to her life and living arrangements. I loved it when she would always want to sit on our floor because they don't really have chairs and couches where she is from, and she would complain about how much her back hurts from sleeping on a mattress. She is used to sleeping on the ground and they use leaves to make "cushiony" mats to sleep on. She would talk about how they like to just go out fishing and then eat the fish raw. Such simplicity. So gross to me, but so simple. When she got sick on her mission, we wanted to take her a little treat, and I almost went to the store and just bought a raw fish to give her because she was really missing that.

I am just in love with the humility and am so fascinated with the difference in the way of life. We are so richly blessed here in America. Our house is like a palace to her.

Alexandra's Baptism Day

2009-02-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 31, 2009, My friend Alexandra decided to get baptized. It was a wonderful day! What a sacrifice she made to join our church. Her father told her that she would be taken off their family bible and that he would not speak to her again, but she knows that it was the right thing to do to join the church anyways. I am so proud of her for her strength. This is a picture of Alexandra with her kids Benito and Cevanna, our family and the Sister missionaries that taught her, Sister Turley and Sister Abakite.

Savannah's first sewing project

2009-02-05T16:44:00.000-08:00

She did such a good job sewing straight lines. I was very impressed. She did this all by herself. We did have to undo some of the stitching when she was sewing on the trim because it got a little crooked, but other than that, this pillowcase if perfect. (It even has french seams)

Here is Avery's pillowcase. Notice she picked out helecopter fabric. Mom had to sew hers though. Here she is showing it off.

My sweet daughters.

2009-02-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

This is what I found yesterday morning as I went in to the bathroom to get dressed for the day.
I love to get their random little notes. Most of the time they are sitting on our pillowcases when we go to bed, so this was a sweet surprise.

"Mom, Do I look pretty?"

2009-01-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

How could I possibly say anything other than, "Yes, you look beautiful."

A bib?

2009-01-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

Avery felt like the dog needed a bib on today before she ate her food.

My downstairs Baseboards are clean!!

2009-01-17T21:47:00.000-08:00

Today Savannah had a friend over and they were dying to ride their scooters up to Carl's Jr for lunch. I was a little hesitant at letting them go up to the Carl's Jr, but Eric thought they would be fine as long as they took a cell phone........

The problem was they didn't have enough money to buy lunch. They had managed to scrape up about $3-$4 though somehow and then came down begging to do some chores around the house to make some more money.

How could I turn that down. I filled up 2 buckets with soapy water a washcloth and a scrub brush, and off the two of them went to clean the baseboards. (Isn't it only fair that kids do this anyways because they are closer to the ground.)

I paid them $5. I don't know if I was cheap or generous...but they were happy. (I would never clean baseboards for $5)

Anyways they came home and said they enjoyed sharing a 9pc chicken stars, a large fry and a shake.

Carl's Jr is so expensive! They were happy though, and that is all that counts. AND I am happy because I have clean baseboards.

Welcome Kale'a Nikole Quinn

2009-01-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

My new little Niece was born on Tuesday to Alysia and Sean Quinn. (This is Eric's sister)

She was 5lb 13oz and 19" long.

Okay, I have to say this absolutely gives me that itch to possibly want one more. How could I be guaranteed a boy?

She is so little and cute. I can't wait to hold her. Too bad they live in Idaho.

ERIC

2009-01-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

**Isn't that first paragraph totally Eric**

You Are Gracious and Amicable

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.

You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.

You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.

You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.

You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.

A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

JANIS

2009-01-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

You Are Level-Headed and Trustworthy

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.

You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.

You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.

You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.

You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.

You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.

You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.

You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Avery learned a new Primary song...

2009-01-11T12:45:00.001-08:00

This song has been being sung since we walked in the door. It is so funny how they pick up on those catchy phrases.

Again, no it is not the normal to have a bike in the house banging in to furniture. It was just another reason to pull the camera out to see her singing as she was going "onward" on her bike.

Thank you to everyone who is giving Avery new experiences in Big Primary this year. Thank you to her new teachers, Brother and Sister Stewart who have been fabulous with her and to Sister Lewis who is so great with music.

Thank you also to her old teacher in Nursery, Sister Old Mc Donald, who she loved. We were pointing out to Avery her new teacher during Sacrament meeting the first Sunday back in January, and she said, "I don't want that teacher. I want sisser Old Mc Donald."

We are grateful to everyone who puts the time in to teach our kids at church.

Christmas

2009-01-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

HOW VERY SAD! NOT ONE PICTURE FROM CHRISTMAS EVE OR DAY!

It was a wonderful Christmas though. Avery was so fun this season. She was excited at everything. She is at the perfect age for taking in all the fun of Christmas.

We spent Christmas eve with our friends, Scott and Jennifer Martin. They were having the missionaries for dinner and we joined them with our friend Alexandra. After dinner we did 2 nativity readings. One we just about killed all the songs we sang, but we had a good laugh. When we got home, the girls got to open up their jammies and off to bed they went.

Christmas morning we woke up and the girls got to open up their stockings. We had a breakfast of stickey buns and abelskivers.

Our family's favorite Christmas story is The Christmas Orange. I decided this year that I would give Savannah an Orange in her stocking and have her fill out a sheet I made before she could continue with opening presents. I think it was a nice reflection for her that morning to contemplate the many blessings she enjoys in her life. Below is the form she filled out.

Savannah got a Nintendo DS for Christmas and her stocking. She got money from Grandma and Grandpa, a gift card to Target and a Webkinz from Nana, and a Webkinz from her cousin.

Avery got a stroller from Grandma and Grandpa that she just adores, and a medical kit from her sister, plus her stocking. I had 2 other gifts for her under the tree, but she was so happy with her other gifts that I returned one of them, and I am saving the other for her Easter basket. She also got a helecopter from Nana. She is one happy camper. Since Savannah got a DS, she gave Avery her Nintendo advance gameboy, and Avery loves it and goes around calling it her "DS."

I am thankful for this holiday season and for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for my parents who kept Christmas simple and instilled in me an attitude of keeping the season simple. I am thankful for my husband and children who are grateful and appreciative for the things they do receive, even though the numbers of presents may be few and the amount may not be lavish. I feel like I am so blessed and I am so happy to have the husband and children that I do. What more could I want for Christmas? (Oh yeah! A dining room table)

Avery Miscellaneous

2009-01-03T11:32:00.001-08:00

This is a picture of Avery who came downstairs so proud of herself because she said, "Look Mom, I can braid all by myself." She had the rubber band all ready for me to put on the end to finish it off.

This is a picture of one of the nativity sets on our entry table. I always would move the figures out a bit, only to find them right up against the edge of the stable again. I think AVERY thought they couldn't see baby Jesus how I had them. So, I ended up just leaving it this way.

The Bell Family

2009-01-03T11:12:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of Eric's sister Larissa (in black) and the family that adopted her little girl Thalia. Larissa did a wonderful job picking this family for her little girl. The family looks just like Thalia and they are totally in LOVE with her.

The Bell family is from Oregon and they have been wonderful in sending pictures to Larissa and this Christmas they even came to California to meet all of Larisssa's family. It was a great evening.

Thalia was certainly an answer to prayer for this great family, and she is going to have a wonderful life.

Auntie Amanda gets married

2009-01-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

On November 22nd, Eric's sister was married at the Sacramento California Temple. Here are some pictures of the wonderful day.

Christmas Sunday...Before and After

2008-12-27T09:28:00.000-08:00

This is what the girls looked liked when they woke up...

This is what the girls looked like as we walked out the door to church..

So cute! Notice that Avery's little dress came with a matching dress for her dolly. I couldn't resist it when I saw it.

The answer is 15...

2008-12-21T22:01:00.000-08:00

How many "Clorox Disinfecting Wipes" does it take for a 3yr old to wipe her bottom all by herself and get the toilet clogged so it won't flush?

Yes, that would be 15.

It has been a couple of months since I have used the flushable wipes with Avery. So, imagine by surprise the day she is calling me to the bathroom because the toilet "wont work."

I was proud of her for trying to wipe herself though. (By the way the clorox wipes are kept in a hanging basket on the door. I have since moved them up to a higher basket.)

Alexandra has agreed to be baptized.

2008-12-21T21:59:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful night with 4 sister missionaries, and I think they were surprised at how often Alexandra reads the Book of Mormon and how ready she is for the Gospel. They asked her if she could commit to baptism on January 3rd. Alexandra was surprised at the offer because she thought she was suppose to study the Gospel and know EVERYTHING before she could be baptized. She was really excited to learn that once she felt like the Book of Mormon was true that she could get baptized. The missionaries explained to her that this is just a step, and now she will have the Gospel, the Holy Ghost, and she will continue to learn and grow "line upon line, precept upon precept."It was a wonderful night.

Her baptism will not be on the 3rd though, because that is not the week that she has her kids and she wants her kids at her baptism.

The Field is White Already to Harvest....

2008-12-11T19:21:00.000-08:00

I have to say that I feel like the Lord is using me as an instrument in his hands yet again.

Back when we were in the Laguna Creek 2nd ward when it was HUGE and bursting at the seams, I was in the Relief Society Presidency. I was over Enrichment nights. There was a gal in our ward name Kelli Edson who would bring a lady from Germany with her. Her name was Alexandra. She loved coming to church and really felt the spirit but was threatened by her husband and his family, who are Catholic, to stop going to our church. In the meantime she stopped talking with the missionaries and Kelli had since moved to another state.

It was over a year ago and I was at the park with my family and Alexandra was there. She recognized me immediately and spoke to me about how much she missed the church and how much her kids missed primary. She said she felt so much peace and happiness when she would go to our church.

We exchanged emails and phone numbers and have kept in contact off and on over the year.

About 2 months ago, I saw who I thought was Alexandra on my street, but I didn't stop because I wasn't for sure it was her or not. After a couple of days it was really on my mind and I wasn't getting any responses to emails I sent her.

I finally went to the house that I saw her at, and come to find out, her in-laws are my neighbors and they babysit her kids after school.

This is not a coincidence that we have moved on to this street. The Lord has put us Alexandra in my path yet again.

She came over to my house the other day (while I was horribly busy with the wedding and my family just getting in to town) and she was crying and just needed someone to talk to. She is in the middle of a divorce and she works for her in-laws. It doesn't make for a great situation for her. Anyways, I told her that we would pray for her and for opportunities that she may find another place for employment and that she would have the courage to stand up for herself and to do the things that make her happy and to not feel bullied in to making certain choices because she is afraid for her job.

She called just the other day and told me that her ex husband has agreed to the 50/50 custody and visitation and he told her that if she wanted to attend the Mormon church he was not going to give her a hard time. She was so happy and so at peace.

She is so excited to start coming to church again, and I am so happy for her!

Christmas Elf

2008-12-08T08:58:00.001-08:00

Eric's Mom bought us this last year and the girls have really enjoyed it. The girls named the elf "Bubbles."

They can talk to the Elf and give him messages for Santa, but they cannot touch him and he cannot talk to the kids.

Every night, the elf fly's back to Santa and tells Santa whether the kids have been naughty or nice and gives Santa any messages from the kids.

Then he fly's back and lands in a new place for the kids to find him each day.
It is a fun little tradition.

**More Christmas traditions**

We wrap up books both sprititual and non spiritual, then each night the girls get to pick a book each and unwrap it so we can read it. (I have to be honest and tell you that this year I did not wrap the books though. TOO lazy. The girls are still having fun going through the basket and picking a book to read though.)

We read a scripture, sing a hymn and read a story each night for the 24 days of Christmas.

We make Jesus a birthday cake or cupcakes (normally cupcakes) to sing to him for his birthday. The girls get to blow out the candles. It is just a fun way to remind the kids what Christmas is about.

Every Christmas eve we read the account of the Saviors birth from Luke and sing hymns.

Every Christmas eve the kids get to open up 1 present. It is always their Christmas jammies. This way they have new warm jammies to sleep in and they look cute the next day for pictures. :)~

Skate Park

2008-12-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

We went to the skate park tonight with Uncle Steve and a couple of cousins. They have been teaching Savannah to "drop in" the bowl at the skate park.

Here is Savannah doing it how it should be done........

Here is Eric......OOPS!

Savannah doing another "drop in." She is going up the banks the shorter distance and is going back and forth up each side. You really have to watch for the light helmet to see her going back and forth because it was very dark out there, even with our lantern.

Here is Eric again...He really is trying. Too bad I missed his 3rd attempt which was the fall that has him in pain this morning.

The girls dancing

2008-12-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Savannah is our un-shy and total performer.

Avery on the other hand is our more shy child. This morning they were dancing to the Hallmark snowmen that sing. Avery let me come in and video tape her. This is my first ever video of her dancing.

Meet Carl.

2008-12-04T17:24:00.001-08:00

Here is the newest family member, CARL.

This fish was one of the center pieces at Auntie Amanda's wedding on November 22nd, and we became the newly adopted family.

Avery loves Carl. The problem is Mom hasn't quite fallen in love yet, that is why it is still in it's plastic container from the store.

Do you know that these Beta fish have to be in PURIFIED water. You supposedly cannot use Tap water. PLEASE! Come on! I either have to buy a tank with a filter, or buy filtered water every time we clean his bowl.

I asked Avery if we could let him swim in the toilet today, and she absolutely said, "NO" She did want to feed him goldfish crackers today though. Eric just asked her if we could cook CARL for dinner, and she said, "No, no, no, no one can do that. It would be yucky."

I guess we will be buying CARL a new bigger bowl and possibly a filtered tank. I am going to put Eric in charge of that.

I will try to be more open minded like my friend Jennifer, and embrace animals, lots of animals. Maybe next I will have a rabbit, a cat, a snake, a rat. Yikes. Maybe that is going too far. I have along way to go to be that nice.

THANKFUL

2008-12-04T16:53:00.001-08:00

As I contemplate this past week, I wanted to express some thoughts I had.

I am so thankful for my husband, who works so hard so that I am able to stay home with my kids and be a Mom. I am thankful for his willingness to do whatever I ask of him. This past week, I was out flat on my back and he was there "waiting" on my every need. I am so thankful his job allows him to work out of the house. It is wonderful to always have him around.

I am thankful for my parents who love me and who love my husband and kids unconditionally. My kids know they are loved and can turn to them for anything.

I am thankful for my siblings who are all far away, but in my heart, I love them and am thankful for the part they have played in my life.

I am thankful for Savannah, who loves life and loves to play. She doesn't sit still much, but when she does, she is cuddling her little sister as they watch a movie, or cuddling with me as we watch a movie. She is great at always wanting to be the "reader" when we do scriptures. I hope she will always be a leader and a good example as she grows older.

I am thankful for Avery who brings life to all of us. Her cute little dimples when she smiles, her sweet little "sorry's" and her wonderful hugs and kisses. She can't stay upset long, especially if you give her a funny look. She loves to be happy and she is the ultimate joy to have around.
Her newest thing is to sing "I am a child of God" throughout the day, and I tell you it melts a parents heart.

I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sometimes life seems hard, but the Lord is with us in every step. He suffered greater than we have and He is there to uplift and support us always.

BLING

2008-11-20T19:57:00.000-08:00

My sister in law opted out of the beautiful wedding shoe and purchased some canvas platform heel tennis shoes.

My task was to make the shoes look pretty. I may have gone a little overboard. But once I started, I couldn't stop and I covered the entire shoe. It is covered in pearls and sequins.

I can't say that this would have been my choice for a wedding shoe, but she wanted to wear something comfortable all day, and I think that I did a good job with what I was given.

Notice how I gave her some new shoelaces too.

The right place at the right time

2008-11-18T18:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday night I went to Walgreens to get some toenail polish for the wedding. As I left Walgreens, I decided I would go home up Laguna to Harbour Point and go all way across to home instead of the normal up Franklin to Elk Grove Blvd. The interesting thing is Avery kept asking me, where are we going? I told her we were going home. She would say, No this isn't right. But for her it was just a way she has never been. (What a smart little 3 year old.) Anyways, as Harbour turns in to West Taron, you begin to enter the housing development. Right after the first stop sign, I noticed a man, who I thought was crippled walking the same direction as I was driving, but on the other side of the street. He seemed to walk as if he had cerebral palsy or something of that nature. The problem was it seemed like his hands were just flailing around too much. As I past him, I kept watching him from my rear view mirror. As I approached the next stop sign, I saw him fall to the ground.

There was a car going the opposite direction as I was, and went right past him and did not stop. I flipped my car around and drove up right by him and rolled my window down. I was a bit nervous because it was dark and it was just Avery and I in the car, but as I spoke to him, I asked him if he was Ok and if he needed an ambulance or the police. He said, "Ma'am I passed out and I'm really hurting. I hit my head when I fell. I live right here on Ruddy Duck, can you please just go get my family." I felt horrible leaving him there, but I hurried in my car and got his family. They rushed over in their car following me. We helped the man up and in to the car of his family.

Now, I share this story because I got home crying because it felt like the story of the good samaritan. I left this man for at least 2 minutes as I went to get his family, and when we got back to him, he was still laying in the gutter of the street. I really thought when we got back to him that there would be someone else pulled over with him. I saw 2 cars proceed through the stop sign as I was making my way back to him after getting his family. I found it so sad that no one stopped to help this poor man.

Were they too busy? Were they in a rush? Did they not see him? I will never know.

Was I inspired to go home a different way? I will believe, YES.

Avery....Random stuff

2008-11-14T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is our "Thanksgiving Tree." We just started when this picture was taken.

I asked Avery, "so tell me what you are thankful for. "

She said, "for baptize."

I said, "oh your thankful that you will be baptized."

She said, "Yes."

I said,"So, why are you thankful that you will be baptized?" (I already knew the answer)

She said, "Cuz then I can get my earrings a pierce."

My little Avery is already a grown up and wants to do all that grown ups do. When we get dressed every morning, she has to put on her lipstick (which I bought her some uncolored), and she most of the times has to put on deodorant. OH, and after getting dressed this morning, I forgot she also needs her little squirt of perfume.

Then she asks, "can I put earrings on too pwease?"

The answer is always, "When you turn 8 and you get baptized you can get your ears pierced and wear earrings."

She says, "OK."

So, clearly she is very THANKFUL "for baptize." What little girl wouldn't be? I guess I need to teach her to be thankful "for baptize" for other reasons also.

Avery's drawing of a helicopter.

Avery loves Helicopters. I don't know how the fascination started, but it did. There was another day that she drew a helicopter but I thought she had help from her Dad. But this morning she was sitting at the table coloring and she showed me her helicopter. This was clearly drawn by her all by herself. I was very impressed. I think she did a great job.

Pictures of the Girls

2008-11-06T17:16:00.000-08:00

Hey Grandma and family- Here is a picture of the girls before church last Sunday. This is a dress that Savannah bought with some of her birthday money.

Halloween

2008-11-06T17:11:00.001-08:00

Savannah was a "Gothic Bride" and poor Avery was a left over "Ballerina." Thank goodness she doesn't have many opinions on things like that yet.

This is my friends son....Is he not the cutest pirate you have ever seen!

"I don't want that in my hair"

2008-11-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

My little Avery said this morning, "I don't want that in my hair." (referring to the explosion scrunchie that I was just about ready to put in)

I told her, "Well, you have to have something in your hair."

She said, "Sanna (Savannah) doesn't wear dose-fings (bows) in her hair."

I told her, " Well, Savannah is a big girl now and doesn't have to wear bows."

She said, "I'm big....Mommy you told me I'm a big girl."

OH NO! Could it be that by age 3 she is already going to fight me on the bows and be done? Please say it isn't so......

By the way, she does have the scrunchie in her hair right now because I told her she can't go bye-bye with me to the store without it. AM I BAD?????

She seems happy....maybe I haven't lost the battle yet! Yeah!

Happy 3rd Birthday AVERY!

2008-10-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

You are already 3! Where has the time gone. You are a perfect addition to our family. You keep us all on our toes and make us all laugh.

It was about 4 years ago when I found out I was pregnant. We were totally surprised and totally excited at the same time. At my first doctors appointment when you were about 13 weeks along the doctors do an ultra sound. They showed me the picture and that they could see you in my tummy but they said they do not detect a heartbeat. I was crying all morning and afternoon until my appointment with a specialist whose ultrasound machine was more high-tech and could pick up vibrations. The second the lady put the device on my tummy, there was lots of vibrations and she said, "Yes, there is absolutely a little heart beat." She said it was strong and that everything looked good. I drove home from that appointment thanking Heavenly Father the whole way home.

The day you were born was another scary day. They had to bring down a specialist to try to find your heartbeat so they could monitor you before I went in to deliver you. They were able to find it, but it was faint. The nurses did not make any big deal out of anything. They acted as if everything was normal. The nurses told me that my doctor was stuck in traffic and has not gotten here yet, so we are going to wheel you in to start the delivery without her. The other Doctor who is here to assist will start the delivery, and the specialist will be staying with us too. Right as they wheeled me in and did the prep they needed in the delivery room, the Doctor showed up. I felt very relealved and happy. As you came out, I remember all the nurses and doctors saying what "great color you had." I thought that was odd, but I didn't think any more of it. Then the doctor told us you were a "redhead." How fun was that.

After your delivery, I was in the recovery room, and the doctor came in and told us that the umbilical cord was wrapped around your neck. They did not want to to tell me and worry me until after I had been in recovery and they knew all was well with me. This is why they had a harder time finding your heartbeat earlier in the morning. They said that the healthy delivery I just had of this baby girl, who had "great color," is not normally the outcome of babies with an umbilical cord wrapped around their neck. We felt so blessed and know that the Lord blessed us with you and that you are meant to be here on this Earth and with our family.

Happy 11th Birthday SAVANNAH!

2008-10-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been 11 years already. Isn't that what we all say?

I remember very vividly the day I found out I was pregnant. The emotions were "over the top." I was crying with excitement, yet there was also a disbelief because we had waited so long for that moment. I remember at one point during the pregnancy when Eric and I thought I might be miscarrying and we both cried that Sunday morning. After I went to the Doctor we were assured that everything was great and the baby was strong.

I remember being so excited to have this baby that I was getting frustrated when I was 2 weeks late and she still had no desire to make an appearance in this world. I was finally induced and NOTHING happened still. After an entire day wait, they decided to just take her cesarean and life was good and I was a HAPPY mom. I think that is why I recovered so quickly, because I did not dwell at all on the method of delivery but only that I had this sweet little girl.

I remember after I had her, that the void I had been feeling in my life was gone. I was so happy to finally be a Mom! I remember feeling okay about the fact of possibly not having any more kids, because that void was literally gone.

As Savannah got older though, she was now the one who had a little void in her life. She really wanted a brother or sister (mainly, definately a sister). She came to a point where she felt different because she was an only child and she really wanted a little playmate.

Well, when she was 7, I found out I was having another baby. Eric and I were surprised because we just didn't really think about having more kids because it wasn't something that happened easily for us. It was wonderful though because Savannah was asking for a sister for her Birthdays, Christmas etc.. and the timing of this pregnancy meant that Savannah would have a baby sister the week after her 8th birthday. I'd say that is a nice birthday present to a little girl who desired so much to have a little sister.

Savannah, Thank you for being a wonderful and helpful daughter and sister. You are very creative and you have a fun, friendly personality. I hope you always look for ways to uplift and help people. We love you very much!!

Don't you just love the cuteness of all these pictures! The bows have all been handed down to Avery and I will get as many years out them as I can with her also!

6 Positives

2008-10-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I was a little down after doing the quirks. Let me attempt to do the positives.

1- I have attention to detail.

2- I love to do nice things for people. If you are ever in need, I am happy to help out.

3- My husband and I laugh alot. I am married to a very fun loving easy going person. Yeah for me!

4- I try to be a good mom. I hope if you ask my kids, they will say that they know I love them.

5- I enjoy being creative. Sometimes I may get burned out, and need a break. But for the most part I enjoy it.

6- I am a true, loyal friend. I think if you were to ask any of my friends, they would tell you that they know I love them and would do anything for them.

Oh, I feel a little better now..

These socks WERE cute! I thought at least.

2008-10-02T21:15:00.001-07:00

I thought these were very cute socks. Don't you? Nice, cute church socks....

Well, the other day I could not find my hair cutting scissors so that I could trim my (soon to be) brother in laws hair. Avery ran in her room and brought them out for me after I voiced that I could not find them.

I aksed her why they were in her room and that she is not to be playing with scissors. She took me in her room and grabbed this pair of socks and told me that she was cutting the lace off. I asked her why she was cutting the lace off and she said, "Because I don't like it on there."

Here is the picture of where she started cutting the lace off. She was doing a very good job.

Now, how do you possibly get upset with a child that tells you the whole and complete truth?

Eric would love to be a poker player

2008-10-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, my Scary loves to watch Poker (even though I nag him to turn it off !) He says he could be "rich" if he could just gamble. He always seems to have the best luck when we play "Yahtzee" and he seems to always win the jackpots for tickets whenever we go places with the girls.

Oh well, we will never find out if he could be rich or not. He will have to continue to live a fantasy.
Here is video footage of him winning the jackpot at "Johns Incredible Pizza Place." His dance had to be redone when I turned the camera on, so this wasn't his initial "I won, dance," but it still shows the goofy and very lucky Eric!

Here are some pictures of the girls at the Pizza place....

This is Avery winning CANDY.

Here are Savannah and Avery riding the Big Bird car.

Here is Savannah at her favorite game.

Here are our winnings...even after the jackpot. The lava lamp alone was 1200 tickets!

6 Quirks

2008-10-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

I need to list 6 Quirks as this is on a friends blog.......

1- I put in ABC order the letters to words I see on signs or buildings. Sometimes I do it to words I hear also.

2- I worry about everything.

3- I won't let anyone but me cut my hair because I am afraid I will leave the salon looking like a boy. So, instead, I have had the same lame hairdo for almost 20 years. I need to get over this.

4- I wear long dresses all the time so people don't see that I have huge calves. (People always ask me why I always wear dresses.) So there you go!

5- My personality has changed with age. I find that I am much less tolerant and much more outspoken. That is a very bad quirk.

6- I buy my girls everything I didn't have growing up. (clothes especially)

***This was a hard task. Wow! I have alot to work on. Maybe the "TAG" should be to list 6 positive things verses quirks.**** I might have a hard time with that one too.

Well, if you are reading this consider yourself tagged and go for it! You decide if you want to list the quirks or the positives.

More of little Avery...

2008-09-19T12:01:00.001-07:00

You've got to love a central vac. The head on this carpet attachment is soooo light that as you can see, even Avery can Vacuum. This is her 2nd chore now. She empties the silverware from the dishwasher, and now she can vacuum the area rug. :) LOVE IT!
(Notice the dog right by her, and how she keeps a leash on the dog to take her for walks around the house.)
Here is Avery parked on top of Daddy as he naps after working at the cannery until 1:30 AM! What a good man! ( I guess I needed a flash because this was early afternoon.)

Hurricane disaster in Texas

2008-09-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

I just spoke with one of my best friends, Rachel, in Spring, Texas....finally after a week. She said that Fema has been using all the cell phone lines, but today she could finally use her cell phone, and that they have been without power for a week and are expected to be without power another 2-3 weeks. Trees are down everywhere on fences and houses, but they were not even touched like Galveston. Her kids all sleep together still in the living room and their room is right next to the living area so they are all pretty much together.

Things I learned......
1- Make sure to have cash on hand. When there is an emergency and no power, cash is the only thing stores will take. (If there are supplies left to buy)

2- Have a generator, to be able to keep your food in your fridge cold and to use your washer. (They don't keep it running constantly though for the fridge)

3- Have a cooking stove or BBQ with plenty of propane to be able to cook with.

4- Store water. You never know if you won't have running water, and if you do, that water could be contaminated. Fill your tubs up with water in the event of an emergency, so that you can use that water to flush the toilets.

5- Have some kind of food supply.

**We have all heard these things before and I am happy that we are prepared with most of this stuff, but what reality it becomes when someone you know personally has to live through something like this. Sometimes we might think, "Oh this will never happen to us.." Well, no one is exempt from struggles and disasters. Especially in these latter days.**

So, I need a generator, and maybe some more food... Where do they sell generators for a good price?

Oh Puppers...

2008-09-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is Avery's best friend, Puppers. This dog is always at Avery's side (whether it wants to be or not).

While I initiated a family counsel to try to get rid of the dog before we moved, (yes, the dog also was going to be part of my free giveaway) I was outvoted. But it is pictures like the one right below with Avery sleeping that makes me feel like she is worth keeping.

Let me just make myself look a little better and say that this dog has been through dog obedience training twice and has failed each time. She still jumps on people, barks at people, HATES other dogs and acts like a vicious pitbull when near one, and loves to sneak out the door if you open it and go run the neighborhood. It is for this reason that I was wanting to be done with this dog. Other than the above mentioned things, this dog will let you sit on it, roll on it, drag it, and anything else Avery could think of.

I guess we are keeping her for now......

Future Uncle Brandon

2008-09-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

Our family seems to like Brandon names. My sister married a Brandin, my other sister named her son Brendon, and we are soon to have another new Uncle Brandon. Eric's sister, Amanda, and Brandon are getting married on November 22nd and we are so excited. What a great couple they are. Our family is lucky to have him join us!

Here are some pictures of Brandon as he enjoyed playing with the girls.........

This is Brandon rolling himself up in the carpet. You can be assured Avery will be attempting this move on her own now that she has seen it done. :)

Here is Brandon "trying" to pedal with his hands....he's not getting very far though.. :)

Here he is with Avery. Avery would have loved it if he could have really pedalled around the house. (and N0, we do not usually allow her to have her bikes in the house) He did attempt it though.

Welcome to the family Brandon. You are a wonderful guy and Amanda is lucky to have met you, and our family is lucky to have your fun, caring personality join us!

Good Mom/Bad Mom....I'm trying!

2008-09-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

We keep having this struggle with Avery and her keeping her seatbelt on. We are always telling her after she unbuckles, that she needs to buckle it back up right NOW! We have told her that if she doesn't the policeman will get mad at her and mommy. Sometimes it works and she buckles right away. Other times she seems to care less.

Today after we went to Wal Mart, she was being stubborn so I took her to the police station. We did not need to go in to the police station. All it took her was seeing all those police cars parked and me stopping the car and telling her to come with me in to the building to talk to the police man. She was beside herself and welcomed being buckled, she apologized and off we went.

She gave me NO problems with the seatbelt the rest of the day. We will see as the days go on.

Pain or Misery

2008-09-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

My sister posted this on her blog from church last Sunday. "Hyrum Smith in sacrament meeting last sunday told us to remember 3 things. For each person it may hit differently but they mean something to me."

1. You can not think deeper than your vocabulary will allow you to.

2. Character- is the ability to carry out a worthy decision after the emotion of making that decision has past."doing what you say you're gonna do"

3. Pain is innevitable, Misery is optional.

I personally really liked #3. I think that no matter what, we will face pain and obstacles because we live in an imperfect world with imperfect people. We are able to face these challenges though with dignity and strength knowing that our Lord and Savior is behind us pushing us along. I hope that as struggles enter our lives, we will seek to handle them with strength and dignity and be a beacon of hope for others to watch. I learn more from people who hold there heads up high in adversity. Their strength uplifts me and makes me feel like if they can do it, then so can I!

Our move went from organized to Crazy!

2008-09-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

I have to be prideful at first and say that after all the moves my husband has helped with, I knew what was expected of me. I needed to make sure my whole house was in boxes. I delivered and had the whole house ready to go on to the truck. Eric on the other hand who was in charge of the garage didn't quite deliver. He said it was OK though because there would be plenty of time for him later in the day to get the garage packed after our help was gone and get the garage swept and sprayed out. NOT!

Little did he know he would injure himself and not be able to help at all. He was good at sitting in a chair and cracking jokes and laughing the rest of the day though.

Eric twisted his ankle and fell with a box, thus you see the scraped knee. Well, as the day went on his ankle turned in to a balloon. The day became extra stressful as I had to help pick up some slack that I didn't anticipate. Yes, I swept and sprayed out the garage. Sounds easy doesn't it. Well it wasn't fun. Thank you to the men who stepped up and helped us move while Eric could no longer be of assistance.

Saturday, after we had moved all day Friday, we went to Santa Cruz for the long weekend with some friends. Yes, Eric hobbled around in his air cast and crutches. He was called hop along all weekend. Too bad I forgot my camera. No Pictures at all!

So, here are the pictures that many of you have asked to see.... My room was the first to get done because I needed a peaceful place to go and cry, I mean relax.

The loft/office space

Avery's bedroom

Savannah's bedroom

Hall bathroom

entry way

family room

kitchen

And for those of you who think I'm pretty organized and unpacked, I'm NOT! You just can't see the corners where things are shoved.....But I will share with you my living/dining room area...

One day I will look back and say WHY?!

2008-08-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

As I began to pack all the hair stuff, I though to myself, am I obsessed?

Small bows, small clips, rubber bands of all colors, hard headbands, soft headbands, larger clips, explosion bows, flowers, scrunchies, more bows, very small bows.

large bows..

Chiffon and satin church bows...

Soccer bows, all attached to rubber bands instead of clippies.

Grandma, here are the pictures and videos ....

2008-08-21T22:46:00.000-07:00

The girls and I had a picnic dinner out on the driveway tonight. As we did, I also spoke with my Mom on the phone. Below is what was going on around that phone call.

This was Avery laying on the ground talking to Grandma.

This is Avery showing Grandma she can ride her scooter.

These are the pictures of the girls in their high heels.

Here are the girls running around in their heels.

Oh my sweet little Avery....What to do.....updated

2008-08-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

**You know the white handles that you put on doorknobs to keep the kids out of things. Well, we noticed a few doors that were missing their handles. Eric found them thrown in the supply closet yesterday while we were getting ready to pack it up. Hmmmmmmmmm I wonder who would have done something like that????? I guess she has figured out how to pull them off!**

Avery wanted me to buy Goldfish at Wal Mart yesterday, so I did. This is where we found them later in the afternoon. We asked Avery why the Goldfish are all over the stairs and Avery said, "The Goldfish did it." (I think she was trying to feed the dog and get the dog to go upstairs for some reason.)

Daddy told her to tell the goldfish that the next time he does this he will get beat. She laughed.

You know how when you start growing older and your parents always say, "I hope you have a child just like you!" I don't know whether I wish that on her or not. That would also mean that I would be the Grandparent to a child who is OH SO busy!

This is a picture of Avery who loves make-up and neonorant (deodorant). I bought 2 things of deodorant at Wal Mart because I couldn't decide which to try out. So, when we got home, she had one in her hand and told me that was hers. I told her no, those are mommy's and to please put them back on the counter. She said, "No, this is mine. See it says Avery, mine. (As she is pointing to the writing on the deodorant container. Then she took the other one and said, "This is yours. See it says mommy, mommy."

The CRAZY Auntie Amanda

2008-08-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

Well, the kids put on yet another performance the other night. This time it was a talent show. Amanda was totally getting in to being an audience member. I turned my camera on her and got this awesome shot. THIS IS TOTAL BLACKMAIL MATERIAL. I love it!!

Savannah and her soccer team

2008-08-14T20:17:00.001-07:00

This weekend was Savannah's first tournament. They have played league games, but this was a tournament. They did not win, but Savannah got an "awesome" goal so I heard from her Auntie Amanda and boyfriend Brandon. (I was too busy talking to another mom. GO FIGURE!)

I guess she dribbled around and through 3 defenders and then shot the ball right in the corner of the net. GO SAVANNAH!

Shredded CD

2008-08-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

If you ever wondered what would happen to a CD if you put it through a shredder, let me show you.

As I was packing the office this morning, I came across this CD that I was saving. But now that I am blogging, I can just take a picture of it and have it saved here.

If we ever need anything shredded, Avery likes to put it through the machine for us. I guess she doesn't know that there are limits to what we need shredded. When I was working on some FHE lessons in the office one day, she was right here next to me when she put it through. That is how I was able to stop the machine half way through. Otherwise I wouldn't of had anything to show for it.

That was my 2nd favorite clip art CD. GONE! :(

Butterfly Hair

2008-08-05T12:20:00.000-07:00

I tried a new hairdo on Avery today that I found on:
http://shedoeshair.blogspot.com/2008/07/butterfly-hair.html

I think it turned out so cute on her. I just have to get used to the big bows right on top her head and that close.

What do you think?

My new favorite poem

2008-08-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

The Dash
copyright 1996 Linda Ellis
http://www.lindaslyrics.com/

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars....the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they
say about how you spend your dash?

I found that this poem really struck a chord with me. When I initially read it, I felt a little scared because I have these fears of dying and who would take care of my kids and love them in the same way as I do. But that subsided and I began to really think about the words and it's meaning.

I know that I need to have more faith, more trust and more love. I need to break down the walls I have put up around me and enjoy more fully this life and those around me. My hope is to be a better mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend. I want to live a "dash" that those who are dear to me will remember.

I am thankful for my husband who is patient, and has this ability to make people laugh, even himself :) He is hard working and loves to serve.

I am thankful for my parents who I know love me and love my kids. I am thankful that my parents have been there for me in my different stages of life and were always striving to teach us the gospel and make sure that we had family prayer. Those are some great memories.

I am thankful for my wonderful daughters.
I am thankful for Savannah who is so creative and friendly. She loves to perform and she is so good at writing little notes and doing kind things for Eric and I. Savannah loves to be active and I try to support her in all her endeavors. Savannah is very sensitive and I am thankful that we have a relationship that is open and that she shares with me the things that worry her and the things that make her laugh. She is also a good big sister.
I am thankful for Avery. She is full of life and she absolutely keeps me on my toes. She is so darn cute and she is so funny. I am amazed at what she already comprehends and how she articulates that in to words.

I am thankful for my brother and sisters. I have a lot to work on in this area. I feel like we have each taken a different road in this life, and so we are not as close and we could be. I love them and hope always that their lives have happiness. I am thankful for the 5 sisters that I gained through marriage. Each of them are talented, creative, and fun in their own way. They make me laugh because they have all been blessed with a quick wit just like their brother! I find that the girls are funnier though. :)

I am thankful for my friends. I have always been blessed with good friends in my life. My friends seem to all share my same values which has been nice. I am thankful to have true friends who have known me for years, who are always available to talk with and laugh with. You have seen me grow, struggle, laugh, and cry. Thank you!

The Missionaries Spiritual Thought

2008-08-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

The missionaries from the young adult ward came over for dinner tonight because Eric's sister who is living with us had invited them over. We also invited cousins. After dinner Elder Clayton wanted to share a spiritual thought with the family. The kids gathered around him like he was King Benjamin.

He proceeded to tell the kids that Heavenly Father said you need a chicken to get in to heaven??He took a hand towel and talked to the kids about the Bible and asked the kids what the scriptures were written on back then. The kids answered scrolls. So he rolled up the 2 ends of the towel to look like a scroll. Then he made a joke and put it up to his mouth and pretended they were lips. (He said we were a rough crowd. Maybe we should have laughed more.) :)

Then he had us all sing the 4th article of faith. He brought the towel together so the 4 ends were together and he began pulling the towel out of the corners so they spiraled up. Anyways, he spoke about each of the four principles of the gospel as he pulled the corners. Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost. Then for some reason the towel looked like a tooth with roots and he held it up to his mouth like a tooth. (We laughed better that time.) Then he pulled the opposite corners of the towel out on both ends and it became a chicken. (see the pictures.)

Then the chicken was named Vladimir. Vladi for short. He began to tell a story about this chicken and how it went everywhere with his best friend and one day she had to leave the chicken at home in the barn and there was a fire in the barn. When the best friend got home she found the chicken dead laying on top of her little chicks which she had saved from the fire. Elder Clayton then asked the kids who the chicken represented and they all said, "Jesus."

He told the kids that Christ died for us and then he bore his testimony. It was quite a presentation and the kids were all totally interested and quiet. Very imaginative little Elder we had over. It was cute.

Might not be worth your time..unless your family.

2008-07-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

Cousins came over last night, and believe it or not this performance took them over an hour to put together. They called themselves the "Crazy Monkeys." It all started with a very low key perfomance of A doe a dear....(I didn't quite get the beginning while taping, and notice that they keep forgetting the words) Then it turned in to literally CRAZY monkeys. I almost didn't post it, but for future emabarassment sake as Savannah gets older and to have it in a memory book when I print this blog, I felt it was worth it. Auntie Amanda is giving the courtesy laughs in the background. The participants are Savannah, Treasure, Tanner (cute one at the drums) and Travis (announcer).

I promise my house is not normally like this.

Avery's new scowl

2008-07-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Grandma- Here is Avery's new scowl that she puts on when she doesn't like something. This is a face that only a Grandma can love! :)~

Family Proclamation

2008-07-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

On Sunday our stake president spoke in our ward on the The Family Proclamation.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=1aba862384d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1&contentLocale=0

I remember that he specifically talked about how we shoud never talk to our kids saying things like.."I want to just strangle your neck." He said it is "absolutely inappropriate to say words like that to or about your kids."

I remember thinking how often I call Avery a "monster" because she is quite mischevious, and she tells me "No, I'm Avery." AND how I will tell Savannah she is "driving me crazy." I am sure that there are other words or no words I could use. I feel like our family is on the right track and we strive to do the best we can and to serve the best we can, but there are always things we can improve on and I was thankful for that talk on Sunday to remind me that my family is special and my kids are so precious and I would not want to put words or thoughts in their minds for them to think about that were said at a time of frustration. I would much rather them remember how nice and kind (well sometimes) I am to them.

Ensign- June 2008

2008-07-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“We lived in the presence of God our Holy Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, in a premortal existence. …....

“… You were taught and prepared for the circumstances you would personally encounter in mortality. … Your memory of premortal life would be kept from you to assure that it would be a valid test, but there would be guidance given to show you how to live. Our Father’s plan for salvation in this life with the opportunity of returning to Him would be called the gospel of Jesus Christ” (“Truth Restored,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 78–79).

As I read this last month, I felt like I had always known that we lived in heaven with our Heavenly Father before we came to earth, but not necessarily that we were "taught and prepared" for the circumstances we would encounter.

I felt more strongly than ever that I am a daughter of God and that He loves me and knows me.

I hope that as trials enter our lives we will be mindful of our Father in Heaven and know that he taught and prepared us to endure this life.

They call her "Beebers"

2008-07-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Most people in our family have nicknames. It is just something that Eric and his sisters do. Rarely are people in the family called by their birth given name.

Since Amanda has been living with us, Avery has now acquired a nick name. She used to be called "niece'y" by Rhonda, but has now been given the name of "beebers." This is because Avery always has her finger in her bellybutton when she drinks from her sippy cup or cuddles in our laps. Here are some shots that Amanda got of her in action.....

Auntie Amanda had to make sure to get a complete shot...sorry it's a little immodest!

Happy 40th Rhonda!

2008-07-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

This entry is dedicated to my wonderful sister-in-law who turned 40 on June 18, 2008.

Rhonda is a woman who was born with a love for people and patience GALORE! The Lord new that with 6 kids..well 7 if you include her hubby, that she would need it! Rhonda is constantly serving and thinking of others. She has this ability to know peoples needs and will always lend a helping hand. She is a true, loyal friend and she handles lifes situations with such dignity. Her talents and creativity are endless. She can do anything she sets her mind to and does it until it is perfection. We love you Rhonda and know the Lord blesses you in all that you do.

Her 40th birthday seemed to linger for a few days. (whether she liked it or not) We started by decorating her house on Tuesday night and got totally caught because her 15yr old for some reason now sleeps out on the front living room couches...so as you can see from the picture, that is exactly where we were at and we got totally caught by him, but thankfully not by his mom. She was mortified the next day when she saw the signs, because she didn't want all the neighbors to know she was 40! (like that is even old! come on!)

She was taken out to dinner on Wednesday to her favorite spot BJ'S by all her friends. Then on the weekend we were able to pull together a spa day with some friends. It made it difficult because her hubby was working out of town that weekend, so we had to find ways to get the kids all taken care of and it was amazing how things just fell in to place. (Yes, my hubby (her brother) had to help a bit.) Then later that night we went and stayed at the Marriott hotel in downtown Sacramento. I was not able to stay the night because my husband had to fly out of town early Saturday morning, so I took over babysitting responsibilites.

The pictures below are ones that she might just kill me over, but her birthday cake picture was priceless because it was literally an inferno....and the picture where she is looking sick to her stomach and her friend is carefully looking at her salad was because when Scott's seafood brought out our salads they had a little fish on top of them. YUCK! Like that is suppose to make the salad look nice? Gross!

Then finally we celebrated her birthday here at our house on Sunday night with the kids so they could enjoy some birthday celebrations and cake with their mom!

Savannahs new bed

2008-07-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

Grandma wanted to see pictures of Savannah's new bed. I have finally gotten around to getting pictures taken and posted. Savannah loves it and now it makes a great sized guest bed too. Too bad I just got the bed all put together and in her room just in time to get it all packed up for when we move. I love doing extra work!

MEMORIES.....

2008-07-21T23:19:00.000-07:00

So I saw this on one of my friends blogs & decided to try it myself. I'm new to this, so I don't know how many people will even read this but I thought it would be fun to try it out.

It's a little scary - who knows what you guys will remember about any one of us...Please be kind! :)

Here's the directions:
1. As a comment on this post, leave one memory that you had with any of us or both of us together with you. It doesn't matter if you know us a little or a lot, anything you can remember! (Especially the stuff that makes us laugh!!)

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about us, we'll assume you're playing the game and we'll come to your blog and leave one about you. (bwa-ha-ha!!) If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, its okay.

"Someplace Fun in Galt California"

2008-07-20T10:42:00.001-07:00

This is Averys favorite slide, even though it is 100 times her size....

and off she goes again...

and up she goes....

and this time she tries her tummy!

Here are all the kids on the carousel..

This little boy was "schooling" Avery on how to throw the ball. I guess he didn't like her technique.

Mattress Surfing

2008-07-20T10:32:00.001-07:00

One of my great friends Jenny, who moved up here from our ward in Brea, came over with the kids for a sleepover and play date at "Someplace Fun." Here is a picture of the kids all together as they did some mattress surfing down the stairs. (We need longer stairs)

Here are cousins going down the stairs on another night.

Here is Savannah literally surfing down the stairs.

TESTIMONY

2008-07-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

We were encouraged by one of our church leaders, Elder M. Russell Ballard this month in our monthly magazine called the Ensign, to share the gospel using the internet. This blog is a perfect spot to share with you my testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

As I reflect on my life, I must say that I am so grateful to have been raised in a church that has given my life such purpose and direction. There are times where I am envious of new converts because they lived a life different than mine, and then when they began to come to our church they felt a real change within them for good. I think that would be an awesome feeling.

I am thankful for Jesus Christ who is the head of this church and who atoned for me (someone who is always making mistakes) and you so that we can repent and continue in our journey here on earth to become more Christlike and learn the things we need to learn to return to our Heavenly Father.

I am thankful for Joseph Smith, who was confused on what church to join, and decided to go and follow the scripture, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God." He went to pray in a grove of trees about which of all the many churches he should join. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to him in that grove of trees and helped lead and guide him through the events of re-establishing Christs church here on earth. I know that he was a true prophet of God. I don't believe that anyone would continue to take such persecution himself or allow his family to endure such persecution if it was a made up story.

I am thanful for the Book of Mormon which is another testament of Christ. It does not replace the bible, but goes hand in hand with it. I know that the promise in the Book of Mormon is true, that if you will pray with a sincere heart, asking if the book is true, you will receive a witness to it's truth.

I am thankful for the temple, that we can go and feel of the spirit and learn exactly how to return again to our Heavenly Fathers presence. I am thankful that the temple gives us laws by which we should be living our lives and when we live our lives in this manner we are closer the spirit and have more peace and happiness in our lives. I am grateful that we are able to marry in the temple for eternity, and not just until death do us part. I am grateful to know that I will be with my family forever and I will see my family again after I die or any one of them dies.

I know our life has direction, meaning and purpose. We are not all here on earth for no reason. We are here to work and to grow and to learn so that we can be like our Father in Heaven.

I know that the trials that are put before us are for our own learning and growing. We become stronger and wiser through our trials and are more able to help others.

These things I say in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I may add to this in time, but this is a start...

How we have been spending our Summer...

2008-07-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

Our little Avery is swimming again. She began swimming last year and has finally gotten to the point where she is not afraid of the water this year. Yeah for Avery.

The pool in our community is set right off the lake. Savannah really enjoys taking the paddle boats out. Today, Savannah had a friend from her soccer team Arica over and Auntie Amanda had her friend Holly Song over and they all went to take the paddle boats out. Here are some pictures of them...

Avery's Hotel

2008-07-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

Eric acquires points for Marriott, so we are fortunate to be able to stay at hotels quite often. Avery asks quite often if we can go to a hotel. (what 2 1/2 year old asks to go to hotels???) I can't drive up a main street here in our town where there is a hotel right by the car wash without her saying "I want to go there." She was just telling us today that she wanted to go to a hotel, and we told her not today......

As the day went on I asked her to clean up her mess (which is the picture below). She told me, "No, this is my hotel."

Avery's first video job

2008-06-29T17:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess Avery got my camera and I didn't know it. So, here is her first video footage that she shot all by herself.

As a parent, I am proud that Savannah did not shove her out of the way. She seems like she is patiently just letting Avery be in her face. She is busy playing Nintendo Wii though....

Big mouth.....

2008-06-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

Avery had a punching balloon that was Savannah's and it somehow lost all the air. Avery said to Eric..

"Will you blow this up because you have a big mouth." (exact words! promise!)

We all had a great laugh!!

Here is a picture of the balloon after daddy got done with it.

This is the REAL Eric!

2008-06-22T11:29:00.001-07:00

This is the REAL Eric that the Professional world doesn't get to see! Just family! Aren't we lucky people!

My girls like horses.

2008-06-22T11:23:00.001-07:00

Avery and Auntie Amanda on the horsey.

When Amanda returned from her mission we went to some stables where her friend has a horse. The girls were allowed to ride the horse and I think they would love to have some horse property and have their own horse. Maybe one day!

Vacation at Grandma's for Mother's Day

2008-06-22T11:06:00.002-07:00

Grandma's car was "the thing" to circle while they rode their bikes and scooters. This is cousin Brendon, Avery and Savannah.

We pulled over to a fun little place on our way to a ghost town and took these pictures. See what Scary is pointing to at the "Wild ___ Saloon." Oh Scary, You're so funny! NOT!

Here is Grandpa trying to do his normal "Jerry-rigging" while he is attaching a tire swing to the tree.

Savannah at Soccer

2008-06-22T11:03:00.001-07:00

Savannah was accepted on to a competitive soccer team. She is #7.

We are hoping this experience will teach her alot of skills to become an even better player and possibly even play on her high school team when she gets older.

Savannah Fun Run

2008-06-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Savannah got 3rd place in the Foulks Ranch Elementary Fun run. Yeah for Savannah!

ING New Poster Girl

2008-06-22T10:58:00.001-07:00

Dont you think ING should consider putting Avery on their companys advertising!!

Mommy Owey, Mommy Owey!

2008-06-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here is some footage after Avery walks downstairs crying, "Mommy Owey, Mommy Owey."

She was upstairs while I was picking up downstairs and was getting into the ONLY chemical upstairs that is not locked up. I keep a container of the disinfecting wipes in the hall bathroom that is rarely used, just so I can quickly wipe up the toilet and sink ever so often. Well, Avery found them on Saturday!

Here's what my kids learn when I leave them with Auntie Alysia

2008-04-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

Auntie Alysia and Eric are alot alike in that they both love music. Alysia is talented in the choreography department although I believe this dance was copied from one that the girls saw on You Tube. Savannah loves to dance and put on little shows, so Alysia taught the girls this dance. This isn't the best video I have of their dance, but it is the one that shows everyone.

Soldier boy dance.....Watch Avery (in the pink) off to the side raising her leg doing the "superman" move from the dance.
Also in the Dance are Savannah, cousin Treasure and cousin Kalani.

A day in the life of US with Avery

2008-04-27T10:35:00.001-07:00

This is soooooo typical of our little Avery. Little things come up missing all the time and if you ask Avery where it is, she will most likely find it in a really SAFE spot. I also included in this Avery's artwork. I hope she is learning that we only color on PAPER!

**It is now June and we were missing a key that was on the table, well Avery heard us talking about the missing key and brought it right to us....When I asked her to show me where it was she took me right to her Mr. Potato Head where she had it nicely stored in the little compartment in the back of the potato head.**