We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.


Wednesday, August 27, 2008

An interview with Grace and Jesse

This something that I found on my SIL's blog and thought I'd give it a try with my kids. Grace had a little hard time, but Jess spoke right up.
1. What is something that mom always says to you?
Grace: Ask Jess
Jesse: Stop it
2. What makes mom happy?
G: Doing good things
J: Listening
3. What makes mom sad?
G: Hitting
J: When your purse got stolen (like 3 years ago, what a memory!)
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
G: Tickle
J: Tickling me
5. What was your mom like as a child?
G: Watching shows
J: I have no idea
6. How old is your mom?
G: I don't remember
J: 35
7. How tall is your mom?
G: Big
J: I don't know
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
G: Go on the computer
J: Put us in our rooms
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
G: I don't know
J: Do something, but I don't know
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
G:
J: Making money (I wish!)
11. What is your mom really good at?
G: Doing hair? (not)
J: Not really anything (nice)
12. What is your mom not so good at?
G:
J: Crying-you don't do it very much (I must hide it well!)
13. What does your mom do for her job?
G: Wash the dishes
J: Taking care of the kids
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
G:
J: Enchiladas
15. What makes your mom proud?
G: Not doing bad things
J: When I do good at school
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
G: Hannah Montana
J: Minnie Mouse
17. What do you and your mom do together?
G: Go to gymnastics
J: Go to the bus stop (what a nice mom)
18.How are you and your mom the same?
G: We have the same haircut
J: No how
19. How are you and your mom different?
G: Our clothes are different colors
J: Hairs are different and eyes are a different color
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
G: You give me hugs and kisses
J: Because we are your kids

Friday, August 22, 2008

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

10 things to love (or at least like a lot) about New Mexico

I was going to post this a while back, but life got in the way.
As you all know, I was less than thrilled to come to New Mexico. If I had rated the 50 states according to desire to go there, NM would have been dead last! That being said, I truly believe that NM gets quite a bad wrap. At least from what I can tell thus far.
So without further ado...here is my list in no particular order.
1. The weather: The weather here has been terrific. It has not gotten above 95 or so since we've been here and it seems that it will get into the 90's for a few days and then it will drop back to the 80's for a few more and it always cools off at night so the mornings are cool.
2. The nearly nightly thunderstorms: I know that this kind of goes along with the last one, but it deserves its own number. Several times a week in the afternoon the clouds will roll in bringing about 10-15 minutes of rain, but lots and lots of thunder and lightening. The kids (especially Jess) are not too hot on this, but I rather enjoy it.
3. The shopping: It's big enough to have everything that you need, but small enough to not be overcrowded. I have been to Target and Costco on Saturday and will do it again. This is something that would not be attempted in Provo unless there was a dire need! Also, everything that I could possible need is in a 5 mile radius from where I live...bonus! There's also a Deseret Book, however, that is within 10 miles...not too bad.
4. No bugs: Well, hardly any. There are very few flies, hardly any mosquitoes (I've seen one or two) no cockroaches, etc. I have seen a few crickets, quite a few stink bugs and lots of ants, but I' ll take that. The ants were the only ones to invade my home (several times!) I can leave my back door open and maybe get a fly in the house every few days.
5. The hot air balloons: Nearly every morning we have hot air balloons that grace the skies around us.And occasionally they will land in the "Sahara desert" behind our subdivision and we get to see them "up close and personal" and even get to see them deflate. It's a lot of fun for us to chase them down. One time the kids got a card from the pilot and this time the balloon guys gave them each a pin.6. No allergies: or something. Those of you that know Dylan know that he had a runny nose for a year and a half straight and trouble breathing from time to time. I just have to tell you that he has not had one runny nose or breathing episode since we have been here. That is almost reason enough to like it here! I also have trouble with my allergies from time to time, but haven't been bothered at all, so far.
7. Danny's commute: He has a total of a 2.4 mile commute each way. He loves it and I love that he is home early. His commute in CA was about an hour, sometimes more. One downside for Danny is that his car will last many, many years at this rate, so he can't look forward to a new car anytime soon. But, it is nice to know that we will have a good long time without a car payment. Also, with gas prices the way they are, that's another bonus.
8. Our ward: Our ward has been so great. We are making lots of friends and we really love it...that's all I can say!
9. No traffic: I don't have to go on the freeway too much, but when I do it's nice to know that it is unlikely that I will be stuck. That being said, people here do drive pretty slow and they have cameras at several places that will take a picture if you are speeding or running a red light, so I have had to adjust my driving (I've already gotten 2 tickets since I've been here, one being caught on camera!) It's nice, though, to slow things down and not be in such a rush everywhere.
10. No yard work: practically! We do have to pull a few weeds every now and again and mow our little patch of grass, but one thing that can be said about the desert landscape is that it is low maintenance. That being said, I would take the extra work for a little more green in my life. But, for now it is nice to not have to spend every Saturday slaving away.

So there you have it. I do have to say that NM is a well-kept secret. We are really enjoying our time here and enjoying all the things above.
In other news...Jesse started school this week (and I forgot to get a picture!) I'm not loving the school schedule (9-4) but I guess we'll get with the program here soon. He also pulled out his second tooth on the first day of school. The tooth fairy behaved herself this time and did not disappoint.
Grace had her first gymnastics class today and had a great time. I don't know what she likes best, her class or dressing up in her new leotard. It may be a tie. She and I are going to be working on learning to read this year and she is super excited about it. I'm still disappointed that she couldn't start school. Oh well, it will be good for me to spend some one on one time with her.
Dylan is still my little cute monster. He is most definitely 2 which I'm not loving the most (ie: temper tantrums, yelling in protest and all the "No's.") But, he is also getting more talkative, which is fun. A couple of funny things that he is known to say...Whenever we get into the car, as I am putting him in his car seat he yells "booning, booning" (Burning!) I have to tell him that, no it is not burning and then he says "ok!" Also, he has started to be interested in watching shows and his favorite the past few days has been Winnie the Pooh. When he wants to watch it, he will come in and say "poop, poop" and it takes me a minute to realize that he is not telling me that he has a poopy diaper.
Danny is doing well at work and will be going to AZ on Thursday to do something....I'm not quite sure, but it sounds important!
Me, I'm just plugging along, trying to get used to all the changes taking place.
And that's all she wrote...for today anyway.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

AMA

If you didn't already know, I will fill you in. I had my first Dr's appt. this week and it was very interesting. Apparently, once you reach the ripe old age of 35, you are considered to be of Advanced Maternal Age (AMA) and classified as such. Gee, thanks, as if I wasn't already feeling old and decrepit! Anyway, this classification entitles you to a whole battery of extra tests. This week I will meet with a perinatologist and have an ultrasound followed by some genetic counseling of some sort. I will let you all know how that goes. Luckily for me, they have done away with the routine Amniocenteses for mothers of "my age!" I will not have to be subject to one of those unless something else comes up that there is a need. Good thing, cause that big 'ol needle would freak me out. Just thought you might like to know some of the medical classifications and terminology that I learned this week. I feel it my job to keep you informed!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Dylan is 2

Monday was Dylan's second birthday. He got a Diego coloring set from Grace, a new fire truck toothbrush from Jess and a tricycle from mom and dad. We had a little family home evening with some friends in the neighborhood and enjoyed some balloon cupcakes.
I can't believe he's already 2. I keep thinking that he is my baby, but everyday I realize that he is becoming a little person. He is so much fun and we love having him in our family...even though he can be a little trouble maker.
We love you, big guy...Happy Birthday!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Firtht lotht toof!

Did ya get it? Yesterday Jesse lost his first baby tooth. He was so excited to put it under his pillow for the Tooth Fairy, so he could get some "bucks!" (He's saving his "bucks" for a batman costume!) However, the Tooth Fairy was very naughty last night. It seems that she was way too involved with Breaking Dawn until late in the night and her duty seemed to have slipped her mind! Bad, bad Tooth Fairy! Jesse was extremely sad this morning to find that she had not come. I explained that she must have been really busy and that he just got up too early (which he did!) By breakfast, she had repented and left an apology along with a "buck" in exchange for his little tooth and all was right with the world. It's a good thing kids are so forgiving!

Breaking Dawn

I went to a release party on Friday night for the new Twilight book, Breaking Dawn with some friends from my new ward. It was actually a lot of fun. They had a trivia scavenger hunt, a pin-the-tail on the werewolf game and a trivia showdown. It was fun to be there at midnight when we all got to rush in to buy the books. I hadn't pre-ordered one, so I was way at the back of the line, but one of my new friends (who also had not pre-ordered) won a raffle and got to be 5th in line and she was able to get one for me, so that I didn't have to wait. Thanks, Karen.By the way...four of the five women above are pregnant...there are 22 pregnant women in our ward at the moment. There must be something in the water!!
I ignored my family all of yesterday and part of today and finished the final book in the series. It was great...I can't wait to be able to discuss it, but I won't post any spoilers here yet. I am, however sad that the story of Bella and Edward has come to a close. I am always sad at the end of a series. But I am sure I will get over it, in time!

Finally...a picture post!

Yes, I have my camera yet again! When I went to California for my friend's funeral, I was able to finally pick it up. So here are some pictures of what we have been up to the past couple months.

Here are some pictures of our house before we moved in. I know they aren't great, but I have to wait until I have the house better put together before I can take more pics!






















































July 24th was the funeral for my good friend, Ginger. I was fortunate to be able to go to Cali for it. It was a lovely tribute to her life. I was strengthened by the testimonies that were shared by her family. I am still so sad about her passing, but trust the Lord in all His wisdom. I had another friend, Laura, that flew in from DC for the funeral as well. It was wonderful to spend time with her and some of our other buddies from Simi. We were also able to have a girl's night out to remember and celebrate Ginger's life. She was terribly missed that evening, but it was so good to see my friends and be able to share and mourn together.Thanks, gals, for making the time to spend with us!

Last week, we had our niece, Marissa, come stay with us. We had so much fun with her and hope that she had a good time, too. Here are some of the fun things that we did:
We took a tram up to the top of the Sandia mountains. It was beautiful and green. Unfortunately, it was really cold up there and we were not prepared, so we didn't stay too long, but we will definitely be back when I need a "green" fix!Gotta love the "cheese!" This is how Dyl poses for most pictures these days!

We also did some swimming and went to the Rio Grande zoo and aquarium down in Abq. I decided to buy a membership so we can go back whenever we want. It's a really fun zoo. The aquarium is really small, but has some fun exhibits.