Easter Excitement part 1

Was your Easter a whirl wind like ours?
Friday night we colored Easter Eggs and had so much fun. I should have hard boiled more of them. Reece loves hard boiled eggs. Raine kept trying to drink the dye off the egg dipper. It was funny. She would also slam the eggs down on the table. Several were cracked when we went to hide them on Sunday.

Saturday night it was like getting ready for Christmas at our house. We started a new tradition this year by leaving our baskets full of the plastic eggs out on the back patio for the bunny to come fill. Reece also wanted to leave some carrots for the bunny so he’d have a snack like Santa did. It was very cute. Reece yelled out to the bunny, “We left some carrots for you, come fill our baskets please. I’ve been a good boy.”

Mo and I were getting baskets & gifts ready for our spoiled lil ones. I was busy preparing 5 baskets! One little tiny basket for the hubby. 2 normal sized ones from the grandparents and 1 for each child from the big bunny! I made a basket of the stuff that Noni and Pa Pere sent from Philly. I made another basket of stuff from Grammy & Pops in Florida. Then I got to put goodies I bought for Reece in his basket; man was it heavy! Raine’s basket is bigger and was full of books, pink eggs and yummy chocolate. I set them up for the picture taking moment and then hid them away for the kids to find them. My mom always hid our baskets and that was the best part of Easter for me as a child. I loved finding my basket and then helping my siblings find theirs.

Mo was cleaning up the back yard for our Easter egg hunt. Then we had to assemble this great step 2 picnic table with umbrella and a sand/water table with an umbrella for the kids. They were a combo present from both grandparents. I bought it a Sam’s club a month ago and have been dying to put it together.

Saturday night when I put Reece to bed I told him he needed to stay in his bed all night so the Easter bunny would come. If he got out of his bed the Easter bunny might hop right over our house. Well, wouldn’t ya know that in the last month the boy hasn’t spent a full night in his bed; but, he did it Saturday night. He snuck down at 6 am and asked if the bunny came. I said I don’t think so go back to your bed. He climbed back up stairs and we slept for another hour.

I got in the shower to started getting ready for church. I still need to iron the kid’s new clothes. I could hear Reece talking to Mo when I got out of the shower. Mo & Reece climbed in while I ironed and got Raine up. She was full of energy. After we were all cleaned up looking sharp. I told Reece to check the table for a basket from the grandparents. He was so excited he screamed this is the best Easter Day ever! Then he said but mom these aren’t the baskets we left out for the bunny. What did he do with those? He ran outside to see if they were still on the patio. “MAMA, the baskets are gone,” he yelled. "Oh my, well let's look for them," I responded with great enthusiaum.
more to come...

Egg Decorating & Easter goodness

We hope you had as much fun as we did decorating eggs and celebrating Jesus being alive. Reece was really hoping Spiderman was going to help him find the eggs during our Easter egg hunt. No such luck though. Hope your holiday was blessed!

New bikes

We went down to REI and finally purchased our bikes. We have been saving since January and were ready to get them. Mo researched each one pretty extensively and knew just about every detail about each bike.

Upon arriving at The District to buy our bikes, Raine fell asleep; like she always does when we drive 30 minutes to REI. No prob, Mo would test drive his bike first, I would walk around The District with the kids for a a little while. It was a beautiful day and Raine was still sleeping. Reece and I hit up the Ethel M store for a piece of delicious chocolate. YUM-O. Then it was off to Gymboree and some really ritzy toy store where these annoying little toy dogs were barking and flipping. Never would I want that toy in my home!

Mo passed us on his fancy Safari bike, as we were strolling around the shops. He was headed back to REI and it would be my turn to test drive the Flirt, as my bike is named. Mo says appropriately so, since I was voted Senior Class Flirt of 1992! YES, those were the days. Sorry, back on topic. Raine woke just as we walked back into REI and both kids were ready for some lunch. Mo held them hostage in a display tent and fed them granola, while I rode all over the parking lot. AHHHH FREEDOM :)

I did not want to return the bike, I wanted to ride for hours! Member my bike was stolen right out of my backyard; so I haven't rode a bike in quite some time. It felt so good to get back on a bike. I told Gregg our salesman, SOLD! Except this, this and this felt funny, can you check those things before I take this home? Of course, Gregg was surprised I knew what I was talking about and was very glad I caught the weird front tire, the squeaky brake and the gears that wouldn't shift in to place. Mo's bike was in a box, much like how he received his bike when he arrived in Africa for the Peace Corps. I said no prob babe, take it home and build it! REI wouldn't let him so we had 2 hours to kill while they built Mo's bike.

GOOD~ I was starving and so were the animals; so it was off to Lucille's for lunch. A BBQ joint with outdoor seating so the rugrats could be 3 & 1 years old and not disturb too many other customers. It was delicious! We all shared a plate of pulled pork, chicken and corn on the cob. YUM-O once again. Then we let the kids run around this patch of grass and get some of their energy out. We ran into a old friend and her beautiful kids. It was so nice to see her and those gorgeous kids. It was now 3:00 and we headed back to REI to pick up Mo's bike. It took a bit longer because some things still weren't perfect so I loaded up Reece and Raine and we made up songs about how long it was taking Dada to the tune of Take Me Out To The Ball Game. You wish you were in the truck with us don't you! FINALLY, he arrived with his awesome bike and we were ready to roll. Our favorite high schooler was coming over to babysit at 4:45 and it was 3:45.

Cruisin' home Reece fell asleep but chatty Raine talked our ears off from her seat in the back. It was quite entertaining. Home by 4:40, straightened up , put away purchases, set up dinner and jammies then Taylor knocked on the door. She rocks. Reece was a cranky pants, so I moved him into my bedroom to watch his favorite movie this month, 101 Dalmations. He seemed much happier when I did that. I had to distract Raine with Elmo on the other TV and snuck out the door to a waiting hubby sitting passenger in my car. I guess I was driving to meet our friends for our dinner, hockey game & bowling date. No biggie, he drove all over town all day. More about our awesome date later! Raine is awake saying Mama, Mama, Mama over and over. I really wanted to nap but typed this instead, oh well.

Park City Snow

We had such a great time relaxing at casa de Kara & Brian. It was just what I needed to get away from the to do list here at home. Reece loved playing in the snow. He jumped right into it the minute we got out of the car. He asked several times throughout our stay "Can we go outside and play mama?" I was in the middle of cooking us a yummy Italian meal when he asked to go play in the snow. The sun was getting close to setting so I had to stop what I was doing and go outside for one more snow angel! It was priceless. Raine hated the snow. She would look at me like, "Why did we come out here again?" She just kept saying Mama, Mama, Mama with her arms extended ready to be picked up. It was too cute. Dublin was hesitant but played well in the cold stuff. She loved seeing all of the other dogs. I think that is a requirement when you buy a house in PC, must own dog. Here are some funny pics of our great times with Aunt KarKa as Raine calls her.
Thanks for having us sis. We love and miss you already!

Super Mom does it again!

YES, I am braggin'; I did it! I travelled 7.5 hours in a car with 2 children; 3.5 years old, 1.5 years old and one 8 year old chocolate labrador retriever Dublin dog. I AM A SUPER MOM!! Saturday, Reece had soccer, lunch, naps and then an Easter egg (candy) collecting activity. I ordered pizza for dinner. Fed & bathed the lil ones and then packed for our journey to Park City, Utah. (PC is how it will be known the rest of my posts!) We would have left on Sat. but there was too much we would have missed. Wait till I scan our picture with the Easter Bunny!

Reece sleeps in my bed when Mo is away so he woke me at the usual 6:30 am wake up call. We started to get ready for our day. Packed the rest of the car and fed the animals, I mean lil ones. I quick showered while they grazed. Out the door by 8:15 am. A few minutes past my goal; but I soon realized I have no schedule, I am on break! Drove through my favorite coffee shop and got the usual, white chocolate peppermint mocha. I also purchased a bite to eat since I forgot to do that before I left! Chocolate chip banana bread YUMMY! Raine enjoyed it also. Reece didn't like it. His loss.

ON THE ROAD!! We said our prayers that the Lord would guide us and keep us safe. Then I sent a text to my friends: drivin' to park city with 2 lil ones-PRAY! I know I gave my girlfriends a great laugh. But their prayers worked! We made it there in 7.5 hours. We stopped for gas and lunch in Cedar City. We hit Walmart for a few necessities and got back on the road. The weather was wicked. It would rain for 20 miles then be clear as day. Then we'd go another 20 miles and it would be snowing! Crazy! Reece and Raine had plenty of snacks, toys, books and movies to keep them busy. Reece selected 5 of his favorite movies for the trip: Lion King, 101 Dalmatians, Cars, Ratatouille, and Mickey's Christmas (not trip to PC is complete without that one).

Raine fell asleep right before we stopped in Cedar City. Reece slept about 5 hours into the trip. They were both excellent. Raine enjoyed playing peek-a-boo and looked at a Big Bird book. Reece watched 3 out of 5 movies and read some books too. We made it to Brian & Kara's house at 5:30pm and the first thing Reece did was climb up to the top of the biggest snowbank on the side of the driveway. He loved it. He didn't care that he wasn't wearing snow pants or boots. He was in the snow! I unpacked the car, fed the kids, played a few games and put them to bed. They were exhausted and so was I. I relaxed in front of the TV. It was so nice to get away and be in the fresh mountain air. More to come tomorrow. Good night ;)

Where we were a year ago...

So I looked back at this time last year and here is what we were doing. http://joellehauguel.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html

I was not into blogging for a few months. Just trying to live life with a 2 1/2 year old and 6 month old. LIFE IS SO MUCH BETTER THIS MARCH!

I am on top of things now. My kids are more self sufficent and so stinkin cute! Next year I hope to be in the same place with a little less debt! Next spring break we are planning a cool family vacation. Not sure where yet, but someplace we haven't been.

Completed BufBloPoFo Class of 2008 with a 4.0; straight blogging for 14 days! Don't be alarmed of you don't see me a few days. But it is SPRING BREAK, so I'll probably have some funny stories to share. I hope to take Reece to see Horton Hears a Who, go to the Shark Reef and the Children's Musuem. I was going to head to Park City, Utah but Bri isn't there and Kara is working plus helping a friend move. Driving 7 hours in a car with a 3 year old and an 18 month isn't my idea of Spring Break either. So maybe we will go when Mo get's back from Mexico, doubt it though. Pray for my sanity while he's away. My son is already being a lil pill!

TV

Boy do I love me some TV, but it sure is a waste of time. I miss my shows but don't mind this writer's strike too much. I can barely keep up with my DVR so when I have real TV to watch life gets stressful. Think I watch too much TV? Yeah, me too.

I am really missing my Grey's, Private Practice, and Desperate Housewives. I love House but Idol has taken over Fox so I won't be seeing that for another 11 weeks. I went back to watching cheesy teenage shows like One Tree Hill cuz nothing else was on. Not the biggest fan of reality TV but Mo and I are enjoying this season of American Idol. Oh and I enjoy Survivor, of which I need to go watch or at least DVR.

One more day...

Me

What you might not know about me:

• My husband and I are both Geminis. Both my kids are Virgos.
• I played field hockey in college and was even a captain for 2 years.
• I student taught in Ireland and can't wait to go back.
• I have been teaching 11 years and have taught spec ed, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 4th grade & 5th grade.
• I love road trips and vacationing on the east coast with friends and family.
• I stood 8 feet away from Ty Pennington and yelled "MOVE THAT BUS"
• My dream job would be staying home with my kids and going back to teaching when they go to school.
• I wish lived closer to my family on the east coast.
• I rock climb and can't wait to start up again since having kids.
• I don't enjoy soaking in a relaxing bath but love a nice long hot shower.
• I snore because I have the worst allergies.
• I miss playing in the snow, but don't miss driving in it.
• I have great friends who are my west coast family.
• I go to a great church where I met most of those great friends.
• I wore Birkenstocks in my wedding.
• I dislike a lot of seafood and my hubby eats it once a week.
• I love Saturdays when I can stay in my jammies and not have to leave my home.
• I love to swim and enjoy teaching little ones how to do it!
• I am tired and can't think of anything else.

Two more days of required posting...

Questions

BufBloPoFo Topic for Day 11: Answer these questions:

1. What is your favorite word? I'm not sure about favorite words, there are a lot of them out there. I'll have to think about that one a little bit more.

What is your least favorite word?
OOOOOO my good friends have a ton of these and I can’t wait to hear their comments on this one. I have a few like the vulgar ones for parts of a woman’s anatomy. Curse words grate on my nerves if used as a adjective in every sentence. My brother Matt does this when he's really annoyed with his ex-wife. Can’t really blame him. I have more problems with my students saying Can I, instead of May I. Does that count?

2. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Wow, good question? Days with nothing to do turns me on and allows me to feel free to create, pray or love. Those are few and far between but Spring Break is only 3 days away so hopefully I will be able to create. Mo's cologne ;)

What turns you off? Huh? Stinky smells & exhaustion, I guess?

3. What sound or noise do you love?
My kids voices saying mama. Rain drops gently tapping on my window. Waves crashing on the beach. My hubby whispering, I love you babe. The school bell ringing at 3:25. Birds chirping outside our my bedroom window. The palm trees that line my street behind my house blowing in the breeze. Music-all kinds-especially Dave Matthew Band in concert.

What sound or noise do you hate? Cars screeching and horns beeping. Babies or kids crying. Annoying yippee dogs who never stop barking. We seem to be neighbors with them everywhere we live. Kids talking after I said to be quiet and get to work. Any type of noise after a long week of work, remember I work with 20 students who want to talk rather loud all day long.

4. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Not sure about this one. I would love to be a photographer like my friends. I think I would like to work in anything that deals with creating, design, advertising, scrapbooking. Sometimes I consider teaching at the college level which would be pretty cool. That one is right at my finger tips, I just need my kids to grow up a little more. I would also like to be a Field Hockey coach, but also at the college level. Can’t do that on the west coast though!
A professional skier or surfer would be pretty cool too!

What profession would you not like to do? Anything on that dirtiest job show. Professional wrestling wouldn’t be too much fun either.

5. What is your favorite curse word? One of the worst ones in the book. F * # K! Said with enthusiasm over and over again!

6. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Welcome home! I love you my daughter, with his arms stretched wide open to embrace me with the biggest hug I have ever felt! You have been a good and faithful servant, come see your family. (Typed with tears streaming down my face.) I can’t wait to meet my Lord and Savior. Well, I’d like to wait until I have seen my kids grow into beautiful adults but if I were to die, I am ready.

Cool thoughts I rarely think about. Here are some for you.
If you could live anywhere in the world with money being no object, where would you live?
What is your dream vacation?
What's the best way to spend a lazy Sunday in the spring, summer, fall, & winter?

Random thoughts

No specific question to answer today just random thoughts.

Good ones indeed!

Before I begin, I must get my latest delicious dessert. 3 thin mint cookies mixed into mint chocolate chip ice cream. I'll also share some of my favorite funny pics of my beautiful kids. ENJOY:)

Finally finished report cards at 4pm today. Printed out each one (4 pgs each x 20) and then each one had some type of typo in the comments section. I guess that's what I get when I PROCRASTINATE!!

Raine is feeling much better and has her appetite back. She has also been enjoying the warm weather. She loved listening to Elmo sing in the car this morning.

Reece & Raine are spoiled lil ones who always seem to walk out of Target with something new in their hands. Today is was a .99 Spider man toothbrush. I tried to hide it in the cart for the Easter basket. No luck when the 3 yr old is sitting in the cart sifting through the goods. He also spotted the Elmo and Spider man Easter eggs. I am hoping to hide them away while he sleeps and maybe he'll forget about em. Doubt it.

Mo is about to go in the bathroom and shave his beard! HALLELUJAH!!! I asked him if he was going to help with the dishes, he said he was going to go do something better! PRAISE THE LORD his face will be smooth again! It's only been 4 months.

I think I'll go cuddle with that clean shavin' man o mine. Yum!

Jesus is Alive

So I'm supposed to tell you all why I love my hometown,-Buffalo, New York but that must wait because the conversation I just had with Reece is 10 x better.

Setting: Kitchen table where I am trying to work on report card comments. Reece comes over sits next to me.

Reece: Mama see what I made in church today.

ME: Wow Reece that is beautiful.

Reece: It says Jesus is Alive! Cuz you know what? We heard the Easter story today and Jesus is ALIVE! (he shouts)

ME: Really, where is he then?

Reece: MAAAMMAA, Jesus is everywhere because he came out of the cave.

ME: What?

Reece: There were bad guys that didn't like Jesus and he died. He was in the cave and they closed the rock. Then an angel came and moved the big rock. And do you know what? Jesus was ALIVE. (he shouted again)

ME: Wow, that's amazing!

Reece: Yep, Jesus is amazing... as he walks away.

No, I'm not making this stuff up. Reece was full of hilarious one liners today. It was one of those days I wished I had a mini tape recorder, like the kind you would use in college (way back in the day).

Wait, as I type Reece & Raine are outside scribbling on the driveway with rocks and I hear Raine whimper and cry. Reece shouts, "I didn't do it! She hurt her finger drawing." I walk out there to see what's going on. My car door is open and I say to Reece what are you doing in my car? I'm just drivin, like this and he moves his arms back and forth like he's steering the car. Get out of my car, this is not a place to play. Aww, come on Mom, I need to go to the store.

Today has been priceless.

Music

What kind of music are you into lately?

Lots of random, like always. I am really enjoying Colbie Caillet, John McLaughlin, & Goo Goo Dolls greatest hits. We always rock out to random kids songs in the morning on my way to the babysitter. Reece is really into the Lion King soundtrack. I just purchased the 101 Dalmations movie and it came with a CD full of dog songs. I can't wait to listen to that soon. The Easter bunny will need to drop that off. I have also been enjoying the musicality my girlfriends have added to their bloggs. I an eagerly awaiting for spring break so I can add some music to mine.

Side note: I had one of the best days with my kids today. Raine and I ran to Sam's Club and Walmart for the necessities. Yes, she is feeling much better. She ate a half banana and a whole bunch of soggy frosted flakes. At 10:15 Raine and I waited for Daddy and Reece at the rec center. They were running late because they went to Men's breakfast at our church. Reece jumped right onto the field and was very excited to play. I was glad Mo stayed to watch because Reece would come and sit down saying he was tired. He had fun but his attention span was a little off. We played on the play ground for a little while and then headed home. Our friends Ashlyn and Kaylee came over while their parents went house hunting. It was a super fun afternoon with four kids under the age of 4 in my home. Just as those friends were leaving our other friend Amaya came over. We left the house an hour later and surprised Amaya's mommy for her 30th b-day! It was a pretty small gathering but still so fun. We need to hang out with the Lucero's more often! Everyone sleeps while I blogg and catch up on my DVR watching. Last night I cleaned off 5, 60 minute shows. I bet I'll only get through one tonight!

Purse contents

BufBloPoFo Topic for Day 7: Open up your wallet/purse/backpack/hobo bag on a stick. What’s the one thing in there that no one else has in their wallet/purse/backpack/hobo bag on a stick? What’s been in there the longest, having never been used?

This should be good! At Christmas I got a new purse, bigger than the last, like a merge between the diaper bag and my hand bag. You can only imagine what is in there now.

An over stuffed wallet, no not overflowing with money just junk. A collection of pens, why? A few hair ties and one barrette for baby Raine. My ipod and it's earphones. A lip gloss, a chap stick and a lipstick. Random discount cards, library card and kid info cards. An envelope of recipes, coupons, & prescriptions. A pocket calendar to write down my daily stuff. A few different lollipops and a couple pieces of candy; smarties, mints & tic tacs. I have 3 of these flatten fruit things from the 2 lil girls that I ate school lunch with on Wednesday. They wanted me to take them home and give them to Reece and Raine. A muffin from breakfast this morning. Gummies. A cork from a bottle wine my hubby and I shared on our 7th anniversary. Change. My school keys. Lotion, tissues, and ... a DIAPER! No, no it's clean.

What's in your bag?

On a side note, please PRAY for my baby Raine. She has some type of flu bug. It started Weds afternoon and it still has her pretty weak and tired. She has only eaten some cheerios, applesauce and 3 teddy grahams. She looks so pale and thin. Raine usually has big rosey cheeks and is running around trying to keep up with her big brother. All she wanted to do yesterday was lay on my chest like when she was a newborn. I love cuddling with my lil ones when they are sick but I feel so bad for her. She just wants to be held by mama.

Reece is going to go to Men's Breakfast with Mo tomorrow morning. Then we will meet the boys at Reece's first soccer class. I think I am more excited than he is. Mo and I used to coach this age group when we first moved to Vegas. I'll share some pics and give you all the details tomorrow.

Toys

BufBloPoFo Topic for Day 6: What kind of stuff (toys, books, TV shows) were you into when you were a kid? Do you think that had an effect on what kind of a person you are today??

I was into all things cool, just like the rest of you. I am from Marilla, New York (right around the corner from East Aurora, NY), therefore I played with a lot things Fisher Price.

Some favorites were the phone, the doll house and the farm house. My goodness they don’t make toys like that anymore. I have bought similar toys for my children and they are so stinkin’ cheap. No wood, just cheap plastic painted with lead that I must hide until they stop putting things into their mouth.

Cabbage Patch Dolls, Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake were big favorites of mine! I had a girl, Jolene Emiline, a boy, Fabian Jervis whose name I changed to Brenden Alex, a boy preemie, Miles Silvester, and a girl baby Lori Shirley.

I was so excited this Christmas when I saw Cabbage Patch kids on sale at Walmart. I had to by one for my daughter. She looks just like Raine too; big blue eyes and a little blond curl coming out of her snowsuit.

I am also the oldest of four children so I really enjoyed playing with my brothers Star Wars figures. I was Princess Lea, of course. My brother Matthew had the big Darth Vader head that would hold all of the action figures.

My little sister Jaime and I used to play with our Barbie’s all the time. We even had some of my mom and aunt’s really old ones from the 60’s. It was so fun dressing the dolls in the Brady Bunch dresses!

When my youngest brother Brian was a kid TMNT were in. No, not the scary ones from the movie made in 2007. THE ORIGINALS! Oh, TMNT stands for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for all you youngins. Now I have some hand me down vhs tapes for Reece with the same cartoons I used to watch with Fry Guy. I know my dad has all four original turtles in their boxes somewhere. Whenever he would buy my brother one he would buy himself one, stick it in the closet and say, “These will be worth something someday!” WHERE ARE THEY NOW? I ask. How much would they be worth, EBAY, or a cool toy store?

Needless to say, I think the toys I played with did shape who I am today because those are some of the best moments of my childhood. I am so glad I can go find some of those same toys for my kids. A friend recently told me about a catalog that sells all the old classic toys we played with. It was really hard not buying everything I played with for my 2 lil ones. Mo even had a ball shopping for presents this year. He came home with Lincoln Logs, Transformers and Match Box Cars all because he used to play with them.

THANKS MOM & DAD for always staying with the times and buying us the popular toys. Thank you for also buying them for my children.

PROCRASTINATE

BufBloPoFo Topic for Day 5: Everyone has an opinion on the correct way to hang toilet paper. What do you think too many people do wrong? Well, here’s your soapbox, participants. Take a stand and teach society something.

I can tell you a million things I do wrong that probably drive society crazy.

Turn around and deal with my 2 lil ones in the backseat while I am at a stoplight. Yes, I guess while I drive too.

Forget to use my blinker and sometimes wait in the right hand lane so I can zoom past the rest of the slow drivers. Yes, I feel bad when someone behind me is waiting to turn right and I am just sitting there.

Talk on my cell phone while driving. Who doesn’t?

Make my students use good manners by answering them “I don’t know, Can you go to the bathroom?”

Ask the Mormon missionaries if they would like to come in my home and hear about why I believe in Jesus Christ. They give me a really strange look, like I’m nuts and then they leave.

I could go on and on, but the biggest thing that I do to drive myself and those who try and work with me crazy is …. Drum roll please

PROCRASTINATE and boy does it make me anxious. If only I would start things when I say I’m going to life would be a lot less stressful!

Now, onto those report cards, hopefully :)

Who would play me in a movie?

WOW, the topic for today's post is: Who would play you & your family in a movie?
I know who would play Mo, that hotty Matthew McConaughey. But as for who would play me, no clue. So I asked my spouse. Mo thinks Jodi Foster or Helen Hunt should play me. WHAT? I guess cuz they are plain Janes, I dunno. I said what about Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston? "Oh Yeah, Yeah" he said. Last time I ask for his opinion!

Good Stuff

The challenge for today's blogg post was to talk about what good things happened to you today. Prepare yourselves my list is long...

Meaningful Part:

My son climbed in our bed at 5 am to snuggle and I was happy to have him.

Jessica Mass came to babysit on a minutes notice when I had 30 minutes until I needed to leave the house for work.

I was able to use the fast copier and get tons of stuff prepared for the week, just in case I am without a sitter again.

Jessica Mass took the kids to the park to play and didn't feel limited to staying in our home.

Jessie picked up my kiddos, took them to lunch and then her house to rest for the afternoon.

Jessie sent me a cute pic of Raine eating lemons.

Teaching went really well, the kids were awesome and we got a lot accomplished for a Monday.

Got to the dentist early enough to enjoy some peaceful magazine reading.

Glad to have such strong teeth that the dentist had a challenge filling my cavity:(

Thankful that it's only my second one. I haven't had to have one filled since I was a freshman in college.

Spoke with mom & dad in Florida, have been wanting to do that for awhile.

Bought a new sticky mat for my pilates class and some great books on clearance for the kids Easter baskets or our summer road trip.

Came home to hear my family talking, laughing and getting ready for a bath.

Got to snuggle with my sweet, clean smelling daughter because she refused to go to bed. We rocked for a few minutes and I thanked the Lord for moments like those.

Stretched my body at pilates class and realized I can do that more at my house now that I know what it involves.

Researched the medco prescription stuff I have been avoiding.

Watched October Road with the hubby and confirmed life is priceless; so find all of the good things that happen to you and don't waste time worrying about the other stuff!

Super Sunday

Not as awesome as my friend Esther's cuz I didn't get to build a snowman family but I did get to spend some quality time with the ladies at church, the spouse and the Castillo family.

JIBBERISH PART:
I woke to my lil man laying next to me telling me how much he loved me. It was so sweet but after a little while I felt like the cream filling of an oreo cookie; smoooooshed between my two favorite guys. I had to get out of bed!

Raine was awake in her crib calling out to mama & dada, whomever would come rescue her. I did and she didn't want me she kept asking for dada; like she does every morning I get her out of her crib. No problem I like dada a whole lot too. I got her ready for church and then proceeded to bribe the child who can dress himself to get ready. He would only do it if he could have a gumball. No prob, I gave him the gum then his plate of waffles with syrup and sprinkles. He handed me back a piece of ABC gum and started to eat his food. Once the kids were strapped in their chairs feeding themselves, I headed for the shower. First I reminded the man, who was still in bed, that we need to be at church in 30 mins.

Hair still soaking wet we headed out the door. We made it to church with time to chitchat before my retreat meeting. Reece went right into his class but then came back so excited telling me that he was going to learn about Easter. We were discussing it on the way into church. Raine went into the nursery without a tear as well. I peeked in on her and she was just standing there, staring around with her thumb in her mouth & blanket on her arm. I'm sure she had a ball ...

MEANINGFUL PART:
Prayer is astounding! We are organizing our 20th annual woman's retreat at our church and it is amazing to see what God has planned. I sat in a room with some of the most incredible ladies. We discussed teachings, skits, hospitality and leadership. Dates of when and what is going on were also given out. Lastly, was the time of prayer. It was such an enormous blessing to stand with those Godly woman. I have learned so much from them already, that I can't wait to see what else I can absorb. The holy spirit was among us and I felt such a sense of peace when I left.

MORE JIBBERISH
Mo and I had a meeting to go to at 11:30 so we threw our kids on Auntie Wendie's truck and said good luck! She watched them for a few hours while we learned about our timeshare stuff. We brought them some dinner and then got to hang out and chill! We always say we need to do hang out with them more so we did. Reece loved playing with Timmy & Cross! He was so sad when we arrived with dinner. He thought he had to go home. When I told him we were going to hang out for a lil while, he ran away screaming hurray!

Mo and I came home, each put a child to bed and then spent the night discussing our summer travel plans. We can't wait for the summer now. We figured out when we will be dropping in on all of our friends; so get ready for the Hauguel's to be knocking on your door!

Past my bedtime so I will finish this post with a question posed by The Royal Toybox. What is the best gift you ever received? FAMILY~ My husband, then my 2 precious kiddos.

Goodnight & God Bless

BufBloPoFo...

A new challenge: To blogg once a day until the ides of March. Can you do it? Will it be meaningful or just jibberish. Mine is a bit of both. I have been thinking about all the things I should be blogging and will catch up on them as I try and complete this challenge.

Meaningful part: I will go to bed in 10 minutes to stick to my other goal but before I do I will give God's book a quick glance. When is the last time you've read the good book?

Jibberish: Raine is now 18 mos and saying some more words. Some only we can tell you what she is saying but she's trying! Reece is my knight in shinning armor, wait till you hear more about that...

Leap Year

Wanted to post on leap year, but didn't get to so I am back dating so I can see Feb. 29 2008 on my blogg. I am sick as a dog and will probably need to edit this and re post it because of typos and spelling errors. Trav can you be my official editor.

A student Violet noticed at the beginning of February that we were missing number 29 on our class calendar. She reminded me again today that is was leap year and we still didn't have a heart with the number 29 on our calendar. I guess that is a priority to her huh? I really meant to make one but never took a minute to do it. :(

It was a fun leap year for the kids they got to start the day with a dance assembly, relax and read poetry for a while afterward, take a couple tests and then eat lunch outside. Is has been beautiful here. High 70's and very little wind. After lunch we finished up some work, house cleaning and then tried to get to fun Friday. Too bad they were just a bit too chatty this week to have much time for that. They made wants and needs posters instead. Interesting to see who starts with which column and what they cut out of the magazine to glue onto it.

Picked up the kids from my pinch hitting babysitters. Sadly, my son, who has been keeping his big boy undies dry during naps for the past three weeks had an accident today:( I'm going to blame it on Leap Year. I felt more sad for him than he did. Really, I felt horrible for Deidre and Melissa who had to wash sheets and deal with that mess.

My kidlets were hungry, tired and out of routine so it was very hard to get dinner ready and not just run in my room and hide. I was starting to feel a sore throat coming on and exhausted from a long week as I am every Friday. I pushed through though; disciplined the naughty behavior, got my family fed and put to bed. I proceeded to lay on the couch the rest of the night with the remote in hand. I never get the remote and always run away to the bedroom to watch TV because I can't stand the way Mo watches TV. Do all men watch bits and pieces of a million shows? Tonight I was starting to feel sick and achy so I refused. I deserve to watch the big flat screen too!

At 10 pm I started to watch yet another show and realized it was past my bedtime. I have been breaking my feel great in 08 rule of going to bed at 10 pm and now my body is suffering. Hence feeling like a sick as a dog. What does that mean anyway?

How was your leap year?

he's so funny

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." Angela Schwindt

I found this quote today while I was scrap lifting page ideas off the internet. I think that this quote says it all. I work so hard and making sure my son is kind and uses manners that I forget that he is 3. He is so full of life that I miss out on all the quirky things he says because I tend to over correct him. I will now try to limit that to only the really necessary things and enjoy his 3 yr old isms.

For instance: A few days ago while Reece was taking bath; he was making ballcanos with a cup and the bubbles. Then he asked if we could go to Hawaii and see them this next day. He is still learning about when tomorrow is and the day after tomorrow.

At the dinner table Mo was drinking water from a SLIPPERY ROCK pint class. Reece spelled out R-O-C-K and then said dad what’s that say? Mo said Rock. Reece replied with, “Oh like don’t throw rocks Reece.” We just started laughing.

A few days later I was wearing a SLIPPERY ROCK sweatshirt and Reece read the letters R-O-C-K again. Mama that spells rock, what does S-L-I-P-P-E-R-Y spell? I said Slippery. He asked did you slip. I started cracking up again.

He is so inquisitive and smart. Yes, I know I am biased, but he is!

Elmo Obsession is back

Raine is obsessed with that furry red friend from everyone's favorite street. I love it, but last night when she was playing with the bath tub Elmo (he wears swim trunks and arm floaties) she didn't understand why he couldn't come in her crib with her. No way the soaking red guy was getting in the bed with the temper tantrum throwing 17 mos old.

It all started about a week ago. She found him laying on the bottom of the bathtub. She was screaming Melmo so many times that I had to run and see what she needed. Raine was trying to climb in the tub to get him. It was the funniest thing ever. I got Elmo out and handed him to the screaming child. You would of thought I just gave her a cookie. She hugged him so hard saying Melmo over and over again.

For the past week she has been dragging that little bath tub Elmo all over the house. Raine couldn't fathum not taking him in her crib after their bath last night. Luckly, the potty training Elmo stays in the crib and was there waiting for her when I layed her down. She was so excited to see him. She screamed Melmo so loud! I finally got her to go night night and she was out like a light in a matter of minutes.

On Saturday, Raine found her favorite book. It's an Elmo Pop Up book from her Uncle Travis and Aunt Amber. She was so cute laying onher belly reading it. Reece has the same book but he tore most of the pop up pieces out. Raine tried that once and hasn't done it again. The kids will sit and sing/read their two books side by side. I need to snap a photo of that.

At dinner last night, Mo got her to eat all of her meal because Elmo was on the spoon. Tonight she refused to eat, so I found the Elmo spoon and said, "Show Elmo how to take a bite." She was so excited about that spoon that she ate her whole bowl of food; half of it all by herself, poking the pasta with Elmo! It was so great.

It looks like Elmo will be a big part of our home for the next few months. Yay for the furry red puppet with the annoying voice coming back around. ;P

Good Times!

I was playing with the camera and took some video of the kids on Saturday. Not sure why it is rotated this way. Feel free to fastforward or even stop because it is a bit hard to watch. I wouldn't keep this on my blogg but it took almost an hour to upload so here it stays. All of you on the east coast better take a look! Enjoy!

Reading Emails

Tonight I can home from a really fun night of First Friday Art Shows and BINGO!! I have never played bingo and can appreciate fine artwork but tonight my nieve lil mind was exposed to art that wasn't so fine. I did however buy a print of an artist named Jennifer Main. It will make the perfect Valentine's Day gift for my hubby! I can't wait to give it to him. I am also making him a homemade card that an awesome scrapbooker Ali Edwards created and posted on her blogg. I found the kiddos some $10.00 movies at Target and these awesome nap pads for $6.99 from Disney.com. I am almost all set for Love Day!

I got off topic, the reason I was writing was because I read this email from a parenting site:

Top Story How to:• be more loving• slow down and really listen• plan fun outings more often• watch TV less• encourage your child's spirituality• nurture yourselfand, be a better dad

Huh? I am a mom reading this email, not a dad. What about becoming a better mom? HA that's cuz we don't have to become better. Right?

Laughing Gas

As I sit at the computer checking my email, Mo is putting Reece to bed. The conversation was as follows:

MO: OK Reece time to say our Amens.

REECE: You say it daddy.

MO: Here's a fart for you first. (wafting the fart up into my sons face as they both start cracking up with laughter.)

REECE: You stink daddy! (As he laughs hysterically.)

MO: That's some laughing gas for you Reece. (As Mo laughs hysterically.)

REECE: I can't stop laughing. ( now laughing uncontrollably )

MO: Laughing uncontrollably as well.

REECE: Mommy is even laughing out there.

MO: OK, time to settle down and go to sleep. Then they both crack up even harder.

BOYS ARE SO GROSS!!

17 months & such a big girl

SUCH A BIG GIRL!! Raine is 17 months old now and I can't believe how big she's getting. Some of the fun things about her are below.

She has the best hair. We can pull it into 2 little pony tails. She only leaves them in for a few hours but she is learning to leave them in cuz then she looks "OH SO PRETTY"

She has figured out what time out is. If she is pushing her limits all we have to say is do you want time out? Then she looks down and pouts. Ahh to have the upper hand.

She is using her sign language more often. She can sign the words: more, milk, mama, dada, please, thank you, up and down.

She is speaking more clearly. A friend who babysat her today said, "Wow she is really starting to talk more."

She is as stubborn as her mommy! When she doesn't want to do something she lets you know about it.

She LOVES Melmo as she calls him! She gets very excited about him!

She has mastered climbing up the stairs and coming back down on her belly all by herself.

She loves to play with her baby dolls. She pushes them around in her lil umbrella stroller and gives them their babas.

Raine brings so much joy to our house! We are so blessed God gave us her!

Daddy's home

YAY! Daddy is home from the Dominican Republic! He had an amazing trip full of memorable experiences. He said it was one of the hardest missions he'd ever been on. We missed him so much. Reece & Raine made him a huge welcome home sign. I cut out the letters at school and Reece glued them on the paper. Then we added some color and details. Reece kept on saying Daddy is gonna love this. He is going to be so proud of me! When we were finished I asked Reece where we should hang it and he walked around for a minute looking for the perfect spot. It was quite cute. I told him we should hang it right where Daddy would see it. I had him stand near the door and walk in pretending to be Daddy. He said we should hang it on the pantry. So we did. Then he said let me be Daddy. "Welcome Home Daddy" he read on the sign. Then he pretended some more saying, "Reece did you make this? I'm so proud of you. It is beautiful." Can you hear Mo's voice saying this to him?

Back at work

AHHHH ~went back to work this week. Hubby left for his mission trip to the Dominican Republic Monday night and I have been a working single mom ever since. It has gone surprisingly well. Reece went off his antibiotic and his ear infection never went away. In fact it is now worse than ever. We went back to the doc on Thursday. The lil guy is now on a different med and hopefully his ears will clear up. Since daddy has been away, Reece has been extremely afraid of the monsters in his room and needed to sleep in daddy's spot in my bed. Lucky me! I pick my battles and climbing stairs in the middle of the night gets really old by the 3rd time. I've actually been getting ok nights of sleep with a tossing and turning 3 yr old in my bed. None the less I am ready for my hubby to return.

Christmas in Las Vegas

Wow, we actually stayed in the desert for Christmas this year. It was very different. No hustle and bustle of flying off to the East Coast. Drove home from Utah on Christmas Eve, ate a yummy southwestern style dinner and then wrapped presents for the kids. It was a long day since I sat in the back seat with the kids for 6 hours. Then tried to get us unpacked, straightened the house and got it ready for Santa to come. I think I was more excited than Reece. I wrapped all of his presents while Mo put together an ABC animal toy. One present from Santa and the rest from family is how we tried to explain it to Reece. He must have woken up 4 different times during the night, he is cutting his 2 year molars and hasn't been sleeping well. I was so nervous he was going to see all of his gifts that I would wake, race up stairs and try to settle him back down to sleep. He was up for good around 7 am when he came running into our room shouting, "Mommy come look at the presents. Look at the tree. Can I open them?" We got up and started the 15 minute process of opening presents. I swear, he ripped through them like a wild fire. We would slow him down and try and explain that Santa brought this gift from Noni or Uncle Travis but he didn't care. He was very excited about his piggy bank from Grammy Myers, his Elmo sweatshirt from Uncle Matthew and his Thomas the Train stuff from Uncle Travis, Uncle Jim and Aunt Jaime. Raine sat on my lap and watched all of the chaos. Christmas afternoon was spent with The Castillo Family. We enjoyed a delicious meal with good friends.

Day 7 sure isn't Heaven for the lil people

As I tidy up my house while my family sleeps; I hear coughs coming from all 3 bedrooms in the house. Mo is coughing away after swigging a good amount of cough syrup. Not much I can do for him. I check on Raine, give her a drink of water and lay her back down. I go make sure my son isn't freezing to death since he kicks all his covers off during the night. He wakes as I am covering him up and says, "Mama, will you lay wif me for just one lil tiny minute." My heart melts as I lay down with my sick 3 year old. Poor guy has the start of a double ear infection and quite a wicked cold. Runny green boogies and an awful cough.

I woke to him asking if he could crawl in bed with us. It was 7:30 am which is late for Reece to wake. He climbed in and chatted our ears off. We asked hm to go play with some of his new toys, he said he wanted to snuggle with us. Can't pass that up. So we snuggled a bit then he wanted cartoons. I'm sick of Disney so I asked for Sesame Street. He obliged. All three of us hung out in bed until about 8:30 when we heard lil Raine thumping away in her crib. Reece heard her and asked if we could go wake her up. I went up to get the baby and Mo made coffee. He makes a mean cafe mocha with a splash of vanilla creamer.

As we were eating breakfast, I told MO I think I should take the kids to the doctor. I called a girlfriend to confirm, sometimes I need to get the encouragement from a fellow mom since my hubby was indifferent. I knew in my gut that the kids noses were only going to greener and their coughs were only going to become more frequent without some antibiotics. I have been nursing semi-cold symptoms for too long; especially in Reece.

At 9:45 I call and get an appointment for 10:45. Plenty of time an hour to get ready and out the door. Nope, we were running out the door so we weren't late. It's hard to get ready with two lil people underfoot; plus they needed to brush teeth and hair too. I ran back in the house for Raine's blanket I knew she would need it, we don't go any where with out it! Oh and I had to grab some bread for the ducks. I bribbed Reece with feeding the ducks if he was a good boy at the doctors office. So we made it through the appointment no problem. Raine is fine it's just her allergies with all of the wind kicking up and she hasn't had her singular for a few days so that doesn't help. Reece on the other hand has a very high threshold for pain. He must take after his mama. He's quite congested, coughing alot, lots of running boogies and don't forget those pesty ear infections. He never told me his ears were hurting. What a trooper. After the doc we fed the ducks super fast since Raine was so cranky and tired. Came home put Raine to bed and headed back out to fill the scripts. $90.00 later I have Raine's singular, a cough med and an antibiotic for Reece. I got home for Target just in time to fill Reece's body with meds and put him down for a nap. Once he finally fell asleep; he was out for almost 3 hours. Raine slept almost 5 hours. Think my kids need some rest or what.

I should have been more productive during their naps but once again I was sucked into the computer. Oh well, I got a few things done. Mo brought home take out again since we are on vacation and were blessed with so many gift cards. Reece didn't want to eat so he watched Ice Age with his daddy. I gave Raine a bath and put her to bed while the boys played on the computer, practiced writing their letters, showered and went to bed. It was a hectic morning but a reasonably lax afternoon, hence the reason I am up straightening up my home while my family sleeps. Better go get a few more things accomplished...

Day 6 of winter break

Day 6
Thursday, Dec 27th and I am still not planning on going any where any time soon. I was able to chat with friends on the phone while the kids slept. I spent way too much time cleaning up my emails; reading over 200, well deleting those darn shopping ones. I am proud to say my inbox and files are condensed. I uploaded and edited more pics of the kids from Christmas. I spent the remaining $100.00 on my CCSD gift card. Paid my scholastic book orders and ordered books for Reece & Raine's Leap pad. I rather play on the computer than pick up clutter. Plus who can pick up when lil bodies just take more stuff out!

Reece and I played ABC puzzle cards, ABC Bingo, painted and opened more new toys. He is getting very good at recognizing his alphabet. Mo also taught him how to make an R. He is pretty good at it. Now he can write all the letters in his name. R-E-E-C-E spells Reece he signs as he writes. He loves to write on the lil dry erase board he got from Grammy Rosie. The marker already died since he wouldn't put it down. Thankfully, Erin gave him an ABC dry erase book with a new marker for Christmas.

I convinced the DeRusha family to come over for a take out dinner so the kids could open their presents and we could see them one last time. We saw our friends 3 times while they were in from Cali. That may be a record. I had to hurry and clear off the table so we would have a place to eat but it worked out. They didn't care about the piles of clutter that are still growing around my home. They realize it is Christmas and my home is very well lived in!

All in all~a wonderfully relaxing day!

Christmas break has truly begun!

It is day 5 of my winter break and I finally feel like I relaxed all day long. Don't get me wrong, I have been somewhat relaxed on days 1, 2, 3, 4 but there was always something I needed to do on those days. Today however I had nothing to do, no where to go. Nothing but feed my kids and play with them. We played a lot. I looked at several piles around my house and ignored them all. That is very hard for me to do. When I ignore them they seem to grow. I have a forest of clean & dirty clothes growing on a chair near my bed.
Reece and I played Chutes & Ladders for the first time today. He was enjoying it. He didn't like having to slide down the chutes but loved when he was able to climb a ladder. I had to explain that when he was in the middle of a chute or ladder it was a safe spot. He would become very excited when he would land on a "safe spot". I won the game. Reece was not very happy about that. I explained to him that if he didn't cheat and spin the spinner two times instead of once; he wouldn't have lost his turn and maybe he would have won!

Since Reece is just learning how to play games we had to create a cheating rule. When he decides he wants to go two times or look at the cards in memory and CHEAT he has to lose his turn. He seems to be learning from it. He only cheated 2 times during Chutes & Ladders.

Raine loves to dance so when Reece napped we played with everything musical. She loves to play her piano and today she was doing some ballet moves while she played. Her friend at the babysitter goes to dance classes and teaches Raine how to dance. It's always an adorable sight. I guess she will be headed to some dance classes some day.

I better go get something accomplished today. Maybe I will read the letters I had my second graders write to me. That will give me a good laugh! Or I could start a new book and finish my fun filled day of doing nothing!

Merry Christmas to all

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas! It was super relaxing! We woke to Reece stirring in his bed at about 5:30. I ran upstairs so he wouldn't come down and see all of the presents. He was still pretty sleepy so I layed with him for a bit and then he fell back asleep. I crept back down to my bed and woke at 7:30 to the sound of a lil one playing under the tree. I kicked Mo and said I think Reece is up. We peaked in on him and he was playing with the Chutes & Ladders game I had set up under the tree. We ran back into the bedroom to grab the video camera and sneak up on him.

We said, "Reece what are you doing up?" He was afraid he was in trouble. I then said, "What is all this?" "PRESENTS," he shouted. We asked him who brought all of this and he shouted SAAANNNTTTAAAA! He was so cute. He wanted to open more presents but we told him we needed to go get Raine first. When we walked into her room, she was up playing with her baby doll. It was the perfect way to wake for Christmas.

The morning was awesome! It took us an hour and a half to open presents, and we didn't have all that much. Reece loved opening the toy trains, games and books. Raine pushed her cabbage patch baby around in her pink umbrella stroller. Mo liked his shirt and tie from the kids but liked his tie rack even more. Who knew my mountain man would enjoy getting all dressed up for work each morning. I was busy with the video camera and regular camera. We would set up for some great camera moments only to realize we were working with a 3 year old and 1 year who wouldn't conform to our ways. I don't know where my children get their stubbornness from?

When we were all finished I started making breakfast. Reece & Mo played Lincoln Logs. They built our future log cabin on the table, way far out of Raine's reach! She was not happy and wanted to help. I stuck her in her chair to eat and she was happy as can be. She went off for her first nap of the day and we enjoyed our eggs, sausage and hash browns! It was delicious. Mo and Reece watched Jungle Book while I cleaned up and downloaded our Christmas pictures. It was such a slow paced morning.

The afternoon seemed to fly by. I showered, made crescent rolls and got the family ready for Christmas dinner at the Castillo's home. We were a little late since my kids love their beds and napped a good long while. I felt pretty bad showing up late for dinner with the salad and rolls, but everyone seemed to be fine with it. The Castillo's had a delicious spread: chicken, lamb, rice, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing and the best pumpkin cheesecake. We also had a birthday cake for Jesus. We lit 5 candles for each of the kids and sang Happy Birthday. It was so fun. The evening was so relaxing. I love hanging out with our west coast family/friends. They are the best.

We drove home, put the kiddos to bed and hit the sack ourselves. I was pooped. All in all, it was a fantastic day; extremely memorable! I hope you all had just as nice a Christmas as we did.

Anxious

Have you ever felt anxious for events to come and then you wondered why your were so worried? I feel that way a lot and I am always so glad when they are over. They were never as bad I thought they would be. The event always goes better than I thought it would. I know that is because I work better under pressure. I wish I could be that person who plans and prepares. Don't get me wrong, I do to some extent. Seriously though, I work best when something is due tomorrow. Is that due to genetics or personality? Are my kiddos doomed to the gene of procrastination also? Just some random thoughts...

Thanksgiving in Utah

We are so Thankful for our get-a-way to the mountains.

We drove up Wednesday afternoon to arrive in Park City around 7pm. The kids did fantastic. They fought falling asleep but finally did so a couple hours before we pulled into my brother's place. They were wide awake and ready to play with their uncles & aunt. Raine found all kinds of things to play with. She is teething and was a bit grumpy at times.

Reece had so much fun playing outside with whoever would go out there. He got cold quick but still had fun kicking the soccer ball around. We were sad there wasn't any snow but enjoyed the crisp fresh air and gorgeous mountains.

Reece, Brian & I went on a walk to this great playground. On the way we spotted a perfect tree for a photo.

Thankful

With Thanksgiving 2 days away I was sitting here counting my blessings! November has been a very hectic month. As I have said before, I sure am being stretched this fall. My parents were here for a week and are now in Park City, Utah with my brother Brian. We are headed up there tomorrow and instead of doing the dishes and packing I sit here thinking.

I am blessed. I have the best friends in the world. I have needed to ask for more help than I like to and no one has turned me down. I don't know what I would do without my life savers. Reece and Raine have so many Aunties that love them and look out for them. Thank you again for all of your help Jessica, Jennifer, Melissa, Deidre, Kristi and Amy.

I was able to cook alongside my mother. We made some yummy lasagna that we will enjoy over the weekend when we are sick of Turkey. I was finally aloud to write down the recipe for her sauce instead of just watching her make it. It was a long afternoon and evening but so much fun.

I am Thankful my hubby can stay with us in Utah and not come back to Vegas to landscape. Also very appreciative to all of you who use him to make your yards pretty. You help us pay our debts; with the weather getting cooler I know those jobs will come to an end.

Most of all I am so thankful for my hilarious munchkins who bring me such joy!



No matter how hectic your Thanksgiving will be; stop, take a look around and be so grateful you are part of that group you call family. Relax and enjoy your holiday. I will be!

A few Halloween pics

We had a great time on Halloween. The four of us headed over to our friends house for some trick or treating and good food. Reece dressed up as a Spiderman and Raine was a little Indian Princess. Reece ran around from house to house collecting as much candy as he could carry. Raine wasn't far behind her big brother. She toddled right after him; trying to catch up with the big kids. When I did pick her up to cross the street I noticed she was chewing on a bag of m&m's. A few minutes later Mo asked what is Raine eating? Well little did I know, she had chewed her way through the bag and was now eating the chocolate. She had blue m&m all over her face and hands. This picture says it all. Raine was pooped!

Reece was wanting to eat every piece of candy he got. He finally caught on to the fact that you just collect it and then eat it later. The minute we walked into Baldwins home he asked for a piece of his candy.

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Saturday, October 20th
These next few pictures are from a Halloween party at our friends house. Raine drank way too much fruit punch flavored Gatorade on the way to the party. As we were driving down the 95, she decided to christin my new car. Red Gatorade was spewing all over the place. I am helpless. I'm in the middle of a 3 lane highway with traffic all around me. My kids have never thrown up before but within one month of purchasing my new Saturn Vue, they teach me a new lesson in parenting. When we finally arrived at the Castillo's house; I carried Raine right up to the bathtub carseat and all. She seemed to feel fine the rest of the night.

Boycott the movie The Golden Compass

A friend was telling me about this and I just got this forward. Please forewarn all of your friends and family!

There is a movie coming out December 7th, during Christmas season, called THE GOLDEN COMPASS. It starts Nicole Kidman and it is directed toward children. What is disturbing to me is that this movie is based on the first of a trilogy of books for children called HIS DARK MATERIALS written by Philip Pullman of England.

He’s an atheist and his objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. I heard that he has made remarks that he wants to kill God in the minds of children, and that’s what his books are all about. He despises C.S. Lewis and Narnia, etc. An article written about him says “this is the most dangerous author in Britain ” and that Pullman would be the writer “the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed”. Each book gets worse and worse regarding Pullmans hatred towards God. As I understand it, in the last book, a boy and girl are depicted representing Adam and Eve and they kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH. The movie may seem mild, on purpose. They are hoping unsuspecting parents will take their children to see the movie, then they will want the books and decide against God and the Kingdom of Heaven.

Check out the link http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp