A Blessed Family

The Rockets Red Glare...

2011-01-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

It's lovely in Arizona, in January. Really, it's just about one of the only times I feel satisfied with living here.

Pathetic, I know.

This is the month where I love to be outside with my family. Last Saturday, with our homeschool group, we went to the park and set off...rockets!!

Last year, even though we didn't have a rocket, we went to the event. Our kids were only a little sad, being happy to chase after the rockets as the parachutes had them slowly floating to the ground. Unless the parachutes didn't open and then we parents were yelling at the kids to duck and cover, lest they get impaled by a Wal-Mart rocket. Ah, what a story that would have been.

Some of my children were bigger fans of the whole sh-bang than others.

Ju-Ju did not enjoy it one bit. This was his position almost the entire time. It was a little precarious, with a little brother trying to kick him off, but he held on, nonetheless.

Ya-Ya, too, could have lived with a little less noise, please. After awhile, though, best friends and silly band swaps pulled her away from mama's side.

Bubba and Gi-Gi? Well, they were out there happily watching and chasing. We would see them occasionally when they would come around for, what else? Food. Of course.

Pat worked hard getting our rocket together in record time. When he opened the instructions, there were 54 steps. 54?! Good grief. What a good daddy he is. He put this really big engine in our rocket for it's first test and then it when up into the wild blue yonder. Where did it land? We know not. We searched...and searched...and searched. No luck. Well, at least we got to try it once.

Ju-Ju cheered up after awhile, after his BFF showed up. He still came running at me everytime he heard a rocket, clambering up onto my lap, letting out a siren-like wail. Sad, yet funny. What kind of mama am I?

Ah, semi-happy at last. Sandwich in one hand, sippy in the other. Life is good.
Everyone came home pooped-out and ready for naps. Oh, wait. Maybe that was just me.

It was a great day!

Introducing George and Gracie!

2010-12-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Warning, warning!! Do NOT look directly at the following pictures. Your heart will melt and it will end up in a massive puddle on the keyboard. That's never a good thing.

Ah-ha. Brave, are you? Well, don't say I didn't warn you.

I will get to our Christmas to-do soon, but I had to introduce you to the newest family members toot-sweet!

This is George and Gracie:

George, a boy's dog all the way

Gracie, with a smitten Gi-Gi

We had decided last month that we wanted to get a dog for the kids for Christmas. You know, because we're not crazy enough around here. Somehow, someway, someone convinced my lovely, adorable, heretofore pet-resistant hubby that it's better to get two than one. I never, ever in my wildest, craziest, hormone-inbalanced pregnancy-induced dreams did I think he would go for it.

Go for it he did. Hence, George and Gracie.

George, again

Gracie, again

And now, we're all smitten.

Especially Daddy.

It was a good Christmas.

Catchin' Up

2010-12-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

Oh, my poor little neglected, mistreated family blog. I haven't meant to ignore you.

Honestly.

But, it seems I have done it again. Six months is shamefully too long as I well realize.

Let's get caught up, shall we? Last we spoke was June or July. What's happened?

Let's see...

First of all, we now have three homeschoolers! Gi-Gi entered fourth grade, while Bubba and Ya-Ya started kindergarten.

Meanwhile, Ju-Ju had been getting a lot of beauty rest.

Bubba has been experimenting with "cool" hair...never thought I'd see the day I'd have a son with a mohawk.

Speaking of experimenting, someone decided to see what it was like to be a beautician. Ahem.

And Gi-Gi gave her first presentation at the History Fair. She studied Amy Carmichael and did awesome! We weren't even up until midnight the night before!

As for Daddy and Me, well, things are just about to get more interesting.

More soon. I promise.

We LOVE Grandma!

2010-07-20T11:05:00.002-07:00

My kids love, love, love their Grandma.

Want to know why?

Because, for one thing, she buys these:

She'll always be beautiful to me.

What can I say? He's one handsome boy!

Ya-Ya needs to grow a little more, don't you think?

Oh, and her big kid loves her, too!

That's definitely not the ONLY reason we love her. But it sure is one!

As for me, well, I already have to wear glasses and wax. Why draw attention to it?

Desert Beauties

2010-06-14T16:08:00.004-07:00

Even though I'm a native "Zonie", there is no love lost between me and this desert place that I call home. There are some beautiful mountains in Arizona (they even have this white stuff called snow sometimes), but I've never considered the metro-Phoenix area breathtaking (except after a rain, but that happens so rarely).

However, we did get to travel down to Tucson on Memorial Day to visit the T'hono Chul (I'm almost certain that's misspelled) Desert Botanical Garden and it was gor-geous!

There was an abundance of butterflies as well as secret little havens for women without children with them to sit peacefully, drink tea and listen to the water fountain bubble up vigorously. I took a peek before they hastily shut the gate in my face when they saw the stroller. Totally kidding here.

Really, who wouldn't trust these sweet, innocent little angels?

I wish my camera could have done it justice, but alas, it could not. Some things must be seen in person!

Ya-Ya floating her little leaf-boat in the canal they have in the children's area.

Oops, looks like she got a little too close. It bugged her for the rest of the day, poor dear.

Thankfully, Daddy was there to save Bubba before his imminent head dunking.

Checking out the streams in the desert, just like the Bible says.

I know that I'm totally related to this guy some how. Check out his big mouth! Look familiar?

Although, I think I prefer to be related to her! She's pink, sassy and has fabulous taste in shoes. She should have come home with us. Everyone needs a souvenir, don't you think?

Better a pink chicken than a rattle snake!

Wanted: One Brave Dog

2010-05-20T11:23:00.004-07:00

Wanted: One doggy to snuggle, lick and play with two little boys and two little girls. We can promise lots of hugs and squeezes, pulled tails, and food under the table.

And this is why we need a dog:

If we had a dog, the five-second rule would be non-existent at our house. Oh, who am I kidding? It doesn't exist now!

Unfortunately, the quality of this picture is not so good because he wouldn't stop inhaling the cheerios long enough for me to get a good picture. He's like a human vaccum cleaner, that boy!

Do you see this, Hubby? Are you convinced yet?

How Does This Keep Happening?

2010-04-26T16:50:00.003-07:00

I still haven't figured out how this keeps happening.

Somehow, year after year, the kids just keep getting older. And they like it that way!

Gi-Gi is latest of the kiddos to grow in age and beauty.

I keep trying to put the books on her head, but she keeps knocking them off, proudly declaring that she's up to my shoulder.

Hmph!

Honestly, though, I'm enjoying having a nine-year-old. I love that I get to watch her grow and learn every day. I love that I get to teach her period. What an honor, what a privilege, what a responsibility.

And yet, there is still some little girl in there.

I'm loving that, too.

Happy birthday, sweet girl.

The Many Faces of Ju-Ju

2010-04-26T16:25:00.005-07:00

In our family, we four children who we have discovered are all hams.

To the core.

We are genuinely amused by this. We laugh and then give each other the look that says, "That's your child."

The amazing thing is that they come out this way. There's no training here, no teaching about how to behave when you have a captive audience.

I swear it's in their DNA. The paternal side.

Here's one of the hams in action.

Scene One: Ju-Ju is eating like a horse, as usual. We're celebrating Gi-Gi's ninth birthday and so everyone is there. Yet no one is paying attention to him. Cue the tears.

Scene Two: He's got our attention, but he's still mad. Notice the evil eye being used on his Nonnie (my mom).

Scene Three: Immediate cessation of the tears because everyone is laughing at him. He's looking pretty pleased.

Scene Four: What you don't see is that in between shots, he's screaming. As soon as he here's my camera focus (it chimes when it focuses), he immediately stops and smiles. In fact, I was trying to get more of the mad faces, but he kept smiling when he heard it.

Scene Five: Repeat of scene four. Screams until the chime and then smile for the camera. How did he learn this?

Scene Six: Repeat yet again. By now we are all laughing hysterically.

Yup, we've got a comedian in the family.

This is going to be interesting.

Easter Happenings

2010-04-12T10:24:00.003-07:00

Better late than never, right?

I really, really, really love celebrating Resurrection Sunday! Last year, we weren't able to celebrate it as usual due to Hubby's nephew getting married, three kids in the wedding (they really were so darling, but three kids in one wedding?!) and a one month old.

This year was so much more meaningful simply for the reason that we had time to meditate on what it all means to us every day.

Funny how tricky it can be getting four kids looking and semi-smiling nicely at the same time. Can we do it?

Yes!! Got it! Everyone smiling semi-nicely, looking at the camera and not tackling each other to the ground. Miracles do happen!

We spent the evening before making Resurrection Cookies with our kids. Our recipe didn't really turn out well, so I won't share the recipe we used, but you can google them and hopefully have your turn out better than ours. It was a really powerful object lesson for little ones. It was worth it even if the cookies didn't turn out. Maybe next year, we could find a way to add chocolate in there. Hmmmm....

On Sunday, we spent time with Paco's familia after church and had such a wonderful time being outside in our gorgeous Arizona spring-time weather. Apparently, orange was the color this year. Nobody told me. Could it be because I look absolutely hideous in orange? Nah!

And then, of course, the egg coloring tradition. I love how my children have no patience for this (as in waiting for the color to set) and yet we HAVE to do this. Then, they won't touch them with a ten foot pole when they're done! I'm still eating them a week later. How long are hard-boiled eggs good for, anyways?

I'm just praying away the salmonella, folks. {shudder}

How did you celebrate this Easter?

Has It Really Been That Long?

2010-03-23T10:54:00.002-07:00

I just looked at the last posting and I about fainted when I saw the date. Okay, maybe not really almost fainted, but I think there was an audible gasp coming out of my mouth.

Yikes!! It's been way too long, my dear little blog. And for that, I humbly apologize.

If only there were more hours in the day...

Know the feeling?

So, in a whirlwind-kind of way, I'll give you the lowdown on the monkeys and their latest antics:

Yes, that boy is walking all around the house. Officially one year old, he's a hefty24 lbs. 4 oz. and 30 inches tall.

Mr. Personality, he is. He's a friendly, happy, smiley kind of boy who lights up when he sees someone he knows and loves. A mama's boy to the core, which I'm sooo not sad about, he's a fantastic snuggler and is usually found in the vicinity of my legs while I'm working in the kitchen.

Ya-Ya, sweet Ya-Ya. She's always had an artistic bent and it's really been coming out lately. This art masterpiece is (in case you're not sure) a bride and a groom getting married. Can you see it now? Ya-Ya is the type of girly-girl who dreams of growing up, getting married, and having babies, just like her mama. {sigh} We must be doing something right!

Bubba is growing like a weed, both physically and in personality. His vocabulary has exploded, he's teaching himself to read, and his favorite phrase is, "Speaking of..." He's a pretty smart dude! Still working on the two-wheeler, though.

And then there's our Gi-Gi! She's up in the trees every time we let her, like a true monkey. She's still our little bookworm, working hard through third grade, helping me take care of Ju-Ju, and staying busy with her Literature Club (plus reading my blogs). She's loving spending time hand-sewing and crocheting, just like Laura Ingalls Wilder, dontcha know?

We've been keeping pretty busy, what with Saturday-morning dance party, and all. This is truly one of our kids favorite activities and they find that they have very willing parents.

Here's another one of our favorite things: acting out Bible stories as part of our family worship. This was Bubba and YaYa acting out when Jesus washed the disciples feet. They did a great job but we're still having to work at implementing this into our daily lives. Does it ever get any easier? Not only did I get to get my feet cleaned, but I also got to be the servant who clean the basin full of dirty water. Ugh! How lucky could I be? But I guess I was practicing servanthood.

And then we come to Miss Buttercup. Every year, our hummingbird comes to her little nest on our wind chime to lay her eggs on the nest she so lovingly made. Sure enough, this year she showed up, made a few improvements and settled down to lay her eggs. We waited with anticipation and lo and behold, the eggs hatched and out popped two little babies. But, they don't stay little for long! In no time, they've gotten big enough to push mama out of the next and she hangs out (literally) on the wall next to them. It's incredible to me how trusting she is of us. She buzzes (or is it hums?) around us whenever we're in the back yard and even follows Hubby around when he's mowing the lawn.

Now you've caught up with us all. And I promise I'll do better keeping this updated.

Cross my heart.

This Is Why...

2010-02-22T10:44:00.004-07:00

I don't let my three year old dress herself:

What if Laura Ingalls Wilder had become a go-go dancer?

History would have never been the same. {shudder}

*I would just like to say that she does NOT get her fashion sense from me. It must come from her father.

Birthday Thanks!

2010-02-04T10:43:00.002-07:00

Today, I'd like to thank my parents, my mother, especially!

You see twenty-nine years ago, she gave birth to my sister.

Isn't she lovely? The munchkins beside her aren't too bad, either.

Because of that most auspicious day years and years (and years) ago, we got to partake of:

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas (drool, drool)

AND

Shirshee's homemade carrot cake!

FYI: My pants still haven't forgiven me. {It was so worth it!}

It also gave Ju-Ju his first opportunity at eating carrot cake. You never forget your first experience with it...

And, as it turns out, she's been a pretty good sister through the years.

I guess it was a win, win situation.

Thanks Mom and Dad!

Just Another Day at the Park

2010-01-20T09:04:00.006-07:00

If you live in Arizona, you know that this is the time to be out of doors!

We spent last Saturday watching our children (with one exception) running up and down hills chasing after rockets. Alas, none of them were ours. The rockets, I mean. Not the children.

Before you feel too sorry for the little boy without the rocket, let me assure you that he was just excited watching them launch and then come down to earth (despite what the picture may look like).

Up and down, up and down.

Some of us got a little tired.

And maybe a tad bit distracted by the really cool drain. (Mama's always holding her breath around these things.)

And one of us was just enjoying being outside laughing at everyone else's goofiness.

Yup, just another beautiful day!

Holding Our Heads Up

2010-01-12T16:13:00.005-07:00

Finally! After years of waiting, crying out, praying for a miracle, dropping our heads in defeat...

It's happened!

You have to understand the passion that reigns in this house around this time of year. The earth stops spinning, time as we know it ceases except for that one-eyed monster that spews forth either the euphoric ambrosia that we drink or the grimy stagnant liquid that we are forced to swallow.

Do you know what I'm talking about? Does this happen at your house?

I'm talking about football. At this time of year is there anything else?

Well, now we finally have something we can be proud of out here in good ol' Arizona.

It's the:

Just for honesty's sake, I will admit, I am a fairweather fan. For years I would shake my head in disgust at our home team as they fumbled and tumbled. But then...Kurt Warner.

I think my husband just sighed with delight at the very thought of the hope Kurt Warner (and all of his wonderful partners in crime) has given us.

Years ago, I thought that all Cardinal paraphenelia should be banned forever from any kind of store willing and wanting to make money on these poor souls who couldn't even score one touch down.

This year, I went and actually, purposely purchased a Cardinals hat for Bubba.

Boys, you made a believer out of me!

*And also a wife who prays you continue to win because I don't want to have to drag my poor, mopey hubby out of the depths of despair. Again!

Happy 2010! Yawn.

2010-01-04T10:47:00.006-07:00

You know, New Year's Eve just ain't what it used to be.

Remember when you would stay up late with a ton of other party goers just to watch the clock change to the magical time of 12:00? Those were in the BC days.

BC as in before children.

Nowadays our New Year's celebrations are a little more, well, subdued.

6:30 pm finds us toasting with our pizza:

And playing the game "Who can make themselves sick the fastest":

Then after that rolicking good time being had, we proceed home and amuse ourselves any way that seems, uh, amusing:

Promptly followed by little people falling unconscious in various locations in the family room (no doubt due to the vigorous pizza-eating):

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Still, there are those who determinedly hold out for that clock to strike midnight:

But here's my favorite New Year's tradition of all:

And that will never be subdued!

PS We didn't really make it midnight. Daddy and Mama decided to make 11:25 the "new" New Year time. What's thirty-five minutes, anyway?

Happy New Year!

It Was Merry, Indeed!

2009-12-28T11:39:00.013-07:00

It was a very merry Christmas around here.

Aw, there's nothing like that first Christmas ~ unless it's your thirtieth and you're getting a new bike!

...or it's your fourth and you're getting a new kitchen to make yummy things in...

...or you have a new way to emulate your hero...

...or your eighth and your parents give you new ways to guarantee bumps and bruises...

...or it's the Christmas you're given a second chace at the modeling career you always wanted.

All that to say, we had a positively lovely Christmas, and we pray that it was the same for you!

Merry Christmas to All!

2009-12-24T23:02:00.004-07:00

Merry Christmas, our dear friends!

We pray blessings and peace for you and your family on this blessed day!

Love,
Paco, Jamie, Gi-Gi, Bubba, Ya-Ya, and JuJu!

Cookie Cut-ups

2009-12-14T13:35:00.006-07:00

Fact: I am a Norman Rockwell lover.

Fact: I want every holiday to have that Rockwell-esque feel to it.

Reality: It never happens that way.

Yesterday, I thought, 'Oh, wouldn't it be fun to make and decorate cookies with the kids. It's such a perfect Christmas thing to do on a Sunday afternoon.'

Fun, it was. Perfect, it was not.

It started like this:

*Please note my husband's face and the fact that Ya-Ya is ducking her head.

Here's why:

The result?

An adorable Ya-Ya covered in powdered sugar.

So, while Mama cleaned it up,

there was an expedition to the front door to enjoy the short afternoon rain shower. (Do you know how rare those are in Arizona?)

After the explosive powdered sugar was cleaned up, we rolled:

and we sprinkled:

Even Ju-Ju got into the act as a taste tester:

The Rockwell family model we are not!

Who wants to be perfect anyways?

I hear it's completely overrated.

Guess I'll never know.

Because They Are Just So Darn Cute!

2009-12-01T16:06:00.009-07:00

Because I am a proud mama, I wanted to subject you to more pictures of my amazingly sweet children.

Seeing as it's my blog, I don't think I'll hear any objections.

Because, really, they are just that cute!

Yes, these are my children. Yes, I gave birth to all four of them. Yes, they are worth all the stretch marks.

Well, of course they were going to end up cute with parents like these!

Biased, you say? OF COURSE!

I am just one of those mamas.

My camera is one of the first things I would save if my house was on fire.

*Notice, I said things.

Brace yourselves! Christmas pictures will be coming soon. Prepare to be subjected once again.

Do I hear any objections?

I thought not.

Together Again (At Least for the Weekend)

2009-11-24T15:49:00.011-07:00

Celebrate good times, c'mon!

Good thing you can't hear me singing that right now. I think it's stuck in my head.

Oh, dear.

We had some good times this weekend, let me tell you.

There are some families out there who have reunions every year. Not us. Oh, no. We're on the twenty year plan. Seriously.

We figured the last time my mom's family was together was Thanksgiving 1988. I won't even tell you how old I was then.

Let's just say, no one was calling me Babe or Mama.

Why, oh why, do we wait so long?

I'm not sure, but we did finally get everyone together this past weekend.

We laughed, ate amazing food, made announcements, swapped funny stories, and got to know each other a little more. Cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings, parents. Together again to celebrate (that and eat).

We celebrated being in Arizona in November:

We celebrated eating (as if there was ever any question):

We celebrated the next generation:

We celebrated new love (and engagements):

We celebrated being together:

But most of all, we celebrated our matriarch:

Because without her, there would be no one to come to the family reunions.

There would be no family.

Thanks, Grandma.

Our Fall Adventure

2009-11-06T14:23:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

More Yumminess

2009-10-28T16:36:00.003-07:00

This is what happens when your big brother and sister don't obey and put the crayons away.

He seems to like it, though.

Aye-yi-yi-yi-yi

Just glad it wasn't lipstick...

Happy Birthday, Nonnie!

2009-10-25T20:17:00.004-07:00

Okay, okay. Only a lee-tle bit late.

Still love me, Mom?

Of course you do! You wouldn't be a mom if you didn't. But, I also don't want to push my luck. Hee, hee!

(trumpets blast)

And now, here she is:

This is my mom. I love her. She's a very blessed woman. After all, she does have the four most beautiful and adorable grandchildren in the whole world. Only, don't call her Grandma! She is Nonnie.

One of the things that's great about my mom is that she is extremely creative! She came up with the idea to make my curtains out of a table cloth. Good thinking, Mom! She can look at a room and envision furniture placement, paint colors, location of nicknacks and everything else that I never think of. Well, almost never. She is definitely the first person to call when in a decorating jam.

Seriously. I do it all the time.

I think the thing I love most about my mom, though, isn't the help picking out fabric swatches or paint colors. Let me say, my mom is always there for me. She's only a phone call away and she will drop everything to be on my front porch. She's taken children to the ER with me in the middle of the night, come and taken care of me after each of my c-sections, never missed a birthday of any of my children, rejoiced with me and cried with me.

Plus, she passed down her love of chocolate to me, her beloved daughter.

Need I say more?

I love you, Mom. Happy birthday!

Late wishes? Yes, but she'll be 54 for the whole year.

Ooops. Was I supposed to say that?

Fresh-Baked Yumminess!

2009-10-23T06:10:00.006-07:00

A few weeks ago, our family was invited to a bakery field trip.

It took one nano-second for me to accept this invitation.

I'm telling you, it doesn't hurt having wonderful friends who let you come on their fieldtrips!

On our field trip the the Tempe Great Harvest Bakery:

we listened (most of the time),

we took notes,

and we got to help out a bit. I didn't realize that bakers were so brave! The thought of all those dirty little hands in my flour... *shudder*

We even enjoyed the fruits of not-our labors, with a sampling of honey-wheat bread. I'm pretending that this is the bread that we helped make. Isn't it lovely?
I did take some pictures of the sampling, but the bread disappeared so quickly that I never really got a good picture.

They have the cutest little shopping area in the front of the bakery that I really wanted to spend time browsing through, but... But, I will be back! Just the thought of those yummy different flavored butt-ahs is making my tummy growl.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

Happy Birthday, My Love!

2009-10-07T22:13:00.007-07:00

My poor little blog has been neglected.

Here's the deal, though. I've been living life to create more blog posts.

At least eventually.

However, in all of this living, certain members of my family have been having birthdays that have been not been acknowledged by this esteemed publication.

Sorry, Hubby. Sorry, Mom. (Yikes!)

No, I'm not mad at them. No, I'm not in denial that my husband is now 35. It's just, well, you know.

Life.

So here is my much belated birthday tribute to my husband:

This is my husband:

I like him. I like him a lot.

Here are some of my favorite things about my adorable hubby:

~While I'm getting ready for bed during the cold winter (all three weeks of it), he warms up my side of the bed before I get into it. So nice and snuggly warm. Aaaaahhhh.

~He drives big pick-ups. There's something women like about a pick-up man!

~He was willing to take his three-year old daughter (now eight) and his wife to see the Nutcracker ballet. Not many men would do that.

~He still wants to be a cowboy when he grows up.

~He likes almost every kind of food I make for him. No complaints from this man!

~I've never met anyone funnier. He's definitely the fun parent. I, uh, am not so much. At least the poor children have one.

~He eats the heels of loaves of bread. I don't. We're a perfect match.

~He wasn't afraid to marry a single mom. He took us both on. What a guy!

~He continuously strives to be the man/husband/father that God has called him to be.

Sorry, girls! He's all mine.

There are a lot more, but I just don't think that you would have the time to read ten pages. There are, also, probably some things he wouldn't want me to share on the world wide web. Like that he- Oh, man! That was close!

Happy birthday, Babe! (you don't mind that's it's terribly late, do you?)

Mom, your's is coming. I know you gave me life, but... um, I love you.

100th Post!

2009-09-26T20:28:00.011-07:00

I can't believe we're at the 100th post already!

Come celebrate with me!

Life has recently become so hectic and crazy (in a good way!), so the blogging has been something I think about late at night as I'm falling asleep.

And I mean falling like a load of bricks!

So I'm just going to take this oppurtunity to show you some of the things our precious family is up to!

Gi-Gi has just learned how to crochet. Well, kind of. Can you tell? Her Nonnie recently showed her how to make a chain. The chain is now six feet long. Seriously. Unfortunately, that's the only stitch she knows. I'm looking around the house, searching for some way to use a six-foot long crochet chain. Any ideas? Please? But, I am pretty proud of her!

Ju-Ju has been taking guitar lessons. I told you he was advanced! His Daddy's pleased as punch! Even when Daddy is at work, I find Ju-Ju crawling over to the guitar and patting it, trying to make it make some sound. I love the thought of the future day of when our home is filled with (melodious) music made by my children. Of course, I'm not sure if I'll have any hair left by the time they are able to make the music melodious.

Bubba has recently taken up shaving. What can I say? He's growing up way too fast. You'd think he was an Iowan corn-fed farm boy. Good grief! I tremble at the thought of future grocery bills! *shudder* He's also just discovered the joys of riding his bicycle up and down the alley challenging his sister to races. A few scraped knees later...

And then there's our Ya-Ya! She's just busy being three. My baby, my baby. She's keeping us all in stitches, especially when she sings her new song. Here's how it goes:
Jammies and undaweas
Jammies and undaweas
Jammies and undaweas
This is sung in her New Jersey accent. I still haven't figured out where she picked it up! She says butta and stow-ah for butter and store. If anything, she should be talking in an Irish brogue or with a Speedy Gonzalez accent. Go figure.

As for me, well, I'm just living the life! I am so terribly busy keeping up with these five fabulous people and I've never experienced anything more glorious. God is bringing me through a season of such learning that I can't imagine ever being the same as I was. And that's a good thing, my friend. A very good thing. I am blessed. So very blessed. Thank you for being on this journey with me. I'm enjoying being part of this blogging world.

Happy Birthday, Ya-Ya!

2009-09-12T19:34:00.005-07:00

One of my darlingest girls turned three today.

I've actually been a little melancholy today. I can remember the day she was born with startling clarity. I remember holding the precious bundle in my arms and marveling at how tiny she was. At 6 lbs. 9 oz., she was the smallest of my bunch. Even then she was teeny.

Now she's three. Oh, my.

Even now she is still on the small size. But don't let her size fool you. She's wee, but she's mighty!

She was my one unexpected pregnancy (doesn't everyone have one of those? lol). I knew from the moment I found out about her that she was going to be the one who made me realize how much I needed to lean on God!

Here is my top ten list of favorite things about my Ya-Ya:

10. She loves clothes. She loves to shop for them, wear them, throw them in the washing machine, and dress up in them. It doesn't matter, she loves them all. And she can match outfits together without my help. That's my girl!

9. Ya-Ya was four weeks early and so needed to be held more than the previous two kiddos. The only way she could sleep at night was to be buckled into her car seat with my hand somewhere on her body. Precious, but exhausting.

8. She has the incredible heart of a servant. Wanting to be my big helper is just the beginning. She consistently is looking for ways to help and bless others.

7. She really wants to be a mama someday. Yay for future mamas!

6. Ya-Ya is our family's cheerleader. She loves to encourage and celebrate each of us.

5. She's a ham. She will stop and pose anytime she sees a camera. It can be pretty funny.

4. She is incredibly witty and funny. She doesn't have to think about being funny. She just is.

3. Ya-Ya has the cutest little voice! A friend recently said that she should be doing voice over work for cartoon mice. She may be the one soprano in our family.

2. She loves to climb up on laps. A great snuggler from the moment she arrived!

1. She is the best surprise of my life! The Lord knew we needed her in our family. I am so glad He gave her to us!

Happy birthday, dear girl!

Happy 85th, Shirshee!

2009-09-09T10:18:00.006-07:00

This is my grandma:

She's pretty great! Today is her 85th birthday. Holy cow! 85. The things this woman has seen in her lifetime are momentous. She's one of those Greatest Generation people. She was born into a seemingly different world. It was gentler, harder, simpler. You know what I mean?
She remembers the years of the Depression when homeless people stayed in an empty lot across the street from her house. These people were making soup out of dandelions. Weeds for dinner? That's gonna impact you in some way.
She remembers meeting the love of her life during a dancing school lesson when she was in junior high. They were paired together because they were the tallest in their respective classes. She ended up being 5'2" and he was 6'2". Go figure.
This woman in incredible! After raising four children, she went to work full time. After becoming a widow, she has supported herself for 28 years. She still is a substitute teacher in special ed classes, as well as working for a homeless shelter, making countless pies for church functions, and blessing her family members with quilts, jammies and slippers.
Such a godly, blessed woman! She has been an example of godly love and womanhood. I'm doing my best to emulate her in so many ways.
She's the one who taught me how to make jam, sew a button, and wash dishes properly.
She has celebrated the birth of each new great-grandchild with joy and love.
She has encouraged, supported and loved me every day of my life.
Thanks, Grandma! I love you so much!
Happy Birthday! May the Lord bless you through out this next year in countless ways.

PS We are celebrating Ju-Ju's 6-month birthday, as well as Shirshee's 85th today! I can't resist bragging just a little more. He's now decided he can crawl, much to every one's delight - except mine. Things just got a little harder around here. ~sigh~ But ~ I am still the beneficiary of the majority of his snuggles. I guess I can handle the crawling if he's still snuggly.

Dollar Store Treasures

2009-08-28T12:09:00.004-07:00

Matthew 6:21 says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart is also."

Apparently, some one in my family has their heart at the dollar store. And it's not me.

Our family has been working together every night during family worship memorizing the Ten Commandments. It's pretty funny to listen to Ya-Ya try to get her two-year old pronunciation around number 7: Do not commit adultery. It comes out: do not tome it ah dole ti wee. It's really cute. The pronunciation, not the sin.

When they each recited them last Sunday for a proud Mama and Daddy, we promised them that they would each be able to pick out a treat from the dollar store. When we went today, they all picked exactly what I would have predicted. Here they are with their treasures:

Gi-Gi picked silk flowers, Bubba picked pirate dress-up and Ya-Ya picked a fairy dress-up skirt. Yup, couldn't see that one coming from a mile away.

I have to admit, like any sane Mama, I had to guide their choices. I honestly had to stand in the aisle explaining to one of my children that we don't buy art work at the dollar store because it looks cheap. "Of course it looks cheap. It is cheap," was the reply.

They get their intelligence from me.

Thankfully, another decorating crises averted.

I have to say, I think it's pretty ironic that Bubba chose to dress up like a person who routinely commits sins number six and eight.

Thankfully, it's from the dollar store. It will have disintegrated by tomorrow. I hope.

Our "Day-Cation"

2009-08-18T20:05:00.010-07:00

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Like many people, this year's vacation has had to be put on the back burner.

Bummer with a capital B.

That being said, the month-long cruise around South America had to be cancelled. That okay. I'm not much of an ocean type of girl anyway.

We got to do something better. Much better.

My hubby knew of this fabulous swimming hole in Eastern AZ that would be perfect to take the children to. We were going to have to hike to get there. I was up for it! I'm a rugged kind of mountain girl.

Do I hear scoffing?

Just because I have to be close to a Tar-jay and Walmart...

And besides, Eastern AZ is one of my favorite places in the world!

So, we headed for the swimming hole. Here's the count: two families, four adults, nine (yes, nine) children, countless water bottles, one pair of ugly walking shorts (mine) and a partridge in a pear tree.

This swimming hole was well worth the hike! Oh, my goodness. Talk about God's country! To see my children's faces light up was priceless. It's a gift to be able to share the joy of God's creation. Are you wondering why Ya-Ya is carrying around a stick? That's her walking stick. Yup, can you see how it is assisting her? It was about 11 inches long.

Those kids (and dads) swam and swam and swam! Friends, let me tell you! That water was cold!!! The mamas and babies were chickens and didn't get swimming. At least, I was a warm and dry chicken.

The perfect end to a perfect day! ICE CREAM!! Hey, I had hiked off all those calories. Smiles + swimming hole + only a few owies + ice cream + best friends = perfect day!

Ju-Ju at Five Months

2009-08-11T15:26:00.006-07:00

Isn't he muy delicioso? Oh, my goodness! Wait, is that drool on his jammies? That's embarrassing.

Anyways...

My boy is such a heart-stealer. Just like his - wait, I'm not sure who he's like! Well, I guess I'd just have to say me; if I was being honest, which I'm not. Because if I were totally honest, I would say he's in the the deep end of his Daddy's gene pool. But I'm not bitter or anything. *ha!*

He's now five months old and a ton of fun. And he's so advanced. He's now sitting up. He beat the previously held family record of earliest sitting up, held by Gi-Gi. She's only a little miffed about that. Okay, not really miffed. The competitive streak runs deeply in our family, though.

This has been my favorite stage with all of my little duckies. I can still put him down and he doesn't go anywhere - for the most part. He laughs and smiles, coos and generally entertains us all.

Oh, and he also eats. A lot. He's like off the growth chart. Yeah, that's the way we make 'em out here in the West. Big and beautiful. I mean, handsome.

God is so good!

Back to School!

2009-08-05T11:45:00.005-07:00

It's that time of year again!

Time for bouquets of sharpened pencils (no. 2, of course) and the smell of new books.

Aaaahhhh!

Being homeschoolers, we don't really get into that whole back-to-school thing. There are no new clothes, backpacks, or lunch boxes. Being the product of public school, I have a tendency to feel sadly about this. And then I remember that the first day of school is only the first day. Then reality sets in. It's in this "reality" where you would find our reasons for homeschooling.

Anyhoo, I do try to make it special, but I think my attempts go overlooked. To them, there's no difference in the way breakfast tastes or the fun-level in making their beds, no matter how I try to convince them. They remain skeptical. And I get the feeling that my kids do get tired of me saying, "It's the first day of school!" over and over in an attempt to make them feel like we should be celebrating in some way.

They do, however, appreciate the brand-new sharpened pencils.

This year we have a third-grade veteran and a preschool newbie. Of course, Gi-Gi, being more experienced at this "school-thing", is so gracious and encouraging of Bubba. For example, while he's coloring a picture she says, "Oh, Bubba! That a good job, for a preschooler." Or perhaps while he's putting beads on a string, "That's great, Bubba, for a preschooler."

Catch that?

What are big sisters for?

I'm just waiting for the comment, "That was a good meal, for a Mama."

So we're off on our grand adventure of learning this year! Ready to go with us?

Bathroom Conversation

2009-07-27T08:25:00.005-07:00

Just a glimpse into my day:

Overheard the other morning while I was applying makeup:

(Upon the raising of the curtain, two curious children are seen playing with their mother's bathroom scale. They're adorable, even if they are continuously picking the scale up and dropping it to see the needle move.)

Bubba: "Ya-Ya, look! I am forty!

(The precious child means forty pounds)

Ya-Ya: "What am I, Bubba?"

(Ya-Ya stands on aforesaid scale)

Bubba (peering down): "You're tooty, Ya-Ya." (again meaning twenty pounds)

Ya-Ya: "Yay! When I'm three, I'll be three-ty!"

Bubba: "Mama, you should get on the scale!"

(Curtain falls quite rapidly and forcefully)

Grandpa is 95!

2009-07-26T14:14:00.005-07:00

We were privileged to celebrate Hubby's Grandpa Virgil's birthday last week! He is a living testimony of God's blessing of longevity. I don't know about you, but there aren't too many ninety-five year olds in my circle of friends! Maybe I need to get out more...

Grandpa was so tickled that we were able to come and celebrate his birthday with him at his assisted living center. I think he even liked the balloons and Virgil's Root Beer that we brought him.

Such a sweet, sweet Godly man! His story of lovingly taking care of his wife for fifteen years is movie-worthy. Grandma had Alzheimer's and he went to her nursing home every day to feed and take care of her needs until she passed on four years ago! That is a rich legacy that he is passing down in our family.

Bless you, Grandpa!

Holy and Dearly Loved

2009-07-15T11:38:00.003-07:00

You know, at our house we strive to teach our children how to have a meaningful relationship with our Heavenly Father at a young age.

We must be doing something right:

Here's four-month-old Ju-Ju having some prayer time.

Maybe he's praying for Mama to finish ironing so he can have some lunch.

Potty Talk

2009-07-08T20:42:00.004-07:00

As a parent, with each child I look forward to the day when I can say he or she is potty-trained. What a sense of relief it is to not have to buy diapers in bulk for two children. Aaaahhhh...

Then it hits you. I am now required to know where every restroom in the Phoenix metropolitan area is. Not only do I have to know their location, but I have to be able to judge the time span it is going to take me to get there, usually lugging three other children, a purse, a diaper bag and other various and sundry items.

You know, of course, when newly trained, they wait until the last absolute second to let you know they have to go. Last night saw me scooping up Ya-Ya and running through Home Depot to avoid her doing her business in the fan and lighting aisle.

Tonight, the chosen location was the grocery store. Nothing says motherhood like having to find someplace to park a loaded cart and run like the wind to the potty.

I have to share just a smidgen of the conversation I had with Ya-Ya. Before you read this, though, understand that Ya-Ya is an incessant talker. She has her mama's gift of gab.

Here we go:

Ya-Ya: "Mama, is that a boy or girl?"
Mama: "That's a boy."
Ya-Ya: "Why he has a piggy tail?"
Mama: "Some boys like to have piggy tails."
Ya-Ya: "Oh. Ooooo, a little potty. I yike little pottys. Who's that over there?"
Mama: "It's another lady going potty."
Ya-Ya: "Oh. What's her name?"
Mama: "I don't know, Ya-Ya."
Ya-Ya: "Oh. Is she going pee-pee?"
Mama: "Yes, she is. Are you done yet?"
Ya-Ya: "Nope. I still pooshing it out. What's this?"
Mama: "It's a little trash can. Please don't touch it."
Ya-Ya: "Oh, a little trash can. Why is there a little trash can in here?"
Mama: "Ya-Ya, please don't touch! Aren't you done yet?
Ya-Ya: "Mama, can I crawl under the door? Why is the door locked? I don't want to go. Can I do the flushy? Where's Daddy and Bubba?"

And that, my friends, is your potty talk segment for the night. My mother always said real ladies don't use potty talk. I guess we're not ladies.

Bloggin' Away

2009-07-07T16:18:00.005-07:00

When I say three, quickly jump over to my new blog!

Okay. Ready?

One.

Two.

Thr-

Wait a minute. You have no idea what I'm talking about, you crazies!

Introducing my new blog: This Mama's Heart!

Hubby and I have been going through a season of shifting our focus back to our home and family over the past couple of months. Please don't get me wrong, our family has always been our numero uno priority. However, I think we've been allowing other things to distract us.

Yuck!

So, now we're in the process of getting our family back into their rightful place in our attentions.

This new blog is a way for me to chronicle this journey that I/we are experiencing and learning from.

This is not someplace where I have the answers. Believe me! Instead, this is a place to celebrate victories, big and small, and to come share some challenges that are taking place in the life of this crazy conglomeration we call family.

That being said, I really want this to be interactive with you. I am always in need of ideas on how things may work for you or your family. Even just an "I hear you, girl!" or, "Yeah, we've been there." So, if you do drop by, please leave a comment. Of course, you don't have to, but I love to know what you think.

Also, I've realized that some people may not want to see a million, zillion pictures of my kids.

Gasp!! I know. What a ridiculous thought.

So just for those poor people, pictures will probably be kept at a minimum. Keep coming back here for updates on the Fam.

See ya over on This Mama's Heart! http://oneblessedlady.blogspot.com

This is One Blessed Lady!

Stars and Stripes Forever!

2009-07-03T15:30:00.006-07:00

Ooooooo! Another holiday is here and I am chair dancing happily!

I heart Independence Day. I love the colors, the music, the history, the John Philip Sousa marches playing (former marching band nerd here!)...

One of my goals as a parent is to show my kiddos what these holidays really mean. Yes, it's wonderful to spend the day in the pool, grill out, and watch fireworks. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking that at all! Anytime we can cook outside during the summer is alright by me.

What I am saying is that I want my kids to have an appreciation of those who went before us and sacrificed, sometimes everything, to create this amazing place that we live in. These people truly believed from the depths of their being that they were following the will of God to form this country. They were driven by their purpose!

And so, from an early age, our kids have been thrown into the patriotic fervor that lives at our house all year long, but especially around this time. Now, we don't exactly reenact Revolutionary battle scenes in the back yard. No, no, no. That would just be silly. Nope, that will happen next year. We do, however, try to get them to understand the importance of this day.

Here is where I get dreadfully politically incorrect. Ready?

Brace yourself.

I really and truly believe that we live in the most blessed nation on Earth.

As a great teaching tool, we have this book:

America: A Patriotic Primer by Lynne Cheney.

Fantastic illustrations and it gives just brief descriptions of everyday, All-American fun stuff.

Good, good reading for the whole family!

Happy Birthday, America!

How do you celebrate the fourth? Are there any favorite family traditions that take place?

Apples and Shirshee

2009-07-02T07:49:00.009-07:00

My grandma, aka Shirshee, is known for her apple pies. Well, any kind of pie, really. Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to make pies like her in that great someday of being grown up.

So, now I'm grown up. At least, that's what my children (and responsibilites) tell me. Time to make pies!

Shirshee has a friend who has apples trees. Yes, there are apple trees in Arizona. Every year, this friend gives Shirshee bags and bags of apples and then Shirshee uses them to make apple pie fillings or homemade applesauce and then freezes them. Smart lady, huh?

Last week, Shirshee came over to help me (okay, I helped her) make my own pie fillings and apple sauce. We had children running in between our legs, trying to help us at every turn. What wonderful memories my kids are making, I hope! Best of all, Shirshee made special "pink" applesauce, which practically sent Ya-Ya into rapturous delight!

After a day in the kitchen, we ended up with four pie fillings and seven applesauces. It may not seem like a lot, but believe me, that's nothing to sneeze at! Oh, and we had two tuckered out ladies.

What do you like to make from scratch? Is there something that you, as a child, really wanted to learn to make?

The Hazards of...

2009-06-30T07:22:00.003-07:00

being potty-trained!

Need I say more?

Vanity Takes a Holiday

2009-06-22T06:59:00.004-07:00

I've never been what you'd call a role model for healthy living. Oh, I'll forego an occasional bite of cake or give up a sweet that I don't really like anyway. Proud of me?

I'm the kind of girl who lectures herself about eating better while slyly slipping another chocolate chip cookie into her mouth, hoping I won't notice and make myself spit it out into the trash can.

Well, maybe I'm a little better than that. Maybe, but not really.

Anyway, time and gravity being what they are - as well as baby number four and the wonderful age of thirty - I'm trying to get back into the swing of exercise and good eating. It seems to be going really well. *snort*

So, as soon as I got the go ahead from the baby doctor, I was doing my little workout video three/four times a week.

This really did last awhile. However, I got the feeling it was time to find something different when my sister asked me (when she saw me doing it), "Uh, has Pat seen you doing this?"

Ahem.

Then there were the times when my four-year old son would cheer when the young, beautiful blonde came on. She was only half-naked.

Ahem.

Oh, and the best one. Gi-Gi says, "Mama, I can tell you're nursing Ju-Ju because your - shake when you're exercising."

Ahem.

Moving along, then.

Walking. Crazy thought, isn't it? I think I may have forgotten that I knew how to do that. I'm usually chasing kids around at full speed.

After pulling myself out of bed at a way early time, before kiddos get up and start making the individual and group demands, I briskly walk around our neighborhood, praying that our neighbors can not tell that I'm a nursing mother.

Ahem.

And do you know what I've discovered? I have yard envy. Oh, and porch furniture envy, too. Shameful, shameful.

So many of these homes have gorgeous landscaping and inviting chairs and tables covered with flowers or greenery.

And then I realize, many of these people probably don't have four kids. Kids that would be throwing the cushions all over the porch or dropping the plants accidentally while trying to help me by watering them.

They might not have to exercise because they have had four pregnancies doing wild and crazy things to their tummies.

I don't know, but I think they should be envious of me.

Early Morning Treat

2009-06-18T09:05:00.003-07:00

While I've never considered myself a high-maintenance kind of girl, there are times when my family spoils me. Oh, it's so hard being a mama. ~sigh~

Yesterday was one of those times. I had breakfast in bed. And it wasn't even my birthday or Mother's Day!!

Yep, you heard it right. Gi-Gi decided to surprise me and bless me at the same time. She succeeded.

My "Royal" breakfast

Now, you have to know, the biggest fan of our blog is Gi-Gi. I told her that I wanted to blog about this special meal and her face just lit right up like roman candles.

And so, in order to bless her, I decided to do something that rarely happens around here. Let me say, very rarely. Like so rarely that I think that gas was only 99 cents a gallon last time it happened. So what is this once in a lifetime occurrence?

Yes, you guessed it. I was photographed with no makeup on and my hair not done. Are you shocked?

My Monkeys At The Zoo

2009-06-12T14:55:00.003-07:00

Thanks to Grandma, we got to spend the day at the World Wildlife Zoo yesterday. After driving all the way to the tip of South America (okay, not really S. America, but it felt that far!), we all stumbled out of the car on legs that felt like they hadn't been used in quite a while.

We corraled the kids and then...We were off!!

My monkeys checking out the monkeys in the exhibit.

Nothing beats those happy faces.

We decided that this is how Daddy looks when he needs a haircut!

I've never been this close to a giraffe before. The kids were in total awe!

I can totally sympathize! This Mama was pooped, too.

Pool Time!

2009-06-09T14:53:00.006-07:00

Summer is in the air! Flip-flops are being worn, swimsuits donned and sunscreen slathered over wriggling little bodies.

That’s about as poetic as it gets.

This mama has boycotted pools and especially swimming suits (or baby soups in our family’s vernacular) for reasons obvious to all. At least I would think the reasons are obvious.

This is as close to the pool as I am going to be.

And so, this weekend’s trip to the pool was the first trip for me, although the kids and Daddy have been going for weeks now.

Ya-Ya just "floating" around.

Gi-Gi, aka Mermaid Girl

Fish Boy

Instead of partaking in the day’s activities, I sat on the sidelines chatting with dear friends and counting children’s heads. While not exactly a cool dip in the pool, it was just as good. For me, anyway.

Ju-Ju joined me. He didn't feel like getting his hair wet.

Proud Mama Pictures

2009-05-31T20:48:00.007-07:00

So, I've gotten numerous (well, two, actually) requests for updated pictures of our little J-Man. Poor child. So many nicknames, so little time.

Anyhoo, I'm not sure that you people know what you're asking for.

Maybe you think I've been lazy and not taken enough pictures of Baby #4. HA! Not exactly. I've actually been mercifully holding myself back from posting new pictures every day! Come to think of it, you people should be thanking me! You see, this child is one of the most beautiful children of all time. There are only three more in the entire world. Funny, they all belong to the same family. Hmmm. Go figure.

Well, you people asked for it. Prepare to be inundated with pictures of...

JU-JU!!

Awwww! I could just look at him for hours.

Looking Pensive.

As Ya-Ya and Bubba say, "There he goes again!"

Ain't it the truth?

He smiles with his entire body.

So, there you go. You know, now that I think about it...

No one was clamoring for a picture update of me. Hmmm.

The Tea Queens

2009-05-27T20:51:00.007-07:00

I have a girly-girl. It's absolutely FABULOUS!!

This girly-girl's mama said to the previouly mentioned girly-girl, "Girly-girl, would you like to host a tea party for your friends on Saturday?"

"Oh, Mother, you are so good to me! This would be a dream come true. I will love you for always and obey you no matter what."

Well, it was something like that. Ahem.

Cut to last Saturday. Gi-Gi invited her two best friends to join us at our house for a loverly afternoon tea. Gi-Gi worked hard all week making illustrated menus and sewn crafts for her girls, as well as tidying up her room.

Mama was busy in the kitchen making fruit salad with fresh whipped cream, double chocolate banana muffins and chocolate no-bake cookies.

When our girls arrived, they were immediately escorted upstairs to become "queenly". This entailed dressing up, complete with giggles, squeals and downright screams when a little brother was pestering them by opening the door. :) The girls then proceeded downstairs to partake of their dainty tea.

The girls munched (or is it more ladylike to say nibbled?), delicately drank their tea with pinkies up and talked girl talk. Amidst more giggling, you understand. While having high tea, I asked the girls what they would chose for their own queen name, if they could. Let me tell you, their eyes lit up like fireworks!

There was some hemming. There was some hawing. Back and forth, back and forth. What would they choose? What would the perfect name be? Oh, the pressure!

So, may I now present to you...(trumpets blasting)

The Queens! In order, we have Queen Rebecca, the Benevolent. Queen Jasmine, the Just. Queen Rose, the Joyous! Our queens. Are they expecting us to grovel? I'm not sure I "do" groveling. Well, I could curtsy as a measure of politeness. I just hope my own Queen Jasmine doesn't forget she has to go back to making her bed and dressing herself.

All in all, I think the tea party was a success! I enjoyed it just as much as they did. And I didn't even get any tea.

Whaddya think?

2009-05-20T15:57:00.004-07:00

I'm converting.

What?!, you may ask.

Yes, you read correctly. I'm converting.

"To what?", you may ask.

Well, I'm trying to decide if I go all the way or just dabble a little bit.

I guess I'm still working that out.

Oh, and by the way, I want to be Amish. Or maybe Mennonite (the Amish cousin).

Hmmm, what'll it be? Maybe I should think a little more about this.

I've always been attracted that kind of lifestyle, simple and slow. I'm amazed, especially, with the women and the things they can do. They cook (from scratch), clean (outhouses. Ewwww!), bear children (many times three times the number I have), plant enormous gardens (both for their own use and pleasure), make all of their own clothes, as well as awe-inspiring quilts, by hand and knit or crochet anything their family or other's may need. This, I'm sure, is only scratching the surface. Plus, take into account that there is no electricity (unless you're Mennonite).

Do these women have more hours in their day than I do? Where do they get this enormous amount of stamina to get all of it done?

Um, okay, so maybe this wouldn't work for me.

Let's face it. I'm not the Amish-y kind of girl.

Here's the number one reason I can't become Amish:

I like makeup.

Yes, it's true. I would love to think that I would be okay with being a natural. But, yeah, it's not going to happen! I don't leave the house without my face slathered in the stuff.

What was I thinking?! I mean, really, not shaving my legs ever again? Not a pretty thought. An outhouse? Oh, dear. Then there are my tweezers. They would have to pry them out of my cold, dead hands!

Planting a garden? This chica cannot keep a cactus alive in Arizona. Really. True story.

Plus, you know, I have to think of my family. I don't think they'd be so keen as to want to lose cameras, cd's, pink clothes (for the girls), beer (for the Hubster). Oh, and the thought of washing the cloth diapers. ~moan~

So what is a girl to do?

I've got it! I think I'll join a sewing class this summer. The first thing I'll sew is an Amish dress. *chuckle, chuckle, chuckle* That should take care of this crazy, uncontrollable idea!

Thanks for seeing me through this. Whew, crises averted!

Now, back to my blow dryer and nail polish. I'm back!!

Bubba is 4!

2009-05-18T16:42:00.007-07:00

My Bubba. Oh, how I love this child! Here is (finally!)my birthday tribute to my son:

For many of you not familiar with Bubba (which is now, apparently, not a cool nickname for a four-year old), he is so darn sweet! Our first born boy... Oh, I remember the first time his daddy laid eyes on him, during the ultrasound. I think he may have been close to dumping Gi-Gi off of his lap when he jumped for joy at the obvious sign of a son. Even at that point, there was this incredible bond between the two of them. In fact, while I was pregnant with him, he would start flipping around and acting crazy about the time his daddy got home from work.

Life is not easy for a boy sandwiched in between two sisters. While he loves his sisters, he really loves being around other boys. Big or little doesn't matter, he just loves the surge of testosterone! Already, the sense of keeping up with what the other boys can do has pervaded his sense of boyhood. He's constantly sharing stories about what his older friends can do, and he's busy being impressed with their feats of strength.

Do you know how funny my son is? This guy has inherited his father's gift of cutting people up! He will do almost anything for a laugh and then do it over and over and over... We've just made it through the hysterical (and always embarrassing) stage of saying his random thoughts about people out loud. "Mama, that man has a squishy neck". He says this in church. Aye-yi-yi! "Mama, that lady has a big -"! Ahhhh!! Again, as we're walking into church. My hand barely made it over his mouth in time. Heaven knows, I won't be walking around in a bathing suit in front of him any time soon! That's a good thing for everyone involoved.

One of my favorite things about Bubba is his desire to do the right thing. When we can get him to slow down an think about what he's doing or saying (no easy task at times, let me tell you), he honestly wants to make the right decision. I love this teachable spirit of his. God has such great things planned for this boy, maybe using his love of music. (*When he was barely walking, he used to go into the laundry room and bounce to the rhythem of the washing machine*) He goes around the house singing the Sunday school song, "I'm In the Lord's Army". It sure is music to this Mama's ears (and heart).

Mother's Day

2009-05-12T19:58:00.010-07:00

Ah, Mother's Day again. I love this holiday! Okay, I love almost any holiday.

I enjoy looking for ways to make this day special for the mamas in our lives. If it's daisies at the places at the dining room table or the special, lucious chocolate-dipped strawberry cake, it's fun for me to try to show how special Shirshy, Gramma and Nonnie are to us.

My favorite cake

We got to spend Sunday with Hubby's mom (aka Gramma), my mom (Nonnie), and my grandma (Shirshy). With so many moms in our lives, Mother's Day can be overwhelming for my poor husband. We don't go out to eat on Mother's Day because it's so crazy busy out there (not to mention expensive, although, our mothers are worth it!), so dinner is prepared at our house.

Because it does take preparation to prepare such a meal, my Mother's Day has a tendency to get overlooked somewhat. This year, I got smart! My special day will be occurring next Saturday. This way, Hubby and I worked together in the kitchen to bless both of our moms (oh, and Grandma, too).

I didn't forget about four of my favorite people in the world who were the one's to allow me to join the League of Motherhood.

I can't wait for my special day on Saturday! Wonder what I'll do. Hmmm, first thing is sleep in. Think that will happen? Naaaaahhhh! :) Maybe I'll get lucky and get lunch and a shopping trip. We'll see, we'll see.

Happy Birthday, Bubba!

2009-05-07T12:13:00.005-07:00

I have much to do in dinner preparations for the birthday dinner, so I'm taking just a minute to show pics of my special boy. I'll do a proper tribute later.

Perfect blackmail picture!

So very handsome.

I love that smile!

Trying to sneak candy at the Easter Egg Hunt.

Happy birthday, my sweet boy!

A Momentous Day

2009-04-29T14:12:00.005-07:00

Do you remember, when you were growing up, there was this milestone that you desperately wanted to pass as quickly as possible that marked growing up? It's funny, but I think that when you pass that mark, there's always another one looming on the horizon. It maybe wearing makeup, shaving your legs, your first pair of high heels.

Having never been a boy, I would have no real idea what those markers would be, for a boy, but I'm sure they have something to do with bodily functions and are gross.

Well, in our house, there has been one milestone that Gi-Gi has been working on for the entire school year. She's been working and working and working to reach the point where she can finally...

Yes, you guessed it. Writing in cursive!!!

Can we all let out a scream of girly delight! Now all of her dreams of writing "fancy" have come true. ~Sigh~ We are now content.

But wait... Before I get too comfortable, others want to get into the act, too!

Isn't that the most bee-yoo-tea-ful T?

Bubba and Ya-Ya got to practice their letters with a plate of rice. This picture was taken mere seconds before the whole plate of rice was dumped on the floor.

Huzzah! I love being a homeschool Mama!

A Lesson from a Kite

2009-04-25T20:46:00.004-07:00

I am a Mama. Let's compact this with the fact that I'm a home school Mama. That means I am big into lessons. And I mean BIG!

Now, I would love to think that I'm the one teaching the lessons. I feel like living thirty years on this earth has earned me some wisdom. Wisdom that I am more than willing to share with others around me. Maybe too willing at times. Well, I don't always get to be the teacher. Other times, I'm more the reluctant student. Hmph!

Tonight, I was the student. Again. We had a lovely impromptu picnic at the neighborhood park with some great friends. To many who live in other parts of the country, it would seem as if a slight breeze was blowing. To us Arizona people, it was downright windy. The perfect kind of day for kite flying.

When we got to the park, a lovely family from our street was already there, you guessed it, flying their kites. Our children, sad to say, are kite deprived. For some unknown reason, I've just never bought them. So, when they see kites being flown, they want to join in.

As this family was leaving, they offered one of our children the oppurtunity to borrow the kite for the afternoon. All went well until it was time to leave. The kite's string had been wound up after use. Well, it kind of got tangled up quite severely because one of our children was being irresponsible with it. Unfortunately, it was past saving. I mean way past saving. It would have taken me a month to get these knots out.

Me being me, I wanted to use this oppurtunity to teach a lesson in responsibility. Money being saved up is now going to be spent replacing a Spider Man kite. Heartbreak Hotel around here, let me tell you.

However, when time came to let these neighbors know what had happened, I balked. Long story short (I think it's too late for that), I was embarrassed. We had had an issue several months ago with kids, which had to be apologized for from this same child. What would these people think about me? was my first thought.

Yes, in my embarrassment, I turned this issue into one about me. I tried to think of any out I could. Maybe Hubby would go over and explain, maybe we could just go and replace it without explaining what had happened, maybe I could spend all night trying to get the knot out. Whatever I had to do to save face.

And then I realized. Was I going to miss out on teaching my child something important because I was afraid of being embarrassed? The Lord has called me to a higher purpose. I can't sacrifice the teachable moments with me child because they're uncomfortable for me.

And so, I girded up my loins, held my child's hand and crossed the street. The family was exceedingly gracious, which I knew they would be. They offered to forget about it, as I thought they might. However, I tried to subtly convey the fact that we're learning a lesson here, so please let us replace it. By subtly, I mean that I tried to wink in a slow, non-flirtatious way. Unfortunately, it was the husband that answered. I don't think he got the wrong idea. I hope.

That being said, tomorrow will find us buying a spider man kite and walking it across the street. I will take my child's hand as we cross, and that thank the Lord that He reminded me that I, too, still have many lessons to learn.

Happy Birthday, Gi-Gi!

2009-04-22T11:06:00.006-07:00

Monday was the eighth anniversary of when I became a mama. Or, in other words, it was Gi-Gi's eighth birthday. Has it really been eight years? Apparently it has. I won't go into the cliche, "It feels like yesterday...", even though it does. Or the, "It goes by so quickly...", even though it does. Hold on, a moment please to wipe away the tears.

Please pardon a sappy, sentimental Mama. Okay, ready now.

Monday was all about celebrating my girl and her special day! I realize that some of you may not know my sweet Gi-Gi, so permit me a few moments to brag on her, under the pretext of introducing you to her, of course.

Being the eldest is hard sometimes, according to Gi-Gi. Being the eldest in my family, I completely sympathize! She lives up to the responsibility well, however. She is one of the most compassionate people I know. There is no one better to have around when you're sick. She would make an incredible nurse. She is so very anxious to help.

Gi-Gi is girl to the core! She came out that way, I swear. Dresses, skirts, hairbows... You name it, she had to have it on. This is one of the precious things we love about her. I do see big time budget increases in the clothing category as she gets older. Good thing I'm learning to sew! She's a great example to her little sister on all things girly-fied.

Gi-Gi is full of plans. Ever since she was teeny-tiny, she has been full of ideas of things she wants to do, go, and be when she grows up. For a very long time, the plan was to be a mermaid. Well, thankfully, we've gotten out of that stage! Even now, she wants to own a horse ranch, be an astronaut, house homeless people and be a missionary all at the same time. Is the world ready for this girl?

Gi-Gi loves, loves, loves to read! (Yay!) It's a family trait, I think. Really, I am constantly catching her with her nose down in a book. Part of this stems from a huge desire to learn. Library trips find us laden down with at least thirty books checked out at once and about twenty of those are hers. She will read just about anything she can get her hands (or eyes) on.

Some of you may remember me saying that Gi-Gi has the gift of getting freebies! I don't know how or why, but people have always wanted to give her stuff! Free food, toys, books... Okay, now that you're warned, don't look straight into her eyes! You may be inexplicably compelled to give her whatever you have on hand! Don't look! Well, unless it's diamonds or gold. Then, feel completely free!

Another thing we love about Gi-Gi is that she wants to snuggle almost all of the time. Daddy, Mama, Hauntie, Grandma, Nonnie, Papa... All of us are frequently hugged, kissed or just jumped on!

The most important thing we admire and love about Gi-Gi is her love for her Heavenly Father. She really strives to learn and obey His will for her. From a very young age, she has loved Jesus and been so sensitive to His words. Many times in church, I'll look over and there are tears in her eyes, sometimes from the music, sometimes the prayers. Her baptism last year was one of the most emotional times we've experienced in her life.

Our girl on her eighth birthday!

We are so very blessed and thankful to have this beautiful girl in our lives. Our family just wouldn't be complete without her.

Sharing = Caring

2009-04-17T11:26:00.002-07:00

Every mother loves it when her children share. Right? It brings smiles to our hearts and faces. Right? We give ourselves a mental pat on the back for being such excellent parents to raise such delightful, compassionate children. Right?

Wrong!

Well, sometimes wrong. This would be one of those times. Our older children accidentally "shared" cold germs with Baby Ju-Ju several weeks ago. While they have blissfully skipped off and recovered (which I'm happy about), Ju-Ju's immune system isn't as developed as their's and so he has not skipped off any where, fully recovered (which I'm not happy about).

My happy, mellow, go-with-the-flow baby hasn't made an appearance in a couple of weeks. I miss him! Let me make clear, however, he's not crying like he's colicky, but the crying whenever I have to put him down is starting to wear on many nerves around here. I've seen a lot of fingers stuffed into ears as far as they can go. Mine included.

And really, who doesn't want to held, snuggled and taken care of when they're sick? There's part of me that gets a perverse kind of satisfaction that when he cries, he wants me. Funny ole, crummy ole me. Daddy and even grandparents or Hauntie is good for a period of time, but it always comes back to me.

Here's the part that makes me okay with all of this, though. My kids gave him these germs by loving on him. By hugging, kissing, wanting to snuggle. No bioterrorism, here. These germs came packaged with love. Also, it's only a cold. In a few weeks, it will be gone and forgotten and happiness and peace (well, of a sort) will reign again.

Hallelujah! I am a blessed woman.

THE WEDDING!

2009-04-14T16:17:00.016-07:00

Finally, a moment to get these posted! Our weekend and already the beginning of this week have flown by with craziness around every corner.

However, we ARE survivors and are telling all who listen about it!

What a fun experience this wedding was for our family. Not only did we see Hubby's handsome nephew marry his beautiful sweetheart, but our family got to play a very active role in whole shin-dig. I have to say how blessed we were, as parents, to be asked several months ago to have our children involved.

Of course, as a mother, I am proud (as I'm sure y'all have noticed! Really, you haven't?), but I love that they are seeing the beginning of a marriage. We see too many "ends", that we need to celebrate the beginnings we do see, and be encouraged that people are still wanting to take that wonderful step into a lifetime together!

Okay, delicately stepping off of my soapbox am I, and on to pictures and running commentary (oooo, my favorite part).

We managed to corral them for a few seconds to snap this picture. Let me tell you, no easy to task to keep three children clean, not damaging wedding clothing and out of guests way, all while trying to nurse a newborn. I am woman, hear me roar! Maybe it would be more accurate to say, "I am Mama, hear me roar!" Please, notice the cheeseball in the middle. He's not mine. He was dropped on our doorstep by a group of crazy babboons. ~Sigh~

Can you see this hair?! And thankfully, no clowns were needed to entertain them. All done in the presence of a gorgeous bride and her bridesmaids. My girls were absolutely glued to their seats, probably picturing themselves a few years down... Oh, wait, so not going there right now. Sniff, sniff.

Here they come, my trio of wonderful beauty and handsomeness. Thank you, thank you. Yes, I do take credit in giving birth to all of these gorgeous people. Oh, and their Daddy had something to do with it as well. They were perfect! No panicked look at Mama, no tears or running away. Huge relief! Hubby is in the back, guarding the rear exit, ready to rescue anyone who needed it. No takers, thank goodness. Also, notice Ya-Ya watching her big sis for direction in how to throw flower petals. Nothing like on the job training!

Ya-Ya's got that look on her face like, "Here I come Mama!" And sure enough the next second, she was climbing in my lap. Was this surprising? Not in the least. Was it welcome? Always. Nap had not been taken, so a potential meltdown was only a breath away. I didn't breathe for the rest of the ceremony.

And then there was my son, who was like a statue during the entire ceremony. That is when he wasn't chewing on the ring pillow. Why on earth... Can't explain the allure in that, but then, he's only three. Thankfully, Cousin Micah had Tic-Tacs in his pocket as a bribe to keep him still. Good work, Micah Buddy!

Everyone is celebrating David and Annie! What gorgeous people and what a gorgeous setting. Perfect day for all of us to remember.

Another shot with our lovely bride and her incredible dress! She's about a size 2. It's sick, sick I tell you! I thought on such a windy day, she would just float away. Thankfully, she didn't and the celebration could go on as planned.

One of our first family pictures since Ju-Ju was born. It's so different to have everyone all dressed up at the same time (besides church and Sunday mornings don't usually lend themselves to a lot of picture taking. Is that just at my house?).

I just had to snap a picture of these way cute table settings. You just have to smile when you see them. Yuuummm, the strawberry tux was so good, too. Uh, yeah, I actually ate it. Wouldn't you?

Okay, so I'm not sure what exactly happened with this picture and my camera, but I thought it was so fun and different I would include it. I can't even tell you what's going on, but I know we're having a great time! It was an amazing evening in a beautiful setting with some good friends and family. Romance was in the air with lots of snuggling, hand-holding and smooching going on ~ and not just the bride and groom! Hey, my hubby and I are unapologetically still on our honeymoon. Are you jealous or is it the same for you?

Thank you for humoring me and letting me post and comment on my seemingly endless pictures. I know our kids are going to remember this night for the rest of their lives. Well, at least three of them will. One just slept through all of the excitement. Some people just aren't any fun. :) We forgive you, Ju-Ju!

2009-04-10T11:37:00.006-07:00

Tonight is the big night! Forget about the bride and groom; it's my children's debut as flower girls and a ring tiger ~ he doesn't want to be ring "bear", so tiger it is. (By the way, I really do know it's David and Annie's day. Can I help it if my children are the cutest in the world? Seriously.)

So, being the proud Mama that I am, I'm sharing with you some of our fun moments from last night. Aren't you lucky?

He takes his job very seriously.

Do they make a flower mama shirt?

Listening so intently

Listening not so intently

Listening, yeah, not so much

If only every day was like this...

I promise I'll share more than pics of just my kids when I post the wedding pictures. Although why anyone would want to see anyone else is beyond me. Okay, I know I'm hopeless. Hopelessly proud of my little monkeys.

Midweek Musings from a SAHM

2009-04-08T07:55:00.006-07:00

It is Midweek Madness at our house today! It's not looking to improve anytime soon, either. This week really has been "hecticity" itself.

So, that being said, here's just some random thoughts bouncing around in my head, pretty much drivin' me crazy until I blog about them. They are in no order, just bursting forth.

~This Friday is a fun family wedding. Weddings are always exciting, but this one in particular because it has my three older ninos practicing their abilities at walking down an aisle. Three kids, three wedding outfits complete with shoes, two girls hair-do's. Oh, dear. This is either an oppurtunity for sheer chaos or a well-timed miracle.

We're praying for the miracle, which would include, but not be limited to:
1) No more yucky colds for Ya-Ya and JuJu (and Mama while we're at it)
2) No hair emergencies. Prayerfully, Ya-Ya will hold still long enough for me to do it. Maybe if we got clowns to entertain her while I'm braiding. Good idea? Hmmm...
3) No one noticing the horrible job I did hemming Bubba's pants all in the interest of saving money and time. Again, good idea? Hmmmm...
4) The little ones actually following Gi-Gi's example and walking down the aisle with no major mishaps. This being the sixth time Gi-Gi's been a flower girl (seriously), she's a professional!
5) No arguing or fighting while in front a boatload of people. I don't think this would happen, but I have my "evil-eye" ready, just in case.

~Because of the wedding, we have family coming in from out of town. COUSINS!, my kids yell at the top of their young lungs. Yup, they get into town tonight and it will be non-stop cousin fun for the rest of the week. We're all so excited to see them. It's been way too long. I can't wait to get some good pictures of all of them. They'll probably all be action shots, since they won't want to sit down the whole time.

~Easter weekend. What a time of rememberance of what my Savior did for me all those many years ago. I have to admit, it's gotten a little forgotten this year because of new baby and wedding, so I'm trying to find ways to re-focus myself and my family. I never want an oppurtunity of relishing in the love and forgiveness of Christ because of appointments on a calendar.

My lone Easter decoration in my house. It's lonely, but cute.

~I read a fascinating article the other day about feminism v. femininity. I would love to delve into it here, but I am almost too passionate about it. It talks about how with the rise of feminism, we women have lost the essence of what it is to be a woman, suppressing what God has created us all to be and therefore many become depressed. Let me say, I LOVE being a girl! It hasn't always been that way, but my heart has come around to understanding the positions and desires God has for me, as a woman, one of His prized creations. To read this article, go to:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035497/posts

Some things that make me happy I'm a girl!

My favorite red shoes

My favorite perfume bottle, from Paris

~One more thing, I promise. I made these this week for my favorite oldest daughter, Gi-Gi. It's so fun for me to attempt to be crafty! They are easy to make, cheap, and you can make them to match any outfit. I'll be making about 50 pair to sell at our homeschool group's used curriculum and craft fair in June. Yikes! My fingers will be tired! Anyway, I was so proud of myself, I wanted to share with y'all.

They were cute before, but painted red toenails make them even cuter! (Or as Ya-Ya would say, "They're so toot!"

The Eternal Question

2009-04-03T14:25:00.002-07:00

Okay, okay, so it's not really the eternal question. It's not on the same priority level as say, oh, peace in the Middle East or countering bio-terrorism. However, it's down to less than 24 hours before a decision has to be made. The clock is ticking and the pressure is on.

I don't think I realized before how much I hate making decisions like this. Really, it's so minute and stupid (uh, oh. I forgot that's potty talk). Why do have so much trouble making this decision? I wrestle with it over and over and I'm never quite satisfied.

What is this issue of highest priority? What can I possibly be talking about? Hair. There it is, right out there. I do this before every hair appointment. My poor beautician. She has a sign that says, "I'm a beautician, not a magician. Oh, if she only was.

So here's the deal. Next week is a big family wedding. Usually these things aren't a cause of internal beauty panic attacks, but with just having a baby... Do you see where I'm going with this? Not quite into my regular clothes, but maternity clothes not fitting quite right, I desperately want something on me to look good. You know, hubba-hubba~ish. There's only so much I can do in a week with a post-c-section body. It would take way longer than a week to recover from liposuction. Hmmmm... Well, that's where the hair cut comes into play.

Now to some of you, my hair may seem already short enough. I haven't had really long hair since I was a senior in high school. Yeah, it just doesn't work for me. So, the choices are go back to somewhat spikey short or layered bob. I love it being short, but I always worry I'm going to poke someone's eye out when I hug them. The plus side though is it only takes three minutes to blow dry and uses a lot less shampoo. A bob is so soft and feminine. But with my thick and heavy hair it takes a long time to dry and I don't know if I have the time. AAAARRRGGGHHH! I am so indecisive!

Bless Sandy, my hair lady, who has put up with me now for over ten years hemming and hawing at every appointment. Why should tomorrow's be any different?

So what's the decision you ask? I don't know. I guess we'll have to see what I feel like in the morning. This could be really good or really bad.

This would be the really bad.

This would be really good. I think the beautician would have to be a magician to pull this one off, though!

Pots and Pans and Things...

2009-03-30T19:54:00.004-07:00

I was having some much needed time in my Bible, yesterday, when I came across this prayer by Brother Lawrence, a Carmelite monk who lived in the 1600s. This prayer was included in a study portion of Psalm 104 verses 14 and 15.

"Lord of all pots and pans and things... make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates! the time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clutter of my kitchen... I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my my knees in blessed sacrament."

As women, it is so easy for us to get overwhelmed by the magnitude of our mission of taking care of our family. We get caught up in the everyday drudgery of living. I confess, there are days when doing one more load of laundry or sweeping the floor clean of spilled cereal or bread crumbs seems to be just too much! Now I know that these things are blessings to my family (and myself in neurotic way), but have I really understood it to be an oppurtunity for tranquility in God, equal to time spent on my knees? I can answer that quite succinctly, no.

So, now I have a new challenge. Oh, how I love new challenges. Really, no sarcasm. I am now striving to view these daily chores as an oppurtunity to better the lives of those around me and looking at them as a way to worship my precious Lord. While I'm washing dishes, remembering how my sins have been washed away. While ironing shirts, seeing how the Lord makes my paths straight. Every job has it's own way of leading me back to Him. Glorious housework...

Thank You, Father, for using a monk who lived 400 years ago to speak to a stay-at-home mama. Only You have that kind of humor.

Three Weeks!

2009-03-30T19:21:00.004-07:00

Our gorgeous baby boy, JuJu is now three weeks old. Where has the time gone and why didn't it pass this quickly while I was pregnant? Can I get an amen, sista?

The boys, engrossed with one another. How long before the wrestling matches and burping contests start? I'm afraid to know the answer to that one! Sheesh.

It's so good to feel good again! I feel like I'm back and ready to face life as a mama of four. That is until two of my wonderful children are fighting at the same time as two crying, the phone ringing, the dryer buzzing at me, all while I need to use the restroom because I haven't since six o'clock this morning! Oh, brother. And yet... and yet... there is nothing better, or more blessed, than being a stay at home mama.
Growing up, I never pictured my life like this as an adult. Now I wonder, why didn't I? I can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing. Well, that is, most of the time. I think I can be that honest here. If I can't, then what's the point of this blog, I ask. Or maybe yell out loud. Like I've said to many of my friends, "Blogging is cheaper than therapy!"

I'm Baaaccckkk!

2009-03-24T18:11:00.005-07:00

Back in the saddle again. Oh, my dear blog, how I've missed you! ~sigh~ After a brief maternity leave, the need has overwhelmed me to be "bloggin'". However, because recovering from a c-section being what it is (ugly and painful at some times), this is just going to be a collection of pictures sharing the last two weeks of our lives. Hopefully, we'll be back in the full swing of things soon!

PS Just a little random information: Did you know that a newborn can be in up to seven outfits in just one day, due to various bodily functions? And here I thought I was the most fashion-aware person in this house. It appears that I've been usurped!

Ya-Ya is determined to read to Ju-Ju. It doesn't look like he's appreciative of fine literature, yet.

Ju-Ju's first real outing out for dinner with Daddy and Mama. He's duly impressed.

My goodness, he sleeps alot! Look how sweet he is!

One day, I was by myself with Ju-Ju and just held him all day. I love being a Mama! Forgive the funky camera angle that does strange things to my face.

Working so hard on a spring-time art project. They used jammy shirts to protect their clothes underneath. The younger ones were a little confused by that.

The finished products! I'm not sure what happened to Gi-Gi's hair, though...

A Daddy and his boy. There's nothing sweeter.

Oh, look! He's awake.

In the midst of all this hecticity (Hubby's new word), we managed to squeeze in my 30th birthday celebration dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Yummy White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake was my special treat. I guess thirty isn't that bad if you can celebrate it with cheesecake!

2009-03-14T12:25:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Attitude

2009-03-05T11:35:00.003-07:00

Sad to say, but Mamas occasionally need attitude adjustments, too. Just like our kids, we become grumpy, unwilling to compromise, and desirous of throwing tantrums like you've never seen the likes of.
So, what to do, what to do? I wish I could say that I'm so much more mature than all of this. I'm not. Life and circumstances come and mess with our emotions. What can we do about it? Weeeellll, most of the time we get the dreaded "adjustment". Hmmpphh!
My adjustment came in the form of one of my last prenatal visits yesterday. I have been ready for several weeks to go into labor to meet this precious little man. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, my body has not been obedient and started the process. I keep dreaming that I'll wake up in the middle of the night and my water will have broken or I'll be having contractions that assure me that tonight is the night! Yeah, no such luck.
When I went in yesterday, I was prepared to beg and plead with my doctor to pllleeeaasseee, move the C-section date up another week. In my defense, the baby is full term now and is actually growing at a stupendous rate. He is definitely a Mehan baby.
I made it to the appointment, but my doctor did not. He was out delivering another baby. What nerve! To say I was disappointed is an understatement! Just add it to the attitude issue. So, I got to see the nurse practioner. It turned out to be so good! God certainly knows what I need and when I need it! I did receive the news that the doctor is going to be out of town for the next ten days with probably less graciousness than I should have, but... I was so disappointed that not only will I have to wait until the 17th for him, but I was scared that if I do go into labor before then, he won't be delivering, which is really important to me.

What we're looking forward to!

However, after shedding a few tears, I had a lovely chat with the nurse who pretty much gave me permission to sit down on the couch and watch sappy, weepy movies for the next 12 days. I love that! Not that I'm going to do it, but is sure is nice to have permission.
The icing on the cake was when she asked me what the baby's name is. Now, I have to say, we haven't gotten rave reviews about poor Little Dude's name, which does make me a little sad. When I told her, she whirled around and said, "That is so cool! I absolutely love it!" What proud mama doesn't want to hear something positive about her child, even before he's born?
Talking through all this emotional muck with her really helped me put this all in perspective. I so appreciate the oppurtunity to talk to a woman who has not only gone through this herself, but has encouraged other women through it.
Now, has the pain, nausea, contractions or irritability suddenly vanished? No, not really. But my attitude has improved, I hope. I'm really going to try to treasure these last days of only having three kids and full nights of sleep. I'm going to enjoy feeling him move around and having Ya-Ya as my baby. I'm choosing to be happy and content where God has placed me.

Spring is Here!

2009-03-03T09:33:00.008-07:00

Here in good ole AZ, spring comes early. Shorts are out, flip-flops are on (for you crazies who don't wear them year-round), and the pollen is in full bloom.
There is no better way to enjoy this weather than to get out into it! So that's exactly what we did. On Sunday, we got to visit with my Uncle Jeff and his lovely lady Nancy, as well as their adorable dog "kids", Jackson and Ellie. My kids were in h-e-a-v-e-n! Daddy has come a long way from anti-dog, but he still has a way to go, so we "borrow" dogs whenever possible.

The only puppy I've ever met named after Eleanor Roosevelt

The day was gorgeous, too gorgeous to be cooped up inside. We enjoyed the shade, the breeze, the dogs and each other.

My little lovies and their Hauntie

Unfortunately, now we are paying for our fun excursion into the great outdoors. My poor kids are suffering dreadfully from the pollen in the air. They are all sniffling, sneezing, and wiping runny eyes. But, it was all worth it!

Gi-Gi and Mr. Jackson Brown

PS Daddy decided it was time to take the picture that he takes towards the end of every pregnancy. You know the one, the one in a couple of months or years where you look back in amazement that your stomach could ever be stretched to those proportions? So, I posed. Me and my belly. Well, if you're curious, scroll down, scroll down.

Side Note:My shirt used to be a dress! Oh, well.

Mama's Excited!

2009-02-25T20:48:00.010-07:00

While it may not be about Baby Dude, I'm still excited! One thing I love about being in a homeschool group is the "network" as I like to call it. One thing we all have in common, it seems, is the quest for anything free or cheap. I may as well face it. I'm now officially a penny pincher. Join the rest of the world, you may say.
Thanks to one of the very dedicated moms in our group, we get updates on free stuff. Hel-lo! I'm all over that.
Yesterday, was free pancakes at IHOP. I LOVE pancakes. Couple the pancakes with free and I'm nearly swooning! It was so easy. We just walked in, sat down and ordered our free pancakes. We must just look poor because the waitress said, "You guys want the free pancakes, right?" Uh, yeah. All that they asked for was a donation to the Children's Miracle Network. No pressure, no strings attached.

Waiting, oh so patiently, for our turn at delectable goodness.

What should we order? Oh, right, the free pancakes!

Hmmm, I think I'll have the pancakes.

Now really, what is better than breakfast for dinner? Our kids are always giddy at the thought of it because they think they're tricking the universe in a big cosmic joke. What really made them giddy, though, was picking their own syrup. It takes so little sometimes to keep them happy!

I wonder how many he would've eaten, if we'd let him.

Gi-Gi wanted it all! Butter Pecan, Old Fashioned, Blueberry and Strawberry at once!

Ya-Ya isn't picky! She just likes pancakes!

Me, too! Pancakes just make my day happier!

Daddy's Excited!

2009-02-24T07:38:00.003-07:00

I just had to share this picture with you. My husband has always been and always will be a baby fanatic! With every pregnancy, I joke that I'll never even get the oppurtunity to hold this little child I've been busy making for the last nine months. Well, except for feeding time. That's mine and mine, alone!
To prove how excited my hubby is, I have to show you what he was so proud of last night. I was laying like a slug on the couch, which is not unusual these days, when he proudly marched in from the garage with a sheepish grin plastered on his face.

While cleaning out the Tahoe, bless his heart, he decided the time had come to place the infant carrier into it's rightful place. He rearranged all the seating to accomodate the throne for the little prince. Fanfare if you please!
Now, I just have to say that the c-section date is still three weeks away. However, to cut him a little slack, tomorrow is the 36 week mark, where if Dude decides to come, he comes. With the last pregnancy ending at 36 weeks, Daddy thinks he's just getting things moving.
Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), that's one of the last things to get ready. Everything else is cleaned, folded, painted or stacked up ready to be used. So now we are playing the waiting game. ARGHHHH! Having been born with a sinful nature, I'm not really so good at patience and waiting. Although, now that I think about it, there's always things to do around here to make the time go faster.

Ladies' Night!

2009-02-23T09:21:00.007-07:00

Friday night! Woohoo! I love Friday nights. It's the longest period of time before my hubby has to go back to work. Now I do realize, quite clearly, that since we've added children into the mix, our Friday nights are, well, a bit on the "un-trendy" side of the spectrum. I never pictured my Friday nights as going to the grocery store or Costco and ending up fun, but they are. No complaints here!
However, this particular Friday night, was a "Sister's Night". Don't you hear the song "Sisters" from White Christmas in the background?

We started off our night out with a trip to Charleston's restaurant. Yum, yum! That's one of those places we rarely go to and perfect for girly talk. After all, isn't that what girls like to do, talk? Between the chatting, we had fun with my camera, while trying not to irritate the other customers. (Since it was dark in there, we had to use the flash, so I didn't want any complaints from other people around us.)

Isn't she so cute?

Lovin' being with my sis!

After dinner, we did one of our favorite activities. As a belated birthday gift, we went to see "The King and I" at the Hale Theatre here in Gilbert.

Growing up, we watched that movie so many times, I'm surprised we didn't know it word for word. But to see it acted out in front of you is a different story altogether! I'm not sure what it is about the theatre, but... I know now that I'm addicted to it and my sister is well on her way to the same addiction. Yay, now I have someone else to kidnap and "force" to go to the theater with me, other than my husband.
What a fantastic, memorable night. And it's going to have to last a while. I have a feeling that theater going won't be in the near future for me. I guess I'll just have to take comfort in holding my brand new son, who could be arriving any day now. Ah, well. I don't think anything could be better than that, even the theater.

A New Discovery

2009-02-16T07:57:00.004-07:00

It happened this morning. Out of the blue, out of no where. How did this happen to me? Really, of all the nerve.

Alright, so this morning, I'm just about ready to do my hair. I wouldn't say I'm thrilled by what I see in the mirror at this point in my pregnancy, but only a couple more weeks to go, right? Anyhoo, minding my own business, it appeared. Oh, yes, I may sound calm, but my insides are quaking!

My first thought was, "What is that?" Oh, it must be glare from the lights. Hmmm, no that's not it. Wait...

Are you serious?! Surely, you're joking! That can't be what I think it is! Uh, yup. It is.

It was my first gray hair. Immediately, my mind jumps to this image:

Yes, I am the new bride of Frankenstein. Bolt your doors, protect your children and loved ones. Here I come.

A little dramatic? Maybe. But, in my defense, I'm not even thirty yet! Okay, okay, a couple of weeks doesn't make much of a difference, does it? Yes!

I'm not ready for this! I haven't even decided what I want to be when I grow up. And yet, it's fascinating in it's own horrifying way. I just looked and looked. I couldn't tear my eyes away. And then, I did the only thing I could. I pulled it out. Anything else would be non-sensical. I then frantically rummaged through the cupboard for a box of hair dye. No one must know about this! Maybe if I became a blonde, the gray wouldn't show. Yeah, but the almost black roots would. What to do, what to do?

I know what the Bible says about gray hair being a crown of wisdom, or is it glory? It was such a lovely image, yesterday. But now, not so much.

And now, a new thought keeps presenting itself at the front of my mind. Is this the only one? Oh. My. Goodness.

Our Latest Adventure

2009-02-12T15:52:00.007-07:00

Here at our house, we do try to force ourselves to do something adventurous when the oppurtunity arises. Well, this last "oppurtunity" came up on Monday night when we invited to our cousin, "Princess Rose"'s birthday party. We went roller skating! When I say we, I mean all of the other member's of my immediate family. I stood back and cheered everytime one of my children made it around the rink. No one wants to see a pregnant lady on roller skates!

The birthday princess and Gi-Gi

For some of us, it was very frustrating to not be able to be as big as we think we are...

Ya-Ya is determined she's going skating, too!

For others, video games with cousins were way more exciting than sitting on our bums on a hard rink!

Bubba and cousin "Cinder-Ella"

And then, some of us are just plain spoiled!

Daddy pushes as Gi-Gi rests. What a good Daddy!

PS Who remembers the "Skateland smell"? Well, let me tell you, the smell hasn't changed! Thankfully, it was family night, so the music was good. But, every once in a while, I hear a song and think to myself, "That's a Skateland song!" Ah, memories.

Family Olympics

2009-02-09T09:03:00.012-07:00

I know many of you thought the Olympics were over until next year, but they are alive and kicking here at Tumbleweed Park. Saturday was our homeschool group, EVCHE, Family Olympics. Once everyone managed to roll out of bed Saturday morning, we put on our best athletic clothes, aka Saturday grubbies, and drove speedily to the park. We were obviously late.
Our first medal-qualifying event was the gunny sack race. Now, all of our children are very competetive. (Ahem, I'm not sure where they got it from. Moving along...) Bubba competed first because he was one of the younger ones.

After much focus and determination, he won a...

GOLD MEDAL!!!

Gi-Gi and Daddy competed in the three-legged race next.

They didn't disappoint, bringing home...

two more GOLD MEDALS!

Ya-Ya even got into the act!

While she didn't get a medal, she definitely got her sibling rivalry groove on!

Not only did we get to "compete", the girls got to be "Be-yoo-ti-fied".

Gi-Gi loved her fancy-schmancy "cat's eye" glasses.

Ya-ya kept it simple, yet elegant, with her flower on one cheek and heart on the other.

Bubba preferred playing football with the big boys. Go figure!

All in all, we thought it was a pretty good day. However, now's the time to start intensive athletic training for the next Olympics! This training includes running up and down the stairs 50 times a day, chasing small children, pushing heavy strollers, and bending down to get the laundry out of the dryer. Wait a minute... Hey, I'm an Olympic athlete in training, too! Eat your heart out, Michael Phelps!

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-04T11:08:00.006-07:00

FOR TODAY...Februaury 4, 2009
Outside My Window...a slight breeze, a warm sun.
I am thinking...that if I don't get a nap, I may cry.
I am thankful for...a husband who prays for me!
From the learning rooms...division in math, prepositions in grammar, Little House for lit.
From the kitchen...a mexican concoction by my dear husband with potatoes, pork roast, chili peppers, and fabulous spices, served with tortillas; and hopefully chocolate scones for Mama!
I am wearing...one of hubby's shirts, capri's and socks.
I am creating...still cooking that baby, and a cute bedskirt for Gi-Gi's bed.
I am going...to go to Wal-Mart, is that unusual?
I am reading...the newspaper, Sense and Sensibility.
I am hoping...to be consistent in working with my kids through their areas of weakness right now.
I am hearing...little children working on an American flag together.
Around the house...more baby laundry, painting projects, ironing, etc.
One of my favorite things...getting ready for the baby, snuggling with my kids for reassurance that I still love them, even if a new one is coming.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: packing hospital bag (yay!), order girl's flower girl dresses, paint boy's dresser.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Last Spring at Disneyland with just my Hubby. I love this picture because it reminds me one day I may be thin again!

Our Yearly Visitor

2009-02-04T10:44:00.003-07:00

Let's just get it out there. I'm not a bird-lover. It's not that they're not wonderful examples of God's creativity, I just don't like them around me. I love to hear them singing outside my window in the morning. Really, I do. However, I don't want to be close enough to have physical contact with them.
One of the few exceptions to this rule is "Buttercup". For the past three years around this time, we have a mama hummingbird who comes and makes an amazing, intricate nest in our wind chime on our patio. We have been in awe that, not only does she keep coming back, but the patience and diligence of building a nest for her family every year.
The first year, we were so sad because both of her teeny eggs fell out of the nest. Last year, one egg fell, one egg hatched and we were allowed to watch the transformation of this tiny baby into a birdy so big he was pushing Mama out of the nest! This year, we'll have to see what happens.
We laugh because this mama has seemed to adopt our family. She follows us from the front to back yard while we're doing yard work and doesn't seemed at all perturbed when they're out in back acting like a bunch of wild things!
I love that our children are able to celebrate the gift of life in all forms! Now we'll see who wins the "Name the Baby Hummingbird" contest this year.

Handyman Hubby!

2009-01-30T13:48:00.004-07:00

Okay, how many here have been waiting years for a particular home improvement to be done? Meeee!!! I have patiently (really, I have) been waiting since we moved into this house two years ago for my wonderful, loving, handsome hubby to install a sink in our laundry room. I have been promised this amazing tool of beautful cleanliness since we were at the design center picking out house stuff almost three years ago. Finally, with imminent pooped-on baby outfits and spit-up on blankets and sheets looming in the not so distant future, Mama finally yelled out, "No more waiting, please!"
My husband leapt to his feet and ran into the laundry room to immediately install the sink. Well, maybe not immediately, but it was within a couple of days. Now, everyone needs to know, originally, it was only supposed to take a couple of hours, the morning at most. How many here believe that? Yeah, I didn't either. So, four days later, after numerous trips to Home Depot and Lowe's, a couple of runs to neighbors fo various sundry items, and a leak, I now have a gorgeous, completely functional laundry room sink!
I have to say my husband did a wonderful job! Really, I'm not just saying that. Yes, it took longer than expected, doesn't that happen to everyone? (Please say yes!) But, I'm always impressed with his diligence in doing projects completely and thoroughly. I can now say it was worth the two years wait. Well, maybe not two years, but thankfully it won't be three or even two and a half.

My proud husband and the beautiful new addition to our household!

Happy Birthday, Hauntie!

2009-01-30T13:31:00.008-07:00

Yup, another family birthday! This time it was for my beautiful younger (but not by that much!) sister, Hauntie. Okay, okay, that's not really her name, but it's used so much that it should be. Gi-Gi started calling her that when she was a wee little thing and the name stuck.
Hauntie chose The Cheesecake Factory (yum, yum) for her birthday dinner. Thanks for picking that, sis! Just because you have the metabolism of an Olympic athlete doesn't mean all of us do! After filling our tummies with their scrumptious food, she got her piece of cheesecake, drool, drool.

This would be when the vultures came out of the wood work!

Vulture #1

Vulture #2

Vulture #3

Cheeky little monkeys, aren't they? They even got Banana Split birthday cake at home!

Even though we weren't super close growing up, maybe because we have vastly different personalities, as adults we are so close. I am so thankful to have her as my sister and friend as well as an incredible Hauntie for my kids! They think the sun and moon revolve around her and are always excited when she walks through the door. She has a beautiful gift with children and my kids are some of the main recipients of that gift. We're all so blessed by her! I love you, sis!

Movin' On Up

2009-01-26T16:51:00.004-07:00

Big days at our household! With new baby coming in less than 8 weeks (already?!), we've realized we had to get everyone ready to go. So, one major thing was Ya-Ya's new bed. Yup, big girl bed here we go!

("practicing" sleeping in a big girl bed)

It was a spur of the moment decision on Saturday night, and, frankly, was worrisome to me. (big gulp) I'm just not ready for her to be out of a crib. Out of all of our kids, she would be the one getting in and out, in and out, so that means, up and down the stairs for Daddy and me. Well, two nights and two naps later, I am ready to claim victory!! Hurrah! She hasn't popped out of bed at all and now looks at her crib with disdain, stating, "I am a big durl!" We actually left the crib in the girls' room to use as a motivation tool. We told her if she got out of the bed, she would have to sleep like a baby in the crib. Well, who wants to be a baby? Certainly not Ya-Ya!
One of the best things was the cheers and encouragement she got from her brother and sister. I love when my family can come together and celebrate milestones and everyday events with one another. In fact, I think that may be one of the reasons she adjusted so well.

Three cheers for Ya-Ya!

Hurray!

Hurray!

Hurray!

Proof

2009-01-20T11:23:00.003-07:00

For the last couple of days, I've been wondering where they've gone. I looked and looked and looked everywhere that I could think of. I didn't know where they possibly could have disappeared to. Then, there they were! I sat on the couch and lo and behold, they appeared! I have missed them. It looked like they had missed me, too. How did they get into such awful shape? Sigh. Ah well, I can only reach so far.

Just to prove that they are still there, in case you were doubting, here's a brief glimpse. Of course, this is after Hubby painted them for me. Is he a good husband, or what?!

Blessed

2009-01-20T10:33:00.003-07:00

Blessed ~ that's us! You know, there are those days when you just don't feel like there's a lot of good stuff going on. The news, the economy, maybe the new president, grumpy kids, raging hormones, general yuckiness... And then there's something or many things that put it all into perspective.
On Sunday, we had an emergency trip to the hospital. It seemed that little "Dude" was trying to come early. No worries, we're both fine. We were so relieved to come home without him in our arms, but still safely in my tummy. It was when we came home that the tears came. When we had rushed out of the house, some our best friends swooped in and took over. Not only did they watch seven kids~with one more on the way, but ordered pizza, cleaned the kitchen, folded towels, put laundry in the dryer, let the kids watch Star Wars (a huge treat) and generally ran our house for us. I cannot tell you how blessed we both were. To top it off, we had overnight houseguests that night, so then they stepped in, did the bedtime routine and got them off to bed. You guys are the best!

Last night, as we were gathered for family bedtime prayer, each of the children prayed for Mama and Baby. Each put their hands on me and prayed out loud. Each was different and special. Bubba's was especially cute as he was saying thank you that he was going to get to teach his brother how to play with blocks and how to camp. Ya-ya's was just saying how much she loved baby over and over. Gi-gi's was special because she really understands how to pray and while she was, the baby was kicking her hand over and over. Yes, more tears. Are you surprised?

All this to say, we are blessed! No, no, no. We are abundantly blessed!! How could we ask for more?

Nana's 93rd!

2009-01-14T08:04:00.011-07:00

Yay, 93! My nana had her 93rd birthday this past week and we all got to celebrate with her. When she was asked about a party, she said, "Oh, I don't want anything with a lot of people. Just the family." Many of you probably don't know, but my nana had 13 children. Just the family is a ton of people (and growing all the time)! Out of the 13, 11 of the siblings were able to be there, plus many of my cousins and their kids.

I love getting together with my family! Some people may not like having so many people around, but I think it's more fun that way. There are a boatload of cousins to play with and always lots of good food, Mexican of course.

Uncle David, Nana, Ya-Ya and Uncle Milton

Ya-Ya, Alex and Sophia

It was inevitible that Hubby and a smidgen of my uncles would be glued to the football game.

While we love that most of the family gets to stay with us,

we hate that others have to leave, especially when it's all the way back to Kansas!
I should have taken more pictures, but as my hubby likes to point out, I was too busy talking. Oh, that and eating. Hey, it's good being pregnant!
Thank you, Nana, for continuing to have birthdays. We love you!

Our New Baby!

2009-01-07T17:21:00.003-07:00

Okay, okay, I know I said we weren't going to find out, but... How could we not? This little one is so cute! We saw opening and closing eyes, feet, hands, mouth opening and closing and of course it was all adorable.
Are you ready to know?

Are you really ready to know?

Okay, okay, here you go!

There was much jublilation in the land! I think Daddy pumped his fist in the air and yelled out, "All Right!"

Doughnut Saturday!

2009-01-04T16:03:00.004-07:00

This is a treat at our house! Saturday morning, Daddy and Gi-Gi went to get doughnuts for the family. They didn't go to the convenience store, or the grocery story, but to Dunkin' Doughnuts. Woohoo! Our kids got so excited about this rare occurrence that I had to snap a couple of pics.

Our drama queen just closed her eyes, sighed, and then inhaled her doughnut!

All she kept saying over and over was, "Mmmmm, this is good!"

All he wanted was the sprinkles on the top.

Full tummies = happy kids!

Our Anniversary Day

2009-01-04T15:33:00.008-07:00

Blessings to my sister! Hubby and I celebrated our fifth anniversary a week late last Friday.

My courageous, wonderful sister picked our children up at 10 am and kept them for us all day. Foot-loose and kid-free, we did some of our favorite things. Our first stop was Joe's Coffee Shop in Gilbert, one of our favorite places ever! It's surrounded by flowers, flowers and uh, flowers.

I got my decaf Pumpkin Spice Latte and Hubby got his Carmel Macchiato.

We found a secluded table and had, get this, uninterrupted conversation. On such a gorgeous morning, or any morning, it was fantastic! I even attempted some artistic photography.

Then after some shopping (me shopping, hubby walking patiently behind me), we saw "Valkyrie" which for most people wouldn't be a date movie, but it was for us! Really, who doesn't think Hitler and plots to assasinate him spells romance? Then it was off to PF Chang's for a late lunch. Who knew you could have lunch and dessert at 3:00 in the afternoon? Let me tell you, those mini-desserts are so delectable! After some down time at home (in other words, lounging on the couch), we got dolled up and went to Oregano's and had a pazookie! Two desserts in one day? Oh my goodness, no wonder I look like Santa Claus! After gorging ourselves once again, we rolled ourselves across the parking lot to the Hale Center Theatre to see the play, "Lend Me a Tenor". We laughed so hard our cheeks hurt! For those of you who don't live in Gilbert, we did three of it's best things in one day: Joe's Coffee Shop, Oregano's and the Hale.

It's always incredible and memorable to celebrate our anniversary once a year, but let me tell you, the day to day marriage in life stuff is pretty great, too. I am so thankful for my husband, but even more to the One who put us together. Gi-gi asked me the other day if we were going to be married for fifty-years. I said, "At least!"

Uncle Aaron's Visit

2008-12-31T09:32:00.004-07:00

One of the best gifts this Christmas was the visit of my brother Aaron and his sweetie, Nicole, all the way from freezing Seattle. There was much joy and jumping around in our family when we were finally able to give them hugs! The kids, especially, loved hanging out with their funny uncle and his pretty girlfriend. We did have to share them with her family and their friends while they were here, but the time we did get with them was full of love and lots of laughter. I've really missed his dry (as in the Sahara Desert) sense of humor. There was a lot of "Do you remember..." and family jokes. There's just something about being with the people you've known your entire life.

We were so excited they were able to come and spend Christmas with us. We're all hoping they'll be able to make it out in March for another visit and to see our new baby! Next time, maybe they will try to sneak Bubba into their suitcases and take him all the way back to Seattle with them. However, I don't think anyone would be happy about that!

Snow, Snow, Snow!

2008-12-30T09:18:00.013-07:00

Hubby and I spent Saturday in the snow with our kids freezing our patooties off! After driving for several hours (seriously) because the rest of Phoenix had the same idea, we finally found some. Our yearly trip to the snow is a big deal around here. However, some are less excited than others. See exhibit A:

Exhibit A

Others are way more happy about this. See Exhibits B and C:

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

All in all is was a good, albeit frigid day for us Arizona kids!

2008-12-30T09:16:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We hope your Christmas was as blessed as ours was this year and every year. Love to all!

My Irish Tenor

2008-12-23T08:05:00.004-07:00

I have to say right here that I am a proud wife! My husband has a great voice and I love hearing him sing. He really only sings in front of others during Christmas, so that's definitely one of the highlights of my season. I had to push and prod him to do it this year because it was more of a time commitment than in previous years, but he was so glad he did it. This year, before they sang in church on Sunday, his group traveled to three nursing homes and sang for the residents there. Not only were the residents blessed, but he got the biggest piece of holiday cheer and realization of what we are blessed with. I LOVE my husband! I love seeing when he is touched by the Lord on such a personal level. The picture above is during our soup potluck on Sunday after church when they went around caroling while we ate.
On Sunday, we had our church service with the singing of Christmas carols. When his group led "Silent Night" the sanctuary was filled with the sound on God's people singing praises to their king. It was a time of intense worship with acapella singing and harmonizing (which I love, but still can't do). No wonder the angels had to split the sky open and announce Christ's birth to the shephards! They couldn't contain their joy. That's exactly how I felt when we were singing that holy song.

Christmas Cookies

2008-12-22T10:05:00.003-07:00

My wonderful sister and I had a baking day last week and we had a blast! We made 133cookies to give out for our Dad, at least that was before the kids and hubby got them. We had a great time of sister chat, girl talk and shooing kids out of the kitchen. I am so thankful I have a sister close enough to share this Christmas time (and baking) with. By the way, in case you have us confused, she's the thin, non-pregnant one who's blessed with our dad's metabolism. I just look like I've been sampling too many cookies. :) Ah well, at least I have a reason for the chubbiness, right? RIGHT?!

2008-12-17T08:01:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2008-12-12T09:11:00.002-07:00

The camera has been found! (Go ahead, I know you want to sing the Hallelujah chorus for me!) Hmmm, too bad the new camera is due to be in today. I guess I'll just have to keep both of them. Oh, dear!
This was our trip to the tree lot last Friday. It was actually a little chilly and I was sorry we didn't have big jackets. It just made it seem more winter-y. We found the perfect tree pretty much right away, which is very unusual, and the kids wanted to explore the little trees. Ya-ya and Bubba found some just their size. It was Gi-Gi, though, who came home with the prize. Ever since she was a baby, people have just wanted to give her stuff for free (I wish I had that gift). I don't know why that is, but complete strangers will just give her things. Such was the case last Friday. She was admiring the little "Charlie Brown" Christmas trees and one of the workers asked her if she wanted one. She is so proud of that little tree and takes excellent care of it! It's now sitting in our kitchen where she is graciously sharing it with the whole family.
Bubba and Ya-ya were just fascinated with putting rocks in the trees' water. For some reason that's incredibly entertaining.

Early Christmas

2008-12-08T21:54:00.002-07:00

We had a wonderful Christmas-sy weekend with so many great photo ops. One problem...I lost the camera. (Sigh of remose) I can't really say I'm that upset about the camera. It's the pictures that were lost with it. So many cute pictures of picking out the perfect tree and poof! they're gone. And to add insult to injury, I had just replaced the batteries! I know someday the camera will be spewed out of the black hole I call my house right now, but will it be before Christmas?

Well, panic set in and obviously a new camera must be purchased right away. Okay, now usually I am not a person who rushes out and buys something when I imagine I need it. But truly, this is a necessity and I had turned the house and car upside down looking for it first. Besides, hubby and I had already planned on this and were saving up for this purchase. We just had to do it a little sooner than expected. So, begging my children's patience this morning (no small undertaking) I ordered one online today. I'm so excited. However, it has to be shipped! Arrrrggggggghhhhh! So much for immediate gratification. I even splurged and got 2-4 day shipping. I have now taken to checking my email every 10 minutes to see if my camera is on it's way. Nope, nothing yet.

Until then, my blog is pretty picture-less. But when that camera gets into these little fingers (well, they're only slightly swollen) watch out! I'm sure my family will get tired of seeing that camera in my face. But it will be such a Merry Christmas for me!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-03T21:37:00.003-07:00

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Usually this goes through email, but I thought it would be fun to put it on the blog. I would love to see your answers, too, so please leave a comment so I can go to your blog and check out your answers! Thanks, Aunt Mac, for sending this.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both depending on whatever the present needs

2. Real tree or Artificial? real, all the way

3. When do you take the tree down? about a week after Christmas

4. Do you like eggnog? depends on who has made it

5. Favorite gift received as a child? my red Schwinn bike in 1st grade or the poodle skirt Grandma made for me in 4th grade

6. Hardest person to buy for? my dad

7. Easiest person to buy for? any of my kids

8. Do you have a nativity scene? three

9. Mail or email Christmas cards? As a daughter of a former mailman, I feel it is my duty to support the Post Office by mailing cards. Plus, I love getting fun mail like Christmas cards.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Okay, here's me opening up: a terrible sweater 5 sizes too big (seriously) with the Wal-Mart clearance tags on it. It was given to Goodwill the next day.

11. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Nativity or The Bishop's Wife starring Cary Grant

12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually around September unless I'm somewhere special on a trip earlier in the year and see something that's absolutely perfect.

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? no, never!

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Uh, I'm pregnant so anything! But the favoritest is coffeecake, fudge, or well, okay just about anything.

15. Lights on the tree? Where else would they go?

16. Favorite Christmas song? Still, Still, Still; Breath of Heaven; O Holy Night

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home because I want my kids to have great memories of Christmas at home.

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of course, but I don't want to show off. Well, okay: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. Oh, and Rudolph.

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning, although when the kids get older, they'll be able to open one on Christmas Eve.

21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? To copy Autie Mac, the consumerism and the rush, rush, rush

22. Favorite ornament theme or color? Traditional red, green and gold

23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? changes every year

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? why doesn't the homeschool convention have gift cards?! Well, world peace, new tennis shoes, gift cards, tidings of comfort and joy, and a new camera.

25. Who is most likely to respond to this? ?
26. Who is least likely to respond to this? ?

27. What do you put in your stockings? legs! Oh, that kind of stocking. Well, depends on whose it is. It could be toiletry items, jewelry, candy, small books or toys, just small little goodies.

Welcome, December!

2008-12-01T11:09:00.003-07:00

It's December 1st! Hooray, it's a wonderful time of year! Wait, is it really?

Honestly, I have to say, today has not been the best day so far. I was all set to welcome this wonderful Christmas season with a carol in my heart when I awoke to sick children (like the pukey kind), throw-up laundry, dishes in the sink, schoolwork to be done, and Christmas decorations that have yet to find their home. To top it off, I've been feeling a little under the weather and have no energy to even put juice into sippy cups. I have a list of things to do (who doesn't) in order to make this Christmas season meaningful and yet simpler than before.

So, I've decided to ban the Martha Stewart-spirit from my home. If you haven't noticed, I have a tendency to be a perfectionist. This season, I'm letting go. Yes, I want everything to be beautiful and wonderful for my family and selfishly, myself. This is just me being honest here. However, I am not willing to sacrifice my time and energy with my family to make sure everything is "just so". I think about the story in the Bible about Mary and Martha (wait, could her last name have been Stewart?) and I'm reminded what my priorities should, no, need to be.

This being said, if you receive Christmas cards with stamps on them upside down or little scribbles on the backs of the envelopes, it's because I just closed my eyes and shoved them in the mailbox before I could "fix" the things my three helpers may have "helped" with.

Now that I have purged myself of the holiday grumpiness, I feel much better and feel like I can sing "Joy to the World" with a happy heart. I hope your season is filled with lots of help from your "helpers" and wonderful memories that will be made. And, yes, it really is a wonderful time of year!

Family Blessings

2008-11-27T21:53:00.002-07:00

Today I took each one of my family members aside and asked what they were thankful for. Here are their unedited responses:

Hubby - my job, our new little baby coming this spring, the fact our marriage just seems to get better and better every day.

Gi-Gi - that most days I feel good and healthy(tummy troubles this morning), family, toys and friends.

Bubba - jellybeans, turkeys, Daddy, oh and Mama

Ya-ya - food, Bubba, Gi-Gi, Papa, Daddy, and Mama

Since no one asked me (after all, I'm just the mama), I'll ask myself. "Mama, what are you thankful for?"

Mama - that I belong to a merciful God who loves me so much, He continues to bless me beyond my wildest dreams and desire.

2008-11-27T21:51:00.002-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I am thankful for...

2008-11-27T21:13:00.002-07:00

I am thankful for...knowing that my God is bigger than anything I can imagine.

I am thankful for...the children we've been raising who are growing less in need of me everyday, because that's what we're training them to do.

I am thankful for...my hubby taking the time and energy to make sure that I am feeling loved, even when I'm unlovable.

I am thankful for...even when I screw up with my kids, they are always quick to forgive and offer a wonderful "I love you, Mama."

I am thankful for...the chatter and laughter at the dinner table because it means we're a family.

I am thankful for...the friends I've been blessed with who love me and want to hang with me even with crazy pregnancy hormones.

I am thankful for...my kitchen table having glue on it because we got to make Thanksgiving turkeys together.

I am thankful for...Christ sacrificed Himself for me, even before I realized I needed Him.

I am thankful for...my fantastic in-laws who don't mind me serving them Thanksgiving dinner in my leopard-print slippers.

Where's Ya-ya?!

2008-11-24T07:49:00.004-07:00

Most of you know our youngest, Ya-ya. Many of you have heard me say that out of my three (so far) she's the one who is the most courageous, independent and willing to try anything out of the three. Well, yesterday at church, we had a "Ya-ya moment". The following story would only happen with her. The others would never even think about doing anything remotely like this.

During the lull between the offering and the sermon starting, we were sitting in our pew getting settled. Hubby had already taken the two younger to class. We're gradually having our kids sit through the entire service with us and not going to class and this was Gi-gi's Sunday with us. Well, Daddy looks up towards the center aisle at church and starts smiling. He says, "Look, there's a little kid walking up and down the aisle. It kind of looks like Ya-ya." Laugh, laugh. Wait a minute! It is Ya-ya!! She had escaped from class. Hubby got up and ran to get her and him with a broken foot no less. Of course by this time, everyone around us sees what's going on and starts grinning or chuckling quietly to themselves. He rushes her back because he knows they are looking for her in a panic. Sure enough he meets up with our lovely nursery coordinator and she is almost in tears. Poor lady! Ya-ya had been upset in class and didn't want to stay, so the coordinator brought her to work up at the counter with her. She turned around for a split second and Ya-ya was gone. I know all about this. I am the mother of another Houdini. Well, Daddy brought her back into church with us and she arrived with a smile of triumph! I know that smile well. For the rest of the service she sat on my lap as good as gold.

Happy Birthday, Papa!

2008-11-23T21:22:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday, Dad! Today we celebrated my dad's 59th birthday with lasagna, bread, salad and a banana cake. Mmmm, my kind of party. Unfortunately, no chocolate was present because my dad is almost the only person in this universe who has an abhorrance to chocolate! That and peanut butter. How does he survive? Poor unfortunate soul.
Anyways, my kids are so excited to share anyone's birthday with them. It's a really big deal. It was extra special because their papa is the best ever! Each one of the kids is special in his eyes. Papa is good at piggy back rides, tickles, trips to the park, funny faces and taking lots of pictures of his grandkids. I've always known I have a special dad, but seeing him as a grandfather is even more precious to me. Many of you know my dad and you know what a friendly, talkative, God-fearing man he is. I couldn't ask for a better influence for my entire family.
We have been so blessed with a wonderful family and I am thankful for every minute we get to spend with them. Not only has he been blessed with 59 years, my children and I have been blessed to know him for our entire lives. Here's to 59 more years!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-11-21T08:18:00.007-07:00

FOR TODAY November 21, 2008...I love November!
Outside My Window...The sun is shining (again), cars driving by, but still pretty peaceful.
I am thinking...how laughter is such a gift from God. I had a random thought this morning in bed, laughed and the baby kicked.
I am thankful for...way too many things to list, so my pillow-topped, king-sized, four-poster bed.
From the learning rooms...Pilgrims (of course), Mayflower and just about to start Little House in the Big Woods for literature.
From the kitchen...nothing yet. I'm hoping hubby will take us out for dinner.
I am wearing...black yoga pants (even though they make my bum look big - an optical illusion, I'm sure), green tee and socks.
I am creating...a new life inside of me.
I am going...to Wal-Mart, JoAnn's, and Bed, Bath and Beyond.
I am reading...The Ninth Witness by Bodie and Brock Thoene (my favorite authors), baby name book, and Stranded at Plimoth Plantation aloud to Gi-Gi.
I am hoping...to finally pick out a middle name to go with our boy name.
I am hearing...birds, kids rustling around in bed, Bubba coughing occasionally.
Around the house...everything is quiet and semi-clean. Better get to work!
One of my favorite things...my new candle stand/holder outside of my living room.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:errands today, finally putting summer clothes away, finish painting living room, Dad's birthday dinner, Thanksgiving preparations, hopefully movie on the couch with hubby.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I really just want to live in this tree! Remind me why I live in Arizona!
http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

2008-11-17T22:02:00.002-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Thoughts from a Mama

2008-11-17T07:34:00.002-07:00

Last night as I was tucking our darlingest daughter, Gi-Gi, into bed she opened up her heart to me. Those times are so precious because I can see the working of the Lord in her heart and her desire to live for Him and to be more like Him. She confessed to me the fear she has of the future at times. This was heartbreaking for me because as her mama, I never want her to feel fearful for anything. However, this is something that I have dealt with myself throughout my life, so I felt that it was something familiar that I could encourage her in. I reminded her that God knows everything and that nothing ever takes Him by surprise. He loves her and she is a child of His. I wish I could say that nothing bad would ever happen, but I can't. However, I could remind her that He will never leave her or forsake her. She was encouraged and went right to sleep. This conversation stayed with me, though. I've been reading a book by Beth Moore called, Living Free. In it she says, "The more you know of God, the less you have to fear." Talk about revolutionary thinking for me! Am I passing my fears onto my children? I pray not. Second Corinthians says, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (vs. 10:5) Thank you Lord for reminding me through my child how much you care for me and want me to live freely in You.

Date Nights!

2008-11-13T17:11:00.003-07:00

We had two nights in a row of stimulating (?) adult time with each other this week! Our first date we got to go to The Melting Pot, which is a fondue place. We had a fabulous time! Look at the looks on our faces with that plate of goodies and a pot of ooey-gooey chocolate. Unfortunately, the pot was still to hot at the end to just lick all of the chocolate up. It was a really experience divertido (fun), especially because we've never had fondue before. I have to admit, it was a little embarrassing when we were served raw meat for our entree and we had no idea what to do with it. Thankfully, we had a very gracious server who showed us what to do.

The next night, we got to get all dressed up and go to a fundraiser dinner with Mamasita Rosarita and some of our best friends at the Biltmore hotel in Phoenix. How fun it is to pretend to be high-class society when you know inside you're a homeschool mama who just hours before was in cut-offs, sandals and a baseball cap. Thankfully, no one saw me nodding off during the key speaker! I can always pull the pregnancy card if I need to.