A Divine Mother's Thoughts

Father's Day Campout

2011-06-23T09:36:00.001-07:00

Over Father's Day weekend we took a little camping trip. Our friends Ben and Jessica joined us, and then my parents and my nephew came up. We went to Blue Ridge Reservoir and camped at the Rock Crossing Campground. Thanks so much Amie for introducing us to the area, it's become one of my favorite places.

Although it's not secluded, we decided to camp in a campground because it's one of the only places that fire is permitted. As Amie has said many times, it's one of the best parts about camping. I am so glad we picked the spot, it was great to have bathrooms and water close by and to have a roaring fire!

The weather was beautiful, cool at night and pleasant during the day. Although my parents air mattress bit the dust, everyone slept well and we weren't too cold.

I brought up playdoh, and I'm glad I did, it kept the girl's occupied when we were putting up the tents or cooking.

The other nice thing about the area is the reservoir. We went swimming, sure it was a bit cold, but it felt great. I didnt get any pics of the reservoir because we were swimming. Superfun!

Here are so pics from our trip...

Joe thought this look was rather en-deer-ing.

James and Ben chatting. I like that James has such great guy friends.

Here are some playdoh pics

Then two deer started fighting...

Joey is such an amazing big brother, he is always helpful and Harley always hangs out with her Joe Joe

Another great part of camping is eating!

And hanging out by the fire...

Sophie picked many flowers

Harley and Daddy

We had a great time and I can't wait to go again!

2011-06-19T13:30:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the best husband and father ever!

And to my Daddy, who I love so so much. He puts up with so much and he's always there for me. I love you Dad!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Happy Father's Day!

Photo shoot

2011-05-16T22:32:00.001-07:00

We asked our friend Christine to take some pictures
of the entire clan. Here are some of my favs from that day.

Thanks Christine! You did an amazing job!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Spring Break Fever

2011-03-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Spring Break was pretty fun. I had Emmalee with me for most of the week, so we saved our bigger outings until my days off.

Monday was pretty uneventful. We spend most of our time enjoying our day and watching That 70's Show on Netflix.

Tuesday we spent with the Whitings at their house. The kids and Jessica got into their spool (half spa, half pool, it's small but still a good size). I'm not posting pics because Jessica would shoot me.

Wednesday we spent at Wet n Wild. I got a couple of shots of the baby girls enjoying themselves. Joey went off on his own and Abby met a random little girl and had a great time with her all day. It was a bit cold, but because the sun was nice and bright, it was not too bad.

This was her own pose...yup I'm in BIG trouble!

Thursday we went to the movies and saw Gnomeo and Juliet, using one of Abby's birthday presents. Well the girls and I did...Joey went and saw Battle LA, because there was "no way I'm seeing that dumb movie." The movie was so-so but the older girls had fun. Harley made it halfway through because she had a ton of snacks. (not the best pics)

Friday was a quiet day, although James and I did get to go on our usual date...the gym! It was a ton of fun, but I'm glad school is back in!

Abby's 9th Birthday

2011-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Abby turned 9 on March 10th. We decided to have her birthday party on March 12th. I guess everyone decided to go out of town for Spring Break because not that many people came. Oh, well, she had a great time. We did Peter Piper and she got to make her own personal pizza...sausage of course! Again, I only got a few pictures. *sigh* one day I'll get it!

1000 ticket jackpot!

Cupcakes and ice cream!

Happy Birthday my baby!!

Big Girl Bed

2011-03-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Although she's young, I decided to get Harley a big girl bed. We put it in our room until she's older. She loves it and even sleeps in it. Not the whole night yet, but hey, she's a co-sleeper so I'm proud of her!

We decided to get a car because she loves cars and driving...in fact, any vehicle. So, basically, Harley was an excellent name choice.

Here she is on her new bed (before we moved it):

And of course, Soph had to join her...

Lizard Adventure

2011-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

James found a lizard when he was working that he brought home. He brought it for our friend Ben since Ben's pet lizard had passed away. Ben ended up not taking the lizard, but we had fun with it for a week.

The girl's called the lizard Pascal...after the lizard in Tangled

Sophie was always talking to it

Sophie didn't want the lizard to be lonely, so she drew him a lizard friend.

James and the Giant Peach

2011-03-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

From December to February Joey was in the Theater Works production of James and the Giant Peach. He had a great time and made a ton of new friends. I ushered two productions so I got to see it for free. I know that seeing a community theater production isn't always the cheapest thing, but when you do, it directly supports arts in the community. It gives children and adults the opportunity to express themselves and to develop their talents. It gives people and outlet for creativity and, mostly, it entertains. So check out productions around the Valley...we have some amazing talent in the Valley of the Sun! Support Local Theater!!!

Okay, off my soap box....here are some pics of an amazing production!!!

The director decided to give this classic story a steampunk feel...

Cast photo

One of the neatest things they used was shadow puppetry. They used it throughout the show. This is Joey's character arriving.

The Old Man telling James to add a hair from his head to the potion...

The Old Man giving James the alligator tongues...too bad James didn't hang on to them!!

The Old Man and James...and the Peach!

Abby and Sophie with Aunt Sponge

Abby and Sophie with Miss Spider

Harley with Miss Spider

Swappin' n Meetin'

2011-03-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks to my brother Steve for fixing my computer so I could post! My pics were locked on my malfunctioning laptop. Now it's all good so here we go!

Back in January (ha!) we met together on a Saturday morning for some buffet food before hitting the swap meet.

Trying on sunglasses

boys and weapons...sigh

There was this teeny tiny puppy. Joey's size 14 /2 shoe next to the doggy

Resting

Harley enjoyed the ride

She picked out a broom...she loves to sweep!

2011-01-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Amie is right, we haven't done one of these in a while! So...here we go!

Q1. If you blog anonymously, are you happy doing this? If you aren't anonymous, do you wish you started out anonymously so that you could be anonymous now?

Not anonymously...but sometimes I think I should make up a fictional blog or fictional Facebook so I can say things I want to say without upsetting people or people putting me in the loony bin. Alas, I can't keep up with one, let alone my alter personality's blog.

Q2. Describe an incident that shows your inner stubborn side

I really can't think of one for this...I'm a pushover...ask my kids.

Q3. What do you really see when you look at yourself in the mirror?

I was just telling James this the other day...I see someone alot thinner....weirdly enough, I think I'm skinner and hotter than I actually am. I guess that's a good thing...but, when I actually see a picture of myself it's like reality smacks me in the face and I really see me.

Q4. What is your favorite summer cold drink?

cranberry limeade...or anything fruity as long as it has a ton of ice...ice all year long!

Q5. When you take time for yourself, what do you do?

when everyone goes to sleep...I read, or watch videos on my iPad. When I'm upset...I go shopping. I don't spend alot, but I do get something for myself.

Q6. Is there something you still want to accomplish in your life?

Someday go back to school. I'd like to be a teacher.

Q7. When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever, the shy person, or always ditching?

How about the Prima Donna? I really liked to make a splash. I was voted "Most Likely to Return to Every Homecoming" which is really most spirited in the school. I was in band (Drum Major senior year), I was in choir (show choir....Glee!) and in Theatre. I also participated in a Spirit Competition senior year called Mr/Mrs. PHS. I came in 2nd (and only by 2 points...my teacher told me). In fact, I loved High school! Oh, yeah, I also ditched. Not too many times, but enough to have a bit of fun.

Q8. If you close your eyes and want to visualize a very poignant moment in your life, what would you see?

Wow, several come to mind...a first kiss with James in the kitchen of JB's Restaurant. Seeing my newborn's faces for the first time. I'm sure I'll have many, many more moments in my life.

3rd Grade Concert

2011-01-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Last week, Abby's school had the 3rd graders perform several songs before the awards ceremony. I love being home and being able to support her in even the smallest things, like this.

Here is one of their songs. Abby is on the very top row in the yellow hat. This is called "The Courage Rap"

Whenever we go to the school Harley quickly becomes the center of attention...

Abby posing in her Courage Rap hat and glasses..

It was really cute and really fun! So glad I got to go!

Ready for my close-up...

2011-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Harley's favorite thing to do at the store is to try on sunglasses. She squeals and points at them until you bring her over and put some on her. She holds still long enough to put them on and for you to tell her how pretty she looks then she takes them off. She really is a diva.

Chinese please...

2011-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

James isn't a fan of Chinese food...but he loves me and I love Chinese food...so he puts up with it. We had some fun with my cell phone camera on our last visit.

Pudding for dessert!

Chicken!

Is this cold?

I'm not amused

What?

Chocolate pudding everywhere! Several older folks stopped and asked her if she was enjoying herself...she was

Stopping to pose while she eats

I heart thrift stores

2011-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

I love going to Goodwill or any other thrift store...or yard sale...or swap meet. I love the hunt! I also love looking at other people's things. Wondering who had it, why they gave it up, where they wore it. It sparks my imagination. Recently I found these beauties at Goodwill. They are treacherously high...I adore them!

I can't wait to go on my next treasure hunt! James said maybe Saturday morning we would hit the Swap Meet! Sounds good to me!

I really should take more pictures...

2011-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

We were invited by our good friends to a camp out at the White Tanks on MLK weekend. Just a quick overnight stay with great friends and food. At first we weren't sure we could make it, since we'd have to use borrowed smaller tents to hold our brood. Then on Saturday morning, James and I decided to hit some yard sales. We were totally amazed to find a $120, 8 person tent, for $40 dollars! Brand new, never been opened! So, we were ready to go!

Here is our awesome score...

The day and night were pretty mild...although we were freezing! Here we are, if you can find us, snuggled up...

Sophie and Harley (and my Johnny pillow...hello baby)

My curly headed boy

James and Abby

In the morning we had cereal, juice, chorizo and eggs. It was really fun..thanks Amie for inviting us! You guys are awesome! And, I'm sure your pictures are plentiful and beautiful :)

Clean up, clean up...

2011-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

My 3 older children didn't see me regularly cleaning up as they grew. I know that sounds bad, but with my work schedule, they would usually see me frantically cleaning on Saturdays or, if someone was coming over. But, now that I am at home, I clean up daily and often. I enjoy it! I enjoy having a clean(er) home.

So, since Harley has been seeing it everyday for a year...she loves to help. Her favorite is using my stick vac...I hope her love sticks with her as she grows and I might get some help!

In the 32nd year of my life...

2011-01-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

I feel very blessed. My sweetheart spoiled me this year for my birthday. It was a many day celebration. First, we went to the mall on the Wednesday before. He bought me some necklaces, a new purse (Jack Skellington), hat, nightgown (Jack and Sally!) and some shirts. On my birthday we went to my mom's house for our Christmas/New Year's celebration with my Grandma. We had a light lunch and some great dessert. Of course I neglected to take pictures during these events. I think I was still asleep from New Year's Eve.
That evening we went to Peter Piper to celebrate my BFF Christine's son Caden's 2nd Birthday. She surprised me with my own cake and some beautiful roses! I also got a gift certificate for books for my eReader from my other BFF Amie. Jessica my BFF got me this amazing reversible necklace and earrings set.

My roses

The next day James threw a party for me. We had albondigas (meatball soup), homemade salsa, cupcakes and great friends.

Rick and Stephanie-our good friends from Black Canyon City

Dad, Camille, Mom and Emmalee

Rick's girls Marissa and Mia

Sophie and Caden

The Gang (Ben and Jess and Amie's Gang got there later)

Rick's kids Nadia, Ricky and Eric (they have 6 kids!) and Joe

Then my man surprised me with a trip to Great Skate! I've been talking about going skating forever! We only snapped a few pictures at Great Skate, but we had a blast! It was cool because we could take the strollers out to the middle of the rink. DJ pushed Caden and Ben and I took my stroller out. It was great to see the kids getting better at skating as the night went on. I think Amie's boys will be professionals soon!

James attempted to skate...which means he put on the skates and stood up. He said he heart was pounding so hard. Joey put his on, rolled around, fell on his butt and then said "I'm done!" Abby was chicken too. Sophie was the only one to try and she did pretty good!

It was one of the best birthdays I've ever had! I am so blessed to have such a great family and friends. Especially my sweet husband...love you James!

Rockin New Year

2011-01-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve is always busy. This year we had two parties. First, the family one followed up by Auggie and Dennyse's house.

The family party is always a big deal. A DJ cranks modern and Mexican tunes. We eat and dance. We depart once the people start to get tipsy. Harley was the hit of the party. She never stopped dancing. Here are some of my favorite pics from the first party.

My nieces and Abby

The Man in Black! He is so sexy!

Big Man in a little hat

Sweethearts

Shall we dance?

Cupcakes rule!

Cheesey

Her dance card was full!

Daddy's Little girl

Tamales!

My stinker and me

The green is from the lasers that the DJ had

So before it got too late, we headed over to Dennyse and Auggie's house. Dennyse had made some amazing pozole and chocolate fountains. And some karaoke. My baby also loves to sing! She wouldn't give up the mic!

Joey spent his time out by the fire amusing the adults.

We had a great time and rang in the New Year with great people.

Christmas

2011-01-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Santa Claus was extremely generous this year. Some highlights include:

Joey's ipod touch, Abby's ipod, Sophie's American girl doll, Harley's car and other great gifts. Santa even brought a trampoline!

Here are some pictures from the busy morning.

Lights and Sparklers

2011-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

The night before Christmas Eve found us driving around Surprise looking at Christmas lights. We did get some cocoa at the Circle K to make the night nice and cozy.

We saw some pretty lights around Surprise

When we got home we played with some sparklers. The kids loved "writing" in the air with them.

My baby

2011-01-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

My baby girl turned one on December 1st. As you saw before, we celebrated at Disneyland. I wanted to take a moment for my baby. She's just so precious to me. I can't believe I've been blessed with such a sweet little one. I am so thankful I was able to be home with her for this wonderful first year of her life. I love you my Harley Lynn!

I took a picture on our trip that reminded me of one from her first week. So, here they are...

Happy Birthday Harley Lynn!

2011-01-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Our last day at the Park was Harley's Birthday (I'm going to do a Harley Lynn post later). By the lack of pictures you can also see that we parents were pooped! We had a jam packed day which started with our hats.

Had us running around the parks to try to get one last time on our favorite rides...and meeting this guy..

Going to see Playhouse Disney

And ending with some shopping...

We had an amazing time! It was hard with 4 kids, but when you have one Joe's size it helps. I feel so blessed that we were able to go on a trip like this together. I hope we can do it again soon!

Back to Disney

2011-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

By Day 3 James was exhausted. He had come down with a cold, and just felt terrible. But, he pushed on.

I have never (in my memory) rode the Dumbo ride. So, I told the kids that we had to go on for Harley.

Here we are on King Arthur's carousel. We are happy, we are having a great time. Then it starts, then we hate it.

She liked the teacups better than the lady bug ride. She had a good time.

Off to Mickey's Toon Town

We then went to Mickey's House. We met the Mouse...James used his picture for his business cards.

We asked her to tell us how old she was and she held up one finger!

We did some time at the Haunted Mansion and then to Autotopia

Pixie Hollow was definitely somewhere my girls had to visit. Sophie thought it was pretty cool that they shrunk her down to fairy size.

James and I held a parade spot while the kids did some more rides.

Finally the parade. I took some videos too, but I won't make you suffer through those LOL

We did more rides until it was time for the park to close.

Day 2...Knott's

2011-01-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

James wanted to try Knott's Berry Farm our 2nd day. It was a bit ghetto after Disney...seriously, Disney knows how to operate. Knott's only had one person on each kid's ride, so it took forever! But, at least on the big rides, there was absolutely no waiting, none...we walked onto every ride! If you like roller coasters, Knott's really is a fun time.

Here we are with Snoopy. Harley wanted to give him a kiss. She wasn't afraid of any of the characters. I was happy about that.

The other nice thing about Knott's was that there was so much room for Harley to just walk around. That made her one happy girl!

Sophie is not afraid of any rides. If she was a bit taller she could have gone on more rides. She never complained though, she just accepted that she was too short. But, she could do these!

Here are my babies!

Surprisingly enough, Soph was tall enough for the log ride so we did that one a bunch of times. Joey and James noticed that there picture was used as a sample picture for prospective buyers. Joe was thrilled, he autographed the back of it for the lady. (You can barely make out Soph in the middle)

James dragged Abby on another ride. Joey had the whole end to himself!

While they were on the ride, I had Soph do some poses for me.

Abby wanted to ride the real stagecoach, so we waited in line (the longest wait the whole day, James and I did a roller coaster while the kids waited). So here we are in the stagecoach.

At the end of the night we met some of the locals...

And Sophie was really happy that Santa had come from Disneyland to see her again!

After a wild ride on the Ghost Rider wooden roller coaster (holy crap was that scary and fun) we headed out. And although her birthday wasn't until Wednesday, we picked up this beauty at the Knott's Bakery and decided to celebrate early.

We went to bed exhausted and full of chocolate cake!

Disney...Day 1

2011-01-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning, we got up early. We had breakfast, then waited for the Anaheim Transit to pick us up. Harley loved riding the bus! She was so excited! (Although you can't tell from the picture).

This is one of my favorite pictures! I love the way she is looking up at him!

After our short, but fun bus ride, we arrived at Disneyland! Since this was the day that it would be open late, we decided to go to Disneyland for a bit, then head over to California Adventure.

I love Disneyland at Christmas time! The decorations, the people! It's so much fun!

A kind lady took this picture of all of us together. I'm wearing my favorite coat, which is stolen on day 3...

Our vacation package gave us some perks, and one of those was our lanyards. So, we headed over to Frontierland for our free lanyards and pins. I hadn't been to Disneyland since Sophie was Harley's age, but I love how I know where everything is and it just feels like you never left.

Of course, my gun happy family had to try out the shooting range.

Then we decided to head to New Orleans Square because Pirates rules!! Sophie still talks about going on that ride. It was by far her favorite, and I think we went on in 10 times in 3 days.

Outside Pirates we paused to talk a pic with our favorite guy...

Then it was time for California Adventure to open, so we headed over to the other park. The girls wanted to go to Bugs Land.

Goofy is James' favorite. Our next door neighbors have been calling James "Goofy" for years (actually since he was a kid)

Over to Bugs Land we headed. We have some shots of us on the rides.

Harley hated this one! They wouldn't let me hold her on my lap, so she freaked out.

Next we headed over towards Paradise Pier and we ran into these guys.....

And this guy.....

We became toys...

And got kisses....

And then, we faced the most annoying part of our trip. One of my children hates rides...not the 4 year old, oh no, the 8 year old. And we had to hear the following (which became a joke over the course of the trip).."But it goes down, why does it go down, I'm scared, but it goes down." Since we are evil parents, and know that she will like it once she's on, we literally spent a ton of time dragging her crying butt on rides...so here is an example of her face (by the way, she went on the same ride another time at her request.

She was glad she went on the rides she was afraid of (although she didn't do them all) because she had a ton of fun. To make her happy we tried the new Toy Story ride. Very fun, similar to the Buzz ride at Disneyland. James scored the highest of all of us and he did in one handed while holding Harley!

We did more rides and met some of our favorites. Joey got to ask Crush a question. He asked him if he liked tacos. Crush wanted to know what tacos were. It was a pretty funny conversation. Another perk of our vacation package was getting preferred seating at the Aladdin show. We sat right in front of the parade. The Genie was so funny, we quoted his lines all week! Here's a few last pics of our first day. We ended up back at Disneyland and went on some more rides including Space Mountain.

Check out how tall Joey is next to Goofy!

I heart this pic!

Man of steel!

Our California Vacation!

2011-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Well this is way late, but if you know me, you know I am a procrastinator. Probably the Queen of all Procrasitnators. But, here we go...(by the way, this is going to be pictures and stories that you may be bored with, but I'm documenting for those who care LOL)

In honor of Harley's first birthday, we headed to California and to the Happiest Place on Earth. We left on Saturday, and after a detour to pick up James' medication refill (grrr) we hit the freeway.

We made it to our hotel, early...but they already had our room ready so it was cool. We did our vacation package through Disney, and I have to say it was the best thing ever! They gave me everything I needed and made check-in and everything super easy!

Since we had some time to spare, we hit the Red Robin for some dinner.

James needs to visit the dentist!

REd Robin was pretty empty, but at the table across from us was a lady, a grandma, and a little boy. He was quite taken with Harley. He kept calling out "baby, baby" trying to get her attention. When mom walked away I snapped a picture of him. I thought it was so cute!

On the way back to the hotel, we did a drive by of Disneyland (we were only a block away, but it made the kids super happy).

My kids thoroughly enjoy hotel rooms. They go a little crazy! Since we were on the 8th floor I had to keep telling them to stop jumping. We probably drove the people below us nuts! After everyone got into their PJs (aren't) Harley's cute? Dia de los Muertos jammies...yeah we like skeletons LOL. We had some milk and cookies and then watched out the window for the fireworks.

I was a male cheerleader..

2010-11-10T07:13:00.000-08:00

Well Joey was! Joey tried out for the school mascot this year. But, the school decided not to invest in a mascot outfit (most likely because no one else would be able to wear it), so he was asked to be on the cheer squad. He enjoyed getting the crowd excited. He also enjoyed hanging out with the girls. He liked that the most I think.

Here's a picture of Joey with the squad at a game..

And here he is with his trophy and medal for Most Valuable Player!! Yeah Joe for doing the unexpected!

Cookies

2010-11-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

I like to participate in the Fruit and Veggie Co-op. Around the holidays they like to offer decorate your own sugar cookies. I like these alot. First, I don't have to bake. Less mess equals happy me. Second they taste great! Joey decided he was too big to help decorate, so the girls had a great time.

Here's a couple shots of our Halloween cookies!

Most wonderful time of the year

2010-11-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

For those of you that don't know, our family is big on Halloween. We talk about it all year. Our home always has some sort of skull or 6 foot zombie cowboy hanging around. I have several pictures that I gleaned from others Facebook accounts and from my phone because Sophie has done something with my camera. As you know she is the queen of taking my camera. I also found that I don't have any pictures of Joey this year. He was a Ghostbuster. He looked great...trust me.

First picture is everyone at my mom's house for Trick or Treating. Abby is the Queen of Hearts (Trunk or Treat winner for Best Kid's Costume!) I modified a vampire dress with hearts and tulle, since the store bought Queen costumes were a bit skanky. Sophie is Alice (at the Trunk or treat she had a blonde wig, it was cute but annoying for her). Emmalee is a panda, Cate is a cow. Harley is the Cheshire Cat. Johnathen is Harry Potter and I'm Bellatrix Lestrange.

Loving my kitty

My 90lbs lighter hottie! He's the Angel of Death.

My white baby...

2010-06-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

I have 3 tan children. They are even tanner right now because they have been swimming so much. Then, there is Harley. To demonstrate, I've attached a picture of Harley and her Nana. This is James' mom, Martina. Can you believe how white Harley is? I'm not the only white one any more!

Here is a picture of Harley the bathing beauty, you can see her white lady skin next to mine...

And here she is at the Memorial Day Parade, look at that hair color and her eyes. I don't know if her coloring will stay this way, but for now I'm enjoying my mini-me.

Sophie and the camera

2010-06-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

Sophie is a photographer. She frequently steals my camera, takes pictures then returns it so I don't know until I go to download the 35 pictures I had taken and suddenly it's dumping 87 masterpieces into my computer. So enjoy some of my favorites.

Her sister's bib...

Her sister's head...

A painting she did, oh and her finger..

Her playhouse, and her finger....

Her mouth....

Her face...

Gila Valley Temple

2010-06-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

On May 15th my parents, my nephew, my girls and I went to the Gila Valley Temple Tour. James and Joey stayed behind because Joey had a Beauty and the Beast performance. We left Saturday afternoon, since our tour was at 745pm. We got on the road, this was Harley's longest car ride.

The Temple was beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous! I loved that our tour group was comprised of both members and non-members. I think it's so neat that anyone can tour the Temple before it is dedicated and that they do! I felt very blessed to be part of something so special.

Unfortunately I didn't get a pretty picture in front of the Temple, but that's okay...here's an attempt, notice Sophie crawling?

Afterwards we had cookies at the church building next door. They did a great job decorating the Cultural Hall.

We stayed at a hotel that night. My kids were in heaven they love hotels!

After breakfast the next morning we drove home only stopping to get this great picture.

Daddy Daughter Dance

2010-05-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

My lucky husband is the father of 3 girls. So, it was a given that he would have to be at the Daddy Daughter Dance the kids had a school. He didn't have to take Harley this time, but next year...oh yeah. He snapped a few pictures of the dance and the girls getting down.

Cinco, Cinco, Cinco!!

2010-05-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

On May 5th, the kids had the day off from school (staff inservice day I believe) so we had a fun day. We drove out to the distribution center to pick up some stuff for Mom and Dad (guess what those were LOL, I know you can just order online, but I need them now LOL) then we had some In & Out burger, our first time. After that, I took them all to see Diary of a Wimpy Kid. We had a great time, the entire theater was empty except for us! It felt like our own personal screening. We could talk loud, laugh really loud and I felt confident when nursing some weirdo wasn't going to see anything, ha ha. So I snapped a few pics but they didn't come out too well.

See us? We always sit in the way way back (Joe was at the snack bar) The one below is Abby with Harley

She's always with Harley. She's amazing with her, she does diapers people!

Sweets from my sweet

2010-05-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

At Activity Days, Abby made me some wonderful Mother's Day chocolates. She was so proud of her chocolate making skills. She made chocolate flowers and chocolate covered Oreos. Yum! Thanks to Ashleigh, her Activity Days Leader.

Baptism

2010-05-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, April 24th, Abby was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are so so proud of her. Thank you Christine for taking pictures!! We had great time afterward at our home and enjoyed some yummy food and cake.

Zzzzzzzz

2010-05-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Sophie falls asleep anywhere. Ask Amie...she would fall asleep under her tables, behind chairs..well here she is in her sister's car seat.

Ok, pardon the nakie-ness...she was supposed to be getting dressed, but instead this is what I found..

And Harley has been taking lessons!!

Sookie

2010-05-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

I had this post set up to go on Monday...unfortunately, my little doggie passed away today. I miss my sweet dog. Unfortunately, parvo took her life before she turned one.

This is my dog Sookie. She is a chihuahua, and a bit ugly, but I love her. She follows me everywhere. She's the pup of my other chihuahua, Coco. I took this picture of her sleeping next to her friend Chloe. I'm just putting it out there to the world, that I love Sookie!!

Cereal sucks....that is all

2010-05-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Here I am torturing Harley with rice cereal LOL this was several weeks ago. She's grown to like carrots...and whatever else Daddy gives her. Um...yeah the baby doesn't get chocolate pudding, babe...or egg, or frosting...sigh...

Before the parade passes by....

2010-05-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

Joey is in another play with Theater Works. He's doing Beauty and the Beast. He is playing the Egg Man, and has a couple lines. He's been having a blast. They participated in Peoria's Pioneer Days Parade. I grabbed a couple of shots of him marching. Most of the cast wore Beauty and the Beast t-shirts since, at that point, many costumes weren't done yet.

Dye-ing to show you these

2010-05-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

The Saturday before Easter was a lazy day, so we decided to dye our eggs.

Joey had a good time, even if he says he's getting too old...

Harley's opinion....

Joey is such a help with Soph

Abby trying to be patient...

Eggs go really fast in my house, before I knew it they ate them all!

Some more...blog stuff

2010-05-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

Like the rest of the world, I took the girl's during spring break to the Phoenix Children's Museum. Joey felt he was way to old to go, truthfully he would have been, but for the girls....it was a perfect day!

Sophie picked out an interesting outfit to wear...

The girls put on a puppet show for a little guy...

I think her eyes look really cool in this picture

Over the side of the Noodle Forest.

"Ice Cream" snack

Shopping...(they loved this part)

Harley hanging out...that's actually James' baby carrier...LOL

Then the girls playing chef...

It was such a fun day!

Way back machine...

2010-05-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

I spent some time and got a bunch of blogs ready to post. We are going back several months, but I do believe after several days we will be caught up. I decided to not publish them all at once, but stretch it out since I take forever and a day to post...below is post 1...enjoy!

So, when Harley turned 3 months old we took her to have her ears pierced. I know this is actually a hot topic among many moms, do you let them choose to do it, do you do it when they are little do you wait until they are in high school. Well, whatever your feelings, over in Camp Cavazos, we do it when they are babies. It's a bit of a cultural thing, and a bit of an it's easier to take care of and they don't remember it. I have a few pics leading up to the event.

I didn't get a good after picture that day but here's one from a couple days later..

Blog Neglect

2010-03-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

So, yeah...it's been awhile. You'd think I'd have more time to blog! I am now officially a stay at home mom. It was a tough choice, but I really wanted to be home with Harley and Sophie. I missed so so much with Abby and Joey. I also want to back to school some day, so yup...

Our days are full, we drop of the kids at school. Try to clean up, do laundry, fit in some preschool stuff with Soph. Plan the meals, make the meals. Go to the library and park with Soph. I've also baked alot lately. Well, let's catch up shall we?

First is a couple funny pictures of James at Red Robin..the waiter brought us a ton of lemonade...

James looks so good. He's lost 61 pounds. I think I found all of it LOL.

Abby received "Most Improved Student" for her class. She's in the 2nd grade. I'm so proud of her! She's come such a long way. Now if I can get her to chill out a bit, she's going to be an interesting teenager. I got to go to her award ceremony. I also got to attend a little class assembly. And a science fair, and conferences...I get to do the things I missed now.

Harley is getting bigger..she's 3 months old now. Crazy right?

And here I am. I'm feeling better than ever and more relaxed. I think my job was killing me LOL. I do think my pregnancy would have been alot easier if I hadn't been working.

Joey is in a play for Theater Works. It's a special thing for the City of Peoria and the Peoria School District. It's called the Three Javelinas (it's the southwest version of the 3 Little Pigs) he plays a narrator. I think it's a great thing for him because he was asked to do it, he didn't audition. His last director recommended him because he was a funny guy and a good actor. I'm so proud of him!

And last, but not least...today is Abby's 8th Birthday! She's getting ready to enter the waters of baptism. Although we may hold her under a couple seconds longer than necessary to just get all that sin off of her. I wonder if the water will boil? I'm kidding! I love my little girl. She is the best helper with Harley. She's so good with her. She changes diapers folks! And she's good at it! She wonderful and I love her to death! Happy Birthday Abby!!!

What a blessing...

2010-01-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

On January 3rd James blessed Harley at church. It was such a beautiful and sweet blessing. He really spoke from the heart and the spirit and it was absolutely perfect! We had many of our friends and family there to support us and the circle was huge.

Katie made her dress for her, I just think she looks like a little angel...

A 31 year old me...

2010-01-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

January 1st was my 31st birthday. Yup, I stated my age, not afraid to say it. Only a bit freaked out LOL. So, New Year's Eve was spent with great friends, and New Year's Day was spent with a grumpy family (lack of sleep) at the movies (Sherlock Holmes) and with my folks (yummy homemade cake from my mom).

I didn't ask for much since Santa was overly generous, but I did receive some great scrappy stuff (Thanks Christine, DJ and Pat and Jen!) an Ulta giftcard (thanks Mom and Dad) and a vanity for my room (thanks Martina-my MIL) and an upcoming dinner with the girls. The vanity makes me feel like a Broadway star when I put on my makeup LOL.

So I venture further into my 30's but I think I'm going to be ok!

Thank heaven for little girls....

2010-01-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

So my amazing friend Christine took some newborn pics of Harley several weeks ago, and we got the pictures at her great New Year's Eve party. Christine took lots of great shots and I'd like her to go back in time and take the same sort of pics for my other 3 kids. Or, we could recreate them again, but honestly a naked Joey would be frightening...seriously I've seen it...LOL

Anyhoo, here's some of the pics! (Doesn't James look hot?!)

Lights

2009-12-16T16:19:00.000-08:00

Monday night we went to the Temple to see the lights with our friends. As always it was beautiful! And as always we watched the video of Luke II in the Visitor's Center, but not as usual I'm post partum so more tears than usual shed.

What a wonderful night! Thanks guys!!!

The Ho-Ho

2009-12-14T16:48:00.000-08:00

Sophie is obsessed with Santa Claus, or as she says "The Ho-Ho." I do have to admit she's cooperating a little better since I have Ho-Ho on speed dial.

James took Abby to her first roller skating party a couple weekends ago, so Sophie tagged along. This is what she did the whole time.

Abby also tried skating for the first time. She fell many times, but didn't give up and wants to do it again. Very un-Abby like. I'm proud that she wants to try again, it shows she's growing up!

Then this past Saturday, James got a call that really made his dream come true, he got to play Santa at the Ward Party. Sophie said that her "Daddy was the Ho-Ho." We told her that he was Santa's helper. She was still excited to see Santa. Brother Mayo from the Ward took some great pictures THANK YOU!!!

Of course we had some laughs over James being a Mexican Santa. He really has always wanted to play Santa, but thought people wouldn't go for it because he was extra tan. I think he did a fantastic job. The funniest part of it all is that James recently lost 54 lbs so he had to use a pillow to play Santa! Last year it would have been natural, but since he's lost his gut a pillow was required.

I also forgot to mention that we went to Christine and DJ's house to take newborn photos of Harley. Christine posted this pic on her blog as a preview. All I can say is wow. I can't wait to see them all! She really does amazing work!!

On the first day of Christmas my true-love gave to me...

2009-12-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

A Harley Lynn!

Harley was born on Dec. 1st at 12:03pm. She was 7lbs, 12oz and 20in long.

We had her at Del Webb, they were as awesome with this one as they were with Sophie's delivery and with my hospital stay. Shout out to Nancy my nurse, she was amazing! I really only had one weird thing happen, I reacted weirdly to an epidural and almost fainted. Creepy feeling. But, the doctor yanked that one out put the new one in and everything was perfect!

So, now what everyone wants....pictures!

Here I am at my Mom's house dropping off the other kiddos so we could go to the hospital at 5am (induction...blah!)

Harley showing off her weight, the only time a girl doesn't mind...

She had her bath, like the mohawk? She has really light hair too...

Here we are getting acquainted

Although he's not smiling, he is such a proud Daddy!!

This is my favorite, she's 4 days old here (check out the light hair here too)

Posting...

2009-09-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

So, I pretty much stink at posting. I had these grand ideas of blogging about my pregnancy, but it just didn't happen. I never feel well enough to blog. Right now in fact, I'm nursing some sort of allergic reaction that landed me in Urgent Care and receiving a breathing treatment so I could actually catch my breath. But, baby is doing fine, it's just me.

What's been going on? Well, September is a month of birthdays and anniversaries for us. James and I celebrated our 9th on Sept. 2nd. Then James had his 38th birthday on Sept 8th. Amie had a birthday (she can share her age LOL). Joey turned 11 on Sept. 16th (oh and I won't say how old, but my Aunt Denise had a birthday on Sept. 15th). Then we round out the next couple of weeks with two of my nephews, Johnathen and Salvador each having a birthday, then to wrap up the month of September Sophie turns 3!

Other than that, Joey is in his first play, "Night of the Living Dead" at Theater Works. He's been noticing what it's like to choose between things since he will be missing Halloween (a National Holiday in our house) and all the prime trick or treating. I did hear some negotiation between him and Abby over some candy to be delivered to his person after she does the collecting.

Well, here's to 29 weeks of pregnancy! Let the countdown begin!!!

So, here's a random post....I hope to do more, but I can't promise I will.

Why it's been forever since I last posted...

2009-05-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, cause I am expecting a wee little one. Well, that shouldn't effect me posting, right? Except, that I have been super-duper sick for about a month. The worst all day sickness ever! I've done the meds (none worked) and I've done everything else everyone since the dawn of time has tried and nothing worked.

I'm pretty miserable. I want to be excited, but all I can focus on is how sick I am. I have ceased to be mother and wife and I am just a blob of yuck. I lay in bed and do nothing except go to stinkin' work cause I have too.

Well, the good part of this (besides my baby) is that I have had some absolutely amazing friends take care of me by bringing dinner in and by just sending me great thoughts and prayers! Shout out to Amie, Jessica and Christine-without you my kids might have starved! (Well not really but it was nice to have something non-microwavable right) I love you ladies! My Mom too, she gets my calls at work when I just hurled in the bathroom. Why is it you pee when you throw up? I hate that, I have to cross my legs...nevermind, I digress.... Also, thanks to everyone that has been supportive of me during my inactivity at church (well, I'm there but I almost threw up all over CTR 5 the other day) and everything else I have had to blow off. *sigh* just pray that this doesn't last any longer-and yes, I had morning (all day) sickness with my others, but this is 100% worse so I have no idea how long it will last.

Oh, and as of Sunday....I'm 12 weeks.......due date 12/6/09.

Come see me sing on Friday (solo is only on Friday, guys)

2009-04-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to attend
Saints & Pioneers,
a presentation for choir, soloists and narrators,
composed by Rob Gardner and performed by
the Surprise, Arizona Stake
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Friday, April 17, 2009 7pm
Sunday, April 19, 2009 7pm

Surprise Stake Center
14916 N Sarival Rd
Surprise, AZ 85379
(Sarival Rd and Greenway Rd)

How often in anguish have I said in my heart, “When shall my trials
and tribulations end?” But amid all these heart-rending trials not once
yet have I ever regretted that I set out to follow the council of the people
of God and to obey the voice of the spirit…
-Hosea Stout

Abba Dabba Ding Dong

2009-03-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well sports fans, I've just returned from our school's fund raiser night at the 'Donalds, and wanted to post about an extra special little girl.

Today is Abby's 7th Birthday.

I wanted to share some special things about my little lady.

*Abby could dance before she could walk. I used to call her Shakira, cause she can move those hips!

*Abby loves to hang out at her Nana's house (she equally loves her Grandma)

*Abby loves to make her sister scream (there she goes again)

*She loves to have me wash her hair

*When I was pregnant with her, I found out on Halloween that I would be having a girl. My folks were in Utah, we called them while they were eating breakfast...they freaked out.

*My mom would tell me that if she came out a boy, she was going to make her wear pink.

*Abby wore shoes home from the hospital, to this day she is a shoe freak. She gives that chick from Sex in the City a run for her money. Seriously, she is going to have to marry rich just to stay in shoes.

*She has had her Daddy wrapped around her fingers since day one.

*She never burns, she has the most beautiful brown skin in the summer.

*She has brown eyes like her Daddy, the only one of all my kids.

*She can't wait (but I can *wink) to grow up, get married in the temple and to have lots of babies. She loves babies. She always wants to know when I'm having another one.

*She tries my patience everyday, but I don't love her any less for it.

*She seems to have alot of self-confidence, but she is actually very shy and very critical of herself. We are always trying to get her to understand how wonderful she truly is.

*She's the middle child and with it comes all the typical middle child behavior.

*Her middle name is Renee. Not after anyone, just sounded pretty.

*We have a great, great, great aunt or something (Puritan times) on my dad's side named Abigail. We didn't know that until after we had her.

*I considered spelling her name Abigayle, since my mom's middle name is Gayle. I wanted her to be able to find her name on one of those little license plates. She's never gotten one, but hey, she could.

*Right now she thinks she's going to marry a Jonas brother...but what little girl doesn't think that?

I love my Abby!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy a few pics of her!

I am your singing telegram.

2009-03-03T18:32:00.001-08:00

The day before Valentine's Day, I got to be a singing valentine at work. I had a list of people (it ended up being close to 20 since one was for an office full of people) and a valentine with the lyrics to several love songs printed on the back. I've put a couple pictures of me serenading the folks at work. It was fun!

Here is me goofing off. I swear..

I'm embarrassed...

Yuck, I look chunky

How cool is Disney?

2009-02-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks Stephanie for the cute idea!

Mistaken Identity...or...My new Sister

2009-01-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you a quick story about a phone call my mom got last night from a childhood friend she hasn't spoken to in years.

Her friend called my mom out of the blue after looking her name up in the phone book. She then asked if my mom has a daughter that is an actress (at this point I was thinking the lady might have seen me in a play I did or something). Mom said that I did some local things and the lady said well...She went and saw the movie Twilight and the actress in it had the same eyes my mom did when she was young. The way her eyelashes looked and everything, so she thought she may be my mom's daughter.

Well....here is what I was supposed to look like or what my sister was supposed to look like (the eyes anyway)

Yup, my mom has Bella eyes. Don't worry though, she wasn't referring to the constant blinking thing she does throughout the movie, just the actual look of them.

My last post as a 20 something...

2008-12-31T16:51:00.000-08:00

At midnight tonight I leave my 20's and head towards the great adventures in my 30's. Woo-hoo. I know it's not that old, but it has made me stop and think how far I've come and where I'll be headed.

Well, I thought I'd include some facts about what was going on in 1979...enjoy, and Happy New Year!

Cost of Living 1979

Average Cost of new house $58,100.00
Average Income per year $17,500.00
Average Monthly Rent $280.00
Cost of a gallon of Gas 86 cents
Sony Walkman $200.00
Jox Trainers $14.99

What Events Happened in 1979

USSR Invades Afghanistan

Margaret Thatcher elected Prime minister in UK

Three Mile island Nuclear Accident after fire at reactor in Pennsylvania US

63 Americans are taken hostage in the American Embassy in Tehran

Technology

VisiCalc becomes the first spreadsheet program.

Sony introduces the Sony Walkman costing $200.00

Voyager I photo reveals Jupiter's rings

The European Space Agency launches Ariane 1

Inventions Invented by Inventors and Country ( or attributed to First Use )

Snowboard USA by Daniel E Chadwick
First Commercial Cellular Network NTT
The Sony Walkman Introduced Sony

Popular Culture 1979
YMCA sues the Village People for libel because of their song of the same name
Pink Floyd release the multi award winning concept album "The Wall" with the top selling single "Another Brick in the Wall"
The General Knowledge Quiz Game Trivial Pursuit is Launched
The First modern Bungee Jumping performed by a group from the Oxford University Dangerous Sports club jumped from the Clifton Suspension Bridge joining England and Wales

Popular Films

Superman The Movie
Every Which Way But Loose
Rocky II
Alien
The Amityville Horror
Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Moonraker
The Muppet Movie
The Deer Hunter
Kramer vs. Kramer

Popular Musicians

Bee Gees with " Love you Inside Out "
Rod Stewart
Gloria Gaynor with " I will Survive "
Blondie with " heart of Glass "
Michael Jackson
The Eagles
Commodores
Pink Floyd
The Police
Village People
Boomtown Rats

Popular TV

All My Children
Masterpiece Theatre
Old Grey Whistle Test
Are You Being Served? (UK)
Emmerdale Farm (UK)
M*A*S*H
The Price Is Right
The Waltons
Last of the Summer Wine (UK)
The Young and the Restless
Happy Days
Little House on the Prairie
Saturday Night Live
Charlie's Angels
Family Feud
Quincy, M.E.
The Muppet Show (UK)
The Love Boat
Three's Company
Dallas
Diff'rent Strokes
Mork and Mindy
Taxi

Why didn't I ask for today off?

2008-12-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

Yup, I'm working the day after Christmas. My question is...why? No one has called, probably because they think that there is no one in HR on the Friday after Christmas. No one has emailed, but I did read some from the last couple of days from my girls (shout-out to Amie, Christine and Toni).

Well, I guess I can blog about Christmas as I sneak time on my laptop while at work. Boring!!! I did bring a certain movie to watch at lunch. Hello, Hello! You know which one ladies!!!!

Christmas was great. James surprised me with a super cool, super expensive gift that I wasn't expecting. No pictures though, my camera has been kidnapped, by kids. Anyhoo, he bought me the Cricut Expression. Cool, huh? I'm excited to spend my weekend getting to play around with my neat-o new gadget.

The kids loved their gifts. We enjoyed the heck out of Joey's Guitar Hero World Tour game. Party over here! How fun is that? And the coolest, my mom and dad got Joey a Wii Fit. It is the coolest thing ever!! We were breaking a sweat using it on Christmas. We did racing and skiing and yoga. It's the neatest thing ever. It made my mom and dad want to go out and get a Wii and Wii Fit for themselves. When I get home I'm going to find out my Wii Fit age.

Speaking of age, next week I'm going to hit the big 3-0. It's kind of funny to be 30in my ward. I'm stuck between age groups. Too old for the Crazy Christmas parties and Rock Band get-togethers. Too young for the Relief Society groups with grand kids. Though I do have to say the RS groups invite me to parties. Shout-out to them! I'm not saying I'm bitter, it's just a little weird to be considered too old at 30. In the younger groups I'm the same age as the husbands (since they all came home from missions and married younger girls *wink*). So 30 is crushing my ego. My mom says that it's worse for her that I'm turning 30...she's a women with a 30 year old kids. I see her point.

Well, on to next year my 30 year old booty goes. And what a booty it is...I better jump on that Wii Fit ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Turkey.....late.....but I posted....right?

2008-12-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was pretty typical. Apparently where my MIL is from, Thanksgiving dinner is actually Thanksgiving breakfast, so I got up extremely early make my beloved green bean casserole for my 9:30 Turkey Dinner. Yup, 9:30.

After arriving at my MIL house, on that long trek, then quickly running back inside my house to check the cooking time of a 22lb turkey at 350 degrees, then sending James to the store because she forgot to buy mashed potatoes...we finally got to take a look at the bird.

Now, let me tell you why I had to look up online the cooking time for the turkey to ensure it was cooked. My MIL removed the little pop up thingy that pops up when the turkey is done. She didn't know that's what it was for and perhaps thought it was for injecting juices (or tequila) into the turkey. So, she's been removing these things every year for ever....

It that wasn't funny enough (well it was sure funny to James and I) she had her *cough, cough* friend Willow (Mauricio is his real name, don't you want to say Willow with that weird voice from the movie...Wiiilllooowww) wash off the turkey so she could put in the stuffing that no one in the family eats. It has olives, nuts, grapes, something unidentifiable and it's black. I'm not lying. So, James cuts open the breast of the turkey to check if it's cooked all the way through and finds the bag of giblets cooked inside the turkey!!!!! Willow took it out washed it off and put it back in. Too funny!!!

So...dinner at mom's was perfect, as usual. Our Thanksgiving evening always wraps up with us pouring over the ads scoping out Black Friday deals. So, I'll take to you Black Friday.

I was ran over by a wild cart at the Wal-Mart. Yup, and that was too seconds after a lady fell on me as I was grabbing $5 High School Musical barbies. I was crouching down to grab them because they were on the bottom of the flat and she behind me and reaching over me to grab one (out of my hand the weirdo) well, apparently someone pushed her from behind and she fell on me. I was telling her to back off, but she had a language barrier and I haven't learned any nice words in that language, so I couldn't let her know that I was closer to her than peanut butter is to jelly. *shiver*

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I hope you all did too. Dennyse....post yours!!!

Forever and a day...

2008-11-17T12:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long time between posts. My work banned Blogger, so I can't post from work anymore. When I get home, I don't want to think about it and I don't even want to haul out my laptop. One reason why.....Primary Program.

Wow, was that stressful!!!

But, it was so good. The kids were just absolutely amazing. They sang their little hearts out and I had many moved to tears. I love when little children really start to feel the spirit. It's just so amazing to watch. I had two beautiful sisters in complete tears during their parts. I just love them, such strong amazing spirits.

Let's see, ah...Halloween. I didn't even post about Halloween. *sigh*
It was so great. I just love Halloween. Pictures, well...I know I have some and hopefully will get them up here.

I just had to take a second, on my laptop, on a break, to let everyone know I am still alive and well. Just extra busy. I don't expect it to lighten up until after the first of the year. But, I promise I will attempt to post more.

Well, if anyone cares....anyone still read this? Mom and Amie? Are you there?

And on a final note...........TWILIGHT COMES OUT THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-10-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Tagged by Toni

2008-10-16T09:21:00.001-07:00

I like the way that sounds. Tagged by Toni, Tagged by Toni, okay I need to stop.

8 TV Shows I love to watch:

- Project Runway
- Fringe
- Pushing Daisies
- Life
- Big Bang Theory
- Heroes
- The Office
- Ugly Betty

8 Favorite Restaurants:

- China Chili
- Japan Express
- Golden Corral (shout out the buffet!!)
- Garcia's
- Olive Garden
- Chili's
- Filiberto's
- Pei Wei

8 Things That Happened Yesterday:

- I went to a job fair
- I ate El Pollo Loco that I got for free
- I got my Pirate Hat for Halloween
- listened to my ipod (I do this everyday)
- Stalked the blogs
- Worried about money (I do this everyday)
- Talked to my counselors on the phone
- Watched Pushing Daisies with James

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

- Halloween
- Baby showers
- Babies (yeah all my preggo friends)
- The Primary Program being over
- The Twilight Movie
- Christmas
- My birthday
- Scrapping

8 Things On My WishList:

- Doing another musical
- painting my house
- A sewing machine
- Abby's tantrums stopping-hey, it says wishlist!
- Being able to send my kids to college
- Getting healthy
- Being debt free
- Getting my degree

8 Friends I'm Tagging:

Dennyse
Ronelle
Melody
Aimee
Tasha
Tammy
Tatum
Jenna

So much...

2008-10-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

...has been going on!

I haven't posted in a bit, so this one will be a bit big. If I don't post it all, I'll never get around to doing it. So, no separate posts for me!!

On September 20th we had a combined birthday party for both Joey and Sophie. It was huge as usual. James has so many family members and we have so many friends that we always opt for Peter Piper because it is..
A: Cheaper. We used to spend like $800 on a birthday party at our house. Yikes it was horrible.
B: Cleaner. I don't have to clean up after or before. Mr. or Ms. Peter Piper does this for me.
C. Entertaining for my husband. James loves playing games. He usually finds a "broken" machine and plays his heart out until he has a stink load of tickets to get all the kids something.

So, here's a pic of Sophie donning her birthday hat:

My girls...Christine, Amie, Mom and Camille

More of my girls...Erin, Ronelle and Laura eating in the background (sorry Laura!!)

I never seem to get a ton of pictures during a party. I'll have to bug Camille about some of her's. She super-good at taking pictures during parties.

Finally, the cake. Joey wanted Star Wars figures on it and I made a little sign for Sophie. (It was really more Joey than Sophie's party. She's only 2, she won't mind. Just don't tell her when she gets older)

So, after all the birthday fun, we went out of town for a few days. My Grandpa Bud celebrated his 80th birthday on Sept. 27th. We decided it was high time we saw him again, since it isn't so easy for him to travel to us. Last time I saw him, Abby was a baby. So, it's been a few.

The Thursday before we hopped into the car and headed out. We stayed in Laughlin on Thursday night. Hello flashback to the 1980's. I never really realized that my family is a minority on the whole moral road. Yuck. But, for $19 dollars a night what do you expect? It draws the finest of people. The only good thing was the buffet in the morning. How I love buffets.

Friday we headed out through Vegas. We stopped at Circus Circus and the kids played games (again with the games, James was in heaven) and won some bears. They liked the juggler circus act. After that we headed for our final destination...St. George, Utah.

All of my pictures some how ended up fuzzy (James' thumb, but who's pointing fingers) but our reunion was nice. My dad's brother, Mike and his wife Sharon were there from California. Dad's sister, Denise and her son, Josh, and his girlfriend Casie(I never spell that right) also came. My brother, Camille and Johnathen. My mom and Dad. Dad's step-sister Heidi. Dad's other step-sister Karen and her husband (I won't attempt to spell his name, he's from Honduras) and their cutie-pie Tanner, were also there.

We had a grand time. On Saturday morning we went to "Swiss Days." We enjoyed a parade where Joey had a dream come true:

Johnathen's head looks tiny. I had to catch this during the parade.

After Swiss Days, we rested a bit before the birthday party. My Grandma Shirley ((not my Dad's mom, my Grandpa remarried after my grandmother passed away. My Grandpa Bud and Shirley were sealed, and her daughters were also sealed to my grandfather. *on a side note, she showed us an official church document and it had the 1st Pres. signatures. It had the signature of 2 prophets on it, President Kimball and President Hinckley, cool huh?)) had rented a ramada at a local park. We ate, looked at photos, played and had cake. It was really fun.

Here are Grandpa Bud and Grandma Shirley with Soph:

After the party, we said our goodbyes and headed off. Some went back to the hotel to swim, some went to the Temple. I just love the St. George Temple. Here are a couple shots.

We enjoyed the Visitor Center movies including "A Pioneer Miracle." It was wonderful and very spiritual. After that we went back to the hotel to relax before our trip home in the morning.

Sunday morning we decided to check out Zion National Park. I pulled this pic online. It was so beautiful. Apparently not beautiful enough to take pictures. I think taking care of a toddler was enough work. On another side note, we didn't have to pay to get in Sept. 28th was free at the National Parks in honor of Naturalized Citizens. Cool, huh? Thanks for saving me $25 bucks, Naturalized Citizens!!!

After Zion we headed back Vegas way. I had a horrible experience at a gas station involving at lost credit card, frantic searching, and eventual cancelling. That's all I'm going to say about that. Everything's okay, just so you know. But, ugh, that stank. We ate at another buffet in Vegas, at the New Orleans. OH MY HECK was it good!! *closes eyes imagines eating that food again, then opens Slim-Fast, sigh*

We got home really late on Sunday, and being nice, I let the kiddos sleep in Monday morning and skip school. Aren't I evil? We slept a ton on Monday before walking next door to celebrate Sophie's official 2nd Birthday.

I got her one of those cup-cake dogs from Wal-Mart. Don't yell at me Cake Wrecks!! She's 2, she loved it!!!!

I'm not going to post the one that made her look like she had a frosting Hitler-moustache. Disturbing.

Well, it was an exciting week! Tomorrow I get to go on my first out of town crop. I'm so excited! A weekend with just the girls! No worries, just scrapping!

It's Jello not Blood

2008-09-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have to share this. I got an email yesterday from Amie. Unfortunately, I got it a bit late in the day, so she may have thought I fled the country because of what my Sophie did since it took me forever to reply. But anyhoo, the title of the email reads: "it's JELLO not BLOOD." A title such as this immediately sparked my imagination, so I opened it and read:

"Sophie learned some new things today.

First of all, cherry jello powder tastes goooood.

Second, it looks really pretty smeared all over the couch!

WE DO NOT PLAY WITH CHERRY JELLO POWDER!

And I learned not to leave 2 girls alone with a jello box in reach......"

And of course, Amie is an amazing scrapbooker and quick to take a pic ,so I got this attached:

Notice the tear drop, and the other tear drop stained red on her chest. Mind you, she smeared herself and clothing with mascara just a few hours before doing this.

Ah, toddlers.

Bean

2008-09-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

10 years ago, I was 19 years old. I was laying in a hospital bed. I was in pain.....well heck, I was having a baby, so I would be in some pain *wink*

Yes, my beloved Blog Stalkers, I became the proud mama of Joey, 10 years ago today. Here he is when I still lived at home with me moms (yes that was on purpose), when he would sleep in a crib (it didn't last long-as soon as he realized Daddy hugs you when you go to sleep in Mom and Dad's bed, he was hooked, he didn't leave until he was 3. I'm not sure how Abby came about...oh, sorry).

He had a Blue's Clues party for his 1st birthday. The one and only time we had it at a park. Yuck, September weather. James tried to make a pinata. He got paper-mache everywhere. Somehow he got it on his speakers, the one's next to the television. Weird...(Sorry about he pic sizes, they were scanned, they look horrible when re-sized)

When he was 3 he switched from home daycare to a Preschool where my mom worked (technically a daycare center, but he called it his school). They took pictures of the kids like they do in elementary school.

It's fun to look back at Joey when he was little, since most of you know, he is far from little. BTW, the title of this post comes from Joey's nickname. Bean is actually a shorter version of "Half a Bean." James made this up because he's half Mexican and half white. They also use "Honkycan" but I don't approve of this one.

Happy 10th Birthday Joey! Below are some random insights into Joe as well as some memories..

Joey once smeared himself head-to-toe with peanut butter. Even his eyelashes were covered.
He once woke his Dad up using a mini baseball bat (thanks Uncle Steve)
When he was 2 years old he was able to ride every ride at Disneyland but Indiana Jones. He didn't like Space Mountain. It was too dark. This means he was over 40 inches tall. He is currently 5'3".
Joey is a huge Austin Powers fan. He watched #2 as a toddler and would make air quotes whenever Dr. Evil did. Weird.
He crawled for a can of Pepsi.
When Joey walked for the first time, he had crawled behind me into the bathroom and then pulled up on the cabinet. When I walked out, he followed me. He scared the heck out of me, because I wasn't expecting a little person following me. I screamed, so he cried. Poor guy.
When he was 3 he would sing "Joey to the World" I have this on video tape. Too cute.
When I was pregnant with Abby he would tell the cashier's at Wal-Mart EXACTLY where the baby would be coming out. Yup, he was precise.
When I was pregnant with Sophie, Joey would put lotion on my feet and rub them. He would bring me water and snacks. My husband didn't do this. He is going to be a wonderful husband.
He can change a diaper, even a poopie one. Thought he prefers the #1's to the #2's, LOL. Who doesn't?
When he was a baby, he had a wooden puzzle with handles to help little ones put the puzzle together. He used them as cymbals and would scoot around in his walker singing and banging them together.
He loved Teletubbies.
He would bark like Blue from Blue's clues when he was 1. He would also tell us how old he was (with his finger) do Home Alone (scream with his hands on his face) and be "Cold" (hold his hands frozen and face frozen then shake like he was cold). He was a comedian even then.
He would rather hold a conversation with an adult then play with kids his age. Once you laugh, he'll never leave you alone.
He has an incredible memory. He has been asked to perform whole George Lopez comedy acts and can deliver.
He is an amazing artist. Sometimes it looks like he traced it, it's so perfect, but I watched him draw it, so I know he didn't. I hope he continues with it.
And (From James) he's his dad's best buddy. (I seriously teared up on how cute that is)

Anyone else have any Joey memories or anything you want to share?

8 years ago...

2008-09-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

I was a bride. Yup, today is my anniversary. Hey out there, don't bother doing the math, I'll tell you right now. My Joey was a gorgeous ring bearer. Adorable! I don't have a scanner to add any pics but let's take a look back...

Since my husband comes from a picture taking family, we opted for the Relief Society Room instead of the chapel so we could take pictures of it. My mom and aunt did a great job of making it pretty. Bishop Harris performed the ceremony. My friends Lisa, Cheryl and my Aunt Denise were my bridesmaids. Cheryl was the maid of honor. James' cousin Martin was the best man and my brother Steve and friend Richard were the groomsmen. My wedding colors were deep purple with lilac and gold accents. My dad walked me down the aisle. I was totally teary eyed.

Cheryl sang "Evergreen" by Barbra Streisand, since I thought it a bit tacky to sing during the actual wedding ceremony. Tacky for me, ya'll, maybe not for you that have done that. I did sing Celine Dion's "Power of Love" during the reception. My cousin Josh played the music on a CD player. Whatcha' we were like having a real wedding, eh (that was me impersonating my son, impersonating George Lopez). It actually was really elegant.

After we took a limo (my only time riding in one) to the reception, which was in Surprise at the Windmill Inn (that's behind the KFC on Bell Road, cute little hotel). The reception started at 2:00 and lasted until 10:00. We did have the reception at a hotel so James' family could consume mass quantities of alcohol. Don't worry, his family are cute drunks. They like to dance, with everyone!

Anyhoo, so I had karaoke at my reception, provided by a real DJ, not my primo on a boombox. We had mexican food prepared by James' Aunt Josefina (Josie) and it was amazing! My mom and I had made the decorations, though she did the majority. She made topiaries, large and small to decorate the tables. I went to every thrift shop in the valley and bought tea cups and saucers that we put candles in and placed them on the tables.

One of the most romantic things James ever did was pick out our wedding song. It's a Wynonna song, it's called "She is His Only Need." Look it up, it's about a cook and a waitress that fall in love and they live in Arizona. Totally us!

We stayed in a suite in the hotel (that was trashed by my brother and friends, but nothing I had to pay for) while my mom watched Joey. Just to let you know how trashed, when I sat down on the bed, the picture hanging above the bed hit me in the head. No damage. We went to her house the next morning, said goodbye to Joey before heading to Disneyland for our honeymoon.

It may not have been fancy, it may not have been perfect, but it was ours. It was an important step, although it was only "for the period of our mortal lives." But that's okay, we've done made it forever. Just like Bella and Edward ;)

Worst Week Ever Updated

2008-08-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

I already know that this week in going to suck....

So, I'm minding my own bees-wax but not my driving and I get pulled over (with about 3 other cars) for speeding. My first ticket ever. I am the biggest wimp in the world and no matter what, I start shaking like a leaf when I deal with the Police. Not to mention the after crying. Seriously, I've never been on cops and I've never broken the law (until now, yikes) so I have no reason to fear the Po-Po, but there you are: me a weepy shaking criminal.

My only hopes for a better week are my gal Christine finding out if she's having a boy or a girl on Wednesday and maybe a nice crop to wipe away all of the junk I had to deal with during the week.

So, tell me out there, please, that some of you have been pulled over and ticketed, please? I'm not alone right?

*So, just to add to my worst week....I got stuck on an interview panel with a horrible person, my shoe broke (the strap around my ankle) and my hubbie's work trailer broke. AND I have to pay $145.00 for a driving school when I have about 160 bucks right now, and figure out when the heck I can go to it, possibly missing some work. YIKES!!! Tell me it's going to get better!?!

Tagged, tagged, tagged tagged!!!!

2008-08-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Toni, so here goes!

SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks! Erase my answers, enter yours, and post it.

*Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following...
*They have to be real places, names,things...nothing made up!
*Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial.
*You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

*WHAT IS YOUR NAME: Christine

4 LETTER WORD: cake

*VEHICLE: Chevy

*CITY: Charleston

*BOY NAME: Christopher

*GIRL NAME: Calysta

*OCCUPATION: Cowboy

*SOMETHING YOU WEAR: cape (well, sometimes)

*FOOD: chocolate!!

*SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: Curling iron (urgh couldn't think of one word)

*REASON FOR BEING LATE: children

*SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: Crap!

I tag: Brooke, Aimee and Tatum

The Memory Game...

2008-07-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

So, I'm putting this up even though hardly anyone leaves me comments (blog-stalkers!) so thanks Amie...... anyway...

Heres What you Do
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

And lastly....I can't wait for Friday night! I'm so stinkin' excited for Breaking Dawn I can't even read anything this week. I pick up a book and I just can't seem to get into it because I'm anticipating my new book. Urgh!! Hurry up!!!

Twilight Tag (Extremely Late)

2008-07-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Amie tagged me awhile back, so I recorded a video response that came out horrible. I appear to be sitting behind Jabba the Hutt in a really dark room. So, I just couldn't do it. But, I have it to inspire me that I need to lose weight and install better lighting in the family room. Anyhoo, I decided this morning that I really needed to post this before Breaking Dawn comes out, so here we go:

Who is your favorite character?

Well, I have to admit, this sort of changes each time I read the series (or listen to it, I go to sleep w/my ipod playing sweet, sweet Twilight series). Right now, I would have to say Edward. I don't think I have to go into his positive attributes, but I just like that he plays with her hair, wants to know what she's thinking, listens to her (okay maybe because I'm lacking a bit of this right now in my life LOL).

Which character are you most like?

I don't have a character that I am most like, I just have little parts of many of them. I am a worrier, like Bella. No matter how much someone tells me not to worry, I do anyway. Not to mention the fact that I have weird dreams (but luckily, not always scary). I am like Renee in the fact that I pick up hobbies and quickly get bored w/them. Scrapping is one I've kept for awhile, so I'm proud of myself. Also, I can relate to her fear of Bella making the same mistake she did (or the mistake she thinks she made), and so inflicting a fear of marriage into Bella. I don't do that with my kids, just make sure they are fully aware that I will expect them to go to college, then get married and then have kids and not follow my path. I'm also a bit like Jacob (alright Amie, hold on, let me type LOL) because I can quickly morph into a wolf....okay, just kidding... I can quickly get angry or upset.

Team Edward or Team Jacob?

*sigh* Team Edward, but let me say this. I love Jacob. I understand him and haven't pushed him aside like many out there. It isn't his fault he fell for Bella, it's not his fault he can't control his emotions or temper. He's a stinkin' werewolf for heaven's sake. He is also really young and hasn't had the years of experience Edward has had to learn self control. But, that being said, even Edward fights with self control. When he is over 100 years old, he will behave better. He is also furry and warm like my husband LOL.

What are your predictions for Breaking Dawn?

I would really like for Jacob to imprint on someone, I think that we will definitely have some Italian visitors and I hope that Bella gets to take them on as a vampire. I think that we should get to experience Bella's change and education as a new vampire. I unfortunately do think that someone is not going to make it, and I don't like to dwell on that unfortunate thought, but heck, even Harry had to deal w/death and in Book 7 a whole lot of it!

What do you think Bella's powers will be?

Okay, this is not my idea, but one I read in a really interesting fanfic on Twilight Moms. I totally dug it and thought it would be interesting. So, let's go with it. Bella can use someone else's power when she is touching them and only when she is touching them. So, she can hear thoughts when touching Edward, see the future when touching Alice..get it? Also, her ability to not be influenced by peeps like the Volturi can also pass to someone when she touches them, so if Jane was trying to use her power on Edward, if Bella was touching him he would not feel it. (Jane is kinda like a Death Eater using the Cruciatus curse isn't she?)

So, there is my Twilight Tag....I am now going to tag Brooke and my Mom (Mom, do it on email to me please?!?) Amie, sorry it's so late and not on a vlog. Someday, when I'm not Jabba.....

Hey, let's also open this discussion up...where's the weirdest place you saw someone reading Twilight? I'll start.....foyer of the Temple on Saturday.....anyone else?

When you are torn...

2008-07-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday I sang at the Variety Show here at my work. It's for the residents (remember I work in a Nursing Home) and for staff to just do skits or dance or sing or whatever. I sang "Evergreen" by Barbra Striesand since it's one I already know. I remembered all the words and everything LOL. When it was over the new Director of the agency I work for told me I did a good job and somehow everything twisted into them wanting me to perform at a Veteran's Fundraiser on Saturday. At a resturant.

Remember that old Saturday Night Live skit with the lounge singer.....

I was torn, I already had plans with my family on Saturday. I don't do performances like that. I don't have a repertoire I can just pull out of my...head...nor do I have the time to perfect it. I don't play and intrument (the kid they want me to sing w/ plays guitar and sings...literally think of a 17 year old Elvis, with the looks, the voice and even the southern accent, who is also the Director's son!). I would literally be doing karaoke. It's weird.

But, I can't help but feel bad about not doing it. Are they expecting me to? Am I ruining a chance to get in with the new director helping my career-a career I really don't want? I feel so, so I don't know. I've been so emotionally lately, that I can't help get teary just thinking about it. Yuck, I hate feeling this way.

So, should I feel bad turning them down? I did offer them my services in the future as long as I get some more planning. I just don't know. What do you think?

Happy Anniversary

2008-06-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of the Cavazos family becoming an eternal family. I can't believe it's already been a year. I can't begin to tell you all the changes that have occurred with our family after our experience in the Temple. Let's just say, love has been easier to express for some and has been overflowing with others. Those who have not yet had this experience, I encourage you to do all you can to get there. It's worth it and you will be forever grateful.

Neglectful...

2008-06-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics I have been meaning to post. Enjoy!

This is Abby in all her Kinder-graduation glory. Isn't she a doll?

Here she is amongst all the other kiddos. They were very official.

This is how we swim in the ghetto. Okay, we do have a bigger pool that James' hadn't fixed at this time, so in an effort to keep cool, Abby and Johnathen kicked it old school in chonies and everything.(also on a side note, the house you can see in the picture is my MIL's. We live next door to each other. I rarely see her. She is scared of me because I am an white lady LOL)

This is Johnathen writing his name on the wet cement with chalk. I love to do that. The colors are so vivid. I'm proud of this little guy. He has gone through alot and still has a sweet little spirit.

This is how all the American Idol's started, singing into a hose in their chonies in a ghetto pool.

And finally, very belated, but a shout out to my hubbie for Father's Day. If you have ever noticed, James isn't featured a whole lot on this blog. As you can see I have to sneak pics of him, so almost every picture I have of him is taken profile. But, I have to say I am so blessed to have him. He does more to make sure our family is taken care of. He does everything he knows how to show me how much he loves me, and he's learning how to express himself more everyday. He took me to the Temple, and for that I am eternally grateful (get it? JK) I am so blessed to have him as the head of my eternal family. Love you baby!

Check it out....

2008-06-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

So, I finally did it. I gave in to my urge. My urge to have short hair again.

Scroll...

Down...

My favorite is my really messy scrapbooking desk in the back ground. Wow, what a mess! (BTW, this was taken from my cell phone camera, so sorry about the quality. I couldn't do the picture in the bathroom mirror shot, my bathroom was too messy LOL)
The picture doesn't do it justice, much cuter in real life!

Where has my baby gone?

2008-06-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

Seriously? Sophie is entering the "Almost Terrible Twos Phase" that seems to last until they are 20 years old. At least it feels that way. Abby is still in her's and she's going on 7. *sigh* Sophie has taken to the screaming and kicking fits whenever she is asked to do anything like.... breathing or eating. Or..... "Sophie it is not okay to take off your diaper after you went caca and run around the house continuing to go." What? SSCRREEEAAAMMMMMM!!!!!! kick kick kick and then funny, enough, run to the other side of the room and give Mom or Dad a really mean look. Yeah, pretty nasty. Luckily most of the fits are after she is told she can't write on the walls or when she needs to get dressed.

The real kicker of her fits is she has never been one to really throw a fit, so it's almost like she's been possessed, it's just that shocking.

I knew it would come, it did, now will it end? :) I think her sister has been teaching Sophie some tricks.

Have a good weekend everyone!!!!!!!!

A quick update for you all...

2008-05-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry! I have been so busy that I haven't blogged. I've been getting bad. I just wanted to post a quick little update on the crazy thing my family just went through.

So, my hubbie hadn't been feeling good since he came back from the Father/Son Campout on the 17th. He had a fever, pain in his chess(that's for all you George Lopez peeps, I do know how to spell chest) chills, you name it! He couldn't sleep and was getting up all night to pretty much feel miserable and take more medication. Thursday morning, the 22nd, at 1:00AM! he got up for his routine, looked into the mirror and essentially said "Scr*w this" got his keys and drove himself to the hospital. Without waking me! Yup, there I was sound asleep because his butt hadn't woken me up getting back into bed and tossing and turning. I was enjoying my sleep!

Well, 6:00am, my butt decides to wake up. I started the bath because Soph and I like to take a hot bath in the morning (aren't we girly-girls) when I heard a knock upon my door. So, I stomped off the the door because the dogs were going crazy and barking. In mine opinion (Christine, get it?) the only downfall of dogs is the constant barking, like I said mine opinion.

Ah, the door, boy do I get sidetracked. It was on of James' workers (he has a landscaping company if you didn't know-FREE ESTIMATES (LOL) anyway, so Ray asked for the keys for the truck and then told me that James wasn't here (in broken English and me responding in broken Spanish, boy were we are pair). Well that tipped me off as weird! So I pulled out the Ye Old Hello Phone (that's what Abby called the phone a hello phone because you say Hello into it-she used to have her cute moments....okay she still does) called my hubbie and found out, as he whispered over the phone to me, that he had been admitted to Del E. Webb Memorial Hospital because they think he had pneumonia. Well, of course I started to cry, had to call my boss, drag the kids off to me mom's and then rush to the hospital.

Where he stayed until Saturday. Where he had to move to a heart monitoring unit because his blood pressure was too low. Where he had two CTs. Where he was coughing up blood. AND where my kids enjoyed the hospital food. Where I got to spend time really comforting him. Where I helped him to the bathroom. Where I buttered his bread and cut up his food. AND

Where he received his first real Priesthood Blessing. The one that made his temperature go away, the blood in his cough cease, the doctor's find the diagnosis (pneumonia caused by a fungal infection in his lung) and sent the best staff to take care of him.

I know that blessing is the reason he was healed. I know that his name being submitted at the temple is the reason he was healed. I know that Heavenly Father helped us in our time of need. So, I going to publicly thank my Heavenly Father here, at church and to anyone who can hear me, for helping my husband. For giving me such a supportive family and such supportive friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you....

Sorry my quick post turned out to be really long. Have a good one!

Back to being hungry...

2008-05-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

So, after an amazing weekend of actually eating, I'm back to my diet again. *sigh* I have to say, I ate a little more than a should have, but I didn't completely wreck my diet. I just have to be extra good now! Saturday morning, when I weighed myself, I was down 17lbs. Pretty good. I started April 22.

On a side note, I had a wonderful Mother's Day. I hope everyone else did too. I can't show you what James got me since it does not exist. Okay, not totally. We did go to Wal-mart and he purchased me a cuddly panda from the movie Kung Fu Panda. He has a squishy belly.

I'll cuddle with him on Friday when James goes to the Father/Son Camp out. I'll miss his squishy belly. Oh, don't tell him that, tee-hee! Just the missing him part, he already knows about the belly. We match, that's why we work.

I also purchased a couple things for myself, from yup, you guessed, Etsy. And yes, they are handmade! I make sure! Vintage, ha!

P.S. Speaking of vintage, Indiana Jones has invaded our home. We spent many hours watching the movies (they were on USA this weekend) looking up stuff on the web, and telling Joey he doesn't need the hat to go with his whip (it's just the toy one, but it does make cool whip-cracking noises and plays the Indiana Jones theme-wicked neat!). Can't wait for the movie!

A Promised Video

2008-05-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

Yup, here it is, Joey performing some High School Musical. And no, he has not gone to the Rainbow Side, real men perform in musicals.

The weird clap was on purpose, I assure you, he was trying to be funny...

Next time, the Grease move!

Microwave Courtesy-Slight gag warning!

2008-04-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

Okay folks, I just posted another blog yesterday. If you get a chance, take a read. But, as I sit here at work attempting to get some work done, which as been extremely hard lately, I am overwhelmed with the need to blog something that just happened.

So, for those of you that work in an office, or indeed, those of you that own a microwave, understand that certain foods shouldn't be cooked at work/home in the microwave due to the adverse smell they create throughout the home or office. Basically, the "Thou shall not cook smelly food in thy microwave for it will produce gagging from thy family or co-workers." I am blogging this at 9:26am. Keep that in mind as I relate what just happened to me.

I work in an office right of a Unit in a Nursing Home. Unlike most Nursing Homes my work does not smell like an old lady that made an Oops. Yes, I said it, most places smell yucky. My work has a pleasant aroma of clean. So, anyhoo, I'm sitting in my office minding my own beeswax (as I tell my kiddos) when I get a whiff of something. Now, I know where all of your heads went, since I mentioned old people diapers before, but it was more like a someone hasn't emptied a garbage can since 1964 kind of smell. Well, I immediately check around my office, out in the hall before the realization hit me. Every once in a while in the morning I smell burning toast. It's because there is a Nutrition room on the unit next to me with a toaster, microwave, Fridge, juice machine, yada yada. I think my air conditioning is hooked up with it because although I can smell the toast burning, no one else can smell it in the hall. Coming to the realization that the smell could be coming from the Nutrition Room, I hot-foot-it over there to see what that Gag awful smell is.

Broccoli and Cauliflower mixed veggies at 9:20am.

Yup, some Certified Nursing Assistant trying to be healthy.

Apparently trying to make me puke all over my cute black shoes.

I am a fan of both of these veggies. I love veggies. I also love them after 11:00am in the morning...when they aren't cooked in a microwave when the smell is wafting into my office carried by a air conditioner.

So, just a reminder, please be courteous of what is cooked in the microwave. No, if I was evil, I'd lock her in my office and cook fish (another microwave unfriendly dish).

The Highlights-Updated

2008-04-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been majorly sucking at this whole blog thing lately. So, I thought I'd at least throw up some highlights of the last couple weeks.

1. So, starting out. Dennyse, Tammy, Tammy's daughter Heather, Tammy's baby Jesse and I all went to the Women's Expo on the 19th. We were providing the distraction for Dennyse's surprise party, which was being organized by Dennyse's hubbie and Tammy's hubbie. We were all enjoying the expo, trying food, getting freebies, walking when we got a call that the party was being moved from the park to Dennyse's house. It was really funny trying to make changes, and call people all while Dennyse was around. Mostly funny because, as Dennyse admits, she's a bit nosey :) So, she kept asking who we were talking to. She's so much like my husband with that! Hee-hee! So, when the appointed time was getting close we left the expo and I asked to be taken to pick up my kids, much to Dennyse's annoyance. She was hungry! As was I, but hey, we were fixing her a BBQ at home, so we needed to get there. She dropped me off and Tammy distracted her at Target until it was time to go. When she arrived, I can say she was genuinely surprised. It was really a good time. The kids went in the pool, although it was freezing, and we ended the night playing Mexican Train Dominoes (our fave).

2. I started a diet last week. Yes, I know, you've heard this before. *sigh* believe me, I know. So, I'm on week 2 and down 10lbs. I sure hope I can continue. I still love food and it's been hard during our separation and impending divorce(me and food, it's a little comparison-Added for Amie, sorry to freak you out!). Alas, it doesn't like me. It's completely abused me physically and emotionally. I know it's best for us both to go our separate ways.

3. We visited our friends out in Black Canyon City. Eeek! It's quite a little drive to take on a Saturday afternoon, especially when you have church at 8am the next morning! For those of you that don't know, take the I-17 past Anthem (that like, where the like, outlets are) and keep going and don't blink for you may miss Black Canyon City. They are such cool friends. I think we are going to try to send missionaries out that way. They would really embrace them.

4. Church on Sunday was wonderful! It began a little strange. My second counselor was home sick and my chorister was there but because of dental surgery couldn't open her mouth. My 1st counselor and Secretary were problem solving, so I conducted, did the music and did Junior sharing time. It was really fun though. The best was the Junior sharing time. I introduced a Reverence Butterfly to Primary using the story "To Catch a Butterfly" from the May 2001 Friend. Look it up, it's very beautiful. The children loved it! You could have heard a pin drop it was so quiet in there!

5. I came across a couple books I saw on Amie's blog. "Uglies and Pretties" Well, I read them both in two days they are quite addicting. It's so nice to just fall into an easy breezy book. I'm being to really enjoy Young Adult Fiction. Thank you Stephenie Meyer, thank you. Don't look down on it. Sometimes is nice to think Pretty, adult books are way bogus (Amie might be the only one to get that).

6. Did I mention how wonderful television is? I know, I should be doing better things with my time but, hey, what for when I can watch The Office and Ugly Betty. Not to mention The Tudors. *sigh* Even though I know he killed 2 of his six wives, he is way hot! So, for your viewing pleasure: (BTW, just so you know because I DVR the show I can fast forward through the naughty scenes-I'm not that bad of a girl you know)

My new stuff....

2008-04-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've had a request to post a blog so someone has something to read at work, so here goes:

Here it is my brand new Dell Inspiron laptop PC! Yup, I'm so lazy I must lie in bed to read emails. LOL! I love it! Did my taxes on in and everything! Woo-hoo!

Last week I got to attend several events for my children. First, Tuesday was the Pinewood Derby. Joey didn't place, but he and his sister had a great time. I didn't get to take pictures because I was acting as the Announcer and James was home with a Sicky Sophie (she's all better now).

Because I actually have videos of the rest of the week's lovely dance performances, of course, I can't get either of my computers to allow me to upload the videos. I keep getting a Blogger error message, yada yada, contact them, yackity smackity. So, needless to say, no videos. I'll definitely post those later. But, let me break down what happened.

So, on Wednesday, after the Derby, Abby had a dance performance. She was enrolled in a dance class with the City of Surprise, that culminated into a 30 second dance to a High School Musical song. Yup, that's it! They did do lot's of other stuff and most of them are 5 and 6 years old, so I shouldn't be surprised. But, since it involved my baby, I loved it. Very cute. Also nice that we didn't have to sit through an hour of Swan Lake. Abby bid adieu to her Skinny Minnie dance teacher until the next day because she also taught Joey's musical theatre class.

Cut to Thursday night, same time, same place, same teacher, almost same song, different kid. Joey's class did another High School Musical song (Joe tried to get them to do something from Wicked, Spamalot and Joseph and the ATDC, but no dice...little girls love HSM-apparently alot of big girls too). Joey's song was almost the whole song, but considering they only do 45 minutes for 5 weeks, what else could we expect. It was cute, it also involved him doing a little hip movement thing from Grease (dang Blogger!!!! I promise I'll put up that video, HILAR!!). It was really cute, James was a little uncomfortable-guys really have this fear that their sons will go to the Rainbow Side (hah! darkside) even they do anything they feel is slightly girly, but James would never admit it. I could just see it in his eyes. BTW, Joey stayed in that class because there were 3 boys and 16 girls. Did I mention he is a very smart little boy? Did I also mention every time I picked him up he was always either being chased by, or surrounded by girls. Yup, that's my little man.

Since I was really pretty yucky that week, Friday night was spent at home with my hubby. The kids were all hyped because we had a Ward Picnic on Saturday. It was really fun too. Water balloons filled the air, lot's of good conversation too. The evening ended with the Primary children ice blocking on the blocks of ice we had in our water cooler. I used to love doing that! Now I realize I need a bigger piece of ice. *sigh* So, I didn't try. I just watched the kiddos enjoy the day. Everyone was bummed to have to go home.

I guess I could try to tackle this week...well it really amounted to this. Monday: work and a migraine. Tuesday: work, Taxes, migraine, Dennyse's birthday and book club missed for a migraine. I did watch a funny movie though. It's called Lars and the Real Girl. For those of you that didn't have an "Inactive time" a Real Girl doll is a really really fancy blow up doll. Aw, but the kicker is, that's not at all what the movie is about. In fact, no hanky panky occurs. It was actually a PG-13 movie only for content because of what she is. Look it up, it's actually quite cute. In fact, I don't even remember very many curse words...anyhoo. Wednesday: work, take boys to scouts Thursday: work and a Wal-Mart trip to furnish my 6 year old with grub for her field trip today. I actually had a conversation with her about the kids wanted to get sneezed on by a giraffe. Weird! Friday: work, work, work, yuck!!!!

This weekend should be fun though...anyhoo, until next post which will be sooner, rather than later. TTFN!

RenFest!!

2008-04-05T12:10:00.001-07:00

The last Saturday in March we went to RenFest 2008 out in AJ. It was really fun. Hot, but fun. Since it was pretty smoking for March, I decided not to wear my costume, mostly because it is black and I would roast. I was disappointed, of course, but I figure there is always next year! So, once we drove a million miles to AJ, after getting lost, detoured, etc. we got into the fair. Then I realized I left my wallet in the car, so I left the kiddos with my mom (James had to work, so Mom and I took the babies) and hoofed it back to the car, another million miles away. This is the point that I was glad I didn't wear my costume I was so hot!!!

Okay, once I got back inside I saw: An Ent! Hello Lord of the Rings fans, check it out a TreeHerder!!

Then, I found the kids talking with a sheep lady. One of her sheep had a disease of sleep and just hung by a rope dragged behind her. They really are a special brand of people, RenFair folks...

After checking out the Torture Dungeon...let me speak a moment about this...for $1.50 we got to experience the best thing at the fair. If you can ignore all the torture scenes you get to stand in a freezing cold AIR CONDITIONED!!! exhibit. That's why it was the best!!!! Anyhoo, after the Dungeon..Lunch!
The kids chowed down on Turkey legs:

Abby went on the swings:

Sophie napped....

We enjoyed many shows and shopping, but the best part, by far is this Fairy. She is just awesome. She gives the children a fairy stone with lucky pixie dust. Here's a couple pics and a video of her playing her fairy flute:

We had a great time, although, next year, I did get a promise from Mom that she'd watch the kiddos so James and I could go together. So Huzzah!

Easter Finally...

2008-04-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here's some pics of Easter around the Cavazos household. On Sunday morning we went to church and had a wonderful time. I sang with the choir and felt totally wonderful about expressing my love of the Savior through song. After church we went next door to my mother-in-law's house. Yes, for those of you that don't know, I live next door to the MIL. It's totally fine. Helpful even, like we are out of butter, go see if your Nana has some kinda helpful...or I need a break from you crazy children, go see if your Nana is home. Anyhoo, we had BBQ with my SIL and BIL's kids. They are a little strange, so it's not exactly fun, more like "and at the Last Supper they tapped a keg, hence why we are loaded on Easter." *sigh* So luckily we got to go to my mom's house later where folks are sober, happy and intellegent.
So, here's some pictures...
First some pictures of the girl's haul...I didn't seem to get one of Joe's

Soph hugging her bunny..I know, she's just has on a diaper, my kids don't like to where pajamas..

Next, they were flying kites and Joey had a very Charlie Brown moment with his kite..

That darn Kite Eating tree!!! (anybody remember Peanuts? anyone?)

Here are the girl's enjoying themselves...

And my nieces, don't you just love Ceeanna's scrunchy face?

Overall is was pretty enjoyable...coming next..RenFest!

I'm looking over a four leafed clover...

2008-03-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share my hubbie's discovery at work today. He was tearing out clover, then as we tend to do, took a bit of a closer look.

It may be hard to see, but there is actually 4 leaves on that there clover! Funny, yesterday he had corned beef and cabbage, today a shamrock :)

I'm sending good luck everyone's way!!!!

Easter update will post when I have more energy :)

To get rid of the nekky....

2008-03-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it's been so long since I've posted. After this post, I'm only a week behind. Perhaps I'll tackle that tomorrow. I have a house full of sickies today. Apparently, I needed to have a day off to clean up puke. It's my dream :) Anyhoo, let's go back...

Last week at work my friend Doris brought in this diaper cake she make for another coworker's daughter's shower. Cute, isn't it? She made me one when I was preggo with Soph, too. Adorable!

Friday night was a crop, it was really fun! Dennyse brought her friend Aracelli, a scrapbook virgin, and I have to say, I think she caught the bug! Or the disease, if you listen to my husband. We had a fun time chatting and listening to Amie compare plants and swirls to various body parts. LOL! Funny!! No pics are included of my fab work (not that it was fab, but definitely work) I just can't seem to get the pictures right! But, here's a few of the crop:

Saturday was Abby's birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza. Sophie rode the Spiderman ride:

Abby has some friends from school, as well as her Kindergarten teacher attend. Here she is playing air hockey:

James has a knack for finding the "lucky" machine. Or more precisely, the broken one. Here he is hitting the jackpot..

He and his loot..

Everyone standing around waiting for a total:

Ammon helping put the tickets in the machine:

I believe the grand total was around 1300 tickets. I think James has more fun sometimes than the kids!

Here's Abby with her birthday cake. It's Hannah Montana since the Sam's Club didn't have the design she wanted, with Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends on it..Happy 6th Birthday Abby!

Here is a picture of one of the center pieces I made for Abby's party with Eduardo from Foster's Home for Imaginary friends. Love it!

Overall, it was a great party!

2008-03-11T20:39:00.001-07:00

Just a couple quick stories of my fine weekend, with some added treats of pics of my fam and friends.Joey talked his dad into buying Mr. Potato head from Amie's yard sale. It's okay Amie! I got some cute pictures of Joey and Sophie with the Potato on Saturday...

Saturday night we went to Dennyse and Auggie's house for some amazing steaks and veggies and to be totally healthy....their chocolate fountain! Seriously, these things are great! Here's some pictures of the fab time we had eating...

Then Dennyse and I made the invites to Abby's B-day party. Abby chose Foster's Home for Imaginary friends for her theme (it's a cartoon on Cartoon Network, it's one I actually like-check it out, it's funny) so we did some "Imaginary monster friends" on her cards.

When I got home I finished up on a card I was making my brother for his birthday. I've just been so busy I hadn't finished it in time. Now, bear in mind that we had been joking about how old he was feeling (27 is a heavy burden to bear) and that's why the card is a little morbid. I like it :)

So, that brings us to Sunday, we went to my mom's house for some family time and some albondigas!

Monday was Abby's 6th birthday...my how time has flown! She chose to go to Red Robin for dinner, then we went to Walmart to buy her own bike. Princess of course! It was quite fun. She can't wait for her pretend birthday at Peter Piper's on Saturday.

A look back...

2008-03-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, in the mail with all of my bills and attempts to collect large amounts of money I don't have, was a big manila envelope. My son excitedly opened it because he recognized the sender. It came from Theater Works, a community Theater in Peoria that I was involved in when I was pregnant with Sophie. So, let's go back in time (in my head I hear the "Remember the Time" montage from 104.7 I hear every morning, right Christine?)

December 2006....I was doing a musical called "The Christmas Schooner" about how Christmas trees were brought to Chicago by German immigrants and how it's still tradition to this day....but, I digress...I hadn't been involved in a show since before Abby was born, and it was at Glendale Community College about 5 years before. My theater blood was seriously depleted and in need of a transfusion of applause, STAT! I had always known about Theater works because I had auditioned for the "Secret Garden" there in '97, but had to drop out because it conflicted with a show I was doing in school that I was getting graded for. If I stayed in the show, I would have failed, so school came first. Failing Choir, Oh my gosh!

So, anyhoo, I was a chorus member for Schooner. It was really difficult running there after work, staying until 9:00 and leaving my little ones at home. James was really supportive and wanted me to do it. I was enjoying the performance factor. It was a small show, I had a one line solo and about a page I had lines on. Whilst we were performing, we heard talk about the auditions for the next musical, "Little Mary Sunshine (here's a link for a website that talks about the show http://www.littlemarysunshine.com/). I talked to James and decided to audition. I told him I would only say yes to a role if it was a "lead" with an entire song or something. I know that sounds a little stuck-up, but basically, if I'm giving up time for my family, it would have to be something major, since I just was finishing up with another show.

I auditioned with a piece that had to show off my range. Well, since we all decided a little last minute to audition, I was permitted to audition with "Silent Night" because I could really show off the old upper range with that one. I did a run through of the song the character I was auditioning for sang, a read through of the lines and the dance audition.

I was reading for Madame Ernestine Von Liebedich a retired German opera singer. Her lines were all written like she talked, written with the accent built in. It was very difficult since it was a cold read, to know what the hey she was saying. But, it worked because I got the part!!!!

About a month in to the rehearsals, I found out I was expecting my 3rd, my little Soph. I was sick all day long and had to go to rehearsal and perform ill. Lovely...but back to the envelope....if anyone is still there?....Hello....Bueller?

Okay, I was nominated for a ariZoni award (Zoni) for this show. For those of you that don't know, here's the site http://arizoniawards.com/aboutzon.shtml and it's basically, a theater award for Arizona people. We used to say the Arizona Tony Awards. If you don't know what a Tony Award is, shame on you, that one you'll have to look up on your own. So, anyway, I was nominated and they have this wonderful dinner and awards and it took place two days from my due date on the other side of town. So, I couldn't risk going, to far from home, too close to popping and no way was I going to taint my baby with any Eastside germs (LOL) WESTSIDE!!!! I didn't think I had a chance, but just going...it's an honor to be nominated, that sort of thing.

17 months later, in the mail, I receive my certificate for being nominated for a Zoni award in the mail. Now I have some proof, it's being framed and going on my wall! At least it does look good on a resume to say "Zoni Nominated" I guess like having your work published (all you scrappers out there)

Well, there's my look back after receiving an award 17 months old in the mail yesterday.

Wow, it's been awhile....

2008-03-03T08:18:00.000-08:00

Last Monday I was ready to do an update, but then all heck broke loose. Well, not really, but we had several interesting days that week.

Some stuff happened with a really good friend of mine, but I decided for privacy sake, not to publish it here on my blog. But, everyone is doing well and certain people are on the road to recovery (not that kind of recovery, rehab was not involved). Anyhoo, I know that was rather cryptic, but hey, I gotta do, what I gotta do. So, that was Monday.

Tuesday was the Blue and Gold Banquet at Scouts. I think it went really well. We had Chinese food because the theme was Chinese New Year. I got my 1 year pin and a thank you since I am now no longer in scouts. I'll miss it!

Wednesday was really hard. Joey wasn't feeling well, so I left work early to help James out with the kids since he was also not feeling well. First we went to the International Festival at the kids school. It's really fun, they do it every year. Each class does a different country and decorates and brings food from said country. You completely get a full meal while you are there. Nice! We had food from India, Africa, Brazil, China, Japan, England, Ireland, Greece, Egypt, Mexico...it was great! You carry a passport around and get it stamped, and when it's full your kiddo gets a prize. Very fun! After that, I took Abby to her dance class at Countryside Rec with the City of Surprise. She had a great time and participated. I was hoping we wouldn't have a repeat of last year's t-ball debacle. I had to drag her to the plate then pull her around the bases. Visions of this kept flashing in my head, and with my knee injury... Yup, it was still not working and as of today, is finally starting to really feel better. I just would so much enjoy hoping around the room with a bunch of little girls getting my ballet on. But, she did fine and it was fun.

Thursday Joey was still feeling bad, but insisted on going to his Musical Theater class. He had so much fun! It's also with the City.

Friday I was off work and after I dropped Abby at school (Joey stayed home with his sick dad) I went to Sprouts with Sophie to pick up stuff for the Primary Quarterly Activity that was scheduled for Saturday morning. We had fun picking out different things to put into trail mix. Sophie was the taste tester :) James and Joey slept most of the day. *sigh* I picked up Abby from school and then went to have my nails filled. Got my same nail tech and we had another great conversation about movie and t.v. After that I went home and got everything ready for the next day.

So, Saturday morning. I survived! We survived! It went well. The kids had fun, they listened and the trail mix was a success. All I can say is at least these puppies are only quarterly activities! After that I went home and crashed.

The rest of the weekend really consisted of sick kids, worrying about church and worrying about everything else. I do have a canker sore from all the worrying (I get those instead of ulcers-I'm strange). I'm looking forward to this week and hoping everything goes better!!!

Pictures

2008-02-22T18:56:00.001-08:00

Here are some promised pictures

First here is Sophie folding her arms:

Here is Abby's mouth with her missing 1st tooth
(Doesn't she have fantastic lips?)

Abby and Coco snoozing:

Coco digging:

My beautiful Memere at her 81st Birthday party:

Memere, my brother, cousins, Sophie and I
(We are only missing my cousin Linda. She passed away the end of last year)

A Divine Mother's Thoughts

Father's Day Campout

Photo shoot

Spring Break Fever

Abby's 9th Birthday

Big Girl Bed

Lizard Adventure

James and the Giant Peach

Swappin' n Meetin'

3rd Grade Concert

Ready for my close-up...

Chinese please...

I heart thrift stores

I really should take more pictures...

Clean up, clean up...

In the 32nd year of my life...

Rockin New Year

Christmas

Lights and Sparklers

My baby

Happy Birthday Harley Lynn!

Back to Disney

Day 2...Knott's

Disney...Day 1

Our California Vacation!

I was a male cheerleader..

Cookies

Most wonderful time of the year

My white baby...

Sophie and the camera

Gila Valley Temple

Daddy Daughter Dance

Cinco, Cinco, Cinco!!

Sweets from my sweet

Baptism

Zzzzzzzz

Sookie

Cereal sucks....that is all

Before the parade passes by....

Dye-ing to show you these

Some more...blog stuff

Way back machine...

Blog Neglect

What a blessing...

A 31 year old me...

Thank heaven for little girls....

Lights

The Ho-Ho

On the first day of Christmas my true-love gave to me...

Posting...

Why it's been forever since I last posted...

Come see me sing on Friday (solo is only on Friday, guys)

Abba Dabba Ding Dong

I am your singing telegram.

How cool is Disney?

Mistaken Identity...or...My new Sister

My last post as a 20 something...

Why didn't I ask for today off?

Turkey.....late.....but I posted....right?

Forever and a day...

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Tagged by Toni

So much...

It's Jello not Blood

Bean

8 years ago...

Worst Week Ever *Updated*

Tagged, tagged, tagged tagged!!!!

The Memory Game...

Twilight Tag (Extremely Late)

When you are torn...

Happy Anniversary

Neglectful...

Check it out....

Where has my baby gone?

A quick update for you all...

Back to being hungry...

A Promised Video

Microwave Courtesy-Slight gag warning!

The Highlights-Updated

Worst Week Ever Updated