We're gearing up to drive to AZ on Tuesday and I'm really getting excited. I may not be posting much while I'm there, but I'll see most of you faithful readers during our trip.
If you don't hear from me before Thursday, I honestly hope you have a very merry and blessed Christmas. I really feel happy to have such a great life and I know it is because of Christ's life, atonement, and resurrection. The blessings I see and feel daily are reminders of His great gift to us and the pure love he has for us. What a wonderful thing to celebrate. What a blessing that for a small portion of the year so many people around the world focus their lives on giving gifts and loving their families.
I hope you enjoy your day of peace and truly feel the joy of Christ's birth and life.
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Which one are you?
I read The Meanest Mom's blog every day. She is so dang funny! She was reviewed by another blog (an irreverent one, BTW) and they gave her props for being unorthodox, charming, and witty. In the review, they mentioned many different types of mommy bloggers and I got to thinking about which category I fit into.
"It really irks Miss Missives when every woman who has had humans spring forth from her loins is called a mommyblogger. There's a difference between being a woman who among other things has children and likes to blog and a mommyblogger.
By and large, mommy bloggers are those women for whom the better part of their blog is dedicated to the things we typically associate with motherhood. When people tell Miss Missives that mommy blogs are all the same, I emphatically correct them. There are many distinct types of mommy blogs. Here are just a few:
1.The Family Time Capsule Mom
2.The I Am An Aspiring MILF Look How Wild I Am Even Though I Have Kids(usually found on myspace)
3.The I Write About Other Stuff and Am Only Vaguely Aware that Somewhere I Think I May Have Some Children
4.The Moms that Would Like to Sit and Check Email all Day and Get Paid For It(recognizable by bad content and a profusity of ads, pay per posts and reviews for free swag they got and reviews for stuff they'd like to get)
5.The I Seriously Need an Outlet Mom because Nobody is Being Honest About How Hard This Is and I Think Maybe I Need Medicine, Help
6.The I Need to Complain About My Mate and Get Validated by Strangers because it's Easier and More Rewarding than Fixing My Problems
7.The I'm Funny and I Like to Write, and Yes, I Have Kids, but I Also Have [edit], and Dreams that Don't Include My Kids or Even My Husband (Wife, Mate, Etc.) Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down but I'm honest and I'll write the way we all feel
8.The Snarky, Trashy, Loud(pick your adjective) Mom and Though I May Scare Off the Women in My Neighborhood, I'm Fun, and Interesting and Probably One of the Nicest People You'll Never Know"
I'm really hoping I'm number 7 or 8, but I know I tend toward number 1 a lot too. I know I'll never measure up to The Meanest Mom's ability to write or Simple Mom's ability to inspire. I personally love mommy bloggers in all their forms. Which one do you think you are?
"It really irks Miss Missives when every woman who has had humans spring forth from her loins is called a mommyblogger. There's a difference between being a woman who among other things has children and likes to blog and a mommyblogger.
By and large, mommy bloggers are those women for whom the better part of their blog is dedicated to the things we typically associate with motherhood. When people tell Miss Missives that mommy blogs are all the same, I emphatically correct them. There are many distinct types of mommy blogs. Here are just a few:
1.The Family Time Capsule Mom
2.The I Am An Aspiring MILF Look How Wild I Am Even Though I Have Kids(usually found on myspace)
3.The I Write About Other Stuff and Am Only Vaguely Aware that Somewhere I Think I May Have Some Children
4.The Moms that Would Like to Sit and Check Email all Day and Get Paid For It(recognizable by bad content and a profusity of ads, pay per posts and reviews for free swag they got and reviews for stuff they'd like to get)
5.The I Seriously Need an Outlet Mom because Nobody is Being Honest About How Hard This Is and I Think Maybe I Need Medicine, Help
6.The I Need to Complain About My Mate and Get Validated by Strangers because it's Easier and More Rewarding than Fixing My Problems
7.The I'm Funny and I Like to Write, and Yes, I Have Kids, but I Also Have [edit], and Dreams that Don't Include My Kids or Even My Husband (Wife, Mate, Etc.) Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down but I'm honest and I'll write the way we all feel
8.The Snarky, Trashy, Loud(pick your adjective) Mom and Though I May Scare Off the Women in My Neighborhood, I'm Fun, and Interesting and Probably One of the Nicest People You'll Never Know"
I'm really hoping I'm number 7 or 8, but I know I tend toward number 1 a lot too. I know I'll never measure up to The Meanest Mom's ability to write or Simple Mom's ability to inspire. I personally love mommy bloggers in all their forms. Which one do you think you are?
Saturday, December 13, 2008
I'm a Runner
Well, I think it's official as of today--I'm a runner. Before today it could be said that I would run a few times a week as a form of working out. But after having completed a race, I think there's no turning back.
The 5k today was great! It was chilly in the morning and was even raining a bit on the drive down to Santa Monica. But the rain stopped when we arrived and we had a dry race. We arrived in time for me to use the restroom :) and find the starting line. We did a group warm up led by some really skinny representative from a fitness club. Then we "lined" up; actually, we formed a mob of people to start. They blew an air horn and we were off.
Nanette was nice enough to go at my slow pace until I was comfortable going alone. After about half a mile, I could tell she would go a lot faster without me so I told her to take off. I was on my own with my ipod and I ran. Well, I walked three times during the race, but I really pushed myself to keep going and I sprinted the last 20 yards to the finish line. Malcom, Nanette, and Eric (Nanette's husband) yelled and clapped for me--so nice! I got complimentary water, protein bars, and bananas and cooled down a bit before heading home.
It was a GREAT experience and I'm definitely doing it again. I really enjoyed challenging myself and reaching for a goal. AND I didn't do anything embarrassing!
The 5k today was great! It was chilly in the morning and was even raining a bit on the drive down to Santa Monica. But the rain stopped when we arrived and we had a dry race. We arrived in time for me to use the restroom :) and find the starting line. We did a group warm up led by some really skinny representative from a fitness club. Then we "lined" up; actually, we formed a mob of people to start. They blew an air horn and we were off.
Nanette was nice enough to go at my slow pace until I was comfortable going alone. After about half a mile, I could tell she would go a lot faster without me so I told her to take off. I was on my own with my ipod and I ran. Well, I walked three times during the race, but I really pushed myself to keep going and I sprinted the last 20 yards to the finish line. Malcom, Nanette, and Eric (Nanette's husband) yelled and clapped for me--so nice! I got complimentary water, protein bars, and bananas and cooled down a bit before heading home.
It was a GREAT experience and I'm definitely doing it again. I really enjoyed challenging myself and reaching for a goal. AND I didn't do anything embarrassing!
Before we began--fresh faces!
Just beginning; notice how Nanette's still with me!
Bekah went swinging while I ran.
Almost there!
Home stretch--of course I'm smiling!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Nervous
Tomorrow I am running in a RACE. . . what was I thinking?!
Right, I was thinking I could trick myself into losing weight. That worked, so that's good.
But tomorrow there will be faster runners and SPECTATORS, not just me running by myself in my neighborhood.
I just don't want to embarrass myself by tripping and falling, having an asthma attack and stopping early, being the VERY last person to cross the finish line, or peeing my pants while running. (Hey, I didn't say my fears were rational!) I have to keep reminding myself that I've made so much progress even to be in a race, and that my only goal at the outset was to finish.
In my clearer moments I remember that it's all for fun, and that it's okay if I walk part of the time. I'm an asthmatic, for crying out loud, even attempting this is great!
I'm aiming for a long night's sleep, a small breakfast, and getting down to Santa Monica in plenty of time to park and find the bathrooms. I'm hoping that Rachel's assurance about race-day adrenaline is true. Wish me luck!
Right, I was thinking I could trick myself into losing weight. That worked, so that's good.
But tomorrow there will be faster runners and SPECTATORS, not just me running by myself in my neighborhood.
I just don't want to embarrass myself by tripping and falling, having an asthma attack and stopping early, being the VERY last person to cross the finish line, or peeing my pants while running. (Hey, I didn't say my fears were rational!) I have to keep reminding myself that I've made so much progress even to be in a race, and that my only goal at the outset was to finish.
In my clearer moments I remember that it's all for fun, and that it's okay if I walk part of the time. I'm an asthmatic, for crying out loud, even attempting this is great!
I'm aiming for a long night's sleep, a small breakfast, and getting down to Santa Monica in plenty of time to park and find the bathrooms. I'm hoping that Rachel's assurance about race-day adrenaline is true. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
LAUSD Sucks: Update
I posted about this a while ago and everyone keeps asking me about it--thanks for caring!
I have honestly been too mad to talk about it much. But I'll give you the summary.
My district thinks I owe them $7,000. This is deja vu because in November of 2007 they claimed I owed them $4,500. I paid them that because they had legitimately overpaid me and I could see it on my paystubs. It wasn't hard to pay back then because I had kept all the money aside and not spent it because I knew it wasn't mine. Then in February of 2008 they said "oops, we made a mistake." Apparently, I didn't owe them quite so much, so they sent me a return check of around $2,000.
Now, again in October of this year came the news that they had supposedly overpaid me and I need to give all the money back. Oh. My. Gosh. I am so, so, so mad and angry and annoyed. [Deep breaths] I have thoroughly checked all my paystubs and there is no way I owe them money. I have been paid exactly the amount of money I have earned and they can go _________ (fill in the blank because I can't type it, but I'm mad enough to think it!).
It makes me tense to even type all this. I just can't believe that the nation's second largest district can't get their acts together and pay their employees properly. If a business was run like this in the private sector, they would be bankrupt, sued, and laughed out of town. I have been a good, loyal employee for over 5 years and this is how they treat me?!?! Of course, it's not personal, I'm just a number to them, so why do they care?
I have sent in the official response to their allegations which is that I do not owe them any money and request an appointment to settle everything. The district is so bad that this response was on an actual form that I filled out because they have done this to so many people. I called yesterday to see if I could hurry said appointment before the end of the year to ensure accurate tax records. The lady said it may take a few months for the district to get to me because there are so many people with payroll problems and I'll just have to wait until they call me.
[Deep breaths]
I'll let you know how it all turns out. But until then, for the sake of my blood pressure and maintaining my Christmas spirit, please don't remind me of it. Thanks.
And thanks again for caring. :)
I have honestly been too mad to talk about it much. But I'll give you the summary.
My district thinks I owe them $7,000. This is deja vu because in November of 2007 they claimed I owed them $4,500. I paid them that because they had legitimately overpaid me and I could see it on my paystubs. It wasn't hard to pay back then because I had kept all the money aside and not spent it because I knew it wasn't mine. Then in February of 2008 they said "oops, we made a mistake." Apparently, I didn't owe them quite so much, so they sent me a return check of around $2,000.
Now, again in October of this year came the news that they had supposedly overpaid me and I need to give all the money back. Oh. My. Gosh. I am so, so, so mad and angry and annoyed. [Deep breaths] I have thoroughly checked all my paystubs and there is no way I owe them money. I have been paid exactly the amount of money I have earned and they can go _________ (fill in the blank because I can't type it, but I'm mad enough to think it!).
It makes me tense to even type all this. I just can't believe that the nation's second largest district can't get their acts together and pay their employees properly. If a business was run like this in the private sector, they would be bankrupt, sued, and laughed out of town. I have been a good, loyal employee for over 5 years and this is how they treat me?!?! Of course, it's not personal, I'm just a number to them, so why do they care?
I have sent in the official response to their allegations which is that I do not owe them any money and request an appointment to settle everything. The district is so bad that this response was on an actual form that I filled out because they have done this to so many people. I called yesterday to see if I could hurry said appointment before the end of the year to ensure accurate tax records. The lady said it may take a few months for the district to get to me because there are so many people with payroll problems and I'll just have to wait until they call me.
[Deep breaths]
I'll let you know how it all turns out. But until then, for the sake of my blood pressure and maintaining my Christmas spirit, please don't remind me of it. Thanks.
And thanks again for caring. :)
Monday, December 8, 2008
Schoolwork Silliness
Lindsey begged me to post this. It's not perfect but she got a kick out of it. For a visual effects class we were supposed to track the seagull's head in a 3D program. I took it a step further and added some 3D objects to the tracking. Don't worry about the mechanics; just watch the results.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Great Jewelry
I've found a giveaway on a blog that I frequent. She's giving away some beautiful silver jewelry. I think this stuff is a great twist on the Mother's ring idea. There are already so many comments that my chance of winning is slim, but I figure someone has to win, so I might as well try, right?! Also, if you need a gift idea for a special someone, I think these would do for just about lady in your life!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Bekah's Boots and Other Photos
We were very happy to find that Bekah finally fits into these cute pink boots given to her before she was born! Her Aunt Holly was very excited to give them during my baby shower and I have displayed them on Bekah's shelf this entire time, just waiting to use them. She looked so dang cute, so we snapped a few quick pictures in the hallway before church. Bekah had a hard time walking in them, and she ended up in a back-up pair of shoes about halfway through the second hour. I'm sure she'll get used to them about the time she grows out of them! :P 
We also had our pictures taken by the lovely Rachel Clare. How lucky am I to have such a talented photographer friend?! She posted them on her blog, so go there to see them. I am in love with every single picture! We won't be sending them in Christmas cards or letters, but if you'd like a copy just let me know. I'll be getting them printed in January and I'll send some along then.
We also had our pictures taken by the lovely Rachel Clare. How lucky am I to have such a talented photographer friend?! She posted them on her blog, so go there to see them. I am in love with every single picture! We won't be sending them in Christmas cards or letters, but if you'd like a copy just let me know. I'll be getting them printed in January and I'll send some along then.
It's Christmastime!
I am so happy for December!
I have really gotten excited about Christmas in the last few days because we bought a tree! I haven't had a Christmas tree in SIX YEARS. We've always gone to Arizona a week or two before Christmas and it didn't make sense to spend a bunch of money on a tree to only enjoy it for a few days. But this year we're not leaving until the 23rd so I decided it was time. Oh my gosh, I didn't realize how much I had missed having a tree until we got to Home Depot (cheap trees, folks!) and I smelled all the lovely trees. I almost cried, honestly! We got a short one so that we could put it up on some boxes and keep it mostly out of Bekah's reach. I decorated it and took pictures.
At times, I just sit and look at it, basking it it's holiday glow! So happy!
I'm really trying to have the Spirit of Christmas this year. I know I need to serve others and think of them, but nothing is coming to mind. What do you do individually or as a family to really remember Christ and His birth during this season? I'd love to hear your ideas. Thanks!
I hope your lives are wonderfully Christmasy too.
I have really gotten excited about Christmas in the last few days because we bought a tree! I haven't had a Christmas tree in SIX YEARS. We've always gone to Arizona a week or two before Christmas and it didn't make sense to spend a bunch of money on a tree to only enjoy it for a few days. But this year we're not leaving until the 23rd so I decided it was time. Oh my gosh, I didn't realize how much I had missed having a tree until we got to Home Depot (cheap trees, folks!) and I smelled all the lovely trees. I almost cried, honestly! We got a short one so that we could put it up on some boxes and keep it mostly out of Bekah's reach. I decorated it and took pictures.
At times, I just sit and look at it, basking it it's holiday glow! So happy!
I'm really trying to have the Spirit of Christmas this year. I know I need to serve others and think of them, but nothing is coming to mind. What do you do individually or as a family to really remember Christ and His birth during this season? I'd love to hear your ideas. Thanks!
I hope your lives are wonderfully Christmasy too.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 27
Today was a great Thanksgiving Day. I baked all morning and we made it to dinner at 4:00. The food was very yummy. Everyone liked my yams and pies. :) I did too, which is great because I usually eat one of my creations and think how to improve it for next time, but this time i just enjoyed it and thought it was really good.
I really wish I could list all of the things I'm thankful for, but I think that would take a lifetime; actually, I think it SHOULD take a lifetime for me to continue being grateful for all my blessings. So I'll just list the most important her for my last Thanksgiving post. I'm especially thankful for Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the knowledge I have of the true Gospel. I'm thankful for my family, especially my wonderful husband and sweet little girl. I am so excited for the stage of life that I'm currently in, to be starting a family and developing more of my talents. I am thankful for my upbringing by wonderful parents in a loving and secure family. I am thankful for our good jobs and quality of living. I know all these blessings come from God and even though I've done nothing to merit them, I will try to live worthy of them.
I guess all that was really personal, and may have sounded trite, but I'm being sincere. I honestly believe I am blessed to live a great life. To anyone whose read all my days of thanks, thanks! I'll now resume my typical sporadic posting schedule between sub jobs, family events, and getting ready for Christmas. :)
I really wish I could list all of the things I'm thankful for, but I think that would take a lifetime; actually, I think it SHOULD take a lifetime for me to continue being grateful for all my blessings. So I'll just list the most important her for my last Thanksgiving post. I'm especially thankful for Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the knowledge I have of the true Gospel. I'm thankful for my family, especially my wonderful husband and sweet little girl. I am so excited for the stage of life that I'm currently in, to be starting a family and developing more of my talents. I am thankful for my upbringing by wonderful parents in a loving and secure family. I am thankful for our good jobs and quality of living. I know all these blessings come from God and even though I've done nothing to merit them, I will try to live worthy of them.
I guess all that was really personal, and may have sounded trite, but I'm being sincere. I honestly believe I am blessed to live a great life. To anyone whose read all my days of thanks, thanks! I'll now resume my typical sporadic posting schedule between sub jobs, family events, and getting ready for Christmas. :)
Giving Thanks, Day 26
I am thankful for girlfriends. I went to see Twilight today with some friends and it was a great little get-together. We met at In-N-Out for lunch before and chatted away. Then we went to see Edward and some other people on screen. :-D It was a good time. I will warn you that the movie would only be exciting for those who've read and adored the books. It was a simple event, but it was nice to be together on a chilly, rainy afternoon, talking about life and swooning over movie stars.
I am excited for Thanksgiving tomorrow. I've spent the evening getting pies and drinks started. Tomorrow I'll bake for a few hours and probably nap for a bit before heading out to our friend's parent's house for dinner. What a charmed life we lead!
I am excited for Thanksgiving tomorrow. I've spent the evening getting pies and drinks started. Tomorrow I'll bake for a few hours and probably nap for a bit before heading out to our friend's parent's house for dinner. What a charmed life we lead!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
New Obsession
I was blog hopping and found Ming Chai, an amazing photographer. He does mostly nature shots and mostly in Toronto. I browsed his Flickr pages for a long time with my mouth wide open. Amazing stuff. I am so in love with it I just had to do a second post for the day and mention him! Amazing.
Giving Thanks, Day 25
I am thankful for being busy to keep me from being disappointed. We're not going to Mesa for Thanksgiving this year for the first time in 5 years of living in LA. We've been invited to join some friends and their in-laws, but I know it won't be the same. I've been dreading the thought of not being with my mom to help make all the food, and watching the Macy's parade alone. But distraction has proved a wonderful blessing. The mother-in-law doesn't want to cook the whole feast by herself, so she's asked if my friend Krista and I will help. I get to make the pies, yams, and drinks. I've never done the pies all by myself, mom's always been there to help. I don't doubt my ability because I've made lots of pies before without her, but this presents an extra incentive that I'm the ONLY one making dessert. Krista and I met at the grocery store and bought all the ingredients. It's so fun to have Thanksgiving food in my house and plans for how I'm gonna make four pies and yams with perfect timing so everything's hot and fresh for the big meal. Just glad that the festivities aren't at my little house so I don't have to clean on top of all this baking!
I hope everyone else's plans are going well too. :)
I hope everyone else's plans are going well too. :)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 24
The weather is FINALLY November-worthy and I'm loving it. There was thick fog this morning and it lasted until almost 9am. The air was damp all day and it only warmed up a bit before cooling right back down again. I'm so thankful that the cool weather has come at last and we can really enjoy the beautiful season.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 23
I am SO THANKFUL for Malcom today. He did a lot of wonderful things for me. He woke up with the baby so that I could sleep in. When I woke up, he had made me breakfast (waffles and scrambled eggs, not just cereal). Then he watched Bekah during Relief Society so I could listen to the lesson and really enjoy it. I was reminded of some important things about Faith and Prayer. When we got home, we all napped, then I woke up for choir. Malcom watched Rebekah AGAIN while I went to the stake center to sing. He did the whole dinner time, bath time, bottle, teeth brushing, and bedtime routine by himself, which we usually do together. WHAT A MAN! I know I've written about him being great before, but I had to write again because he gave me such a good day. Thank you, honey!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 22
I'm up this late because the people across the street are having the LOUDEST party ever. I've just called the cops and am waiting for it to be quiet enough for me to go join Malcom in sleep. . . I'm not thankful for this! But I am thankful for wonderful sources of distraction, like SNL and Blogs to keep my mind off my annoyance right now.
I'm mostly thankful for date night, well, date afternoon. Bekah's weekly babysitter watched her today while Malcom and I went to see the new James Bond movie. We grabbed a quick, late lunch before and got good seats for the movie. It was great to just be out and know that Rebekah was having a good time with the kids back at their house.
I'm mostly thankful for date night, well, date afternoon. Bekah's weekly babysitter watched her today while Malcom and I went to see the new James Bond movie. We grabbed a quick, late lunch before and got good seats for the movie. It was great to just be out and know that Rebekah was having a good time with the kids back at their house.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 21
I am thankful for Bekah's cuteness. I took a few photos today because I realized how long it had been since I posted pictures of my cute daughter. I found a few older ones lingering on the camera, snapped a few more today and have five of the best shots to share.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Bekah's New Tricks
In case I haven't mentioned it to you directly, I'll tell you here that Bekah can walk now. It happened quickly after she saw all her cousins doing it when we were in Arizona. She really enjoys herself and her independence. She seems so grown up to me now, a real toddler. I love watching her walk and encourage her to do it outside the house too.
She's also playing on her own a lot more. I'm able to leave the room without her and she'll sit and play. Or sometimes I'll be in the front room and she'll wander into her room. When I go to check on her, she'll be reading her books or playing with her dirty laundry. :-P
Another thing she recently learned is folding her arms during prayers. It was just on Sunday when we told her to fold her arms (like we always do) and this time she actually did it! It's really cute. :)
She's also playing on her own a lot more. I'm able to leave the room without her and she'll sit and play. Or sometimes I'll be in the front room and she'll wander into her room. When I go to check on her, she'll be reading her books or playing with her dirty laundry. :-P
Another thing she recently learned is folding her arms during prayers. It was just on Sunday when we told her to fold her arms (like we always do) and this time she actually did it! It's really cute. :)
Giving Thanks, Day 20
I am thankful for music, and specifically the way it makes running easier. I usually have to push myself during a run and the music distracts me from thinking about quitting early. I love that music can make almost anything easier, happier, more memorable, or more fun. I often play music when doing chores, or keep it on in the background instead of TV. I'm planning on making a Thanksgiving playlist and collecting lots of songs about gratitude. Music is such a great way to enjoy a season, or get me though a tough moment.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Giving Thanks, Days 18 & 19
Yesterday was a boring, basic day. I didn't have any huge event that made me turn around and think of gratitude. But I realized that life was getting hard for lots of people and I'm very thankful for my life in general. So many homes have burned in southern CA this weekend. And the economy is causing people to lose their homes and jobs. We still have secure jobs and a good place to live. We have our health and enough money to enjoy a few little extras. Life is good, even if it takes a boring day to remind me of it.
Today I am thankful for my Thanksgiving craftiness. I found a wreath kit at Michael's on clearance last week. It was $4.00 and full of crafty goodness. I don't have a picture yet, but when I do, I'll post it. It's paper leaves affixed to a wreath made of twigs. That actually sounds kinda lame, but it turned out great. I love feeling creative (well, semi-creative since it was a kit!) and accomplishing something with my day besides chores. :)
Today I am thankful for my Thanksgiving craftiness. I found a wreath kit at Michael's on clearance last week. It was $4.00 and full of crafty goodness. I don't have a picture yet, but when I do, I'll post it. It's paper leaves affixed to a wreath made of twigs. That actually sounds kinda lame, but it turned out great. I love feeling creative (well, semi-creative since it was a kit!) and accomplishing something with my day besides chores. :)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 17
Today I won a giveaway! On Lola's blog, I won a "surprise package!" Now, if you haven't been to her blog, then you may be dubious--a surprise package sounds like something you tell a kid, then it turns out to be a new pair of underwear. But honestly, noting Lola's taste in fabrics and wonderful purse patterns that she's made herself, I will be ecstatic to receive whatever it is she sends! I am thankful for Lola's giveaway and to be one of the ones who won. :) And I'm thankful for Lola in general because she inspires me to be more crafty and less prone to mommy guilt.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Giving Thanks, Days 15 & 16
Yesterday I had a nice home-cooked dinner with Malcom and was very thankful for this recipe for 5 Minute Chocolate Cake. What? Is that possible?! Oh yes, my friends, it is! I tried it for the first time because I really wanted some chocolate for dessert and this sounded too good to be true. Now, to be fair, the cake did turn out a little spongey and not quite chocolately enough for my taste. I'll have to make changes the next time I attempt it. But the chocolate chips made a terrific "frosting" on top and it was a great treat, especially for only taking FIVE MINUTES. You should try it!
Today I am very thankful for choir practice. I haven't been a part of stake choir (at church) for over a year, since before I had Bekah. It has been great to join in again this time, just in time to practice for the Christmas presentation in a few weeks. It is exciting to sing Christmas music; good, challenging pieces which really put me in the mood for the season. It's also nice for Malcom who hates it when I play Christmas music too early (like, before Thanksgiving) so I get it out of my system at church on Sunday nights and won't play it around him until December.
Today I am very thankful for choir practice. I haven't been a part of stake choir (at church) for over a year, since before I had Bekah. It has been great to join in again this time, just in time to practice for the Christmas presentation in a few weeks. It is exciting to sing Christmas music; good, challenging pieces which really put me in the mood for the season. It's also nice for Malcom who hates it when I play Christmas music too early (like, before Thanksgiving) so I get it out of my system at church on Sunday nights and won't play it around him until December.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 14
I am incredibly grateful for the millions of talented and creative people out there in blog land. I am extremely angry over something that is happening at my district with my paycheck--I really don't want to describe it at all, to anyone, but the basic idea is they claim they overpayed me this year and now I owe them $7,000. No I do not! I am so mad. So. Mad. Looking for relief, I started reading blogs. One blog led to another and I was all caught up in the Christmas spirit, looking at people's crafts. There are cards, advent calendars, garlands, and so much more that just looking at them gets me all excited to go craft something! At the very least, I get to look at the brilliance of others and remind myself that not everyone sucks like LAUSD.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 13
I am thankful for a full day. Bekah slept in until 8, but after that I got really busy. I played with her this morning intermittently doing dishes and reading, then went to the gym during her first nap (how much do I love that Malcom is home sleeping during the day?!). I got home and showered just in time for Bekah to wake up. We did lunch, then off to run errands. We got home and played, then she took her 2nd nap--SO THANKFUL FOR A TODDLER THAT TAKES TWO NAPS! During the nap I scrubbed the kitchen floor which has needed it for so long. Then we played some more, did dinner, bath, bottle, teeth and bed. Now she's talking herself to sleep and I realize that I've had a great day. Nothing momentous has happened, but being busy has helped me feel like I've really used my time as a stay-at-home mom. Instead of dreading the chores, putting them off all day, watching TV and feeling like a bum at the end of the day, I feel like I have worked hard and really deserve a break tonight. I'll watch The Office without any guilt, then read without any guilt, then go to bed and probably sleep soundly. It may seem like such a lame thing to be thankful for, but if this is the secret to having more good days, I'll make myself busy more often!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 12
I am thankful for my friends here in LA. Krista came over today for lunch and brought little Zachary with her. We talked and enjoyed watching Bekah try to poke at Zac. It was a fun little impromptu afternoon, and it made me feel connected to my friends again. With all the babies happening, it's been a while since we've spent time together. It was a simple pleasure, just fun to chat and enjoy a good lunch together. It was great to hold the little baby again and remind myself that my now-walking toddler used to be that small. Woah! Thanks, Krista! :)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 11
I am thankful for good books. I love reading. Absolutely love it. Usually I read fiction as my favorite source of entertainment. But today I finished The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, not fiction at all. It is such a great book that I highly recommend reading it AND giving it away as Christmas presents to everyone you know. Two of my favorite lines: "Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won't make us happier," and "Go out and do for others what somebody did for you." The book is full of gems, little stories and pieces of advice that have helped me tweak my perspective and remember what really inspires me in life. A quick and very satisfying read.
Giving Thanks, Day 10
(Yes, I know I'm a day behind--blogging while on vacation was not easy!)
Yesterday, I was very thankful for a husband who is a great daddy. On the long drive home, Bekah was pretty fussy. She's still teething, getting her one-year molars in. Yikes! Malcom stayed up late the previous night finishing school work and only got 4 hours of sleep. But despite that, he kept her entertained as much as possible. It was really sweet to hear him playing games with her, feeding her snacks, helping her calm down, replacing her pacifiers countless times, and handing her toys. He was very tired, but he did that all anyway. What a blessing to have a husband who really likes being a dad and doing dad things. :)
Yesterday, I was very thankful for a husband who is a great daddy. On the long drive home, Bekah was pretty fussy. She's still teething, getting her one-year molars in. Yikes! Malcom stayed up late the previous night finishing school work and only got 4 hours of sleep. But despite that, he kept her entertained as much as possible. It was really sweet to hear him playing games with her, feeding her snacks, helping her calm down, replacing her pacifiers countless times, and handing her toys. He was very tired, but he did that all anyway. What a blessing to have a husband who really likes being a dad and doing dad things. :)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 9
I am thankful for my family and family time. I have really enjoyed all the time we've spent with our families this weekend. It's been fast and furious, but great. And besides the wedding, it's not like our plans were huge, but just being together was fun. We are able to laugh together and enjoy each other's company. It's felt like a wonderful, rich little mini-vacation and I've appreciated it. I will miss them all at Thanksgiving (it's just too much to come twice in one month), but this has been good enough to last me. Getting to see ALL my siblings and ALL my nieces and nephews in one visit was very special. Thank you, families. :)
Drew's Wedding Pics
Here are the pictures I took from Drew's wedding. It was a great day, if a little warm and bright. I'm excited to have another great couple to hang out with when we come to Arizona.
Giving Thanks, Day 8
On Saturday, I was so happy to get to see my sister, Brenda, and her kids for the first time in almost two years. She has been distant from our family because she strongly disagrees with our religious beliefs. I have had a strained relationship with her, but she still allows me to call and chat every few months. I asked her if we could get together when I came, and she agreed. It was an answer to a prayer I had offered for over four months. It was a wonderful thing to meet her and the kids informally for lunch at McDonald's. I went with my mom and Rebekah. Emily, Michael, and Seth were happy to see us and we had a great chat while munching happy meals. Mom and Brenda talked for a long time while I watched the kids play with Bekah in the play area. It felt like there was never any time or tension between us. It was so exciting. I cried as I prayed last night, thanking God for such a blessing. I am so happy!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Giving Thanks, Days 6 & 7
I am very thankful (yesterday) for traveling to Arizona in safety and relative peace. We came for Andrew's wedding and I had to drive all the way--Malcom was sleeping off the night shift! We all did pretty well--Malcom got a little sleep, Bekah was mostly well-behaved, and I was able to stay awake for the whole thing (thanks to a little cherry coke!). It was an uneventful drive which is what you want when driving 400 miles.
Today I am thankful for a great wedding day. Drew and Staci were so sweet. They both cried during the ceremony and really beamed with love. The day was a little warm, but cool in the shade. The luncheon was good, and the reception was beautiful. It was a great start to their marriage and I really think they will do well together.
Today I am thankful for a great wedding day. Drew and Staci were so sweet. They both cried during the ceremony and really beamed with love. The day was a little warm, but cool in the shade. The luncheon was good, and the reception was beautiful. It was a great start to their marriage and I really think they will do well together.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 5
I'm thankful for my job. I am substituting this year and it's turned out to be great. I love that I get to go in only once or twice a week, whenever I feel like it, and only if I don't have other plans. I get to fill in for my friends--so far, the only people that have called me are my colleagues and I love it that way. I know them and their quirks, and they know that I'll actually teach their lesson plans! It's pretty easy to go into a room, be in charge in 55-minute increments, and get the kids to work on their worksheets or reading. I'm making enough money monthly to make it worth it, but not putting in so many hours that I'm missing quality time with Rebekah and Malcom. I am very glad that my college education has served me so well; at this rate, I may actually be still working when my loans are all paid off! :D
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 4
I am so thankful to live in this great country. Today I voted for candidates and propositions in one of the most historically important elections in the United States. What a blessing it is that we can cast a ballot stating our opinions/beliefs and it means something. I know a lot of you may be disappointed with tonight's results, but none of us should be upset. No matter what, this country is still filled with many great people doing incredible things. We individually have the power to shape our little spot of the world and make effectual change for good. This is God's country, the place that He has blessed with wonderful freedoms and opportunities. I was told once that living in America is like winning the lottery--the odds of living here are slight, and the payoff is remarkable. I love the USA and all that it means.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Giving Thanks, Day 3
Today I am thankful for my daughter. She's actually been really cranky today and for the last week. She's been teething so that's no fun.
But the point is that I feel lucky and privileged to even have such "trials" as dealing with her fussiness. I know a few people who have lost their children at young ages and their deaths are incredibly humbling to me. I cannot imagine the faith and will power necessary to endure such an event and I really admire those who have weathered it so gracefully. They are an inspiration. I know I am incredibly blessed to have conceived, carried a baby to full term, been through the miracle of birth, and raised such a happy little person for the first precious months of her life. Rebekah is a real individual and I cannot imagine my life without her. I honestly thank Heavenly Father for her every night in my prayers and even for the hard times with her. I just love this part of life and all the blessings and lessons that come with parenting.
But the point is that I feel lucky and privileged to even have such "trials" as dealing with her fussiness. I know a few people who have lost their children at young ages and their deaths are incredibly humbling to me. I cannot imagine the faith and will power necessary to endure such an event and I really admire those who have weathered it so gracefully. They are an inspiration. I know I am incredibly blessed to have conceived, carried a baby to full term, been through the miracle of birth, and raised such a happy little person for the first precious months of her life. Rebekah is a real individual and I cannot imagine my life without her. I honestly thank Heavenly Father for her every night in my prayers and even for the hard times with her. I just love this part of life and all the blessings and lessons that come with parenting.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Giving Thanks, Days 1 & 2
(See previous post for an explanation.)
I'll have to do two days in one post since I didn't get the idea until today. :)
Saturday, I was very thankful for my 5k goal. I was able to run for 20 minutes straight on Saturday. That is a huge success for me. Now, the treadmill is easier than outside, but 20 minutes is still much longer than I've done before. I feel great that this goal has made me reach beyond what I thought I could do AND has made me lose weight too. I am grateful for my health and the ability I have to train for a running event. I have to mention that none of this would be possible without modern medicine (aka, my inhaler) and I feel very blessed to live in this time.
Sunday, I am very thankful for a normal Testimony meeting. I have many, MANY stories of crazy things that have been said over the pulpit in my ward when people are supposed to be sharing their thoughts of the Savior and the Gospel. I have a very hard time focussing on anything spiritual when people say such off-the-wall things. But this week was actually different. Every person who got up testified of Jesus Christ and his power in their lives. They spoke of how grateful they are for their blessings. Some friends of ours had Rebekah on their laps for most of it, so I was even more inclined to pay attention to the inspiring words. It was a great way to start November.
I'll have to do two days in one post since I didn't get the idea until today. :)
Saturday, I was very thankful for my 5k goal. I was able to run for 20 minutes straight on Saturday. That is a huge success for me. Now, the treadmill is easier than outside, but 20 minutes is still much longer than I've done before. I feel great that this goal has made me reach beyond what I thought I could do AND has made me lose weight too. I am grateful for my health and the ability I have to train for a running event. I have to mention that none of this would be possible without modern medicine (aka, my inhaler) and I feel very blessed to live in this time.
Sunday, I am very thankful for a normal Testimony meeting. I have many, MANY stories of crazy things that have been said over the pulpit in my ward when people are supposed to be sharing their thoughts of the Savior and the Gospel. I have a very hard time focussing on anything spiritual when people say such off-the-wall things. But this week was actually different. Every person who got up testified of Jesus Christ and his power in their lives. They spoke of how grateful they are for their blessings. Some friends of ours had Rebekah on their laps for most of it, so I was even more inclined to pay attention to the inspiring words. It was a great way to start November.
Holidays
As I was driving home from choir practice tonight, I noticed a Christmas tree in the front window of a shopping center. While it looked nice and got me excited, I was surprised at how Thanksgiving just got shoved to the side in that store. Actually, in most stores, the calendar goes right from Halloween to Christmas. I thought that Thanksgiving shouldn't be so neglected, that we should celebrate it more.
But how?
For Halloween, there are obvious things like haunted houses, obsessing over a costume, and attending parties.
For Christmas, we have infinite decorating possibilities, family get-togethers, musical performances, and more parties.
But for Thanksgiving, besides the actual day, what is there?!
I thought, 'Well, I can at least try to be more full of thanksgiving, right?' And that's when I decided to do at least a little something: I'll post some message of thanksgiving every day between Halloween and Thanksgiving Day. At least I'll be focused on the right things for a few weeks. Maybe I'll think of other holiday-themed events to partake of, but for now, this is all I've got!
But how?
For Halloween, there are obvious things like haunted houses, obsessing over a costume, and attending parties.
For Christmas, we have infinite decorating possibilities, family get-togethers, musical performances, and more parties.
But for Thanksgiving, besides the actual day, what is there?!
I thought, 'Well, I can at least try to be more full of thanksgiving, right?' And that's when I decided to do at least a little something: I'll post some message of thanksgiving every day between Halloween and Thanksgiving Day. At least I'll be focused on the right things for a few weeks. Maybe I'll think of other holiday-themed events to partake of, but for now, this is all I've got!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Spooky Night, Lame Night, Good Night
I was excited all day. I was really looking forward to Halloween Night to put on our costumes and go to the ward Trunk-or-Treat party.
Bekah and I mostly lounged all day, which was fine with me. She wass doing some fierce teething, so she wasn't really up for much except being held by Mommy. While she was down for her second nap, I got our food stuffs together, packed the diaper bag, and got myself ready.
To get the effect of the grandmother from Little Red Riding Hood, I had purchased an ugly nightgown from Goodwill. I stuffed myself with a pillow, donned my grey wig, and worked on my makeup. After I found some examples online, I was able to make myself look OLD. It was honestly spooky how old I looked, especially when I didn't smile. Malcom said it was the least attractive I'd ever looked. :D
I woke Malcom and he got himself ready while I worked on the focal point of our evening, little Rebekah. Without her, we would've been just and old lady and a woodsman. We gathered all our things and headed to pick up our pizzas on our way to the party.
We took Bekah around the parking lot for candy (for us, not her, of course!). We left before she got too cranky. So now we're back at home, I'm in my PJ's and out of the hot pillow, hair and makeup. We're watching the quintessential Halloween movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and eating our favorites out of Bekah's basket. 
It has turned out to be a good evening, despite the lame party.
Bekah and I mostly lounged all day, which was fine with me. She wass doing some fierce teething, so she wasn't really up for much except being held by Mommy. While she was down for her second nap, I got our food stuffs together, packed the diaper bag, and got myself ready.
To get the effect of the grandmother from Little Red Riding Hood, I had purchased an ugly nightgown from Goodwill. I stuffed myself with a pillow, donned my grey wig, and worked on my makeup. After I found some examples online, I was able to make myself look OLD. It was honestly spooky how old I looked, especially when I didn't smile. Malcom said it was the least attractive I'd ever looked. :D
I woke Malcom and he got himself ready while I worked on the focal point of our evening, little Rebekah. Without her, we would've been just and old lady and a woodsman. We gathered all our things and headed to pick up our pizzas on our way to the party.
And after all that build up. . .
. . . we were the 5th car there.
LAME.
We waited in the parking lot for a few more people, then decided it was no use hiding any longer. Inside, there weren't enough people to make it a party, just a sad attempt at a gathering. No table decorations, no music, just older ward members eating pizza and talking quietly about the economy. Yikes.We took pictures to kill time before eating.
Finally more people came and we were able to enjoy our Halloween evening a bit more with all our friends around. Of course, ours was not the only cute baby:
. . . we were the 5th car there.
LAME.
We waited in the parking lot for a few more people, then decided it was no use hiding any longer. Inside, there weren't enough people to make it a party, just a sad attempt at a gathering. No table decorations, no music, just older ward members eating pizza and talking quietly about the economy. Yikes.We took pictures to kill time before eating.
Finally more people came and we were able to enjoy our Halloween evening a bit more with all our friends around. Of course, ours was not the only cute baby:
Zaphren as Sleeping Beauty
Elise as a witch in training
Zachary as a puppy
It has turned out to be a good evening, despite the lame party.Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Disney Day
One of the perks of living in SoCal is you have friends that have free Disney passes. Nanette, my 5k running buddy, is just such a person. Her husband works in the auditing department of Disney (obscure, I know) and he has passes that let 4 adults in free at any time. So cool! She invited Bekah and I, along with her sister and family and we were off.
We left at 10:30 and drove in really crappy traffic. Bekah was a little fussy but finally went to sleep for a little nap.
(Yes, I took this one while I was driving, but we were at a DEAD stop, so no lectures, please!)
Bekah ate lunch in the stroller as we made our way to California Adventure.
We rode the carousel there; Bekah was smiling before it began, and wide-eyed when we started going. I stood next to her the whole time, but she looked like she just wasn't sure what was going on!
We also rode the new Toy Story ride where you get to shoot targets with a gun attached to your car. Bekah was really upset with the noise and just cried on my lap most of the time while I tried to shoot stuff. Honestly, it was fun for me and I highly recommend that ride. We made our way over to Disneyland and watched "Billy Hill and the Hillbillies." It's a little stage show were some really talented guitar players and fiddlers tell really cheesy jokes and show off their skills. It was inside, away from the sweltering heat, and we enjoyed it.
Then we rode Pirates of the Caribbean. Bekah was fine on that one too until we went into the dark cave and down the drops in the ride. She got freaked and started to cry, but after a while, she got interested in all the puppets around and enjoyed just looking at everything.
By the time we got to the Jungle Tour, she had figured out the point of the rides--she just sits there and looks at stuff! She was very happy for the tour (I hate that ride, by the way, but with three kids in the group, you just have to do it). She also loved the next ride, The Haunted Mansion. Again, just looking all around at the cool scenes seemed right up her alley.
We had to leave at 4:30 so that I could make it home in time for book club. On the way out, we had a stranger snap our photo in front of pumpkin Mickey.
Then back in the car for a long ride home with more crazy traffic. Bekah slept again for the last 15 minutes.
It was a really good day. I was afraid that Bekah would have a hard time without her usual two naps. I knew she wouldn't sleep in the stroller so I figured she'd be really fussy. But she actually had a good time, behaved well, and only fussed in the car (which I'm used to anyway). It made me want to go back again soon with Malcom. I think we could spend the whole day there and really enjoy it.
We left at 10:30 and drove in really crappy traffic. Bekah was a little fussy but finally went to sleep for a little nap.
(Yes, I took this one while I was driving, but we were at a DEAD stop, so no lectures, please!)Bekah ate lunch in the stroller as we made our way to California Adventure.
We rode the carousel there; Bekah was smiling before it began, and wide-eyed when we started going. I stood next to her the whole time, but she looked like she just wasn't sure what was going on!
We also rode the new Toy Story ride where you get to shoot targets with a gun attached to your car. Bekah was really upset with the noise and just cried on my lap most of the time while I tried to shoot stuff. Honestly, it was fun for me and I highly recommend that ride. We made our way over to Disneyland and watched "Billy Hill and the Hillbillies." It's a little stage show were some really talented guitar players and fiddlers tell really cheesy jokes and show off their skills. It was inside, away from the sweltering heat, and we enjoyed it.
Then we rode Pirates of the Caribbean. Bekah was fine on that one too until we went into the dark cave and down the drops in the ride. She got freaked and started to cry, but after a while, she got interested in all the puppets around and enjoyed just looking at everything.
By the time we got to the Jungle Tour, she had figured out the point of the rides--she just sits there and looks at stuff! She was very happy for the tour (I hate that ride, by the way, but with three kids in the group, you just have to do it). She also loved the next ride, The Haunted Mansion. Again, just looking all around at the cool scenes seemed right up her alley.
We had to leave at 4:30 so that I could make it home in time for book club. On the way out, we had a stranger snap our photo in front of pumpkin Mickey.
Then back in the car for a long ride home with more crazy traffic. Bekah slept again for the last 15 minutes.
It was a really good day. I was afraid that Bekah would have a hard time without her usual two naps. I knew she wouldn't sleep in the stroller so I figured she'd be really fussy. But she actually had a good time, behaved well, and only fussed in the car (which I'm used to anyway). It made me want to go back again soon with Malcom. I think we could spend the whole day there and really enjoy it.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Who's Your Provider?
After a second consecutive month of being charged extra for minute overages on our cell phone plan, we're ready to switch. It's both our fault, more mine than Malcom's. We have been talking too much and we're going over our 700 minutes. Getting up to 1000 minutes with Verizon would be over $100 for both of us and that's a lot. But switching means we have to leave Verizon and we've loved their coverage. We've got this horrible suspicion that all other providers out there suck. Help us!
Who is your cell phone provider? Do you like them? Which providers are the worst? We need your expert wisdom and advice.
Thanks. :)
Who is your cell phone provider? Do you like them? Which providers are the worst? We need your expert wisdom and advice.
Thanks. :)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
From Bekah
Dear Aunt Holly,
Thanks for the shirts you got me while you were in town. I know you didn't have to and that you did it because you just couldn't resist.
Mommy took some pictures of me in them and I want to show you how cute I am:
Here I am walking with the festive kitty shirt on:
Here I am walking and reading as a Beatles fan:
You can buy me cute shirts any time you want, even though Mommy makes me write thank you notes for them. It's worth it because I trust your fashion sense so much more than Mommy's. She only dresses me in pink.
Love and kisses,
Bekah Jo
Thanks for the shirts you got me while you were in town. I know you didn't have to and that you did it because you just couldn't resist.
Mommy took some pictures of me in them and I want to show you how cute I am:
Here I am walking with the festive kitty shirt on:
Here I am walking and reading as a Beatles fan:
You can buy me cute shirts any time you want, even though Mommy makes me write thank you notes for them. It's worth it because I trust your fashion sense so much more than Mommy's. She only dresses me in pink.
Love and kisses,
Bekah Jo
Baby Mania
Yesterday was eventful--two of my closest friends went into labor on the same day!
Krista went in first, the night before, and had a long induction. I was able to go be with her, her husband Greg, and her Aunt Lorie for some of the labor. Fun times (for me!). After Krista got an epidural at 5pm, she got some much needed rest and was able to last through the evening. Around 1:00 she started pushing, and by 2:00am she had delivered her little boy. Great job! He doesn't have a name yet, but they're leaning toward Ashley, Steven, or Zachary.
Becka went in later in the day. She got admitted around 7pm and got her epidural shortly after. Her labor went a little faster and she had a little girl in her arms by 5am. Way to go! Her name is Zaphren Aurora. Cool, right?!
Both babies are healthy and well, and both moms are trying to rest (no mom ever gets REAL rest while still in the hospital!). Those kids will be told for the rest of their lives that their birthdays are the same and the story of how two close friends went into labor at the same time.
I am so excited to have fresh, new babies around. I love holding them and realizing that my Bekah was once that small. I will try to be a very conscientious friend and help them with whatever they need. I think having my colicky baby made me a lot more sympathetic to how hard it can be during those first few months.
Now, I have two other friends delivering before the end of the year, so I'm just getting started in this role. I'll keep you posted on it all!
Krista went in first, the night before, and had a long induction. I was able to go be with her, her husband Greg, and her Aunt Lorie for some of the labor. Fun times (for me!). After Krista got an epidural at 5pm, she got some much needed rest and was able to last through the evening. Around 1:00 she started pushing, and by 2:00am she had delivered her little boy. Great job! He doesn't have a name yet, but they're leaning toward Ashley, Steven, or Zachary.
Becka went in later in the day. She got admitted around 7pm and got her epidural shortly after. Her labor went a little faster and she had a little girl in her arms by 5am. Way to go! Her name is Zaphren Aurora. Cool, right?!
Both babies are healthy and well, and both moms are trying to rest (no mom ever gets REAL rest while still in the hospital!). Those kids will be told for the rest of their lives that their birthdays are the same and the story of how two close friends went into labor at the same time.
I am so excited to have fresh, new babies around. I love holding them and realizing that my Bekah was once that small. I will try to be a very conscientious friend and help them with whatever they need. I think having my colicky baby made me a lot more sympathetic to how hard it can be during those first few months.
Now, I have two other friends delivering before the end of the year, so I'm just getting started in this role. I'll keep you posted on it all!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Los Angeles Fires
No, we are NOT going up in flames.
You may have seen news coverage on some crazy fires in Southern California going on right now. Just in case you're wondering, those are not threatening us directly. We live in a very urban area of the San Fernando Valley and it would be nearly impossible for a brush fire to reach us. However, it is burning closer than it ever has before. About 20 miles northwest of us, the fire is getting near homes and areas that we visit. We have friends, a Stake Center (church building), Malcom's university (CSUN), and a good mall over in that direction. A lot of schools are closed in that area, more school closures than I've ever seen.
The smoke is heavy enough in the air that I smell it in my home throughout the day. Yuck. I'm concerned about Bekah breathing it all in, so we won't be going to the park today like I had planned.
But, all things considered, things are going well for us. We're not in danger and we'll keep praying for those fire fighters and families.
You may have seen news coverage on some crazy fires in Southern California going on right now. Just in case you're wondering, those are not threatening us directly. We live in a very urban area of the San Fernando Valley and it would be nearly impossible for a brush fire to reach us. However, it is burning closer than it ever has before. About 20 miles northwest of us, the fire is getting near homes and areas that we visit. We have friends, a Stake Center (church building), Malcom's university (CSUN), and a good mall over in that direction. A lot of schools are closed in that area, more school closures than I've ever seen.
The smoke is heavy enough in the air that I smell it in my home throughout the day. Yuck. I'm concerned about Bekah breathing it all in, so we won't be going to the park today like I had planned.
But, all things considered, things are going well for us. We're not in danger and we'll keep praying for those fire fighters and families.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Farmers Market and Strawberry Pie
Saturday was such a beautiful day. It finally felt like October with a crisp wind. Lovely.
I decided to wake Malcom up in the afternoon even though he was sleeping off the night shift from Friday. The day was so nice that he was happy to get up and spend the day outside with us. We decided to head over to a local farmers market.
Duh--we didn't bring the camera to take pictures, but we'll definitely go back another time. Anyway, Bekah had a great time looking at the small supply of fresh fruits and veggies, the HUGE arrangement of pumpkins, and watching a few animals. We didn't really plan on buying anything, but when we saw the strawberries we couldn't resist. We got three little green crates for $8. Yes, expensive, but they were so tempting.
What do you do with that many strawberries? Malcom asked for strawberry pie, and since we had a plan to have the missionaries over on Sunday, we had the perfect excuse. I love searching for recipes online and found one that looked good.
Well, I made it and it was DIVINE. I'm not really bragging here, because it wasn't my creation, so I just have to tell you that it was wonderful. I'm including the recipe because I really think you should all find the last of the Summer strawberries and make this pie.
INGREDIENTS:
1 9-inch pie crust, baked and cooled
1 quart fresh strawberries
1 cup sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
3/4 cup water
DIRECTIONS:
Mash one third to one half of the strawberries, enough to make one cup of puree. (You can use a food processor, but go slowly to make sure it doesn't get soupy.) Arrange the other half of the berries in the baked pastry shell. (Either put them in whole with the points facing up, or slice the berries and layer them.) Put the mashed berries and sugar in a medium saucepan. Place saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Gradually stir cornstarch mixture into boiling strawberry mixture. Reduce heat and simmer mixture until thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour mixture over berries in pastry shell. Chill for several hours before serving. Serve with whipped cream on top.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. If you want a recipe for pie crust, let me know because I have my mom's recipe which is the best pie crust I've EVER tasted! (No, I'm not biased!)
I decided to wake Malcom up in the afternoon even though he was sleeping off the night shift from Friday. The day was so nice that he was happy to get up and spend the day outside with us. We decided to head over to a local farmers market.
Duh--we didn't bring the camera to take pictures, but we'll definitely go back another time. Anyway, Bekah had a great time looking at the small supply of fresh fruits and veggies, the HUGE arrangement of pumpkins, and watching a few animals. We didn't really plan on buying anything, but when we saw the strawberries we couldn't resist. We got three little green crates for $8. Yes, expensive, but they were so tempting.
What do you do with that many strawberries? Malcom asked for strawberry pie, and since we had a plan to have the missionaries over on Sunday, we had the perfect excuse. I love searching for recipes online and found one that looked good.
Well, I made it and it was DIVINE. I'm not really bragging here, because it wasn't my creation, so I just have to tell you that it was wonderful. I'm including the recipe because I really think you should all find the last of the Summer strawberries and make this pie.
INGREDIENTS:
1 9-inch pie crust, baked and cooled
1 quart fresh strawberries
1 cup sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
3/4 cup water
DIRECTIONS:
Mash one third to one half of the strawberries, enough to make one cup of puree. (You can use a food processor, but go slowly to make sure it doesn't get soupy.) Arrange the other half of the berries in the baked pastry shell. (Either put them in whole with the points facing up, or slice the berries and layer them.) Put the mashed berries and sugar in a medium saucepan. Place saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Gradually stir cornstarch mixture into boiling strawberry mixture. Reduce heat and simmer mixture until thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour mixture over berries in pastry shell. Chill for several hours before serving. Serve with whipped cream on top.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. If you want a recipe for pie crust, let me know because I have my mom's recipe which is the best pie crust I've EVER tasted! (No, I'm not biased!)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Same Sex Marriage in Education
I received this video in a forward and I think everyone should see it. If your state is voting on same sex marriage this year, you should know what you could be inviting into our public schools.
Officially a Toddler
The Top Five ways you know your daughter has changed from baby to toddler:
#5: She wants to do difficult things all by herself.
#4: She takes her shoes off every chance she gets.
#3: She tries to eat only goldfish and milk for lunch.
#2: She only plays with grown-up things that really aren't toys.
and the number one way you know your daughter has changed from baby to toddler:
She learns that her finger can go up her nose.
#5: She wants to do difficult things all by herself.
#4: She takes her shoes off every chance she gets.
#3: She tries to eat only goldfish and milk for lunch.
#2: She only plays with grown-up things that really aren't toys.
and the number one way you know your daughter has changed from baby to toddler:
She learns that her finger can go up her nose.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Beachy Day
Holly and I decided to head to the beach after Conference on Sunday. It had been a really beautiful weekend with such Octobery weather we had to get out in it. Besides, everyone from Arizona who visits really SHOULD get to the beach when they come. 
Rebekah LOVED the sand. She played in it like it was her bath water. She especially enjoyed putting it in her mouth; yes, I did try to stop her, as often as I caught her, but in the end, she sure got a lot in there. I love the little sand goatee she wore most of the day.
She also loved just crawling around, even with her "baby" (the Glow Worm she got for her birthday). Poor guy got terribly sandy, but he doesn't seem to mind--he still has a smile on his glowing face!
Rebekah even took to "chasing" the birds around. She loved the noises they made and would crawl like mad to catch one, but they always got away. It was endless entertainment for her, and watching her (laughing at her) was entertaining for me too.
Of course, her other favorite thing was to be held by either of us. Even though Holly came with the purpose of studying/reading/relaxing, Bekah was such a cute distraction and Holly was definitely suckered into paying attention to the little sand baby.
Rebekah LOVED the sand. She played in it like it was her bath water. She especially enjoyed putting it in her mouth; yes, I did try to stop her, as often as I caught her, but in the end, she sure got a lot in there. I love the little sand goatee she wore most of the day.
She also loved just crawling around, even with her "baby" (the Glow Worm she got for her birthday). Poor guy got terribly sandy, but he doesn't seem to mind--he still has a smile on his glowing face!
Rebekah even took to "chasing" the birds around. She loved the noises they made and would crawl like mad to catch one, but they always got away. It was endless entertainment for her, and watching her (laughing at her) was entertaining for me too.
Of course, her other favorite thing was to be held by either of us. Even though Holly came with the purpose of studying/reading/relaxing, Bekah was such a cute distraction and Holly was definitely suckered into paying attention to the little sand baby.
Harvest Party
Our little family had a great visitor this weekend, "Aunt" Holly! She came just to relax for a mini-vacation and we had a great time.
On Saturday, our friends had a Harvest Party. They invited everyone to stuff our faces and decorate pumpkins.
Here is the spread of fabulous food. If the location looks familiar, it's where we had Bekah's first birthday, Malcom's grad party, and pretty much every other celebration of note in the last five years! Picture is courtesy of Holly, that's why it looks so much cooler and more artistic than the usual stuff on here.
Holly and I decided to do a gingerbread haunted house instead of carving pumpkins. The pictures on the box looked so cute and fabulous, but it was MUCH harder than it looked. It came with all the candy, and we had to mix the bags of frosting with water to make the mortar.
We used soup cans to prop up the sides, and then decorated the best we could.
It was taking forever, so I finished at home during General Conference on Sunday instead. Here's the finished product:
I'm pretty happy with it! At least I have one more decoration in the house to remind me that it's October.
On Saturday, our friends had a Harvest Party. They invited everyone to stuff our faces and decorate pumpkins.
Here is the spread of fabulous food. If the location looks familiar, it's where we had Bekah's first birthday, Malcom's grad party, and pretty much every other celebration of note in the last five years! Picture is courtesy of Holly, that's why it looks so much cooler and more artistic than the usual stuff on here. 
Zoey, painting pumpkins.
Holly and I decided to do a gingerbread haunted house instead of carving pumpkins. The pictures on the box looked so cute and fabulous, but it was MUCH harder than it looked. It came with all the candy, and we had to mix the bags of frosting with water to make the mortar.
We used soup cans to prop up the sides, and then decorated the best we could.
It was taking forever, so I finished at home during General Conference on Sunday instead. Here's the finished product:
I'm pretty happy with it! At least I have one more decoration in the house to remind me that it's October.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
