Grab the popcorn - it's movie time.....

A few weeks ago, "P" and "B" asked me if we could watch home movies. I have to admit that I was reluctant mostly out of guilt; I have been one of those people who has bunches of 8mm tapes and they are completely unorganized. So, yesterday when they asked again, I marched into my closet, pulled out a box of tapes and not only proceeded to watch them but we even organized some of them by downloading them onto the computer. We had a great time and found ourselves laughing ourselves silly. "P" is sure that I dressed her with the intention to humiliate her. I on the other hand, didn't realize that I was so fashion challenged; I completely deserve to be nominated for "What Not To Wear". It made for a wonderful afternoon and I can hardly wait to do it again!

This Year For Christmas....

This Year for Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.

The thrill just wasn't there.

No pictures taken with Santa Claus,

My decorating lost it's flare.

His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties,

two suits and socks...no fun.

I've bought him all white clothes because...

This year I'm giving Christ my son.


I've spent more time in the temple,

Felt strength come from His words.

I've reread November's Ensign,

and my testimony stirred.

Our family prays more frequently

My tears are quick to run.

Abraham seems closer because,

This year I'm giving Christ my son.


I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,

gave their sons to war?

Or how the pioneers chose Zion ,

their sacrifice was so much more.

My loss will be his presence,

I'll miss his smile a ton

For two years we will pray for him,

I'm giving Christ my son.


I stare at his face when he's not looking.

I memorize his eyes, their shine.

He's always hungered for the part of him,

that makes his soul divine.

The stories and lessons he always heard,

His choice and mine are one.

I'll put my faith in God's hand,

This year, I'm giving Him my son.


Past gifts have lost their glitter,

I think I finally understand

Christ's birth should be celebrated

by giving Him a hand.

It's because I know Christ lives and reigns

that all his packing's done.

My gift has taken years to make,

This year... I'm giving Christ my son.

Life In Argentina!

Yesterday we got a memory card from "R" in the mail. It was great to see him in pictures and video. "P" said she thought he looked taller and thinner and wondered whether or not he has an accent. He looks so good to all of us. It's so great to hear him talk about where he lives and get a little peek into his life in Argentina. Just a couple of months and we'll be able to talk to him - it will be the best Christmas present by far!

That brings back great memories of when "S" was in Nicaragua and we'd all wait anxiously for the telephone to ring and as soon as it did, we'd all race into the kitchen. I remember about a year into his mission hearing his accent and having a huge lump in my throat realizing how hard he had worked to get that accent and how long it had been since I'd seen my beautiful blonde boy.

Great times for sure - and more to come! Love and miss you, big man....

A Camping We Will Go....

I doubt anybody was as excited as I was to go camping - I guess it had just been so long that I couldn't wait to go. I was also really excited to take our newest family member and she didn't disappoint me a bit. She rode in the car like a champ. It makes me laugh because that's one of her favorite things now and I've turned into one of those weird people who take their dog wherever they can. Mark and the girls went fishing and doggie and I hit the trails around the lake and through the forest. She did get a little unruly when she saw a bunch of wild turkey and tried to chase them - I didn't realize how strong she was until I almost had my arm yanked out of its socket. We had a BLAST!! The last day there, it got really windy so we just hunkered down and played games and drank hot chocolate. Good times.....

The Cost Of Welcoming A New Member Of The Family....

Pound fees and licensing

+

New Leash, dog food, dog treats, chew treats

+

Constant slobber on my once spotless floors

+

Being woken in the night like I haven't since I had a newborn

+

Walks, walks, and more walks

+

Doggie bed in girls bedroom - only to find out doggie is sleeping in the non-doggie bed

+

Lots of love (aka: licks)

+

Visits to the doggie doctor for checkup (also haven't done that since I had a newborn...I'm sensing there are some similarities)

=

extreme happiness of two darling girls

And Then There Were Two.....

Well, we're back to two at home - our numbers have once again dwindled. It was a wonderful summer having everybody here for a short period of time and then having "S" stay the entire summer. Mark took him back to school last week and they turned the trip into a Father/Son fishing trip. They had an amazing time and ended up catching over 60 fish. Mark is really the ultimate fisherman.

The girls and I had a completely different kind of week. It was the total opposite of a camping/fisherman trip. We had "girls week" and we did everything girlie - think "What Not To Wear" meets "Gilmore Girls". It was FUN. On Friday, we ended up in Fallbrook going to the Hot Summer Nights on Mainstreet and their Chili Cook-off. Now, the irony that they're having a Chili Cook-off on the hottest night of the year was not lost on us, but it was a fun night anyway.

Saturday was "fantasy day" and involved each girl choosing something around town that was her "fantasy". They had to be simple, not based on money and we had to be able to fit them into an afternoon. I was impressed with how creative these girls were when it came to choosing something that they thought was "fun". This was probably my favorite time of the whole week.

If you look at the pictures at the top, you'll probably get a pretty good idea about one of the fantasies! It might have come to be a reality if I hadn't almost choked when I saw the price tag. :)