Shout Out to Jefe

This is not Jefe. On my mission, everyone said Jeff looked like Carlos Ponce, so I thought I'd find a picture of him, too. What a hunk! :)

Happy Birthday, Jefe! 

Can I just say how much I love my brother-in-law? He is hilarious! (Mas frijoles por mi, let bygones be bygones, the Anasazi Trot... need I say more?) He is always fun to be around and has an amazing ability to sleep through anything, starting at 9 pm. We've had some really funny times. I am so glad he is in the family! Such a great dad and hubby and bro-in-law. 

Hope you have (had) a fantastic birthday. We love you! Can't wait to see you at the Lake!!!!

Jefe is on the left. That's my sweet niece and my bro. at the computer.

All You Never Wanted to Know About ME

1. What time did you get up this morning?  6:45 am. I love sleeping in! 
2. What was the last movie you saw? Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Can I just say it was WAY too gory and gross for me! Ew. I'd pass, but I did like the first one, despite the gore. Just trying to prep for the new movie, which I am sure I will see at Christmas when it comes out on dvd. Ah, the student life!  
3. Where is the most beautiful place you've ever been? Kauai. Gorgeous private beaches and Napali coast day hike with my old roomie, Megan Hadley. Her family (from there) had a great outdoor shower if you didn't mind sharing it with frogs!
4. What do you usually have for breakfast? Cold cereal with 1% milk (an indulgence!). 
5. What is your favorite food? I love fresh fruit. Why am I not pencil thin? I also love ethnic foods (thai curry, etc.) as well as a Cafe Rio salad with cilantro lime dressing. YUMMO.
6. What food do you dislike? I am not crazy about a strong, fishy fish or fishy sea food. 
7. What is your favorite CD lately? I am sooo modern music-challenged. I like Michael Buble and the Hairspray soundtrack, but name any song on the radio and I have no clue what it is or who the singer is. 
8. Favorite Sandwich? Um... I don't have one, but I like crusty, yummy bread with turkey or chicken and lots of toppings like avacados, bacon, strong cheese, lots of veggies. I like 'em cold and hot. I have a hard time choosing favorites.
9. What characteristics do you despise? Violence, disrespect, rude, inconsiderate. Arrogance, haughty, people who are vindictive, liars. AMEN! THESE ARE FROM MY SIS AND BRO IN LAW. I agree!
10. Favorite item of clothing? I don't have one. I despise my pathetic wardrobe and my lack of style. Sorry to be negative, but there you have it. Maybe if I dropped a few pounds, my clothes would look a little better to me...
11. If you could go anywhere in the world for a vacation, where would you go? Europe. 
12. What color is your bathroom? White. It's a rental. Oh, I should mention the stunning baby pink tile counter, lined by black tile. Probably from the 50's.
13. Favorite brand of clothing? Don't have one. Confession: I didn't know what Juicy Couture or any Couture was until talking to my sis. Yep. I am a fashion disaster.
14. What was your most memorable birthday? A slumber party in 6th grade. We went swimming at the Nautitorium (sp?) and had pizza. I got a Wilson Phillips cassette tape. I was hip.
15. Favorite sport to watch? Maybe soccer? I like watching BYU football, but haven't in a long time.
16. Favorite saying? Lately? "Try that again, Jake."  I don't know!
17. Shoe size? 7.5 or 8 (width issues). My sister and I used to buy shoes together. I was a 7, and she's a 9, so we'd buy an 8. She had a sore on her toe for years because she'd squish into an 8, and I'd be tripping and floppin' around a bit, but hey, we looked cool in the latest shoes. 
18. Pets? No, thank you. I am NOT an animal lover. We had a goldfish (thanks, Jared and Kristen) which lasted a week. It had been about 105 here and our house thermometer was reading over the max (the needle was past 90--we have no central AC) and I think we cooked our poor little Nemo. Jake was not heartbroken and I was thankful my prayers were answered and the poor thing died! It sounds inhumane, but I really did go out and get fish food for the thing, knowing it would die soon but not wanting it to starve. I am just not an animal person. 
19. What did you want to be when you were little? A mommy. A doctor. 
20. What are you today? I had to read this a few times. Obviously, I am not inspired! I am a mommy. A chef. A taxi driver. A nurse. A star wars character and expert sword fighter. A dentist (I DID diagnose Jake's cavity!). A teacher. An entertainer. Exhausted. Happy. 
21. What is your favorite candy? Chocolate. Good chocolate with crunchies (nuts, toffee, etc.) in it. I am not much of a candy fan, actually. I like cookies over candy. I could pass on sugary, non-chocolate candy any day.
22. What is your favorite flower? I don't know. I like most. Don't like carnations. I love tulip gardens.
23. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? June 12. Last day of finals before a long summer break.
24. What are you listening to right now? Crickets chirping and an occasional car.
25. What was the last thing you ate?  Watermelon. Scrumptious! 
26. Do you believe in Angels?  Yes.
27. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Silver. 
28. Pet Peeves? Smoking. When I forget something... an appointment, a birthday, etc. It happens a lot! Dirty house. Disorganized house. A dirty stove top. Ew. 
29. Favorite TV show? I don't watch t.v. We don't have it. I did like So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol when we'd watch it at Christy's! :)
30. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Scott. He was finally coming home from lab for dinner. We'd already finished dinner... 
31. Do you like the person who sent you this?   My sis! I love her!
32. Favorite soft drink? Water.  
33. Hair Color? Brown
34. Favorite restaurant? Once again, hard to choose a favorite. I like Cheesecake factory but it's heavy. I like small, non-chain restaurants like Oreganos. Cafe Rio. Small Vietnamese restaurants with yummy pho.
35. Siblings? 3 sisters, 2 brothers 
36. What was your favorite toy as a child?  Trampoline
37. Summer or Winter?  Summer over winter. I like the Lake and trying to be tan. 
38. Hugs or Kisses? Hugs.
39. Chocolate or vanilla? Definitely chocolate.
40. What is under your bed? Swimsuits (I know, odd), toilet paper, paper towels, duffel bags, computer stuff, pasta. We don't have much storage in the kitchen, ok? Cobwebs. Love living by a field!
41. When was the last time you cried? Stone heart is Scott's nickname for me. I don't know. Oh, yes I do! A few days before my birthday.
42. Who is the friend you've had the longest? Ali and my mom. 
43. What did you do last night for dinner?  Soft tacos. Old standard when I don't want to put much effort or time into it.
44. Favorite smell? Scott's deoderant or freshly washed face at night (he uses St. Ives Apricot Scrub).
45. What are you most afraid of? Losing my family. Being separated from my family. 
46. Favorite day of the week? Jeff wins the Saint award on this one. I'll have to say Saturday--IF Scott doesn't have to study. Otherwise, Sunday.
47. How many towns have you lived in? Technically? Nine. Three were in Honduras.
48. Do you make friend easily? Maybe? I'd like to think so, but maybe not? I feel like a friendly person.
49. Are you happy? YEP.
Whew! So, why are there only 49 questions. Shouldn't there be fifty? I am adding a #50

50. Why did you do this tag? Because Scott is in lab. I am not that interested in my book and our library is closed for a bit. Because I started it and didn't realize how long it'd take. Gosh, I could've been ironing! 

The Haps

Just another fun craft with Jake--sock puppets. So easy! We made two and added pipe cleaner horns to each. They are way fun!

Aw... Twinners!

Sweet kiddos drinking milk.

The Haps--reminds me of my friend Nicole Hutchibuns (Nikki-buns for short). We'd always write notes back and forth in school (elementary?) and start off with "What's the haps?" 

We went on a very last-minute trip to Scottsdale, AZ for the weekend. Thank you so much, Les and Linda, for a wonderful time! It was so nice to relax and hang out with family. We made it there (through much rain) by dinner time Friday and stayed until Monday afternoon. It was a lot of fun! It was pretty cool Friday evening and Sat. but Jake still went swimming both days. Sunday it warmed up. We played some fun games... sorry about getting so intense with the screwball rummy everyone! Somehow my competitive side tends to come out during games when I play against Scott!!! Nertz was, as always, super fun.

Monday was pretty warm and we were out at the pool by about 9:30 am. I put sunscreen on Jake but never reapplied, and I thought (for some reason) that I didn't need sunscreen, as it wasn't too hot and I had been in the sun a lot here in Cali. Welp, we both ended up with sunburns and hurting! I mostly feel bad for Jake, since it was all my fault. Lesson learned: reapply every hour! We were out until around 1 pm. 

So last night in his prayers, Jake branched out from the food prayer and said, "Please bless my sunburn on my back to get all better. Help me to feel better and to be good as new. Help my sunburn to get better!" I really had to hold back the laughter. Good as new? What a crack up. 

Alisa is cutting her 1 year molars and has been in bed whining for almost 2 hours now. Poor thing! I just went in to make sure she wasn't poopie, and as I lifted her up, she kicked. Now I have a slightly fat lip. Thanks. And no poop, just sore gums, I guess! 

I have been giving Jake "schoolwork" lately (preschool pages off the internet) and he is eating it up! He'll say funny things like "Oh, I have to finish my schoolwork" and "Just a minute! I'm doing my schoolwork!" He LOVES it. I am not organized at it, but he loves it and is eating it up. 

We played hide-and-seek today for probably an hour. Jake was hilarious! He'd skip from 5 to 10 and leave me dashing madly to get a hiding spot. I hid in some funny places that were not obvious to him. When he'd get close, I'd jump out and scare him. He would crack up. I love his laugh! It's great to see and hear him laughing like that. Speaking of, lately Jake has had this made up language that mostly consists of saying things that sound like pacha (and variations of that word). He'll answer a question with three or four words like this put together. It's been a bit annoying, but he did it at the dinner table tonight and I shocked him by playing along. We had a hilarious conversation all in his little language. He really thought it was funny when I'd say something about Alisa or Dad (gesturing to them as I babbled away). Again, that full-on laugh that I love. It's so fun to be a mom! These are the delightful moments I live for!

When I get bigger...

"When I get bigger I can stand up and go pee-pee, just like dad!"

"When I get bigger, I can use lots of sharp knives!"

"When I get bigger, I can use the zizzors!" (that pronunciation always cracks me up.)

This morning he hopped out of the booster seat, stood tall, and said, "Look, mom, I AM bigger! I can use the long knife! I will show you!" No, Jake, you have to be as big as me to use the knife. "Oh, you mean this big?" And he stretched his hands way up. 

Oh, it's great to be bigger!

Terror Child = Terror Mama

Ok, he's not a terror. But I sometimes am! :) I cannot get Jake to obey. I mean it. I can't do it. I don't know what to do, and although I am sure this is typical 3 year old behavior, I am sometimes so exasperated! 

I believe that any kind of violence, however small, is not the right way to discipline. It's not right for me. It would make me feel nothing like my Savior. Quite the contrary. 

So, I've been brewing over his disobedience and my reactions a bit. I decided to read a talk from the April General Conference (click here to read it) for my scripture study. As I was reading along, I felt very sure there was a reason I was reading this talk. I am sure Heavenly Father is trying to tell me something and I am so grateful. It is amazing that God and that Jesus Christ really do know me  and love me and care about what I  am doing to raise my children. 

Here is part of the talk (especially the last two paragraphs):

We are also to teach our children to honor their parents. The fifth commandment states, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”19

How can we best teach our children? The Lord has given us specific instruction:

“No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long‑suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

“By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

“Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy.”²⁰

When a child needs correction, you might ask yourself, “What can I say or do that would persuade him or her to choose a better way?” When giving necessary correction, do it quietly, privately, lovingly, and not publicly. If a rebuke is required, show an increase of love promptly so that seeds of resentment may not remain. To be persuasive, your love must be sincere and your teachings based on divine doctrine and correct principles.

Do not try to control your children. Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead them toward eternal life. You are God’s agents in the care of children He has entrusted to you. Let His divine influence remain in your hearts as you teach and persuade.

Yeah, that was for me. How often do I put my arms around Jake and just love him? How often to I persuade him with love and gentleness, with kindness? I tell him often how much I love him, but could I show him more?

I went to a Relief Society Devotional and one of the ladies said that we are all special to our Heavenly Father and Jesus, and even though it's hard to think of ourselves as someone special, it is true. I know that's true, but it was reconfirmed to me tonight. Out of all the billions of people who live and have lived on the earth, I am important to my Heavenly Father and his Son and they care how I raise my kids. Amazing. I am renewed. I can do it!!!

I'd love to hear your thoughts and/or suggestions on the matter...

First Father and Sons Outing

Yep, still going strong! Scott and Jake took the truck and went on backroads (as opposed to freeway) to the campout. Even though we've had multiple offers, we will never sell it (never mind that it's not really ours)!!!

Here's the end of the campout. Jake and Jonas all sticky and dirty!

Jake in ol' whitey. 

Jonas, Jake and Ethan by the campfire.

This is the amphitheater where they had the evening program. There's a stage in front where they did a silhouette scene type program with narrator. Scott said it was very cool.

Jake and Jonas at breakfast. Once Jake found Jonas, they were inseparable! Jonas is a few weeks older than Jake.

The boys and the tents (thanks, mom and dad, for letting us permanently borrow the tent!). I know we are low budget, but really... that tarp blew into our driveway on a windy day. I was going to put it in the recycling, then thought, hey, we could probably use this! I guess Scott had the same idea when he saw it...

Inside the tent

This is a couple of years ago at the pumpkin patch, just giving you an idea of what the blow up things are like there. FUN!

Jake on the trampoline. He wouldn't let go of Scott's hand. A little nervous.

Jake's potential, but it's not Jake.

Friends from the ward

Rock climbing wall, a.k.a. Spiderman wall. Jake not pictured.

Alisa and I enjoyed some girl bonding while Jake and Scott went to the Father and Sons Campout last night. We went to Panera and spent money we don't have on a scrumptious turkey and artichoke sandwich. It comes with half a baguette, which Alisa promptly took and gnawed on the whole time. She even started pinching bread out of the center. She was, as always, happy and smiley the whole time. Love that angel!

Our stake really knows how to have a party, apparently! This is out at the Christmas tree farm, which is the same location as the pumpkin patch (about 20 minutes east of us). It's owned by some families in the ward. For Halloween (and maybe Christmas?) they put up a bunch of blow up toys and other carnival games. It's fun! Anyhow, they put up some for the Father and Sons stake campout. Jake, as you can tell, was really nervous about the trampoline. 

They had a blast! Jake was really into the tent. They finally got in to go to bed around 9:30 (I don't think they even brushed their teeth!) and Jake said, "This is such a nice tent! ... So, dad, what are we going to do? Did you bring some toys? Or maybe we could play a game?" He also yelled hi to anyone that passed the window. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out. So glad they could go!

It is such nice weather here, we are ready to camp a lot more! Anyone care to join us?

Before I forget

Doesn't she look so big? This was obviously before the 100 + degree weather!

Cheeser!

She likes to take off her bib and then try to put it back on. Same goes with the headband, hat, etc.

Jake's new favorite hide and seek spot. I've started putting the dirty laundry in another basket, since it's been spread all over our floor and house every day.

In the hamper... say, "Where's Jakey?"

Jake was looking at a picture of me, my sisters, and sis-in-law Tarah, and naming them all. When I came into the room, he was kissing each one of us. He said, "Mom, can I marry all these girls? I want to marry all these girls!" What a sweetie!

Earlier, he said all casually, "So, mom, what do you want to do? We could play with playdoh, or color, or paint a picture, or ride bikes, or read stories... what do you want to do?" Yep, I think he's heard that a few hundred times from me. I just try to steer him away from watching a movie! He loves them, we don't get cable or dish or whatever the heck it is called to be able to watch t.v., so movies are his t.v.  And I try to steer clear...

Alisa puts ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to her ear and says, "he-o" sort of like hello. She gives kisses like no one's business and is basically the sweetest and smiley-est and most well-behaved baby ever. I am so blessed--by both kids. And by Scott. 

Crocs on sale

FYI, Crocs are 50% off at tillys.com! I don't know how long it'll last, but hey! Just so you know!

Women's Conference Weekend... Finally!

Women's Conference was such a blast! Can I just say a HUGE thank you to Linda for flying me up there? I am so grateful I was able to go! I forgot how wonderful it is to have some "me" time and focus on the spiritual. I have felt lately that I am spiritually stuck in a rut. I think I have been too focused on the little, unimportant things (who needs a spotless house, anyway?) and have not given enough time to things that matter most, like my kids and my own spiritual nourishment. I know, it's weird that I can be a stay at home mom and not be here too much for my kids. There are always other things that call me away and take all of my attention. 

Anyway, Women's Conference was really motivating to get me out of that rut and start to refocus. I am excited to study the gospel and teachings of Jesus and the prophets once again. It was wonderful to be able to finish the two days of spiritual feasting with an address by the prophet President Monson. He truly is called of God. I was grateful for his remarks. The spirit was so strong as he entered the room. I felt a calm, peaceful feeling and confirmation that he is God's mouthpiece on the earth today and that he speaks the will of Christ. 

A common theme that I got from the classes I went to was the powerful influence I can have as a woman--in my own home and family as well as in society. I feel empowered that I can raise my kids to be great leaders and citizens, that I can improve the environment they are in (as opposed to just complaining about the system, the way "they" do things, etc.). Anyway, sometimes I just need to step into the mess and play with my kids instead of always trying to clean it up right away! 

Here are some pictures from Women's conference. They are all borrowed from others, as I FORGOT to bring my camera to ANYTHING! How LAME am I???? (Please send pictures if you have them!)

Here's my mom, my sis Lisa, me, and sis Jacqui. Besides sitting all together at the closing sessions, we actually went to a class together! Fun!

Here I am with Linda (my mom-in-law), Bethi and Kelsi (Scott's sisters), Carolyn and Kristi Goodman (good friends from Flag). So much fun to be with you all, and may I just say you are great yarn rollers, too!

After the conference ended, I went with my mom and Jacqui bowling at the BYU. I found out what I must've known deep down... I am a terrible bowler!!!

Thus, I was VERY excited when I got a strike! I pulled a split eagle move spontaneously, which they made me repeat for the fans. Yeah, still got the moves. 

Jacqui says, "I love this ball! Eet ees the best!" (Name that movie!)

Nice pose me. Sleek.

My mamacita in action. I think she won. Right? Obviously I am very competitive...can't even remember!

For my birthday, we went to Noodles and Co. (recommended by Jenni--thanks!) We were being so silly! They gave us free rice crispies, trying to bribe us to leave, I think! We didn't take the hint and WAY overstayed our welcome!

Li and I being silly. Rice crispies make great maracas! 

Lady and the tramp? We were being so ridiculous!

Squeezed in for the picture! Mom, Jacq, Me, Li

My birthday cookie (another "please leave soon" bribe that failed.)

The next day we went to the tulip gardens at Thanksgiving Point. They were awesome! 

My mama and daddy-o, looking hot!

Another tulip garden shot. So gorgeous!

Lunch on Saturday at Cafe Trang--yummo Vietnamese food! We had pho and (here goes phonetically...tell me if I'm right, Jacq) bum-tick-nun-chai-ya! Ha, ha. It is yummy rice noodles with veggies and cut up egg roll and pork and it was delish. Li got some carmel pork which was awesome!!! I heart Vietnam!

Then how cute is this? My nieces disappeared on Saturday morning and came back bearing gifts! They each made me a birthday card and gave me a homemade hair bow (three different ribbons on a bobby pin), a mood ring, a snowman picture holder, and $5! They are so sweet and it was a very generous gift that I will treasure. It reminds me of Li's red nail polish gift a little! :) But hey, the $5! They aren't skimpin' are they? And yes, I know, lovely jammies by me. They're Lisa's from girls camp long ago. Thanks, Li. 

Bye, bye, sweet gopher!

p.s. scroll down for sweeter post on mother's day

We've had a gopher reeking havoc on our lawn and garden. It ate all of our cilantro and left more than a dozen holes in our small lawn in back. It must've been pretty smart; it never fell for one of our traps. Yesterday Scott stuck the hose down a newer hole and just let it run (isn't it nice that we don't have to pay for water?!) After a long while, a little gopher stuck it's wet head out of a new hole by the green onions (which are quite large. If you ever need any, come see us!).  It made sure it was safe, then eventually climbed all the way out, very aware of us, ran over to the fence, crawled down an old hole there. It kept coming out as it dug it's way back into the old hole. I removed Jake from the scene (we went into the laundry room to play the piano) and left Scott with the gopher and a shovel. Thank goodness he does manly things like decapitating gophers! I couldn't handle it, personally! It was messier than he thought, but easy. He handed me Alisa while he cleaned up the remains of our little rodent. Yuck! Goodbye, gopher, we will not miss you!

Happy Mother's Day

Here they are with the yummy breakfast! Guess who's the new cheese queen?

Posing

Cheese queen

She is the culprit! She is thrilled to be in Jake's chair with Jake's doggie... forbidden items!

Scott woke up with the kids today at 6 am... Bless his soul! I finally got out of bed around 7:30 and was greeted by a wonderful homemade breakfast of french toast and fresh fruit (some of my favorite things!) Scott even made homemade french bread last night in the bread maker (it was too late to go to the store). It was scrumptious! 

During breakfast, Scott told Jake he should sing me a special Mother's day song. I was all geared up to hear him sing a sweet song. He said, "How 'bout the Darth Gator song (Darth Vador)?" Scott said, "Well, how about Mother I love you?" Jake: "No, how 'bout the Darth Gator song? She will like that!" And he started in "da, da, da, da-da-daaaa, da-da-daaa." What a tribute to mothers! Ha!

Oh, here's a funny story. We were at the grocery store yesterday. Jake wanted to get a green apple. I let him pick one. He held it and kept saying, "This is my green apple. It is scrumptious! It will make me big and healthy and strong!" Really loud. I especially loved the "scrumptious" part. What a crack up. Sure enough, as soon as I had paid for it, he asked for it and scarfed it. Glad he is making healthy food choices.

I am so blessed to be a mother and be able to be at home with my kids! I wouldn't trade my job for the world!

Am I THAT Dumb?

I'm on the phone with a Wells Fargo Rep. just now. If you have seen Meet the Robinsons, she was the lady with the coffee patch. Seriously. (if you haven't seen it, I recommend it. It's random and funny!) Here is our conversation in a nutshell:

Me: Hi. I have a Monthly Service Fee on my savings account. I'm wondering why. 

Coffee Patch (VERY bubbly): Well, let's see... The monthly service fee is... Um... Well... How do I put this into words? It's a fee for a monthly service... Yeah, it's a monthly fee for a service...

OH, my! How enlightening! How did I not understand before? Hmmm... it was a bit confusing to read the title and figure out what it really meant. What is the service you are rendering here, coffee patch lady? I MUST BE AN IDIOT!!!!

Family Band and Phone Call

First, are these not the cutest kids ever? They are so funny playing together. I LOVE to see them getting along! Alisa is Jake's #1 fan!

She is so proud that she can stand up and get into this little rocking chair thing. 

Doesn't she look so tropical in the Aloha attire? Thanks, G'ma Seaman!

I must say that we know how to rock out here at home! She's intense!

Jake, too! Thanks to baby Jordan, we had a real drum for a few days.

Here is my mom (I know, she looks like she could be my sister) and my little sis, Lisa (who looks like she is not related to me!) with my sweet, sweet niece. My sister, Hermanita Craneo, is in Chile Santiago West. She got special permission to call the week before mother's day since we would all be together. It was so good to talk to her! I love the "bueno" and "entonces" thrown in everywhere! I miss being that immersed in Spanish! She is doing awesome and is tearing it up, of course! Love you, Shmelly!

Liza Bellie

My parents when Michelle called. Intense moment! :) Love you guys!

Here is a little demo of our jammin' session! Notice how Alisa is mostly sucking on the maracas. Yep, straight from Mexico and no doubt lead-filled paint! Ha! What a good mommy!

Up next (so I don't forget): my bad mommy moment at Disneyland!