Sacramento, Summer, etc...

So, we got back yesterday from Sacramento, where Deon was interviewing for an Architect postition with the Army Corp of Engineers. He is really excited about it, and I am getting there. It will be a good opportunity for us, more money in a less expensive place to live. And, even better, we both agree it is not a permanent move. Neither of us are big city folk, we have decided. We like a little bit of elbow room, and even more important, we like a lot of family time. With the rediculous traffic in Sacramento (and any metropolitan, really) those two things are mutually exclusive. So, we'll see what city life is like for a few years. then figure something else out. If we get the job. Which is a pretty good possiblity. Deon interviewed for three hours and the guy said he would hire him, if it was up to him, but it is up to personnel. On his recommendation. So, I'm not sure what the point of that is, except maybe the guy just can't say he is hired, but who else will they hire, if not the person recommended for the job? Seems a little silly to me. Anyway, it is government work, so it may be a month before we ever even get news. Then we negotiate a starting date. So, we'll at least spend the summer here.
Speaking of summer, we are in full swing. Enjoying our summer classes at the adult school, and I'm trying to sign up the girls for swim lessons tomorrow. Our big summer goal of 1000 books read to my children is coming along nicely, but it is hard to keep up with. We have read about 260 so far, more than a quarter of the way through. I must say, I am pleased to see a difference. I thought, since I regularly read to my kids, that I wouldn't see any change in them, but they are both much more interested in books. They spend a lot of their free time (when I'm not reading to them :)) looking at books by themselves. We also have plans to go see the Thompsons in Orange and go to the temple, and I will be going to my father's 75th birthday. Unfortunately it will fall on the same weekend as my nephew's Endowment session in the temple, as he leaves for his mission in August, so Deon will be attending that. I am so sad, but neither of us can be in both places at once, and I felt we needed to have family representation at both. I really felt like I couldn't miss my father's birthday, as it will be an opportunity for me to connect with a lot of people I haven't seen in years, and meet family I have never seen, period. I do feel a little insecure without Deon there, but I am trying to recruit Kim to go with me.
The other new thing is an informal diagnosis for Sidda of Sensory Processing Disorder. Maybe I will save this post for later, but suffice it to say, there is much evidence to say this is what is going on, and that something should be done about it so that she can be sucessful in the near future. Hopefully I'll have more information soon.

Halfway Laid Off?

Well, Deon received notice this Wednesday that he has been cut to 20 hours a week. I spent Thursday wanting to crawl in a hole, but he spent the day sending off resumes. Much more procuctive. So far he has gotten a call back from his old boss, who thinks he may have work for him, which would be great. The other call was from a hiring associate from Camp Pendelton here in CA, down by San Diego. She seemed very excited about his qualifications, and they are hiring a number of people, so that may be where we end up for now. But, I can't count my chickens before they hatch. For now, we are down 50% of our income. We can't pay our bills on that. But at least I have hope.
So, I'll try to focus on the postitive. Life is pretty good, really. We are all healthy. Dimitri is a joy, he is so much fun. He is pulling up on everything, and cutting his top teeth. One is already through and he goes around grinding it all day. Aaak! Sidda is smiley as always. Aunica has just finished Kindergarten with flying colors. Her reading level is a DRA 16 and passing First Grade is a DRA 17. Her teacher is so pleased with her, as are we. Unfortunately her teacher will not be continuing with her charter school in the fall, but, as it turns out, we may not be either. We are all looking forward to summer. We have a goal of reading 1000 books this summer, which sounds like a lot, but it is only about 10 a day. And I am counting a chapter as a book. That combined with Aunica reading some and writing some every day makes up our summer education plan. I'll probably work with Sidda on her letters. She is desperate to learn, but I have a hard time feeding that need with an older child I am also responsible for educating. I need to get better at it. Also in the summer line up are swim lessons, piano, messy art, a regualr preschool class, and a dad sports class. We will not be at a loss for things to do. Hopefully some hiking and walking as well.
In other news, it looks like Deon's mom may be moving out. She is considering filing bankruptcy, and she would have to move back into her house so they don't take it. Which makes us sad, but it may be good timing if we have to move ourselves.
Lots of change in the future for us. Some adversity. :) I do feel very blessed and looked after though, so on we go.

Dentist Visit

So, Friday I took the girls to see a new dentist, Dr Stout. We had decided to change dentists after our last dentist wanted to take an "agressive approach" to Aunica's supernumerary (extra) tooth she has in between her two front teeth. The first dentist we had taken her to (who has stopped seeing pediatric patients) thought it prudent to take a wait-and-lets-see approach, which I was fine with. Seemed like a good plan, don't make a problem where one doesn't yet exist. He sold his practice to a new dentist, who wanted to surgically take it out, for no apparent reason. His reasoning seemed flimsy (it could get infected, well that might happen when you perform surgery on my 5 year old), so we decided to get a second opinion and this time with a Pediatric Dentist (as opposed to a general dentist who sees children, which is what we have previously done). What a great office! Dr Stout and his staff we great with the kids, and he totally understood where I was coming from. He also wanted to wait and see what happens, and had high hopes that it may just work itself out. He recently had a patient in that had a supernumerary in the same position that broke through on its own. All of Aunica's news was great. Great, clean teeth, supernumerary in a good position, good to go. Sidda had some mixed news. Great, clean teeth, same as her sister. But, in doing the xrays, the dentist is pretty sure she is missing at least two teeth, possiby 4 or more. She is missing the next out from the middle on the bottom, and possibly the same set on the top. It makes me a little sad, but really not a big deal, and I was already a bit prepared for it, as her first dentist had mentioned that children with a fused tooth often have missing teeth as well. He had positive things to say about it though. She has a small mouth anyway, so it may help on spacing, and she doesn't show gum when she smiles, so it won't be very noticable. Probably not need dental implants. Both the girls are probably in for braces though, which is no surprise. All in all a good visit, and I am very happy with this switch in dentists,.

Poison Control # anyone?

Well, here is the story of my life. I went to Albertson's tonight. I have this new thing that I am trying to look through the ads that come in the mail and find things on sale that we use and stock up. This is new for me. Usually I just make a list, go to a grocery store, and buy it. Sooo...
Albertson's. Deon and I go in alone, leaving Grandma in the car with the three kids. There is a deal that if you buy 10 boxes of Kellogs Cereal you get two free movie tickets, and since Deon has a line up of movies he wants to go see (Wolverine, Star Trek, Angels and Demons) *and* he eats a lot of cereal, this seems like a great idea. Get to the checkout, pay for cereal, but where are the tickets? Seems we made a mistake. There was a post cereal in a kellogs cereal spot. So, check into customer service, where I realize that the manager is a friend of mine. Which is good, because he is very patient as he returns all 10 boxes of cereal, gives us our money back, then recharges for the 10 correct boxes. This takes at least 30 minutes. When it seems the transaction is under control, I head out to the van to see how Grandma and the kids are doing. Look back at Sidda holding a half empty toothpaste tube. Hmmm. I have a bad feeling that was full not very long ago, as we went to the dentist on Friday. I ask Sidda "did you eat that toothpaste?" She replies "no, no mommy, I just sucked on it." Walk back inside, ask for the number to Poison Control. Don't know it? No problem, I'll call 911. Turns out a child Sidda's size (32lb) can eat 3oz of flouride toothpaste before it becomes an issue. Thank goodness it was a small tube. So, now we are back home, and I am going to put these kids to bed. Because I am done. Really.
So, I need to share our dentist experience. Thankfully a much better one than our grocery store story. Well, you win some, you lose some.

April

Well, I feel like I am finally surfacing. April is looking much nicer than March. I am really looking forward to spring break next week. ESPECIALLY with Aunica's recent injury...
This Sunday we had some friends over and the kids were playing in the girls' room. Aunica was hiding in her closet and she went to shut the door with her right had and shut her left thumb in the hinge side of the door. She pulled her thumbnail out at the base. It was so sad, she cried so hard, and it bled and I was really sad, too. My poor baby. We bandaged it, and took her to the doctor on Monday. Thankfully it wasn't broken, but it needs to be bandaged for the next two weeks. She can't write or practice the piano with her right hand.
This last weekend was General Conference, which I enjoy, mostly. I have a hard time sometimes, because inevitably I end up squirming in my seat because I feel very chastized. So many things to work on, so many things I am either doing wrong, or not doing at all that I should be. The first two talks were about addictive behaviors (with my personal focus, debt) and showing respect to your children by speaking kindly to them to increase reverence and love for the Lord. Don't get me wrong, I think these are both important. Extremely important, in fact. If I didn't feel that way it wouldn't be so painful.
We had a perfect day this past Saturday. I wish all our days could be like it. We all woke up late, in our bed, at 8:45, just in time to watch General Conference in our pajamas. Deon made us special breakfast in bed, even. :) Then we went to Morro Bay to get Dimitri's handprints done, went down to the wharf to check out a tall ship, then played a little chess in the park with huge chess pieces. Went to Bayside Cafe for Deon's favorite clam chowder, and then did a little geocaching. Back home, hang out, Deon did the grocery shopping, have an easy dinner, and watch the Brown kids for a couple of hours. So, I spent almost all day with my family, slept in, felt spritually fed, learned some, got some errands accomplished, and did some service.
Dimitri has cut his first tooth, that is exciting. Someday I will post pictures. I should. Lots of those in my life. :)

The month of March is always hard...

So, I am glad it is almost over. Mostly consumed by Girl Scout cookie sales, which are still not complete. I have one more booth sale to do, and paperwork to finalize. I think next year I will pass the torch and beg someone else to do it.
I have wanted to put cute things my kids do on my blog, but always forget by the time I sit down. I have an Aunica story though. She is learning to count in Spanish, and we counted together to thirty, then I let her do the thirties. She was so focused on trying to get it right though, she said treinta-one, treinta-two, treinta-three. Thats spanglish for you. :)
Yesterday Deon and I hiked the hill behind our house to the red tower. Then we got lost. It is a seriously hard hike, I'm telling you! I have problems with my lungs, so I have to stop a lot on the way up, but Deon's legs were weak the rest of the day. We took a wrong turn (or didn't take a right turn, as it were) and ended up on Sydney St instead of at the Old Junior High. Alls well that ends well, and we keep talking about doing more exercise together. I'd like to build up my lung strength and lose this extra 20 pounds I'm hauling around with me.
Today I taught Relief Society from a talk by President Monson called The Joy in the Journey. In sum, focus on the positive, live life in the moment, and love fully and transparently. I wish you all a happy Sunday.

Finally Friday

So, I think we have come to the conclusion that we can't buy our house and still live in it. Kind of a bummer. We are still working on solutions, but it has been a stressful, sad week.
It has also been a super busy week, and will be through tomorrow night at least. Tonight was Girl Scout Thinking Day, and since my older girls put it on, there was a lot to be done! Throw in the fact that my sister-in-law, who is my co-leader, and her kids have been sick for two weeks and you have a big fat mess. In actuality, the event went off without a hitch, looking spectacular. Most things do, you know. All the kids had a great time, there were lots of songs led, cute costumes and swaps. In fact, my youngers won a certificate for cutest swap! I appreciate all the applause, yes, that was me. :) The girls made them, but it was my idea. I tried to have all the components of Thinking Day be age appropriate for them, and I think I really succeded. The board was cute, too. I also gave in at the last minute and bought Aunica a costume at the Oriental Market (which is really cool, by the way, I had never been in there before). The girls chose to learn about China, so we read some fictional books set in China, and talked about what it must be like to live in China. Then we put some of those things on a trifold board (Yangtze River running through it, chopsticks, rice and noodles glued on, a handprint dragon, a map, and a picture of a little girl in traditional Chinese dress), gave out fortune cookies, and the swaps the girls made were red paper circles with a toothpick cut in half (pointy ends removed) glued on and a few grains of rice, with a sticky pin backing. I was so proud.
Anyway, tomorrow is the culmination of my busy week. It starts with 9am piano, then pick up supplies from Kim for the 11am baby shower for Amy. Quick get in the van (and haul along mom and the other van) for girl scout cookie pick up at 1:30. What do you do with 80 cases of cookies? Well, you certainly don't use your living room anymore! Rush, hurry to Sidda's 3rd birthday party, thank goodness Kim is Martha Stewart in disguise and has totally uber planned the whole thing. Back home to sort cookies so my dear parents can please, please, please come pick them up and get them out of my hair. Whew! Thankfully I get to sleep in a bit on Sunday, as it is Stake Conference at 10am instead of 9am.
I'll try to post again when I resurface!

Triumph!

Today was Sidda's third birthday. Where did the past three years go? Don't we always ask ourselves that. We set up Aunica's third birthday as the end of binkis for her, and that worked out great. She even gave them to her sister, as Sidda was 7 months old at the time. This went so well we decided to have the same date set for Sidda. She has been excited about it, telling anyone and everyone who will listen "it be my birthday, no more binkis!" This as date has been looming upon us, I have felt some trepidation that it couldn't possibly be that easy again... But we are on night two, and she is sound asleep. Woo-hoo! What an awesome kid! I have transitioned her a little by laying with her, but she hasn't asked for it at all. I am so proud of her. :)
She had a nice birthday today. Sunday, so we had special cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and headed to church, where they gave her a crown and sang Happy Birthday to her (and ate cookies). Once we were home, my Aunt Wendy, Uncle Tim and Emily showed up to help celebrate. It is so nice to have them living in the states. Finally, Kim and Eric flew in from New Orleans and rounded out the group. Of course, Grandma was here, along with our family of five. We had hot dogs and ate a very fun birthday cake, which I will post pictures of. Sidda got some games, clothes, a scrapbook, an umbrella from her sister (a big hit), and a kid's MP3 player (also a big hit, although maybe not as much as the umbrella). I am all junk fooded out. A little much for one day.
Anyway, life is good. Nice to think of this day, three years ago. Amazing how much we love these little ones that come into our lives. **sniff** :)

Sunday Evening

Well, another week gone by and, again, not much to report. Had a nice weekend, hiked Eagle Rock out by El Chorro Regional Park, did a geocache. The weather was awesome. Had a nice time at church today, started a strengthening your relationships class. Along with a mental health recovery meeting on Wednesday. I am sensing a theme, like maybe the Lord is telling me it is time to get some things in order. I'm okay with that. Sold some cookies. Sold some more cookies.
Well, since I don't have anything interesting to share, I'll share a cute Sidda story.
Sidda made a book in nursery a while back titles "I know Jesus loves me because he made.." So, it went page by page, the sun, moon, plants, etc. On our way home from church I asked her to read it to me, knowing it was easy enough for her to remember what it said.
She opened it and said "it says No Parking!"
We laughed all the way home. She is a kick, that one

A fairly uneventful week

So, makes you not want to read my blog, eh, with titles like that! Well, I'll keep it short. Aunica has just about met her goal of 100 boxes of cookies sold, but we'll keep going. I have had two cookie training meetings this week, one for our Cadettes (and we have a new girl in that troop-woo hoo:)) and one for our Daisies. Had Aunica and Dimitri into the Dr for well checks, and they are well. It rained today, and my girls spent a lot of time outside playing in it, with various friends and cousins coming by. It is especially nice to stay home when everyone comes to you. :) Also today the SLO Symphony brought their musical instruments to Aunica's school for all the kids to play, so that was awesome. Now my niece, Elizabeth, who is 12, is spending the night and making a Lemon Chiffon Cake. Aren't we spoiled! She is good company. Highlight of the week was being taken out to dinner at Margie's Diner, and the low point was being called on leaving my kids in the car while dropping my niece off at school. The car was in sight the whole time, and I *know* I'm not the only one guilty here. But the woman said since she is a mandated reporter I'd better not. Grrr. Getting all three of my kids out of the car to walk 30 feet, so I can show they all the fun toys, tell them they can't play and usher them back to the car and into their carseats. Not my idea of a good time. And, I know, I am a bad parent. Something terrible could happen. Something. And lightning could strike.
Probably will after this post. :)

The days are just packed...well, actually, they are!

Once upon a time there was a Calvin and Hobbes comic that showed Calvin and Hobbes doing basically nothing all day. The final end-of-the-day exhausted in bed frame had the caption "the days are just packed." I have no idea why this has stayed with me, I don't particularly like Calvin and Hobbes, and it certainly isn't true that I have all the time in the world to sit on the couch and do nothing, quite the opposite. But, nevertheless, I think of this quote often. My days are packed, and I hope most days I can fall into bed in happy exhaustion. And I usually do.
This week's big news was Aunica's best friend Erika was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. She was in the hospital for a few days, and we visited twice. Erika was in great spirits, as she really didn't feel sick, and her mom is awesome, and is handling it better than I am. She didn't have any experience or knowledge on the subject, but has calmly jumped right into it. She is an inspiration to me.
We finally got to meet with Aunica's teacher this Friday. It has been about a month, with meetings and Christmas break. I was given her report card to fill out. Now that is a little intimidating. How do you balance high expectations for your child with unconditional my-child-is-perfect on a report card? Do I give her all 4s or all 1s? Luckily I did get some direction from her teacher. I was also able to meet with a friend of mine this week who had homeschooling questions. I love to do this, and show off all the cool stuff we get to play with, and what we actually do with our week.
My last big change this week is that Girl Scout Cookie Sales started this week. I have been a leader for 6+ years now, but this is the first year I am a parent of a Girl Scout, and actually have to sell cookies. Before I have just shuffled them around. Aunica made her first sale this morning at piano lessons, and has set a personal goal of 100 boxes sold. I think I'll help her make a goal poster. Sidda was so cute tonight, it is hard to be two, hard to be the second with an older sister. Aunica was getting out as we ran our errands and selling cookies, and Sidda said in a very sad voice "Mommy, I want to spell cookies."
I said "you want to spell cookies? C-O-O-K-I-E-S."
"No, Mommy, spell cookies like Aunica." Small, plantive voice of my very earnest two year old.
"Oh, baby, I am sorry, you have a few years to go, sweetheart."
Anybody want to buy some Girl Scout Cookies from a very sweet non-girl scout?

Reintroduction

What I would really like to do is shift all my previous blog posts over and start this new blog, but I like the title too much. I am thinking about converting this from a private blog to a more public one, as it is fun to follow others' blogs. And I don't have anything all that private to write about anyway. I'm not really that private of a person. :)
I am a mother of three, Aunica (5 years old), Sidda (2 years old), and Dimitri (5 months old). We live in San Luis Obispo, CA, in the house I grew up in. I stay home and, actually, so do my kids, as I homeschool through Family Partnership Charter School. My husband is an intern architect in Santa Maria. I like scrapbooking, taking pictures, hiking, and geocaching. We are active in our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am also a Girl Scout leader of a Daisy troop and a Cadette troop.
Well, I can't think of anything else. It is always crazy in my house, and I'm sure I'll have plenty to update with the cute things my kids say, and our experiences here in town with all we do, and also at home with homeschooling. Catch you later. :)

Almost April...means March is over...whew

March has flown by. I felt like March was over before it begun, it was so busy. Between birthdays and cookie sales, compounded this year by Easter, it was a mess. I am glad it is over, although I do feel like I missed out on some important things somehow. Like I should have gotten more enjoyment from it all.
Cookie sales are over, all I have to do is the paperwork, which is looking pretty well organized and doable. We sold almost 1200 boxes of cookies, our proceeds in the $800s, which exceeded our goals. And, best news of all, we don't have any cookies left. That is a first for us!
I got the news yesterday that I have gestational diabetes. Yuck. I really blew the test, so there is no question of it. Unfortunately, I don't feel like eating, haven't gained any weight (which is kind of okay, I was overweight to begin with), and only want carbs. You know, the stuff they are going to tell me to lay off. Sigh. My automatic response is to say okay, I'll just stop eating. Not the right answer. What worries me the most is that we plan on having another child, and it will be worse next time.
The girls were sick over the weekend, but now we are fine, and ready to go enjoy our spring break. Today we are hoping to go swimming, and tomorrow ride horses. Or, the girls will. Unfortunately I am not doing any horseback riding at this point.
Okay, I'm going to sign off to accomplish another one of my goals for this week: getting the house clean!

Okay, I'm doing better. Only a week since my last post. I have a friend for each kid over right now, which will either make it easier or more difficult to post. My life is like that. Every change means one or the other, trouble is, I never know which will come. I usually have Sidda sleep through this, but she wasn't asleep yet, and this way I get to take a nap today. She was up coughing a lot last night, so I am keeping them home today.
I ordered 660 boxes of girl scout cookies last night. Now, before you remove my blog from your list of reads because you don't want to associate with someone with that big of a problem, :) I am the cookie chair for our girl scout troop. 360 of those boxes are already accounted for, and the other 300 are for booth sales. Our girls work hard, especially since we only have four right now. This time of year is always busy, both for them and for us as leaders. Our goal is to sell 1000 boxes this year, between the 350+ presales the girls have scored on their own and running six booth sales. Seventy five cents a box stays in the troop, making our financial goal $750.
Anyway, not much new I suppose. Looking forward to a trip to Disneyland for Sidda's birthday next weekend. I may have anemia, as per a phone call from my midwife last week. It would explain why I seem to be getting more tired instead of less. My kids have a cold, like I said. I have an appointment with Family Partnership Charter School on Monday that I am looking forward to. I think that may be our choice for next year in terms of school for Aunica. It is homeschooling, but through public school, so it is all paid for, and comes with a teacher to help guide you in your teaching.
Of course, what I need to be thinking about is Valentines. What to do for my husband and kids, making a bunch for my kids' classmates. I didn't send out Christmas cards, so I thought I would send out Valentines, which will be fun because we can announce the new baby. I am debating whether I want to have my kids make Valentines for all our regular Christmas card folks, or if that is too much. I haven't found any really cute ideas, either.
Whatever, I'll post how it all turns out.

2008

My, how the time flies. I don't know how it got to be 2008 already, and, by the way, did we skip January? It is my daughter's birthday in two weeks. Sidda will be 2. We are planning a trip to Disneyland. Why is it I am always pregnant when we go to Disneyland? Yes, that is right, I'm pregnant. :) 12 weeks yesterday. I had a miscarriage in November (see, it has been a long time since I posted), so we have been keeping it under wraps. But, here we are! I can't believe we have two kids, working on three. We plan four, so I am more than halfway through. How did that happen? How did I get here? It all goes so fast.
Deon started a new job this week in Santa Maria. A bit of a drive, but good opportunity. He will be working with both licensed architects and engineers, so he can become licensed himself. The steady income and health benefits are a big plus, too. It seems to be working out well. We also hope to buy a house this year. The house we are living in, if possible.
Hmmm...well we are trying to potty train Sidda, and I am hearing in the background "Mama, wet!" So, I'd better go...

Pneumonia...HAH

Yes, that is right, I have pneumonia. Isn't that spectacular. I was diagnosed by a churchmember physician today after church. He also happened to have a full course of antibiotics at his house, which was fantastic. So, I should feel better in a few days. Unforturnately, that doesn't explain why I have pneumonia in the first place. I had it less than two years ago when I was pregnant with Sidda.
So, back to my week. On Sunday after church in Las Vegas, we headed out for Phoenix, AZ. Got there late Sun night, and stayed until Thursday morning. Had a nice visit with my very good friend, Farrah, and her kids, who I really enjoy. She worked most of the time though, and I didn't have a car available to me. So I didn't do much. Which is really not like me and my kids. But it was hot, 100 degrees hot, and like I said no vehicle. I did do some packing, as Farrah moved this past Sat, and a lot of laundry, as her new place doesn't have a washer and dryer. We had a nice Emergency Preparedness Family Home Evening, which was fun. At any rate, I drove back Thursday. We left at 10am and got into SLO at 8pm. Yuck.
Since then, I still haven't been feeling well, obviously, so I haven't done much. Aunica had a birthday party to attend Saturday morning (a princess party, how could we miss it), and some grocery shopping. Other than that I have been incredibly lazy. :) I feel a bit entitled with my current illness. I wish I knew why I am getting it so often. Must be getting old.

Sick

Yes, that is right, sick. Isn't that fantastic. The night before my birthday, no less. I had a fever, chills, couldn't get warm. The next day was the same, on my birthday, and Aunica got sick, too. It was a nice birthday though. I was a little disappointed that not very many people remembered, even one of my best friends. But she did, eventually, and wrote me one of the nicest cards I have ever received, and gave me some cool camping stuff for my scrapbook. My awesome husband organized dinner at a new Mexican place here in town, Chino's which was perfect, and then we went to the Madonna Inn for cake. Woo-Hoo! Good stuff, even better for breakfast the next day. ;)
Speaking of the next day, things didn't get all that much better! I was headed to Las Vegas for a wedding for a friend from college, taking my MIL instead of my husband, as he had some senior project work to do. We left right on time, 9am, to make the 5pm wedding. After a few stops on my MIL's part, we finally left at about 9:30, and arrived in Las Vegas at 3:45. Plenty of time, right? Well, we stopped at the Marriot, where the wedding was, but my MIL said the hotel was too expensive. So, we drove around looking for another hotel, to the point that when we gave up and went back to the Marriot, it was 4:57. After getting ready, and being directed to the wrong wedding (yes, Andy did get married, I saw it), we missed our intended wedding. We did make the reception, which was interesting. The bride is Mexican, from Mexico, which I didn't expect, as I had never met her, and her last name was Greenough. From a previous marriage, I assume. So half the wedding guests and party didn't speak English. Which is fine. It was a stereotypical Las Vegas wedding, with a blinking neon sign at the sweetheart table, each table themed for a casino (we were at Treasure Island, with TI cards, dice, and a pirate ship centerpiece), and the cake was cards and dice, with a bride dragging the groom cake topper. And that is about it. The food was mediocre, mostly cold. We stayed until ten, when the music became more "gettin down" and the alcohol starting taking effect. So, mind you, this is 10pm in Vegas without a hotel room. No problem, my MIL knows *just* where to go. Sigh. At midnight I finally called La Quinta and got directions and paid ALMOST AS MUCH as I would have at the Marriot. AND I would have been on time to the wedding. AND I would have gotten a full night's sleep. Whatever.
The next morning didn't go much better. Aunica woke up at about 7:30, and I took her downstairs for breakfast (which was a plus). After we headed back to the room, I put the girls in the bath, and Sidda stayed in longer. I had Aunica go in and check on her. Aunica came out of the bathroom and I asked "is your sister okay?" Her answer? "Yes, she is fine...(long pause)...But, mommy, why is there poo-poo in the bath?" NOT FINE! Ahhhh! Into the bathroom to clean up child and bathtub. My mother in law tells me, "I think I broke my wrist last night." Really. Wonderful. In the meantime, I had been looking, unsucessfully, for a church. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and are pretty consistent about church attendance. Finally we just got in the car and drove and found one about three blocks away. Attended sacrament meeting, and were going to leave as my 19mo has a runny nose at this point. But my 4yo begged to go to class, and how could I say no to that?!? So I send my MIL to the hospital, and chased Sidda in the halls for 2 hours. Timing worked out great, just as meetings were over my MIL shows back up, and my nephew, too. Yes, she had a broken wrist, but she had broken it in a fall earlier this year, and aggravated it the night before.
Anyway, my husband wants me to get off the computer and spend time with him. What, like he hasn't seen me for a week? I'll pick up on the Arizona part of my week later.

Birthday Week

Well, all the birthday festivities are over for my daughter, and she has sucessfully turned 4! What an exhausting ordeal, I'll tell you. I planned a big party for her Sat, with 20 kids in attendance. It was a camping theme, so I had 4 activity stations: pinecone birdfeeder, rock painting, nature collage, and archeological dig (for small snakes, lizards, bugs). I also set out some outdoor games, and set up a tent with small plastic animals and blocks inside. My husband grilled hot dogs and started up the campfire. After we all ate, I took the kids on a treasure hunt, that my best friend had set up. There were three clues leading down the street, to path and a treasure box. In the box were goodie bags with flashlights, bubbles, and glow bracelets. Back to the house, and we all roasted s'mores (most of the parents stayed), and then had a program. I sang songs, mostly requests from the kids, and read two stories. I only did it for a half an hour, but I bet the kids could have gone on much longer. They were paying attention, singing and having a great time. Then everyone headed home, and I let the birthday girl open some presents. We didn't do presents during the party for a number of reasons. I don't like to encourage my kids to rip through them. I feel like they don't appreciate each gift that way. Also, I don't want the gifts, or my child's reaction, to be compared. That just isn't nice. So, she opened her presents over the next few days. The only bummer during the party was that my 19mo old took a header on the asphalt, and has a nicely bruied and scraped nose.
My MIL stayed with us Sat and Sun night, which was nice. Sun was really busy, as I had to bring snack for nursery and Aunica (my 4yo) had to give her first talk in Primary. I got it all taken care of though, and we had a nice afternoon at home. My husband played video games all afternoon until I was ready to strangle him!
Monday was Aunica's actual birthday, and it was a crazy day. My MIL wanted me to go with her to the mall in Santa Maria so she could get a new pair of glasses at Lens Crafters. Do you have any idea what a BAD idea it is to take a 19mo to a place with 1000 pair of glasses right at her eye level? It was miserable! I can't tell you how many times I yelled at her, and I thought to myself, this is why I don't take my children to places that are not appropriate for their age. Anyway, we got some lunch there, got the glasses, and rushed back to SLO. I am enrolled in a Field Trip class that I thought started at noon, and we didn't get there until 12:45. I was really upset and frustrated, until I realized it actually started at 1pm, and we were early. Toured the Jack House, which is always a favorite of mine, then headed to County Culture to get frozen yogurt. Then went to pick up Aunica's barbie cake from Albertson's, to the fish store so my MIL could buy Aunica some fish for her birthday, then to Franks for dinner, as per Aunica's request. Back to my house (ahead of the birthday girl), and I go to take out the cake and it has completely collapsed. AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel like crying, but my best friend, Kim, saves the day. She props it back up, and I pull out the can of whipped cream. By the time Aunica got there, it looked good enough to eat, at least. She was thrilled with her new bike, we sang happy birthday, and put her to bed. The End!
My birthday is Friday. So, we'll see what that holds. Probably not much, which is fine with me! Lots of pictures, like I said. :) Hopefully some nice dinner. I would love the Madonna Inn, but I think I'll pick something a little more reasonable.

End of summer

Well, it has been a long summer, and now I am ready for fall. Having fallen off the wagon, I hope to at least check in some. Over the summer, I did a lot of Parent Participation classes through the Adult School with my kids (messy art, gymnastics, gardening, field trip, preschool) and took my kids to swim lessons. Still can't swim, but that is another story. Why do I get so frustrated with my firstborn? Why are my expectations so unrealisitc? Whatever. My best friend's daughter moved out, into her grandmother's house. Went to the park, did a little camping, not much travelling. Until this past week, and the four of us went to Mono Lake area to camp for a week. It was fabulous! We went to Bodie, Mono Lake, Mammoth, and in between. It was actually tent camping this week, and I have never camped for so many nights. It was great, so relaxing, and nice to let the kids just be kids. Came back with renewed energy and ideas that quickly disappated when reality shone it's sunny face. Ah, well, such is life.
This upcoming Monday is my daughter's 4th birthday. Crazy! She is having a real birthday party this weekend, with friends. It will be a camping theme, but not overnight. We are setting up a tent in the front yard, a fire pit (I'm sure my snobby neighbors will love me), and some camping activities. I am really looking forward to it, and so is she. We also started Parent Participation classes this week, which need more enrollment to go on, hopefully people get on the bandwagon! Field Trip, messy art, gymnastics, two preschool classes, and gardening. My oldest also has dance on Fridays. Tomorrow, and I need to bring snack to class, and locate all of my daughter's things...Yuck! Always something.
Not much else new TTC, for all those familiar with the baby lingo. Just this month, so we'll see.
Planning my husband's graduation in 3 months! Woo-Hoo! I am so excited, just to have him finish!
It's my birthday next week, too. :) My birthday present from my husband? All the film I have been saving up over the summer, developed! It will be a great present, and I am totally looking forward to it.

A beautiful day in May

So beautiful, I feel like writing poetry? Whatever. It is gorgeous, a day that should make me feel that summer is soon upon us, but given all the recent events in my life, I can't think past this weekend. Which is a problem, because I should be planning a baby shower for next weekend, and I just now decided on invitations. *Sigh* I want to get them done before tomorrow?!? Whatever.
So, about three (four?) weeks ago one of my best friends got a DUI. She has a 10 year old, and I talked to her a few days later, and she (the mom) decided she just couldn't do it all, and she was sending her daughter to go live with her mom. I said, no, send her to us. Her mom isn't that much more stable than she is. So, in less than a week, she came to live with us. We moved her schools, set up her room, etc. I don't know how long she will be with us, but her mom is renting out her room, so I expect it will not be a short amount of time. A year, at least.
Parenting a 10 year old is a lot different than my two little ones! Ipods, razerphones, homework, pick-ups, drop-offs, school lunches, teacher appreciation day, walk-a-thon, and the list goes on and on. And it has only been three weeks! She is an easy kid, but it is different.
Everybody's reactions have been entertaining, also. A lot of "oh, what a wonderful thing for you to do," which I don't think is accurate. We have been close to her since she was little, of course we want her here. Some cracks about having a live-in babysitter. Lots of questions.
She is over at a friend's house tonight. She sees her mom Thursday evenings and Sunday all day. She is pretty much gone all weekend, at her grandmother's, and with us for the school week.
Well, that is what is new in my life. I'll check back in later.