PIONEER DAY BLUES or The Aggravating Absence of Salt Water Taffy

Blame it on the pregnancy, I need to vent. I'm so bummed. Despite the toasty temperatures, I love this time of year. Every 23rd of July whoever is available in my family and a bunch of our extended family go to the Bountiful parade, then to my mom and dad's house for dinner and treats, and then go for a short walk to the park above their house to watch fireworks. I was really looking forward to this year for a couple of reasons. With mom and dad gone, I really needed the smiling faces and good company of my family. I was especially excited to go because my brother Shaun and his family are in town. Well Sunday night, Mia couldn't breathe. I took her to the dr. the next day to find out she has croup. Last night was the parade and party etc. I celebrated by going to bed early, listening to neighbors setting off fireworks. LAME. This morning we watched the parade on channel 5. I would have paid money to have someone throw some salt water taffy at me. I can actually taste it right now. And just for the record, I don't even like parades that much, I guess the kid in me still gets a thrill out of seeing free candy getting flung about.

It's now Thursday and Mia's better, in fact she hasn't coughed or had a runny nose for two days. But the dr. said she's contagious (technically) for 7 days. I think there's a conspiracy going on. Despite my best attempts to keep everyone healthy (vitamins, hand washing, bleach baths) Every time family is in town its ends up that one of my kids gets sick. It's just no bueno. Oh, just to top things off, I woke up this morning, feeling achy and sick.

So boo hoo HOOEY. I'm holed up in the house feeling like $%# and my sibs and adorable nieces and nephs. are all bonding, making memories and having a blast. It's not that I don't want them to, it just sucks not be a part of it.

Am I finished ranting? Yes I am. Do I feel any better. No, not really. LAME. LAME. LAME.
Keep the croup. Mia and I want Salt Water Taffy.


p.s. I would just like to give a shout out to Mom and Dad, "I love you, I miss you!" AND I want to say "hi" and "I miss your stinkin' guts" to Brandon, Karley, Austin, Riley, and Henry. I guess we all missed it this year eh?
Love you guys!
 

Christmas Traditions

Every Christmas, it seems families have traditions. We've adopted quite a few of them from our different backgrounds and try to keep them going. Today Ben said that he loves Christmastime because we can do so many things together as a family and do so many things that focus on our Savior. I made a book in Relief Society that has scriptures, stories and songs about the Nativity. Today we sat down (ALL together!!!) and read all the way from the Annunciation to when Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus left for Egypt. It was really cool. The kids had a good attitude about it for the most part. With the exception being Mia who spent 90% of the time laying on the floor doing scissors in the air with her legs, singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." By the way, did you know that the lyrics are "We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new 'ear'?" Well now you know. Thank Mia next time you see her. Well it was a really nice evening. I'm excited to do it again next year. Well, food seems to be a major part of Christmas celebrations. Our family loves to make fudge and gingerbread men each year. We always use my Mom's recipe for fudge. It has become a Christmas staple. Let me know if you want it and I MAY let you in on the top secret family recipe. ;)

 

Ahhh, gingerbread men. I don't know what I like most, eating the dough, decorating them or eating them once they're frosted. Regardless of the reason, I love them. I really do. I know mia especially enjoyed the sprinkles in particular. She heaped them onto her cookies and even succeeded in "drinking them" from the bottle, until she got caught. Here's a glimpse into our kitchen tonight: p.s. Alfonso and Ben weren't there because they were heroically taking care of snow removal at "the treasure house."

Will sneaking a taste.

A few of my creations. I probably get carried away,
but it's a good artistic outlet for me.

Decorating gets ugly. . . and dangerous.

Casualties left and right.



This is Mia with her very first decorated cookie.

Spencer has mad frosting skills.



At the house we clean, this is the snow on the front ledge.
The photo doesn't do it justice, I swear there were diamonds.

 

Now we just need to go make the fudge. I'll post pictures of Ben and Alfonso's cookies a.s.a.t.a.d. (As soon as they are decorated.)

Toodle-oo.
Merry Christmas.
And in case I don't see you before then,
Have a Happy New Year.

A Day to Remember

On Memorial day we took some time to visit Alfonso's dad's grave. We didn't get to go last year so this year's visit meant that much more.

At the graveyard we spent a few minutes putting flowers and oragami butterflies on Alfonso's father's headstone. While we visited, Mia wandered over to "Tata's" grave and made herself at home, down on the ground. This was her first visit to his grave and it was the first time we heard her say his name.



We love and miss you, Tata.

The most awesomeness awesome trumpet solo of all time awesomeness.

Ben has learned to play the trumpet in school this year. He can play lots of songs like the Muppet Show theme and the melody from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." His favorite song to play is Axel F. Here is a video of him playing it just before his band concert.



Here's a picture of us at his band concert. He did a great job. I just wish I could have heard him. The other 200 trumpets were too loud.

I finally learned how to transfer pictures from my cell phone to my laptop! So I've been sending them all here for you to see. Some are old, some are new, most of them are of Mia. I guess that just proves who I spend most of my time with. Here they are, in no particular order.

Will learned how to shoot hoops last summer.

Ben's an expert surfer in Orem.

Mia and I saying "Hi" to dad at work.

Grandma Jo sent this picture to me while I was on my way to Italy and having a heart-attack without my baby. This picture made me feel so much better. Thanks Mom.

Mia and Megan had some ground time at Grandma's backyard picnic.

Tub time when Mimi was still a little stinker. I love that bum.

Carrie and Natalee also helped take care of Mia while we were on our cruise. They developed a taste for plastic carrots (thanks, Aunt D.D.)

Diaper time. Or, absence of diaper. . . time.

One on one time while the guys were gone.

Mia's first gig modeling diaper head wear.
No, she won't be embarrased at all when she sees this later.

Mia and her cousin Austin joined in at the Library's Easter Parade. They ate bunny food after (carrots).

Mia modeling the camo shoes and the sock monkey hat I found at Swiss Days 2011.

Mia loves to watch Baby Einstein Movies, and anything with Muppets. This is one of those moments when she was transfixed.

Love this girl.

I'm not a sushi lover, but I LOVE the krusty krab roll @ Hapa Grill in Park City. I was surprised that Mia liked it too.

Mia @ Arby's rockin' her sock monkey hat.

This was yesterday. We are both sick as dogs.

One of those moments when I couldn't believe Mia was mine.

Mia saying goodnight to Will.

Will helped out by holding Mia during Family Home Evening one night.

Will reading his "Green" poem at the 1st Grade Poetry Cafe

Hands Free?

If you use your cell phone a lot, (whether or not you have children) you really should visit this site. My favorite post is "How To Miss A Childhood." Totally inspired me.
Check it out. . .
http://www.handsfreemama.com/

Mom's Day

I spent the day before Mother's Day with a few of my favorite moms. One mom is especially special to me. . . MINE! We did exactly what we wanted to. Pedicures, Sushi @ Mikado, and a flick with the chicks, "The Lucky One." The movie was better than I thought it would be. I wrapped up the day at The Dancing Bear Cafe with my family (minus Ben). Mmmm, the food was delicious. It was a great day. Sunday was equally great with some time at church and dinner with Alfa, the mother of my main squeeze and my awesome sister-in-law, Walkyria. Happy Mom's Day, moms!!!

A practically perfect day.

A Guardian of the Hearth - My Thoughts at 2:26 a.m.

I was asked to share some thoughts about being a guardian of the hearth at a meeting last month. For days I researched and stewed over what to say. What could I possibly share that someone might need to hear? Then one early a.m. I woke up, picked up my pen and started to write.
Take it or leave it, this, plus a few revisions, is what I came up with.

What is a guardian of the hearth? First, what is a hearth?
It is the floor of a fireplace.
It is a vital center of the home.
It is synonymous with the word “home” itself.
The hearth was a place where all in the house would gather for warmth, light, company, and nourishment. It was quite literally the heart of the home. Therefore, a guardian of the hearth is one who watches over and protects home and family.

 A guardian of the hearth can be anyone. But is most likely, you. A guardian of the hearth may have been trained to be such from childhood. A pillar, generations in the making. Or she may be a pioneer in her field. She may have a quiver full of children, a bustling household, a single companion at her side or perhaps she is a family of one. No matter, her well-being and her refuge is of sacred importance. And through the years, her residence may change, it's residents coming and going through various ages, stages, and phases, but the hearth stays the same.

She should know that the foundation under her feet, supporting her world, is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. She is defending the key components of an eternal family; prayer, scripture study, sabbath day observance, family home evening, and spiritual growth in general. She is watchful of the nurturing and overall well-being of each spirit in her charge. Including her own. If there is anything virtuous lovely, of good report or praiseworthy, she not only seeks for it but makes it readily available in abundance for all who pass by.

Her motto is, “Charity Never Faileth” Her direction is heaven. Her refuge, on her knees.

 

A guardian of the hearth should be ready for battle. Daily battle. Dressed always in the armor of God. She is not afraid to recognize the enemy, identify his hiding places, his strongholds, nor his attempts to infiltrate and destroy all that she holds dear. She is not afraid of the enemy at all but holds her head high with confidence in the strength of God. 

A guardian of the hearth is not afraid to be recognized as such. She disregards the opinion of the world and rather, focuses on upholding righteous traditions and cherishing sacred moments. She is in the business of memory-making and is always in search of that positive teaching moment. She is always ready to learn.

A guardian of the hearth should never underestimate her calling, her God-given power, nor her un-acclaimed influence for good.

A guardian of the hearth is BEAUTIFUL. She is a daughter of God and a child of light. Her countenance is HIS. When she gives of her time, she gives of her love and HIS. Her hands are HIS hands. Her purpose, HIS.

She should know that while in the service of God, she will NEVER miss out on ANYTHING that is truly worthwhile. And IF she is ever weary. If she feels run down. If she begins to question her validity in this world, she should remember that her work MATTERS, that she is NEVER alone. Angels WILL buoy her up. The Holy Spirit WILL guide and The Son of God WILL carry her.

 Peter, a guardian of the hearth, said to Tabitha, “Daughter, arise.” Christ says it to you; “Daughter, arise!” Don't be ashamed to stand in this holy place he has prepared and reserved for YOU. YOU are the guardian of this holy place. . . called home.

Take your place and guard it well.

 

By Rochelle Flores

The Importance of Interruptions

Lately I've been a little on edge. Nothing sets me off faster than having 2 to three or more people talking to me at the same time. I use the term "talking" loosely, because oftentimes one of them is crying, one whining, the other rattling away aimlessly, and the other trying desperately to have a conversation with his wife. Well, a friend of mine posted this excerpt on facebook and it really struck me. I should count myself VERY very fortunate to be in a position of responsibility, to be needed.

‎"When you are exasperated by interruptions, try to remember that their very frequency may indicate the value of your life. Only people who are full of help and strength are burdened by other persons' needs. The interruptions which we chafe at are the credentials of our indispensability. The greatest condemnation that anybody could incur - and it is a danger to guard against - is to be so independent, so unhelpful, that nobody ever interrupts us, and we are left comfortably alone." -Anonymous from The Anglican Digest

Mia wearing a diaper hat. I'm learning to find beauty in chaos. What do you think?

WILL - according to Will

I made seven baskets.

Hi, this is will

I am pretty much awesome. Repete it 100 times. I am 777 years old. Just kidding. I am 7. I do not know what to talk abuot.

Favorite color: Black
Favorite animal: King cobra
Favorite food: Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes from Dominos
Favorite place: Airborne
Favorite time of day: dinner
Favorite movie: The Simpson's (my Dad let's me watch it)
Favorite toy: The Wii & my Super Smash Bro's game.
Least favorite color: pink
Least favorite animal: worm
Least favorite food: poo
Least favorite place: school
Least favorite time of day: homework
Least favorite movies: Spot and His Grandparents Visit the Carnival, Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure, My Little Ponies
Least favorite toy: Mia's my little ponies

I still don't know what to talk abuot.
If I had the most perfect day ever, I would eat popcorn shrimp and what I would do would play video games with the window open cause there's a window down there and I could feel the nice breeze. I would be with mom/rochelle. I would eat 15 choclate lava crunch cakes.

Me and Spence swimming in jacksen hole.

Spring Break - Where did we go?

Can you guess???






















A few of the pictures gave it away. Comment your guesses below! We had so much fun. My old stomping grounds hold a lot of memories, many great, some painful. It was time to go and make some new memories with the new people in my life. Happy Spring break everyone!