Facebook is addicting!!

So, I first need to thank my dear sis-in-law Val for inviting me to Facebook. I had other invitations, but hers was so appealing that I could not hold myself back from confirming her as my friend.

That was only the beginning.

I have now reunited with both elementary school friends as well as high school friends that I've lost touch with. It is so fun to see pictures of their hubbys and children. Many of my friends from my singles days are now posting pictures from back then, and the memories are flooding back.

I've also turned Dave on to it as well. He has found old mission companions, as well as old co-workers and friends.

So, throughout the day, I check my e-mail, then Facebook, and then back to life. No time for updating blogs, and posting pictures and funny stories about my silly children.

I need to be better, and I will, but we'll start fresh next week, after the Superbowl :)

Visit with Grandma & Grandpa

Last week is such a blurr. I made it to my early morning boot camp all week long, and except for the lack of sleep, I am loving it. I am working my body harder than I have in many many years, and it feels good to know that it is standing up to it, and even asking for more.


Our attempts at working on the garage have been foiled, as every time we are in urgent need of finding something we tear it apart even more. It is truly in desperate need of some organization, weeding through and discarding and mounds of laundry that have piled up this past week.


We had a wonderful surprise visit from Gordon & Marcia seeking refuge from the winter cold. We were having an unusual warm spell so they were able to benefit from both the weather and the chance to catch up with friends and see grand kids.


Friday night we enjoyed fish tacos and then movie night at home. Saturday morning after some chores and items were checked of our to do list, we got everyone loaded in the van and took of for Balboa Island. It is this adorable area with beautiful well maintained homes that overlook Newport Harbor. They are also known for being the first to have the "frozen banana", which of course we enjoyed as our last stop before leaving. We did lots of walking, the kids played at the beach, and we enjoyed the beautiful sunny weather.

Later that evening they babysat for us so that we could attend a dinner at Dave's boss' home. His wife cooked an authentic German meal, that had Dave going for seconds. The food and the company was wonderful, and we are so grateful that Gordon & Marcia could watch the kids, since our other babysitters were all unavailable.

We said goodbye to them early Sunday morning, so they could catch church in their old ward, and hope the rest of their visit is filled with warm weather and good times.

Boot Camp, Day One

Last night as we went to bed, I felt like a kid the day before school starts, only not quite as excited. I got out all my clothes, weights, exercise mat, and shoes. The last thing I needed was to fumble around in the dark at 5am.

I made it there on time, in the dark, and got my butt royally kicked. Everything from running laps, stairs, weights, push-ups, and crunches. It was a non stop hour of torture and it was exactly what I needed. I came home to a quiet house, and was able to catch my breath and some water before I had to rouse the troops and get them off to work and school.

It alrady hurts to walk up the stairs, I should be pretty pathetic by this evening..

Weekend Recap

Friday afternoon, after Daniel got out of school we packed some jackets and kids in the car and met Dave for an afternoon of fun at Disneyland. We had to make a quick pit stop so that Daddy could do some actual work, and then the playing began.

Our first stop was to "Small World" since it had was newly opened on our last visit, and the lines were too long for our taste. Unfortunately it was closed, as they are in the process of taking down all the Christmas decos, and getting it ready for the new year. Next trip I guess.

So at Josh's request we went into Toon Town. I honestly can't remember the last time I was in there, but it was so fun. We pushed all the silly buttons, rode the cute little rides, and even had a pciture with Mickey.

We made it a short night, did a few big kid rides, and home we went.




Saturday, the kids had a Primary Activity at church at 8:30am. It was a pajama breakfast, and meet your teacher day. Can you believe I have all three boys in Primary, and Natalie will start Nursery in a few short months. I feel so old.

After the breakfast we came home and did some cleaning and chores, spent a few hours on the garage (oh the hours it will need) and then back in the car to run lots and lots of errands. From Costco to Big 5, and even a jaunt up to Traveland to look at ten trailers. By the time we got home mommy and daddy were exhausted, and so we enjoyed a wonderful movie night. I loved looking at the couch to see all four kids snuggled up together staring at the movie. So much fun!!

Sunday was so enjoyable, and I am loving the later hour. We had a great morning, then we made it to church on time with everyone in tow. Church was great, and then a relaxing afternoon evening (even though the Chargers lost..boo)

So that's our weekend recap, I have to get some zz's so I can wake up super early for my boot camp at 5:30am..ouch

Early Morning

So it was dark this morning, when I woke up for the third, or fourth time, I really can't remember which.

I have a sick baby, and a toddler that has recently become uncomfortable with the dark. I also should mention that my hubby wasn't feeling too well last night when he arrived home at the late hour from his class, so I persuaded him to take a NyQuil and some hot chocolate. As you can see I sealed my fate for the early morning help, since he was out light like a light.

The funny thing is that I was not disturbed by my late night, early morning wake-ups. I think in these situations you either have compassion or frustration, and luckily for my children it was all compassion this time. Natalie practically threw up on me, and after a few changes, and some towels strategically placed she got back to sleep. Caleb needed a bit of fussing and a light turned on and off a few times for his liking.

The thing I did not like was that it was dark at 5:41am.

Now I'm sure you are wondering why I would even care if it was dark at 5:41am. Well, as a New Year's treat to myself I signed myself up for a boot camp for the next four weeks. It starts on Monday at it is at the early hour of 5:30am. I am not a morning person. I never have been.

So why on earth would I sign up for something so dang early?

I keep asking myself the same question. I guess the real reason is that all other times during the day I am flying solo with children in tow. I need a good kick in the butt to get going, and now I realize that I will be doing it in the dark. I will be watching the sun rise as I sweat.

What the heck??

There's no backing out now, and I am actually looking forward to this. I look forward to a healthier happier 2009 and this is my way of starting it.

Even if it is starting in the dark..

Back to life..

Home again, Home again jiggety jig.

How nice it was to put life on hold for the last week and half. Our only concerns were getting the little ones to sleep at night, and making sure the kids had some food in them throughout the day.

The kids routine was to sleep in, stumble upstairs for some of grandma's waffles, and then spend the day doing whatever they wanted. The would bounce between playing with toys, playing with XBOX, playing with cousins, playing outside in the snow, and playing some more. They really had a great time, playing.

We made two treks out for some sledding with cousins, a trek up to Salt Lake for the wedding, and I even made a run to a few craft stores for some half off holiday bargains.

When New Year's Eve was getting nearer we prepared our menus and shopping lists and made a glorious feast of goodies. From caramel corn, to a cheeseball, chocolate cream puffs, candy cane brownies, and dips and chips galore.

Now, we are back from the land of snowy white, homes full of cousins, and no worries.

Our home welcomed us with pine needles on the floor, but was left in relatively good shape. We packed away the Christmas decorations, the santas, the snowmans, and the nativity. A load of dishes in the dishwasher, a couple of loads of laundry, and we are ready for this bright but abrupt Monday morning.

My list is growing by the minute, but I will be nice to myself and slowly ease back into life again. We'll see if it lets me.

Chargers WIN!!

Last night's game was a crazy one, at best.

I was dissapointed by dumb mistakes, then given hope by great plays. As the Chargers entered the final quarter they were down on points, but hope was not gone. At the final seconds of the game they tied it up with a Field Goal to go into overtime.

Thanks to some great call by the officials on penalties, and an amaing guy named Sproles, we made the winning touchdown and first points scored of overtime to win the game.

GO CHARGERS!!!

Beach Camping 2009

Mark your calendars:

Beach Camping 2009

July 12-17

San Clemente State Beach

Sledding at Little Hill - Again!!