We are still getting to know Keith, and we are quickly learning that he is a big tease. He is always asking us "Is that funny?" and saying things like "Am I funny Bella? Laugh, Bella, Laugh."
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The tease
We are still getting to know Keith, and we are quickly learning that he is a big tease. He is always asking us "Is that funny?" and saying things like "Am I funny Bella? Laugh, Bella, Laugh."
One petal at a time
SO here's pretty Belle, being the flower girl, one petal at a time. It was precious.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
One of the most famous/favorite pictures of my Mom as a little girl is taken about half a mile or less from where this picture is taken. At about age two. Sitting on a horse. I. love. it.
Ok so, my Mom's horse didn't have a saddle and was a small colt sitting on the ground. But who cares? I am so grateful for my heritage, and for the beautiful place we have to celebrate it.
Monday, August 01, 2011
So we had a great family reunion two weekends ago. Despite a few mishaps. Including this one. Car broken down in Fillmore. We had some really great 'tender mercies' to get us all home, and the car repaired. This semi with car carrier pulled in to the gas station across the street as we were trying to decide what to do, and my father-in-law walked over there and asked him which direction he was going and if he could take our car. How awesome!! David rode with him, and Mark and Deborah drove several extra hours in an already long day to get us home. And of course, the awesome D.H. who fixed the car.
Thanks everyone! We feel very blessed!
Snow in July??
Belle dress up in shorts and T-shirts all during Feb. pretending it was summer. Now she's in THIS on July 30. She "shoveled" the sidewalk down about five houses, me following her all the way, then she couldn't make it back without taking it off. She was too hot. imagine that!
Saturday, July 09, 2011
On turning 30
I turned 30 this year!! I made a big fuss about getting "old", and used the excuse to get a hair make-over. But really?
I'm fine with it.
20's were great with so many good memories. struggles and heartaches? yes. But also growing, learning, loving, laughing, living. And I don't expect 30's will be any different. And I'm excited for what they might bring. I KNOW I'm more wise now than I was at 20, so hopefully I am learning and growing and fulfilling the purpose of our life here on earth.
I've come to the conclusion that every stage of life is great. I have loved every stage my kids have gone through, each one they are learning something different, doing different tricks "Look Mommy I am tricky", and I don't think that changes as we are adults. We are still all learning something different, and in different stages and phases. And that's what life is about. So here's to 30 more adventure filled years! LIFE IS GOOD!!
THOMAS!
Yes, this blog is my family's travel log. It's my life.
We saw/rode Thomas the Train in May. The kids enjoyed it. I may just order one of those blog book things, so even if this is over 6 weeks old, I'm posting it anyway:). I actually would like to get into digi scrapbooking. My kids don't even have baby books. I want them to have them for all the memories! This fall--that's the goal: the kids scrapbooks. Anyway, back to Thomas: The train ride was, well, short--we plan to head back to Heber to go a little farther next time. The kids didn't seem to notice that the Thomas didn't actually pull the train cars. It took us a long time to convince Keith to sit in the passenger car. He wanted to be the engineer in Thomas and refused to sit down. He was disappointed by that, but I think he still enjoyed it after we got him distracted.
We saw/rode Thomas the Train in May. The kids enjoyed it. I may just order one of those blog book things, so even if this is over 6 weeks old, I'm posting it anyway:). I actually would like to get into digi scrapbooking. My kids don't even have baby books. I want them to have them for all the memories! This fall--that's the goal: the kids scrapbooks. Anyway, back to Thomas: The train ride was, well, short--we plan to head back to Heber to go a little farther next time. The kids didn't seem to notice that the Thomas didn't actually pull the train cars. It took us a long time to convince Keith to sit in the passenger car. He wanted to be the engineer in Thomas and refused to sit down. He was disappointed by that, but I think he still enjoyed it after we got him distracted.
Oldie but goodie
I feel I must back track and post some pictures of Belle's birthday. We had an outing to the zoo on the 3rd, and then a party with extended family on her birthday. I'm not going to caption these pics, just throwing them out there.
Oh, she's got us
I have been trying to help Isabelle and Keith work out their problems with each other without stepping in to referee all the time. So in one such case, when Belle was coming to me because Keith was or wasn't doing something she thought he should be, I started the dialogue of "Can you think of something that might solve this problem? Let's think, what can you do--because it's not Mommy's problem." sort of thing. Belle's response: "But Mom, he's YOUR child, NOT mine".
While declaring at the swimming pool she was never going to go home, but live a the pool forever, David asked her what she would do in the winter and the water is frozen. "Ice skate" witty little stinker. At four it's funny. At fourteen? I guess we'll have to wait and see!
While declaring at the swimming pool she was never going to go home, but live a the pool forever, David asked her what she would do in the winter and the water is frozen. "Ice skate" witty little stinker. At four it's funny. At fourteen? I guess we'll have to wait and see!
Friday, July 08, 2011
CrAzY Summer Days!
But also lots of fun summer days!!
Monday:
5K run, parade, BBQ, fireworks
Tuesday:
start swimming lessons, zoo with cousins
Wednesday:
swimming lessons, stay at pool for 4 hours, picnic at Liberty park with Mommy's cousins
Thursday:
swimming lessons, stay for 1 hour at pool after, 5 piano students, laundry,etc.
Friday:
swimming lessons, stay at pool for 2 1/2 hours after, errands, family movie night
I guess I quit taking pictures after Tuesday, I'll have to get some of Wednesday from you, Milly. We are tired. Just a little. and staying home for the next two days (except for church).
Monday:
5K run, parade, BBQ, fireworks
Tuesday:
start swimming lessons, zoo with cousins
Wednesday:
swimming lessons, stay at pool for 4 hours, picnic at Liberty park with Mommy's cousins
Thursday:
swimming lessons, stay for 1 hour at pool after, 5 piano students, laundry,etc.
Friday:
swimming lessons, stay at pool for 2 1/2 hours after, errands, family movie night
I guess I quit taking pictures after Tuesday, I'll have to get some of Wednesday from you, Milly. We are tired. Just a little. and staying home for the next two days (except for church).
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
MORE quotables
Belle coming in from outside with a skinned knee. "Look, Buggie I'm bleeding!" Keith: "WOW!"
Keith carrying a cup of water outside in the rain: "Look, it's raining into my cup. It's giving me more water...betuze I not have enough."
On Laman and Lemuel trying to throw Nephi into the sea: "Those guys not throw me into the sea, betuze I sitting here by Mom."
He won Belle in a race (eating race) and cheered and clapped tons for himself. Then a round for Belle (because she won, too), then one for me(not sure what I did to deserve it).
If he has to repeat anything he says, like if I have to ask him to repeat himself because I didn't understand it...it adds "I said" on the end. For example: I need a drink, I said"
He has a pair of PJ's with a big firetruck on the front and some city buildings stitched into the background. So, instantly after pulling the shirt down..."Look! Some Townzes!"
Keith carrying a cup of water outside in the rain: "Look, it's raining into my cup. It's giving me more water...betuze I not have enough."
On Laman and Lemuel trying to throw Nephi into the sea: "Those guys not throw me into the sea, betuze I sitting here by Mom."
He won Belle in a race (eating race) and cheered and clapped tons for himself. Then a round for Belle (because she won, too), then one for me(not sure what I did to deserve it).
If he has to repeat anything he says, like if I have to ask him to repeat himself because I didn't understand it...it adds "I said" on the end. For example: I need a drink, I said"
He has a pair of PJ's with a big firetruck on the front and some city buildings stitched into the background. So, instantly after pulling the shirt down..."Look! Some Townzes!"
The AIR SHOW
We had a fun time at the Chino Air Show with the Keslers! David is in heaven with the old warbirds. Loves them so much he said he gets a burning feeling in his chest when they fly by. hehehe. Keith Loved the "doctocile" mouths that were painted on a few, and Belle liked her cotton candy. That night as she was going to sleep she asked "Are they going to do the air show again tomorrow?" ..."Yes"...Her: "are we going to go?" Daddy: "No, tomorrow we are going to church." Belle: "Phewww!"
Here's the pics:
Here's the pics:
Quotables
Keith has been saying some awesome things lately. So here it goes.
Coming in from outside: "Mom, I need a bag" Me: "Why" Him: "because there is a butterfly, and Bella is going to capure it."
Waling down the curb: "Mom, see this line, it means I am a tricky."
Me, asking him NOT to do something. Him: "Why not?"
Him, being a brother and picking on Belle. Me, asking him to apologize and be nice. Him: "I will put a happy face on Bella" he goes over, and uses a motion to put something on her mouth. Awesome. Next time he was crying I tried the trick on him. "Do you want me to put a happy face on you?" "Zeah" So I did the same motion. He immediately stopped crying and said, tearily.."Thanks".
As we are jogging down the road: "Look, I see a Robin. Look, Mom, Look, I see some pretty flowers. They are purple. Look, I see popcorn. Look, I see a puppy. Look, I see some mailboxes, Look I see....." constant. Once when we were on a walk he saw a girl in really short shorts. "Look Mom, that guy not wearing any pants. Look, Mom, Look." I repeated this story enough time to friends that about a week later he was quoting himself. David said "Look" and he said "that guy not wearing any pants." HILARIOUS.
David giving the kids a bath: "Who wants to be washed first?" Keith: "You, Daddy--Hop in!"
He can't say "K" or "Th". so his name? Keith? "TEE". He more frequently calls himself "Buggie"...and called me that today at lunch. "Look, Mom, you are having pizza just like me. Are you Buggie? (big grin and giggle). Mom, you are Buggie."
Belle always calls me Mommy or Momma. With Keith it's just Mom.
Arghhh....there were more, I KNOW IT. but I'm having a brain cramp. If I remember them later I'll post some more.
Coming in from outside: "Mom, I need a bag" Me: "Why" Him: "because there is a butterfly, and Bella is going to capure it."
Waling down the curb: "Mom, see this line, it means I am a tricky."
Me, asking him NOT to do something. Him: "Why not?"
Him, being a brother and picking on Belle. Me, asking him to apologize and be nice. Him: "I will put a happy face on Bella" he goes over, and uses a motion to put something on her mouth. Awesome. Next time he was crying I tried the trick on him. "Do you want me to put a happy face on you?" "Zeah" So I did the same motion. He immediately stopped crying and said, tearily.."Thanks".
As we are jogging down the road: "Look, I see a Robin. Look, Mom, Look, I see some pretty flowers. They are purple. Look, I see popcorn. Look, I see a puppy. Look, I see some mailboxes, Look I see....." constant. Once when we were on a walk he saw a girl in really short shorts. "Look Mom, that guy not wearing any pants. Look, Mom, Look." I repeated this story enough time to friends that about a week later he was quoting himself. David said "Look" and he said "that guy not wearing any pants." HILARIOUS.
David giving the kids a bath: "Who wants to be washed first?" Keith: "You, Daddy--Hop in!"
He can't say "K" or "Th". so his name? Keith? "TEE". He more frequently calls himself "Buggie"...and called me that today at lunch. "Look, Mom, you are having pizza just like me. Are you Buggie? (big grin and giggle). Mom, you are Buggie."
Belle always calls me Mommy or Momma. With Keith it's just Mom.
Arghhh....there were more, I KNOW IT. but I'm having a brain cramp. If I remember them later I'll post some more.
Monday, April 11, 2011
ONE FOR THE BOOKS
I have had a lot of little crazy moments with these two kids, and some grand adventures--like stranded in Phoenix for 24 hours*--but today, well, this is one for the books. I'm still not sure what I think about it, I'm laughing--yet--
Maybe I should explain.
This afternoon while the kids were playing outside I was trying to get some work done on my course mentioned in the last post. I was moving right along, I was in a spot where I could hear the playing going on and keep tabs on the kids, and things were great. Until Belle RUSHES in exclaiming excitedly "Buggie pooped outside!" and other talking that was too fast and excited to make out. Me, still very calm..."ok, I'll bring him in and change his diaper."
Now I can't recall all the conversation that went on at this point, it was all very fast and mangled and Belle to worked up to get it out without stuttering...
But I soon came to realize he had not pooped in his diaper. Nope. The pants and the diaper were strewn across the front lawn. (YES people. This is happening in my FRONT lawn. To imagine the neighbors peeking out their windows to this scene makes me laugh, shutter, and cry all in the same 10 seconds). And my sweet little two year old Keith standing naked from the waist down on my front porch. With ample evidence of the deed just done on the lawn sticking to his rear end. The parking strip between the sidewalk and the road to be exact.
Pause for dramatic affect.
"I peed on the lawn" my boy says to me. Nice. Very Nice.
After the initial shock of the situation wore off, and the obvious cleaning up of boy and yard that needed done, I thought it must be time to potty train the boy. If he is going to start removing his clothing and going in random places...well, this is not to be tolerated. He does actually use the toilet frequently, but I have not been pushing the issue. Well. I thought I was going to have to bite the bullet and start training him. Then I learned the REST of the story.
Keith was not the only one going on the lawn. You see, this park strip is the only place on the property where there happens to be a tree. And Belle, after camping or some such thing last summer, got the idea stuck in her head that in an emergency, pee by a tree. PLAYING OUTSIDE SIX FEET FROM YOUR FRONT DOOR IS NOT AN EMERGENCY GREAT ENOUGH TO PEE BY A TREE!! Especially one that can be seen by, well, EVERYONE in the neighborhood. I laugh, I shutter, I cry. Innocent Keith quite simple only wanted to do what his big sister was doing. And she helped him remove the diaper. I'm pretty sure she didn't expect what followed, so other than good talking too about coming inside to use the toilet, we are going to let it go there.
Now, do you agree? Certainly one for the books!!!
*being stranded in Phoenix is not so bad when there are AWESOME people to rescue you!! Thanks again rescuers!
Maybe I should explain.
This afternoon while the kids were playing outside I was trying to get some work done on my course mentioned in the last post. I was moving right along, I was in a spot where I could hear the playing going on and keep tabs on the kids, and things were great. Until Belle RUSHES in exclaiming excitedly "Buggie pooped outside!" and other talking that was too fast and excited to make out. Me, still very calm..."ok, I'll bring him in and change his diaper."
Now I can't recall all the conversation that went on at this point, it was all very fast and mangled and Belle to worked up to get it out without stuttering...
But I soon came to realize he had not pooped in his diaper. Nope. The pants and the diaper were strewn across the front lawn. (YES people. This is happening in my FRONT lawn. To imagine the neighbors peeking out their windows to this scene makes me laugh, shutter, and cry all in the same 10 seconds). And my sweet little two year old Keith standing naked from the waist down on my front porch. With ample evidence of the deed just done on the lawn sticking to his rear end. The parking strip between the sidewalk and the road to be exact.
Pause for dramatic affect.
"I peed on the lawn" my boy says to me. Nice. Very Nice.
After the initial shock of the situation wore off, and the obvious cleaning up of boy and yard that needed done, I thought it must be time to potty train the boy. If he is going to start removing his clothing and going in random places...well, this is not to be tolerated. He does actually use the toilet frequently, but I have not been pushing the issue. Well. I thought I was going to have to bite the bullet and start training him. Then I learned the REST of the story.
Keith was not the only one going on the lawn. You see, this park strip is the only place on the property where there happens to be a tree. And Belle, after camping or some such thing last summer, got the idea stuck in her head that in an emergency, pee by a tree. PLAYING OUTSIDE SIX FEET FROM YOUR FRONT DOOR IS NOT AN EMERGENCY GREAT ENOUGH TO PEE BY A TREE!! Especially one that can be seen by, well, EVERYONE in the neighborhood. I laugh, I shutter, I cry. Innocent Keith quite simple only wanted to do what his big sister was doing. And she helped him remove the diaper. I'm pretty sure she didn't expect what followed, so other than good talking too about coming inside to use the toilet, we are going to let it go there.
Now, do you agree? Certainly one for the books!!!
*being stranded in Phoenix is not so bad when there are AWESOME people to rescue you!! Thanks again rescuers!
A few things about ME
#1--I found my scriptures!! You didn't know they were missing, did you? Well, I certainly did...and I missed them TERRIBLY. I left them in the chapel at church three weeks ago and had almost given up hope they would turn up. But, in a miraculous answer to my prayers--I walked into the church library on Sunday and they were the first thing I saw! Sitting up on the counter right where I could see 'em. perfect.
I have really been enjoying the study of the New Testament, and it has brought such a lift into my life that I really missed them. I had been reading instead my Portuguese Book of Mormon, which I really enjoy, but I opened up where my last marker was and it was in the Book of Alma where Moroni surrounds the Lamanites at the River Sidon (there you can tell I was reading it in Portuguese? River Sidon?) and one of his soldiers scalps Zarahemna (also not sure about this guys' name in English) and they pretty much destroy all the Lamanites who won't make a covenant of peace. blood. carnage. I know, I know...the Nephites were blessed and saved from an army twice their size because they relied on the Lord, listened to his promptings and were prepared, and then gave all the glory and thanks to God for their victory. But I just wasn't into it. I guess I could have read my portuguese bible...but then you don't get any footnotes, no JST or ready-made cross-references--so I decided to wait. Makes one grateful for the LDS version of the Bible! Anyway, today I got back into Mark and I'm happy to say I had a good day.
#2--In case you haven't heard--I've done it! Yes, I am enrolled at the American School of Piano Tunning and in the thick of Unisons and Intervals. I am mailing off my exams for the first two lessons tomorrow and diving in to setting the "equal temperment" which, I will admit, I am nervous about, and is clearly stated serveral times as the most difficult part of the course. I have a little electric tunner that will tell me if I set "Middle C" correctly, but that's all it is good for--as the piano's intervals are not perfect (I have learned) and if you tuned them to perfect pitch all your octaves would be off--ANYWAY--they do have an electronic machine that will help you set the temperment, but it costs nearly as much as the course did in the first place. So for now I'm going to have to learn to do it by ear. WHEW. Wish me luck!! All in all I am really enjoying what I am learning, and am trying not to get to anxious for results (patience. this is a biggie with me. I'm waiting for "wak things to become strong" on this one. Maybe someday.) AND I FINALLY memorized the circle of fifths. Or figured out that it really takes no memorization whatsoever, just go up the piano in fifths. DUH. you'd think I'd have figured THAT out in 7th grade. nope. nearly 20 years later, here I am, finally getting it. I guess some wisdom (or maybe common sense) does come with age.
#3 I got mad and really yelled at my kids yesterday. While I hope it was a one-time thing, I am feeling a lot of remorse. However they don't seem to care too much. Keith just stood and looked at me, and Belle said "I'm going to call Daddy and tell him you are being mean." Fortunantley I have a supportive husband who was on my side. I decided I need a little break and went to hide from them, to which Belle responded "are you taking some time to calm down, Mom?" Seriously. How many times have I said that to her?? enough.
I have really been enjoying the study of the New Testament, and it has brought such a lift into my life that I really missed them. I had been reading instead my Portuguese Book of Mormon, which I really enjoy, but I opened up where my last marker was and it was in the Book of Alma where Moroni surrounds the Lamanites at the River Sidon (there you can tell I was reading it in Portuguese? River Sidon?) and one of his soldiers scalps Zarahemna (also not sure about this guys' name in English) and they pretty much destroy all the Lamanites who won't make a covenant of peace. blood. carnage. I know, I know...the Nephites were blessed and saved from an army twice their size because they relied on the Lord, listened to his promptings and were prepared, and then gave all the glory and thanks to God for their victory. But I just wasn't into it. I guess I could have read my portuguese bible...but then you don't get any footnotes, no JST or ready-made cross-references--so I decided to wait. Makes one grateful for the LDS version of the Bible! Anyway, today I got back into Mark and I'm happy to say I had a good day.
#2--In case you haven't heard--I've done it! Yes, I am enrolled at the American School of Piano Tunning and in the thick of Unisons and Intervals. I am mailing off my exams for the first two lessons tomorrow and diving in to setting the "equal temperment" which, I will admit, I am nervous about, and is clearly stated serveral times as the most difficult part of the course. I have a little electric tunner that will tell me if I set "Middle C" correctly, but that's all it is good for--as the piano's intervals are not perfect (I have learned) and if you tuned them to perfect pitch all your octaves would be off--ANYWAY--they do have an electronic machine that will help you set the temperment, but it costs nearly as much as the course did in the first place. So for now I'm going to have to learn to do it by ear. WHEW. Wish me luck!! All in all I am really enjoying what I am learning, and am trying not to get to anxious for results (patience. this is a biggie with me. I'm waiting for "wak things to become strong" on this one. Maybe someday.) AND I FINALLY memorized the circle of fifths. Or figured out that it really takes no memorization whatsoever, just go up the piano in fifths. DUH. you'd think I'd have figured THAT out in 7th grade. nope. nearly 20 years later, here I am, finally getting it. I guess some wisdom (or maybe common sense) does come with age.
#3 I got mad and really yelled at my kids yesterday. While I hope it was a one-time thing, I am feeling a lot of remorse. However they don't seem to care too much. Keith just stood and looked at me, and Belle said "I'm going to call Daddy and tell him you are being mean." Fortunantley I have a supportive husband who was on my side. I decided I need a little break and went to hide from them, to which Belle responded "are you taking some time to calm down, Mom?" Seriously. How many times have I said that to her?? enough.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
The BUNNY project
This took most of my limited creative ability to pull off. We had to search long and hard for hot glue gun glue sticks--that tells you how often I get the glue gun out!
When I was a kid we had an Easter bunny made from an old salad dressing bottle (glass back then). So a few weeks ago when we emptied a salad dressing bottle I saved it thinking I would make one for us. The bottle bunny would sit out during Easter season and then the Easter bunny fills it with jelly beans.
Here is our attempt:
Some of the parts are a little crooked, if I were to do it again I would have the head on the jar while gluing on parts to make sure they are straight. We put a few jelly beans in it ahead of time. The kids and I had fun, and that's what counts.
When I was a kid we had an Easter bunny made from an old salad dressing bottle (glass back then). So a few weeks ago when we emptied a salad dressing bottle I saved it thinking I would make one for us. The bottle bunny would sit out during Easter season and then the Easter bunny fills it with jelly beans.
Here is our attempt:
Some of the parts are a little crooked, if I were to do it again I would have the head on the jar while gluing on parts to make sure they are straight. We put a few jelly beans in it ahead of time. The kids and I had fun, and that's what counts.
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