I was trying not to notice but I can't stand it anymore.

I was really trying not to pay attention to the Breaking Dawn countdown. I thought if I wasn't aware of the date, then I wouldn't be so anxious to have the book in my hands. Well, that all failed tonight. Kai is gone with the scouts on a camping trip, and I took the girls to the library. I was looking for a book to read (for some unknown reason I am a sucker for old westerns, Louis L'Amour and Zane Grey). Anyway I was looking and looking and looking and then I realized that what I was really looking for wasn't there and wouldn't even come out until August 2. Dang it. Books play in my head like a movie, and I hate not knowing how a movie ends. Now that I know the date I can't pretend to ignore it anymore. Curse my own awareness!!!

I have NEVER been star struck before, but I think I would really like to meet Stephenie Meyer. I would love to take a long drive with her and have her tell me stories like I was a little kid. I guess I can put that wish in my never to be fulfilled jar.

I did get two Louis L'Amour books to hold me over, The Empty Land and Dark Canyon, (big sigh) but I am sure they just won't hit the spot.

Is a 76 year old woman to old to have the Disney Princesses on her cake? Because that is what she is getting. Lets make her wear a tiara, too.

Lots and lots of posts today! This is the last thought I promise! I found out that my brother Chris who is on his mission is able to get onto my blog and check things out. This inspires me to show more pictures and write a few more things. Hi Chris!!!

My Grandma turned 76 this year and we celebrated her birthday 3 times! We had a family party at my Aunt and Uncles house, had cake and ice cream, then we went to her house on the actual day and had cake and ice cream again. Later we had another family birthday party at my Mom's house and had cake and ice cream. It was a lot of fun. I made her a scrapbook full of her old family pictures and tons of fun facts and events that happened in the year 1932. It was so much fun to make and she loved it. I told my mom I would make one for her 76Th birthday too, but she said she'd prefer it for her 55Th. I am sorry to say I don't have a picture of the cake or tiara wearing. I am really slacking!
This is us celebrating birthday number 3. After dinner Cambria came to me and said, " Mom, come with me, I found something really scary." This is a picture of what she was talking about,it is the world's largest moth that got caught in our tent/gazebo. I thought that moths that size only existed in Hawaii. I saw a moth like this is the Hale three bathroom over the sink by unit 209. I went somewhere else to brush my teeth.
You'll have to read the below post to know how special the encore of this concert was. My kids just love to play "concert." It was great.

My kids love uncle Sean. I wondered if Bubba thought he was Kai. Sometimes he looked at him searchingly.
It was so hot in the dang house! If you remember I told you that one of the two things that I missed about Mesquite was my AC, the other being my husband. We ate dinner outside every chance we could. The weather cooled off faster than the house did. It was so fun. I wish we could do that here in Mesquite but its usually still 100 plus degrees at 10PM.
One of the cool things we did was attend La Mirada's new multi- million dollar aquatic facility. My brother Sean works there and got us in free. Thanks, Sean!! This place has two huge pools, a large lazy river, three adult water slides, a kid play structure (seen behind my girls), a pirate playground. It is a really fun place to go.

Part of the Pirate structure. My kids had almost as much fun on this as they did in the water.

We had a great time in California! Thanks Mom and Dad for putting up with us and helping us and playing with us and all the other wonderful things you did (like buying Cambria a whole new school wardrobe!!!!- she'll be the best dresses- if I can bear to let her go!)

He bust his stick he shred so bad

I accidentally did this whole post backwards. So we are starting with the end. Crystal Cove. It's a beautiful beach in Newport. Kai and his other wife, my brother Chris, used to go surfing there together all the time. They would tell us stories about crystal clear waters and encounters with mantarays, seals, dolphins, and baby sharks. This family trip however, was the first time I had ever been. We didn't see any of the mentioned sea life, but we did see lots of anemone, a lobster tail, and little small fish in tide pools. I have to tell you that I am quite relieved not to have seen any sharks, babies or not.

We were able to meet up with our BYUH buddies the Dyers. I can't believe I don't have any good pictures of them to post. I feel like I took hundreds, but it seems they were mostly of Bubba and their little girl Tessa, who is just a tad bit younger. Her they are below in a little blow up pool full of salt water. Its a much safer way for babies to experience the ocean. It also makes a good hot tub for return surfers coming out of the cold ocean. (you remember that that, Caca:)) The few I did get of the Dyer Family I will need to zoom and crop so that you can actually see them. My little white beauty just loves the beach. We were there for 6 hours and water babies instant waterproof spray did a great job. I think I did reapply it once.

When we got to Grammy and Papa's house poor Bubba was so tired he fell asleep right on Papa's lap. My kids rarely, if ever just "fall" asleep like this.

See, totally out of order. I didn't plan this post very very well. I was trying to download my pictures at the same item I was making dinner. They take so much longer to download since my pixels are bigger and I can only do three at a time. It seems like it takes for ever!!!
We had so much fun frolicking in the waves and playing in the sand. It makes me wish we lived much closer to the ocean. I love this picture below. I am going to blow it up and change the color to sepia. Isn't it weird how your kids change your life. If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would ever love and adore something or someone so much, I would never have been able to comprehend it.
This was a scary little rest stop that I don't think we will ever use again. I can't even remember where it was. There was a big Ron Paul sign on the front, The shop was full of shady characters and I rushed the girls' in and out. We did feel safe enough however, to pose by this cowboy and water feature.

Cambria and Kiera felt quite musical on this trip. Uncle Sean encouraged their "beautiful" music. It was truly a time to remember. I can't even find the words to describe the noise that was made by these two. It brought me to tears. I had to leave the room so they wouldn't see me burst into hysterics. I think only my mom and my brother Sean will ever fully be able to appreciate this picture.

Twinkle Toes Commercial

So, remember about the commercial I said my girl's got to be in? Well, it was fun, but mostly because for our payment we got to use the cool rec center facility it was filmed at! What a cool place. It had an awesome work out facility, a rock climbing wall, a humongous pool complete with water slide, lazy river and water playground. The kids had a blast. But let me back track a bit. While we were waiting our turn to film our part of the dance commercial, we got to watch several other groups dance. One of them was a Hawaiian group. They did the hula and two Tahitian numbers. They were so good. They had the tiniest little girl in their group, she was maybe two and she was so cute to watch. When our turn came up the girl's mostly did stretching and warm ups. It really didn't even seem like a commercial, more like a recital. They had one camera rolling around the floor and it was really very unobtrusive.
I thought this was so cute because it was completely candid. I turned around and they were hugging like this. I have no idea what prompted it but I sure enjoyed it.

These water beams kept Bubba quite entertained.

A few of the people from the Hawaiian group were from BYUH. Kai spent a little time talking story withe them and then asked the dance teacher if she would come to Mesquite to teach a class. She said she would if she had a t least 10 students, and she preferred to do a class on Friday because then she could go to the Casino afterwards for the all you can eat seafood buffet. Leave it to a Hawaiian to plan an activity around food. We have been trying to find 8 other people to take the class ever since. I wonder if she would do an adult class. I would love to learn to. I can't believe I lived in Hawaii and never learned the hula! Shame on Me!!!

I just realized that old navy is about as couture as I get!!!

I am still on vacation and can't download pictures yet. I have only been on the computer three times and I can't tell you how exciting it is to see so many comments from all of you. I have a lot of catching up to do with you on your blogs!

Thank you so much for sounding off on the kindergarten issue. It was great to hear what so many of you had to say. Last night was one of the few nights that all of my children slept soundly (we are all in the same room) and I ended up being tired in the morning anyway because I couldn't stop thinking about all day vs. half day kindergarten!! UGH!!!

Also thank you for all the memories. I laughed out loud at most of them!! How fun to relive those moments through your eyes! I can't wait to check your blogs to see if you are "playing" that game too!

So, my Mom and I have been shopping for Cambria's school clothes. It has been so fun. We hit our first store today and then had to come home to put the kiddos down for a nap. They were all a little cranky! So I looked on line at a few shops and thought I love some of the clothes, I can't stand the prices. My husband is a teacher you know:) (bless his heart) and we don't have a big budget to work with. Does anyone have a favorite store with good prices/deals??!!

Also we have had many fond and memorable moments on this trip and I wanted to write a few of my favorite down. So it is time for:

SEEN and HEARD

Heard:
1. By Kiera referring to my make up.
Mom, I like your lips.
Ooohhhhh, I like your eyes too!
You look like a wicked witch!

Heard:
2. Cambria, teasing Kiera.
C: Kiera, I am the American flag talking to you! (kind of a haunted ghosty voice)
K: The American Flag??? (disbelief)
C: Yes, the American flag, but I can't hear you because I am old. I am old but I do not wear
glasses.

SEEN:
Malachi taking his first steps!!! (Kai was sad about that one!)

Kiera after Cambria did something nice:
Thank you Cambria, you are the bestest sister ever. The best sister I ever met.

Cambria, upset that she had to do quiet time away from the adults:
(she gets scared easily and hides behind her blanket)
If no one will watch this movie with me, I'll just sit here by myself and watch the scary parts!

Heard:
After we looked at a few houses that were for sale:
Me: Well, girls I guess we are stuck in Mesquite, we won't be moving here anytime soon. (Then thinking I need to be more positive I add,) but that's okay, you like Mesquite don't you?

Cambria: Mom, I love it her! (then as if reading a check list) You got your parents, you care for them . . . holding her hand out to add emphasis)

Me: You're right we should move here.:)

Seen and heard:
Malachi clapping for himself and making a noise that sounds like "yaaaaay."

Remember When??

I've seen this on a few blogs and it seems fun. Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together, or one of the first memories you have of me. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Keep in mind that my family reads this.... nothing too revealing or embarrassing please! =)

So Totally, Extremely Curious

I know that I am slightly odd. This is not news to me. I have always danced slightly to the beat of a different drum. I know I am emotional (Passionate sounds better) and over protective. I blame the first on my Spanish-Scottish heritage, the second might be a product of my life experiences.

Anyhow, I was at my Aunt and Uncles house the other day for my grandma's birthday party. I have a few cousins who have kids Cambria's age. The subject of Kindergarten came up. Some of you may know the hard time I have been having with sending Cambria to Kindergarten. I have been freaking out for months now. There have been a few nights that I have kept Kai awake (or almost awake) with insane ramblings about why I didn't want my eldest child to go to all day kindergarten. I even toyed with the idea of home schooling until a few of my friends made fun of me.

So, what I am extremely curious about is, are you for all day kindergarten or half day? Most of my friends are delirious with delight at the thought of all the free time they will have when they send their 5 year old to school all day.

The funny thing is, I am a former educator. I taught special education for three years. There was an all day kindergarten class right next door to mine. School started at 7:45 and let out at 2:10. I never even gave it a second thought. But, I didn't have kids at the time either.

The other funny thing is that my mother-in-law is the principal at the school Cambria will be going to. So it's not like I have anything to worry about. I just feel like, I don't want the school to take over her life yet. I still want to be the primary influencing force in her life. Not the kids in her class or on the playground, not even her teacher. Me.

So tell me, are you for all day K, or half day K?

Other than that, having a great time in Cali. Got a sunburn on my back for the first time in who knows how long. It hurts. But I am happy.

1-800-97- Jenny!

The title is a little jingle that Kai used to sing to me when we were dating. Not all the time. I was quite fit before student teaching claimed my figure. He'd sing it when I'd have an extra helping or a large portion of dessert.

This is the first time I have ever considered joining Jenny Craig for real. My sister-in-law lost all kinds of weight doing it and she looks great.

I have lost a ton of weight (35 lbs, I got huge!) since my pregnancy, but it has been slow. With my other two, it seemed to come off so much faster. I did exercise a lot more though.

Anyway when I was at my friend Jenny's I weighed myself on her scale and realized I am only 8 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight and 18 away from goal weight. It made me so happy because I know I can loose the rest. I am so close to my goal that it has renewed my motivation. The other thing that renewed my motivation was swim suit shopping, that was a real nightmare.
So my goal is to have all the weight off by my birthday in late October. I think I can do it.

P.S. Bubba likes cat food. The dry kind. I just turned to check on him and he had a mouthful. He probably thinks someone put in on the floor just for him. Gross.

Girl's only! Except you Bubba, you can come too.

California Dreamin'.
If any of you have checked my blog lately and wondered why I haven't posted, it is because I am finally back in Cali! I love it here. There are only two things I miss from Nevada, My husband and my air conditioner. Kai drove us here, stayed for the weekend and then flew back to Vegas. He'll be back to get us in two weeks. We all miss him. I think we all miss the AC, too. We have been spoiled living in a house where we can control the climate. I am not used to being hot and sweaty in doors.

I just want to thank everyone who comments on my posts. Thank you so much for keeping in touch. I love blogging because it makes the world seem smaller!

I haven't figured out how to post pictures from my folks computers yet, so this post won't be that interesting I guess. I just wanted to let you know where I was.

When Kai was still with us we went to a beach called Crystal Cove. It is down Newport way and it was very nice we had a blast. We met up with our Friends the Dyer's. It was so fun to be with them and let the kids play together. We ended up being there for 6 hours. Kai and I came away with a nice red sunburn, but the kids were nice and protected.

Today I was able to reconnect with one of my dear college buddies, Jenny Barnes Sneddon. She recently had a very cute little baby girl. We had a great time swimming in her pool.

We have a lot of fun things planned and can't wait to do them all. I'll keep you posted and hopefully I can figure out how to posts some pictures!

I love you, honey. We miss you so much!!!

More Fireworks, Please!

I love the 4th of July! There is something special about any day that celebrates freedom with family, friends and fireworks. A woman from New Zealand came to visit family here in Mesquite. Do you know what the first thing she said was when she stepped off of the plane? "I can't believe I am in the promise land." America is a beautiful Country that is continuing to grow and change and make herself better. I am proud and thankful to the men and women of the past and present who have given their lives and those who continue to risk their lives for the freedom and hope of America.

Growing up I never considered myself lucky. I never won anything. But as I was rocking my son to sleep one day, I decided that I needed to redefine my idea of luck. I was born into the free world. The land of promise which God preserved and kept his from the rest of the world so that the gospel could be restored to the earth. I was born into the gospel and raised by a loving family. I married a man who longs to do what is right. I have three beautiful children. I told Kai that one of my dreams was to own a home before I was 30, and here we are, in a home that we love.


When I make a list and really count my blessings, I realize that I am more than lucky. I am blessed. And I am Grateful.


We started our day out by making cookies. Let me rephrase that. We started the day out by frosting store bought cookies. Kai is really the baker in our family. He makes the best cookies, cakes and brownies. I am really good at buying cookies from the store.

Kiera has been experimenting with new facial features. This is one of the faces she uses to mimic her little brother. I am sure it is because she is the middle child, but she can't decide whether she wants to be a big girl or a baby again. We have had lots of baby talk lately and lots of interesting facial expressions.
The store bought coolies weren't too bad. Kai's are still way better. I'll have to have him make sugar cookies next time. Below is Cambria and Kiera posing in their Patriotic wear from the local Walmart. Its the only store we have. Bubba didn't have a red, white and blue outfit, but he did have a Patriotic binky.
Cambria and I spent the previous day making little goodies. This picture didn't turn out too well because of the foil it was place on, but It is a huge American flag Jell-o jiggler. It was so fun to make, but truth be told, it wasn't too tasty. So I think I will make it again, but next time it will be a center piece. We also made a Key Lime frozen yogurt pie, a strawberry frozen yogurt pie, AND . . .

Home made root beer! Thank you for all the recipes. We followed the one on the back of the root beer extract box. I didn't even know that was such a thing as root beer extract! I am sad to say that we did not get to use dry ice. I really wanted to because that seemed like part of the fun of the experience. I think we will make a second attempt though for Halloween.

Above, my kids are sitting with their cousin Kiana, whom I just love and adore. She reminds me of a dark version of Cambria. Below is Aunt Candy with Bubba as he gets ready to swim. He loves the water.
Uncle Ke'ala got some fire works from the Indian reservation and the kids loves them. Cambria was a little scared of the fireworks that flew in the air and would sit on Papa's lap for comfort. Every once in awhile she would run to me and say, "Mom, I am so worried that the fireworks are going to fall on you or Bubba." Isn't she sweet to worry about us!

This was Kiera's "brave face". She was very proud that she was not scared of the fireworks like her sister was. I think it made her feel very mature.

It was a great day- as I am sure all of you had as well.

Can't wait until next year!!

Now we are on the countdown for California! 4 days to go!

Lights, Camera, Action!

The law of attraction is working for Cambria. I can't remember what movies we were watching, but she asked me, "Mom, how come I'm not on TV?" I had no good answer for her except that we could put our home movies on so that she could watch herself.

Well, this morning I got a call from a friend. She had just been talking to Cambria and Kiera's dance teacher, Miss Crystal. Miss Crystal just got a new job in Washington, the small town before your get to St. George. Her new dance class will be held at the new rec center and they want to film a commercial to advertise. Miss Crystal doesn't have any students in the area yet, so she called my friend, Toshia, to ask if her daughter would be interested. I guess Crystal is having a hard time finding people who don't already have previous commitments. So my friend Toshia told her she would ask us if we were available. We are.

So, this Wednesday, my little girlies will have an opportunity to be in a commercial. When I told Cambria, she said, "Mom, I want to be in a movie, not a commercial." Funny, huh. At least she knows what she wants out of life, though, I really don't want her to have a career in show biz.