Here come the pitter-patter...

I love spring!

2010-04-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

I love spring! Especially when Strawberries are on sale. Because when strawberries are on sale, I can take lots of these:

And turning it into 21 Cups of this:

And then spread it on warm, homemade...

I got all of me seeds planted and can't wait to see the greens poking out of the ground. Radishes, Onions, Lettuce, Carrots, Peas, and Potatoes. Potatoes are new this year. I've never done them before. Hopefully, I don't ruin them. I love spring!

Blogging and Baby

2009-06-19T21:25:00.001-07:00

Wow! It's been while since I blogged. A LONG while! Hikari has decided that he is going to finish his degree if its that last thing he does, and I couldn't be more proud of him! So, he's still working full time and getting ready for our Stake Pioneer Strek up to Rocky Ridge/Martin's Cove and doing school. It keeps him busy, but I know he can do it.

Munchkin is just a bundle of wonderful! As hard as she tries my patience these days, she still manages to make me giggle. It was like pulling teeth to get her to help around the house today! Even after bribing (yes, bribing-it can be a very useful tool at times!) with a 'date' with Mom and Dad to the movies (to which she has never gone), she still was dragging her feet to even pick her 2 toys off the kitchen floor. But then we got a sitter for Monkey and went to the see "Up" and she kept laughing out loud at all the funny little parts, and I couldn't help but giggle at that little four year old that, at times, makes me want to pull my hair out! I was never like that, right??

And then my baby. He turned one during my blogging Hiatus. One. year. old. He's getting so big! But he sure is cute. My SIL did such a great Job with Ayana's pics, so we went back down and had her capture my son. He's so mellow campared to Ayana. He always seems to have a curious look on his face, but I absolutely love the pics. Enjoy! Thank Chrissy!!

Because Everyone likes a good Hip Hop Dance...

2009-03-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was watching the American Idol with Munchkin, and in the middle there was a musical number by Kanye West. I'm not a huge fan of him, so I started picking up around the house for the evening. I noticed Munchkin dancing around the living room. I said to her "Are you doing some Hip Hop Dancing?" She has NO IDEA what this is, but now she thinks she does. Not 30 seconds later, she began skipping around the room saying "Hip...Hop...Hip...Hop..." I asked what she was doing and she said "Hip Hop Dancing, Mom!" Oh, of course, my mistake!

Munchkin's Birthday!

2009-01-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

Munchkin is a princess. She is ALL girl!!! She loves to play dress-up and loves anything princess. She currently has (among many other dress-ups) a Cinderella Dress that I bought at a yard sale, a big poofy Belle dress that Grandma made last year, and a Little Mermaid Costume that Grandma also made for her. For Christmas this last year, she said she needed more princess clothes, but Santa decided to bring her a bike instead. So for her birthday, I decided to try and make a Snow White dress and a Sleeping Beauty Dress. I had the help of my Mother in law, thank goodness! It was a lot of work, but totally worth it! The best part was wrapping each piece in a different box so she had a lot to open!

The Snow White Dress includes the Dress with a detachable collar (which is good, because it's not very comfortable!), A red-lined blue cape, a red headband and bow, and we got a steal on some Disney Princess Snow White shoes.

Sleeping Beauty came with a short sleeve dress, A netted slip that my Mother in Law whipped together, fingerless gloves that made is "long sleeve" and a gold crown.

She had a family birthday party with her cousin and they had a Webkinz Birthday Party. My Sister In Law made a Wheel of Wow, a Wishing Well, and gave Kinz Cash and had a "W" Store with little trinkets. She got a baby horse Webkinz from Me and Hikari, and a Puppy from Her Aunt. We also brought one of the two dresses-Snow White. She was tickled!

Then on her birthday, we had Grandma and Grandpa and Omi and Opi over for a small Brownie and Ice Cream Happy Birthday, and she got to open the Sleeping Beauty Dress!

It was a lot of fun, and I think she really enjoyed it. Today she spent the day listening to Disney Princess Music and changing into each of her appropriate costumes...Oh to be 4 again!!

My baby is Growing up.

2009-01-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

Munchkin is 4 years old on Tuesday. I can't believe how big she is getting. She is such a big sister to her little brother. Some days she can't wait to climb into his crib while I'm not looking and play with him. Other days she screams when he crawls up to her and pulls her hair. We took some pictures before her birthday, since the portrait of her in the living room was from when she was turning 2. Thanks to my SIL who did such a good job with these. Thanks Chrissy!!

We also did some with Chunky Monkey! What a cutie pie!

The children were nestled all snug in thier beds...

2008-12-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right. The children are nestled, however it is not Christmas eve. It is Christmas Afternoon. They both fell asleep in the car with about 90 seconds of leaving Grandma's house and have came home and went straight to bed for a much needed nap.

I don't sleep on Christmas Eve. I never have. I always thought that it would wear off as I got older. Last night I think I averaged between 20 and 30 minutes between snoozes and I would look at the clock. Finally at 5:00 am, Monkey woke up for his morning feeding, and by the time we were done, we were ready to have Christmas.

Christmas Eve was at Hikari's parents house. It is fun to go and be with Family. They always sing Christmas songs, and then do the Nativity with all the kids. That is something I really enjoy, that my family never did. My dad would read the Christmas Story out of the bible and then that was pretty much it. Munchkin got to share the big role of the Shining Star with her Cute little cousin, L. They were so darling, and then L decided she didn't want to be a star and took the role of Baby Jesus (which she did so great!) When Munchkin had her turn to "Shine" she put her arms up, and smiled for the Camera. I could tell she knew that she had a very important role.

After we opened presents, we went to Omi and Opi's house (my parents) and had nice big Christmas Breakfast! Then we had gifts again, and some good giggles.

And now the presents are unwrapped, the food has been eaten, the toys have been played with and my children (and husband) are nestled all snug in their beds for a good Christmas nap. I look at them and am so thankful for the blessings that we have seen this year. We have seen the influence of our Heavenly Father more this year, than any year since we've been married, and I'm so greatful that we have seen God's hand in our life.

I really need to invest in a new camera this year, but until then, here are some not so great pictures of our holiday season.

Merry Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night!

This is our Christmas Activity on the 23rd. I remember doing this in Elementary school. It's a milk carton with Graham Crackers pasted on with frosting. **then your walls don't fall down :)

Christmas Eve Jammer's: Lightning McQueen & Princess!

Here is Christmas Morning:

Santa brought some fun gifts. Munchkin got a new Big Girl Bike, Monkey got some toys, I got a Popcorn Popper, and Hikari got some movies and games. Then the whole family got a Wii Fit game.

Been a while...

2008-12-06T05:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I realized that I needed to post again since my last post was nearly 2 months ago! Oops. As for us, things are just as busy as always. Since I was cut back to just one day a week again at work, I decided I wanted to expand my piano teaching. I've been teaching my nieces and nephews for about 3 1/2 years, and now I have two new students. Munchkin is also continuing lessons. It's been a slow process, but she likes to show off what she's learned. Hopefully I can pick up a few more students in the next little bit, too. When I started teaching my nieces and nephews, Idid it as a thank you for watching my kids while I worked, and it has turned into something I really enjoy. There is nothing like seeing the light go on and the joy of music is discovered in someone else.

It's a hat day- A bit of randomness

2008-10-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well, this morning. We bundled. I always have mixed feelings about the fall. I love the fall, don't get me wrong. But my problem is the cold. I don't like being cold. I love being warm, though, which also happens in the fall. Let me share:

Yesterday, it was cold outside. 60-something, I think. As a result, it's cool enough right now that we don't run the A/C. But it's not warm enough to merit the Heater. I hate being that cold. But it was also one of those days that once you get snuggled in a blanket and get yourself warm, then you warm a bowl of yummy chili you had made the night before. And you get the "Cozy in the fall" feeling- I Love being cozy. (It also works the same with Hot Chocolate-very cozy food.)

This morning. I did NOT want to wake up. Again, the temp does not merit the heater, but the evenings get very cold. Our wood floors are COLD our tile bathroom floor is COLDER! Had it been a sleep-in saturday, it wouldn't have been so bad. I like the warm covers, and I don't mind the cold so much when I get to stay in my warm covers a bit longer. But Monday is the one day of the week that I work AND have to take the kids to my SIL's to be babysat. Which means I have to be up early enough to get myself AND two kids ready. Pack lunches for Hikari and I, and spend 20 minutes nursing a sleepy baby before we go. (That's his usual time to eat, but then I usually lay him back down and me back down for an extra hour after that). I have to get up way too early! Most of the time I try and do most of my preparation the night before. (Diaper bag, Lunches, clothes ready). But it was my fault, and I was being lazy last night, and just decided to do it in the morning. Now back to the weather issue. It was COLD. I'm not sure exactly how cold, but it was cold. BUT...then when we were leaving I was putting jackets on the kids, and I decided to put a beanie hat on little Chunky Monkey. He looked so cute! And we were all bundled and cozy! I love it. I'll have to get a picture and post it. As we walked outside, I was glad that I had indeed put the additional hat on his head. It must be that I just love being cozy. You never can feel cozy in the summer. Only when it's cold outside. So I guess I do like the cold..but I don't like being cold...I like being Cozy. And Today is a Hat Day!

Mommy Tag

2008-09-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

What time do your kids wake up? Munchkin-6:45; Monkey-7:00

On a good night, what time do your kids go to sleep? Munchkin-8:30; Monkey-Between 7:30 & 8:00, but occasionally has a 10:00 feeding, but that’s ok with me.

How long have you been a mom? Almost 4 years

How old were you when you became a mom? 22

What is your favorite kid show? Signing Time

Least favorite kid TV show? Most Saturday Morning stuff. It’s all very “Teeny Bopper” stuff.

Favorite meal to cook? German Pancakes or Shepherd’s Pie

What is the meal cooked most often? Rice with some sort of sauce

What is the kids favorite meal? Spaghetti

What are your favorite things that Husband does with the kids? I love when he tickles them so much that just their laughter can make you laugh!

What are 5 things that make you smile while being a mom?
When I can hear her playing house or school all by herself.
When Monkey looks at me and smiles.
When Munchkin wants to snuggle “for two minutes” every night before she goes to sleep.
When Munchkin says the prayer all by herself and is so excited when she does!
When I sit on the rocker chair and I have both children on my lap hugging each other.

Where do you want to take your kids someday? Disneyland! Of, course!

When was the last time you and your husband went out without the kids? In August, our Stake hosted a multi-stake dance, and since Hikari is in the Stake YM, we chaperoned for it. Does that count? Before then, I think when we went to dinner and a movie for our Anniversary in June.

One thing you said you'd never do as a mom? I would never “give in” to their whining. This one is actually a lot harder than I ever thought. I have always felt so guilty for working and being away as much as I do, that it’s hard to draw the line. But I’m doing a lot better since I’ve been home more.

Favorite past time with your kids? Going to the library, and making Projects at home

Advice for a new mom: Sit back and watch. Enjoy each moment, because if you worry about the future, you miss it. It goes by way to fast.

When was the last time your kids said "I love you"? This morning before I left.

I really needed this post today. It was one of those weekends where patience was running very thin, and I almost forgot how much I love my children, and how much I love being a mom! Thanks for the reminder, Chrissy!

Donut Recipe

2008-09-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

I had a few requests, so here it is. (Next time I post a yummy picture of food, I'll be sure to post the recipe, too!) I think this makes 48 donuts, and I only did a half a batch, so I think it's pretty accurate, because we had about 2 dozen.

Doughnuts
2 (1/4 ounce) packages yeast
1/4 cup water (105-115)
1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk (scalded, then cooled)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup shortening
5 cups all-purpose flour
canola oil

Creamy Glaze
1/3 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4-6 tablespoons hot water

Chocolate frosting
1/3 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4-6 tablespoons hot water
4 ounces milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions
Dissolve yeast in warm water in 2 1/2-quart bowl.
Add milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening and 2 cups flour.
Beat on low for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly.
Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.
Stir in remaining flour until smooth.
Cover and let rise until double, 50-60 minutes.
(Dough is ready when indentation remains when touched.) Turn dough onto floured surface; roll around lightly to coat with flour.
Gently roll dough 1/2-inch thick with floured rolling pin.
Cut with floured doughnut cutter.
Cover and let rise until double, 30-40 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°.
Slide doughnuts into hot oil with wide spatula.
Turn doughnuts as they rise to the surface.
Fry until golden brown, about 1 minute on each side.
Remove carefully from oil (do not prick surface); drain.
Dip the doughnuts into creamy glaze set on rack then when slightly cooled spread chocolate frosting on top.
Dip in sprinkles or other toppings after chocolate if desired.

Creamy Glaze: Heat butter until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.

Chocolate Frosting: Heat butter and chocolate over low heat until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in water 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.

Mmmm...Doughnuts!!

2008-09-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

Isn't it great when a mess like this...
Gives us such yummy goodness as these...

Gotta love Sunday afternoons with a three year old a hungry mom!!!

My Big Girl...or is she?

2008-08-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

This may be a TMI post, so I'm just warning you now! I get so wrapped up in all the Munchkin is doing and being that I think, "Wow! She is So big and grown up!" that I forget that she is still only 3. She is still a little one. And everyone makes mistakes...even 3 year olds who seem so big.

Sunday was one of those days. Back up a little-Friday night we got a call from the Bishop asking Hikari to speak on Sunday. His speakers had called and were unable, so he had to find someone in two days. Then, Hikari and I had to chaperone the Stake Youth Dance (as he is in the Stake Young Men's) and didn't get to bed till WAAYYY past bed time!! I was exahusted and so was he. Now to Sunday. We go into Sacrament Meeting and Hikari walks to the front, and she already starts to lose it a bit. "I want to sit with Daddy!" I told her that after Daddy talked, she could go and sit with him. Shortly after, she requested to use the bathroom. Of course I can't deny her, as potty requests at this age result in disasters if ignored. (You think I would have thought of that yesterday!) So I packaged up the baby, and the three of us went to the potty only to have her sit there and say..."Oh, there's nothing there," she announced. Within 10 minutes of returning, we went through the same thing. I didn't want to deny her, because I thought maybe the first was a false alarm. We came back with the same result of "nothing is in there."
Then right as Hikari gets up to talk, Munchkin got very excited that he was now talking, and when he was done, she could sit with him. But then turns around and says, "Mommy, I need to go potty!" I asked if she was sure and she thought about it for a minute and said, "No, I don't." And I asked again are you sure you don't need to go?" Her response, "No, I'm fine." I left it at that. I was tired, and if she said she was okay, I wasn't going to push the issue. Boy, was I wrong! During his talk, Chunky Monkey began getting very fussy. I fed him and he quickly fell asleep after only a few sips. He was tired, too. Then just at the part where a husband talks about how much he loves his wife and family is, (am I horrible for really liking that part?) Munchkin looks up at me and with pain in her eyes and a hand on her behind. She strains to say, "Mommy...do you have any new panties for me??" She was trying to hold back but she couldn't keep it in. I stand up with the baby, and we make a dash for the bathroom her hand holding her panties, all the time, knowing I'll need both arms to take care of this, but not knowing what to do with my baby! Upon reaching the foyer, the sweet wife of the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric was in there and saw my panic and offered to take my perfect sleeping child.
We rushed into the bathroom, and lucky us, I had packed an emergency pair of underwear for her for a long day we had several weeks ago, that we never had used, and I had not yet taken out of the diaper bag. I helped remove the offending underwear and associated nuggets, and she sat on the toilet to finish while I pulled out a clean pair of underwear. She saw it, and my half naked child leaped off the toilet into my arms and said "Oh Mommy!! I love you! Thank you so much!"
You'd have thought I pulled out a giant lollipop! We get everyone and everything cleaned up and walked back to the chapel during the closing song. We walked past the 2nd couselor's wife, who had returned to her seat and was more than happy to keep him till the end of the meeting, and Munchkin walked up to daddy on the stand in a new pair of underwear. And I sat by myself in our pew... next to a diaper bag... and a sunday activity bag and no children to interupt me while I sang. At first I breathed a sigh and thought.. finally...a few minutes. But very quickly that few minutes got very boring, very fast. I missed the chaos sitting next to me. Who would have thought!

DANCING!

2008-08-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official! I have a dancing princess! We went to her first dance class this last tuesday. After ho humming about cost and time, and came across a 3-5 year old dance class that through the city rec (Yeah on cost) and it's only once a week (yeah on time!) rather than two or three times a week. She wanted to look just like a ballerina, but she didn't want to wear any tights, and so this is what it came out as:

She was so excited. There were 6 little 3 and 4 year olds, and they all had a blast. She's been practicing her "First Position" and "Plie" and such all week. The teacher is so cute, too. Munckin had a blast!

Mommy Daughter Princess Tea Party

2008-08-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

I was invited to a tea party. A PRINCESS tea party! Munchkin was really struggling with having to share Mommy. So one afternoon, Chunky Monkey laid down for a great long nap. And I showed her how to have a princess tea party. We set the table just right with Mommy's special China, made some "tea" (Lemonade with sugar and ice), Made sliced tomatoes and mozzerella, and made cucumber sandwiches. Then we dressedup in our very best dresses and heels and wore as much princess jewelry as we could. It's so fun to play with her. It's hard sometimes with the baby, but when we get a chance, I love it! And I know she does, too.

Princess Munchkin and Princess Mommy sitting down for afternoon tea.

Who doesn't LOVE a good cucumber sandwich?

Our Harvest

2008-08-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

Now, this is a few weeks late, but I just was slow to get the pictures uploaded from my camera. In July, right after we returned from our Family Reunion in Canada, we came home to our wonderful Harvest!! I do NOT have a green thumb.

In fact, when I had Chunky Monkey in the hospital, my sweet mother brought me flowers. They were not cut flowers, it was a potted plant. A week or two after we got home from the hospital, I cried because I had let the plant die, then tried to overwater it to bring it back. It looked sad...very, very sad. I felt such guilt I just wanted to cry. I tried for over a month to revive it, but my efforts were not good enough. My mom came over, and I showed her the mess I had made. I told her I didn't know what to do, and I'm sorry that I let her plant die. She started laughing and siad it was fine and just to throw it out. I still bad.

Anyway, back to the garden. I really was hoping for maybe one tomato, and one cucumer. Just something...anything to show that I had tried. And in June we had out first Cucumber. We also had a few cherry tomatoes.

When we got home from our trip, we had a whole bowl!!! Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Zuchinni!!!

We now have Green Peppers and Jalapenos, too. I love eating our fresh vegetables every day! I made stir fry last night with a little of everything and a little chicken and it was WONDERFUL! I love it!. Next year, we'll be a bit more daring a plant a few more things.

The Pitter Patter

2008-08-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

So, when I named my blog, I just liked the idea of the Pitter Patter of little feet...my children's little feet, because that's kindof the stage of life that we are in right now. Tonight I was watching the Olympics and surfing the web while Hikari is out playing Basketball ( Wednesday nights are his ball nights). And from behind, I hear the Pitter Patter of little feet. Our floors our laminate wood, and I really think that Munchkin doesn't think we can hear her. She peaks around the hallway and waits till I notice that she is there. "mommy, I have to go potty." ( BTW we are SUCCESSFULLY night potty trained for one whole week with no accidents!) Alright, go ahead and then go back to bed. She had tried my patience earlier in the evening, and she knew I was quite upset with her. A few minutes later, a few more pitter patters..."mom, I just want to give you hugs. I very love you!!"

Those are the Pitter Patters that I love. As upset as I got with her, she still comes back to tell me she loves me. What more can a I Mom ask for!

My Baby Boy-3 months old

2008-08-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Well, my baby boy, our Chunky Monkey is 3 1/2 Months old now! Wow time flies. He is growing so fast! I remember when we took Munchkin to get her 3 month pics. She screamed the whole time. But oh, they got some cute pics.

Family

2008-07-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a Family Reunion in Canada this week. We decided a few months ago that we were going to rent a mini-van rather than drive our car for two reasons. One-we knew it was going to be extremely tight with all the stuff we needed for Chunky Monkey-Portable Crib, Stroller, Lots of diapers, pumping stuff, extra clothes-and our trunk barely fits the stroller alone. The second reason was that in order to feed my baby, I would need to sit next to him, and try as I might, I could not get in the back seat with the baby's car seat, Munckin's car seat and my hips. Anyway, we went to pick up the car, and they were out of mini vans. Now, I'm still trying to figure out how they give away all their mini vans when it was reserved in February. Any ideas?? So we ended up with a Nissan Armada. It was an SUV, which I was not excited about, because I wanted better gas mileage than SUV's typically get, but it did alright. (between 17 & 20 mph, depending on wether we were in the mountains or not)When we walked out to the car, it didn't have a license plate. It still had temporary plates. It was brand-spanking new! 2009, 117 miles on it. It also kept a log of drive time: 37 1/2 hours of driving! I honestly thought that driving that long with two children was going to be a challenge, but they were amazing! They both did so good. We're home, and a bit tired, but we had a great time.

We went up to Kicking Horse resort in Golden, BC. It was beautiful. Hikari's uncle was so generous to have the entire family up there. I think they said it was over 300 people. There were so many fun activities to do and family to meet. There are so many people in Hikari's family that I had only heard stories about and it was fun to meet them all.

They have a bear enclosure up the hill. You can see it from the gondola up to the top of the mountain, or you can take the chair lift to the enclosure and get out and look for the bear. I never saw it but Hikari did. He got really close they got lots of pictures. Then it started to downpour and the shut the lift down, so him and his Brother in Law had to walk down. Luckily a maintenance guy went and brought them down in his truck so they didn't get too soaked.
We went up in the Gondola and it was such a beautiful view. Munckin wanted to get a lot closer to the edge than I was comfortable with. The first day that we went up, the clouds were so low that you couldn't see the car behind you until you got up through the cloud cover.

Hikari had the opportunity to go see the sights from a helicopter! It was supposed to be Heli-Hiking, but the weather was questionable, and they didn't want anyone to get stuck and the helicopters not be able to get them. So the kids and I watched him take off and he had a wonderful 15 minutes in the air going in and out of canyons

And this was just in the first day! More to come...

Nine weeks and piano

2008-06-25T21:13:00.001-07:00

Well, today Chunky Monkey is 9 weeks old! He has found is smile, and I absolutely love it!! It still takes some prodding at times, but there is nothing better then having his eyes light up and his cheeks go all squishy, just for me!!

And I finally did it. I've been teaching piano to my neices and nephews for about 3 years now (I taught them piano and they watched Munchkin while I was working). As Munchkin has gotten older, she has sat and played on the piano more and more. She loves the preset songs and the recorded primary songs I put on there. (We have a Clavinova, which is a digital piano. It feels like a piano, and it looks like a piano, but it is a keyboard with voices and recording and stuff...I love it!) She will sit at the piano and say "I'm going to pactice!" (Her r's are still not there! It's so cute!) So yesterday, I decided that it was time. I was going to try piano lessons.

She was thrilled!!! She sat there for 20 minutes and did everything I asked her to. And afterward she said, "Mom, that was so much fun!" She practiced three more times, and then when dad came home, she showed him everything she had learned and she was so proud of herself. I was really hesitant to do piano lessons with her, because I wasn't sure if she would really focus, or if it would just be play around time with mom. But for now, it's working wonderfully. I guess we'll see how long that lasts!

Chunky Monkey's Blessing

2008-06-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was Chunky Monkey's Blessing. It was so nice to be surrounded by all of our family and to share that experience with them. We also were blessed to have two of the great grandparents there as well. While we here getting CM ready, Munchkin was helping me put lotion on him, and we talked about what was going to happen. She was so excited that he was going to get a special blessing from Daddy. She got really sick over conference weekend this year with the flu, and Daddy and his friend came and gave her a blessing, so she remembered what it was like. He is six weeks old this week. I can't believe how fast time flies. He's so alert, learning what we sound like and taking in everything. And don't you just love that clean baby smell!!!

His little cousin L was born 2 1/2 weeks after him, and they are both just so cute! Thanks to my SIL Chrissy who took this darling picture of the sleeping babes!

Chunky Monkey

2008-06-06T10:18:00.003-07:00

One day, I called Baby brother Chunky Monkey, (as he has taken very well to breastmilk and has gained weight in all the right baby places) and Munchkin thought that was the funniest thing, and has now reverted to calling her brother Chunky Monkey. So that is his blog name. She is such a good big sister and she loves him so much. She loves to hold him, but gets bored and tries to sneak out from under him without me noticing, rather than tell me that she's done. There is still a little learning to do!

Baby Brother has arrived!!!

2008-04-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Baby Brother arrived right on his due date April 23, 2008 at 12:40 in the morning. He weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long.

On Tuesday, the 22nd, I spent my birthday with Munchkin. I'd been having regular contractions for about 2 weeks, and almost thought we were in labor a couple of times. Yet, on the day before his due date, I was still pregnant. We went for a walk and fed the horses, we played sandcastle in the garden, we had lunch and then I layed her down for a nap. I was so exhauseted, so I decided to take a nap myself. At about 3:30, I noticed that the contractions were making it awfully uncomfortable to sleep. They quickly turned uncomfortable enough that I got up and turned the TV on and sat on my Yoga Ball and rocked during them. Munchkin woke up and came into our room and sat on my lap. I asked if she wanted to play a game with Mom, and she of course was delighted and ran into her room. She came back with 5 different games. We played for a while and around 5:00, I realized I was having a harder time focusing through the contractions, and decided to call Hikari at work and have him come home. When he got home, I told him we probably had a few more hours, but I just needed him home. The next contraction was much stronger, and I said "Call your mom, we're taking munchkin over there right now."

We took Munchkin over to Grandma's house, and I cried when I saw her leave, knowing that the next time we see her, she won't be my only baby. I know I was just really emotional at the time, but it was really hard to see her go.

We arrived at the hospital at 7:30, and they opted to immediately admit me, rather than send me to observation, as I was clearly in labor. I was only dilated to 3 cm, though, so I was a bit dissapointed, but at least we knew he was really on his way this time. Around 9:30, the nurse came in and said that one of the partner doctors was there for another patient, and if I wanted, he could come in and break my water to help things move along. I decided that would be alright with me, although I had hesitations due to the lenghth and problems that arose after having my water broken with Munchkin.

When he went to break my water, he said that I was still only at 3 cm. I thought, here we go again. I'm going to be here for another 18 hours! He broke my water, and immediately my contractions got stronger and closer together. The nurse said that since I was going natural she wasn't going to check me unless I wanted her too. A couple of hours went by and she came in at 11:30 to check on me. She wanted to monitor the baby a for a minute and I wanted to lay down. She checked and said I was between 5 and 6 cm. I was so glad! It took nearly 10 hours to get past that point with Munchkin. At that point, I knew my contractions were doing a lot more and that things would go a lot quicker than with Munchkin. Little did I know how quick!

15 minutes later I was starting to feel pressure, and Hikari told the nurse when she came in. She decided to check me again, and I was about 8 cm, but told me he was still a bit posterior. She asked if I wanted to go on my hands and knees and I said that I did, but asked if they had a bean bag for me to support myself with. She came back and said she couldn't find it, and so she sent one of the nurses looking for it. I was feeling a lot more pressure and by the time the nurse found the bean bag, I said I was NOT moving!!

The contractions were so much stronger than I was prepared for, and about the time the nurse mentioned that I was getting near transition, I was done. It was so much more intense than I remember with Munchkin. When the doctor arrived, I had started to feel pushing urges to push him further down, very different and much sooner than the pushing urge I felt with Munchkin, but the nurse insisted I needed to wait, as I was only 8 cm dilated. It was so overwhelming. The doctor sat down and looked at the baby and said, "I think she can push through it. Go ahead and push when you want to. I pushed so hard, and though it was a relief to push, the feeling was so intense, I just wanted him out! I took one more deep breathe and screamed. It was so intense. Then my loving husband leaned over and said, use that energy to push him out and not scream, I tried to stop screaming, and pushed his little head, and his little body quickly followed.

I had a much harder time focusing, as I don't think I was nearly as prepared as I thought I was. I think I figured that since I had done it once before, I didn't need to prepare myself as much. But even with that, it was an amazing experience. It seemed so much more intense, so much quicker, but I got the unmedicated, intervention-free birth that I wanted, and I felt great afterwards. The first thing I asked the doctor was "How much did I tear?" I thought for sure the damage was worse than the first time, but I didn't even need a single stitch, making the recovery MUCH nicer!

I look at him and think of the little miracle that he is...that each child is. How blessed I am to be able to experience such in intimate part of our Saviors plan, the creation of life. I have been blessed with a loving husband who knows what I need to hear, when I need to hear it, in order to continue and a loving daughter who tries her hardest to help and to be a good big sister. It's amazing the little spirits that we are priviliged to take care of on this short time on earth.

I wondered how I would share my love between these two children of my mine, and I found that just like when my daughter was born, my heart just grew to contain enough love for each of them.

I think this was probably around 11:00, inbetween contractions.

9 weeks and counting!!

2008-02-18T10:51:00.001-08:00

Only nine weeks left!! Hopefully, the baby will have somewhere to sleep when he gets here. The office that is getting transplanted to the basement to make room for baby brother (yes, that is still the child's name) is still in the works, but it is getting closer. I really don't think it is possible to do a home improvement project without "umpteen" trips to the hardware store. Forget getting everything at once!!! There is always a tool that you need, or a fixture that doesn't fit quite right. But it's coming. We finished painting and Hikari and my dad finished the electrical (with the exception of a glitch with the track lighting). This week the job is to install the laminate floor, and then we are getting the cabinets and countertop for the built-in desk next week, and then it's furniture moving. If all goes as planned, which it never does, we will be able to start in on the babies room a few weeks before my due date!! Won't that be fun! Oh well, at least we have a roof over our head, and food in the fridge, and smiles on our faces, right? I do know what we are doing for the baby's room, though. I bought the paint a few weekends ago and I can't wait to get started!
This is the cute bedding set that I found. The walls are going to be the same green as the trim on top with a white chair rail, and then a really light green on the bottom. I'll have to post pictures once it's all put together. This picture really doesn't do it justice. The colors are a lot brighter and it is so cute!!! Anyway, like I said, hopefully this kid will have someplace to sleep come D-day!!

My Baby...but not for much longer.

2007-12-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

I must say that I sure have a cute baby!!! Okay, I know that she is almost three, and very much a big girl, but I only have a few more months left before my baby is a big sister and I have a new baby to be the mommy to. The closer this baby comes, the more I hug her tighter, and play with her longer, and read "one more story" at night. It's kindof a wierd feeling going from one to two. We've been a family of three longer than we were a family of two with just me and Hikari! It's such a bittersweet feeling. I feel like we are ending a chapter in Munchkin's life and I just not quite ready, yet. I told her this morning that we are going to the doctor after mommy comes home from work, and she got so excited to see baby brother on the TV tonight. She holds the pictures and proudly walks out to show all the nurses her baby brother in mommy's tummy! She is going to be such a great big sister. In the morning, she'll sneak into our room, with the bottle of lotion so that she can rub lotion on mommy's belly. It's so wonderful to have such a loving and giving daughter. How lucky can I get???

My baby is Santa's helper!!

2007-11-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9558271830

Tag:Motherhood

2007-11-19T12:40:00.000-08:00

1. How long have you been a MOTHER? 3 years
2. How many kids call you mommy? 1 and 1 on the way
3. When you were pregnant did you know what you were having? Yes.
4. How old were you when you became a mom? 22
5. How long were you in labor? That's a really funny question. I went into labor on a Sunday morning, finally went into the hospital on Wednesday (three days later) and was in hard labor at the hospital for 18 hours. We're hoping this trend does not repeat itself with our little boy.
6. What's your favorite thing about being a mom? Climbing into Munchkin's bed on Saturday mornings (that is, if I wake up before her, which doesn't happen too often) and waking her up and reading books while snuggling.
7. What's your least favorite thing? Having to go to work each morning and say good-bye. Although coming in a close second would be dealing with her terrible two tantrums!
8. Do you want more kids? Of course
9. Have you ever taken your kid(s) on a trip? We've been on little trips with our families, but we had planned to go to San Diego this summer, but then decided to buy a house, and then found out we were expecting. With both of working, its been hard to take vacations, but some of the best times were when we just went with the three of us on outings. This year, we've gone to the Living Planet Aquarium, a Jazz game, and the zoo. It's fun to watch Munchkin see new things, even if they are only 30 minutes from our house!
10. How many times have you been peed on? More than once, but I really don't remember how many
11. How many times have you been barfed on? once. She was so fussy and right when I picked her up from her crib and took her in the other room, she lost it. It was all I could do not to lose it myself, but she was so scared. I think she was only one.
12. Are your kids named after someone? Her first name is "beautiful Flower" in Japanese and is after a little girl in a family that he baptized in Japan on his mission. She has my first name as her middle name.
13. When is the last time you had a sitter; What did you do?Because we both work, she is with someone else all week, and I hate being away from her more than I have to. We've only had a sitter for us to "go out" a couple of times. The last was for our Anniversary in June. We went to dinner and stayed at bed and breakfast, then went golfing. It was fun, but I still had a bit of heartache over it. But when we called my parents to see how she did, she was having a ball and didn't want to talk to me because she was busy playing outside with the dog!
14. When your kids gets in trouble, who is the bad guy? I discipline more often, but if she is acting up when hikari is around, she knows that she is in trouble. She's in a place where she loves to test our limits right now!
15. What is the longest you have been away from your kid(s)? 1 night. When we went to the bed and breakfast for our Anniversary
16. Are your toes painted right now? Yes. On Saturdays, Munchkins favorite thing to do is help me clean the bathroom and then she pulls down all the nailpolish and wants to paint toes.
17. Last movie you saw in theater? uuuuhh...I really don't remember.
18. One thing you will not give up just because you're a mom: My baths. Every once in a while, I will lock the door, and take a hot bath. If Munchkin comes knocking she gets upset that the door is locked and Hikari will take her away and let me have my few minutes.
19. One thing you did give up now that you're a mom? Time fore myself. Which isn't necissarily a bad thing. I used to spend a lot more time doing crossstitch and scarpbooking, and maybe when I'm home more, I will be able to that again, but because my time at home is limited, I spent it all with munchkin, which I love! We do stamping together, though, so I do get a few of my things in there.
20. Favorite Cartoon: All I can think of is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
21. Favorite Snack: Anything sweet. Although lately I have truly been craving pickles A LOT.
22. When the kid(s) are napping, you are: Usually trying to get some cleaning in, although on Sunday afternoons, we all take a nap together.
23. Where is/are your kid(s) now? At my wonderful Sister in Laws house. Hopefully napping and giving her a break for the day
24. If I could do it over, I'd do this differently: Be more patient. My time is so little with her. For a long time I would jsut get frustrated and upset if she didn't do what i needed her to right then. I've learned that some of the best times we've had, is when I slow down, and just play with her when I get home from work, rather than worry about all the other things going on in our lives. Especially now that another will be coming soon, I am very attached to my little baby!
Now your it!

WE'RE ON THE BLUE TEAM!!

2007-11-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

Last night we had a VERY convinving look at our little growing baby BOY!! Ayana is so excited that she is having a baby brother. I asked her last night while she was getting ready for bed, what we should call him, and she said "A boy!" At least she knows not to call him a girl! Now we just need to decide on a name. It's such a big decision. The fate of a child lies in the name that is chosen for them by thier parents! It's such a big responsibility. I know that I don't want to be the reason that my child has a complex for the rest of his life. But at the same time, he better like whatever we choose, because we choose it for a reason!

And the Kick OFF...

2007-10-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I started feeling the baby kick a week or so ago. But today, I am starting to feel it quite a bit more. I was looking through Munckin's Baby book and saw that I had recorded her first kick around 15 weeks, with this one, I was 14 weeks. It makes me so excited to feel what I'm going to feel over the next few months. As I've been reminiscing about Munckin's birth, I have been thinking quite a bit about the actual birth, and what I want with the delivery of my next child. I delivered my daughter after 4 days of labor, 18 hours of which was in hard active labor at the hospital. I was given pitocin after 8 hours, and declined ALL pain medication during labor. Why is it that we live in a society where birth is a "medical condition." I've given thought to the idea of birthing at home, even. However, not only is my Hikari not comfortable with the idea, but I have serious anxiety issues about it, and for me, a hospital birth gives me the peace of mind that I need in order to relax. When I was in labor with Munckin, the nurse I had kept offering "other forms of pain relief." Did she not get the memo? I politely declined, but was quite frustrated that she wanted to sabbatoge any efforts that I had made to experience this without any medication. In the morning when the shift changed, not only did I have a nurse who had actually HAD children, I had a nurse that gave me support for my decision and even had suggestions on breathing and labor positions. My doctor was on board with me from the beginning and understood my desires, of which I am grateful.
I guess these past few weeks, I have been thinking about what I enjoyed about Munchkin's birth, and what I want different. I think that a better education on my part would have led to a more successful birth experience. We went to one birthing class while I was pregnant, and the nurse was certainly not "pro-epidural" but she wasn't openly against it either. She let all the women know that whatever their choice, they will probably have to get through a few hours of contractions on thier own, and it would be helpful to know some breathing and position techniques. But she also explained each of the different procedures that may or may not happen. Not once did she discuss the pros and cons to each procedure, but what it was and how they did it. What they never said was that every single one of them was in interference with the natural process that our bodies are made to do. I think there is certainly a place and a need for some of those procdures, but all too often, women go in expecting to have an IV put in, a pitocin drip started, an epidural placed, and episiotomy performed, and foreceps used. That when one says, I'm going to have a baby, that's what they have to look forward to. Women have been birthing children since the beginning of time. And I know that until the last century or less, they were born without those procedures.
When we first were married, I had told Hikari that I think I want to have a natural child birth when we have children. I did a little research and decided to move forward with it, against the advice from many women who had recently had children, all with epidurals. But I have a craving to go into this one armed with as much information as I can get my hands on, so that every decision I make and every nod of my head is an educated decision and not just because "the nurse/doctor told me that's what I should do."
If I have my appendix rupture I would more than likely nod my head and say, "because the doctor said I should probably have it out before I die." But when it comes to my own child...to doing something that my body was made to do, to doing something that is not a medical emergency, please let me have a baby in a hospital, but let me have my baby, not "perform a medical procedure."

Halloween is here

2007-10-24T07:21:00.001-07:00

Christmas is coming...

2007-10-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

and I know that it is not even Halloween yet, but I'm too excited. I got our New Nativity set from the nice FedEx Man today!!! Our old Nativity is...well not as wonderful as I want my Nativity display to be. I bought it my first year of college at a bargain store in St. George when I was very poor. I think the whole thing cost me $6.00 or so. I loved it and cherished it because it completed the Christmas decor. You can't have Christmas decorations without a Nativity Scene! Last year, when Munchkin helped me get it out, she fell in love with it! She was big enough that she could reach and would play with Baby Jesus. I think a Wise man lost a hand, and we almost lost baby Jesus. I told Hikari that next year, I wanted to look at getting a new Nativity Set. And we found one!! What's even better, is that Munchkin can play with it all she wants, and I don't have to worry about something breaking! I love Fisher-Price!!! I can't wait to display it!!

General Conference

2007-10-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

I always get excited for conference weekend. It seems that each conference there is something in there, just for me. My favorite talk was by Sister Beck, the Relief Society President. I am homesick...for home. For the 2.75 years of my Munchkin's life, I have worked almost full time for almost all of it. There is nothing more than I want right now than to me home. It's interesting to talk to people about this desire of mine, and how much stronger it is now that we are preparing to bring another child into this world. Hikari and I have talked about this many times, and he says that even he has had people question why. For five years I worked in a bank and the environment was very friendly to the idea of me as a mother. I was able to nurse for the first year of her life, and pumped while I was at work, because that was very important to me. However, I have found that now that I work in Salt Lake, especially, I am questioned on why I would want to be home. Two years ago, I got my certificate as a paralegal. I found a job working as an office manager in Salt Lake. And while those in my office don't really question my desires, I work in a place with many offices and I've gotten to know many people. They wonder why I'm not pursuing my career as a paralegal, and how successful I could be, and how much more I can make. When I tell that that I just want to be home, it's met with questions. Why? Why quit when I could make more money working? Why don't a want a career for myself? Why do I want to babysit for the rest of my life. I knew all the reasons why, and it was simply, because I want to be a mom who is home with her children. I feel like I have had to jusitfy my reasons for just wanting to be a mom. Until Sunday. When Sister Beck talked about the importance of being a mother and raising righteous children, I knew I was on the right path. I am glad to be a part of something that values mother's so much. I wonder if I'm doing enough to teach our little munchkin the things that she needs to know to arm herself against the evils that have become so much bigger than I ever remember when I was growing up. But then I also can take comfort knowing that for these last few months that I do need to work, my munchkin is in the hands of a loving grandmother and a loving aunt who love her very much, and have the same wishes for her as I do. I have appreciated thier love and support more than they will ever know. I can only hope that I can do as good a job as I want to. I am raising the next generation, and am honored to be a part of that.

Since I got tagged...

2007-09-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

Chrissy tagged me on her blog, and since I haven't blogged anything for a couple of weeks, I figured, why not?

1.) What I was doing ten years ago:
Well, let's see, September 1997. That was my Sophomore year of High School. I think I was jsut trying to figure out what High School was all about. That was the year that Hikari and I met.. Wow! Ten years ago! I hadn't thought about that. We met during the school play. We were both in the chorus, and so we would hang out backstage. I had a huge crush on him and wrote about him in my journal: "I met this guy. He's a senior, and he's so cute! He has 7 people in his family, just like me! Today, he brought cookies that he made , they were so good! He can cook AND he sings in Madrigals! I could totally marry this guy!"

2.) Five years ago:
Five years ago, we were just settling in as newly weds. We lived in a Condo in Washington Terrace. In our ward, Hikari was the gospel principles teacher, and I was put into Young Womens, which I moved around in for 4 years from Personal Progress Advisor to 2nd Counselor to President. We were both going to school at Weber State. Hikari was working at Wasatch Peak Physical Therapy and I was working at Barnes Bank.

3)Three years ago:
I was pregnant with Munchkin. We were getting a nursery ready and getting ready for a new baby that January. Hikari got a new job that year working for the University of Utah, and I was still working at the Bank.

4) One year ago:
Things got busy. We decided that we were going to put our house up for sale. I got a new job as an Office Manager in Salt Lake. Our car that we bought when we got married bit the dust. And munchkin was growing like a weed!

5.) Yesterday:
We got to see the baby growing inside of me! We went to the doctors office, and then afterward we went to breakfast before I had to go back to work. It was a good morning. It reminded me how much my family means to me!

6.) 5 snacks I enjoy:
Right now, I wish I can enjoy ANYTHING! But unfortunately, food is the last thing I want to think about!

7.) 5 Things I would do if I suddenly had $100 million:
I would build a garage and finish the basement. And then I would go with Hikari and Munchkin to San Diego to SeaWorld and the Zoo, because we were going to do that this summer...until we decided to buy our house, which cost a little bit more ;)

8.) 5 locations I would like to run away to:
I would love to go to Germany, Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, and England

9.) 5 bad habits I have:
I always wait till my car is on E to fill up, and then get all anxious, because I think I'm going to run out of gas, I ALWAYS hit the snooze button, I forget to check the diaper bag for a change of clothes for my potty training munchkin, setting things aside that I "meant to do later" and forgot about. Interupting my husband when he's trying to talk to me.

10.) 5 things I like doing:
Stamping, Scrapbooking, Playing the Piano, Singing, and going on outings as a family

11.) 5 TV shows I like:
Monk, Psych, NCIS, Numbers, and sometimes Survivor (depends on the season)

12.) 5 things I hate doing:
Laundry, Telling solicitors to leave me alone, breaking an awkward silence, CAUSING an awkward silence, and sending people mean letters for my job.

13.) 5 Biggest joys of the moment:
Looking forward to a new baby, Looking forward to my current baby being a big sister, spending time with my family in the evenings, knowing that my family is safe, knowing that my little sister will be home in two weeks from her mission in Japan!

Now I get tag 5 people: Um I don't who to tag, so anyone that wants to can reminisce like I did!

Here we go again...

2007-09-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

And then there were four! Well, it is official. Baby #2 is well on his/her way! We had a visit to the Doctor yesterday, and it went well. ( Except for the part when they steal half of my blood!) I'm right on schedule and the little bean has a fast little heart beat... due April 23, the day after my birthday! When the Doctor printed the picture, Munchkin looked at it with such intent..."That's my baby in Mommy's tummy!" She was elated! She spent the next two hours holding the DVD, with the picture in side opening and closing the case. "That's the baby!" She is going to be such a good big sister! She carries her babies around and practices with them. And she did tell us that she is planning on sharing her Elmo doll with the baby. I'm feeling alright. Not great, but I'm excited so I can't complain too much. I am not throwing up like I did with Ayana, but I also don't have a disease-ridden gall bladder anymore, either. (Thank goodness!) It's exciting to think we get to bring another baby into this world...into our family. We have truly been blessed.

Japanese way of folding T-shirts!

2007-09-02T20:51:00.001-07:00

Our Hobby: Once Upon a Time...

2007-08-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

...there was a young newly wed couple with nothing to do. They went in search of something to occupy their time, and decided to purchase a 10 Gallon fish tank with 6 goldfish. After a month each one had it's turn down the toiletbowl pathway to fishy heaven. We.. I mean "they" decided to take on the world of fish for pets and started with Tetra's and Mollys, and then the hobby became bigger when we... I mean "they" started getting Cichlids. Now anyone who has had cichleds knows that they are not the nicest fish. They can be purchased under the label "Aggressive Fish" By aggressive, they mean cannibal. Needless to say, they ate all of our other fish. So we had a Cichlid Tank. By this time the tank we had was much too small, so we upgraded to a 29 gallon Tank. In less than a year, the 29 Gallon Tank seemed to be getting a bit squishy. In search for a bigger tank we were converted to the idea that Salt Water Fish are much more fun! SO we snagged ourselves a 50 Gallon Tank. Hikari built a nice lid out of wood, and it looked very nice, except we didn't have stand. In search of a stand, we came across on a steal of deal for a stand AND a new fish tank. The catch? It was 110 GALLONS! So we now have a nice big 110 Gallon Salt Water Fish Tank with near 100 lbs of Rock, 7 soft corals, 3 hard corals, 9 Fish, 2 Starfish, several snail and crabs, and a partridge in a pear tree! And we all are living happily ever after!

Orange and Green Zooanthids

Pink Zooanthids

Toadstool Leather and Cleaner Wrasse

Frogspawn, Blue Hippo Tang, Clown Fish, and Cleaner Wrasse Finger Leather

Our newest Addition: Firefish

Our Red Mushroom Family

A day at the Salon...

2007-08-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

I would love to say that this was Munchkin's first haircut, but it was actually her second. About a month ago, or so, she went with me to my sisters salon to get my hair done. When she say the wash sink, she wanted to do it too. Although once she got there, she got a little nervous. But when her hair was all done and curly, she had to show everyone her new haircut!

Munchkin's Celebrity Match

2007-08-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

My Dad always said she looks like a brown-haired Shirley Temple!

From faraway lands...

2007-08-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

This week, has been one of reflection. I got set apart as the Primary Pianist on Sunday, and although it's not an "Oh-so-glorious" calling, when I was set-apart, a received a truly inspirational blessing. It made me think about all of the changes and opportunities for growth our Heavenly Father puts in our paths. One challenge that has faced me (and my family, I can't be selfish) was when my wonderful sister, and one of my best friends, made the decision to serve a mission almost 2 years ago. She has been faithfully serving and sharing the gospel with the wonderful people of Japan. When I say I can't be selfish, I refer to the call for growth that these challenges present to us. I know that I was not the only one in my family that found it hard to let her go... and not the only to experience the personal growth that only comes from supporting those that have been called to serve the Lord. We had shared a room growing up since I was 5(until we moved to Syracuse). We shared so much over the years...laughing, crying, yelling, and screaming. But there were the tender moments that reminded us how important sisters are. One instance I can remember was when we were young, I think I was 9 years old, and she had just turned 7. She came over to my bed one night in tears. For her birthday, a few days earlier, she had received a 10 dollar bill as gift. She had lost it, and didn't know what to do. She had knelt to pray and asked Heavenly Father to help her find it. When she couldn't find it, she came to me in tears. I remember her saying, "Can you pray to find it, because I don't think Heavenly Father answers my prayers, but I know he answers yours, because you told me that he did one time." I hugged and said that Heavenly Father answers all prayers, but you have to listen and have the Holy Ghost help you. I suggested we pray together, and she insisted that I say it. Sure enough, the next morning, she found her money, and gave me a smile, that I felt all the way across the room. As we've gotten older, at least in my mind, the roles have changed. She has been such a rock and beacon in my life. Although she lived over an hour away, I could call her at a moments notice to cry or to laugh again. The week after she left, I had a bad week, and I picked up the phone, and realized that I couldn't call her for comfort. I realized that as much as I leaned on her, I didn't lean nearly as much as I should on the Savior and the promise that we should take his yoke upon us, and our burdens will be light. The last 18 months have been a challenge, and I have grown more than I ever thought possible. She will be home in 6 weeks, and I have never been more eager to talk to her, not to share my burdens with her, but to share my triumphs.

Just Keep Swimming...

2007-07-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

We got a Blue Hippo Tang yesterday. For those unfamiliar with the community of Salt Water Aquariums...its a "Dory." The little blue fish from "Finding Nemo" that follows Marlin around. She's just a baby. (A guess it's a she...I really have no idea.) We had one before, and it passed on in the move to our new house. We've been reluctant to replace her, but it was time. Our old Dory was a hider. She would find the deepest cavity in the rock, and not come out. This one is just the opposite. You can almost see her saying, "Swimming, Swimming, just keep swimming." She's a lot like...my munchkin! Running in circles, and never seeming to stop anywhere.

Night Time Ritual

2007-07-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

Here we are. Just the three of us. Munchkin always pulls a fast one at the last minute. Even in pictures. I guess the camera must have been more exciting to look at sideways! We have certainly been blessed with a beautiful bundle of enregy. Her most recent antics are her good night hugs. You see, Hikari taught Munchkin to "Sqwiiiisssshhhhh!" And she tries to squeeze you with her little arms and makes a funny face. So now when she says goodnight. First "kisses"..."and hugs"..."and Squishes!" and then she can go to bed. Miss one, and you're in for it!