Daniela

We are fortunate to have a very busy holiday season. Not only do we have Christmas and new years, but we get to squish a couple birthdays in between.

Today is Daniela's birthday

She is 14

And, today's post is dedicated to her!

Daniela has always been a very independent child and has her own little mind. She definitely is her own person.

As she has grown it has been a bit of a challenge for me to understand her likes and wants and allow her those, as I am very different in many areas.

She is my little diva and I try very hard to give her that independence.

Daniela is very caring, thoughtful, hard working, and beautiful. I am so proud of her many accomplishments and I don't tell her enough how much she means to me! She is a great sister and Antony ADORES her. I am greatful that they have eachother!

She is her father's daughter in many ways and it is fun to see how their relationship is growing and changing as she gets older.

I can't believe the young woman that she is becoming. This is the same child that used to love the playground, and roughhousing. Now, she might break a nail or mess up her hair. However, I still see the little girl, especially when she and Antony play together.

Dear little Daniela, I love you! You will always be my little girl.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Christmas

We had a very nice Christmas this year.

As Daniela has gotten older, and Antony is now starting to understand Christmas, I have been trying to establish and start our family traditions. So far, I have Christmas morning all set. The kids come into the family room while we film. We have music in the background and I make orange rolls and eggs with orange juice for breakfast. Next year, I believe that I will have more energy and we will try to stick to some Colombian traditions for Christmas eve, as that is the big day down there.

This year Toño decided to take Christmas eve pictures of the kids. And, much to his dismay, Antony didn't want to take pictures.

However, we did manage to get a few decent shots.

Antony is actually laughing at me showing him my belly.

We hope everyone had a very nice holiday celebration and wish all a Happy New Year

What's in a name?

Toño and I have been trying to think of a name for this little girl for months and we cannot settle on one. We don't even have a list of names to choose from. Every time I think of an option, it is vetoed and vice versa for him. We just haven't found the "IT" name, the one that jumps out and grabs you for your child. Isn't that what happens?
It was different for Antony. We knew we wanted him to have his name from his dad's middle name, Antonio. But, we are really struggling with a girls name.
As time winds down I'm starting to feel a little anxious that we don't even have some to choose from. I think I have looked through the name book at least 4 times. This poor child is going to end up nameless for her first year of life.

First Snow

Today we had our first real snow. Antony got all bundled up and we went out with Ernesto to shovel the driveway. He LOVED the snow! He quickly learned that he could eat it and even catch the snowflakes in his mouth. Daniela watched from inside.

Big laughs in the snow.

Surveying the site.

Digging right in.

I was excited for the white landscape and enjoyed watching Antony get such a kick out of the snow. It took Ernesto about two and a half hours to clear the driveway. Hopefully that will go more quickly as we learn a new routine.

Closer to birth

As I get closer to giving birth, I find myself thinking about my birth plan. I know that some people don't even worry about it and just let things happen, and I know that some people have very detailed plans. I did not write one with Antony, but as I think back on his birth, there are a few things that I didn't like and I find myself wondering what my options are. I wonder about the hospital procedures and the things they do with the babies and I want things differently.

I have also been reading my friend's blog. She has chosen to have 2 home births and is currently one week ahead of me on her 4th child and third home birth. I just read her current situation and her description of home birth vs hospital birth. After reading her feelings, I find myself longing for the birthing freedom's of home birth. I want my child to be placed on my stomach and to be able to hold her as long as I feel necessary before they do anything to her. I don't like my baby put under bright lights, I don't like the poking and prodding. I don't want her to have to be taken away from me at all. I don't want a bossy nurse that has "done this since before you were born", or one that wants me to bottle feed my child when I am struggling with nursing. I want understanding gentle women that realize it is my experience with my child. And if I ask for something to be different, I don't want to worry that my care will be compromised and that they will talk behind my back.

I was able to labor at home for 33 hours with Antony. I think that is what made it so nice for me. I enjoyed that experience and I appreciated the privacy and the process. I handled the pain well and I really cherish that experience. It was the second they told me that I had to sit down on the bed that I realized I was in a lot of pain that I knew I couldn't finish the way I had been doing it. If I would have had the option, I would have continued to walk through the pain and tried to have him naturally. I did not like sleeping in the hospital, the bed was horrible.

After reading my friend's blog, I think I will be writing a birthing plan and I think that I will be more demanding. I have not been planning for a home birth, I don't have that option at this point, but I think I can make my hospital experience more like I want it to be. Well, I hope..

Shouldn't I be sleeping?

I thought I was suposed to be very tired. Why can't I sleep tonight? I have been awake since 2:30 and I cannot make myself fall back asleep.

My son is finally sleeping through the night and I can't. I think there must be something wrong here.

The big one!

I had forgotten about this since the last pregnancy. I had forgotten how very painful this can be. I never experience this phenomenon outside of pregnancy. But..... last night it happened, in the middle of the night

The CHARLIE-HORSE, Ahhhhhhhhhhh!

Ladies, I know you have experienced this. It is just terrible. You stretch in your sleep and there it is. My foot was stuck in one position, my calf was rock hard and I desperately struggled to rub my leg in vain. Then, as I flexed my foot to counteract the first stretch there it was in another muscle, another one trapping my foot again in the flexed position. My only option was to try to relax.
Finally.. it ended and I lied there panting until I fell back asleep.

This morning when I woke up, I thought maybe it was a dream until I stood up. I have spent the entire day limping around. Ugh. I will be putting heat on this puppy when my son finally sleeps and remember not to stretch tonight.

Projects

I enjoy trying to come up with new projects and making new crafty things. It seems to be a hobby of mine. Unfortunately, I have not been able to do any of it. I planned to make some aprons and felt food for my little nieces this weekend but we ended up car hunting.

Ernesto sold the truck to buy a car that would fit 2 carseats comfortably without Daniela being squooshed in the middle. So, we have been searching. I think we found what we want and are bargaining this week. Hopefully, we will be all set by Saturday and I can move on with my Christmas projects.

Christmas checkoff list for the neices and one nephew.
-3 aprons
-3 sets of felt food
-2 activity bags (contents yet to be announced, still looking for ideas)

We shall see if I can get it all done.

Running to stand still

I think the title of today's post may be the name of a song, but it is what popped into my head.

I'm sitting here pondering the meaning of life, and I have one question.

Why is it that every endevor seems to have so much running around and calling and small detail that I feel it takes so much time to get anything done?

Deep thoughts today, by Rachael

Decorating for the Holidays

I have never been good and designing. I don't just come up with my own ideas, thus I never feel comfortable claiming creativity. However, I do enjoy searching other websites and seeing what other people come up with. Once I look around and see what others are doing, I can usually take it and make it my own. I add my own flair, or just do an exact replica. I guess I should be comfortable with that. I just worry about copywriting and I'm not sure how that works on the web. So, my disclaimer in all of my creative endevors is that I start with someone elses idea.

That said. I will move onto my topic.

I get very excited for the winter holidays. I enjoy decorating and ambiance of the holidays. I enjoy the warmth that they bring to the often bleak days of winter.

This year I have a new home to decorate. (We moved in the spring.) I had a little routine at the other house, but now I am starting fresh in a new place. Up first on my adgenda is to tackle the entryway and porch. It is a large entry with a staircase and a big porch, all new to me.

Here is the view of the staircase as you enter the home.

And as you look up, it is all open to the second floor landing.

Then you look to the left and it enters into our front room where I will put the tree.

I know I want to decorate the staircase and I have been debating on how to do that. (Now this all gets a little more tricky when I tell you that my husband also has an opinion. But, for now we will pretend that I have the only say.) After looking around on the web I believe that I will probably go with something like this or this .

I like the idea of making my own garland and hanging it. Mainly because it wouldn't cost much. I just need to trim some trees. Then I could get a little ribbon and ta-da. I have a grand effect without the big dent in my pocketbook. Wish me luck.

For the porch I think I will also go with the homemade garland idea and put it around the door like this and around the lamp post like this. I guess we will see how far I get.

Here are my lamp post and porch.

Transition

It has been 3 weeks or so since I went part-time at work. It took me about a week and a half to feel productive at all. And, I still am struggling with this feeling of non-productivity. It is so very different to be home with Antony and "working" in the house. I guess I just need to relax.
The demands are so different than being in the workforce.

I know I sound so strange to those of you that are always home with your children. But, I went from cooking as a necessity to cooking various recipes because I wanted to. I went from cramming my time in with Antony to being home with him for a majority of the day. I'm not saying I don't like it, I'm just saying that it is a HUGE adjustment for me. However, I will not discount the pregnancy and it's hormones in this whole process. Because, I have noticed that I am a seriously ornery beast this run through. I cannot believe the way things can get to me, it has been a very interesting experience for me. So, maybe I can chalk some of these feelings up to new hormones.

So, now I am here on the computer while Antony sleeps. I keep telling myself to take a nap, cuz I am beat. And, I don't take one because it is my only time to do anything. But, today..... I think I will go and crash. Lata

31 Weeks

PREGNANCY....

Okay y'all, I have really been feeling "it" lately. I have always boasted that I have great pregnancy's. I haven't ever had morning sickness. I can do what ever I want and I feel great overall. However, chasing Antony around at this stage is kicking my butt. (Those of you that have done this before me, you are amazing.) I'm starting to wear down. I keep calling my sister and saying ugh....

Worst of all for me, I feel really ugly! I hate this feeling of growing and growing fast and not being able to do a thing about it. I keep telling myself to chill out, your pregnant, get a grip for heaven's sake. I usually do okay, but today is an especially "ugh day".

We all have them, you don't have to be pregnant to have an "ugh day". But, I am officially an apple on 2 toothpicks. I think I would be better with this if I didn't feel so uncomfortable, but that is adding to it.
-Not sleeping
-uncomfortable
-really big
-and not being able to do anything about it.

So there you go, my soapbox for the day. Thanks for reading and enjoy your day. Just know that I understand when you all have "ugh days".

Trick or Treat

Yes, I did it. I put it off to the end, but I made the costume. I started with some fur and felt.

Toño suggested that we dress Antony as a viking. So, I made a viking costume.

Once I figured out how to make the hat, it came together really well. I just used a baseball cap that I bought at the dollar store and cut the bill off. I sectioned out the fur and glued it to the hat. The horns are made of felt that I stuffed. I wasn't going to make the little cape and arm bands, but I think that they put the finishing touches on the costume.

Daniela dressed in Halloween colors. She also had a tail and cat ears that she decided not to wear.

Trick or Treating with Papi.

HOPE EVERYONE HAD A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Tag

Three names I go by:
Mom
Rach
Hozer

3 Restaurants I love:
Café Sabor
Sushi joints (none specific, I got pregnant soon after I discovered I liked sushi)
Big yummy salads (where ever I can get one)

3 Trips to plan this year:
None, I’m stuck at home with little ones.
I guess I will go to SLC for Dutch Christmas

3 Things you want badly:
To get rid of all my blubber after the baby.
Health and happiness for the people I love.

3 people who I want to tag to do this:
Whoever wants to participate.

3 pets I have or had:
Chako the Chacolate Lab
Oreo the fish
The beta fish

3 things I did yesterday:
Took Antony for a walk
Worked on Antony’s Halloween costume
Talked to Daniela

3 things I plan to do tomorrow:
Finish Antony’s costume
Make the pumpkin squares that Mindy put off till Wednesday
Catch up on the filing.

3 Favorite Hoildays:
Christmas
Halloween
Thanksgiving

3 favorite drinks:
Water
Eggnog
Chocolate milk

3 Things I ate today:
Cream of Wheat
a doughnut
Pizza

Bake off

Yesterday at work there were a few of us talking about pumpkin squares. I told some of the ladies that I had found a very good recipe. I thought it was delicious. Well, of course Mindy told me that hers were better. After a moment of disagreement, we decided on a bake-off. Monday we will be bringing our squares and we will let the office decide. I will have to let you know when I win, ha ha ha. I will even post the recipe here for all of you to try them. I used the 29 oz. can of pumpkin and left out a bit. They were super moist and very good. Good luck Mindy!

Results:

The bake off turned out to be rather uneventful. No one could decide. Mindy's pumpkin squares had nutmeg in them and you could definitely taste a difference. She also had thicker frosting, which I liked. So, overall it was just good and everyone was happy to have treats.

Being at home

I was suprised at how busy I was this morning. I have decided that I will need to do a few new things with Antony. I have to streamline his nap time now. He definitely needs a play time in the mornings to get his energy out.

This will take a little time for him too. I bet he missed his friends this morning. He slept in and didn't go play for 10 hours. It felt very strange to be home. It will be a bit of an adjustment. But, good!!! yea!!!

Winner?

Ya, so I didn't win anything. I usually don't. Maybe one day I will have an increadable winning story that will last for the rest of my life. But, for now.. Who does win those things anyway?

Well, I am looking good for going part-time. All the files are ready and I am currently putting off packing up my office. I am very excited/nervous. Here goes nothin'. Kudos to all you stay-at-home moms!!! I feel like I am stepping into an abyss of unknown.

SITS

So, I found a blog called The Secret is in the Sauce. They are having their blogathon today. I've decided to participate, so you will see thier button on my sidebar and I'm telling all about their site.

Oh, one more requirement.
5 sites that I found through their blog.

Skip to my lou
Today's creative blog
Tip junkie
Pennies in my Pocket
Parenting Pink

Countdown to part-time

This is my last week of full-time work. (I have to let this digest)

I've decided that I must be very resistant to change. I'm a little nervous to do this. I haven't worked part-time since I was in school in 2001. I have to keep running the reasons that I am doing this through my head, and overall they win out to my nerves. Guess I'm a comfort zone kinda gal. It is nice to feel that I will have less to do here. I can't picture what this will be like. So, I'm not trying to any more. I'm just going to let it happen and go from there.

Antony will be happy. We won't be leaving so early in the morning and Daniela will be able to leave to the bus stop from home instead of my work, she can sleep in too. Soooo, here we go.

Tagged

I have never participated in a tag. But, my friend Melissa tagged me for 6 of my quirks. So, here you go.

1. I eat some sort of sugary item every day. I have tried to quit, but I am hooked on sugar. Wait, I just love food!
2. I love showers. They are my relaxation. Before Antony, I could spend a half-an-hour in the shower without even blinking an eye. Now I don't have time, and when I do, I prefer sleep , ahhh sleep.
3. One of my favorite TV shows is Matlock. He he.
4. I enjoy being handy. I get a kick out of figuring things out. How to fix things, how to install things, and put them together. ex. tiling, putting together Antony's bike, fixing broken toys, etc.
5. I like to sew in any form, maybe this would fall in with #4, but... I guess it is a different form.
6. And finally, ummmm, I can't swim. I have tried to learn, but I just don't float. I sink, honestly. I have to work so hard in water that it makes swimming very difficult.

Pregnancy

Here in Utah it has been unusually nice weather. Everyone is enjoying it and pleased that our fall is being extended, but I find myself wishing for cold. I know that I should love the warm weather, and it is beautiful. But, I am sooo hot!

I cannot believe how much these little ones raise your temperature gauge. Lately, I have been waking at night just sweating. I don't sleep with covers and with as little clothing as possible. I look over at Tono and he wrapped like a cocoon in blankets. Last night I had to get up and wipe myself down with a cool washrag to get back to sleep. Ugh!

I asked Daniela this morning if she was hot last night and she told me that she was cold. I think I better start dressing Antony in warmer nightclothes. I just feel bad when I dress him warm while I am steaming, I feel like I am going to roast the poor kid. Maybe I won't, and it is just me.

Random Photos

I have a little store of photos that I have been trying to download. I finally did it, and will be displaying them now.

Here are Antony and Tono reading together in his favorite little spot, the hammock.

Antony ready for a ride. He likes his sunglasses, they are like his papi's (Ernesto)

Antony kept backing away from the camera while Tono was trying to take the picture, freaking his dad out.

Antony enjoyed twirling the leaves

Daniela trying to muster up a "good" smile.

Antony and I throwing rocks in the river

Developmentally Appropriate toys

Quick little note.

In my reading, I found that I can order Montessori catalogs for free. Montessori is a developmentally appropriate preschool program for children and they have very nice toys that are so good for little brain development. I ordered them, just to see what I can find there. I anticipate them being a little pricey, but it can't hurt to look, and maybe I can get some ideas.

Organization?

I believe that organization will be a forever quest in my life.

Ernesto, my dear husband. He has a natural ability to look at a mess and see it the way it could look - organized. I believe it is a gift, I believe you are born with this gift. So, what do the rest of us do that are always trying to learn this skill?

I have tried for many years to follow Ernesto's ideas of what will make us organized, and have recently decided that this is not what works for me. I have to develop my own ways of organization. So, here I sit, trying to figure out how to do this. I am still in the early stages of realizing the principles of organization. Here are some things I have learned:

• Everything should have a place.
• It is best to put things back (where they go) right after you use them.
• Declutter
• Set aside a time for everything. ie. cleaning, playing, relaxing.
• Try to make things as simple as possible.

How is that for basic? Wow, those are very common sense items, but honestly I DIDN'T GET IT. (This is where I apologize to all my prior roommates.)

Currently, I am following these principles and running around in circles. My house is clean (YEA) most of the time, but I have to figure out how to spend less time cleaning and more time doing what I want. Therefore, my first effort in organization of chores and life is a HUGE calendar.

I bought a "Mark-R-Board" panel at Lowes and drew a bunch of lines to make my calendar. I wanted a board that would give me 3 months at a glance. I really wanted it to be magnetic, but I did not want to spend a bunch of money to buy one that was already made or the paints, and I couldn't find one that would give me 3 months at a time. So, I settled for just dry-erase.

Ernesto will be hanging it tonight. I can't tell you how excited I am! Each family member will have a color, and there will be a neutral color for family or general activities. I will be listing chores there and the whole family schedule.

I anticipate this being just the thing I need to make things run more smoothly. I'll have to keep you updated. As I see how this runs for me, I will be adding more organizational tools to make my life a little easier, but I am focusing on one thing at a time. Next comes paper organization. ie bills and filing. (UGH, the bane of my existence.)

The baby wrap

I was on the rookie mom's (check my favorite links on the right) website and ran into this! I don't know about anyone else out there, but I really wanted a carrier for Antony that didn't leave his feet dangling and kept him close to me. However, I didn't want to pay a bunch. And being crafty myself, I knew there was a way to make one. I saw some on Etsy and just knew I could figure out a way to whip it up.

Well, I made a one shoulder sling but... now that he is bigger that is tough on the back. So, imagine my excitement when I found what I was looking for. On the Rookie Moms website, they tell you that you just need some cloth, cotton or fleece, that is 5 yards by 20 inches and you can make your own little wrap. Then, go here to this website that gives you instructions on how to wrap your little one all nice and snug.

So, all you bargain minded moms, check it out. I'm going to make one. I can't really use it now with Antony, big belly and all, but I can with the little one coming. Good luck.

Grocery shopping

I finally did it. I finally made myself sit down and go through the bargains at the grocery store and coupons before going shopping. And..... It felt so satisfying.

I had it all planned out before I went, yes, it took me 1 hour to prepare with Antony, but shopping went so smoothly. And, I felt so pleased with myself when I got such great deals! I even walked away with a FREE bottle of delicious orange juice. (not from concentrate, and sooo good) And, guess what - I bought really yummy food. I made salmon last night. wow!

I can see this becoming a bit of an addiction. There is nothing better than feeling like you are feeding your family well and not spending a grundle for it!

So, does anyone out there know of any good coupon sites? Or other bargain shopping ideas?

Hoggle Zoo

We went to Hoggle Zoo this weekend with my sister and dad. I only have photos from one of the cameras so here are the best ones. I'm glad Joanna got Antony smiling. Look how big he is. Here are Joanna and Daniela goofing off. I think there are at least twenty photos of these two (J/K). Daniela is discovering how excited she is to take pics of herself. But, now we have all of these close-up face shots, cuz she holds the camera out and takes a pic of herself.

Joanna used to work at the zoo and it was nice to have her guiding us around. I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much without her excellent tour guide skills. Thanks Yo

New development

So, it has been a while. But, I've had some irons in the fire. My latest announcement. I'm going part-time at work. I'm not quite sure what this means for me, but I'm way excited. I have so many things I want to do at home. I just can't wait!

I will be switching over on the 17th of October.

YEA!!!!

The new baby

Well, here is the little munchkin, hiding just like Antony did. I hope you can see it. Here are the little legs. Look how cute those little crossed feet are. I just love seeing it all.

So, I know I said that we would not find out the gender. But, we caved. We did not find out with Antony and I feel a little strange knowing before the actual birth, and it doesn't feel real yet. But, we were told that this little one is a

GIRL

AMAZING

Slacker

I have been waiting to post because I have wanted some pictures, but I haven't loaded any new pics. I guess I can just do a quick update.

Daniela started school yesterday. She was very nervous for the "new school" thing. But, I think with time she will be fine. She looked very nice, as well she should have, she spent 5 hours choosing her outfit on Monday night. She also made sure I was up early to help her curl her hair, and I did it. Oh, the joys of school.

Antony is beginning to copy everything we say. Last night it was "all done". I usually say that when we finish his meals. But, he decided that he was "all done" when I was trying to clean his face. Picture him swatting at me saying "all done" very urgently. Cute stuff.

The little tummy dweller is constantly doing flips in there. Uh oh, I have another mover, and I am only 19 weeks. The ultrasound is next Monday, but be aware that we have decided not to find out the gender. It will be a surprise come January 15th or somewhere around there.

Tono and I are still the same.

yada yada yada

Tonight I promise to take home my computer so that I can load up some pics for my next subject. For now you just get ramblings.

I am so excited to have more time!!! I have been wanting to be able to get into cooking. And now I feel like I can. I have this friend who likes to cook and I always read her blog. She posted a potato recipe http://edennoel2.blogspot.com/ that I am excited to try. It will have to come with my next round of menus.

Anyway, I made Daniela go through my new bargain cookbook and pick out 3 recipes to try. (I'm so excited) She picked 2 salad recipes and a spaghetti recipe (She'll learn to venture out a bit as we continue, but this is part of the goal with my family.) I'll have to tell you how it goes.

Am I really done?

Well, I just went through 4 very crazy days. I typed and revised and typed and then revised my presentation again. I sat through 20 presentations, most of them teachers no fair, and gave mine. (When I say that the others were teachers, I mean they are good at being up in front of a group teaching or presenting. I had notes and they did not.)

I FINISHED

I honestly can't believe it. After all of the work, it seems so strange to be done. I sat at the table after being grilled (yes they really grilled me, ugh) by the other students and professors and almost cried. I tried to show no emotion on my face, I think I did well. I sat through 2 other presentations (being very jealous that they were used to the teaching forum) then we had a 10 minute break. I walked out of the building and sat at some tables nearby. I finally was able to let a few tears slip by. I called tono (Ernesto) and he said congrats. I didn't know how to portray to him what I was feeling.

I felt relief, I felt regret for not doing as well as I really wanted to, and I just felt so amazed that I had really done it. He has his degree, it didn't affect him that way when he finished. So I sat and thought about that and then tried to chalk to tears up to pregnancy and hormones. :)

I think I will walk in December.

Master's Acknowledgements:

Costume and jewelry designer: Daniela
Good little sleeper: Antony
Daycare shuffler: Tono

Daniela wanted to dress me and pick out my jewelry for the big days, Antony slept the entire night on Monday, and Tono took care of the morning routines with the kids. Thanks!!!

So, now I can move on with my life. Time to post some pregnancy pics and discuss other fun topics. I have a little store of topics to address in my little brain. And, plenty of work waiting at the job after 2 days of being gone. Oh yea!!

Coutdown till the end

I've decided to give a little countdown untill my Master's presentation and the culmination of my degree on Tuesday at 9:00 A.M. When I was younger, I NEVER got nervous for any type of presentation. However, now that I am older, I feel an odd churning in my stomach every time I think of speaking in front of everyone.

Maybe that is due to the fact that I have not done this project (paper and presentation) exactly the way they have wanted me to. My major professor has been fine to work with me, but the committee members did not exactly get the final draft of my paper. I keep telling myself that this is not about being the best, this is about finishing. But, there is a small part of me that feels really bad that I haven't been able to put my all into this final paper and presentation, cuz it could have been better and I hate looking like such a slacker.

But, what do you do when you are working full time, a mother to a teenager and a baby, and settling into a new home, and pregnant (yes you heard me right, I'll post about it soon). I have just been pushing myself as hard as I can to accomplish this dream for myself I've wanted it so badly! I started this degree 5 years ago when I wasn't even fathoming Antony. Daniela was older and it was fine, but this has turned into an all out circus. And, now it is time for this little piece of life to be over, that happens on TUESDAY!!!! I can't believe that it is almost over, and I am so grateful.

I have been imagining all of my free time, all of the books that I want to read, and just the relief that when I think of doing things in the house or with the family, I won't have this nagging feeling that I have school work to do and I don't have time. So, I guess I can handle the fact that I will not be presenting my very best work and I will stumble through my mostly thought out paper and just finish. Four (4) days left.

Bear Lake

For the holiday we went camping with Ernesto's parents, who are in town, and his sister's family. we went to Bear Lake. The kids LOVED it and we had a nice time. We stayed in a campground and trecked to the lake each day. It was very nice. I think we will be making short trips there more often.

Well this doesn't look like a lake, but we went hiking one morning. I finally got a good picture of Daniela. I was excited! Usually she doesn't smile, she closes her eyes, or just hides from the camera. Check out this cool tree. I think that is why I got a nice little pose, the cool tree.

Antony took a 2 second break lounging in his cousin's chair. His rash guard shirt has sand worked into the fibers. I spent 30 minutes trying to beat the sand out. It didn't work, and I just got sand in my eyes. He thoroughly enjoyed playing in the sand and water.

Ernesto took Antony out on the kayak where Antony enjoyed the waves.

Ahhhh sand and water, what a beautiful combination for a child. He went crazy with excitement.

Daniela enjoyed the kayak as well. She is also a water child. She could live in the water. Here she is paddling in against the mountain backdrop. How nice.

Quick note

I tried to upload some photos but that is going to have to wait till tomorrow, cuz I am rushing out the door. One good thing about meetings all day is that the work day goes quickly. I now get to go home. YEA!!! Tomorrow, I promise some really cute pics.

To Tara

This is a small post for Tara. I do not know how to find you and respond to your comment. Of course I remember you. California dreamin' girl that was so sick of the Ephriam winter, that came with a fish in the airplane. Yes, I remember those days. Jenn is so good I am so impressed with her ability to stay in touch with people. She was so caring and I was so clueless. Anyway, it is good to hear from you. Please comment and give me your blog address or e-mail.

Blogging

There is something so strange to me about posting on a blog. It had never occurred to me to write little tidbits and post them on the web for all to read. But, I ran into a the mother of one of my high school friends and she told me about her daughter's blog. My friend Jessica has come up with cloth diaper patterns and sells her patterns on the web http://verybaby.com/. (She and her husband work on their business and do very well.) I was very interested in seeing what she was up to and discovered her blog. I found it very fun to read her posts about everyday life, homeschooling her children, home births, and many other things. From there I have found the blogs of many other friends and family. Isn't it strange to be able to jump into someones daily happenings and thoughts with the click of your mouse.

I created this blog for my family to see what we are doing here in our little corner of the world, but I notice that friends have found me too, how fun. I have debated doing more than just the pictures and decided that it would be fun to just be a blogger. So, the following entries will be my attempts at making life interesting. I hope you enjoy.

How do you spell Blogging and blogger, is it one g or two?

Expanded Info

Well I guess I should give you a little more info. We moved to a new home in the same city, in fact it was a few blocks away, but it is an awesome home. I'll have to put up some pics.
I will be done with my degree in August. I give my final presentation on the 5th and should be able to walk in December. YEA!!!! Finally! And, Ernesto is working with a local company doing consulting work. It is a bigger company than the one he was working for previously. It gives him more opportunities and I believe he is enjoying it more.

Summer Fun

I am still trying to get used to this free forum for posting. Bloging gives you endless opportunities to express yourself and create. I know I usually just put up a picture and tell you about it. But, I am venturing out and becoming more daring, how about a little more narative for ya'll.

We have been so busy this spring moving, Ernesto's new job, and me finishing up my degree. Not to mention the kids and running around everywhere. Antony had tubes put in his ears and Daniela has been back at gymnastics. However, she is now focusing on the "tumbling" portion. So she is fliping and floping on the trampoline and the gymnastics floor. It is impressive to see. We will get some pics in the near future.

Right now, Daniela is in Seattle with her grandparents visiting her aunt and cousins for a couple weeks. She will return on the 22nd. I think Antony will be excited to see her. They enjoy spending time together. I think he gets a little bored without her. Oh lucky Daniela and her little shadow.

Before she left we all decided to go to the little zoo in town. Antony really got a kick out of the animals, he is starting to notice more details. Here he is looking at the monkeys with Daniela and Ernesto. It is so much fun to add the new excitement of children to experiences that we are used to. Daniela and Ernesto were making the monkey noises and narrating things for him. He was very happy and even participated in making the noises.

Below, He is riding his new bike. He was so excited about this bike that he couldn't wait for me to get it put together. He wanted to ride it right then and was getting frustrated that I would not let him. It was so funny.

I was so excited we found one that would work for him. He is just drawn to bikes! It is one of his favorite things. That day, Ernesto took him out to the park and he rode his bike for hours.

We also bought this swimming pool for him. He loves water and goes nuts in it. He was so angry with me when I took him out, but his lips were blue and he was shivering. And look, ugh his ears!!!

Go Daniela

Daniela got a new bike this spring and has been excited to ride it. This was a 4 hour ride. Daniela stuck in there and rode the whole trip. WAY TO GO DANIELA!! Ernesto loves it!

The boys

This is the view from the new house. Ernesto and Antony are getting ready for a bike ride, one of their favorite activities.

Off to the trail.

Getting ready for a bike trip - Antony likes his bike helmet. Every time he puts it on, he taps the helmet to say he's ready to go. Then, he says "go". He is so funny because he loves to watch out the windows and always falls asleep. He can sleep through the bumpiest of rides.
Ready to go.
Off they go.

Some older pics

We went to the sporting goods store. When Antony saw the bike, he was very excited. You can see that he is very serious about it. Like father, like son. I foresee a lot of bike riding in our future.
Crazy hair day.
Antony loves the scooter! And, Daniela enjoys pushing him. If you can see the look on his face, he is making the vroom sound. (Somehow the pictures were changed to black and white.)

Baby animal day

There is a farm here in Logan that allows the children to see, pet, and interact with the baby animals in the spring. Daniela loves the little animals and begged for a bunny. Antony enjoyed the ducks, chicks, bunnies, and the llamas.

Go figure.

The llamas make a sound like a baby crying. Antony was mimicking their sound. They would speak then Antony would mimick, they would respond. It went back and forth for a little while.

Look how fluffy they are.

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Antony was able to ride a little pony. He was doing fine until we rounded a corner and the pony he was riding responded to it's friend out on a the street with a whinny . When Antony saw the pony turn it's head, show it's teeth, and whinny... he got a little scared and complained for the rest of the ride.

Daniela talked about seeing the piglets the entire time we were there. Finally, at the end of the day, we found them.

She was a disappointed.

She expected cute little pink things, she said these were ugly.