The best salad in the whole wide world

For some odd reason, when Christina and Yaya Sofia make salad, it really tastes like the best salad in the entire world. When asked what their secret is the following is mentioned:

1 part red wine vinegar

2 parts extra virgin olive oil

lots of Greek oregano

iceberg lettuce

lots of tomatoes

lots of cucumbers

lots of Parmesan cheese

Then add some soft french bread... and mmmmmmmmmmmm..... the best salad in the whole wide world!!!!

**Seriously, I've been eating this salad since I was in my mother's womb. And if there was ever a nuclear explosion in Reno and I happened to survive, but there was no way to get the ingredients to this salad I'd just expose myself to the radiation and get it over with.

Sometimes when it's really quiet....

Sometimes when it's really quiet...
I start to worry that the girls are in trouble or doing something that perhaps could be messy....

But no... they are just chillin and reading books. Am I lucky or am I lucky?

Free Speech and Hearing Testing

Today in the newspaper, there was an ad for a free speech and hearing test for 3 to 15 year olds. I figure, why not? So I took Christina and surprise... she is advanced for her age.

Tests included flash cards and her identifying words... which she did, in English and (some)Greek. She also was able to tell them the first letter of each word and what sound that letter makes.

Then they had her look at some pictures and answer questions. My favorites included:

Pathologist: How is the boy drinking water?

Christina: Like a normal person.

Pathologist: Why is the boy drinking water?

Christina: Because he needs to be hydrated.

Pathologist: How is the girl throwing the ball?

Christina: Nicely. She doesn't want to hurt her daddy.

Pathologist: When is the Mom washing the dog?

Christina: When the soap is on the dog.

She is bloody brilliant!!! I love it!!

Burning Man Special Vs. Lost

So I was debating whether I should post about Lost or the Burning Man special I watched last night... and my native pagan festival won out. I mean, really, what do I say about Lost. I'm still confused? I still don't know what the point is? I'm still watching just because I feel Sayid is luscious. Not as luscious as Joe... of course. But honestly, I'm just annoyed with it all.



Burning Man is a very interesting occurrence that happens out in the black rock desert of Nevada. It usually is around labor day, but for some odd reason the special was on last night. I've never been, but I've had many friends and family members that have gone. If I had to describe it in 3 words I would choose drugs, free-love (does that count as one word?), and fire.


Basically, from what I've heard and seen around town as people prepare to go up... it's a bunch of hippies and young druggers who dress up in anything neon, mesh, fur, or body paint... make their hair all crazy... and camp out in the 100 degree heat of the desert for a week, dancing and burning the nights away in cocaine haze and ash.


But really what I enjoyed was that the special tryed to portray it as this help one another and grow in love for the human race type event. I'm sure there is a lot of growing in love... and STDs for that matter. It also talked about how it is one of the most anticipated events in the whole state. Scary. As I watched them burn the man, which is supposedly symbolic of a renewal of life, all I could think about was what was literally happening. They were burning a body. They were engaging in many things that were harmful to the body and then, they were burning a body. Hello, can it be any more simple.


Watching the people dance around like lunatics with pink hair and parade around in neon sea horse cars did make for interesting thought for the night. I just pray my posterity will never attend this rancid happening.

How Safe are Vaccines?

A recent Time article by Alice Park caught my attention. It talks about how more American parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children. It also talked about how the group who published a study on Autism linked to vaccinations retracted their initial statements citing that their information and findings were just not conclusive enough.

If you'd like some interesting reading, here's the article.

What saddened me the most though, was a statistic that, "the number of polio cases in Nigeria in 2006, was 888, after religious leaders convinced parents they should not allow their children to be vaccinated. The country reported fewer than 30 cases in 2000."

I know there are certain children who are predisposed to genetic conditions that are affected by vaccines. But what parents are actually paying for and doing those tests to double check?

A parent in the article talked about why she wasn't doing vaccines for her children, "My husband and I believe that we are born with an immune system, and we need to trust that."

First of all, these people (those who choose not to vaccinate) need to watch Outbreak or I am Legend (well, actually, I only saw part of the movie because I was too scared and kept leaving the room... but I did see the part where the rats were all crazy)... love you Will. Second, do the testing/screening and stop complaining that you are being put in a hard spot because the public schools won't let you in. Third, think about really what would happen and the pain your child would suffer if they contracted Polio, Hep B, Measles... if they actually survived?

And that is my momentary soapbox. I think it really stemmed from the other day when I saw a 1 year old sitting on his mother's lap in the car at a busy intersection. Needless to say, my vigilante self wrote down the license plate and called the police. However, I wish I would have followed them to give their names to child services.

Also yeah for my niecey who just bravely endured her first rounds of shots at 2 months!

Our Most Recent Date

Joe and I don't really "date" much. In fact, out last "date" was going to see Harry Potter when Christina was about a year old. So that was about 2 1/2 years ago. We've gone to the temple together a few times... but really, we just don't go out. We'll play the occasional game of Fib Finder...

But sometimes it causes more trouble than it's worth. For example, you ask each other questions and then if you think they're lying, the Fib Finder will tell you the Truth by the touch of a button. Supposedly it's not as accurate as a lie detector test, but in my heart I am still grateful for it. I asked Joe if he would ever dress up as a pirate wench for Halloween, he said no, I challenged him and the Fib Finder found him to be lying!!!!! I won't even mention what the results were when asked if he would ever love pat a cop's tushy.... Thank-you Pressman Toy Corp. Thank-you.

But I digress. We went on a date on Saturday Night. The girls were in bed at 8:00PM. Papa and Yaya were wonderful and came over to make sure the girls were safe and sound (million thanks!) and off we went.... drum roll please... to a stake youth dance as chaperons!!!

How wonderfully awkward and entertaining. You really just can't pay for such amusement. We reminisced about how Joe would always ask every girl in the room to dance and his friends would be making out with girls in the bushes. How he was always the head of the conga line. Then as Aqua's Venga Bus played, a tear came to my eye as I remembered Mr. Green Eyes in Africa dancing his heart away like there was no tomorrow, Oh how the makers of MTV's The Grind would have been proud.

My favorite Chaperon was an ex-Marine Asian man who does audits for the county. He was in his suit and I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being a general authority. He just had this presence... I asked him if he would do the chicken dance with the kids for $4 and he rejected. Elegantly. There was also one other couple that just sat the entire time and looked extremely bored. I don't know why. There was so much excitement all around.

Boys were chasing each other around the gym... I so wanted to trip one, but I didn't. There was drama between boyfriends and girlfriends. Kids trying to skip out into different rooms. Confiscated poppers and mild explosives. Levitation of sorts... a girl lies down on the floor and the boys use 2 fingers to try to lift her up. 14 year old girls running away into the hall as soon as a slow song started. A solo dance rendition to Thriller. And in finale, 2 young boys hanging on to another boys neck as he twirled them around like a helicopter, they fall to the ground and there is possible blood.

Ahhh... the joys on teenagers. I think the picture I posted really just describes what we were experiencing on our date.

So while Joe and I patrolled the halls and hovered over couples and I wished I would have had a tazer... I thought, what a wonderful date! We were thinking about how mild it was compared to some of the BYU dances we went to. Seriously, these kids were better behaved than we were in college! Thanks again Papa and Yaya!!! A good time was had!!

Why I Love Being a Mommy

World Market Cupcakes

These looked so delicious! They didn't quite turn out like the box, but still tasted pretty good. Maria wouldn't let go of the batter spoon for at least 30 minutes. I love to cook with my girls!

Helm's Pit aka Sparks Marina

1997... Helm's Pit is filled with water from a Truckee River flood.

Many industrial businesses are devastated.

But from this disaster, arose "Sparks Marina". A "beach" in the middle of the desert. An "oasis".

Some say the water in the pit is radioactive.

Food for thought: Other words for pit include, hole, shaft, a scooped-out place used for burning something, an enclosure in which animals are made to fight each other, a place or situation of futility, misery, or degradation.

A New Addition to My Blood Sisters

I am really not Draco Malfoy. I have no problem with people who are not related to me by blood. Jody is not related to me by blood, and look... I married him.

Do you ever just notice you get along better with certain people? There is this one person of late, who we will refer to as "the terminator" who is very different from me. We get along just fine, I would even say I like the terminator and find it has many great talents. But I just don't like being around it. But I have to be around it and I am learning patience. And am grateful to learn this lesson in life.

Then you have acquaintances. Joe has lots of these. When we first met, we'd walk around BYU between classes and everyone knew him. They'd wave, say hi, do weird handshakes... constantly. He has binders full of business cards from networking. Right now he is giving rides to a ex-con every morning so the guy can get to work on time.

There are friends, who you like and hang around with. Get together with the kids and enjoy a nice afternoon. Discuss some badminton whatnot.

But to me, the ultimate is my blood sisters. Who really, are not related to me by blood except Ronjula. But in prison, as the history channel so eloquently put, there is a type of bond that can never be broken by some inmates. This is what I have with Ronjula, Miss StiVen and now drum roll please... Miss MaBen.

Ronjula and I have been BFFE since 4th grade when she told me she admired my jump roping talent and winning all the Katherine Dunn Jump Rope Marathons. Before I die, you will get the shiny flammable jacket I won. She now bears children for me and we communicate through an ingenious system of phone messages. I also send her free gifts on facebook... because I want her to feel special. We share finger tattoos that say Rateef also. She is my ultimate blood sister.

Miss StiVen and I share the same parents, kind of. She lived with us for awhile, took care of my parents in their old age and planned my entire glorious wedding. We sang together in Intermezzo and had our first boyfriends at the same time. She took the missionary discussions to learn about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was baptized. She's since been married in the temple and has 2 girls that are just exotic little beauties. Asian with red hair! She also makes Navajo tacos that are exceptional. We share tattoos on the left side of our calves with a picture of her Navajo taco.

And now, there is Miss MaBen. We were Elementary Education majors together at BYU in the Urban Education Cohort. We don't really talk or see each other ever. But she will be forever in my heart, because she and her hub introduced us to certain quality films like "Feeders" and many other memorable movies I can't remember the titles of. I think for a period of a year we spent almost every Saturday or Friday getting together for dinner, fantastic movie mocking and exchange of gifts like devil air fresheners that say, "Smells like Hell."

So I hope all my friends will pardon the special attention I give to my blog blood sisters. There are many blogs that I occasionally stalk everyday that are not linked to my blog. I just feel like it would take up too much room. Instead I only list those whom I would be willing to take caning punishment for if we were in Thailand and happened to be caught spraying graffiti. I love you ladies.

Insaniquarium Indeed

This is an insane game. You feed a fish and he gives you gold. You earn money to buy pets to put in your fish tank. There are aliens that come and try to destroy your fish. I was addicted for a little bit, but it's died off, thank goodness. Because really, if today was my last day, would I be proud to say I spent an hour fighting off octopuses with machetes and listening to Mama fishes fart out babies.

After a long day...

4 1/2 hours of sleep after co-hosting a baby shower the night before, 7 hours in the car with our kids (who were perfect... just a long ride...), a funeral (where crazy bi-polar man asks, are you pregnant... no I just enjoy food... is your husband Ok with that?... I want to knife you and -violent rage - yes he's OK with that, he loves me for who I am - more violent thoughts ending in force feeding him his meds... really, can you tell it's been a hell of a day....) AND 100 degree weather made for crash time as I came home. But no, it continued with a packet of information from my Grandfather's attorney that had me listed as a "step-grandchild" and Joe as a "step-grandchild in law". And my heart sank. We were so much much much more to my grandfather.

He's gone, but there has been a lot to deal with. I would always cradle his face in my hand later on in life and tell him thicker than blood. We were eternally each others. I'm in the process of letting go, but I know some of these "issues" we're dealing with will take time. And the lawyer sending me wasted paper with my name scribbled as nothing in relationship to my grandfather doesn't help. So in my sadness, what did I find... but kind words from friends on my blog... I'm going to start sending anonymous envelopes of cash to you in the mail! And even better, pictures of my baby niece. Why do I love her so much Ram? I say, turn these pictures into billboards and put the word SMILE underneath... and the world would be a better and happier place instantly.

The Stars Were Named After His Family

Today was the funeral services for my Uncle Hobey. I asked Joe if he was going to wear a suit, and we both knew it was OK if he didn't. My uncle was one of a kind, a true gem. He wore khaki pants and a white shirt almost everyday of his life. And sunglasses. He was so laid back and just relaxed.

Many kind words were spoken today of him. His wife was presented with a flag, as he served faithfully in the US Coastguard earlier on in life. I really loved the words of my cousin Erin though, I thought they were just perfect and I could picture him smiling in heaven. She talked about some of her favorite life lessons her dad taught her. Included were ways to escape hospitals, ways to hang from orange trees and fall gracefully out, how to survive family vacations and clear out resort pools by adding a diaper to the water... But my favorite was when someone questions if your handicapped, take off your leg, slam it on the counter and say how's that for a damn doctor's note!!

My uncle got stars for his family, and now he's up above with those stars. How fitting. For he truly radiated everything good in this life. Love, happiness, kindness, generosity, laughter... He always could make you laugh.

A lady sang Ave Maria (by Shubert... Christina's favorite) and my heart was full. I was so proud to have my daughter named Maria. Her name means bitterness and some may scoff at such a thing. But is there any more extraordinary woman, than that Mary who so pure, bore the Son of God? And in turn, our Redeemer, our Savior has given us all the gift of life eternal.

I look forward to the day I meet again with my dear Uncle. There is no doubt or question in my mind, heart and soul- death is not the end. It is the merciful gateway back to our Father. Families can indeed be together forever and what a blessing it is to know this.

FHE King Benjamin

We had a fun FHE awhile back on King Benjamin. We made a makeshift tent and set up a ladder and put King Benjamin's picture up. I drew some pictures of things King Benjamin taught us, Daddy read a scripture that matched the picture and we put it on the tower (ladder). I wanted to set up our real tent, but I can't seem to find the time! After we went to DQ and it was just very enjoyable.

Who is King Benjamin you might ask?

Before he died, King Benjamin called all his people together. He wanted to tell them his son Mosiah would be their next king, and he wanted to encourage them to live the gospel. (See Mosiah 1:9–10.) ** Mosiah is a chapter in the Book of Mormon. King Benjamin was a descendant of Nephi, who left Jerusalem. The Book of Mormon is a record of his and his brothers people in America.

The people gathered from all over the land (see Mosiah 1:18). Each family put up their tents with the doors facing the temple. There were so many people that King Benjamin had a high tower built to help them hear his words. (See Mosiah 2:1–2, 5–7.) When he began to speak from the tower, many people still could not hear him, so he had his teachings written down (see Mosiah 2:8).

King Benjamin taught the people, “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17). He also taught them to keep the commandments. He said the Lord had chosen his son Mosiah to be their next king. (See Mosiah 2:18–31, 41.)
King Benjamin told the people that an angel had told him Jesus would be born and His mother’s name would be Mary (see Mosiah 3:2, 8). He also taught them that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. King Benjamin said Jesus would suffer and die for the sins of all people and then be resurrected. He told the people to repent and believe in Christ. (See Mosiah 3:9–12.)
The people fell to the ground, asking Heavenly Father to forgive them for their sins, saying, “For we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, … who shall come down among the children of men” (Mosiah 4:2). The Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with peace and joy (see Mosiah 4:1–3).

King Benjamin continued encouraging the people to believe in God’s great wisdom and power. He told them to be kind to each other and to teach their children to love and serve one another. (See Mosiah 4:9, 13–15.) King Benjamin told the people to continue having faith in the coming of the Lord. (See Mosiah 4:30.)

When King Benjamin finished speaking, he asked the people if they believed what he had told them. They all said they did. (See Mosiah 5:1–2.) The people knew his words were true because the Holy Ghost caused a “mighty change” in their hearts and they wanted to do good and not evil (see Mosiah 5:2).

King Benjamin took the names of those who wanted to make a covenant, or promise, with Heavenly Father to obey Him. Every person, except the little children, made this covenant. They took upon themselves the name of Christ. King Benjamin then made Mosiah king. (See Mosiah 6:1–3.) “And King Benjamin lived three [more] years and he died” (Mosiah 6:5).

Happy Mother's Day!!

I think Mother's Day just gets better and better each year! It is by far my favorite holiday because of the beautiful little things my children make for me. Plus, to see Christina singing her heart out on the stands during church of course brought me to tears.

When I woke up in the morning I found 3 dozen long stem roses on the table. It was so extravagant and wow! factor. Joe had also left me a card that I wish to laminate and wear as a necklace the rest of my life. His words make me feel like a queen. I think it was the details he put in there. Like he notices everything I try to do for our kids and he supports me and cares.

My beautiful reasons and meanings in life. Through them, in the short time I've been privileged to be their mother, I have learned love, joy and happiness. And everyday just gets better and better. Thank you ladies. You are perfection.

There have been so many wonderful role model mothers in my life.

Of course my own mother. I enjoy her immensely and consider her my best friend, protector and ultimate supporter. My mother was always there for me. Always. I never cried a single night as a child, because she was there holding my hand till I fell asleep and right there beside me when I woke up in the morning. My mother was PTA president, ran her own preschool, fulfilled all her church callings and always did everything with a positive and energetic attitude. But she always put me first. She never went away on vacations or took "breaks" from me. She loved me and showed me the world through her love. She put me in whatever lessons I wanted and nurtured my desire for talents. She drove me around and my friends. And on that note, she always had a warm lunch of pizza and salad for me and friends during high school. She fed the missionaries in droves. She is an aggressive snot to rude store personnel and outings to places like Mervyn's or Target can be quite entertaining. At 2 in the morning I knew I could call her to pick us up when stranded at a club. Mr. Bushes. At 2 in the morning I knew I could call her to come watch my kids so I could take Joe to the hospital. And this isn't even a hundredth of what my mother is to me. Because of her, I know what it means and takes to be a good mother. Complete sacrifice and selflessness. And not whining about it.

My Yaya. My Yaya worked like a dog so her family could have a better life. She's old school Greek and I love her traditional values. You name your children after family. You pray with a sincere heart and praise Heavenly Father always. You use lemon juice on your hands and oregano on everything. She is constantly giving. She is strong. She is patient and wise. She gave me all the time in the world and my children also. She makes rain with Christina and feeds Maria like there is no tomorrow. She is acquainted with sorrow, but she presses on. I love her dearly.

My Yaya Irene. She had 10 children. 2 died as infants. She breastfed all 8 children for 2 to 3 years each. Work it girl. She also taught about naming children after family... no magazine names.

My Nana. The sweetest person that ever lived on this earth. Never an unkind word to anyone. Always so loving and supportive of all her children and grandchildren. Always accepting of everyone. If anyone had a hard life, she did. But she raised her kids and they all turned out wonderful. She always had the house clean and dinner on the table for her family. She had the warmest laugh/chuckle and was extremely genuine. She always told me. She always used words. She loved me and was proud of me. How very important a lesson.

A big thank-you to all the mothers in my life who show me what a mother should be! You are all grand!

I use the word "zoo" loosely...

I must say, Friday was quite a fun day, even with all the putrid smells. We drove about 20 minutes out to Stead (rhymes with Ned), NV to visit the Sierra Safari "Zoo" and Animal Ark. About 10 years ago, there was a terrible fire out by the Animal Ark and they got some government funding to fix up the place. The workers at Sierra Safari "Zoo" seemed oddly jealous of this.

Papa drove us out and carried Maria the whole time ( 2 1/2 hours). She just loves her Papa. Also, I forgot her shoes. And the stroller. But I did remember snacks and diapers, which we didn't use.

The Sierra Safari "Zoo" was pretty depressing. The cages were old and dingy wire fences. The 2 toed sloth looked dead... and really, why did he only have 2 toes? The Lion was midgety for a lion and the animals just looked really tired. There was a retired rodeo bull...which brings me to a conversation I had with the Reno Rodeo Booth Cowgirl. Please indulge the tangent. Me, "So I don't really go to rodeos and was actually thinking about joining protests against it, but I do realize there are 2 sides to every story. So do you guys abuse the animals or what is the deal?" Cowgirl, "That is such a common misconception! We never hurt the animals." Blah blah blah. "We don't really tie the straps that tight on the horses and if you don't like seeing baby cows roped (in my mind I add thrown mercilessly onto the ground, dripped in their own blood) it's a good time to take the lil' ones out for a hot dog!" We will be attending rodeo this year... outside with signs.

Sierra Safari "zoo" was covered with... don't recommend wearing flips flops. Animal Ark had a crazy docent who felt like she needed to hover over us. Christina was skipping and the docent shouted at her not to run. If only I had an air gun, I would have shot the tiger to get back at the loco. We did get to see feeding time for the Falcon and some other bird of prey. The mouse guts looked like spaghetti and I found it a little much. Did you know that Falcons can reach speeds of 200 MPH in dives? I guess they are the fastest animal on earth. There you have it.

Where are we? Remember it rhymes with Ned.

The start... Sierra Safari "Zoo"... do you not just love this sign?

Posers.

In the gnome garden, yet another attraction at the "zoo". Right by the graveyard of the liger Hobbs. Yes. A liger. A dead liger.

Don't mess with my kid docent.

Yes. She's adorable.

BYU Pride.

The End.

Spreading the Happiness

These are some of my favorite quotes from President Hinckley's book Standing for Something. (Trying to keep to ones having to do with motherhood, womanhood, family... etc. Thank-you upcoming holiday)

"There is no place in the Judeo-Christian ethic for inferiority or superiority between husband and wife. Does God love and value His daughters less than His sons? Such a notion is unthinkable and totally outside the realm of the character of the Almighty. After the Lord created the earth, and everything upon it, He created man. And then, as the crowning act of creation, He created woman. She was the ultimate of all His creations."

"If we could only see a resurgence in this land of a man looking to his wife as his equal, his comfort, and his dearest friend, and a woman walking beside her husband, neither before nor behind him, as a companion, and looking to him as the light and strength of her life, we would begin to strengthen families."

"Wives and mothers are the anchors of the family."

"Although the contributions of women in all walks of life are respected, I hope we will never look down on a homemaker. I appreciate the perspective of author Marie K. Hafen: I am distressed that the modern world's devaluation of motherhood is signaling to my daughter and her friends that preparing to be a homemaker, mother and wife is "no big deal."... In truth, learning to be a superb mother is a very big deal... Such a task involves creating and maintaining a total environment of human warmth, intellectual stimulation, and spiritual strength, by someone who sees the wellsprings of personal meaning that lie beyond a first glance at a diaper, a frying pan, and a worn tennis shoe."

"Women who make a house a home make a far greater contribution to society than those who command large armies or stand at the head of impressive corporations. Who can put a price tag on the influence a mother has on her children, a grandmother on her posterity, or aunts and sisters on their extended families?"

"May I suggest that the mothers of today have no greater opportunity and no more serious challenge than to do all they can to strengthen the homes of America."

One more reason why I love my hub...

Because tonight he had to go grocery shopping for a young men's campout with Wes. They head to Wal-Mart and Joe is so exhausted he HAS to use a handicap shopping cart.

Just like the time his knee hurt at Target and had to use it there.

He is NOT disabled. Why does he always want to use them and actually use them!!! I love it!!

It's Our Anniversary....

On the eve of Cinco de Mayo, exactly 6 years ago, my hub and I were sealed for time and all eternity. It was a happy day... a day of love and support and bliss! It seems like most days with Joe are like that. We had 400 people or so at our reception and it was a great party. Good food, cake and entertainment. It seems like yesterday.

But I really believe that we've loved each other longer than the 7 years we've known each other. Perhaps I'm a sap, but he's my soulmate. Again, words fail me.

Sometimes, I feel like it was a mistake to marry him, because I'm just not as good a person as he is. I feel like he deserves better. But I'm very grateful that Heavenly Father blessed me with a miracle to show me that we were meant to be married for eternity. Joe and Sofia. The night before we were getting married I was to get my endowment, something you need in the temple before you are sealed. We had gone to the Atlantis for lunch and I forgot my purse with my temple recommend in it. 2 hours before the endowment session. The bishop was out of town, it would have been impossible to get another recommend in time. At casinos, if you forget something, sorry charlie... it's gone. I was devastated and knew that this was God telling me we weren't to be married. It was a sign.

But Joe calmly drove me to the Atlantis, we checked the buffet, it wasn't there. I walked out, ready to walk out on our engagement. There were a lot of tears and I ended up telling him I was leaving him. I got in the car and sobbed some more. Well, 10 minutes later Joe comes running out with my purse, temple recommend and all. He had checked at hotel security and it just happened to be there. It was a sign, that it was meant to be.

So in times when he's taken out the trash, cleaned the dishes, played with our children and inspired me by just being who he is. I think of God's miracle and realize that life is how it should be. Lucky me!!

Hot Commodity

Of recent, I've been noticing a trend in Primary. Whenever Christina sits down, the other sunbeams start to argue. They argue over who will sit next to Christina. Sometimes there are tears and fits even, as obviously, there are only 2 seats by her. Then, once they are by her, they can't stop touching her. They have to hug her or play with her hair or dress.

Then I get stopped after church by another mother who's son is 2 years older than Christina. She proceeds to tell me that her son told her the following, "Mom! Christina Lykes talked to me today!! She's so hot!" He has older teenager brothers. His mom thinks he has a crush on her.

What.... is... going... ON!!! She's 3 and 1/2!!! But of course, I am grateful that little ones can tell how lovely she is and I appreciate, for the most part, that she is well loved by her friends.

The Many Faces of Maria

Well, out with the 18M clothes and in with the 24M. Seriously, did the 18M shrink in the wash? What is going on? Maria is saying book, amen, baby, doggie, woof (she'll actually start crawling on the ground saying woof... very entertaining!) and is just a happy little child. She loves kissing her sister, playing with her sister and holding her sister's hand while walking/riding in a stroller/riding in the car. I know that they will be best friends in life.

Maria is also an exceptional dancer and knows how to stare a person down. Adults will try anything to get her to smile and she'll just give them the meanest look. She loves her family, what can I say. It's a big world and she knows who loves her the most.

I was worried that she might be a quiet or reserved child, being second born and all the birth order stuff... but she can hold her own and is quite fantastic and loud and beautifully in your face.