Pervy or Puky?

"Hi. My name is Akon. Like Acorn except spelled and pronounced different."

In the years 1999 through 2001 I could probably name any hip hop song off the radio and who sang it. I'm not saying that because I'm proud, that's just how I was. Now that I'm verging 27ish, have 2 precious girls, I have a very different view of hip hop. I'm grateful God has spared me even though I wasted my time away on filthy degrading sleaze. Seriously, Too Short too close to hell.

Now in my car we listen to oldies and wee sing tapes (yes, tapes... thank you my roadmaster) and on occasion a Wycleff song. However, we now know every song on Wee Sing Bible Songs, and Cats the musical...so to the Reno radio we went. Which really, was not a great idea. I'd like to mention that I personally know one of the DJ's from highschool... aka Bernie Mac. Again, I'm not saying this because I'm proud, it's just the horrific truth. Thank you STDs.

What is the point of all this babbling. I have none. I'm ending here.

Sure I am. The point is, today this crazy song came on called "Dangerous" by Akon. We could only listen for about 20 seconds because he started saying something dirt-ae and we had come in the garage. I asked Christina what she thought about the song and she said, "It made me want to puke."
(Mind you I don't use that phrase. But so well said and articulate. So descriptive and clever.)

Indeed Akon = Puke.

Here is an article by Elder Russel M.Nelson about Music. I especially like the part entitled protection.

Shopping Spree!

JC Penny's was having their $1-$2 clearance sale and we were there stat! With Yaya Sofia of course. Thank-you Thank-you!! Our family always spoils us so!

Are these the best shoes you've ever seen!

I say this over and over again, but seriously I have the most beautiful girls in the entire world. And it's not just their lovely faces, they are destined for greatness.

Scoops of Kindness

Christina has always been a thoughtful girl, but as of lately I've noticed quite a few things she does that are extra special. One day she was feeding Maria and handing her water so I could do the dishes. I stopped promptly and made an ice cream cone for her, telling her kindness is sweet! So for the past 3 weeks I've been giving her scoops. She was so excited because I couldn't reach the top! We had to have daddy give the last scoop (I think 14 total) yesterday during Family Home Evening standing on tip toes on a chair.

Our FHE was on kindness and we talked about the good Samaritan and Christ healing the Blind Man. We also did a quick game of Hearts Up or Down. I would say something and if it was kind, hearts up. If it was not kind, hearts down. Maria even enjoyed this! Finally at the end we bear testimony. Christina loves to add her's, but she didn't. We went to DQ because she had soooooo many scoops of ice cream they hit the top of our ceiling. While at DQ she blurted out, "I bear testimony that I love you so much Mommy and Maria and Daddy!"

2 Days Late

Happy Anniversary Lateedo, Ramyin and Ryan. 3 years married, 7 since the blessed day at Helm's Pitt. Hooray! So much better than the lepster. Well done. Well done. In regards to Lateed, not Ryan.

I Am Pro-Children!!

While we try to teach our children all about life,Our children teach us what life is all about.

~Angela Schwindt

Maria is Scripture Power

I love to watch my children learn and grow. There was a study done on how kids learn (to see all the details check out the book First Day of School by Harry Wong) and it talked about how children learn the most during the first 4 years of their life! I was very humbled by my children the other day. We had just finished reading some scriptures and Maria shouted Book! Book! So I gave her the Book of Mormon and she set about to have her personal study time.

Then I wasn't feeling too hot. The girls, of course, came to bathroom and watched me very concerned. Finally, Christina asked if I needed to go to the hospital. I told her no, but that I just needed a little bit of time for my stomach to settle. She watched some more and said, Mommy I'll say a prayer for you. She immediately burst into a beautiful prayer and prayed that I would feel better and not have pain. I of course cried. What extraordinary little ladies.

The Dress Up Box

When I was around 6 I used to love dressing up in beautiful gowns my mom had bought at a discount prom store. This is big. Because I hardly remember anything from yesterday, let alone 20 years ago. We have a bag full of dress up items - quite a few things to go with an Abinadi reader's theatre I did a while back, dresses, dollar store Halloween costumes, princess shoes, hats, you name it! Although we have nothing astronautish... I'm keeping my eyes open for a find. But usually I'll put on some classical music and the girls just have a blast. I love to foster their brilliant creativity!

Wow! What a FHE!

Tonight's Family Home Evening was exceptional!

I found a great pioneer scavenger hunt off the Friend archives. Click here if interested, scroll down to pioneer treasure hunt!

I wasn't sure what scripture to do, but when I opened up the Doctrine and Covenants, it was to section 122, when Joseph Smith was incarcerated at Liberty Jail. It's a very powerful scripture and set the tone quite nicely.

5 If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;
6 If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb;

7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.

I showed the girls some pictures of the pioneers and we talked about the word trial. I asked Christina what would be a trial or something sad to her. She said, "Like if Maria or Mommy died and I had to be alone with daddy to play with." Is she not so sweet and endearing! But the main point of the lesson was that God can be with us always. We had the hunt, which included screaming (literally) when a clue was found, a short video on Jane Manning James (An early Black pioneer in the church) and then treat.

I love our $0.50 bonnets from Savers!!

But what really just made the evening for me was when Christina said the closing prayer. "And please bless the pioneers Heavenly Father that you will be with them and they won't be bloody. And that we won't be bloody. And that vacuum will sleep tonight and not cry.We love you Heavenly Father soooo much." She says it with all the energy of her little heart too. What an example she is to me. I'm sooooooo glad she is perceptive and understood what was being taught tonight.

The Glorious Pit

Ah, helm's pit. Who would have ever thought that I would actually enjoy coming here! Christina got a "new" bike from savers, that we spray painted pink with glitter. I could have taped it or took it apart and done a nice job, but I'm just a ghetto person. Christina loves it and that's all that matters. I am also going to add some ribbon streamers for her.

The summer months have proved too tempting for us and lately I've been putting the kids to bed around 9. Whether it's outdoor concerts, farmers markets, helm's pit... we are out and about doing nothing but enjoying each other. I often think about my life and how happy I am. I don't have exciting news or pertinent information that happens each day... but I feel like I've "learned to do well" as Isaiah says. (I finally changed the side scripture on the blog.) I take each day as it comes, read my scriptures, make sure my girls hear a chapter or two, hold consistent family and meal prayers, have consistent family home evenings and regularly attend church and the temple. That may not seem like much to the world, but to me it's everything because I know that by following God's commandments true peace and joy are found. (As a side note, I say this not to brag or demean anyone. We do what we can. When I die, I just want my girls to know what was important to me as a mother.)

Awesome articles on motherhood if you need a lift! Or you could just enjoy Maria's face in this picture.

Daughters of God

Three Tools to Build a Sacred Home

Kinda a "Oh no he didn't." face. Love it.

I will suck you up!

Tuesday was an interesting day. We had a knock at the door and I opened it to a man who wanted to sell me vacuums. He said that he'd vacuum a whole room and shampoo it for me for FREE!

SCAMMER!! COPS!!! 911!! Anyone??? Seriously, opening the door for men freaks me out. I need to carry a taser.

So after careful consideration, I let his lady worker into my home to slave away. It was a great vacuum! However, $2,500 is a bit pricey for me. I could tell the lady was tired and offered her dinner. We ate dinner together and a co-worker came by. They were both depressed and just needed a break. We had a nice time chatting at the table and eating. They let loose how their boss is a slave driver, most of the employees had quit and that they work 15 hour days based only off commission.

But here it was. 2 strangers in my home eating and feeling something. Soon religion came up. The guy told me, "I know you are Mormon. I was once Mormon too." We start talking, I explain some basics to the lady... e.g. We are Christian. We believe in apostles and prophets like in the days of Christ and beforehand. And we believe that marriages and families can be for eternity.

Well, then I got the biggest compliment of my life.The guy tells me, "You know... being in your home makes me want to go back to church." Wow. Talk about making my life worthwhile. My whole purpose in life is to make sure my home is a place where love and the spirit can be felt. It truly was a testimony builder to me that God lives and is mindful of each one of us. I pray for him that he will go back to church because I know that true happiness is found with God.

On another note. I was amazed at how even though my carpet seemed clean, their vacuum dug deeper and came out with all those circles pictured above. Made me think that no matter what I do, I can always do better. Good life lessons found on Tuesday.

My Daughter

Why do I love the face she is making in this picture so much?

Possible captions to go with it:

"Is that Rod Stewart over there?"

"I really need a taser right now."

"Never let me go mom. There's a TV crew from Cheaters and I don't want to join in the mob action." Eeewww...Scary indeed!

"My mother has a lazy eye! HELP!"

"I see the Anaheim USPS blog stalker!!! AHHHHHH!!!!"

(As a side note, this Anaheim daily visitor turned out to be my father. Who is not a creep. Love you dad. Postal power! Down with FedEx!)

What HAVE we been doing?

Sometimes I find myself extremely busy having fun with the girls. Sometimes I find that we had fun and I can't remember why. It's kinda nice passing by life in a delirious joy. That's what happens when you have exceptionally fantastic kids like mine!

This week started out with a trip to visit Ang and lil' tuck in the hospital. He was 1 day old going on 2 and awake and peaceful and happy! He was looking all over the place for his mama when me and his dad were holding him. She looked amazing, of course and now they're home and ready to start life with 2 little blessings!

After the hospital we headed downtown for artown (July Reno Festivities) and saw Ballet Dancers from Mexico. I always wanted to learn how to dance like that and wear their beautiful dresses that moved like floating rainbows. We took a slight detour to watch a guy kayaking. He was trying as he might, but he couldn't make it over this certain patch of the river. It looked exhausting just watching. Thanks, I'll stick to walking.

Downtown you can see the church my Yaya and Papou were married at. Since there wasn't a Greek Orthodox church at the time, they were married here. I love this picture because you can see the sky! We've been living in a haze literally and I feel like I'm living again because I can see blue! It's heavenly and I KNOW I WILL NEVER EVER EVER take for granted the sky again! The air still isn't very fresh, but looking up and seeing is truly glorious!

New word: Peach!

Yesterday Christina asked for a peach. Then Maria saw her sister had one and she wanted one too. She was screaming at the top of her lungs, "PEACH! PEACH! PEACH!!". It's the tone in her voice also, that of extreme urgency or she will die type tone. Then the repetition. I guess when you need a peach, you need a peach.

Isagenix Cleanse For Life Testimonial

Isagenix cleanse for life, has definitely had a life impact on my husband. Thanks to Isagenix, my husband is one less of an organ type person. We blame his appendectomy completely on Isagenix. Not only were you expensive but now Joe has a weird scar that looks like a third, well... nip. And it's like hello, we can't afford plastic surgery. He felt isolated at Boys camp because people looked at his scar. Maria sees it and tries to scratch it off him. Oh Isagenix, the bloody (literally) mess you have created. The heartache. The betrayl.

If you are looking to lower your cholesterol, we recommend saving your internal organs and finding a different path other than that of Isagenix Cleanse till your dead program.

My Bendable Light

Have you ever read one of the greatest books ever, Star Girl, by Jerry Spinelli??

Well in it, he uses the phrase, "She was my bendable light, She shone brightly around every corner of my day." Pure brilliance. Perfect description of my sweet Marigoula.

Maria is going on 17 months now. She is so vocal and well articulated. For awhile I was a little worried because she showed slight signs of a temper. But now as the words are coming steadily, she is rational and quite charming. I really can't count how many words she can say, there are so many. Just yesterday I asked where we should go for lunch and she said, "Black Bear."

When Christina gets hurt, she will come over and rub her back. She is always following Christina, yet she is independent minded. She is a love bug. Whenever I ask her to give me hugs or Yaya or Papa or Yaya Sofia, she does so right away. And they are big hugs too! Sometimes I will tell her that she needs to stop crying and she'll say, "Ok."


She is an eater. She would sit at the table for hours if we'd let her. She is so pleasant. She is very deliberate and exact with her fork. She needs one every time we sit to eat. If I forget she says, "Forrrrk peeeeeeeeese. Forrrrrk peeeeeeeese." She also enjoys using a napkin to daintily dab her face. She giggles every time then says, "Good girl."


Maria still breastfeeds. Once at nap and once before bed. Sometimes she just comes up to me and points to a freckle on my boob and says "Milk." And today she realized there was a freckle on my arm, so she said, "Milk" and started chewing on my arm. Love it. Sometimes she scratches really hard, trying to pick off my freckles. Love it.


She loves to try to jump, even though she can't lift her feet off the ground. Whenever I tell her to "work it" she puts her arms in the air and starts to twirl around. She loves music and grooves out in the car all the time, shaking her head side to side. Yesterday I went to the temple and Yaya Kota came over to watch them in the morning. The girls had a blast with Yaya of course, but my little one was just so happy to see me. She was climbing on me and hugging me saying, "Ahhhhhhh....." She is my baby. She will always be my baby.


When we were watching fireworks for the 4th, she got a little tired so I started to rock her standing up. Her little eyes were closed but sharp as a button she was "Sshhhhh...."ing me. She is truly my bendable light. She fills every part of my soul with happiness. I wonder why I am so blessed. What did I ever do to deserve such joy. Truly it is a mystery. I feel unworthy of all God has bestowed upon me. Nonetheless, I thank Him everyday for my perfect little miracles and pray they will grow up learning wisdom in their youth and finding and staying close to the Savior of all mankind.

Blog Tag ?? I'm it??

This is my first blog tag. I look forward to the critical self analysis.

Joys. (of the moment)

1. Hearing Christina sing, "I'll be gone till November" (Wycleff) word for word, then ending with, "Yo give a kiss to my motha."

2. Watching Maria pretend to be a dinosaur.

3. Reading in my corner at night while the girls drift off to sleep peacefully. ( I used to lay down by them so they wouldn't get scared, but they would start singing and crawling all over me. Finally, I got a chair and a book (finished Packer's Holy Temple and now halfway through the History of the Church in This Dispensation Religion Manuel). Now they peek up at me and giggle. I blow a kiss, they lay down and sleep. Heavenly!)

Fears.

1. David Hasselhoff.

2. Any scary movie. Hence, I don't watch them. Poltergeist and Gremlins marred me as a child.

Then in highschool, I saw Hannibal with Ram and never saw a rated r movie after that. Remember how we had to leave early?

3. Extreme Obesity. Thank-you Brookhaven Clinic.

Bonus fear- Tie between cops from Utah and 80% of the state of Idaho.

Goals.

1. Having someone take the missionary discussions at our home. Anyone interested?

2. Making my primary blog a place where people can come and get good ideas, so that Primary can be a place where children are brought up solid in gospel truths and happy in the love of Christ. Truly, I am humbled at already how many come daily and from so many different places around the world!

3. Become a vegetarian.

Obsessions/Collections.

1. Books. Books. And more books. Especially children's books. We must have at least 1,000. Often I feel we're better stocked at home than the library.

2. Decorating our home for every major holiday.

3. Learning how to play odd songs on the recorder. In case I'm ever hired for entertainment purposes.

Random Surprising facts.

1. Within the last month I've developed a strong love of Church History which I've NEVER had. In fact, I'd dread July because all the pioneer stories bored me. Ok, another kid died. Depressing. And then can we sing come. come ye saints a little faster? Anyone? But as of late, perhaps I've matured? Hmmmm..... debatable definitely.

2. I don't sweat.

3. My dad is not Mexican. He's Irish.

I Tag.

1. Ramya/Indian from highschool

2. My stalker from Syracuse, NY.... really, who are you?

3. My stalker from Anaheim, using the USPS internet.... really, who are you?

Adventures of New Restaurants

For the past week we've heard about a new gyro place in town. Greek food in Reno can be compared to communism, it's just really not that super. Well, after 3 attempts and the place being closed we finally got to go today. I think the experience can be summed up by what Christina said after I had wiped the table, "It's still dirty." The food was decent, but it was in a warehouse and I personally would rather eat somewhere without pictures of tigers, horses and puppies looking at me. But the clincher was no air conditioning, just a fan... and really, I have a blow dryer at home sooooooo.... mumble me melissa malmstead monday mornings.

TGOnion and Gyro Place... I highly recommend brooms and mops. A besmirched and grubby atmosphere leads to lead poisoning. Or possibly mercury poisoning. While I can't prove this scientifically, after we left your restaurant Christina and Maria's left eyes started twitching. Abnormally.

Out with the old, in with the new

It's goodbye to our miscellaneous collection of children's cups... mostly gathered from restaurant outings and Walgreens 8 for $1 sales. They've lasted almost 4 years. Mind you they are regular cups, I have a completely neurotic distaste for sippy cups. Today I was at Target with Motha, whom I cherish deeply and my dear daughters, indulging in the air conditioning blissfully. We came across a clearance rack (75% or more off) and soon our cart was filled with fun little goodies. Joe, if you are reading, fun little goodies equals dire necessity. Honestly, what would we do without our new fantastic crab salt and pepper shakers?

Padron's Shower

Today was a baby shower for the Padron's. They had moved out of the ward a little while ago, so I was way excited when I got a call from her. They actually might be moving closer to home in Texas, so we're going to start saying some prayers for them! Brotha Padron was Joe's 2nd counselor in Young Men's and absolutely stellar. The boys loved him. He has heart problems and recently had a major crack open the ribs type surgery to which he was only in the hospital 5 days! Hopefully, it will be his last surgery. Miracles never cease!

We played some fun games, had good food and I came home to a napping house... hence time to blog! I love LaPa. She barely even looks pregnant! During her first trimester we spent half a night at the ER together because she was so sick. Hooray though, drugs worked and she's a trooper! Here's to a beautiful baby boy in August!!

Happy 4th of July!!! On the 5th.

I love America! I love my rights and liberties! I love being able to raise my family in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! I love being able to go to grocery stores and have shelves of plenty! I love everything about this country. It truly is the greatest nation on earth!



For the 4th we headed over to my Sri Lankan parent's home. Talk about some yummy food! I wish I wood have gotten pics! My favorite 2 parts were seeing Miss A, she is gorgeous! And seeing Christina shake everybody's hand good-bye. Ahhhh... such lovely manners. I bask in glory. How did I get so lucky!!! Not to mention my Maria and her charming smiles she gave!

Miss A says, "Watch yo' back Iman. Tyra and Naomi. 15 more years and it's on."

We chatted with RamaLat and enjoyed some time at the park. Overall, it was just really peaceful and nice. Hooray for a country where we can marry whomever we choose and love! Even if it wasn't that way to start, now it is! So double yay for activism and interracial marriage! Where would we be Ram without it (And Miss StiVen And Motha). Moment of silence. Moving on.




I have to say my favorite part though was the fireworks. We went up to TMCC and hiked a tall hill in the dark...with a stroller... and lawn chairs.... and it was all worth it! The kids did great and had a blast. We got to see 2 shows, one from Rancho San Rafael Park and the Sparks Nugget. The view was killer and the company fantastic. The girls were giggling the whole time! And then when we got home, at 10:30PM... they passed out!

Do you love my clear picture of the spectacular view we had?

What to do when it's so hot.....

One word. Water.

2 for 2

Tonight at dinner Christina said the prayer. Her prayers are always beautiful, but tonight was especially sweet.

Christina: Dear Heavenly Father. Please bless the food. Thank you for hearing our prayers.And please bless that we won't get unibrows. And we love you so much Heavenly Father. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Benito Mussolini

Photo of Milan Train Station found on flickr courtesy www.stuckincustoms.com

When my Nono was around he always used to joke about how Mussolini made the trains run on time. So one day, about a month ago, Christina was being a little boss-ay! Her tone, her word choice, hands on hips... finally I told her- When people are bossy they are like Mussolini. He was violent and a bully. He made the trains run on time, but there are other ways my little one.

Did she understand what I was talking about? Of course not. I'm crazy. Or did she...

Tonight at dinner, Maria (who got a 30 minute snooze the ENTIRE day, poor tired baby) started screeching and whacking her arms in a little fit. Joe told her- It's OK Maria. You don't need to hit the tray. Be nice. To which Christina chimed in...

Christina: Yeah, really Maria. You are so violent. You are totally Mussolini.