Memorial Vacation California Part II

Day 2 consisted of more Sacramento fun at Fairytale Town.

My girls LOVE to be held by their Papa. What will he do when there is 3!

Owl's house slide. I'm still a little weary of tall slides for Maria and she's so good about it. She never complains or throws fits when I say it's too big for her.

Ah. Just the right size. Why am I such a panicky mother? I'll tell you why. Because I don't ever want my children to get hurt. I know it will happen, perhaps even on my watch... but stupid accidents don't need to be.

A great puppet show!! Why aren't there more of these! We watched "A Dragon's Tale" and at first Maria was really scared because it was so dark, but as soon as a dancing worm came out it was all giggles and screeching. It was a very interactive puppet show and we all loved it!

Always holding hands. They are so sweet and kind to each other. I'm blessed to have children that don't argue and try to mame each other or are mean spirited. In fact, they are always saying thank you and please to each other. Sigh. I hope this lasts through the teenage years!

For the love of chickens... I'm so grateful they didn't peck her eyes out.

After fairytale town we headed to the IMAX theatre for a great movie experience. I was a little wary because the only show for our time was Dinosaurs Alive. Mind you, this is a 6 story screen 3-D 44 speaker type show. The girls were both scared, but fortunately Maria fell asleep and Christina just hopped into Papa's lap. I would love to see the new Harry Potter movie on it!

We finished up the day with unruly traffic, the wedding rehearsal and Taco after party! Erin was so kind and got the girl wonderful beach bags filled with goodies. The food was excellent and we enjoyed a couple churros each!

Memorial Day Vacation California Part I

The beast/our shuttle promptly arrived Thursday morning to transport us to California, land of childhood fun and dreams come true because Yaya and Papa spoil us. Funderland was the first stop... because yes... sigh... they have closed the Nut Tree yet again. Funderland is awesome still, just not as "clean". (Sacramento,CA)

My dad, aka Hero, went on all the kiddie rides with the girls so I didn't have to vomit and die. Although the teacups finally did him in, he partied hard for a good 20ish rides.

My drivers, pros after the barbie Jeep.... this is just second nature.

I was a little worried about this one, thinking Maria might jump to her death, but she liked it so much she went on it by herself 3 times.

The dragon roller coaster was Christina's favorite.

Papa got the girls $7 face painting that actually went on their arm. The lady was fruity but made it "glitterific".

The caboose of the train.

Enjoying their first snow cones. We just don't have them in Reno. Odd eh?

Little ladies. So proper.

We ended our day at a beautiful hotel and went swimming. Ahhh.

Relaxing.

Sometimes I feel like I don't have much to post. All I do is enjoy my little angels everyday. I don't know what we do. We play, we work, we learn, we talk.... We relax. It may not be very "exciting", but it's wonderful. I say it a lot, but really I'm truly blessed.

You better work it... Covergirls.

I love that my girls are so girly. I think I would have a hard time if they were all about softball and bugs. As Christina wrapped up her soccer class I noticed something fantastic.... she doesn't really run "normal", she prances and dances. Very feminine. Very much little ladies.

Meet Michael.

This is Michael. I guess Michael is either a cat or dog, depending on the moment.Michael enjoys being led on an imaginary leash by Christina, being fed imaginary bones by Christina and screeching at Christina when Michael needs to be held. It's rather adorable and fun. And they are adamant that I refer properly to Michael as a dog or cat. Do I know where they got the name Michael? No.

Yummy.

I love the simple things in life. This kept us occupied and fascinated for a good 10 minutes straight.

Learning at the Feet of Apostles

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to a fireside here in Reno, NV which was quite unusual. The featured speakers were 2 apostles and member of the seventy; Elder Bednar, Elder Anderson and Elder Zwick.

It was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. They opened it up for questions. I was thinking to myself, here are men that have talked with or seen Christ and they are inviting me to ask a question. After careful consideration, I knew my question. I pass the thought along to you, what would you ask given the chance?

They shared many powerful words with us and while I've always known that these men were called of God as apostles and prophets, the confirmation again of the spirit cannot adequately be described. Afterwards we got to go up and shake their hands. There must have been hundreds of people there, yet they stood patiently while we each shook hands with those that may have touched Divinity. Elder Zwick told my husband that he was one handsome man. And I told Elder Bednar since He had given us so much this night that I wanted to give him something. He looked at me cautiously, but being a large pregnant woman perhaps he wasn't too threatened. I gave him a bottle of hand sanitizer. So I pass the thought along to you, am I nuts or am I nuts?

But really, I don't want these good men to get the swine flu.

I also wanted to mention the theme of the meeting was inspiration and revelation and how all worthy children can receive when they seek from our Father. Elder Anderson bore his testimony and included remarks about the miracle of Jairus' daughter. I found this exceptional because earlier that morning I had posted some song helps on "I'll seek the Lord Early" on my primary blog and decided on the picture of Jairus to go along with the post.

** Thanks to my awesome Father and Mother for watching the babes so we could attend. I've mentioned this before but I love that they always treat my children like they are a priveledge to be with. It's never a hassle or a bother for them to watch the girls. They truly cherish and relish every moment spent with my angels.

Today my car was vandalized

Today I woke up and my car was vandalized. It wasn't broken into because, well, the window is broken and it's really easy to get into my car. So who would vandalize a car with tar on the side and a missing hubcap? Probably a meth addict. They didn't find any money and did not steal my DQ wrappers, ziploc baggies from the girls snacks.... etc. How frustrating for them. They didn't take my insurance or registration or car seats. So Hooray.

Then an "issue" that I've been dealing with the past 2 months finally just really made me sad today. I was confused and decided the only person who would really understand was my Father in Heaven. I knelt down, very humbled and complained... as reverently as I could. I opened my soul up. And you know what, 30 minutes later I found the garage door opener that has been missing for a week.

I am so blessed and God is a God of miracles. I don't have to press the garage door and run my chunko self under it. I don't have to get in and out of the car 4 times before my car can be safe from the meth heads in the garage. This is big to me. I know this is a gift from God and that He loves me. Prayer works. The "issue" still isn't fixed but I feel better and have my garage door opener.

Weekly Park Excursion

So Ang and I take the kids to the park weekly now that the weather is better. This week was Bodega. 8 out of 10. Very enjoyable. Especially with such wonderful company.
Carson was sharing his candy and Christina remarked very matter of fact, "Carson, I just love you." to which he replied, "Yeah. I love you too." Cutie pies.

Backyard Painting

Did I mention I love my new camera? To capture moments of artistic brilliance!

New Camera

We have been without a camera for about a month now. T-O-R-T-U-R-E. Perhaps if I wasn't a "blogger" then it wouldn't be so bad. But I feel the need to post pictures and capture moments. Also about 2 weeks ago my car stalled in a red zone. As in wouldn't move or even start. My dad came.... HERO... and used his car to push my car about 3 miles home. Cheaper than a tow truck, possibly not as safe. Thank goodness I can always call my dad to rescue us. Bless the graveyard shift even though it will probably take 3 years off his life span. Which is getting up there. Sigh.

So here's a couple shots while I figure this new Sony Cyber-shot thingy out. And did I mention I got it for 60% off the marked price at Best Buy because... yes... it was missing the box it came in? Thank-you Lord. It's the small miracles that make all the difference.

I fear posting this....

So this is the ?? 3rd house we've put a bid on now? No wait. 4th. But this is the one.... I know it! It has a water fountain in the backyard and an orange kitchen.... it's meant to be. It's a short sale, yes, you guessed it. So we'll probably know in a year or two whether we got it. :) But we know God is watching over us and His timing is perfect in every single way.

What is Mother's Day without a visit from the FBI

This mother's day I feel an overwhelming desire for it not to be a holiday. Sure I love the gifts my children make me and being honored, but more I feel empathy for those without children or those not married wishing to be. Truly life as a mother is one of the greatest gifts God ever gave us. I wish all women who desired motherhood could be blessed with it.

I feel like everyday should be not only mother's day, but father's day, children's day, grandparent's day. Days filled with love, with time spent aside to have fun and cherish each other. Days where respect, kindness and gratitude are given. In my home I feel like we do this everyday. Mind you, not everyday is perfect and we all make our mistakes. But we put Christ first and the rest falls into place.

We celebrated with a nice lunch at the Olive Garden yesterday. Lots of people smoking and my girls loudly pointing it out. But seriously, do we need to get lung cancer because of you. Move please. My girls made planter boxes for their Yayas and I got beautiful cards I will save the rest of my life. Plus a giftcard to Charlotte Russe where I plan on buying one killer pair of shoes or a belt for Joe for Father's Day.

To all my dear friends who are mothers, Happy Mother's Day. I have some of the most wonderful friends who are truly excellent examples of exactly what Mothers should be. Try saying that 10 times.

To my Yaya. Being close to you is a standard. It's just something that is there where you can never get lost because of the love we share. I go to your home and realize what a blessing I am blessed with. I see you writing ABC's with the girls or pooping money out of the bunnies and pray for 20 more years of it. You have wisdom and kindness and goodness that no one else does. My whole life you have done nothing but tell me how wonderful and good I am, even when that probably wasn't the case. The support and constant care you give is always consistent. I've never felt anything but your love for me. Even recently when times are difficult, you are doing and serving for us. You have clothed my children. You have spoiled us rotten. You are truly an angel from heaven.

To my Mother. Magapas. You have taught me motherhood is not a sacrifice but a privilege. Never once in my life were you not there for me. I am not even half the woman you are and I pray that one day I can be the type of mother you are to me. You are the perfect mother in every single way and my life is complete because of the example and love you've always shown me. You speak your mind and don't take **** from anyone. You are our protector and defender. You are fun, the life of the party and always have creative inspiration to liven things up. When God blessed you with only one child, you didn't let that stop you from being a mother to more. The countless lives of children, wacky missionaries and odd weirdos from your ward you have touched, fed and fed some more have been privileged to have your attention and guidance. I pray that God will bless you for your charity you have always given. I love you more than words could ever ever ever possible say.

7 Years down and an Eternity of Bliss to Go

Today was a good day. Everyday is a good day. I could say that my wedding day was the happiest day of my life, but that wouldn't be true because everyday spent with my wonderful husband is the happiest day of my life. It just gets better and better.

Joe is a hard worker and does a lot. He is Mr.Reno. Just a couple days ago he was asked to speak at a Rally for Human Rights. He spoke in Spanish and I couldn't understand a single word, but I've never been prouder. As a car drove by screaming "Go back to Mexico, you're not wanted here." candles were lit and prayers were offered. People deserve to be treated like people. And there was my husband, the peacemaker giving hope.

Joe was on 4 different TV programs within the last month, speaking up on the importance of education and positive thinking/action.

Joe's Imoja black student union club won club of the year at TMCC and best event held at TMCC. He inspires unity and brotherhood. I think I'm joining NAACP because of him.

When he got home today, the girls were very very hungry. We had a special anniversary dinner and the girls ate straight for 40 minutes. (Yes, there was an "explosion" afterwards at FHE... but it was on daddy... Jesus does love me.) When we were first married we ate tri-tip all the time on a little bar-b-que the size of a nickel. So tonight we feasted and Christina exclaimed, "Really. No really you guys. This...is... the...best... meat I've ever... tasted. But I'm still vegetarian." Joe is all about checking online to see what each anniversary is and I guess this year was our copper/wool anniversary. I took things into my own hands and bought an awesome vacuum. However, Joe being the sweet man he is bought me a copper/brass/tin-ish thing/pitcher? It's the greatest thing ever.

I could say I'm lucky to have him in my life, but that would be a great understatement. I also don't feel it's much luck at all, I really think that God had a hand in our meeting and courting. Joe is one of a kind. He's making a difference in the world. He is exceptional in every single way.