Something Annoying...

I breastfeed my children. I nurse on toilets, I've been bit many a time and Mastitis and I are very familiar with one another. But!! I know that it's best for my kids and I will do whatever I need to do to make sure they get the best. I know that not everyone can breastfeed. That's life. We need to make sure our kids are fed and however they are kept alive, fantastic!

But really, do we not have enough time to give our children nourishment? Is life really so fast we can't sit down and hold them to feed them? This is one of the stupidest things I've ever heard of (unless a person without arms is trying to feed a child and then I understand) This "thing" screams shut up and eat to me... And now, thank you America, the reason why we are obese.

" The Pacifeeder, a hands-free bottle that promotes the semi-upright feeding position for your child, is great for when you don't have time to sit down and feed, or when you're on-the-go but baby still needs some nourishment. Not only does it help reduce ear infections and colic, but the handy bottle attaches to any car seat, stroller, or baby carrier. Plus, you can convert the Pacifeeder to a regular bottle using any standard nipple."

Lost... Still lost... lost...

So I'm really am cutting down on the tube time... but I had to see LOST. And guess what, I'm still Lost. I hate that I'm addicted.




On another note, I was driving home right before nap time. I had a baby who wanted to sleep, an empty gas tank and heavy winds whipping at our doors. Then the traffic signals go out and power is zapped. (Mind you this is on Virginia St. and McCarran Blvd.) Now, as any normal/sane driver knows... when the light goes out you proceed as if it were a 4 way stop sign type deal. I went through 5 lights that were out, fearing for our lives and trying to beat out the traffic I knew would result. It was really just chaos and made me think, concluding in the following analogies.

1. God's timing is perfect timing. Just like a stop light is an ingenious system for travel, so is God's way. It's simple and concise and if we follow there is harmony. If we don't follow, and slip up by even a second- it's crash and burn.


2. When things go wrong you have a few options. Panic and stop. Proceed carefully. Or gun it and screw the rest. (Pardon the strong language) And while I tend to think "proceed carefully", I'd say 80% of Reno is "gun it". I hope I never have to go through a natural disaster in this community.

Happy Reunion

For me, President Hinckley is everything good in this world. He is my beloved Prophet, I know he is a man of God and I am able to be closer to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ because he conducted himself as a man should in life. He lived with the Spirit, was in tune with the Father's will and his words will forever inspire me, because those are the words our Savior would have us hear.

I cried of course, but my first thought was him in his white temple clothes embracing the Savior and I bear testimony that his death did not end in the grave. Seeing this image in my mind was not just a thought, but a truth.

One of my favorite books of all times is Standing For Something, it has been highlighted, the pages worn... I can't even list all the wonderful things he has said. Thank you Heavenly Father for sending this man to guide us and direct us. Thank you for his life that was given in service to the church and for his example that will live on in my heart forever.

Just so I'm not crazy....

I have been seeing a lot of babies (that are under a year) in forward facing car seats. Moms have told me their doctors have said it's OK... but I knew I wasn't crazy! Tsk Tsk doctors. According to the AAP, "All infants should always ride rear-facing until they are 1 year of age AND weigh at least 20 pound."

I guess I see cars as dangerous. I drive in NV which has one of the highest rate of DUI's and DUI related crashes in the nation. I have been hit 2 times now by a person under the influence. So there you have it... knowledge is power.

Hungry Beasts

Usually I would never refer to my children as beasts... but today after church they were just so hungry, they got to the tomatoes, and well... looked a little like hungry beasts.

Holding You in My Arms

My sweet Maria. I love holding you. You are heavy and sometimes my back hurts, but every second near you is bliss. I especially love how you feed your daddy, how you crawl over mommy every morning to play in Christina's bed and wake us all up, how you go to Yaya and bring her books to read to you, how you catch on to sounds so quickly, your low pitched little chuckle, how we have to shut bathrooms doors because of your addiction to toilet paper... how are you almost a year old?

Tool Time!!

I love my daddy! He is the best!

Christina, "Daddy isn't it sad that people don't have hands." It's good to think about our bodies and the miracles they are. Saturday we took Christina to a free build your own toolbox activity at Lowe's. It was fantastic! There is just something about building and doing, using one's hands. We are lucky we have our hands... And Christina's finger seems to be healing quite nicely! I really love Neosporin and Christina loves that she gets to wear barbie band aids.


I guess Lowe's offers 2 times a month some sort of build it yourself activity for kids. They get patches to add to their aprons, certificates after they complete the project, and their own real tools to keep! Highly recommend!!

Scripture Study Everyday

I'm pretty laid back when it comes to scripture study. That is to say I don't mind if the kids are playing or eating or even singing softly... we read everyday, our kids know that it is important. As of late, Christina has taken to reading also (quite passionately, I'm so proud!), "King Noah was horrible! I'll burn you alive! Die Abinadi! But that was soooooooooo not nice. Abinadi was just Repent! Repent! REPENT! But he died. He got burned... Alive." I know they are listening and watching and I'm very proud.

My favorite words of Abinadi:

"Touch me not, for God shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon me, for I have not delivered the message which the Lord sent me to deliver; neither have I told you that which ye requested that I should tell; therefore, God will not suffer that I shall be destroyed at this time. But I must fulfil the commandments wherewith God has commanded me; and because I have told you the truth ye are angry with me. And again, because I have spoken the word of God ye have judged me that I am mad. Now it came to pass after Abinadi had spoken these words that the people of king Noah durst not lay their hands on him, for the Spirit of the Lord was upon him; and his face shone with exceeding luster, even as Moses’ did while in the mount of Sinai, while speaking with the Lord. " (Mosiah 13:3-5)

"And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and sourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people. And after all this, after working many mighty miracles among the children of men, he shall be led, yea, even as Isaiah said, as a sheep before the shearer is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. Yea, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father. And thus God breaketh the bands of death, having gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men—Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice." (Mosiah 15:5-9)

"And little children also have eternal life." (Mosiah 15:25)

"The time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the Lord; when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people shall see eye to eye and shall confess before God that his judgements are just." (Mosiah 16:1)

" But there is a resurection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death."

(Mosiah 16:8,9)

Bloody Doors

I hate our closet door now. It is my least favorite place in our house. I wish I could burn the door down. Today, right before lunch we were playing "camping" in the closet. My heart is broken because my little angel Christina got her finger shut in the door. It's all bloody and deformed now and looks extremely painful. I took her to the emergency room because (of course) today was Dr.Sachdev's day off (Christina's wonderful pediatrician). Sure, it's just a finger. But I wanted to make sure nothing was broken and see if there was anything specific I needed to do for her. Turns out she'll be just fine, I think I'm more traumatized than her. I'll tell you one thing though, the ER with 2 little ones, 1 hurt + 1 hungry = not too fun. We said many a prayer and survived. I did want to mention this kind old man that was having chest pains told the nurse he wanted my little girl seen before him. The nurse and myself told him that it was OK and he needed to be seen first, but I was just humbled at his apparent love for children. May we all be like this wonderful man.

On a side note, I refuse to take a picture of the wound because it makes me feel like a failure as a mother. Why, when I'm right there, watching... how?

Peppermill Pizazz

Yes, I am one of those children that was raised going to a casino often. Cigarettes hanging out of peoples mouths, shiny nylons holding in every inch of fat on the cocktail waitresses, bright lights and the constant hum of slot machines are what I'm used to. While my family never gambled, we did glutton ourselves at the Buffet. As a child, my favorite things about the peppermill were the rainbow sugar you could dip strawberries in and swan shaped cream puffs. Now, the peppermill has expanded and the buffet moved. The "new" buffet offers a constant stream of wall waterfalls, occasional lightning/thunder storms/birds gone wild moments, warm tapioca and a constant flow of elderly coming to mingle with my grandparents... they, dare I say (hoping not to sound to vain) are the peppermill. They are the most popular and beloved daily couple, by waitresses, managers and other daily goers alike. When we go with Nono and Yaya, it's like you are with royalty. They go straight to the head of the line, are greeted with fanfare and ushered to any seat they like. Then it's off to mingle. After about ten minutes my Yaya will come with a huge plate of fruit for all those at the table. This is where the magic is. My girls are in heaven every time we go... it's like they eat straight for an hour. I however find the magic of the peppermill faded. Perhaps it's just knowing now. Knowing that the people there on a Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 are probably addicts squandering away children's college funds. That the people saying "Keno. Keno?" don't have enough money to pay for health insurance. Then there is the film of smoke and the empty hard liquor shot glasses that just sadden my soul. This is part of my home, Reno, NV.

They are the cutest!

My sweethearts!
Curvy!!

Look at these gorgeous girls! We got new Pj's (Only $2.99 each at the disney store) so I had to show off some pics.

Christina's 1st Braids

Christina doesn't like to do much with her hair, but today she actually let me put braids in. I told her they were princess braids, I think that did the trick.

Diegito!

We are so happy George, Jackie, Diego and Spiros have moved from sunny LA to unique Reno! We look forward to many more fun filled play dates and praticing Greek together!

Mitt... Perhaps, Perhaps Not

Can I tell you, I love being a Nevadan. There is no other state like ours. What an honor it was to have the Caucus here this year. We went to a Mitt Romney rally. Am I a fan? Perhaps, perhaps not. I guess I'm very intrigued that he is LDS and he managed to get health insurance for the whole state of Massachusetts. But while at this rally, I realized something, I'm going to change my party affiliation to Independent. I can't be a democrat because I'm very strongly against abortion. But I also can't be a republican because they don't really represent the diversity of America.

My husband and I have our political differences but we both believe strongly that we are all human beings. Right now there is so much polarization on immigration. Illegals need to speak English, they need to stop sucking up welfare... blah blah blah. These are people, people are not illegal. Also, can we say generalizations and stereotyping? There needs to be reform. The process needs to be more concise and less confusing for those applying for citizenship. It's always easier to judge people when you aren't going through what they are. I guess the reason I bring this up is because it's 2008, when are we all going to just get along. I say Deport hate, not families!

Ain't no sunshine when he's gone...

Well Ok, there's sunshine... but just not as much when daddy has to work. New semesters at TMCC tend to require Joe's presence more and so we wallow in sadness while he is away. Fortunately he is good looking so that makes all the pain of his absence bearable. He recently got twists in his hair, which have grown on me. But I dream of the day (possibly when we are 70?) that he will have dreads.

How do we get to heaven?

I reinforce everyday (or try to at least) what was taught at the previous FHE of each week. So I asked Christina, can we get to heaven by building really super duper tall towers? NO! She yells... Can we get there by climbing ladders or standing on chairs? NO! She yells again... By this time I feel like we're doing more of a cheerleading routine of sorts. So! How do we get to heaven then? (Mind you I'm looking for answers like, be a good person, be nice, say kind words, follow Jesus) And Christina shouts, "WE DIE!!!!"

I feel bad for Marigoula

After a wonderful FHE on Genesis 10-11, the tower of babel, we decided to go for a treat at Dairy Queen. We each had our ice cream, except for Maria and I said, "Who feels bad we're eating ice cream in front of Marigoula?" Christina quickly responded in a high pitched, happy voice, "Not me!"

Motion Sensor Potties

Ah... it seems as though it has been a week full of wonderful teaching moments. However, I failed miserably on Saturday. We decided to try a new place to eat with Yaya, The Grand Sierra Resort (the old Hilton Casino). The buffet was great, there wasn't a lot of smoke and it was really enjoyable, until Christina needed to go potty. Maria had a diaper so off the 3 of us went. Now, do casinos have diaper changing tables? No. So I have to do it on my lap... not so easy when you have a 25 pound baby who loves to squirm. Christina sees a "magic" potty and decides she can hold it. I see the look in her eye and don't want her to have an accident. I then proceeded to be patient, rationalize, bribe, (the tears have started now) make up a story about Snow White, demonstrate, show all the people going in and out who aren't getting "sucked down" by "magic" potties, explain they aren't really magic at all but are motion sensor potties... then I start to get really tired. I didn't bring a change of clothes and I want to enjoy that luscious looking key lime pie. I tell her she's going to go potty or no movie on Friday. Still crying, she says I understand, no movie. I was upset, she could tell I was upset, it wasn't making the situation any easier. Why didn't she trust me? We even said 3 prayers! I was hurt she thought I'd let something happen to her.

Christina is the best 3 year old you will ever meet in your life. I asked her to forgive me for being so cross, and she did. We moved on. Apparently, she did so really quickly. Today we were driving and she said she really wanted to use the motion sensor potty. I didn't really want to go back. But, I did. I was prepared, if she was too scared, that's fine. Try another time. I know the major difference was that we were also praying at night time for Heavenly Father to bless Christina to not be afraid of the motion sensor potties. She said a prayer before she went in, then plopped herself right on, asked me to hold her, sat for 20 seconds, said she peed and got off fairly quick. (She didn't really go, we had to stop 20 minutes later at Mervyn's) HOWEVER, I thought she did fantastic! What a trooper and brave little girl. We went to the candy shop and got a sucker, she told the woman working that "I went pee on the motion sensor potty. It didn't suck me down and I am just awesome." She IS just awesome. I'm also grateful Heavenly Father answered our prayers. He is always so mindful.

Washing Mouths With Soap

Venting time. Today in Mervyn's (we had to find a potty stat... see other post) we came across 2 very loud, very angry, very foul mouthed people. If it were just me, fine. But in front of my kids... no thank you. I am constantly telling Christina, you can't make choices for other people, but you can let them know, by telling or showing them, what is right. After the f bomb dropped I told the man very calmly (his wife and him were arguing over going shopping with each other, the whole store knows the bloody details because of the volume level) I told him quite calmly, "You should really watch what you say, especially in front of children." Now, do I look like a confrontational person? No. Are my eyebrows shaved off and penciled in? No. Am I going to fight a 50 year old with the bat I have in the back of my car... only in defense of my children. The wife goes ballistic... the anger turned from him to me and she starts railing. If only my mother were there... It would have been easy to become spiteful also, but I really wanted to have this be an opportunity and example to my kids. She told me, "Get in the real world. Vote for Hillary Clinton." I then understood, Meth was probably involved in this situation. I walked off telling Christina quite audibly, that foul mouths lead to dirty souls.

Have I had my share of bad words, yes. But I'm trying to be better and know that God can forgive if one is truly penitent. This may sound so lame, over simple verbage. But I refuse to "Get in the real world."

2 scriptures I thoroughly enjoy on the matter are;

Jesus states,

Matthew 15: 11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Part of a talk by President Hinckley,

So serious was violation of this law considered in ancient Israel that blasphemy of the name of the Lord was regarded as a capital crime. There is an interesting account in the book of Leviticus:

The son of an Israelitish woman “blasphemed the name of the Lord, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses. …

“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

“Bring forth him that hath cursed … and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

“And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.

“And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him” (Lev. 24:11–16).

While that most serious of penalties has long since ceased to be inflicted, the gravity of the sin has not changed

For the full, fantastic talk see

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=0a1f79356427b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

1st Day of Preschool

All the anxiety, stress and fretting about Christina's first day of preschool had my stomach in knots last Tuesday. However, when we went inside the classroom it all melted away (AND I didn't even cry!) I wasn't sure what I was going to do without my little one 2 hours a day, 4 days a week... but thank goodness I have Maria. Christina LOVES preschool. And I LOVE the program and her teachers (Miss Kathi and Miss Waite). It is at Florence Drake Elementary school (title 1) and has about 5-7 students. It is free, yes... it took awhile to find such a thing. The program integrates what they call "typicals" (or normal children) with those who have developmental delays, handicaps, etc. I taught at a school, a 5th grade class with the same type of program, and found it to be one of my greatest joys. Seeing the children interact and find a Christ like love to help those who needed help was truly uplifting everyday. Christina has made very good friends with a girl who has downs named Zoey. What a wonderful place of learning!

One of the few tokens we got from Disneyland... well, OK, Wal-Mart in Anaheim. Thanks Yaya and Papa!!

Christina's Song of the Day

Some favorites of Christina's include:
Mana Mariposa
5th Dimension Aquarius
Schubert Serenade
Tchaikovsky Nutcracker

And now... drumroll please...

Maneater - Daryl Hall & John Oates (from the 80's not Nelly Furtado)

** And for all those who crave to know what Daryl Hall and John Oates are up to, visit their official webpage at http://www.hallandoates.com/blog.php . It is stellar... I highly reccomend only for the fact you can send e cards with their pictures. **

First Day of Primary

My little Sunbeam!! I'm so thrilled to have my little Christina in Primary with me. She is perfect. She sits and listens, raises her hand and participates. She sings and smiles and is just a joy. I'm grateful for her wonderful Nursery teachers Sister Salls and Sister Zappe. Every week was wonderful in Nursery, it was a place of learning and fun. I know Primary will be the same. I'm grateful for church and the spirit that is felt there and pray that she will feel it also. Her new teacher Sister Padron is fantastic, she is a new convert and a good friend of mine. This year will be wonderful.

Smokers in Disneyland

Hmmm... Anyone want to light up with a couple thousand kids around? Class-ay.

New Year's Resolution

In one word- my new year's resolution is MORE. To give more, to love more, to do more, to be more. Thank you Father for another year.

Let It Snow...

Give me beaches, sun and surf. Thank you, snow is fun for me for about 5 minutes and then I'm done. Some say it is calming and peaceful... I say go to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, sip some virgin pina coladas and dip your feet in the crystal clear carribean after lying on the white sand beaches THEN you'll know calm and peaceful. Still, it was great watching from the window as Joe and Christina made their perfectly round snowman.

God is a God of Miracles Still

I am curious how people can deny the existence of a God. I love in the scriptures how Moroni talks about how if people don't believe his words then at the judgement bar they will know how he was right... powerful. In your face. I love it. Well, my whole life I've known there was a God, one who loved us and watched out for us, even though we really don't deserve it. Case in point, this weekend while leaving Disneyland for home, we traveled in severe weather. Severe. Flooding freeways, blizzards on the summit, zero visibility... all the while our sweet daughters cooing at each other and giggling. We must of said at least 10 prayers. God's timing was perfect, Maria woke up at 6:00AM and wouldn't go back to sleep so we were on the road at 7 AM. We didn't stop at all until Auburn, CA 6 hours later. 15 minutes at a Chevron, we bought chains and proceded to THE most horrible drive through the summit ever. According to news stations the wind gusts were up to 100MPH. A 2 hour trip over Donner took 4, and then the pass was closed. It has been snowing ever since. What a blessing, what a miracle. I'm amazed truly at God's love for us. He has been likened to a hen who gathers the little ones in... Thank you Father for your open wings and comforting ways.

The Magic of Disneyland!!

Ahhh!! How I adore Disneyland!!! We kind of just decided to pack up and go enjoy the beautiful So Cal area, just in time for hurricanes and flooding to hit... please see our other post on the matter. We strapped the girls in our saavy Jeep side by side stroller and around and around we went. Favorite parts included seeing Christina and Maria eyes wide with wonder and amazement in It's a Small World (Maria wanting to jump overboard and go swimming), giving Maria her first taste of sugar (after watching patiently while Christina enjoyed a Mickey Mouse ice cream), holding hands with Joe down a lighted Main Street, the Chinese Boy Emporer who would not get off the throne at the Princess Pavillion, taking 377 pictures, and having Yaya expertly guide us so we didn't have to wait in long lines. We went to be together as a family and do everything possible so the kids could have a good time. We're not the type to pawn them off on Yaya and go ride Space Mountain... what's there to pawn? They are our reason for living. We truly missed having our dear Papa there though... guess we'll just have to go next year! I'd also like to note that I really appreciated the Disney Characters and the time they took with Christina to talk to her and see how she was enjoying herself. Peter Pan got down at her level and they watched Merlin together, chatted and hugged for 10 minutes! It was magical! Can I use that word too much?!?! The girls were angels in the car- seriously, it was amazing. The weather in Anaheim was sunny and gorgeous. At night I was standing on the balcony of the hotel (Cotona Inn and Suites, highly recommend for the reasonable price) and the sky was like a velvety plum, good enough to eat. I'm just oozing with happiness, this was such a wonderful Christmas gift! Thank you Joe and Yaya/Papa and my little ladies for being the best little girls in the whole world!!