More Summertime Fun

My girls have the best tan ever. Their skin is so beautiful. Every day after nap we head outside and I lather them up with SPF 50. Yaya and Papa added to our water toys and got the girls a slip-n-slide. They love it.

On a side note, I was at the doctor's today. I'm at 37 weeks now and baby Joe has turned the right way and is ready to go when he's ready to go. He's got a strong heartbeat and is kicking quite nicely. My little girls are so patient as we sit 40 minutes waiting for the doctor and then see him for 5 minutes. They are seriously the most wonderful little angels and I'm so blessed. I don't know where the time has gone. My parents... blessed blessed blessed times infinity, ultimate show of love and devotion and dedication and support... got us central air! While Heavenly Father has blessed us with such wonderful and mild weather, we have had a few 100 degree days and I've been at complete comfort and peace. I hope that God blesses them forever... it's been a lifetime of love and spoiling, but I feel like this was the crowning moment of compassion and mercy on their part.

Joe was out of town for a conference on immigration in Denver, CO during his birthday. He was selected as one of 3 delegates from Nevada to participate in this all expense paid woo-ha. He celebrated his birthday out of town by watching a soccer match and eating too much food. This conference also provided the opportunity to find out where his African ancestors were from via DNA. Wow, eh! We celebrated by having a small bar-b-que with the fam the Saturday he returned. Joe is now 40 something and I'm glad he's lasted this long.

The girls and I went to the planetarium the other day to watch a film on horses and cowboys. The rodeo was in town but I have issues with how they treat the animals, so we stuck to the educational movie in the 1 story dome theatre. It was fantastic. At one point, one of the horses was injured and Maria started saying a prayer for the horse to be healed and feel better. They spoke a lot of Spanish in the movie tracing back the origins of cattle herding and Maria, again, turned to me and said, "I don't speak Spanish. Jody speaks Spanish." She's so brilliant! Not to leave out Christina, she was very confused on why they "branded" and burnt the baby cows. Same here child, same here.

My Baby Bird

This is a tragic post. And I wonder what lesson in life I was supposed to learn from it.

The other day the girls and I discovered a little baby bird by our backyard patio porch. It was so sweet, chirping and just staring at us. I couldn't tell if it was injured. It was walking in small increments. I googled to try to find out some info. and decided perhaps the bird was actually a fledgling. We quickly came inside in case the mother came to try to feed it. I worried about the cats that sometimes peruse our yard. I knew I couldn't feed it. I felt helpless. But my girls and I prayed sincerely for the little creature and we had hope.

Before bed, I checked on the little fellow and actually saw his mom come with a worm. However, in the morning the cold was just too much and he died. I buried him near a lilac bush in the back. The same day I saw a truck hit another bird and leave it on the road. I pulled a U-turn to see if I could find the bird to properly bury it but I guess it wasn't dead and flew away injured.

What has happened to humanity. If God watches over the sparrow, why don't we? I think there is something so important about laying a body to rest. In Chaucer's Canterbury tales a scene is depicted where royal women are left in rags lamenting the improper treatment of their husband's dead bodies. A merciful soldier rights the wrongs and they are buried with dignity. We have desecrated the earth and God's beautiful creations. I have an inkling of a feeling that when my grandfather died Heavenly Father sent a little bird to comfort me. It was such a beautiful little robin and it just came right up to the window and would look at me. I think it was this Robin's baby that I buried. I wonder if she is glad her baby was shown some respect and not tossed in the garbage. I wonder if I was able to give her some peace like she showed me.

Swimming Lessons

So we start the summer tradition....

Maria went with Papa but was freaked out by all the tatooed people. Today I went with her and she did much better. She can put her head in the water and blow bubbles and kick really well.

Christina is doing great too. She really likes her teacher and does head bobbing. It progresses really quickly so I'm excited to see what will happen at the end of the 2 weeks.

Thanks Yaya and Papa for the lessons!! There will be Olympic Gold.... they will succeed where I failed. :)

Father's Day in Sacramento

What a better way to celebrate fathers than spend some time by the poolside and enjoy the wonderful food of California!

While there Joe and Papa got to enjoy a late night movie at the Imax theatres... Wasn't the new Star Trek movie awesome?!

We also spent so time playing in a Carl's Jr. playland. The girls, Yaya and I DID NOT have any fast food. But Joe and Dad did. And I realized that I said a little too loudly within the joint, "Don't even think about ordering us any of this disgusting and gross food." When Maria got stuck and didn't want to go down the slide... Papa to the rescue!

My favorite part was the Old Spaghetti Factory. Yum. That was the best food I've ever eaten in my life.

"Father! - to God himself we cannot give a holier name." ~William Wordsworth

I love that quote and I think it is perfect to describe the love and reverence for the father of my children and my own father. What great men I have in my life that have always taken care of and shown me respect and love. I'm so grateful that I've always been able to go to them for priesthood blessings and seen the service they give so freely. I've never gone hungry or had want or need of anything. Talk about spoiled.

And most of all I am grateful for a Father in Heaven who so lovingly watches over me. I've always been able to easily relate to Jesus Christ. His story and example are right in front of us. But only recently have I really appreciated that our Heavenly Father is merciful also. Prayers are answered and He is there.

Singing in the June Rain

The other night we whipped out the umbrellas and played in the rain. A little treat we don't often get to enjoy here. According to the farmer's almanac it will be raining through July. Such beauty! God loves us!

Pool Take II

First was the frog pool ($2) clearance. Couldn't find the leak. Done with blow up pools. Didn't want to pay $13 for the regular blue plastic pool so bought a cheaper version I have to put rocks in to keep the walls from falling down.

What is the solution? Move to a beach house in Tahiti.

Happy Juneteenth!

So Jody has spent countless amount of time organizing this year's Juneteenth- Church in the Park as a co-chair. And the other co-chair didn't show up... It was a grand success and they probably had about 500 (?) people there. It was downtown Reno at Wingfield Park. We were sick but showed up for the last little bit. (The crowd had died down by then...) We're so proud of our daddy and to be able to celebrate this grand holiday and commemorate the end of slavery.

Dancing to some good music.

Some music that I dedicate to Ryan Fernandez. After church in the park was "talent"... I use the term loosely... organized by Imoja from TMCC.

Papa's Garden

It's Yaya's garden too... but Papa's garden just sounds better. Plus he weeds more than she does. No offense motha.

Yaya Sofia's Garden

My first attempt at a photo collage on picasa. Needs improvement....

Library Duds and 1 Stud...

We have been to 4 library special programs within the last 2 weeks.

1. Global Communities (as pictured): 1 out of 5. There were 5 children, 2 of which were mine. While the teacher took a special liking to my girls, the activity was counting 100 skittles and dividing it according to a global community of the world. Jody would have absolutely loved this activity... however, for a toddler and 4 year it was a little hard to grasp that skittles represent people. However for 45 minutes, Christina and Maria happily helped the teacher and were even better behaved than the 10 year old boy who was rolling around saying "This sucks." Which... I was tempted to join him in on. However, at this point in the pregnancy I can't roll without getting stuck. The other 4 year old there couldn't count to 10 and left early. At one point they were asking who went to school and the 12 year old girl answered Maria goes to daycare. Ummm... no she doesn't. I told the girl that it was very important to me that I stay at home with them. I know not all mothers have the choice. But I do. And I drive a tar car for it. And I wouldn't have it any other way. She looked at me like I was crazy. But she should know that she could have the choice in life possibly.

2. African Dancers: 0 out of 5. Jody knows the Nigerian lady that does this. All she does is talk. And talk. And talk. And she was late. And she had the audience dance for 2 minutes and was trying to teach my daughters to gyrate. Thank you. I will teach them how to gyrate. She said at the beginning, "No one could really make it tonight out of our group except me. But don't worry. I know how to bring it." No you don't honey.

3. Sydni Sylvester Puppet Master: 1 out of 5. It was basically watching a hippy on meth. After 25 minutes she finally brought out her 2 puppets. But even then it wasn't great. Ugh. Washoe County libraries please.... something!!! Something!!!

4. Bruka Theatre Fairy Tales: 10 out of 5!!!!!!!!!! LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was funny, high energy and they chose Christina to be little Red at the end. Her first theatrical performance!!!! I have video I'm hoping to upload, but so far not working....

Heavenly Father loves me

God is constantly showing us miracles, but we hardly take the time to notice. I as a large pregnant woman however have noticed. Perhaps the record rain showers we've had the past, going on 2 weeks now, aren't specifically for me... but I sure do appreciate the cooler weather as opposed to burning heat. I've been so comfortable and at ease. It's heavenly. It's my miracle and I love Heavenly Father forever because of it... and of course many other reasons.

Letter of the Day

We're up to letter H. One of these days I'm going to have a never ending supply of art paints and construction paper. And crafty stuff. And it will be all organized!

Bless PBS

I love channel 5. I love PBS. I wish every channel could be more like the Public Broadcasting System.

Last night I watched a special on the massacre at Tiananmen Square in China (1989). Basically a bunch of students peacefully protested for reform. For more democracy and less corruption. The ensuing response from the communist party was massacre. Mothers and children were killed in their homes as shots were fired. Parents after the protest were shot in the back running away from tanks, trying to find bodies of loved ones. Even an ambulance was blown up trying to come help wounded.

I was praying and all I could ask God was why are we so fortunate and blessed and others have to deal with things like that. I don't have the answer, but I had reassurance that our Father is a loving Father and would never forsake His children. He won't control His children, He's given us agency and choice. We can pray to Him and He will comfort our souls.

This lone man (pictured) became a symbol. After thousands had been brutally killed for no reason, he stood alone in front of a tank. No one knows if he's alive or not. He stood as a last sacrifice willing to lay down his life to make a point that the government was wrong. True heroism.

Last Day of Preschool

I'm totally out of it. I didn't know it was the last day of preschool until the night before when I happened to just "check" online.

Miss Kathi from Florence Drake Elementary school was the most absolute wonderful teacher. My daughter gleaned so much from that experience and I'm grateful beyond words. Being in an integrated situation with students with disabilities has added so much to her sweet spirit. It gave her many opportunities to learn about love and service and how we are all God's children.

Christina made quite the impression on Miss Kathi also and she was teary eyed hugging Christina as she left. She said that Christina was one of her best students ever. That's right. And because they got along so well, Maria doesn't have to be on the waiting list and is being saved a spot for February when she turns 3. Heavenly!

Baby Shower for Lil' Joe

Who's Joe Mama!

Can I say I just have the best friends ever... and the greatest best friend.... who totally surprised me and flew down for my shower! (That I didn't even think to send an invitation to... classy me)

Ang threw me a great baby shower after a rough week of being sick- total champion! It was really nice with great food and company. I wanted to keep it small, just a few ladies from church and it turned out great. I can't believe how generous people are. My lil' Joe is set! Kudos to Angela.

We also got to eat some cake and sing to Carsen for his birthday. God bless Baskin Robbins. The girls enjoyed playing with him!

Ram flew up for the day which was seriously beyond wonderful. Her weekends are the only time she sees her hubby and yet she sacrificed. Class-say. My girls adore her. She is always so thoughtful and kind to them... I long for the day they move closer.

Happy Birthday Dadders

So last Monday was my dad's 70th-ish birthday. Wow. How time just flies.

My dad is the greatest. The lesson in Relief Society was on the "lesser light", the light that you have to have to guide you to the lighthouse. Without it the ship sinks and it's aligned perfectly with the greater light. I guess there is a hymn that is written about it, but it doesn't pop into my head at the moment. So my dad is that light.

My dad is one of a kind. He was one of those that was foreordained to greatness in this life. He just "does". I don't think I've ever seen my dad not do. He used to set up the church chairs all by himself, move people by himself... now he is in the single's bishopric and gets 3 hours of sleep on Sunday before he has to go to work. One might ask how he does it, but really it's obvious... God is with Him. God has always been with Him.

My dad has been the greatest dad and now he's the best grandpa ever. Just today he took us out to breakfast, he's always telling stories to the girls, dancing with the girls, growling and playing... he just goes on and on like the energizer bunny. He even cooked for us on his birthday. (I know we're trash...) And he bar-b-ques rain or shine and fills the table with food... it's amazing.

My dad is my hero. He is the one I call when the car breaks down to come rescue us. Which happens... often.

My dad is thoughtful and generous. Really the list of qualities that he has is endless. I love my father and am so proud of all he's done in his life. He's never been to Europe yet I went. He didn't finish college, yet sent me and paid for it. He has always sacrificed for me or whoever. He always puts others first. I'm grateful to know that we will have eternity together... especially now that's he up there. Thank you miracle ear.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA!!!!

My new favorite shirt

Really. Really? Is DHS really proud to have 93% of their student body population meth free?

Saaarita... Ole!

This is my good friend Saaarita. We are so different, yet we get along and are friends. She is the mother of Darnell... who is not pictured.
For Saaaarita's birthday we had a par-tae. The boys are complete posers. They do really well around the girls and played soccer with them. They kicked the ball over the fence and hopefully didn't scare our neighbors hopping over.

Leah. The girls love her. Maybe because she swings them around for 30 minutes straight.

Wowsa. Thanks to pleaseholdtheonions I had some great food to serve. It really was spectacular food.

Just Because

They are radiant and beautiful.

Ain't no thang....

I just want my girls to know that we have wall to wall mattresses... and we're OK with that. Our bedroom isn't luxurious, but we have happy children who feel safe and secure at night. I slept with my parents for.... a long time. :) And we're just fine with you by our sides until you are ready. It will be a little crowded, especially when little Joe's in there too... but we're happy and full of love. Some of my greatest joys come from kissing you goodnight and watching you sleep as I doze off. Or when you wake up from a bad dream (which is very rare) and call for me and I can say Mommy is right by you, you never have to be scared. I know that when I die, God will show me mercy and let me be an angel right by your side. I will never leave you my sweet babies. Never.

Do you love our ghetto portable air conditioner? T-minus 1 month until we get air conditioning!! Bless you Father and Mother. Bless you.

Finale Memorial Day Weekend

Erin's Wedding was beautiful. It was an hour long ceremony in the Catholic church and the priest was excellent. The girls did amazing. They were the dance stars of the party. The reception was at a beautiful golf course and I'd say my favorite part was the wedding cake and great raspberry lemonade. Erin was so good to the girls! She gave them cake before she had any! She is going to be such a wonderful mother. And she was a beautiful bride, but of course my camera battery went out before the reception. Ugh.

My Mom even danced! It was great to see her and Papa bust a move. She requested a special song for the girls "American Boy", their favorite! Rock on with yo' bad self familia. The next day was sooooooooo... did I mention sooooooooooooo..... relaxing. We spent it at church and the beach. Heavenly. We loooooooooooooooove Muir Beach.

After the beach, Maria was gone. There was nothing that would wake this poor child up. Talk about running them ragged! Christina of course was still up for anything, so her and I went swimming in the hotel pool. Embassy Suites... gotta love it. On Monday, we spent the morning at the Oakland Temple. It was quite the profound experience for me as a mother.

I know my girls listen to me. I listen to them and take as many opportunities as I can to teach them the important things in life. That is things pertaining to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. There was an art display at the temple visitor center, signed art of that in the gospel art kits. There must have been at least 20 pictures and Christina could tell me about EVERY single one. It was very humbling. Even my sweet Maria saw a picture and said, "It's Jesus resurrected to Mary Magdalene!" I'm glad to know that they have had impressions from the Holy Spirit early on in their lives. Peace is only found through our Savior and His teachings. I am so blessed to have children in tune with divinity because nothing else really matters.