party time

J's good friend Rikki is moving over spring break. Her parents told her they were getting divorced (the day after Christmas) and now she is moving to Bedford with her mom. J is very sad. She asked if she could have Rikki and a few friends over for a good-bye party.
A few people grew until we ended up with 18 kids.

The plan was fire in the fire pit and pizza. Kids started to arrive right after school, although the party wasn't until 6:30. A couple girls came early to "help". Then we got a stream of kids in the evening. They've been pretty good, in a wild and senseless 13-14 year old way, but funny and silly.
They played basketball, played on the teeter totters, watched the stars, made s'mores, laughed and screamed and raced around, flirted, made jokes, and now they are upstairs watching a movie. Good thing we have a big game room. They went through 6 pizzas, tons of soda and a bag of marshmallows.

The little kids have enjoyed the commotion a lot. They got to play outside with the big kids. The three dogs have also been joining in the fun.
After the dirt, fire and marshmallows all the babies needed baths. I didn't want to be out of sight of the party so Lucy had to bathe in the sink.

It's 9:30 and the littles are tucked in bed and thanks to my lap top (which I LOVE SOOOOO MUCH) I am in a main room listening, watching and secretly counting down the minutes until 9:59 the official party ending time.

*hopefully J is having a fun time. She will really miss Rikki. Her other good friend is also going thru a divorce and probably moving and her best friends at school Ciera and Sofia are moving this summer as well. I feel bad for these kids and the break down of their families that they have to deal with. :( I also feel bad for J for losing her close friends.

Friday Fun

Off Fridays. One of the many great things about being a Lockheed employee is that you get every other Friday off. Today it was very lucky that he had it off because we had a am emergency orthodontist appointment and it would have been a real bummer to have to take everyone.
When I got back he worked in the yard, and I cleaned up inside then we went to Sams. Now our pantry is fully stocked. Friday is always my shopping day. Which means Friday morning we are usually out of everything. Today was no exception. We were out of milk and bread and waffles and I don't know what else. When I got back from the ortho brother was ready for breakfast and he wanted cereal. He was bent out of shape that we were out of milk. "Can't you make some?" he asked me.
"Nope, I don't know how to make milk anymore." I told him as I was switching laundry from the washer to the dryer. "Did you lose the recipe?" he asked.
I laughed. No, there is no recipe, you have to have be a mom to make milk. When mom's have babies they make milk. Mom cows, goats, elephants, humans, everyone I tried to explain.
"Oh... then can I have pancakes?"
"Yes, my boy, I can still make pancakes."
Lucy wants to ride this bike. She tries every day. Her legs are too short. It's so cute.

Dad and brother and Millie flew a kite. Very fun. It was just barely windy enough.


Tonight we got a third dog. Our friends are going out of town for spring break and we are baby-sitting their 100 lbs mutt. He's a cutie. It's going to be a doggie week.

Jack update

all's good on the Jack front. He went to the vet yesterday. He weighs a whopping 5.3lbs., got dewormed, got his shots and a clean bill of health.
He's a very calm dog, which I am surprised and pleased by. He seems to want to be house broken as well. When we take him outside he almost always does his business, and he gives a little whine when he wants to go out. I don't want to jinx it but I think he will be easy to train.
He's a cutie and follows me around and loves to snuggle.

playing catch up

This was my week for preschool. Our theme was "Asia". Tuesday we learned about China and Japan. It was very fun. We read some stories, ate fortune cookies, played with Chinese battle sticks, made koi puppets and learned about "boy day". Today was a little off theme. I actually sat down to lesson plan a couple of times and never found anything that really struck me. We went to the library but had no luck. So we played outside a lot, which they loved. Read some books. Made fruit cocktail cake (thanks Anne!) and did some beginning consonant sounds work and some math papers. I had Austin and Ryan all day and also K after preschool so it was busy. The boys had a lot of fun. They played star wars guys for a long time. This morning before school they played "flood", which I was not very happy about. They were upstairs by themselves for about 15 minutes. During which time they set up all the guys on the table and brought glasses of water out of the bathroom and flooded them off. They were in BIG trouble when I saw their creative genius in action.
Tuesday night we were having FHE when our good friends stopped by to meet Zeus, Bob, Goliath, James, Paris, and back to just Jack. We had a fun time. We finished our lesson, ate mom's treat and then were treated to a song by Tori and Holly. (beware of dropping by during FHE you may be forced to eat cake and sing!)

Wednesday we went to the library.

Now I'm caught up on the news. I've been distracted this week with new puppy stuff, allergies, and trying to decide where to send our kids to school next year. But that will be another post.

puppy with a flower (for scale)

like a hole in the head....

we needed another something in the house to make noise, and chew things, and poop. :) But need it or not here we have it. The newest member of the family: Domino, Jack, ???. edited March 6 edited again to say now we don't know because D called and said she "called" that name for her son and a son certainly outranks a dog, although she's not even pregnant now and isn't going to be for awhile and wants to name her first son something else and her second son Jack and who knows if she will ever even have two sons...look at me 5 girls and 1 boy, stranger things have happened. But S is the namer and she's at school and I told her all the info so for today he's puppy and we shall see. And, further I already gave up a name to her. When we were expecting little Lucy we wanted to name her Ariel and DH and I both liked it and D "called" it and we gave it up. Which was silly but seemed right at the time and now Greg doesn't even like the name Ariel so it's solely a mermaid name now.
I was driving to pick S up from school and she said, "mom, what would you think if I brought home a surprise puppy?" Nope. "What if it was a poodle/yorkie mix and SOOOO cute?" Well...maybe (thinking yea right that'll happen). Then she said her friend Diana's dog had puppies and her other friend Carrie got one just that morning and it was so adorable and she could get one too.
S has been wanting a puppy for a long time.
And she's a really nice girl, who's really responsible and easy to parent and delightful.
And we had been talking about getting a second dog and while DH wanted another lab the rest of the family was really leaning towards something small and purse-carrying-able.
So I said maybe.
By this time I had S in the car with me and DH called. I asked him and after a few questions he said he wouldn't mind. I was surprised, and I didn't mind either.


So being the plan aheaders that we are we hopped in the car, drove across town and picked up a darling curly boy. Who S called Domino. (who isn't yorkie at all but poodle something mix)

gymnastics

H has been wanting to take gymnastics. Finally we signed her up for a short course at the high school in the evenings. It's a lot of fun. It's pretty much just an introduction to the different pieces of equipment and things you can do. Tonight H got to do the trampoline and the uneven bars. She had been waiting for those. As she does with all things H has approached this with a lot of energy and stick-to-ivness. This is a great activity for her. She was trying to do a flip on the bar for a long time. I think she was the only one in her class with enough tenacity to stick with it until she made it. She's pretty strong and coordinated so this may be a great activity for her.

yea! She's home!

things to do while waiting for your sister to get home from school

query

If you were a big yellow lab, with a cute two year old accomplice, where would you rather take your meal?


Of course you would.

sunday night all ready for bed

welcome welcome Sabbath morning

And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just- yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them- therefore Alma though it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.
Alma 31: 5

A prayer said on behalf a child, what to do?, how to help?

An answer given.

*photo "shared" by my sister Anna. Go see the rest of her lovely trip (unless you don't want to break the 10th then don't go :))

a meme

10 Things MeMe
(my sister tagged me and I'd do anything for her:})
So, here goes:
10 FAVORITES:
1)Color: red
2)Food: too many to name
3)Musical Group: is Josh Groban a group?
4)Song Right Now: The Prayer
5)Movie: not going there
6)Sport: walking
7)Season: summer
8)Day of the Week: Sunday
9)Ice Cream Flavor: Mint 'n Chip
10)Person: my family
9 CURRENTS:
1)Current Mood:content
2)Current Scent: JLo's something in a pink bottle which exact name I can't remember and I don't want to go in the bathroom to look at.
3)Current Clothes: cute blue dress with a leafy print on it in darker blue, black sweater, black flats.
4)Current Desktop: tropical paradise
5)Current Ringtone on Cell Phone: star wars theme
6)Current Music: None
7)Current Time: 4:03pm
8)Current Surrounding: My bedroom
9)Current Event Happening Today: We went to a baptism for two of H's friends. After we went to a party for Olivia that was so fun, bouncy house, lunch, lots of friends! tonight is girls night out. Fun day.
8 FIRSTS:
1)First Best Friend: Julie we were best friends when we were 3 and are still friends now
2)First Kiss: Two boys kissed me when I was little Ricky and Richard. I didn't kiss them. My first kiss was with Mark (who I later married)
3)First Screen Name: txmommy
4)First Pet: a cat named Heidi
5)First Piercing: My Ears
6)First Crush: A boy named Adam Dustin
7)First Music: Probably a lullaby
8)First Car: VW bus, blue, that stalled if you ever took your foot off the gas so I drove with a sideways foot, heel on gas toe on break the other foot worked the clutch.
7 LASTS:
1)Last Class: RS last week
2)Last Drink: Water
3)Last Trip: Ohio for Christmas
4)Last Kiss: I kissed Lucy good night for her nap about 1/2 hour ago
5)Movie Seen at the Theater: I walked out of Ghost Rider last night and spent 2 hours in the bookstore waiting for DH
6)Last Phone Call: J
7)Last CD Played: YoYo Ma's Latin Rhythms something
6 HAVE YOU EVERS:
1)Have you ever dated one of your best guy friends? No
2)Have you ever broken the law? Yes. parking violation and other small motor vehical things
3)Have you ever been arrested? No
4)Have you ever skinny-dipped? Yes
5)Have you ever been on TV? No
6)Have you ever kissed someone you didn’t know? No, how would that happen?
5 THINGS:
1) 1 thing you’re wearing: shoes
2)1 thing you’ve done today: played on a teeter totter with DH and Lucy
3)1 thing you’re bothered by: Disobedient children.
4)1 thing you can’t live without: DH
5)1 thing you do when you’re bored: I don't get bored
4 PLACES YOU HOPE TO TRAVEL TO:
1) Disneyworld
2) Africa
3) Church History Tour
4) Iceland
3 PEOPLE YOU CAN TELL ANYTHING TO:
1) DH
2) My sister utmommy
3) my sister Anna
2 CHOICES:
1)Black or White? black
2)Hot or Cold? Hot
1 THING YOU WANT TO DO:
serve a mission


If you made it this far...Tag...You're it!

snarfly, sniffly and otherwise grouchy

She woke up congested and with a little fever. It's been down hill since then.

Normally cheerful nothing can please Lucy today, except for apple juice, in a juice box, that is just as fun to squeeze out as it is to drink.

motrin & triaminic are our friends today.

spring wardrobe!

what it's like to have grandparents close by

Last week, or maybe the one before I don't remember for sure which, Papa and Grandma came and got J after school. She had a broken violin string and they took her to get it fixed. On the way home they stopped at Taco Bell ( a favorite of J's ) for dinner. They had a fun visit and now she's back to fiddling away her time. Sunday while we were cooking Papa asked her to accompany us. Which was so fun.

A couple months ago H had a turn for a special one on one day.

These days are real treats for the kids. It makes them feel special and loved. They get to hear the stories of "back in the day" and to hear wisdom.

When they leave for China I will be most excited for them and their new adventure. We'll also miss having them nearby to share our days.

Hopefully the other kids will have a one on one turn before they leave too.

middle of the week

My wallet is full of plastic cards. They allow me to do all kinds of different things. One lets me check out books from the library, another lets me get money out of my bank account (seemingly magically, at least in the eyes of my littles who say just use your debit card when I tell them no to buying something), a third lets me go into the zoo and another the museum. I have cards that say I know CPR, shop too much at Bath & Body works and that I can get a discount at local pizza eateries and oil changing establishments. I have one that tells my blood type. None, however, are as precious to me as the one I used this morning. I made a goal to go to the temple once a month this year. Somehow February flew by and DH and I didn't make it so I traded with my friend Debi and she kept my kids while I went and then next week I'll keep hers while she substitutes.

I had a very nice morning and was so glad that I went. While there I ran into a sister I haven't seen in 15+ years. We were in the same ward in CA. She was a lot older than me, and actually didn't like me much. When I was called to be RS Pres. she thought it should have been her. She left the sacrament meeting crying. It was really hard. I managed to offend her regularly with such infractions as wearing pants shopping (I wasn't being a good example), planning swimming as a homemaking activity (don't know why on that one) and telling her she had so many talents (to which she responded that she was MUCH older and of course had many more talents developed and why would I compare?)

She didn't recognize me, but I did her and I told her I know you, and then we visited. It was really nice. She was very happy to see me and had a very cheerful countenance. Since I last saw her she and her husband have served four missions (one to Kenya, one to the Philippines, one to Washington DC, and one to Korea). Now they are living in TX near their son. Her husband has Parkinson's. She serves in the temple each week. After visiting we hugged tightly. Each glad to see the other.

While I was driving home I thought about our chance meeting and what a small world it is. I am so grateful for the associations we have in the gospel. That the love of the Saviour can make sisters out of people who otherwise have nothing in common. That we can find such peace and joy in service. It is clear to me that her earlier sadness was because she felt under valued. Her children were grown and she had much to offer but wasn't being put to use that way. Serving brought her joy. Brings her joy. The feelings of peace and quiet and rightness is so overwhelming in the temple. It is a refuge to my soul.

Last night DH and I were watching Oprah (DVRed the day before) about the new leadership academy she just opened. She interviewed the students and showed their homes and the humble circumstances they came from. Yet they had a glow and excitement about them. They wanted to learn. I wondered why my children, who have everything, only want more things. They don't memorize poetry, love to do math, or hope to make a difference in their country. Yet they have ever opportunity. That needs to change.

Last night (earlier) we went to see "Bridge to Teribithia" for FHE. It was really good. It is the first movie from book that I have seen that I liked the movie just as well. Admittedly I didn't see the whole thing including the end since the whole family went. That meant I spent some of the time in the foyer with Lucy who didn't want to sit quietly in spite of my bag of tricks (lipstick, popcorn, toys, drinks, etc). H who had to pee, E who wanted a drink. So maybe I missed something awful but the parts I saw I liked.

On the other hand I just endured a book that was SO boring and poorly written. I almost didn't finish, in fact I mostly scanned the last half. It was very cliche and I am annoyed at the writer for wasting my time, and myself for picking it off the library shelf.

Lastly, don't save money on store brand diapers. They leak, always. I know this but was suckered into the lower price again last week and have had more leaking diapers and extra laundry this week.

Peach Dessert

J stayed home from school today. She didn't feel well. After sleeping until noon she got up and felt a bit better. Then she decided she wanted to bake something.

It turned out very lovely. J likes things to look nice. She's like my mom and MSV, they both have a knack for making things look pleasing.

Neither S nor J like to miss very much school. S never misses, J occasionally does. She gets very stressed out at school and is always worrying about assignments. She also doesn't sleep well, I don't know why. So every now and then she just conks and needs to sleep. Headaches and upset stomach are the symptoms, sleep is the cure. Lovely dessert is the benefit...and a smiling J.

Zoo day!

I had to run an errand for my BIL this morning. Since it was sort of near the zoo, and since the weather is just gorgeous I decided to surprise the littles with a stop at the zoo.

It was the perfect day there. Weather~ lovely, crowds~ non existent, animals~ lively. I couldn't ask for more.

We didn't have a lot of time so I told brother to pick his three favorite animals and we'd see those. He picked monkeys, snakes and crocodiles.

We went to the monkey house first. They were all up and about. We stood and laughed for a long time as they swung on the trees. One had a little baby clinging to her and we were amazed and how well he stayed on, even when momma monkey went flying through the air.

Inside we saw the cutest little baby chimpanzee. He was so playful and was swinging and hitting the glass where the kids were watching on purpose trying to engage them. Lucy was delighted with them.

The herpeterium was full of snakes and frogs and lizards. We always go there, the kids always love it. They weren't particularly cute or anything but it's a favorite spot.


We spent a few minutes in TX Wild playing in the kid area and then our 2 hours was up. We headed to the exit, stopped for an ice cream sandwich (that means lunch right?) on the way out and we were home in time for naps.

This is the beautfy of being a zoo member.

our weekend, in bullets

• Friday night "Chinese New Year" celebration
• Saturday morning: shopping for groceries, house work
• Saturday afternoon: took the kids to Chuck E Cheese for Alyssa's first birthday~ it was SO crowded and noisy and unorganized, pretty much a nightmare. The kids did have a good time. Mom and I went together and we were both happy to have to leave early.
• Saturday night: after Priesthood Leadership for the men we met up and had dinner with friends then all headed to the adult session of Stake Conference. It is my favorite meeting (probably because I actually get to hear the whole thing)
• Sunday morning: Conference
• Sunday afternoon: surprise birthday party for Bro Dallof who turned 79. There were lots of people there. The kids all played soccer in the backyard and the weather was perfect. I think it was a nice surprise for him.
• Sunday evening: mom and dad came over and Dad and I made Bee Bim Bop. The Elders stopped by unexpectedly, but in time for dessert (which mom had made).
• Sunday night: watched The Amazing Race.