Inspired

I have felt inspired this past month.

Blame it on the new year.

Blame it on not being satisfied with my norm.

But gosh darn, I have been inspired to do things.

1. Family History

I have always grimaced at this word. It has always seemed like a daunting task (still does). But if anyone knows our bishop, you'll know that he lives and breathes this stuff. He's retired and spends most his days at the family history center. Anytime he speaks, somehow he ends up on the subject. So I have been feeling like I should give it a try. I've attempted to work on it before, with not much progress or hope. But a couple of months ago, our current family history consultants (is that the correct name for their calling?) spoke in church, and they offered to come and help anyone. SO I finally made the call and just this afternoon sat down with Ingrid. She gave me a 'to do' list to start. Basically, you want to leave your kids with the necessary documents in order (i.e. birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.). I can do that.

2. Blogging

When I get online, it's primarily to read blogs, not to shop, watch shows, or get on facebook (which is an excellent movie btw). It's my way of staying in touch with all of you out there. I just want to do it more. I always think of things to blog about, but never put forth the time to post. Well, no more!

3. Mind is drawing a blank

I guess that was about it, I can't think of what else I've been inspired to do. Must not have been very inspirational.

p.s. personal side note: thanks for coming to visit marie. We loved having you and Brody here. I'll post some pics soon!

Christmas 2010 has come and gone, but the blog still has remained the same...til now.
Unlike the rest of the mormon community around here, we did not venture to Utah (much to our families' dismay) this year. We decided to spend some quiet, relaxing (as much as we could with 3 kids) and fun time here in sunny/rainy CA.
My favorite part of our holiday time was having Grace and Andy home for a whole week. No schedules, homework, or strict bedtimes...it was heavenly! I had a hard time getting back into our regular routine, but alas, it came regardless.
Happy New Year to all!

Day of Thanks

We shared our day of thanks with our wonderful friends and neighbors (that alone is enough to be grateful:). Here are just some of the highlights caught on camera.

poor clark, just waiting for something to eat.

the brood, enjoying their feast.

the bird...it was as good as it looks

before you start licking your lips...these aren't snickerdoodles, this was my first failed attempt at non-dairy rolls. These were as disgusting as they appear. Luckily I made these early enough so I had to time to redeem myself and just made a normal batch...full of butter and whole milk.

...and here's Audrey (hiding under blanket), enjoying her first Thanksgiving meal.

Bosom Buddies

Our week of thanksgiving (a bit behind I know) started out great with a quick (and I mean quick) visit from our dear friends Herb & Ciara. We were one of their stops on their way to AZ. As quick as it was, it was so great to see them and catch up. Grace and Sage played every single moment they had together. As they were getting ready to leave, the kids and I were also getting ready to go see another great friend of mine, Debbie, up in Fresno, CA.

Debbie and I met while our husbands were at BYU in Provo. Then we followed each other up to the great northwest. We then moved to CA within months of each other. Poor thing, she just can't get rid of me. Our trip was quick but I'm so glad I went. Fresno is only 3 hours north of us. So I'm grateful that we're not too far for a quick trip to hang out and see each other every now and then. And to make it better, our kids get along great. It also happened to be my bday while there, and Debbie was sweet enough to treat us to an hour at the zoo. I would have loved to stay a bit longer, but with all the rain, we opted to leave. And later that night her husband was kind enough to watch the kids while we went out to eat. What a guy!

Thanks Debbie for everything and being such a sweet and dear friend!

M.I.A.

This little guy has been through a lot of changes in the last couple of weeks. Besides turning 3 (happy birthday buddy!!), he has said goodbye to the binky...forever. He didn't take the news too well at first, but I think he's come to terms. He'll still ask for it, but with a little distraction, he goes on with his life.

And starting tomorrow I'll be 'missing in action' for the next 3 days getting him potty trained. I've stocked up on juice and CARS underpants, I think we're ready to roll. Wish me luck!

faster than fast

A week before Halloween, I was on a mission to find Clark a rescue pack and vest so that he could dress-up as Diego (I already had stuff for Grace to be Dora (her idea)). By Wednesday, I realized that we would have to come up with a different idea, cause I was striking out. Clark had mentioned that he also wanted to be Lighting McQueen. So I decided I would cut out some cardboard, spray paint it red and call it good. Andy took it upon himself to make it actually look like McQueen.

What started out looking like this:

turned out like this:

Not bad for a night's work.

He also decided to make a Sally, for Grace:

...and he still found time to carve our pumpkin.

For some reason I am having a difficult time getting the halloween pictures to post. So here are some recent shots of my 3 year old and 3 month old. These two are best of buds and get to hang out with mom all day (lucky them:)