Christmas Miracle

I was watching TV last night and got up from the couch. I turned around and saw something on there, so I brushed it off. Wait...was it shiny?

I immediately got onto the floor and started looking around for it. Sure enough, I found the shiny item I had so carelessly brushed off my couch. It was my diamond!

Today I am brimming with gratitude that the diamond fell out when it did and not another time when I would never seen it again.
A Christmas miracle for sure. :)

Humble Pie? Why, yes, I'd love some!

There is nothing as humbling as parenting. Lately, I have been made painfully aware of my shortcomings.
I hear my kids playing in the other room. Playing quickly turns into bickering, fighting, then Samantha yells, "Do it! NOW!" Yikes! She sounds just like me...and it is not flattering. To make matters worse, Julie barks her requests (whatever they may be) in a loud, angry tone...followed by a "RIGHT NOW!"
I like to run a tight ship, that is true. I need order and some type of peace in my life. But is this what it has all become? A home of bossy women barking orders at each other all the time? No wonder Landon is my sweetheart who just wants everyone to be happy. Who need this aggravation?
So its back to the drawing board for me. Again.
May I have a second helping of pie, please? I really like it, apparently.

Tagged

I got tagged a while back, and have not done my part yet (sorry Becca!), so here it goes.

The rules: Each player list 6 facts/habits about themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags six more people.

1. I am a late night snacker. Even if dinner filled me up, when my kids go to bed, I want to eat something yummy. Chocolate in some form or another is my preference. I am not a huge fan of milk chocolate---the darker, the better for me. Actually, I should say I am a second dinner eater. Let's face it, it's not just a snack I am having. I eat more when Brian is gone. It's dumb, and everyday I resolve to stop doing it. But now the kids are in bed, Brian is in Colorado, and that ice cream sure looks good....

2. I love to exercise. I love to sweat. It makes me happy to move and shake it to music. Also, I LOVE exercise clothes. I love the tanktops the most. Why? Because I can finally show my greatest asset---my arms! My chest is small, my legs are big, my bum is jiggly...but my arms are nicely shaped and toned. I love them. It is vain, I know, but we all have something we like...right?

3. I dream of teaching dance. I grew up dancing---I did ballet, gymnastics, and clogging. I was only OK at any of them. But I loved it. I cannot possibly express how much I loved it and how it makes me feel when I dance. It's the greatest thing ever. I don't think I want to own a studio, but I would love to teach someday. Maybe someday soon.

4. I love to machine quilt. My very dear friend, Amanda, taught me so much about sewing and quilting. The biggest thing I learned from her was confidence in my ability to do it. I love picking out fabric. I love piecing the quilt together and seeing how it starts from something so dippy and small and turns into a beautiful picture. And I love giving my quilts to my family. Its perfect.

5. I am an extremely competitive person. I am the youngest of five, and always have felt the need to prove myself to everyone else. I am a sore loser---even with my children. Brian made us stop a game once because Samantha and I were fighting. I know, I know...I have a lot of growing up to do. I get very competitive with Brian, so I prefer to be on his team. It just helps keep our marriage happy. :) Once when we were dating, we were debating who liked onions more. It got to "I like them raw! Me too!" Hence, we each bit into a raw yellow onion and chewed it like it was the most delicious apple we've ever eaten...it wasn't, and it burned my eyes and throat as it went down.

6. I am a social person. I love people, I love things, I love parties and great conversation. I like having people around, which is probably why I want a lot of kids. I like it. I like big groups laughing and having fun. I love it.

That's it. That's not all there is about me, but that is all that I will share.
Now I tag Lyndsey Coons, Tisha Calhoun, Danika Park, Anne Anderson, Jessica Pulsipher, and Julie Rose.

Digital Scrapbooking

This has my interest peaked. Does anyone do digital scrapbooking? I need some more information. Do you print out your finished albums? If so, can I see one?

Saturday freedom

The past few months, our Saturdays have been filled with soccer and baseball games.

While it has been fun, I have been looking forward to it ending. I want to reclaim our Saturdays! I want a day where there is nothing you have to do...no obligations, no games, no meetings....just a day for fun.
But now, on the eve of the end, I find that I am a little sad. We have had little one-hour parties each and every Saturday since September. I am sorry to be saying goodbye to the new friends we have made. I want Samantha to keep practicing, to keep getting better each week. After all, she scored a goal last week!

Anyway, here it is. The end. We'll just have to find something great to do in our big, open Saturdays. The possibilities are endless---unlike the soccer and baseball seasons.

The Disneyland Canoes

We went to Disneyland just before Halloween, and one of the things we rode was the canoes. If you've never done it, it is quite fun. Little kids get an oar (which THEY love), everyone can go together (which I love), and you get to see animals along the way. It's great.

A word to the wise however...if you do take your kids on it, sit behind or beside them, not in front of them. Landon's lack of proper rowing technique soaked Brian's entire left side. I, on the other hand, was sitting behind Landon and got off the ride perfectly dry. :)

I did it!

Friday afternoon, a friend called to ask if I could teach her step aerobics class for her. A little background...I decided I wanted to teach aerobics this past summer, so I got certified and was trying to get a job at my local gym. So here I was, faced with the opportunity I thought I wanted, but SCARED TO DEATH!

Anyway, I said yes. My heart was beating a thousand miles a minute, my palms sweating, my hands shaking. But I said yes.

A couple hours later, I head to the gym. I walk into class, feeling as incompetent as can be. But I turn the music on. And the beat makes me remember why I wanted to do this. I love it! I love moving, dancing, teaching---I love it all.

The class would definitely say it could have been a LOT better, but I did it. I got through it and it was so fun. It made my night. Thank goodness I said yes. Badly teaching a rough-around-the-edges step class beats living with regret anyday.

Trick-or-Treat!

I love, love, love Halloween! I love the actual day when the costumes are on and my little kids are transformed into their characters for 1 day. This year I had Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, Jack Sparrow, and a flower. They looked so cute.

This year we went to the houses all around Samantha's school. The houses were decorated so cute! Some were a bit gory and scary for my taste, but we had a great time anyway.

Julie got the hang of trick-or-treating quite fast, especially since she had a trial run at our ward party a few days before.

I was wondering how her little bucket was getting so full so quickly, so I started to pay more attention at the doorstep. The people would hand out candy, Julie would grab the edge of the candy bowl and pull it down, helping herself to more pieces. After all, it is CANDY!

Samantha and Landon were complaining about how heavy their buckets were, asking Brian and I to carry them for little bits of time. We offered to carry Julie's, but could not pry her fingers from their death-like grip on her bucket...not even to get into the car.

Sadly, another Halloween has come and gone. But at least we have the piles of candy to remind us how much fun we had. :)

Jack-o-lanterns

When I was growing up, we usually got 2 pumpkins to carve as a family. Brian's family each got their own. I must admit, I LIKE getting my own pumpkin...my own little piece of art. So this year, we got five---one for each of us.

We are old school, and have resisted the movement to carve really fantastic pumpkins with a kit. Instead, we come up with our faces on paper and then do our best to carve them. I think they turned out pretty good this year.

Not bad for a bunch of amateurs.

Rolls

I love rolls! I really love homemade, warm, delicious rolls. Specifically, I love my mother's rolls. I could eat them all day and never get sick of them. Sadly, I cannot make good rolls. Sometimes they are fantastic, but most of the time they are too dense and nasty to eat more than one.

I realize the problem is the rising part of the process. Why do rolls not rise? Why, I ask?

So today I was going to try my hand at them again. No worries, just my family to test the results. It was a perfect plan until Brian invited people over.

AAHHH! Now my rolls would be judged, eaten out of kindness, and endured for the sake of common courtesy! I should be willing to try anyway, but the thought of bad rolls gracing my table, knowing that they are sitting there mocking me, a display of absolute failure for all to see is just too much for me to endure.

So, my Rhodes rolls are sitting in the pan now, hopefully rising to their heart's content. But if they don't, it won't necessarily be my fault. And that will have to do for today.

What's in a name...

His name is Coco Crisp. COCO CRISP! That is his name. I realize parents want their kids to be unique, but this is ridiculous. Apple is a fruit, and Coco Crisp is a cereal. Period.

Knotts Berry Farm

Two weeks ago we went to Knotts Berry Farm with Allison, Brian's sister. Her company was having a work party, so she invited us to come along. The whole thing was free, which always makes everything better. Brian's other sister and kids came as well. We started on this ride....

They loved it, and we watched. We went on a few more, including this oversized skateboard. I happened to be on this ride, and it was promising to be good fun...

However, it felt like someone was doing the heimlich manuever on me. I was glad when it was over.
Brian and Samantha got tired of the little kid rides pretty fast, so they left to find bigger, faster fun. We stayed behind and went on more rides.

Just before we left to come home, I went on one big roller coaster with Allison and Samantha---the Ghost Rider! I love wooden roller coasters, and was excited to go on this one. Samantha kept saying how high the ride went and I laughed it off. As the car climbed higher, I wondered, "How high can it really go? She's only 7, after all. It probably just SEEMS higher to her." And then we were at the top...

I couldn't tell if I was screaming or laughing, mostly because the wind was sucking all the sound out of my mouth. I held on to Samantha with one arm and to my dear life with the other. Most of the ride was spent in that space between fun and terror. As the ride came to an end, I was laughing. It was FUN! Not the wasn't-that-great kind of fun, but the can-you-believe-we-made-it-out-alive kind of fun.

Thanks, Allison. We had a blast.

HELP!!

Typically, I do not like ground beef in a lot of things. I love a good burger and a good taco, but that about covers it for me. Because of that, I do not like shepherds pie. Yuck. The name of it makes my gag reflex start.
But Trader Joe's has one---a delicious one, in fact. However, it is not ground beef---it uses some shredded delicious beef. Here lies the problem. I want it. I want to eat it this week, but the little tiny package will feed 2 people!
So...does anyone have a great recipe that does not use ground beef?

Dave Matthews Band

This past week we went to the Dave Matthews Band concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Of course, it was awesome! For those who are unfamiliar with this band, now is your time to repent. They are the greatest band ever. And unlike so many pop stars of today, they sound better LIVE. Now that is rare indeed.

A roomate of mine introduced me to the band in college, and I've been a serious fan ever since. They are really talented musicians, and the concerts are so fun. This time, John Mayer came out and jammed a little with them. It just doesn't get better than that.

Now this little clip can hardly do them justice, but listen anyway. My camera died after about 4 seconds anyway. Enjoy.

Do you ever...?

Do you ever sit on your couch and do nothing instead of doing the 534 things you need to get done?
Do you ever resolve to eat better ever night, and every morning eat something chocolate by 10 am?
Do you ever swear you are NOT going to be the family that is always late to church, but still walk in during the opening hymn?
Do you ever envy other people's nice cars while you have beaters?
Do you ever eat english muffins for dinner?
Do you ever waste time blogging, and start to think you might have an addiction?
Do you ever want a big house, a big yard, and a big salary?

I do.

We're at it again!

Eight years ago, we were applying to medical schools. Four years ago, we were applying to residency programs. And now, we are applying to fellowship programs. The entire application process is such a pain.

This type of situation often makes Brian and I a little bipolar. Today, we LOVE California and want to stay forever. The weather, the awesome opportunities---who wants to leave? Tomorrow, we HATE it here and have to get out quickly before we are all corrupted. We go back and forth so much, it starts to give me a headache.

Amid all this confusion, my kids are very aware that we may or may not be moving in two years. It mostly concerns Samantha, who is trying to be an equal partner in our decisions. She usually has ideas about living in Idaho or Utah, where her cousins live. However, last night was new.

She said, "Why don't we go live in Mexico?"

Why indeed.

And for your entertainment...

Tonight is the night! One of the greatest shows on television is premiering tonight! I am so excited. I love this show.

I think the main reason I like reality t.v. is because I am guaranteed a new show each week. I hate the very short seasons these days. Shows premiere the end of September, and we are watching reruns in October. It angers me. Give me a bunch of people off the street anyday. I'd rather watch them.

Brian and I started watching about halfway through the very first one, and we have watched ever since. Some seasons are definitely better than others, but it is always good entertaining television.

Join us. It won't disappoint.

Make 7 Up Yours

Anybody remember this commercial? It is one of my favorites.

Jim Gaffigan and Hot Pockets!

Love, love, love this video. We die laughing every time. Thanks, Jeff, for the introduction to such a great comedian.

Spiky hair

For two years now, I have been trying to style Landon's hair with a spiky flair. It never worked. As soon as I was finished with my handiwork, Landon would grab the comb and immediately smooth it down. Truthfully, I had given up on the spiky hair thing a few months ago. Then, I recently go into the bathroom and find this:

Ever since, he has requested to have his hair spiky. I love it. I think he looks so cute. The only problem is that now I am doing 3 kids hair, instead of two.

Cactus Cooler

I was recently talking to a friend, and the discussion of sodas came up. Unbelievably, she did NOT know what a Cactus Cooler was. I was shocked to say the least, and sent her on her way with her own can of deliciousness.

Now I was introduced to Cactus Cooler about 10 years ago when I came for a visit to California with Brian. It was love at first taste. Who can resist the delectable combination of orange and pineapple? I love it.

The only reason I blog about this is that my friend who did not know what Cactus Cooler was is a native Californian! I got to thinking...are there others out there in this great state who are missing out on one of the best sodas ever? If so, I ask you to go and get yourself a refreshing Cactus Cooler today. Just do it.

This is worth $975,000?

Sunday afternoon, Brian and I took the kids to an open house in La Canada. We thought it would be fun to look in a house, in case we ever live in one someday. I have to admit, I had high hopes. The house looked cute on the outside and had a decent backyard for CA standards.
Unfortunately, I was very disappointed.
First of all, the house is on the corner directly above the 210 freeway. A little loud for my taste. Then, the layout is so ridiculous---probably the worst I have ever seen. It was obvious that someone had built an addition, but it was awful. Bedrooms were tiny, and one of the bathrooms had a window that opens to the living room! What?!
I can just imagine...our friends come over for a nice party. We are hanging out in the living room having a great time. Someone has to go to the bathroom. "It's around the corner," I say, not thinking anything of it. Suddenly, a terrible odor seeps into the party---where is it coming from? A poopy diaper left in the open? Some old garbage? And then I remember! It is the bathroom venting into our party! As my unsuspecting guest walks back to the party, she realizes what has happened, nearly dies from embarrassment, and never comes to another party of ours. We'll be ruined, RUINED I say!
Well, that's what COULD happen anyway. Let's just say the house is not worth $975,000. Not in my opinion.

Evolution of Dance

I love this video. It's great.

Sea World

Yesterday we spent the day at Sea World. We hadn't been since Samantha was 1. I love the killer whales and dolphins---they are awesome animals. I did notice something on this particular trip, however. Spending a lot of money seems to have a direct correlation with having a lot of fun, especially in the minds of our children. Alternately, for Brian, the relationship is quite the opposite.

Here is the breakdown.

Parking $10
Tickets $94
Dinner $31
Souvenirs $24
"Mom, this is my best memory of the whole summer!" Priceless

afro ninja

A family member sent this to me about a year ago...no matter how many times I watch it, I laugh. It is now one of the most requested clips at our house. Is that wrong?

The look

Ah, Julie. What can I say about a little girl who is so intense, so stubborn, so independent, so ready for a fight at any time? She must be a Snow ;) ha ha


The look on her face is a typical one. It is somewhere between disgust and annoyance. These are the looks I get when I try to get her dressed, change her diaper, ask her to put away toys, you name it. Oh well.

The future NBA?...

We signed Landon up for a 3-4 year old summer basketball league. He just had his last game yesterday. The first picture is of Landon's team. There were about 3 white boys total in the entire league, and they all ended up on the same team. How is that fair?

The second picture is Landon and one of his very best friends, who is also in our ward. The boys actually made significant progress. They learned how to dribble, pass, play defense, and shoot. The team name was the T-Rexes. The first week, playing defense meant holding your hands above the head in a clawed position and growling at the other team. It got better from there. By the end, Landon would actually take shots, making some of them.

Of course, at this age, the best part of the entire game was the end, when the snacks are passed out. I love 4 year olds.

Wicked

We gave Samantha tickets to go to Wicked for her birthday in April. We bought the seats far in advance so we could get good ones, so she and I went two weeks ago. It was awesome! We were so much closer than when Brian and I had gone in February. Samantha kept saying how good this "movie" was. It was really fun, and I can't wait to go again.

All in the name of fun

Brian and Julie in Idaho on the jet ski. This same jet ski also pulled a very fun tube behind it. It was great fun! Little did we realize that soon after this, in a moment of bad luck, Brian would tear ligaments in his thumb. So now, 1 surgery and 1 month later, we are looking into getting disability insurance (better than what the County Hospital offers anyway). It is an expensive, but possibly very worthwhile, investment. We'll see.