M&M Vega Family

Posting

2011-02-13T19:41:00.000-08:00

So I'm a looser when it comes to posting with pictures. Now that my camera is fixed I've lost the USB cord so I can't down load pictures. I'll have to have them all burned to a disk. Ugh. Besides. Ben has pulled cords in and out of the front USB ports, it probably wouldn't work anyway.

School is a disaster for both kids. They are struggling, which makes me struggle as a teacher and as a mom. I want to see my kids succeed. The teacher in me gets frustrated that they don't find education fun and exciting. That they aren't as readily learning as I think they should be. The mom in me just wants them to be happy, and hates to hear the frustrations. But I think I've resolved some of my issues with ticket to read. Those of you who know about it yeah for you. Those who don't check it out.

http://www.tickettoread.com

It is fabulous. I love that it goes from phonics to full out reading text. It reviews what good readers do. It does: think alouds, vocabulary, comprehension instruction, and even fluency reads. It does it in such a way that my kids love it. They are excited to read and earn points. There are some games they play, but it is mostly reading and the kids don't even realize it.

Divine Nature #1

2010-11-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

Assigned reading: "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", 2 Peter1; Alma 7:23-24; Doctrine and Covenants 121: 45

Qualities a Daughter of God should have (x = repeated several times)

faith
humble
submissive
gentle
hope
temperance x
patience x
virtue x
knowledge
kindness x
charity xx

For those whom I've called recently, you know which of these qualities I've definitely been working on. Patience is definitely number 1, next to temperance (had to look up this word). Being a single parent is hard, having a spouse that is not consistently around is just as hard. This week has been such as one as I needed this particular value this week.

Monday was great! My first official FHE dedicated to making my family run more smoothly (another value experience). My kids were happy, we painted chore markers for our family chore chart. This took no patience at all.

Wednesday everything changed. It's very hard to teach the kids I teach. I have been greatly humbled this week. I've considered myself the behavior specialist of a lot of the places I've been, because I can almost always come up with a solution to behavior problems. I've been struggling because I can't with a group of the students I teach. I have been told that I will get used to the foul language, the disrespect, the lack of parent assistance in these matters. But I'm not sure I want to. The thing I have learned is that I must turn heavenward and let the Lord guide me.
After some serious prayer, I went back to work somewhat renewed with a new idea and low and behold, my behavior problems have all been suspended for 5 days, for other things. This gives me an opportunity to implement my behavior intervention with the good kids and get them trained, so they can help me train the others. The Lord works in mysterious ways and this was certainly one of the ways I needed most.

So how do I develop these qualities of a daughter of God? Through life. I learn through my mistakes, by trial and error and definitely through faith in the Lord. I love this gospel and love knowing there is a Father in Heaven who will help me when I'm really down. What an amazing blessing I have been given.

Personal Progress Conference

2010-10-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday was our Ward's personal Progress Conference for our Young Women. One of our young women organized it and the leaders helped her make it successful. It was awesome. We completed 7 of 8 values, and the last one was a family home evening that each girl got to take home to do. I was glad that we had the number we had. We had almost all of our active young women show up, on a saturday at 8:00, it was impressive. Thanks Kelsey for your work!

Divine Nature #2

2010-10-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

As I begin my journey through Personal Progress experiences, again, I decided to really focus the remainder of this year on Divine Nature. I've been having a really rough time balancing all my duties to my family, as well as my duties to my job. I need the reminder of who I am and I thought this was the perfect place to begin. (If you hadn't guessed I'm back in the young women's presidency, this time as first counselor.)

So what does the church publish about being a mother? The Family: A Proclamation to the World is a great piece of reading, that helps establish exactly what it takes to make a successful family and marriage. As a mother it states that we are responsible to raise our children "in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live."

Wow! That's a lot to take in and it's not even everything. I've got the easy stuff down pat: the providing for their physical needs-easy. Even raising them in love easy. It's the rest that I can't do alone. I can be the example of righteousness, of loving and serving others, and even of how to be a law-abiding citizen. I can directly the commandments of God and of the laws. I can pray that they will head my teachings, but ultimately it comes down to them. Will they make the right choices? This is the part I have a hard time with. I have to learn that if I've done all I can do to teach them the "right" ways, and they still make poor choices, I'm not responsible for their choices. How do I not feel guilty, how to I accept that I did everything I could?

Thus the reason for my choosing this value to work on first--I can't do everything. I will feel guilty, there is no getting around that-probably every parent would. But here's where the Lord comes into play--He will help. I have to ask Him for the comfort, for the guidance even before they may their decisions. I must ask Him for the "right" way to teach my children. To make sure they are getting what they need. I AM NOT ALONE!!!! And as long as I keep praying for His help, I'll get it. Thank-you Father for the many blessings I have, especially for my monkeys-they do make me so happy.3322333'2hgfffwss

File Folder Games

2010-05-29T16:52:00.000-07:00

So my next big goal is to create a file box full of church file folder games without spending a fortune. I've found several sites, and thought I'd start sharing them. So I've created a link list for children's activities. If anyone has any great sites to share of file folder games or other church related QUIET activities, I'd love to have them to share. I'm planning a day with some of my church girl friends to create some for our young families. I'm looking forward to adult time.

I must be a prude!

2010-05-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

I decided that I certainly must be a prude. I recently chaperoned a school dance at my school. I spent the whole three hours telling kids to give each other space, and shining a flashlight at their lower halves. If I had been in charge I probably would have turned off the music and told them the dance was over if that kind of dancing didn't stop. The sad part if it all is that if their parents had been there to see them they probably would have done nothing about it. Dancing close is one thing, grinding is another.

No New Pictures

2010-02-18T21:27:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how destructive kids can be. I now have a laptop with half of it's keys missing. A desktop with a broken disk drive thanks to a screwdriver that fit perfectly into all the USB ports in the front, a printer that has a default error due to kids pulling papers off the printer before they were finished printing, and a digital camera that has been taken and dropped so many times it has to be kept together with electrical tape. Of course all of this had to happen right after the holidyays when there is no money to replace them. But, I guess I know where some our tax refund will be going. So, No New Pictures for a while.

New Links

2009-11-20T22:44:00.000-08:00

I just added a couple new links on the right. I've a goal to make sure that Family Night becomes more of a family home evening, where we are actively trying to have a lesson and prayers, not just spending time together. So, I've found an awesome site I thought I'd share with FHE ideas. I've also added the link for a Story a Day Until Christmas, with the ultimate goal of making this Christmas a more Christ centered Christmas. Hope you enjoy them!

A Light Among You

2009-11-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

Our road show is over. After only 3 weeks of rehearsals two-three times a week, the Lasselle Ward pulled off an amazing road show. We went a little over our time limit, which docked us points, but we still came in Second, and we recieved the Best Music award. Our director was awesome, having three kids and being pregnant she did some absolutley amazing things to make this event happen. I wouldn't have been able to take part if she hadn't found babysitters to watch all of the children (at times there were more than 9 children!). The music was awesome. Our lead character, Thomas Edison, was played by an amazing actor and dancer, Dustin Ciethamer (I'm sure his last name is spelled wrong--Sorry Dustin!)

We were extremely lucky to have so many of the young men to participate.

Our amazing young women definately followed through.

Our Relief Society President, really got into her role as the candle lady.

My friend Tamara stepped up to fill in where needed.

Halloween

2009-11-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

Ben wouldn't keep the hood on, but doesn't he just make the cutest Lion ever!

Kristyn has truly been personifying her costume in every facet of her life right now. She made a wise choice in her costume.

What, you may ask, is he supposed to be??? Well it was Bumble Bee the transformer, but he kept washing off is face make-up, so he looked more like daddy than a transformer. Oh, well.

The kids had a great time trunk-or-treating. Last year we extended it and continued bringing the kids around the neighborhood by our apartments. This year the kids were too tired to do anything in a kind way and so we went home and put kids to bed. Let me tell you, excitement from Halloween and Day Light Savings, don't mix well. Church was not fun the next day.

Weightloss update

2009-10-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Down another 5 pounds, but frustrated. I'm up to 6-10 miles a day of movement (says my pedometer). I bike 4 miles a day. I've cut all carbs, except for once a week (when I don't overly endulge). Why am I not loosing faster!!!! I see a preventative medicine specialist next week. I've had so many blood tests a vampire wouldn't even want me as a meal. I do have much more energy though. The kids love the walks, especially since they almost always end at the park. They don't like that it gets dark too early.

Anthony's Birthday

2009-10-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

He's 4!!!! But not any less whiny. He seems to have actually gotten worse. Anyone have any ideas about how to deal with this??? I don't do well with whiners.

Transformers are still his favorite

Transformers may be his favorite movie, but we still can't get him away from anything Cars related.

I'm not sure what's up with the push the face in the cake thing that Miguel's family does, but I wish they'd listen because my kids don't like it.

It's amazing how little kids can be as blunt as possible, or extremely rude without really intending to be so, and as a parent you have no choice but to apologize later for their behaviors. Anthony was thrilled with all of his birthday presents except for one. When he opened the present is said, "oh, this." and quickly put it aside to open another present. It was an exact copy of what his cousin has so he knows exactly what it does, and now he is thrilled when he gets to play with it, but at that moment...well, you can imagine.
Overall, it was a fun but exhausting day. I spent the entire day at the park, even though the party didn't start until 3:00. We had to make sure we had a pavilion at the park and only one was not reserved. First come, first serve. I was first! It feels good to come in first in something:)

Picture Day

2009-10-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

So once again we had pictures taken without Miguel. I really think he has a phobia of photos. The kids look cute, me...not so much. I have to do something with my hair. Keeping it long is not a good idea. I just pull it back in a ponytail all the time rather than actually doing something with it. The kids actually did great! I was surprised.

Amazing how handsome he looks in his suit. I just wish it'd last more than 30 minutes.

Her hair started out nice and neat and curly. She's such a tomboy.

He's too cute for words. He was quite upset about his tie. He'd just thrown it at me. He was not going to wear it!

Day 7

2009-09-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

So I used my goal of weight loss to help my students understand setting goals, and they all set a goal for themselves for the time between now and Christmas. We will look at these goals again after we get back after the break. I can't tell you how motivating it is for me to hear my students say, "Mrs. Vega, I had water for lunch instead of that soda!" I think that it is more motivating for me not to hear the, "good job" for myself, but the changes that they are making. I connect two dots tomorrow! I've dropped 4 pounds. Yes I'm sure the first 10 pounds is water weight. But I don't really care:)

Weightloss and the Beginning of the School Year

2009-09-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

So, I've realized that the beginning of a new diet and the beginning of the school year should never coincide. I've started a diet that is the 4 day diet. The idea is that every 4 days you change type of diet you are eating, there by tricking your body into working harder. It's basically the same idea as why you change your excercise routine on a regular basis. Anyway, this is not the easiest thing to do--eliminating all sugars from your diet, natural or not. The beginning of the school year is always a stress, and that's when I want chocolate and coke the most! I guess it's all for the best.
I've decided to use my students at school to encourage me on my new road to health. My school district has decided to do a miniture "Biggest Loser" with the teachers, with the intention of making students healthier by having healthier examples in front of them. The only way to make students healthier is to encourage them, to encourage you. Then they learn from you by what you tell them about your trip to success. It's a great idea. I've decided to graph my pounds lost, without showing my weight. Then my students can graph my pounds lost the day after my weigh in each week. They'll get to see the before and after picture. I'm excited about it. I just hope this works. I think with having so many people depend on me, and expecting to see a change, it will work more. It's the public aspect of things. I'll post before and after pictures as well as my students' graph, when the district's program is finished. Wish me luck!

This week and my little monsters!

2009-08-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

Kristyn isn't too sure about this teacher, but she isn't hating her. Always a good sign. She has had her breakdowns, and we are handling them the best we know how, with hugs and love. She misses her "Utah family." I dont' blame her, I miss them all too. She hates being the only girl, and the oldest child. She told me the other day, "I hate being the oldest! I hate being an example! Why can't everyone stop watching me!" The only time she gets peace from her brothers is when she's in her room and they are outside playing with daddy--then she's jealous and wants to play. Oh, the stresses of being a 7 year old girl!
The boys are doing well. I think they really like being with daddy all day. Anthony is obsessed with the boys across the street and their two dogs. Ben has taken to tantrums, though Love and Logic is great about giving the choice of where he wants to throw those tantrums. They usually don't last long.
It's been so hot around here that the kids decided to help water the lawn. How nice you say? Well, 10 minutes later, when dishes were washed. I had to wash my 3 monsters who watered the grassless part of our lawn. I thought my kids were brown enough--but they didn't. I wish now my camera had been working. I'm glad Miguel wasn't there, he'd have been mad and ruined the moment. I laughed, let them play for another 15 minutes before I hosed them off, stripped them down, and bathed them all. It was a great end to the day. I'm really glad I have tile in most of my house.
Kids are great! I've started back at work and I love them that much more! Amazing how absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I love hearing, "Mommy!" as soon as I open the front door. I love that I can sit down and relax with three kids in my lap telling me all about their day, and how thoughtful they can be when they ask about mine. It's really the little things that matter in my life, and these three little "things" make me so much happier than I could ever imagine.

Sod

2009-07-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

Today Miguel and I laid 1000 square feet of sod. My arms and shoulders hurt more than I've ever had them hurt before. I was the one moving all the sod. Miguel did the easy part( less labor intensive)-piecing it together. I am burnt, but I am so very happy to have a yard with grass. I'll post before and after pictures later. There is still work to be done, as now we have a retaining wall that isn't complete enough for me to have my garden. For those of you who are thinking it's awefully late in the season, remember that I live in CA and have been learning about cold weather veggies. So I can plant and harvest all year round! Cauliflower--all winter! It's a good thing my kids like veggies.

The Holy Ghost conversation

2009-07-04T04:21:00.001-07:00

Today as I was cleaning the kitchen I overheard a conversation between Kristyn and Anthony. It went something like this:

Kristyn: When you hear a little voice in your head to not do something don't do it.
Anthony: Why not?
Kristyn: That is the Holy Ghost telling you it's bad.
Anthony: I have a ghost following me around!?
Kristyn: Not really, it's a feeling or a little voice that is with you and let's you know if you are doing something that's not safe, or bad.
Anthony: Oh.
Kristyn: So, if you hear a voice saying "don't throw that," or "don't cross the street," or "GO HOME," do it, becuase that is the Holy Ghost trying to keep you safe and help you be a good boy.
Anthony: Okay, just as long as a ghost isn't following me.
Kristyn (very exasperated): You're hopeless!

It's not too often that I hear them discuss church related topics. I was kind of amazed at how well Kristyn explained things to Anthony. She has a great sunday school teacher.

I have good kids! Unfortunately the neighborhood is not so full of good kids, and my children have been harmed several times by a couple of them (brothers). I just keep trying to teach them the kind way of handling things and hopefully they will follow my lead.

Peanut Butter Boy

2009-07-02T19:31:00.001-07:00

So, I was making cookies yesterday and turned around looking for peanutbutter for the cookies and turned to find this--------

Yes! That's Ben with a large spoon of peanut butter. He is grandma's boy all the way. Mom, I hope you're proud of yourself! He was leaning against the wall with the jar at his feet and trying to cram in his mouth the biggest spoonful of peanut butter he could get in his little mouth. At least it wasn't all over him. He's very particular not to waste any of it:0

Took the kids to the park and they loved playing in the water. I wish there was something more similar to Liberty Park, Utah, here. But there isn't. It's always amazing to me how much fun kids can have with so little. Water and a trampoline is also a great way to spend a hot day.

Miguel still doesn't have work, but my back yard is almost finished. He poured the concrete for the patio, build a patio cover, a retaining wall in the back(which was necessary as our neighbors are a good 3-6 feet above our property and they water their yards a little too often), and is currently putting in sod. I'll get before and after pictures when it's all finished. I'm lucky I have such a talented husband.

I'm sure you've all heard about the California budget crisis. That thousands of teachers are getting laid off. I'm not one of them, though I will continue to drive the 50 minutes to Cathedral City/Palm Springs each day for work. I'm going to be teaching a new reading program next year to our special education students, which I'm very excited about. Kind of nervous to have 24 students in a block. 24 who can't read. I'm used to teaching 3-4 at a time, how to read, but it's a good program and well scripted. I strongly believe in direct instruction and think this will be great for them.

So, in a nutshell: My kids are healthy and active, my husband is very talented, and I have a job. I'm pretty lucky overall.

Simply Fun: Family First!

2009-07-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

So, I went to this game night last night. We sat around and played a whole bunch of games I'd never heard of but thought the whole time, "Wow, these would be great for my kids, or for school, or even for just hanging out with my friends." Found out that these games were all part of a company called Simply Fun. A company created with family in mind. I'm not a sales person, as many of you know from my failed attempts at catalogue parties, probably becuase I really didn't care too much about what I was trying to sell. I'm still not a sales person, but I'm trying once again, becuase this is something that I feel strongly about. If I were still living in Utah I would have become a consultant yesterday night! I was surprised to know that very few people in Utah know about the company.
Anyway, I've attatched a link that I think everyone should check out. Watch to see how the games are played. My favorite game was Eye to Eye: goal- to be like everyone else. It was great to play with adults, and to see them explain themselves and why they thought that way. My favorite thing of all: the Rings: conversation, family history, and Bordom Busters. Look, enjoy and feel free to call (Amy has my numbers) and let me know what you think.
Mary
http://simplyfun.eventuity.com/e/20317

It's time

2009-05-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

So I figured it was time again to update. Miguel still has not found a job, I secretly think he likes being a stay at home dad. He loves the boys wanting to do what daddy does. They walk around with their tool belts and hammers. They follow him with their shovels. Their wrenches are their favorite tools. They play soccer together. He likes the idea of his two "mini-me"s. I certainly don't mind having supper ready for me when I get home. But I must admit that I am a little jealous. He's doing what I want to be doing--being a stay at home parent. Spending time with the kids when I'm not so exhausted that all I want to do is just cuddle. Summer can't come fast enough for me.
I'm starting to transition Ben into the nursery. He's not sure about this. He doesn't like to be without a ball at play time, or without something to make noise with. He'll get over it and I'll start enjoying church a little bit more--when I can actually listen to the lessons.

The Update

2009-03-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

So yes, I didn't meet my goal of writing once a month. Since I last wrote a lot has happened.

Anthony got stitches becuase he fell off the toilet and hit is face on the toilet paper holder. Ben got stitches becuase Anthony pushed him and he hit the exercies machine. Kristyn is perfectly fine, except that she has been referred to see a councelor becuase she isn't adjusting to the move from Utah (yes that was 8 months ago!).
Miguel quit his job after we got the keys to our new house. He finished his driving school and has his CDL. Until he finds a job, he's a stay at home dad and finding it is not an easy job. Sometimes people must find out for themselves!
I am happy we are in a house, and enjoying my job more. However, it is still a long drive. I am still trying to make our house feel like a home, but am exhausted all the time. I've found out that I have high cholesterol, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). My doctor is worthless and hasn't given me any suggestions on how to deal with it. She says loose weight. That is a symptom of PCOS, and is very difficult to do when you have it. Then she says get rid of some of my stress. Get rid of my stress! As if I hadn't thought of it!
Anyway, that is our exciting, yet uneventful lives.

Our new address is: 25971 Fuente Court, Moreno Valley, CA 92551

Picture update

2008-11-25T13:13:00.000-08:00

Kristyn has really become mommy's little helper. Sometimes a better helper than other times.

I'm feeling much better about my looks recently. I feel like I actually look skinny. Another few pounds to make that so, but as long as I feel good, what does it matter.

It was murder getting Anthony to take this picture. Terrible two's were nothing to what I have now!

Benjamin is my doll. He's so sweet and loves to give slobbery kisses. Who needs a dog when you have a baby!?

To all who give thanks,

2008-11-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

I've had my students this last month write daily in their journals what they are thankful for. I've cried as I've read these things. Simplicity is the most amazing gift that God has given me. The simplest things make me happy. However, no matter how simple something is, their is always a way to take it for granted. I'm very privledged to be able to have what I have, and live the way I live, and SHAME on me for being unhappy with what I do have. The most important things I have are my family. I am so very thankful for them. I am thankful for the laughter we share, for the hugs, and slobbery/snotty kisses I get each night. I'm thankful for the blessing of a roof, albeit an apartment roof, over my head. I am thankful for the blessing of 3 meals a day, and snacks if I want them. I'm thankful for having enough clothes that I don't have to do laundry every week if I didn't want to. I'm greatful for parents who love me, who are still married, and who are still alive to talk to me when I need them. May you all be as blessed as I, this holiday season. I love you all.
Mary

Give Thanks

2008-11-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

We've yet again lost a house to someone who offered more than we were willing to pay. I'm frustrated beyond belief and overly exhausted all the time. Last week I broke down on an answering machine to my mother. I now sit wondering at all the stress and think about what I'm grateful for. I'm grateful for the smiles I get to see each day, from my own children as well as my students. I'm grateful for the hugs and kisses I get every night from my children, even though it takes forever to get them to bed. I'm grateful for laughter. Giggles, at the right time, can make even the most frustrated person smile. I'm grateful for a husband who recognizes my stress and does little things to help. It's amazing what a coke can do! I'm grateful to have a job that will support us in this time of economic turmoil. I'm grateful to have family that accepts me as I am and doesn't ask more of me than I'm willing to give. This month my children and I are writing in a thankful journal each night. My children today were thankful for:
Trick or treating-"Now I have enough candy to last me a week!" (Kristyn)
A swimming pool - "I won't die now" (Anthony-believes that now he has a pool he can learn how not to drown)
For their cousins-"no offense mom, but you and dad are kind of boring" (kristyn!)
I love my little muffins! They make me laugh. (mom) "What muffins, I want muffins!" (Anthony)

Halloween brings out the Best!

2008-10-30T06:52:00.001-07:00

This year we've had the opportunity to actually use our costumes more than once! The kids have been to 3 different halloween related activities. These particular pictures are right before we went to the school carnival.

Anthony's birthday

2008-10-06T14:24:00.001-07:00

Anthony's birthday was an excitement. We had everything scheduled for his birth-day, however, Miguel didn't call all of his siblings, and so we had to reschedule for the next weekend. On his birthday we did just a family thing and then this last Saturday, we had a get together with his family. I decided that I'm not having big family birthday's again. I spent the whole time worried about everything else, and everyone else, I didn't have anytime to focus on my own son. But that didn't stop him from having fun. Enjoy the pictures!

The Update

2008-09-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

So I've decided that if I can update this once every month I'll be doing better than I am right now. So here goes...

We are still living in an apartment and hating it! I hate having to tell my kids to stop running and jumping. They are so active that it almost hurts me to ask them to stop being that way because we live on the third floor. The poor people below us!

We are going to be making an offer on a home really soon. We hope to be in a house by Halloween, so that we can have a house warming party and a halloween party all in one. I just want to feel settled. Miguel also plans on quitting his current job, after we get in our home, which he's working 12 hours a day in San Diego (1hour from our apartment). This way he can find a job in the evenings and watch the kids during the day. We're at a point where we feel we should be the ones raising our kids not someone else.

I don't like the drive to work, but I love teaching. Once I learn the ropes at this new district I'll be happier. Right now I feel like it's day one all over again. I like the people I work with and I like the students. There are some challenging ones, but that's why I went into teaching right?!

Kristyn is slow about making friends and she says she hates her "Old Grandma" teacher. She's actually got a teacher that is challenging her. She is very good at math and is quickly improving her writing and reading skills whether she wants to admit it or not.

Anthony will turn 3 this weekend. He's been a pain recently and I can't help but think it's becuase of my work schedule. I bring him to the sitter at 6:00 in the morning, after I drop Kristyn off at her cousins, which means they get up at 5:15. He doesn't take a nap at the sitter and is so tired and cranky in the afternoon. He just wants to run like crazy and then he crashes at about 6:00. I have to wake him up, and keep him up for another hour and a half. Poor little monster!

Benjamin is cutting his fourth tooth and is not happy about it. He hates being dropped off in the morning, but is so happy to see me in the afternoon. He just wants to lay across me all evening, even when I'm trying to fold the laundry. He crawls right after me where ever I go in the apartment, and he's quick.

Well, that's all for now. We'll see if I'm quick enough to get another blog in before the month is over.

Great Successes

2008-08-20T19:17:00.001-07:00

We did it!!!!

Anthony is officially potty trained. After a very long, stinky summer, Anthony made official his potty trained status by going poop in the potty all by himself. I was cleaning the kitchen, noticed that Anthony was missing, thought, "oh not again!" but found him sitting on the potty. A very proud moment for a mother.

Second great event of the day: Benjamin crawled on his knees. No more army crawl, but a much faster child! This is certainly a mixed emotion moment for me.

Third great success. I've figured out how to add pictures to my blog. Now I just need to find my cord so that I can download the pictures from my camera rather than having to visit walmart to get my pictures.

Summer Activities

2008-08-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

So now that I finally have a minute to update the blog. I thought I'd add a few pictures of some of the things we did this summer.

Wheeler Farm, Utah

Hogle Zoo, Utah Liberty Park, Utah (24th of July)

Road Trip--On our way to CA

School Starts

2008-08-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

I'm always amazed at how excited kids start out the school year. Kristyn has been driving me crazy with her excitement of starting school. Everyday she asks when her first day is. I just hope this excitement remains through the week. She starts school tomorrow. I start my first training on Friday and with kids after labor day. My district is totatlly different than Kristyn's, which may cause some trouble around our holiday vacations, but that's life.

Miguel still hasn't found work and he is completely bummed about it. He was so sure that he'd be able to find work quickly, but no luck. We are still workin on finding a home, and getting qualified is getting harder and harder, it doesn't seem to matter how much you have to put down on a home, if your credit isn't great, you're in trouble.

What's up!

2008-08-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

So, now we've officially moved to Moreno Valley, California. Kristyn is registered for school and will start next Thursday. Miguel is still looking for work, and his search has become pretty intense. He's out looking during the day, while I'm busy filling out applications on line during the day. At night we take a break just to be a family. I have to say, it is really nice to be so close to a park. For the first time in my life I have a tan, but it's not making a gain on my children's skin, they're just getting darker. I have two more weeks of summer freedom before I have to get back to work. Our wait for selling our home is dragging on and on, but we are hoping for an end soon, maybe even tomorrow.
Oddly enough, when we moved out here the cost of living was comparable to Utah. Now, gas prices are down to $4.07/gal, and even groceries are comparable to Utah. Homes are cheaper, but it's much harder to get a home loan. This might have been a really good move for us, however it won't be for long, a couple years at the most. I never realized how much easier it was to make friends in Utah, people are so much more friendly and less suspicious.
Well, that's my quick update. I'll add pictures and more info as things happen. Keep in touch.