New Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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