6DancingPrincesses

Pathetic...LOL

2011-06-27T21:38:00.000-06:00

Sammie got in trouble for not obeying .....she turned on the water and got the garden muddy while Mario was planting corn. I told her she'd have to go inside and she said, "No thank you, I'd rather stay out."
Don't know what I'm going to do with that kid.

Some pages I've made recently for the race and other things..

2011-04-29T09:45:00.000-06:00

Credits: Rise Above by Dancing Princess Designs (in stores soon)

Credits: Soul In Bloom by Dancing Princess Designs and Simply You, Simply Me Designs

Credits: Rise Above by Dancing Princess Designs (in stores soon)

Credits: Play With Me by Dancing Princess Designs

Credits: Shadows of Spring by Simply You, Simply Me Designs

Credits: Love the Earth by Inspired by Dominic Designs

Credits: Patchwork of My Life by Meredith Cardall Designs

Credits: Moxie by Dancing Princess Designs (in stores soon)

Credits: Rise Above by Dancing Princess Designs (in stores soon)

That's what I've been up to...how about you?

I'm a failure :)

2011-03-23T15:54:00.000-06:00

I have my irons in so many fires, I'm not doing very well at keeping them going...or maybe it's balls that I'm juggling...I don't know.

My mom told me I needed to update this today, so I am. Gotta love those angels with cattle prods.

Things are crazy. Sophia is a senior and fighting the typical senior-itis. She visited Bowie state and Snow College at the beginning of the month, and has decided to go to Bowie. It will be quite the experience for her, we think.

Alanna is showing alot of artistic ability with her clay and drawings. Isa likes to draw as well, and was excited to open her very first savings account yesterday. Ellie, Isa, and Alanna joined the Girl Scouts in January and have been having a blast with them...it's been girl scout cookie time and it's been BUSY for us all. Ellie will be baptized the first Saturday in May and is really looking forward to that.

Gabby and Samm are the best of friends. They're finding so much trouble to get into lately, I can hardly keep up. They love to help me cook, and "clean up" and read the Book Of Mormon reader each day after lunch. They ALL love to take care of little Lando and nearly smother him to death....but he doesn't mind it too much yet.

He's growing like crazy....I can't believe it's been 5 months already. We can't imagine life without him. He is such a sunny little guy...always happy and smiling. He's starting a cold today, but is still a joy. And he's a talker! Nobody can get a word in edgewise if you can believe it!

Mario is busy being the bread-winner. He's also developing my website for me...it's been an interesting collaboration between the technical and creative minds. We're having fun though. I opened my store back up in January, and then was approached last month by a Scrapbooking Software company to sell in their store, so I've opened up there as well. I really have missed not just the designing, but the involvement in the community, and the opportunities to share my testimony through my work. If anybody wants to get started on digital scrapbooking, let me know...I can hook you up!

There Mom...hope that is a good enough update :) I may update again in 6 or 7 months.

Welcome to our World

2010-10-27T15:48:00.001-06:00

Baby Orlando is here! He arrived by c-section on 10-20-2010 and was a beautiful 7 lbs 4 oz and 19 inches long. He has a head full of black hair and a Harding look. *EDIT: I've been scolded and chastised.....his hair isn't black, it's brown...lighter brown than any of the kids to date. (Well, and will remain so, since the factory has been dismantled).

This is Granny T's 64th GREAT GRAND BABY!!!

His bilirubin is elevated so he's had to be under the lights for a couple of days....we're encouraged that it won't be for too much longer!

We are so in love with him!!!
I know it's not much of an update, but it's what I've got right now! New mom, you know, LOL
Love you all!

It's shameful...just shameful

2010-08-30T16:20:00.000-06:00

I just really should not try and blog....I think that it's because I'm an all or nothing gal....If I can't do it, and do it BIG, I just don't get around to it.
Things are going well. Everybody is doing good and school has started and if I can get on top of this crazy anxiety, I'll be on top of the world!
Sophia had a Senior Photo shoot last weekend....you can see a few of the resulting photos at Lambourne Photography (this lady was really fun and Sophia had a great time with her).
The Bobsie Triplets, Alanna, Isa, and Ellie are all in their spanish immersion classes and so far, so good. We're just trying to get a handle on the Back to School routine....
Gabby is great...reading small words and knows all her letters and most of the sounds...so much fun! Sammie knows her numbers and can identify them to 10....she'll be 3 in a couple of weeks..I can't believe it! AND, the family is going camping later this month and I'll have 2 days to myself! NICE! At least I assume it will be nice...I haven't had a moment to myself in nearly 11 years, so I'm looking forward to it.
We're boring right now...truly...and I suppose that's not a bad thing....

Anyway, Sayonara.....maybe I'll update before Christmas....then again.....

Time Flies...

2010-07-20T15:36:00.001-06:00

What a crazy life. We've had so many ups and downs lately, I'm not sure which one I am at any given moment.

Sophia has returned to live with us which has been something of an adjustment. I've made a lot of pages lately...here's a couple of Soph...

We've been moving stuff around trying to configure our home....space is always at a premium. Alanna and Isa are in a different room, as is Sophia, Ellie, and Sammie. We'll have to have the new kid in our room for a while, and then who knows where.

We haven't really done much this summer....but as soon as I can get the discs to work that Josh burned the 4th of July pics on, I can prove that we had fun then, and we'll be doing something fun this weekend for Pioneer Day.
Isa really misses the routine of school...I don't know about her, but I can't wait until it starts again.

Ellie....I swear I have a new page of Ellie somewhere......Hey, there it is! A birthday page, even. She's been enjoying her own room this summer. That and the backyard pool.

Gabby is growing up....she's really fun, sayin' all kinds of crazy things....

And that leaves us with Sammie....she's incorporating words like "actually," "quite," and such into her vocabulary and it sounds so funny coming from a two year old.

I think all of the kids have been able to feel the new baby kick, which has been funny...seeing their various reactions.

Let's see....what else is going on???....we joined a food co-op, and it's been fun to get fresh produce and learn to use things we've never bought or eaten before.
The baby's growing well, and all seems to be stable for the moment. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before the next round of all heck breaks loose, but for the moment....it's quiet on the home front (especially cause everyone's either asleep or out playing).
Well, if I mess with configuring this post any longer, I'll give up and delete it, so you'll have to take it "as is".....I'm Tom BoDett, and we'll leave the light on.....

New and Improved

2010-06-21T11:55:00.000-06:00

I decided that I needed a creative kick in the behind. Decided to apply to a few Creative Teams and be responsible to someone else for getting layouts done, since my mojo has been on maternity leave. I was invited to be on Danimoy Designs CT, and on the Spirit Squad for MLAS in the last couple of days.

Dani has some really fun designs and a great style, so I had lots of fun with this page...and those of you who know Sophia will recognize how true to form this is :)

I used Dani's new Big Brother and Little Brother kits...they coordinate and are on sale if you wanna check 'em out....

We had a lovely Father's Day at home, where Mario cooked us a lovely dinner, since I was sick in bed. Been having some crazy stuff going on lately, and on top of it, it looks like I've caught the virus the kids have been spreading around the house. The kids have taken 5-6 days to work through it, but I'm hoping it doesn't take ME that long.
Sophia has a volleyball camp this week...Sam Atoa is running it, so it should be a fun one. The rest of the kids are just bumbling around, since most of us are sick and there's not much to do. Only two more months until school starts (ok, 2 months 4 days, but who's counting???).

Really? Are you serious?

2010-06-12T06:08:00.000-06:00

We're having a boy....I'm in shock! Mario almost passed out when he heard them say boy...he was looking at something else and thinking it meant girl, LOL. I've felt "boy" all along, but kept telling myself it was because I wanted it so bad.
What am I going to do? I'm going to have to think about all kinds of things I've never had to consider before....WOW. This is crazy. We had fun watching the little guy during the ultrasound.
Have you ever seen a new baby accidentally touch it's mouth with it's little fist, and then turn it's head back and forth, trying to latch on to it? We got to watch our little one do just that in the womb as the tech was looking down at the top of the head...SO CUTE! And he's a wiggler....wouldn't sit still for a second during the ultrasound. Bless their hearts, both the Ultrasound Tech, and the perinatologist double checked their answer on gender when they heard we had six girls :)
Anyway, we're thrilled...all the little girls are so excited except Sammie, who wanted a "girl baby." She's somewhat mollified because we were talking about nicknames for the baby, and since he'll have Agustin as his middle name (a fourth generation thing...wasn't even going to try to talk him out of it), I teased her and told her she can call him "Gus-gus"....she just finished watching Cinderella for the first time :) Sophia hasn't weighed in yet on her opinion. She's taking the ACT today....GOOD LUCK Sophie!

Anyway, that's our big news!

Never a dull moment

2010-06-03T10:59:00.000-06:00

I know it's been a while....I just haven't had any GOOD news in a while. What's happened in the last two weeks? Well, shucks. The kids are out of school (2 days now). Thank heaven for the internet where I can find age/grade appropriate worksheets for them to do.

Mario and I had to go in and visit with the nurse so she could teach him how to give me alphahydroxy-progesterone injections that I have to have weekly for the duration of the pregnancy. She fell in love with him....said he was a natural. I have my first shot without "supervision" tomorrow....I don't think I'm nervous, LOL. I also have to go in and have an early 1 hour glucose in the morning. We're all getting anxious to have the ultrasound. One more week.

We had some drama this past weekend. Sophia decided to leave home, and packed all her things and moved in with a friend. The upside? She was able to attend girls camp, which she wouldn't have been able to do otherwise, with her friend's ward. I'm hoping she is having a life changing experience. There's also been very little contention since she left. The downside? She really belongs here, and I don't think she understands what it means to be on her own, financially and otherwise. It will be interesting to see what happens when she gets back from camp tomorrow.

We're working with Isa on Spanish letter sounds and flashcards. We meet with her teacher tomorrow to learn the next step.

Everyone else is good...Alanna's butterfly has left it's cocoon, and we're all having fun watching it flex it's wings. I've actually completed a few pages lately...it's been nice, since I feel like my creativity has left on maternity leave....

I know this part is boring for everyone else, but it's a nice little personal inventory for me, so if you wouldn't mind humoring me.....(prompts from the Christian Homekeeper Network)

In my kitchen ….. nothing...but I need to have bread going. We're back to relying on our food storage, so I'm going to have to be creative. Something with rice, because Mario has noticed the lack of late (I can't really eat much rice because of it's glycemic index, so I've been trying to do other things....not going over so well with the person who thinks that a meal isn't a meal unless it includes rice).

My marriage or relationship …... I have to make a constant effort to be calm and loving. I really like the book "The Love Dare"....I need to get back to it. But things are relatively calm, all things considered.

With my children ……already been over a little of this. Praying for the ability to recognize their needs and their learning styles. Trying to teach civility...what a novel concept.

I feel so relieved when …..everyone is settled and quiet for the evening and I can breathe by myself. I know...that sounds so selfish, but hey, at least I'm being honest.

My spiritual life is (choose one) flourishing, declining …. (and talk about why)…I think it's flourishing....I've decided to do the Personal Progress program again. I'm on my third Faith value experience, as well as saying prayers and studying scriptures each day (most days anyway :). Faith is critically important to me right now, so it's been a great experience so far.

If I am honest, the thing that keeps me from praying as much as I should is ….. good intentions. I mean to, but get swept away/overwhelmed by the pace of life, and forget.

I see God moving in ( a particular area) and ……my life in the area of Sophia and her opportunity to attend girls camp, even though it came about as the result of a not great decision, and I have great hopes that this will make a difference for her.

This is in the deepest, darkest recesses of my mind, but should be moved into the light ….
I am struggling with my age. With the thought that I haven't accomplished nearly what I would have liked to at this point in my life. I don't know what the answers to that are, since I know I'm doing what I'm supposed to be at this point in my life, but it still lurks there, and makes me doubt myself at times.

Haven't been taking many pictures lately. I need to get back to it, I know. Anyway, that's about all that is going on...I've probably forgotten something big...I may remember and I may not.

Boil, boil, trouble and toil....

2010-05-15T08:54:00.000-06:00

We are currently under a "boil order." Our city water supply "may" be contaminated since thursday, and until Sunday night at the earliest, we are boiling all the water we use for drinking, brushing teeth, and washing dishes. The good news? We have/had enough water stored to get through it, AND we haven't been sick so far (some people in the city have been seriously ill...think the worst flu you've ever had times 5). The biggest revelation? That I am SPOILED for my modern conveniences....like water you don't have to think about, and a microwave...yeah, ours sort of "blew up" yesterday, LOL
Spoiled.

Blood pressure meds (which I am back on) are working to regulate my blood pressure, the baby is a wiggly little thing (FUN, since I never expected to feel that again), and summer is looming.

We'll find out the beginning of June the gender of this little surprise package. It still feels a little (LOT) surreal, but I'm slowly getting used to the idea.

We are feeling sad that we aren't close enough to visit the two new babies in the family, but respectfully request frequent photos posted. Sigh. Spoiled.

Sophia and Mario are on their way to her last club tournament. They won 2 out of 3 tourney play games yesterday....hopefully they do well today.

That's the update. Terribly exciting, I know.

Busy, busy, busy

2010-05-04T13:42:00.000-06:00

Things are crazy as usual. Between Volleyball, sick kids, end of school mania, doctors appointments and birthdays, I feel like I haven't taken a breath in a few weeks.
I'm in the middle of creating some DVDs of Dancing Princess Designs kits to be auctioned off at the Spanish Immersion Silent Auction fundraiser this weekend. It's more work that I thought it would be, but I'm glad to have something to donate.
No more birthdays to worry about until September...yeah!

Who woulda thunk?

2010-04-07T08:39:00.000-06:00

I watched a cowboy rope a calf earlier this week. Who knew there were still cowboys, and that I'd see one during the "get the kid to volleyball" run-around? No lie...it was poetry in motion. One of the most beautiful dances I've ever seen....the rope sailing through the air, and the cowboy (chaps included) sliding off his horse in one fluid motion, throwing the calf to the ground...... Wow....it made me want to pull the car over and just stand there with my arms over the side of the fence and wait to see what else I could see. Didn't realize how that would effect me.

In other news, Our 10th anniversary and Mario's birthday are coming up later this month.....I wonder if he'd like some cowboy boots???

(photos courtesy of Ree Drummond{cows} and Mary R. Vogt {cowboy})

LDS Blog Train: Called To Serve

2010-04-01T10:33:00.000-06:00

You can start to collect all the gorgeous pieces to this missionary themed digital scrapbooking kit by visiting my blog:
http://dancingprincessdesigns.blogspot.com/

And for those of you who want to make soap......check it out here:
http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

This morning has been crazy, as the Spanish Immersion applications were due, and the competition is quite fierce and it's on a first come, first served basis. While some people were there at 4 am, in a freak winter snow storm, I might add, I arrived at 5:45 am, and shortly after, the janitor had pity on us and opened the doors to the school so we could wait inside. Ellie was #5 for the girls, and has a pretty good chance, since her teacher is all in favor of it...thinks Ellie needs the challenge, LOL..imagine.

I'm so tired....I may have to go take a nap.

Have fun!!

Soap Making...

2010-03-31T10:25:00.000-06:00

Ok, now I realize I shoulda taken pictures.....next time.
Laundry Detergent Soap Making.....went great! It wasn't too hard, took less than an hour, and the hardest part of the whole thing was the strong smell of the soap (my nose is rather delicate right now).
Been using it for 3 days and I think it's great....the clothes are clean and smell good, and that's all I want. For a fraction of the $$$.

Haven't been on the computer in a few days...Mario had surgery on his head yesterday and had a lump removed from the back of his skull. They don't anticipate it being anything more than fatty tissue, but the surgery ended up taking an hour longer than they'd told me, because it was so deep. I was a little freaked to be sitting in the waiting room for over two hours when they told me it was only going to be a 1/2 hour procedure. And then Mario took a really long time to wake up from the anesthesia. So I was at the hospital a lot longer than anticipated.

But it's all good. He's still alive.
Ahhh, now if I could just get some good sleep.

Shopping at DI and making laundry soap

2010-03-25T13:05:00.000-06:00

I actually went to DI of my own free will, and bought a pot for $2.00 and a wooden spoon with a really long handle. Why would I buy a pot at DI? Well, I'm going to be making my own laundry soap, and I didn't want to use any of the ones I use for cooking. I've got all the soap bar shaved into tiny bits, and I think I'm going to wait until Saturday to do the actual cookin'.

Kinda excited....it's kinda fun to get back to our "roots" and away from all the commercialism...(being a Tide-a-holic..I hear that laundry actually DID exist before Tide did). I'm excited to do something good for the budget and the family.

I may even try to make other things, too....like....bar soap and other stuff...

Holy Cow

2010-03-11T17:21:00.001-07:00

Really, at this moment, that's all I have to say....

On Your Mark........

2010-02-24T13:30:00.001-07:00

Get set.....GO!
And we're off!
This week we are focusing on a couple of new concepts. The first is Weekly Couple/Family Meetings...novel, I know. We'll add in Parent/Child Mentoring sessions at some point, but you know, you gotta start slow.
We're also learning the first of four basic skills: Following Instructions, Accepting Criticism (positive and negative) Accepting a "NO" answer, Accepting a Consequence, and Disagreeing appropriately.

Here are the steps to following instructions:
1. Look at the person
2. Keep a calm voice, face, and body
3. Say "okay" or ask to disagree appropriately
4. Do the task immediately
5. Check back (tell the person you're finished)

My personal goals for the week are learning to be assertive and teach that skill through example to my kiddos. We've got far too many aggressive and passive-aggressive dynamics going on here. Also to look for answers/parallels in the scriptures. Staying calm no matter what. (I've already had a couple of boo-boos, but I'm getting there.)

Here's the rundown:

In my Kitchen: Just made whole wheat bread. Was out of salted butter, but made do with unsalted butter and a little sprinkling of sea salt....I'm flexible like that. ( Can you eat fresh bread without butter? Probably, but I'd hate to try and prove that theory) Note: Kirkland Mac N' Cheese, no matter HOW much they claim different, is NO WHERE NEAR to Kraft Mac N' Cheese....sorry but even Western Family Mac N' Cheese is better than Kirkland.....so disappointing...I was beginning to think Costco was the answer to all that was wrong with the world.

With My Marriage: Well, working on setting up couple meetings once a week, and practicing assertiveness.

With the kids:
Had a major meltdown of teenage proportions over the weekend, but held my ground and stayed calm. Seemed the calmer I was, the more out of control the meltdown became (trying hard not to smile here)....WOW, I had no idea simply staying calm was so effective.
Alanna and Isa are working the elements of the system pretty well, so far. Ellie is pushing the limits, as is to be expected. Samm and Gabby are learning how to ask for things/ say things politely....even some grown-ups haven't mastered that one...believe me, I know! Can never start too young.

Around the homestead:
Well, working on making a poster of the Steps to Following Instructions.....what's that you say? That everything going on in my home is centered around this crazy "self-government" idea? Why yes, yes it is, thank you :)
Working on getting and keeping the kitchen clean.....haven't had any luck and getting my fix-it-guy out to take care of some little things, so I'm going to try my hand at fixing the drawer under the stove that the kids broke AGAIN. AND start a dream journal. Getting some ideas on what I ultimately want to do in each room of my house, so that as I have time, energy and resources, I can slowly turn this house into a home (that I'll probably never end up leaving). Might as well make the best of it. I have to say, I LOVE the Flylady. I may delete most of her email reminders, and sometimes only say "hmmmm, that's a really good idea" and then delete some of them, but I know that perfectionism is counter-productive and that I only have to do anything 15 minutes at a time.

Inner Man?:
Well, mostly talked about that above....but here's a little story to illustrate my focus....

Once upon a time, there was a boy who ate too much sugar. His mother, who wanted him to stop, thought that if the boy wouldn't listen to her, then perhaps he would listen to his idol, Mahatma Gandhi.
So she walked for many miles through the scorching heat to ask Gandhi, "Would you please tell my son to stop eating sugar?"
Gandhi replied, "Bring your boy back in two weeks. I will speak to him then."
Confused, the mother left, then brought the boy back two weeks later.
Gandhi looked the boy in the eye and said, "Stop eating sugar."
The boy nodded, and promised to stop.
His mother of course was grateful, but still confused. "Why did you want me to bring him back in two weeks? Couldn't you have said the same thing to him then?"
"No," Gandhi replied...

"Because Two Weeks Ago, I Was Still Eating Sugar!"

Love and blessings to all!

Amazing Digital Scrap Race #5

2010-02-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

I am racing for my life....not really...just my mojo. This is the second year Liz and I have been partners for the ADSR....and I'm LOVIN' it! It's good to have challenges every once in a while, and these ones, while challenging, are also FUN!

I'll try to post credits later, as I am on the run to volleyball!

Big changes a-happenin'.....

2010-02-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I've gone and done it. I finally made the leap of faith that I'd been fighting with myself over for....oh, you know, a YEAR. My family needs my attention. So MUCH so, that I don't have time for other things right now. So I've decided to close up the Dancing Princess Designs shop, at least until they're all in school and I'll have some time during the day. It was not an easy decision, it was not necessarily a supported decision, but I have peace about it, and so I know it was the right decision. Even if I have to talk myself out of changing my mind several times a day.

So here's the rundown:

In My Kitchen: Well, it's clean,...and I have a big crockpot full of pinto beans a-cookin'. The kids adore Bean Burritos. I also have some pecans I pulled out of the freezer sitting on the counter....gonna have to come up with something to use those in.....maybe Pecan Tassies....

With Our Marriage: I made a page for Mario for Valentine's Day....I challenged myself to come up with at least 10 things....and I did it! I can hold my head high, LOL.

With My Children: As mentioned, I am now a full time and then some mom. It will be hard, but I have confidence. I came across a book that I knew my family needed, and so I bought it. It's called "Parenting a House United: Changing Children's Hearts and Behaviors by Teaching Self-Government" by Nicholeen Peck. WOW....can I just say WOW. Applying the principles taught in this book have made an improvement in my home already, in the less than a week that I've had it. Most of them have been in my own heart as I try to master Self-Government so I can more effectively teach it, but I've seen improvement in other family members as well. Can I just say....It's well worth the time to read it.

Although there are differences among our family members in our "Family Vision" I have faith that time, and love, and Heavenly Father, can make the changes in our hearts to bring our family to a place where we are united...in vision and purpose.

Sophia is heavily invested in Volleyball (and she's not the only one). Her team took 13th place out of 111 teams at a recent Las Vegas Tournament. They have a local one this week, and then after a week off, they'll be in Denver for a Qualifying Tournament (whatever that means, LOL).

Alanna has holes all over her mouth. She's lost so many teeth at once, that she's got a fun new look. She is improving her Spanish, and many times will respond when spoken to, without even realizing that she's made the transition, and without hesitation over the words.

Isa turned 8 last week, and will be baptized on the 6th of March. She has discovered that (like Alanna) she likes to read really big books, so Harry Potter has been a familiar character in the family of late.

Ellie....I've learned (or realized that I already knew) that Ellie's love language is touch. I can motivate her with hugs, I can calm her down with hugs...it's almost too easy! I'm still working on the other kids love languages, but I'll get there. She's been struggling a little, as her school teacher's husband passed away recently, and I think that's been a difficult thing for Ellie to process. But we're getting there and she's a smarty pants.

Gabby...how on earth am I going to keep this kid challenged? She can write her letters, she's reading small words, she can spell her name, and she's 3 1/2. I'm afraid...I guess it's just one more reason why my time is 100% theirs now...with no distractions (well, at the end of the month anyway, when all my store responsibilities are completed).

Sammi-bambo...she's had so much attitude lately as she tries out the behaviors she sees in her sisters. It's been a little challenging, but she's usually pretty easy to coax out of a bad mood. We're still working on potty training...she knows how to do it, but lacks motivation. We're trying a sticker chart this week.

Around the homestead: It's been a tough few months. Mario's car died the 2nd of January and we've been operating with one car while we figured out what to do. This has been predictably difficult. But we hope to have the Nissan back this weekend, and for things to ease up a little. I have a huge list of home improvement projects that need to be done, or ones I'd like to have done, as well as a plan to make a daybed with trundle for Isa and Gabby's room. We found this great blog with blueprints for all kinds of things, and I'm excited to get started.

My Inner Man: It's been a month of interesting experiences. Learning to love people whether or not they display loving behavior towards you, learning (even when someone is VERY wrong) to try to see their feelings and/or the motivation behind their behavior. Learning to maintain a "Soft Voice." I hope that as I perfect these skills, I'll see even more changes occur in my home. I've read my scriptures and exercised every day so far this week, and am hoping to make this a permanent part of my routine. It's been sorely lacking lately. I've also been called as the Primary Chorister, which has been a fun challenge.

Came across this in my scripture study this morning, and it seemed particularly applicable to me of late: Alma 58: 37 and 40

But, behold, it mattereth not - we trust God will deliver us, notwithstanding the weakness of our armies, yea, and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies.......they (stripling warriors) stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free; and they are STRICT to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statues, and his judgments, and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong in the prophecies concerning that which is to come.

Emphasis is mine.

One of my fantastic Creative Team members challenged us to make a page about what we like about ourselves. Wow...talk about hard. But I did it.

Spring is coming....I can feel it. That alone is cause for celebration!

Anyway, look for more blogging, as I chronicle my adventures in mothering 6 dancing princesses....

Now I feel sheepish...

2009-12-31T08:17:00.001-07:00

SERVICE!
That's the one that I forgot.
And if I want to let myself off the hook, I can because I'm a mom, and nearly everything I do in any given day can be termed service (don't get paid for it, give till it hurts, etc), but my goal for the next while is to try and be tuned in to others around me who might need whatever small bits of love and happiness I can give them. This is going to be a hard one....when overwhelmed (which is ALL the time right now) it's like I have blinders on (self preservation to make sure that I can focus on making it out of the burning building that is my life) and I miss a lot of what's going on around me. Going to try and get rid of my blinders.....

Happy and Blessed New Year to you all!

Winding Down....

2009-12-30T11:58:00.001-07:00

well, the year is anyway.

Christmas is over, sigh...

the New Year is looming....sigh.

I came across this fantastic poem and thought it was just the thing for me....

From an old English parsonage,
Down by the sea,
There came in the twilight,
A message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend,
Deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me,
Teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours
The quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration-
DO THE NEXT THING

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment,
Let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity,
Guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows,
Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus,
DO THE NEXT THING

Do it immediately;
Do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence,
Tracing His Hand,
Who placed it before thee with
Earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence,
Safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all resultings,
DO THE NEXT THING

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
(Working or suffering)
Be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence,
The rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance
Be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness,
Praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons thee,
DO THE NEXT THING

-Author unknown

What’s happening in my home?….

In my kitchen… Made a batch of homemade rolls yesterday. No plans for cooking today, other than Shepherd's Pie for dinner. Yummmmm....comfort food.

With our marriage… just keep swimmin', I always say :) We've decided to make a list of home improvement projects, prioritize them, and work on them consistently so that our home feels better. Why does this fall under the marriage category? Well, it will help me reduce my resentment, and/or my feelings of overwhelming chaos..that's gotta be good for a marriage, right?

With the children… Tough, tough, tough. Things will be less overwhelming once school starts again. I have one who's exhibiting some compulsive behavior...trying to figure out how to work on it. One who, understandably, has some real issues, but I hope to teach her to handle them with grace and graciousness. To have "Good Grace"....(miss you, Verna and Amy :) Other than that....well, I have one who's become a streaker (but she's 2 and has just figured out how to escape from the confines of clothing, so she's normal) and one who's learning to pick out words, and several who've discovered a love of Susan Boyle's music and singing....it's always lively around here. Alanna celebrated her 9th birthday this month, and Isa is preparing to be baptized soon. Sophia toured the Morgan State University campus in Maryland this week, but I'm really hoping she settles on somewhere closer.

Around the homestead… Other than the a fore mentioned home-improvement projects, my goal is to become more organized, one space at a time. Space is at a premium and it's getting me down, so I've got to reduce and reorganize.

In my “Inner Man”…. This is a tough one, as I've been stagnant lately, with all the sickness, busy-ness, stress, and the like. I've decided to stop worrying (thanks for the advice Mom) about every little thing that I should be doing, and just focus on doing ONE thing in the spiritual category a day (reading my scriptures), ONE thing in the physical category a day (until January 2nd, it's drinking enough water a day, but once the new year kicks in, the exercise routine does too), and ONE thing....ok, well I forget the third category at the moment, but there IS a third category :) All in all, I'm truly blessed to have my family (both of them) and a knowledge of the gospel, as well as zings from some benevolent angel's cattle prod to lead me back to the path, hopefully. Not that I've strayed....it's more like I just sat down in the middle of it, and started bawling and haven't been able to get up again. So maybe they're just to pick me up and point me in the right direction and urge me along for a while.

Whatever they are, I'm grateful for them. We really are blessed, and I believe no matter our circumstances, if we can find something to be grateful for, we'll weather the storm better....
with Grace.

Here are our self-inflicted family Christmas photos taken the Sunday before (when ELSE is everyone's hair done at the same time?)

Truth be told, though....this one is a little closer to reality :)

Wishing all my loyal readers (all 2 of you..thanks guys) the most blessed of new years. Looking forward to spending it with you!

A Little Ditty I like to call My Life....

2009-11-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

(To be sung to the tune of Chop Sticks)

I woke up and got up and went to the bathroom,
Then gathered my supplies and made a felt puppet.
The kids are all snickering, then they are bickering,
Can't you all just get a-long?

The dishes are growing the dog is enjoying the food that was left out AGAIN last night.
I don't know why I am the only one qualified, but I'm too tired to put up a fight.

Dora is singing, I'm once again winging my way to a full blown anxiety attack.
Classes to get done, and I've only begun, the monkey won't get off my back.
The Video's not working, the telephone is ringing, it's my darling daughter to say there's a meeting,
Of parents and 3rd graders singing and acting...the Thanksgiving program is starting real soon!

So off I go... support my 3rd grader, cause it's important and, pphhhhfff, well who cares?
The dishes and projects and those obligations will keep catching me un-awares....

So I once again, get my video going, the babies are sleeping, the dog is annoying me
With his darn whining and destructive nature, Call Boxer Rescue (or the meat packing plant)
I breathe and chant my de-stressing mantra, I'll tackle this day just a bite at a time....
I have to finish this assignment before I can make it in line (to the movies with my honey).

And then after viewing the lastest creation of worldwide destruction, a hit in the nation,
I'll go home and stare at the wall till I fall asleep.....wake up and start it all over again.

Time To Stand UP and be Heard

2009-11-19T07:00:00.003-07:00

It's that time again (well, it was that time a while ago, but you know how it is....)

What's happening in my home......

In my kitchen....I bought myself a new tart pan for my birthday, and have been having fun making new things with it. This one is an Apple Tart with a Reduced Apple Glaze....this was YUMMY. I've also done a Pear Tart with Raspberry Glaze.
I've been channeling Julia Child lately. I want to make yummy beautiful things.
I have "Plan Thanksgiving Dinner" on my lists of things to do, and am so busy, that I've been putting it off. I've got to get to it soon! That being said, I've cleared almost everything off my ONE workspace in the kitchen...nothing has a permanent home there anymore and I LOVE that. Makes my kitchen feel cleaner than it did before. Not that it IS clean....still working on that part....

In my marriage......
Lightbulb moments all over the place in the last couple of weeks. The biggest one is that Loving someone doesn't have ANYTHING to do with whether or how they love you back. This has been an important concept for me :) And it's something that I have to remind myself of every day. And that things that are difficult for us, often provide us with an opportunity for growth.
Speaking of Mario, he's enjoying his new job...he really feels valued and that's important.

With the Children.....

Sophia tried out and was invited to be on Club Utah's Elite Volleyball Team (they've been to Junior Olympics the last two years, so it's a great, if not expensive, opportunity). We made lists of things for family home evening this week. One side was things we might like for Christmas, the other side was a LONGER list of things we were thankful for. She listed that she was thankful for young women leaders who kept bugging her to do what she KNEW she was supposed to do....I was shocked....and so impressed with her list....she could have listed so MANY things, but she chose that.

Alanna has been sick alot this past month. Mostly headaches, which seem to stem from separation anxiety. She feels that "six hours and fifteen minutes" is too long for her to be away from me.
We had tons of fun making and decorating our traditional Halloween cookies....Alanna likes to get VERY involved in her work, and was covered from head to toe by the time we finished.

Isabelle said to me the other day, "Mom, when I grow up will you tell me all the secrets?" I replied, "sure, Isa.....what secrets are those?" To which she said, "You know, all the secrets about how to be a good mom." Wow, did that make me feel good...she obviously thinks I know them, LOL. She helped make Apple Muffins the other day, and asked me yesterday how to sew on a button...which I showed her....since she was little she's talked about being a mom, and I think she'll be a great mom and homemaker. Unlike her mom who is a SHE (side-tracked home executive), Isa is BO (born organized).. She'll be awesome.

Ellie....She's gotten 100% on every spelling test she's taken so far this year. I'm so pleased...and she's reading James and the Giant Peach. It just thrills me that my kids are such fantastic readers...not that I can take any direct credit for it...it's not like I worked with them since they were little, but we do like to read. She is an interesting kid. So independent, and at the same time, so attached at the hip. She is doing AWESOME at her piano practicing. I think she's got a real ear for music.

I'm trying to do better at spending quality time with the little girls while the bigger ones are at school. I decided to tell them a story about Noah..I thought "I think I can remember all the details." So I commenced to tell them about how Heavenly Father told Noah to build a boat, and so Noah did, and then he put 2 of every animal on the boat..a boy and a girl...and then Heavenly Father told Noah to get his family on the boat and it started to rain. And it rained for 40 days and 40 nights and Noah and his family were safe on the boat. And then one day it stopped. And Noah sent a dove out several times until the bird brought back a tree branch, and Noah knew that they could leave the boat. The End. And Gabby turns to me and says, "Mom, you forgot about the Rainbow!" ......duh...

Sammie has been potty training...and when she does well, she turns to me and says, "Mom, you happy?" and I say "Yes, I'm happy!" This started because at one point she wasn't even trying, and I said, "Sammie, when you don't go on the potty it makes me so SAD." For the next week, she had almost NO accidents...and each time she went, she made sure that I was happy with her progress :)
As I'm posting this, she's saying..."Look, that's ME, in my beautiful costume," and flapping her "wings."

Around the homestead....
Still mucking out one things at a time. It's slow going, (especially this week!...but more on that later), but I'm trying. I'm making plans for a wonderful "Day after Thanksgiving"....we'll have a special breakfast, shop for our ornaments...our tradition is to let the kids pick out a new one each year....and decorate the tree. This will all need to happen before the Family Photos scheduled for that afternoon, and the festivities planned afterwards with the extended fam.

My business.......
I am developing classes for Scrapbook Dimensions Magazine, and the first one begins on Monday....it's been a good opportunity to stretch and grow, and find new abilities. It's also been stressful. I could have used more time to get it done, but my editor wanted it done yesterday, so I've been moving a LOT faster than I'm comfortable with, in addition to working alot more than I like to lately. But I'm excited about it. If you want to see my intro, you can check it out HERE.

My Inner Man.....
I had the opportunity to attend "Time Out for Women" with my mom and some of my sisters. What an enlightening and spiritual experience. There were many tears as I listened to the presenters, and moments when we were rolling on the floor. It was truly therapeutic and I learned so much about myself as a woman and Daughter of God. Answers to things I'd struggled with for YEARS, with regards to my roll as a woman and Mom....I hope to get the chance to go again...it was life-changing, and hopefully I can maintain my momentum.

It's calling to me....

2009-11-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

I get this newsletter that has this in it, and since it reminded me, I'm going to post again...feeling very productive this week!

What’s happening in my home?…………….
In my kitchen…trying to organize, create a launch pad, and figure out dinner....left-overs are screaming to be used, but the fam will be screaming about left-overs..what a dilemma.
With our marriage…realized that although I've been worrying about the kind of woman I could be if my spouse loved me the way I need to be loved, I SHOULD be thinking about the kind of man HE could be if I loved HIM better.....
With the children.. Needing to schedule some one on one time with each of them....having some issues with a few of them....one's got "divatude," one's having trouble with telling the truth, and one potty training....the other three are about normal...
Around the homestead… very, very slowly reclaiming my home from the clutter and chaos. Got a shelf, cupboard, and counter cleaned in the kitchen this morning, and all the books put in a locked cabinet, because the dog devours them...literally, and got my room vacuumed and the shelf cleaned off...yeah! Baby steps, but still steps!
In my “Inner Man”…..Realized that LOVING doesn't have a thing to do with whether or not we are loved in return....a-ha!

Feelin' good.

Found this fun little run down...thought I'd try it.

2009-11-01T07:24:00.000-07:00

Two posts in 3 days...I KNOW. But I found this little ditty and decided to give it a try....

What’s happening in my home……?

In my kitchen…Yesterday was cornbread, cream-filled spiderweb frosted cupcakes (courtesy of Sophie), pumpkin shaped sugar cookies, decorated with candy corn and chocolate chips...Oooh, I'll have to post photos! Today's fast sunday, so nothing going at the moment....

With our marriage…mmmm, we spent some time working together yesterday....

With the children… ... dressed up "halloween" for school Friday morning, for the neighborhood trunk-or-treat Friday evening, and again Saturday after noon for the traditional Trick or Treating..(ugh :) Wish we could all get it done and over with in one night....

Around the homestead… mouse infestation in the garage...began cleaning out and setting traps...checked the 72 hour kits, and although walked on (yuck) there was no evidence of them getting inside, thank goodness. THEN somebody got a bee in his bonnet because the buddy neighbor was laying some cement on the sides of his driveway so he didn't have to park on the grass anymore, and since we've been talking about putting cement in on the north side because it's always a swamp in the summer, all of a sudden it had to happen NOW....spent the rest of the day until TOT time, prepping that mess!

In my “Inner Man” ....Read my scriptures most days this week, and to Gabby and Samm, too.....that's progress.

Thanks for indulging me...

I know, I know.....

2009-10-30T21:43:00.000-06:00

I feel so guilty! I struggle to keep up, and this blog gets forgotten....

Updates? Mario found a job in September...he likes it and they like him. It works out good.
Sophia (or Sophie as she calls herself this year) is wrapping up the volleyball season....first year of a BRAND NEW HIGH SCHOOL! and they're going to state championships in volleyball next weekend!! I'm so proud of her...she's grown by leaps and bounds.

Alanna is working away at spanish, and piano. All the kids have been sick with colds this week (thank heaven not swine flu) and have been home from school, so we have some catching up to do.

Isabelle is so funny! She "designed" a cat costume for Halloween and it was really well thought out. She is taking piano also and loves it.

Elizabeth...the perpetual princess. She is fun....growing so much and becoming such a good reader....she's a sweet little thing.

Gabby....loves to help me cook and read. She asked me to sing the angel song from Christmas this afternoon as we were preparing for naps...I finally figured out she meant "Angels We Have Heard On High". I've only sung it 7 times since then....and pulled out a Christmas CD so she could listen to it there. She asked me what "forgive" meant the other day...she's just three, and I was surprised.

Sammie...she's is a little spitfire. But a good-natured one. The other day I was cooking and started tapping my forehead, saying "thinking, thinking" and she said, "I know, Mom!" and I said 'You do?' and she said "yep, Van Gogh".....then she laughed and said "I'm so funny." You gotta love that.

I've had some new opportunities come my way recently...I'm still designing and selling my products online, and recently began contributing to an online magazine. You can see my latest article HERE. It's a fun area that I'm enjoying exploring.

I wish I could say that I'll get better at updating, but really, I'm sure it won't be long before I'm lost again, trying to keep my head above water. But I can say I'll try :)

Fasten your seatbelt...it's gonna be a long ride....

2009-07-03T08:46:00.010-06:00

Ok, first of all, I have to offer a disclaimer.....this is going to be long, and it's not going to be chronological....the photos are not going to be retouched (cause if I take time to retouch, or put them in order, I'll never get this posted and I need it to get it off my back.) So basically, you take my post, like you have to take me right now...AS-IS, with no warranty, implied or otherwise.

This first pic is of my kiddos. We were in St. George (more on that later) and my friend and fellow designer, Alisha of One Memory At A Time, took some AWESOME pictures of our family...they turned out fantastic! THANK YOU, Alisha!!! It was not easy to find a field of wildflowers on the only weekend in spring break history that St. George saw snow (I don't really know if it's the ONLY one), but she did.

This is the same kiddos running through the field....they had a really great time!

This is a layout of the devil dog (Van Gogh)...he was a major deterrent to the success of our garden this year. Happily, he's in obedience classes now, and we're seeing SOME progress.

Sammie, helping herself (a regular thing). She's going to be two in September. She loves, LOVES to sing...her favorites are I am a Child of God, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Jesus Loves Me...she can sing them beginning to end, and it's fun to hear her little lisp.

Here's Isa...on Easter. She's lost both of her front teeth since then, so she looks a little different. Haven't gotten a pic of that yet...but I should. Maybe tomorrow..it's a BIG picture taking day for me, so hopefully I'll get that one in. She's fun and STILL my best worker. She's funny and most of the time a real JOY to be around.

We celebrated Samuel Owen's Birthday this year with a Birthday Party. The kids and I made cupcakes and talked about him...wondering what he'd look like, how old he'd be, etc. It was a nice way to remember him.

This is from our visit to St. George. Our very first FAMILY VACATION. WOW. It was fun...stressful, but fun. Of course, you know me...all about the scenery, but I thought this one was particularly amazing.

Gabby on Memorial Day. Loved the angle on this one...too bad she always has a runny nose...poor kid. She's graduated into DEFINITE 3 year old antics, but she's still so much fun and one of my best buds.

Visiting the Cemetary....

Ellie and Dad preparing the garden. We actually increased our garden size this year...we're 4x as big as we were last year...unfortunately the dog ate our first 2 attempts, so we got stuff in late and we'll see how it goes...next year we'll do better (we've finally put up fencing around it, LOL.

Alanna was in a big Spanish Immersion Dance Festival the end of May...Isn't she pretty? She did a GREAT job dancing and it was fun to watch her....unfortunately I didn't get a good pic of her dancing...Mario got stuck at work, and so I had two little ones on my lap while I was trying to take pictures.

A reminder each evening of the presence of a higher being. I am SO grateful for the beginnings and the endings. Sometimes they really keep me going.

Gabby and Ellie celebrated their 3rd and 6th birthdays. They went to dinner with mom and dad and had cupcakes with the cousins the following Sunday.

Sometimes I can be grateful that they don't look like me.

Mario and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary in April. He took me to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point, where we walked around and took pictures...lots of fun!

Part of our stay in St. George was spent in Zion's National Park...the first time there for all of us. We hiked the Pa'rus Trail...the only one that allows strollers and dogs. The kids had a wonderful time, and I was just grateful that I wasn't the one ready to turn back first.

Van Gogh made a friend on the Pa'rus Trail...Dakota. Van Gogh is the one sporting a bandana.

Again at Zions....Aren't they cute?

This is Mel and Ellie....Mel's fam and ours went to the park while they were here in May. I know Mel is really hard on her "suitability" as a mom....but I have to say...How many moms would do this???? Certainly not me..so KUDOS to MEL!

I don't think I really need to explain this....those of you who know her, won't need any explanation.

The girls on easter....where is Sophia? She's pulling a "don't take MY picture".

Some kids play Legos, some kids play sports. My kids play Statue of Liberty, LOL....they all took turns this day dressing up as Lady Liberty. So funny.

Van Gogh is no longer this little puppy. He's 50 lbs at last check and a LUG...but a lovable one.

A beginning, for which I'm continually thankful.

Sophia went to Prom in May, and although the wedding has been cancelled, she got some good pics out of it.

WOW! Thanks for hanging in here this long.

Me? I'm still selling my Digital scrapbooking products and keeping the homefires burning. Well, ok, they burn out every once in a while, but I'm doing better most of the time.
One last note. Anybody know of a good job anywhere? Mario was "let go" on Tuesday rather suddenly. We're lookin' if anybody knows of anything.

LOVE you all!

2009-03-28T21:16:00.002-06:00

Time to update again, I know....can't seem to keep up, but I'm hoping that some recent changes will make a difference. This is Alanna....Mario chose flowers for each of the girls for Valentine's day, telling them qualities of the flowers that reminded him of them (thanks to an AWESOME idea from the Achievement Days Leaders in our ward.) Alanna received the Hawaiian Hibiscus...she's exotic, unique flower, whose red petals symbolize courage to the country of Malaysia where it reins as the national flower. Alanna is a little mama to the younger girls....I appreciate all her help when things are crazy!

Isa was given Plumeria, a fragrant and beautiful flower....it escapes me at the moment why Mario chose that particular one for her.....She's doing really well in school, and other than the occasional whiny spell, is a real fun girl to have around.

Mario chose the Orchid for Ellie, because he said the flower reminded him of a princess...and that's what Ellie is. She's growing alot right now. We've had some teaching opportunities lately, and hope the lessons are embedding themselves in her heart and mind. She's a sweet girl.

Gabby...my fearless girl. She received a Day Lily for VTDay, but I thought this photo of her doing the bunny hop was so funny, I decided to include it instead. She's been obsessed with bearing her testimony lately, and the two "in church" attempts have failed miserably. She's been practicing at night with Ellie, while they're supposed to be sleeping, and said to me the other night when I was tucking her in, "Mom, I'm ready to bear my testimony." I said, "ok, let me hear it!" and she did! It was 5 or 6 sentences long, and very impressive for a kid of 2 1/2. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for her!

Mario gave Sophia an Amaryllis because the bloom easily and boldly. That definitely describes Sophia. She's been working out with the track team, working towards getting her driving permit, and preparing to turn in an application for her first real job! It's CRAZY having a 16 year old. She's a good girl and has been an amazing help during this nutso time.

Then there's Sammie Joy. Sunshine in it's purest form. I can't keep her in the house...she slips out every chance she gets. Her vocabulary is pretty impressive...her most used expressions lately are "no," "it's mine," "pen da dough" (open the door) which she screams whenever she wants anything from the door to a bag opened. She says her prayers now, which is a fun thing...and is doing some of her business on the potty. What a girl!

Van Gogh is big, he's huge, he's chewing on everything! He's done pretty well at learning not to jump on people, at least until they talk to him, and then he considers them free game. We weighed him the other day and he was just shy of 30 lbs. We got him 7 weeks ago at 5 lbs...AMAZING!

This is Mario rocking Van Gogh to sleep. Unfortunately, recently, they've hit a speed bump in their relationship. Van Gogh had been naughty and had been disciplined, and when Mario went to pick him up to take him to his kennel for the night, Van Gogh snapped at his face. Mario was pretty mad. I don't know if they'll recover, but I hope so, cause I'm tired of being the go between for them.

Me? Well, I came to a hard decision this past week, and decided to close 2 of my stores down, and remain exclusively at GoDigitalScrapbooking. It will mean 1/3 of the time spent advertising, and 1/3 of the stress. I'm kinda looking forward to that. Now that I've actually made the decision, I'm wondering why I didn't come to it earlier. The picture of Gabby is made with my most recent release, My Heart Sings, which was used this week for the 4th and Final round in the Supreme Team contest. Mario, Van Gogh and Sophia's pictures are made with Lil' Dreamer, which I think has been my highest grossing kit so far. Anyway, I love designing. I love having things come together, and seeing what people can do with them. And the money doesn't hurt either.

I'm kinda a hermit right now...probably the anxiety stuff, but I sure appreciate all those who keep up with us through this blog, and bless us with their love, friendship and support! You are loved and THANK YOU for being YOU!

Way too long.....

2009-02-12T13:53:00.008-07:00

I can't believe it's been since the middle of December that I posted! My other blog gets plenty of posts (although not as many as it should probably).

So much news! Mario finally got his boy! Before you say anything about "we thought Jenn wouldn't be able to stop" check out the pic of said bouncing baby boy.....

He is adorable, energetic and definitely TROUBLE!! We're having fun with him, though. He's pretty darn lovable.

This picture is why we will NOT be trying for a boy after 6 girls...can you IMAGINE???? Those girls would have him in dressups all the time!

We've celebrated many events in the last couple of months! Alanna turned 8 years old....she asked for her own quad and bag...

She was also baptized...it was a crazy day...Alanna's baptism in the morning, and her cousin Kobe's baptism at noon. Crazy Day, indeed!

Sophia turned 16, SIXTEEN! Do you believe it? She's going on her first "DATE" this weekend....should be interesting....I can't be old enough to have a 16 year old, can I?

Gabby learned to make faces and tells me "mom, go get the camera, I'm going to do something funny!"

Isa turned 7 years old last week. She asked for a journal and some books...pretty easy to please if you ask me!

The first day back to school after getting the dog, Sammie got into Alanna's paints (that were supposed to have been confiscated for being left around the house....I very nearly went to pieces!

I've also been conducting scientific experiments....like, if I only sweep ONCE a day, how much garbage will accumulate??? It's not pretty....

Through it all I'm reminded that the sun still rises (photo SOOC). How can anyone doubt the presence of a higher being? I don't know. It seems like my lowest days have been followed by the most glorious sunrises. A reminder of the promise that He is there and He is with me.

Well, this is my long overdue update. I may actually get around to doing again sometime.

We;ve been good, but we can't last! Hurry Christmas, hurry fast!!

2008-12-16T14:18:00.003-07:00

Finished the front page of our family newsletter, and then I'll print all our news from the year on the back. I had tons of fun with these darling baubles by Irene V. Alexeeva.

It was fun....rushed home from church on Sunday and threw up a length of black fabric over a desk in the kitchen in front of the sliding glass doors and made the kids line up and get their pictures taken before they changed out of their Sunday clothes. Everybody did GREAT except for Sammie...poor thing was discovered to have a fever later on in the day...no wonder she looked so miserable! Then I made Mario come in a get a pictures taken with me....let's just say that the kids were CAKE in comparision, LOL!

I'll update soon with more little nuggets of news!

The Saga Continues......

2008-12-02T11:07:00.005-07:00

Yes, I know...it's been a while.

Where to begin? Ah....well, after having a series of health issues, I (hopefully) capped it off by breaking my toe. And before you all think I'm a wimp, ....I wasn't going to go to the doctor...Mario made me. And we found out that it was a pretty bad break and that I'd also done some damage to my foot. I was given the option of surgery, to put a pin in it, or to suffer through a "retraction" which was less invasive???? and wait 6 weeks to see if I was in the 80% of people who were "fixed" or the 20% who had to go on and have the surgery anyway. I, of course, opted for the "wait and see." I'm now just over 2 weeks into my 6 week wait.....I'm tired of being crippled, LOL.

Anyway, although this has eclipsed my life, I actually do have other exciting things happening. In mid-October I opened my second "Dancing Princess Designs" store at one of my favorite places in the cyber world...GoDigitalScrapbooking.com and I LOVE being a part of things there! Anyway, enough about me...

Mario's working hard and enjoying his new company....it seems to have been a GREAT change for him. He's been doing crazy things like moving all of our furniture around, to minimize the chances that I'll kick furniture again, and moving the outside fridge in, and the inside fridge out. Next on the honey do list? Bringing in all the Christmas decorations, setting up the tree, and swapping out the dishwasher!

The kids? Yes, I still have them!

Sammie Sidewinder is definitely the cutest little caboose ever. She's learned to say "please" and will SCREAM it in rapid succession until what she wants is bestowed upon her. She's is picking her nose at this very moment and watching Dora...TOO CUTE (ok, it won't be so cute next year, but for the moment...)

Gabby is little miss VERY TWO. She's contrary and competitive and so much fun...she LOVES puzzles and will chose to play with them over just about anything else. She still loves her Lovey and drags it everywhere we let her. She is my big helper, and every evening when kitchen jobs are assigned, she always pipes up and says "What's my job, mom?"

Then there's the three musketeers. I am THRILLED that Ellie's taken to reading the same way Isa did, and Alanna before her. They are all READERS and spend bunches of time each day reading....if only we had a library....I can't keep them in books!!! Here they are, chowing down on Thanksgiving....and they say BOYS eat a lot!

And then there's Fia....although the "teenage snarl face" is appearing less and less as she matures, you can see I caught it pretty good here. We went as a family and had rootbeer floats one night...the kids had a great time!

Maybe I'll actually do better at blogging regularly in the new year.....and maybe not, LOL!

Hubby Tag

2008-10-21T07:10:00.004-06:00

1. Where did you meet? At a dance club. I came home from a very non eventful dinner date and decided since Sophia was spending the night at mom's, that I would go out and do something. I was just heading out the door of the club (I hated going places myself then...now I can't wait to get out the door by myself) when Mario stopped me and asked me to dance.

2. How long did you date before you got married? Do I have to answer this one? Oh, OK. 6 weeks. There...are you happy now? LOL

3. How long have you been married? It will be 9 years in April...time flies.

4. What does he do that surprises you? Holds my hand while we're watching tv or movies.

5.What is your favorite feature of his? His lips. Not that I know the pleasure of their presence nearly enough, but every once in a while when the snoring stops, and I glance over to make sure he's still alive, I remember how much I like them.

6. What is your favorite quality of his? His conquering attitude. When he decides something is going to happen, he works relentlessly to make it happen.

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Honey Bunny

8. What is his favorite color? Blue, blue and more blue.

9. What is his favorite food? Rice, french fries, and french bread. Preferably all at the same time. And while you're at it, throw in a side of beef. He has discovered a new food love this summer, though. Big Stick Popsicles.....I can't keep him stocked! LOL

11. What is his favorite sport? Do I have to pick just one? He LOVES football, soccer, and basketball. He enjoys gymnastics, and volleyball, and has even been known to tolerate baseball in a pinch.

12. When and where was your first kiss? In the parking lot of my apartment 1 1/2 weeks after we met.

13. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Watch a movie, probably.

14. Do you have any children? 6 girls, one angel.

15. Does he have a hidden talent? He's a great cook.

16. How old is he? 43...but he'll never admit it.

17. Who said "I love you" first? He did.

18. What do you admire most about him? He has tenacity in spades. He's a real go getter.

19.Do you think he will read this? Eventually, but only if I don't ask him to. Because then he might feel like I'm telling him what to do and he HATES that LOL!

Be Still My Soul....

2008-09-21T14:48:00.005-06:00

My brother complained to my mom the other day that my blog wasn't fun anymore. (Pierced me to the heart). That it was just full of scrapbooking stuff. (He may have a point). So I have resolved....to find more humor in my life. Believe me it's been rough lately. So...I'm going to attempt to fill you in on the latest doings of the princesses, and maybe along the way, we'll find a few laughs.
First of all, I don't think I've mentioned that Sophia made the Sophomore Volleyball Team at the High School! Yeah Sophia!! She's new to the sport but learning really fast and doing GREAT! She's been busy beyond belief the last two weekends. Last week, her school hosted a Tournament and she had to work from the end of school until 10:30pm on Friday, and then 7am-7pm on Saturday. This week she was IN the tournament. Long hours again Friday and Saturday. Last night after her last game, Christy took us out to dinner. Sophia and Maddie (her friend who was with us) didn't have clothes to change into so they were just in their uniforms. You would not BELIEVE the looks they got from old men at the restaurant and in the parking lot. CREEPY!! That's not gonna happen again. I had a REALLY great action shot in here, but just realized that it showed too much info....oh well.

Gabby the fearless. She and Sammie and I have been walking the other girls to school in the mornings, and then stopping at the park on the way home. Gabby started climbing up this little jungle gym thing, and I sat down on the ground to get some GREAT pics with an interesting POV...my friend Liz always takes such interesting pictures with fantastic POV's. Anyway, this shot was taking just moments before Gabby climbed to the next rung up, and THREW her legs off the side and was hanging there...six feet off the ground. Liz asked me later if I'd snapped a pic before I jumped up to help her...darn. She's a lot of fun. She was just sitting next to me and had lined up all her little people and was counting them. I found a giraffe and stuck it on the end of the line..."MOM, that's not a PEOPLE!!!" Ooops.
Ellie, forever the princess. Climbed up on the rocks and yelled for me to come take a picture...I was stuck there a good long time, while children and cousins alike got their photo taken. Ellie is in kindergarten. It's been fun! Her teacher LOVES her! Apparently, she's very focused and obedient when at school. I had to laugh on the first day.....I was waiting for school to get out to pick her up and saw her come out of the kindergarten door all by herself. A second later the teacher came running out..."Ellie it's not time to leave yet." Ellie responded, "it's ok, my mom's already here." Teacher: "Ellie, you need to come back in!" Ellie: "Look, my mom's right there!" Anyway, I was thrilled to have Ellie be the last one out the door when the class finally left. I have high hopes that she will learn to blend in better with all her royal subjects.

Alanna...she's so funny. She's having to actually WORK for the first time in her whole little life to accomplish something....it's definitely wearing on her! She's started Spanish Immersion and although it is tiring (and they told us to expect that it would be) it is also FANTASTIC FUN! I'm so excited for her to learn! She's growing and still loves to read...I catch her with a book in her hands ALL THE TIME! If I can't find her..she's usually hiding out up on the bunkbed under a blanket reading.

We had fun up the canyon on Friday, even though the skies were VERY threatening and rain was about everywhere except the little spot of ground we were on. Isa had a great time playing with Leesa, Uncle Andrew's special friend (who fit in GREAT with the fam). She's coming into her own and loves school...and is thrilled to report 10 our of 10 each week on her spelling...she's a real "go getter" and I rarely have to remind her to do her homework.

And then there's Sammie. Hard to believe she's been around a whole year, as I glance over my shoulder at her going through my wallet throwing my drivers license and credit cards under the bed. Oh, what a year. Thank HEAVEN it is over. It's been a rough one. We celebrated her birthday in the canyon Friday (as previously mentioned) in a combined "Andrew is visiting with his girlfriend from out of state" and "1st birthday party" bash. It was a great time! The leaves hadn't really turned yet in the little spot we were at, lower in the canyon (for weather reasons), and for that I was a bit disappointed because I wanted to get some fun pictures, but the trees and mountains were still beautiful and there was a peace there. Well, other than the naturally occurring family drama that well....NATURALLY occurs at these events. We really missed Mel, and her brood, too.

If anyone has any extra prayers to offer, I have a friend in South Africa whose only daughter is currently in a coma as a result of an accident. She could sure use 'em.

Life has been hard lately. Don't know if that's the natural result (opposition) of accomplishing goals or what. Mario started a new job in July (turned out to be a great move), and I opened my store for Dancing Princess Designs at DigitalScrapGarden the first of September, I've actually had a few sales! But there's a lot of stress and not as much support as I'd hoped for (to some people it's still just a "hobby"). So what do I do? I don't know. I guess take a little advice from my friend "Dory" (Finding Nemo). I "just keep swimmin, just keep swimmin', just keep swimmin', swimmin', swimmin'"....well you know the rest.

Rollin', rollin', rollin'......

2008-08-19T11:13:00.006-06:00

Lots going on as always. This LO was made with my Week Four Kit "Springtime Serenade". You can get the kit for free by clicking on the preview and VOTING!! I made the LO for the Quote Challenge over at DigitalScrapGarden. All images are clickable for credit/product info.

This LO was also made for a challenge.Muma over at GoDigitalScrapbooking issued a challenge to do an "Art Journal" page. I do a lot of my journaling in letter form, so even though it maybe doesn't follow "traditional" journaling, it's what works for me.

We had a fabulous time over at our family Pioneer Day celebration. This layout details the traditional "Eat a Cricket" ceremony...and YES, Gabby did actually eat it.

This LO was made for another challenge at DigitalScrapGarden...Mojo asked us to make a LO about where we live. I used my friend, Liz's fantastic French Countryside Kit.

I finally got around to scrapping Alanna's first day of Kindergarten. I tell you what, I don't know that it got any easier the second and now third time around.

This is one of my favorites, probably because it's so different from my usual LO's. This was a fun, fun kit to work with. I made it for Veronica's Quote Challenge at GoDigitalScrapbooking.

And last but not least is this LO showing off our garden produce. We're not "serious gardeners" but it's been fun to see things growing. The kids love it and they plants are Mario's babies. More later I'm sure, and if you would, GO VOTE for my Week Four Kit "Springtime Serenade." Thanks!!

Great Balls of Fire!!

2008-08-08T09:42:00.007-06:00

Boy have things been busy. I feel like I can hardly keep up some days...

Check out Dancing Princess Designs (link on the sidebar) to see my Week Three Entry for the DigitalScrapGarden The Garden's Got Talent Contest. We had a fun teal/grey palette to work with and a theme of "Days of Winter." So don't forget to check out "Winter Rhapsody" (Sophia came up with the name...AWESOME, eh?) and VOTE for Week Three starting Sunday August 10th. The layout at the top is made with Winter Rhapsody.

Here are my recent layouts: (all clickable for product info)

The kids had a great time at our family Pioneer Day celebration....they really enjoyed the water party as you can see above....Sophia switched back and forth between "hunter" and "hunted" once the water balloons came out.

This one of the girls (2 years ago) that I made using my Autumn's Whisper (Week Two Entry).

I'm finally getting around to scrapping some older photos. This is Ellie doing the toilet thing. I used a new release by One Memory At A Time for this and the next one.

Alanna's ear piercing experience on her birthday, December 21, 2006.

I have a challenge posted at GoDigitalScrapbooking that asks for participants to make a layout about "Who I am." I figured I'd better do a layout for my own challenge and used a kit I made called Wedgewood (featured in a post on DancingPrincessDesigns last week).

Do Not Disturb features Isa making chalk masterpieces 3 years ago. This shot was CLASSIC Isa, and I finally got around to doing something with it.

My Week 1 assignment at GoDigitalScrapbooking was their awesome collab kit "Nature's Breath." I had taken this photo of Mario last week, and thought it would be the perfect showcase for the theme I was going for. Ain't he cute?

Gabby's "Lovey" deserved a special LO....hopefully she won't still have it when she gets married and will someday appreciate her unique relationship with this little stuffed kitty that Ellie gave her for Christmas 2 years ago.

And last but not least, Sammie. Poor girl's been sick with a cold, but she still had a smile Sunday when I pulled out the camera. She's a great girl!! (This kit is another new release by One Memory At A Time....that girl is a machine...she cranks out so many AWESOME kits one after the other. If you're into digital...check her out!!)

Truthfully, they are all great girls. And did I mention I can't WAIT for school to start?

More soon!

On you mark, get set, GOOOOOO!

2008-08-03T06:47:00.003-06:00

OK, ya'll, Week Two of the "Garden's Got Talent" contest has begun, and I need your votes!!! I REALLY need your votes to continue on in the competition!!! So if you love me at all, or even like me a little bit.....or just want a free kit....RUN, do not walk, over to the Garden and VOTE for my Autumn's Whisper Kit (preview is a couple of posts down), and you, YES YOU, can download the kit for FREEEEEEEE!!! Thanks everybody for your support! You are GREAT!!!

Thanks, and see you soon!!

(Yes, you have seen this before....sorry, but I NEED votes, which means that I'm doubling up on the blogs, trying to gather all the support I can...thanks for humoring me!)

Week Two Submission.....Autumn's Whisper

2008-07-29T22:23:00.005-06:00

Well, I finished my kit for Week Two of the DigitalScrapGarden competition....voting will start on August 3rd, so remember to go vote! Don't be shy...leave me feedback! The picture is clickable and will take you to vote! Thanks for looking....

OH, and download links to get this kit for free will be available once voting starts!

I need every vote I can get!!!

2008-07-27T12:30:00.006-06:00

If you've already visited my Dancing Princess Designs blog, thanks for bearing with me. (And look at it as a reminder to go vote, if you haven't already). For everyone else....

Ok so, FUNNY story. Yesterday I came across this cute little site called Digital Scrap Garden and as I'm wandering through I find this Designer Contest announcement....the only problem is that they'd just started voting on their first round. Well, since the closing date for the first round hadn't come yet, I emailed and asked if they were still accepting participants. They said sure, and so for the next 4 HOURS I worked feverishly to put something together with the color palette provided for round one of the competition. My husband and kids were AWESOME and took over the household while I sequestered myself in my "thinking/doing" space. I finished and am pretty happy with what I was able to LITERALLY throw together. The thing is I NEED YOUR VOTES TO WIN! If you love me (thanks, family who don't give two hoots about digiscrapping), or if you like what I've designed, please PLEASE go and vote for my kit. There will be four rounds, so check back each week, and I'll post the preview of my kit, and the link to go vote (certainly if you like another kit more than mine, FOLLOW your heart...I just won't ever speak to you again LOL). The preview is clickable, and the voting on round one ENDS FRIDAY AUG 1st! My Kit is on the page as j_camargo6 and looks like this....

Thanks for reading my blog and remember....VOTE FOR JENN!!!
P.S. I've posted the link for the kit at Digital Scrap Garden and you can get it for FREE! Just click on the picture above and it will take you there!

Life is CRAZY!!

2008-07-25T19:57:00.006-06:00

It's amazing how fast life passes....but that doesn't seem to lessen the insanity of it. We've been doing lots of new things...Mario started a new job last week on Monday. It will be a good thing, but it's always hard starting something new. He's still downtown, so commuting. The kids are having a summer. Unfortunately, we haven't done much, because Mario hasn't been able to take time off, and I'm not about to try to take them anywhere on my own. Well, in my defense, I'm trying to get my courage up to take them to the petting zoo next week.

Sophia competed her two volleyball camps and is looking forward to tryouts, the second week of August. She had a great time at girls camp and is having fun with her friends in the neighborhood.

Alanna vasilates between being excited about Spanish Immersion and fear that it will be too hard. She's growing tall and learning alot....she reads voraciously and if I can't find her...I can count on her being tucked away somewhere reading two or three books.

Isabelle switched roommates....she's now downstairs with Alanna...I'm not sure if this is a good thing yet or not. The intent was that she would hopefully rub off with her neat freak ways on Alanna. Instead there has been an exhibition of roller derby queen behavior. On both of their parts. Not sure how I'm going to deal with that yet.

Elizabeth now shares a room with Gabby. Again, the jury is out on whether or not it was a good move. She is so excited to start Kindergarten in a few weeks. She's reading some and doing some fun math. It will be fun to see how she takes to school.

Gabby is growing and talking like a maniac. She's also fiercely independent. Insists on putting her own seatbelt on, putting her own shoes on, doing everything for herself. Saturday, she wanted a popsicle, and Mario told her no. A while later we went looking for her because she'd disappeared and found her in the kitchen eating a popsicle, cut open at both ends and dripping. The scissors were sitting on the counter (where she had put them after retreaving them from the box ON TOP of the fridge. She'd even put the chair back after using it to climb up there. The girl is TROUBLE with a capitol T!!

Sammie's growing like crazy. She is crawling, and cruising along the furniture, and she's thinking about walking here soon. She flirts and plays with people everywhere we go. She's a fun girl. A smarty too.

(The following images are clickable for credit information)
Here are some of the LO's I've made since my last post:

This one was for a "Swap" with an online friend...she scrapped my photos and I did hers.

Independence Day!

2008-07-11T22:07:00.008-06:00

It was a beautiful 4th! We missed most of our traditional balloon launch (my favorite part of the day, sniff) and then enjoyed a pleasant breakfast with family. It was lovely weather in the morning, and was a beautiful day overall!

This one is a desktop LO I did for the GDS Decorate your Desktop Challenge.

And I love this photo. This was taken at the Balloon Launch July 4th Morning. Gabby's so cute, isn't she!

Anyway, be sure to check out my Dancing Princess Designs link to the right>>>>>!

Here's a few other things I've been up to......

Have a great day!

What I've been up to...

2008-06-25T20:01:00.004-06:00

Take the Quiz here!

Interesting little quiz.

It's been a BUSY, BUSY week. Pages follow.....

I made this page for a challenge at GoDigitalScrapbooking.com. Everything on the page was made by myself, except the ribbon which is one of Amyleigh Fennell's from her Little Star Kit that we used in round 2 of the Supreme Team Contest.

Journaling: There is no peace more wonderful that the peace we enjoy when faith shows us God in all created things. Jean-Pierre de Caussde

I'm thrilled to say that I "dropped" one of the teams I was on. It was taking too much time, and I needed to reduce the load. So now I'm on the GDS team and the OneMemoryAtATime team. I love both of them and am having a great time!

The American Dream

2008-06-19T17:06:00.006-06:00

Journaling:

Independence Day is a big deal in our family. Almost as big as Christmas. The kids start talking about it as soon as spring comes and the promise of warm weather whispers in the air. They look forward to it, counting the days down. The morning begins early, earlier than the sun, as we dress, piling into the car in the pre-dawn light for the drive down to the premiere events of the day. The Freedom Festival Balloon Launch is the high point. The air is cool enough to enjoy, and though popular, there is still room for personal reflection, pondering the importance of the day. As the flag is raised and the wave of voices recite the beloved “Pledge of Allegience” my heart always swells and my eyes tear. I see tears in your eyes, too. Surrounded by family and friends, who then head up to the canyon where we make breakfast and greet more family and talk, and talk, and talk. The stream burbles, the leaves rustle in the breeze and the spirit of the day envelopes us. We are free. We can worship as we choose. We have opportunities above and beyond. We live and breathe the American Dream.

I am so looking forward to the 4th of July. I can't wait to be with my family (all of them), and feel the spirit of the day....I really can't wait. It's been fun to scrap these pictures (finally!!!) after three years. It was also a thrill to have the bracket finally installed by my own handyman husband on our home, and fly our flag there for the first time on Flag Day June 14.

These were both made with this amazing new kit by One Memory At A Time called Yankee Doodle found here: http://www.godigitalscrapbooking.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=2266

It's coming!!! The 4th of July will be here in 15 days!!!!

Dudes With Attitude

2008-06-17T20:49:00.003-06:00

My assignment this week, was Dudes With Attitude by HollyAnn at http://godigitalscrapbooking.com/

I don't have many dudes (although plenty of attitude) at my house. Nat loaned me pictures of Jason on his new bike for one of these layouts (Thanks Nattie).

The other one I altered the colors on to fit my christmas layout.

Journaling: Twas noontime Christmas day n’ all through the place,new toys, happy voices, and food filled each space. Dad was computing in his software glory, Mom was cleaning up (this is a true story) When suddenly mom,, with that 6th sense she has, started asking "hey, anybody seen Gabb? It seems really quiet and that's downright spooky. I wonder what's happenin' that kid's kinda kooky." She hollered at Dad, and said, "Honey I need you...I can't find the toddler...I'm thinking we NEED TO!"They looked high and low, looked downstairs then up, then rounding the corner, Mom stopped and Dad bumped. Soundly asleep, and snoring, quite frankly, Was sweet little Gabby, mischevious baby. Covered in chocolate, in a crazed fit, she'd raided the stockings and eaten all of it. Mom whispered, "that turkey, I'll run grab the camera." Dad said, I need video! I'm right behind ya. They snapped and recorded from every side till mom said, I'm done, my braincells are fried. Then they cleaned up the carpet, the stockings, the baby. And Dad said, "this kid, will drive us all crazy" then putting her down for a nap (chocolate free), they chortled and giggled at naughty Miss Gabby.

Anyway, it was fun.

Princesses?

Well, they're all having a summer....mom's about ready for school to start again (like ready 2 weeks ago), but we're having fun going to the library, the park and on walks. I weaned Sammie a couple of weeks ago, and she's finally packing on the pounds. Becoming a serious chunk.

I promise I'll be writing more...soon as I catch my breath!

Today's Layouts

2008-06-13T22:58:00.005-06:00

I got my assignment for these yesterday, and turned 'em out pretty fast!!! Interesting, considering that it's not my usual style. Had a lot of fun...you can let me know what you think!

Isn't she so darn cute!

I couldn't get Ellie to look at me in these pictures....but I guess they tell the story anyway!

This kit was different for me, but a lot of fun. It's AmyLeigh Fennell's The Chick Collection: Trendy Chick found here: http://www.godigitalscrapbooking.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=2044

Anyway, I'll have Sophia's camp stories coming soon!

Making Music....

2008-06-11T15:29:00.004-06:00

My new assignment this week for GoDigitalScrapbooking was Andrea Gold's Making Music Addon...it was a lot of fun, although I find I like my "play" layouts better than the ones I do for assignments...what's up with that? Anyway, here they are, in "birth order":

Can't wait to see what's next...

Introducing.....

2008-06-09T07:48:00.005-06:00

The newest addition to the OneMemoryAtATime Store: Black Tie!! A great kit for formal layouts!

You can find it here: http://www.godigitalscrapbooking.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=2199

And I finally got Alanna's First Layout to upload.....FINALLY!!! (See last post for more info)

She chose Little Dreamers Vintage Dreams Retro Kit. She really had a great time, and I think she's hooked!

More to follow......

Busy, busy, busy

2008-06-08T21:37:00.005-06:00

It's been busy around here!! My kids have been complaining that I'm always on the computer...and they're right. Hopefully as I get the hang of posting the layouts (those responsibilites take longer than making the layouts!!) it will calm down. Here's what I've been up to:

These LO's were both made with Designing Moments June Collab Kit "Summer Breeze" found here: http://www.designing-moments.net/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=616

It's lots of sunny fun!

This one was made with the GoDigitalScrapbooking June Collab Kit "Fathers Day" found here:

http://www.godigitalscrapbooking.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=2135

This kit is gorgeous as wells, full of blues and browns and masculine embellies. Perfect for dad, boy layouts!

Princess news:

Sophia leaves for Girls Camp tomorrow. It's been touch and go as to whether she would actually go (personality conflicts :-) but she's finally showing some excitement. Thank goodness...it's such a great experience I'd hate for her to miss it.

Alanna made her first layout this week. She had complete creative control...she chose the kit, chose the elements and where she wanted them...I just plopped them for her. I wanted to upload it here so you could all see, but it wasn't cooperating.....Maybe next time. It was a lot of fun and the other kids are in line waiting for their turn to try it.

Isabelle and her sisters finished their soccer this week. It is bittersweet. It's been so fun to have them involved in something and see them learn and grow, but the run around is a killer. She got bit by something on the back of her calf and it swelled up to the size of a tennis ball!! It's been a little scary, but is showing improvement.

Ellie, as well as the rest of the girls, has fallen in love with the neighbors kittens and I hear nothing but whining and begging for a cat...I have just one thing to say..."NO WAY." I have enough life forms depending on me as it is.

Gabby is showing her true colors...she is a TURKEY!! I was gardening this week and the girls were supposed to be watching Gabby. I came into the kitchen to find it RANSACKED. Cereal and garbage all over the floor, and Gabby sitting in the pantry on top of the garbage can.... Oh, and she's figured out how to open the child locks. Nobody else can get them open, but it's a piece of cake for her.

Sammie...she is soo fun. My sis said the other day, "she's so little, but her personality is sooo big" and it's true. There's something about her. She engages people. They just can't help responding to her. I was in line at Walmart this week, and there was this tough, "scary" biker in line behind me, playing peek-a-boo with her. Everywhere I go! It's not just "oh, she's cute" but they're interacting with HER. So funny. She's teething, but enduring like a trouper.

Mario's still looking for another job. Cross your fingers for us!!

And we've planted our garden...beans, peas, habanero, chocolate! and Lilac! peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, basil, chives, eggplant, squash. We also planted a lilac bush, and a few "Black Dragons". Kind of new to me, but fun.

Anyway, more soon!

Drumroll, Please.......

2008-06-06T15:43:00.005-06:00

I am so excited to announce that I made it through Round 4 of the GDS Supreme Team, and I am now a SUPREME!!! So exciting! This means.....I get to have a lot (I mean A LOT) of fun playing with different kits and things. I've been so busy getting things done for One Memory At A Time, with her new kit "Black Tie" that is being released next week!! and for the other two creative teams I'm on (GoDigitalScrapbooking.com, and Designing-moments.net) I'll be posting Layouts using their great June Collab kits in the next week!! This is a layout I just finished of Gabby using OneMemoryAtATime's Summertime Fun Kit for Girls found here:

http://www.godigitalscrapbooking.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=1996

I plan to update and post more in the next day or so!! See you soon!

Supreme Team Final Round

2008-05-29T14:30:00.007-06:00

What? You say you're suprised to hear from me again so soon? Well, what can I say. I received the kit for Round 4 of the Supreme Team Competition yesterday.

It's Savannah by Veronica Hurly, found here: http://www.godigitalscrapbooking.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=2090&zenid=d195094fece893f771af29b35afc39a6

Finished up my layout (after tweaking and tweaking some more). Thought I better send it in before I drive myself batty...maybe I can get something else done now. Tomorrow is the last day of school. I have all these great intentions. I plan on implementing the "Camargo Anti-Boredom Program." The kids can all pick homemaking skills that they want to learn, and they will have "instruction" in those skills, along with daily reading, gardening, and cleaning, to get us through the summer. I think Sophia has chosen "sew a skirt" and Alanna is DYING to get her hands on my digital scrapbooking kits. Awwww! The rest of them haven't chosen, although Gabby excels at folding washcloths, so I think she'll get to skip that catagory altogether. They all are fully aware that if they say the "B" word (bored) they'll be assigned another job, to help them out. (Isa asked a little girl in her class today if she gets jobs for saying the "B" word. LOL)

More soon......

I have sooo much to tell you.....

2008-05-25T14:40:00.005-06:00

Ok, so I know, I know. You think maybe I've forgotten about my blog. Au contrare mon frare, as my pop would say. The thing is, I've been so darn busy!! I hear what you're thinking!! (Same song, different verse.) Maybe, but let me run it down for you. Just after my last entry, I decided to sign up for the Supreme Team competition at godigitalscrapbooking.com. I am having a BALL!! I'm kind of new to the whole online thing, but it's a lot of fun and I'm meeting a lot of people. I've also discovered that I was out of line in giving Mario a hard time about his OCD tendancies. He's not the only one who can obsess!!

I've made it through Round 1:

(Great kit by Christy Skaggs called SpringBling found here: http://www.godigitalscrapbooking.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=1863 )

Round 2:

(Really fun and versatile kit by AmyLeigh Fennell found here: http://www.godigitalscrapbooking.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=2007 )

and am waiting to hear on Round 3:

(Amazingly adorable kit by One Memory At A Time found here: http://www.godigitalscrapbooking.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=2042 )

I also was invited to join the Creative Team at One Memory At A Time (yes, I know this sounds familiar. It's the Designer of the kit I used in my round three submission.) This is so exciting for me. I can't wait to get started!

The kids are nearly out of school and I'm jumping up and down with joy. Probably until June 7 or 8th and then I'll be anxious for them to be back in again. Side note....Alanna made it into the Spanish Immersion Program and I am over the moon. Mario's thrilled, as well, because the teacher is a native Spaniard (they are such snobs about their spanish :-) and says she'll be learning the REAL thing. I'm just happy she's going to learn.

In addition, we've had Ellie, Isa, and Alanna in soccer this spring. Sooo much fun, and sooooo busy. Running here and there to games and practices. See, no wonder I haven't updated my blog. Anyway, I expect you'll see me more, and hear more about my doings with One Memory At A Time, and hopefully GoDigitalScrapbooking, as well.

Until next time......

Reminiscing

2008-04-23T10:15:00.003-06:00

Camargo Girls Easter 2008

It's a busy, busy week for us Mario's birthday is Saturday, and we will celebrate by attending Soccer games at 10 am and 12:30pm, with the girls. Ellie and Gabby both have birthdays next week. Soccer practices, and more games, job interviews, high school class selection, etc, etc.....

Today is my own special day to reminisce. Nobody else really remembers the day our baby passed away, and that's ok, I think. I remember, and I'm amazed at how the edges of the memory have softened. Time really does heal. Having Gabby and Samm hasn't replaced the space in my heart that is just his, but it doesn't gape, it isn't raw and sore anymore. The tears rarely fall anymore. When I think of him, it isn't usually with sadness and pain, but fondness and curiosity. I wonder what he's doing, what his important work is, what he thinks of me and my efforts. I don't feel the need to correct people anymore and remind them that I do have a son, and that I have 7 children, and not just 6 beautiful swirling dancing princesses. I'm content to hold him close in my heart and let the memory of him live there. The girls talk about him, and are eager to let people know that they do have a brother, he's just in heaven. I think it's sweet that they remember him.

The experience of expecting Sam Owen, and then the loss, has taught me in perhaps the smallest degree that we often take this earthly existence for granted. My friend was telling me about her 3 month old niece who began having seisures over the weekend. Somehow, we've gotten to a place where we expect things to go smoothly, and for our babies to all be strong and healthy and grow up and live full lives, and it simply isn't so. Each moment, EACH BREATH that we have with them is a gift. And if for some reason we suddenly don't have them with us anymore, all is not lost. We will be reunited, assuming we are willing to go the distance.

I'm so thankful for the spiritual preparation that I had prior to his death 3 years ago. For the kind people who knew just to say "I love you, I'm sorry." Even for those who didn't know that less was more.... I'm thankful for the strengthening of my testimony of eternal families, and the knowledge of Heavenly Father's awareness of me as his daughter. I'm thankful for the children I AM raising. I'm thankful for my sisters...you know who you are. Brothers and Mom and Dad, too, of course.

Anyway, enough of that. I have to go check on Gabby.........I know you all wish you could hear her belting out Bob Marley's "Buffalo Soldier" at the top of her lungs as she sits on top of the garbage can in the pantry stuffing her face with goldfish crackers...... "Oi yo-yo, oi yo-yo-yo, oi yo-yo, yo-yo-yo, yo-yo".......

Aspirations.....

2008-04-03T16:17:00.002-06:00

Thank you all for your expressions of concern. I have not sunk to the depths of last week since, well, last week. Trying to keep up the exercise and the fresh air and the ignoring the housework to obsess about creating digital scrapbooking layouts. Whatever works. Sometimes it is important to remember that I AM SO NOT IN CONTROL! (Or, maybe I'm so out of control?)

Anyway, looking forward to Conference this weekend. It's been another rollercoaster week, but Alanna was 16 in placement of the "first come, first serve" for the Spanish Immersion program. Assuming that she aces her academic screening (and I am assuming she will) she should make it into the program. YEAH!!!! One way or another she will learn spanish.

Isa lost another tooth, was hysterical when she couldn't find the toothfairy's "offering," and then beyond hysterical when the toothfairy hurried in to leave something while mommy distracted her and forgot to take her tooth. This fantasy stuff is a lot of work.

Sophia has been in mega teenager mode. It's been rough. I'm trying to ignore the fact that in about 10 years, I'll have 5 of them at the same time.

All of a sudden, Gabby is speaking in full sentances. Woohoo. And to think 6 months ago, I was worried about her verbal development.

Ellie continues to tell me I know nothing about anything, and her vast experience is far superior to mine, in any given circumstance. Of course.

Sammie is still sunshine and developing so much character. Nearly always smiling, and she's a girl after my own heart....she's become a lover of hair. She'll suck her thumb and run her finger through my hair at the back of my neck. True bonding.

I posted my "domestic goddess" layout to a scrapbooking gallery today....my first submission. My goals are to someday be on somebody's creative team, and to eventually create my own digital elements and market them. I'd love that. Spend my time (once the kids are all in school, of course) creating, scrapbooking, etc. Bliss. Anyway, if you want to see it (again :-) go to Little Dreamer Designs at http://www.littledreamerdesigns.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=555 . If you really want to make my day, you can even leave me some "love" by way of comments.

Along the lines of "domestic goddess-ness" I made bread again today (we have so much wheat and flour - thanks honey - that I'm going to be baking all of our bread and then some to use it, specifically the flour, up before it goes bad) and the family joke is that it's "Love" bread. When I knead it, I put all the love, charity and compassion I can muster into it (per the instructions on Hillbilly Housewives family bread recipe). I swear I've never tasted such yummy bread, with such great texture. Try it....you'll never make bread without "love" ever again!!!

'til next time......

I am a domestic goddess....???

2008-03-26T11:30:00.004-06:00

I feel impressed to enlighten you all in the correct technique required to assemble a master Shepherd's Pie. First be sure to crank the heat up under the hamburger, so it cooks faster. The crispier, the better. Next, don't check to make sure the little doo-hickie thinger on the top of the italian seasoning jar is tightly fastened. The more the merrier. Be sure to drain your tomato sauce. This is a very important step for all cthose who consider themselves "masters" in cooking. Forget about adding water to the green beans before sticking them in the microwave for 44 minutes. Note to self: clean sticky stuff off microwave keypad. Finally stick it under the broiler to harden the cheese and potatoes into a frisbee worthy disc of generously browned...stuff.

All joking aside, I must admit to being somewhat distracted these days. I don't need a phone, or makeup to be a distracted driver. Just stick me in the car with whatever child equation you wish, and like magic I zone out. Who knows where I go. Distraction is dangerous when doing laundry, homework, (yeah, uh-huh, 4+8 is 14, Alanna) and as you may have noticed, cooking. The PPD monster (for those scratching their heads (like my husband) - "post-partum depression") has reared it's ugly head in a big way in recent days. I'm not sure if it's the combo of health, employment, injury, princesses, new baby, stomach flu, croup/ear infections, school events/homework/expectations, a teenager who is perfecting her arsenal of emotional torture designed to ensure the last word in any given situation, or if it's just internal. Make no mistake, IT IS THERE and it is real. To those who live with me....Be afraid, be very afraid. All that being said, however, today I'm having a pretty good day.

Although I fail miserably at marathon obsession, I have sprint obsessions (I seem to have lost my follow-through). Mine, as of late, have included food storage (no, really), digital scrapbooking, cooking....not going so well, attempting humor, and, well in a syncopated kind of way, walking. I've actually gone for a walk several times in the last couple of weeks. I'm hoping that the exercise and fresh air might do enough to lift my spirits. I do realize that if things don't improve or continue to disintegrate, I may have to seek professional help, and I'm working on being ok with that.

Even if my intended attempts at humor fall flat, I can be hilarious without even meaning to. (*caution, MILD language ahead). My kids (and incidentally, all of Sophia's friends at the bus stop as she related the incident to them) got a good giggle out of my behavior the other day. We were reading scriptures as a family right before bed. Now to preface this little story, I must say that it had been a hard day for me. I had stepped on a piece of glass that hadn't managed to be cleaned up properly from the floor after a "gabby incident" and had to dig it out of my foot with my fingernail (ouch) because SOMEBODY used my tweezers and didn't put them where they belong, and then I tripped over Gabby's coat on the floor and broke my little toe on the other foot, and then a stray shelf standing on its end in the garage fell over and scraped down the back of my foot. So, let's just say that physically I was feeling quite sensitive. As I helped Ellie to read the scriptures, Sophia stabbed me with a shard of broken plastic that she'd found on the ground right in the tender skin around my ankle, so what started out with "Wherefore, it came to pass......", ended with "OUCH, dammit!" So much for teaching my children how to be Christlike.

Now, lest you think my blog is less about the princesses, and more about my mental breakdown (YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH IT?) I should probably update you on the latest happenings.

Sophia attended her first night dance and came home histerically twitterpated. That's about all I have to say right now. The boy is "Chuck"......Spencer, to his mother.

Alanna is whizzing along in school, and we hope to get her in the spanish immersion program for next year. The applications come home tonight and the plan is to take it into the office tomorrow. I had fun helping her class with their easter party.

Isa (who has a great sense of humor and found my faux paux quite amuzing) is reading really well, and enjoying the nice weather we've been having. She's quite the contradiction....1/3 tomboy, and 2/3 girly girl.

Ellie was listening to Isa ask if she could get her hair colored the other day. I asked why she would want to color her hair and she replied that she just wanted it different. Ellie piped up and said "She wants hers just like mine." She also told me the other day that she might not have a license, but she knew how to drive and I was doing it all wrong.

Gabby is sooooo two. Now I've never had a "terrible two" year old, until they hit about three, but Gabby is once again proving that once you figure it out, the rules change. She is 22 months, and every other word out of her mouth is "WHY?" How do you find answers that satisfy a 22 month old? She is into EVERYTHING and doesn't stop for a second. Water is her favorite sport, and she loves to climb onto the counters and turn the sinks on full blast and play, and play, and play.......

Samm is still a joy. She has learned to sit unassisted most of the time, and waves her hand, and I SWEAR she said "hi" the other day to a lady in relief society, in which case she would be a chip off the old block, since that was my first word, as I understand it. She's not really interested in "food" (can you blame her with the "stuff" that gets served at our house?) but we'll keep trying. She's growing great and has more than doubled her birth weight.

Any day now things will be looking up...................

("Domestic Goddess" credits: Special thanks to http://www.simplytiffany.squarespace.com/ for her "Midnight's Spring Sonata" kit, http://www.digitalscrapbookingplace.com/ for their Antiquing Pack (light scratches overlay), and Basic Set (paper clip), Amanda Sok at http://www.scrapgirls.com/ for her "Blooming Fancy" paper, and Sharon Kenealy at ksharonk@bigpond.net.au for the notepaper found in her "Garden Delights" kit.)

I am glad for many things....

2008-02-29T13:51:00.011-07:00

Gabby is showing an interest in potty training. This is fabulous. I'd love to have one less child in diapers.

She's showing control, but doesn't always tell me she wants to go (except when she's supposed to be in bed asleep) but that's ok. One day at a time. And then she got sick with the stomach flu last week, and so we suffered a minor setback. Still ok, these things happen. I realized the other day that I was pretty glad for some wonderful things. Sunlight gleaming through clean windows - even sunlight gleaming through dirty windows can be nice.

Cans and bottles and boxes of food stacked neatly in closets and small places as an insurance policy. Ward choir and singing. The songs that run through my head all week long.

Sleeping children - one of the most beautiful things to behold on earth is a sleeping child. Digital scrapbooking freebies. The view from my driveway

to the north.....

and to the south.....

55 degree weather. Sophia's smile. I am sooo glad that I have nothing scheduled on my calendar today, when everybody but Sophia is home sick. I am glad for bread rising in the oven (and my mouth is watering). In a nutshell, I am glad for many things, my heart sings.

At least I still have my sense of humor

2008-02-27T10:32:00.003-07:00

Today is just one more day that I dangle over the precipice of a nervous breakdown. I wish it would just happen already. I just can't catch a break.

I'm not sure why "Be On Task" is such a difficult concept, but these kids aren't getting it. Again we were rushing around this morning trying to get out the door to school on time, and nobody's homework was finished or where it was supposed to be, and nobody could find their clothes, and nobody had anything good to say about the hot cereal we were having for breakfast. And "somebody" didn't run the dishwasher last night, so there were no clean dishes. I thought I'd be organized and put in a load of laundry this morning, only to find that the washer isn't rinsing and spinning properly. Now, in its defense, I do have to say that "washer" and "dryer" are 14 years old and have been faithful for all those years. But I still have to rinse and wring by hand the entire load of towels that is sitting in there waiting for me.

After specifically asking Sophia if she had put her stuff away this morning, and receiving an answer in the affirmative, I got to call my close friends at Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) and talk with them about Gabby's mid-morning snack of Secret Platinum Clear Gel, which she found on Sophia's bathroom counter, not to be confused with her early morning snack of chapstick, of which she ate a whole tube.

And my van is making a scary sound. I hate that.

And then I was thinking this morning right after Alanna hit Ellie because Ellie was trying to move Alanna's backpack that wasn't where it was supposed to be and "I'm on the verge of a breakdown" went through my head. I thought, "why am I always just "on the verge?" Why doesn't it ever actually happen? I could sure use the break." And then I thought that maybe it is because my kids need me too much, and so there you have it. I can't have a breakdown. But just in case I'm wrong, I'll send you a note from my padded cell.

Musings.....

2008-02-18T09:16:00.006-07:00

I've had quite a few mild experiences over the past week (as opposed to some of the not so mild ones - think garage door). Some, you've already suffered through reading. But since this blog also kind of doubles as my journal right now, I've decided to add a few.

We had our ward conferences last Sunday, and as they asked for a sustaining vote for President Monson as prophet, seer, and revelator, it was as if electricity shot through me. I suppose the last time I sustained a new prophet I was less aware of things (ah, the wisdom of age) and it didn't affect me in the same way that this time did. Although I already miss President Hinckley and his eternally cheerful spirit, I'm excited to see what President Monson brings to the table.

Speaking of church....I've felt, I don't know....MOVED lately to be more prepared for emergencies, and have been compiling lists of things that we may want to store, foods that we need to obtain, etc. We had a rather unique experience on Wednesday that was helpful in this regard. We experienced a freak winter storm in Utah, and Saratoga Springs/Eagle Mountain was right in the middle of it. It began about 3:00 p.m. as I was preparing to pick up Alanna from school. I was then planning to run to the Smith's for a few groceries for dinner. As I approached the street the school was on I registered that traffic was backed up all the way down the street and around the corner, and it wasn't moving. I sat there a few minutes and turned around and went back towards home, and then around the back way to the school. By the time I got there, Alanna was nowhere to be found. The snow that was falling in little flurries when I left home, had become "whiteout" conditions, and visibility was non-existant. I waited for a while there, thinking that eventually she'd come back to where she was supposed to be if I waited, but she didn't come. I drove around to the front of the school, but couldn't see anything, so returned to the back. Parked and started walking to the front to see if I could see her. Got soaked, and eventually through phone calls to the office, she was redirected to the back of the school and we were reunited. I decided that I was too wet and cold to go to the store and we went home, where we shortly lost power. Now, in case this wasn't exciting enough, Mario called and told me that his car had died on the freeway, about the same time our power went out (4:00 p.m.). So while he was trying to find a tow truck, I was trying to find our camp stove. By the time I found it, it was getting dark and colder and I decided that I wasn't going to open the garage and cook in the cold, even if I could figure out in the dark how to hook it up and use it, so we got lanterns and sleeping bags and headed inside the house. We dined on cold cereal and milk, and then I read the kids stories by lantern-light and sent them to bed. I turned on the radio and was listening to the reports. It was unbelievable. Long story short (well, shorter anyway) Mario waited 4 hours for a tow truck, and then it took them 4 hours to drive from 53rd S. on I-15 to home. He made it just before midnight. And our electricity came on sometime between then and 1:00 a.m. I learned that I need to know how to use the emergency equipment and know where it is. Mario and I also spent Saturday taking an inventory of our food storage and then organizing it so we can use and rotate it. Mario's car cost $168.99 to fix. $3.99 for the part, and $165.00 for the tow. Fortunately we weren't charged by the hour.

I chopped all my hair off on Saturday. I've spent the last 8 months growing it, thinking that I'll like it long, and like doing different things with it, but if I'm honest with myself, I know that I hate it in my face and I hate it on my neck, and I love it short and sassy. I feel more like a person and less like a frowzy "mom" with it short. I'm also hoping that it will kick me in the butt again and get me going on my weight loss. I lost 10 lbs. last month, but the last couple of weeks, between illness and all the unexpected stress have derailed me. So I'm getting back on the horse and I'm going to have a good week.

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will.......

2008-02-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sitting here blubbering because (strap into your seat belts please) I fought with myself for 30 minutes this morning about whether to get up and exercise or not, and by the time I did I only got 16 1/2 minutes in before I had to go for family prayer, and the kids wouldn't get going on their before school preparations, they grumbled over piano practice, complained about breakfast choices,one was whining about what was available to take for home lunch, the same one had no clean clothes this morning and so I washed and was drying them, but the dryer is on the fritz and they weren't dry by the time she needed to dress to leave and we were running late and one was messing around and didn't have shoes on, and then the same one was messing around and didn't have her seat belt buckled (do we sense a theme here), and one started screaming that school started in five minutes and so I started backing out of the garage before the door was all the way up and couldn't figure out what I hit, but once I did, I said a bad word that my children have now been exposed to, and the garage door wouldn't close, so I had to leave it wide open while I ran the kids to school, then I came home and got the expected response from my significant other, which wasn't nearly as supportive and concerned about my mental health as I had hoped it would be, and today is just another in a string of days when I feel like it doesn't matter what I do, it doesn't make a difference, and it isn't good enough and doesn't change except to make me feel like I am eternally losing my mind, and forever a day late and a dollar short. I'm also writing a manual on "Creating Run-on Sentances." In addition, I am mad at myself for ignoring the little voice (hmmm, who could that have been) that said "hit the button for the garage door" when I walked out the door. I thought, "no, Gabby will take off running and I'll have to chase her to get her buckled in the car, so I'll wait until I get into the car to open it." It seems that the more I try to be organized, the less I am. The more I try to get things done, the less I actually do. It seems like there's no point in continuing to try. Then I came across this:

Even if our efforts of attention seem for
years to be producing no result, one day a light that is in exact proportion to them will flood the soul-

Simone Weil

So there it is....my "angel with the cattle-prod" (thanks for the phrase, Dad) that will somehow keep me going. I don't know how, I don't know why, but if I can just keep going and remember to find joy in the journey, maybe I'll make it. Maybe the "lights" of these 6 dancing princesses will one day reflect my pitiful efforts.

OK, I've stepped back from the edge. Blogging must be good therapy.

I'm not old enough to......

2008-01-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

have a 15 year old daughter. That's one year away from driving....and dating. Other people are that old, but not me. Sophia celebrated her birthday yesterday with her last orthodontist appointment (for 4 months anyway). And dinner at Chili's with me and screaming Sammie. The last few months have been an exercise in keeping my head above water. At any given moment that I think I may be getting on top of things, they change and I am adjusting all over again. This postpartum depression is a real kick in the head. I must admit, it is nice to have something to blame. Instead of "just" thinking I'm going crazy, now I know I'm going crazy because of the PPD. Thank goodness for the princesses. They are my world. Sophia had a big research project due this morning that she left just a little too much for the last minute undone. We were scrambling last night and this morning to finish things up so she could turn it in. She's such a pretty kid. I keep meaning to take some pictures of her, but if you've got teenagers, you know the cruise commercial that talks about the teenage girl's illusive smile nails it on the head. One of these days.......
Alanna is a kick in the pants. She absorbs way more than she's meant to, because alot of times we forget how smart she is and treat her like she's the same as any other 7 year old. She asked me what a "ho" was yesterday. I think she must have overheard a conversation Sophia was telling me about that occurred between some of her friends. Trying to come up with a satisfactory explanation was......difficult at best. She seemed satisfied with what I offered, but I'm always waiting for the next one. She slipped on the ice at school a couple of days ago and came home with a tennis ball sized bump on her head that has remained (although dimished slightly each day). Fortunately, it hasn't slowed her down much. Just when it's time to do her hair.
Isa...having been out of the "routine" (such as it was) during the holidays has been hardest on her. She's had a few shining moments though. Before Christmas, we went to Thanksgiving Point to take a wagon ride through the light display with the Harding family. I stayed in the car with Sammie, because she and I were sick. After the ride, Mario took them inside farm land, where they got to "milk a cow." In the car on the way home, Isa was talking about the cow's "milker things" and Alanna was quick to tell her that she wasn't calling them by the right name. Then there insued some argument as to what they were actually called. So, of course, I stepped in to put the argument to rest. I told them, " Just like mommy has a breast, and the baby sucks on the nipple, cows have udders, and their babies suck on the teats." Isa grinned, sticking her pointer finger up in a moment of enlightenment, and said, "Bon appetit!!!!" She's rather clever and has a great sense of humor.
Ellie. What can I say about Ellie. I worry about Ellie. Not only is she a middle child which comes with it's own set of problems, but she has a very, hmmmm, developed sense of self. Absolutely no self esteem problems whatsoever. Now, don't get me wrong. I realize that this can be a good thing, but I hope to have some balance with compassion for others in there sometime soon. Ellie and Alanna were moved into a downstairs bedroom last weekend, and fortunately she seems to have recovered from her nearly fatal fear of the game "Operation" which gave her 10 days worth of sleepless nights recently. She's sleeping pretty well in her new digs now.
Let's see, that brings me to....Gabby. This child is sunshine personified. I enjoy her so much, although mischief is her middle name. Let me tell you, she would not starve, if for some reason we all disappeared. She is quite an accomplished scavenger, and I can't count how many times I've found her in the pantry with the door shut and a box of cereal in her grubby little hands, munching by the handful. She an awesome helper too. If I ask one of the other kids to "gopher" something, a good part of the time, she is standing there with it before they've even registered that they were asked to get it. When someone asks for something to be passed at the dinner table, you better get out of the way, because Gabby will move heaven, earth, and nearly everything in her way, to make sure it get's where it's wanted. She loves to go to "Damma's hou" (grandma's house) and I really enjoy seeing her love grandma and grandpa.
And the sixth little princess, Sammie. This child is growing. I don't know if she's just a late bloomer or what, but she's got chin rolls that put mine to shame. She decided that she didn't like binkies and bottles about a week before Christmas, so I took the leap of faith and returned the pump. So far so good. She smiles and giggles and squeals and has the entire house hold wrapped around her chubby little fingers. Although I never imagined how much work six kids could be, I can't imagine life without her. She is a social little bug and loves to be talked to, by nearly anyone. She hasn't discovered a person she doesn't like yet and gives smiles liberally to all who will give her a little attention. She is my joy.
Truly I am blessed. Every day I have six little reminders of what I've been given. And so, I keep going. That's the best thing I can do, I think.
Coming up: Family Pictures in February.....now that should be a riot.

She said, "Yep, you must be a mom."

2007-12-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

I can't catch a break this morning. Well, at least for a moment. Isa has pink eye and had to be kept home from school (which, frankly, might be way too late, since I found out she's been cleaning the goop out of her eyes for the last couple of days before she got up, so I wouldn't see it and keep her home from school). Sammie spit up all over her clean self and clean bedding while I was in the kitchen dealing with the full bowl of milk and cereal that Ellie launched from the table during breakfast while she was doing a table dance (ohhh, she is so in trouble). I then realized that I have given birth to Peter from "While you were sleeping." Found out Ellie's been hiding Gabby's "lovey" so that she can be the one to "find" it when we all realize it's missing or after Gabby's been screaming for it while we all scramble around trying to find it. (Think squirrels). She also bears an uncanny resemblance (behaviorally) to "Prissy" of Gone with the Wind. Completely oblivious and in her own world. Hugely overestimates her abilities. Really struggling with her. Anyway, I finished the antibiotics for my throat infection about 10 days ago, but the symptoms have returned and I'm worried that something serious is wrong. I soo do not want to go back to the doctor. But it looks like that's where I'm headed. On a positive note, I finished a bunch of neighbor gifts this morning, so I can have the kids deliver them this afternoon. We have yet to buy our traditional ornaments this year. We went to go on monday, but ended up with a flat tire in the middle of no man's land. By the time we finished changing the tire to the itty-bitty spare, I was DONE, and so we went home. Anyway, when I called mom to tell her that I was having a "one thing after the other" kind of morning, she said "yep, you must be a mom." She's right. I am. Instead of office politics and the like, I deal with spilled milk and "blow-outs." But you know, I don't think I'd trade for anything. As hard as it is, as draining as it is. As close as I feel to the edge, this is my job and I love it. Ok, today love is a little strong of a word..........

Bloom, baby, bloom

2007-12-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

This kid is so beautiful. I just got film developed from the last year and this is Gabby in May of this year. It's unbelievable how fast they grow. She's not this little baby anymore. She's become a person with opinions, and a sense of humor and quirks.
Oh my word!!! Check this kid out. I can see her climbing on the dresser, but the chair.......Wow.
And yet, she's so joyous in her mischief. It's hard to get mad. It is hard to believe that she was just Sammie's age just over a year ago. She loves her sisters. She's the primo comfortor in the house when someone's hurt or in trouble. One day I was sitting on my bed feeding the baby while Ellie was whining about something I wouldn't let her do. I looked over at her and noticed that she was swaying rather dramatically from side to side. Upon further examination, I determined that Gabby was "loving" her to death, and had her arms around Ellie's waste and was "rocking" her. Too much fun.
Then there's "lovey." I tried to get a picture of Lovey close up, but that's hard to do when he's (or is it she's) pressed to Gabby's face all the time. The poor animal gets dragged around with a perpetually dirty snout, despite the weekly washings.
The rest of the kids are great. Isa started reading...yes, actually reading by herself this week. It's been a lot of fun to see her do so well. I love the teaching method that Mrs. Wengreen has been using with her. Alanna is sad that her best friend Brooklyn will be moving this month. She's really going to miss her and their "make believe" recesses. Ellie. Boy she is a hard one for me right now. But she has her moments. Still experiencing PPD and yesterday I was crying at lunch time...who knows why. Ellie asked me if I was ok, and then said, "Mom, what makes you laugh?" and started pulling a bunch of funny faces. Bless her heart. Sophia broke up with her "boyfriend" last weekend and its been a dramatic week as they adjust to not "going out" after being together for 2 whole weeks. I don't know why she can't just listen to me when I tell her that boys are not terribly intelligent in junior high (and many of them don't get much better afterwards). Oh, well. Don't I know it that some of us just have to learn for ourselves.
Sammie is smiley and talky and so much fun. She gets so much attention, and I have so many ladies vying to hold her during one of the numerous "time out's" I end up taking during Relief Society. I get up to leave when the nursery leader brings Gabby to me, and have 2 or 3 ladies follow me out asking if they can hold her for me. They mean well and have been really kind to me. I really do love our ward and neighborhood.

In case you're wondering what's up with the magnolias, I just had to include them. I took the pictures of them in the spring this year in the front yard of the house we rented in Orem. I remember the magnolias in California and how huge and beautiful they were. These didn't get very big, but for a couple of weeks in the spring, they were the most beautiful little things in the world. Reminds me of my thought for today.

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Theodore Roosevelt

Still working on being the best mom, to MY kids, here where I am. I'm not great, but I'm still here. Hopefully, I'll keep getting better, and hopefully whatever I am will be enough.

'Tis the season for Butterballs

2007-11-13T13:09:00.001-07:00

Last week, Sammie gained a big fat nada in 8 days. Serious discouragement. But today, after 6 days of feeding 2x a night and pumping all day long, we are happy to report that she has gained 12 ounces in 6 days. She's a piggy. Now we start the fine tuning all over again. We're going back to letting her set the pace at night (thank goodness) and some tweaking during the day as well. I'd really like to just feed her without thinking so much about it, but I guess each struggle has been an opportunity to turn to Heavenly Father to ask for blessings, and each good report has been an opportunity to give Him thanks. She's so much fun. Sophia and Alanna have both had a chance to feed her the bottle this week, and that's kind of fun to watch them take care of her.
It was my birthday yesterday and after doing the usual run around like a turkey (also butterball unfortunately) with my head cut off, my great husband and kids took me out for dinner and then let me walk around Bed, Bath, and Beyond by myself (ok, I did have Sam with me) while they went and bought roses and scrapbooking supplies for me. So nice, and so fun to see what each one picked out for me. I am really blessed.
Sophia made the first cut in basketball, but was cut the second day. She was disappointed but seemed a little relieved too. It was a big commitment, but she stuck with it as long as she could. However, she did make the High Honor Roll, and I am really proud of her.
Anyway, the moral of the story is to count our blessings, to look for them when the days are hard. There's always something to be thankful for. I was thinking yesterday that I'm blessed to be born in an age where there are machines available to extract the milk from my body, and I don't have to shop for a wet nurse. Then again, if I did live in an age where there weren't machines, I'd still be blessed because my sister Natalie could be Sam's wet nurse. I'd just have to figure out how to get there without the car.
And I have to say I am also thankful for chocolate.

Someday I'll figure out how to post those pictures right, but for now......

What could be better than this.......

2007-11-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, let me know when the ride stops. It's been non-stop action for the last 6 weeks. It's a good thing I never thought about whether I had time for 6 kids. Besides a special needs (hopefully short term) baby, Halloween, flu, colds, running to the school a minimum of 3 times a day, cooking (if you can call what I've been doing that), cleaning (slap and dash), and homework (who ever heard of an hour+ homework in kindergarten), I also try to get in a little exercise, scrapbooking, naps, and personal study time. Oh, who am I kidding. I'm lucky if I get to the first half of the list. We've been so blessed to have Sammie with us, and to witness Heavenly Father answering the many prayers on her behalf. She looks like an angel in the blessing dress Grandma Harding made her (thanks Mom!) and Mario gave a beautiful blessing on Sunday. Life is so surreal, and yet none of us can imagine life without her. The kids have gotten really good about hugging or giving space during my frequent PPD moments, and hopefully they're getting through it without too much scarring. Sophia is trying out for the junior high basketball team this week and made it through the first round of cuts today. Alanna and Isa are doing fabulously in school and are loving it. Ellie's been full of "funnies" lately. In a prayer the other day she prayed that mommy would be able to eat chocolate again soon. She also came into the room the other day where my sister Christy and I were chatting while I finished feeding Sammie. She walked over and cupping her hand around her mouth, whispered, "Mom, your milk feeder things aren't covered." Gabby is suffering from a cold, cutting 4 new teeth (the last in her baby set), and talking non-stop. She has discovered how to take off her clothes and diaper, and enjoys doing it at every opportunity. She's very pleasant and fun, even while getting into trouble. Sammie (the caboose...really) is growing. She has an amazingly intelligent look in her eyes, and sometimes it's hard to remember she's only a few weeks old. She's smiling and "conversing" with us, and we're still in awe of her and can stare at her for hours. She's been consistent ever since her instantaneous and dramatic entry into the world. She's very laid back, but once she decides she wants something, it better happen quick. When I was at the end of my pregnancy, I used to think, "I just have to get her here and then it will all be downhill." Heavenly Father has used the opportunity to show me that I don't know everything, and hopefully I've learned a little more about faith and patience and His will through it all. Anyway, pictures and Sammie's weight gain update will follow later this week........