Year 2009 In Review From A to Z...

A. Andy has a job still! (hope he keeps it this coming year & next & the year after that & the year after that & the year after that & so on)

B. Blessed

C. Cuts & bruises & broken bones (& I'm not just talking about the kids)

D. Dirty diapers!

E. Estate value is down.

F. Funky odors coming from Gavin's room.

G. Giggles & giggles.

H. Hospital visits for Andy & Landon.

I. I tried authentic Greek food & I liked it (most of it)

J. Jumped for joy when Landon got out of the hospital.

K. Kids EVERYWHERE!!!!!!

L. Landon is born & with us & lots & lots of laughter

M. Moving family members to Texas.

N. New car for Andy.

O. Overnight stays at grandma & grandpa Atkin's

P. Playing new board games.

Q. Quiet hours?

R. Restful nights?

S. Sleepless nights! (yes that sounds about right)

T. Two tone finger nail polish for Emma & I.

U. Universal health care (YIKES)

V. Vivid imaginations from Gavin & Emma.

W. Wild & fun playing times with Gavin, Emma & Landon.

X. X-rays of Landon's chest & Andy's arm.

Y. Yummy food.

Z. Zippty do Da!!

That about sums it up more or less. Happy 2010 Year!!!!

I Believe.......

Christmas is here I can't believe it. Do you remember as a child it would take forever for Christmas to get here? Those 11 months seemed to drag! Now as an adult I am sitting here asking where does the time go & why is it so stressful but at the same time fun to play Santa? And who still believes in Santa? Does he really exist? And if so why do we believe so much?

An eight year old girl in 1897 questioned if Santa was real & she wrote the local newspaper & this was the editor's response:

Dear Editor--I am eight years old.
"Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
"Papa says, 'If you see it in The Sun, it's so.'
"Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O'Hanlon
115 W. 95th Street

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the scepticism of a sceptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. I love that last part. So yes, Santa is real. It's all about faith & love & generosity that make it REAL :)

I believe! Do you??

Tis the Season.....

It's that time again when 2 of my 3 favorite holidays are coming up :) It's the time of year to reflect on the the many things we are grateful for & to eat LOTS of yummy food! I feel like there is so much I am thankful for. I don't have enough fingers or toes to count all the things that I am blessed with. At times I don't even feel worthy to possess all the blessings in my life. Okay, so here are some of the things I am grateful for:

Number 1 and for most I am grateful for my family! For 3 beautiful healthy, loving, smart children.

#2 I am grateful my husband has a job & I pray for all our friends out there that are jobless at this time that I hope this coming year things will turn around for them.

#3 I am grateful for my faith! I am grateful that we live close to the temple.

#4 I am grateful for my siblings. (yes all of them!)

#5 I am grateful for my parents & for their love & support & also for my mom's awesome ability to cook up awesome meals!!!

# 6 I am grateful for the leaves that fall outside my door & to be able to crunch & walk through them with my kids ;)

#7 I am grateful for the ability to laugh & to make others laugh.

#8 I am grateful for this country & for my freedoms.

#9 I am grateful for my body.

#10 I am grateful for warm chocolate chip cookies.

#11 I am grateful for clothes & for the talented people that design them.

#12 I am grateful for the GREAT TASTE of chocolate.

#13 I am grateful for the power of prayer.

#14 I am grateful that my husband holds & practices the priesthood.

#15 I am grateful for technology!!!

#16 I am grateful for teachers & others that have the patience to teach my crazy kids!

#17 I am grateful for the invention of toilet paper.

#18 I am grateful for make up.

#19 I am grateful for my bed.

#20 I am grateful for ice cream (anything with chocolate or carmel)

#21 I am grateful for animals.

#22 I am grateful for music.

#23 I am grateful for showers & bubble baths :)

#24 I am grateful for the ability to learn.

#25 I am grateful for money! (esp. when I have it)

#26 I am grateful for the ability to repent.

#27 I am grateful that families can be together forever!

So many other things I am grateful for but I want to keep my faithful readers & not bore them anymore...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!! Eat lots of Turkey & yummy desserts!

Spooky Mookie

Definition of a Spooky Mookie- n. something in the dark that is scary & will eat young children all up!

Spooky Mookie is what my mom used to say to Gavin & Emma when they would want to run down dark unlit streets. She would say there were spooky mookies that would get them. This stuck with Gavin for years. When the lights would go out at night to go to bed he would say "OHHHH Spooky Mookies."

In just a few days spooky mookies will be roaming the streets asking for candy, but the one place for sure I know they will be is at my neighbor's house. He decorates his house every Halloween very ghoulish & spooky & every year he adds new things. Last year he decorated his whole front year & then he decorated around his side yard & then before you thought it was done you would exit from his house but not without first getting a bloody drink (red punch) from the skull itself. My neighbor is awesome. Some of the things he does is animated. I can't even talk about it & do it justice. You would have to come & see it for yourself but I did take pictures. So, when you go out this Halloween Eve don't walk down dark allies or unlit streets cause the Spooky Mookies might get you if you don't watch out!

(These pictures were taken during the making, you should see it now!) WOW!!!

Believe It........... or Not!!!!!

I can't believe this is a real cake.

I can't believe it's October 1st already!

I can't believe that Halloween is just 30 days away!

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is near & that there are only 85 more days of Christmas shopping left!

I can't believe that today is so warm.... where's fall?

I can't believe that it took me almost an hour to choose my backdrop for this blog.

I can't believe that it's taken me forever to update my blog!

I can't believe how fast time flies!

I can't believe this is Gavin's room!

 

I can't believe how well Emma is picking up on words & how fast she is learning!

I can't believe Gavin's love for Science!

I can't believe how fast Landon is growing. (3 months old) 

 

I can't believe how corrupt our government is.. (actually this one I can believe; just shocking more than anything)

I can't believe it's almost been a month since I've seen Kristen & her cute little family! Where are you?

I can't believe I am blogging one handed! Landon will not stop crying!

I can't believe that the time of day is here again & I've got to start thinking about dinner! 

Excuses, Excuses!

I can't think of anything that is blog worthy, but figured it's time to update the blog any how with non related dumb stupid humor:

These are top 10 student excuses for missing class.

10. My mom made me give my dog away & I haven't stopped crying for 3 days.

9. While driving to school I fell asleep at the wheel. I pulled over & napped instead of coming to school.

8. My boyfriend was stabbed at a club on Saturday. He's okay, but I'm finding it hard to concentrate on school right now.

7. A drug lord burned down my house.

6. I had to visit my brother in jail.

5. My little sister locked me in the closet.

4. My bank card was cloned by the corner store up the street. They wiped out my bank account & I didn't have money for subway fare.

3. My Ritalin stopped working. You really wouldn't have wanted me to come to class.

2. I never met my father.  On Friday, I saw an obituary in the paper for my paternal grandfather's funeral. I contacted my dad through the funeral home. Since then, my father's entire extended family has been harassing me on Facebook demanding to meet me. I haven't told my mother. I'm having a nervous breakdown.

1. I pulled my back reaching into the fridge for margarine.

Okay so these were pretty lame.. Kinda wonder if they are true & also wonder if they have ever been used... 

School Time

It's that time again! Gavin & Emma started school today. I am so proud of them. They both woke up so bright & cheerful that I almost didn't recognize my own kids! I'm excited for them for they both have great teachers this year. Emma has Mrs. Karaffa for kinder & Gavin has Ms. Love for 3rd grade. 

As we pulled up to the school Gavin jumped out, (was embarrassed I took his picture & then took off to find his friends) Emma on the other hand was a bit apprehensive at first & I walked her to her class & waited with her outside with all the other dozen mommies & kids. She met 1 little girl named Gwen with fiery red hair. They are both princesses & will get along just fine! Emma said to me this morning, "Mom, I'm going to a real school, & I get to see dad every day!" 

After I turned Emma loose (well actually after she found the playground) it was all over for me. Emma was happy & adjusting fine & without further to do she told me she would see me later on & not to forget to pick her up later! Thought I would have been a bit more emotional letting her go but actually I was proud & I just can't believe how grown up she is getting!

After leaving Emma, I went to find Gavin. He was acting all cool in line with his friends. He gave me the look like mom, what are you doing here?  I gave him a high five & told him to behave & to have fun & then Landon & I were on our way.

So, you might ask what will I do with my free time from now till 11:45? Well I will post this then I will listen to the silence. I will not miss the fighting between Emma & Gavin. I will not miss the door opening & closing 50 thousand times! I will love having my tile floors downstairs clean for most of the day! I will not miss trying to find activities for the kids to do to  keep them entertained. I will ENJOY my free time with Landon! 

It's going to be a wonderful school year!!!

 

Our Summer

Wow, where do I begin? It has been a very eventful summer to say the least.... It started off when Landon entered the world the day after school got out & just got busy & fun from there. Seems to be so much to write about so I'll just start listing the highlights:

1. Gavin & Emma have been reading books from the library & by the end of the week depending on how many books they read & how many points they get they can go with my mom & get an ice cream treat.

2. We have had relatives visit this whole summer. Almost every week we have had relatives visit & stay either a few days or a few weeks.

3. We have been to the beach, well rather Andy, Gavin & Emma have been at the beach while Landon & I have been home napping.

4. Andy made Gavin a lemonade stand & Gavin managed it with Emma as his assistant & made like 9 bucks 1 day. 

5. Gavin & Emma have been swimming at auntie's pool.. Emma this summer has overcome her fear of putting her face all the way in the water... she is so proud & my sister is such a great swim teacher!!!!

6. We have had many donut runs & ice cream on top of what they get from my mom... Gavin & Emma kept the ice cream man in business but I have put an end on that!

7.  We have hosted many BBQ's & attended alot as well.

8. Andy & I went to his 20th high school reunion...It was fun to see a few people but scary too that SOME people never change... I felt like no one really grew up... but still good to see a few people & to  hang out... (you know who you are) ;)

9. Andy & Gavin were able to go to a  Padres game in July with my dad & Andy's brother. They got killer 60 dollar seats & the Pads even won that night!

10. We went to Legoland with the kids. 

11. Gavin has been to the local water park "The Wave" with his cousins.

12. Andy planted a garden in our backyard. We just need to finish it by deciding what we want to grow.

13. The kids have been chasing snakes at my moms & lizards & losing them in her house! For the record I guess I should clear up that it was a baby lizard & it was NOT my kids that let it loose in her house but we won't name whose at fault..  

14. Gavin & Andy have been at the skate park & at this last visit Andy broke his arm... I posted it on FB but ya it was crazy... his days of holding Landon or skating for that matter or over for a few weeks!

15. Our last event was this Sunday when we blessed Landon. It was nice to have family from out of town come in. It was a great day & thanks mom for all the work you did! The lunch was yummy! Thanks again mom & dad!  

That about sums up our summer & we are now gearing towards school that starts in 4 days! YAHOO! I'm excited for Gavin & Emma. It's going to be a great year! They both have awesome teachers & what could be better than having your dad teach at the same school & just a door down from you?

I LAG!!!!!

Okay so I suck at keeping up with my blog so sue me!  If you must know I have been somewhat on the cripple side. I fell asleep on my right arm & froze the muscles. I could not move my arm for a about a week. It was terrible. I could not hold Landon (who by the way is growing toooooo dang fast)  I could not get dressed by myself nor do anything else. I still can't raise it above my head but I am not in pain anymore so that's a good thing... I must say though there was a lesson that was taught to me during all this & that is I have taken for granted how much my hands, feet, eyes, fingers MY WHOLE BODY means to me.. I mean I know it's a wonderful gift from God but seriously how many of us get down on our knees & thank Heavenly Father for our bodies. You don't realize how much you miss something (such as a vital working organ in  your body) till it's gone. Another thing I learned while being in bed & very motionless is that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Here I was moaning & complaining about my dumb arm when a dear friend of mine sister's  husband fell 30 ft up from a tree & shattered both ankles & broke his back.. & also I might mention his wife (my friend's sister) gave birth to their 4th child the day after.  Here is this person that just gave birth & has a husband that is on bed rest for who knows how long & I'm complaining about a dumb arm & the most humble thing about it is that I KNOW my friend's sister is not complaining cause it's not her personality (if you knew the family you would know what I am talking about)  

So, I guess this post is dedicated in a way to my friend & to the rest of her family... You guys are awesome! I love you all & it frustrates me knowing that I can't help out... I would love to be there to help  any way I can.  My prayers go out to you!

You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream!

Who said you can't buy ice cream with flowers? Apparently Emma thinks so & she & her best friend Peyton did. Yesterday Emma came running in the house asking me for money. When I told her I had none I heard her ask her dad. She was denied by him as well. The next thing I know she is armed with candy. When I asked her how she paid for it she said, "I paid the lady with flowers mom." Smart girl. :) Today however another ice cream truck came by but this time Emma was not so lucky to pay with flowers. Oh well maybe next time & maybe next time I'll send her with a huge bouquet so we can get a whole truck load of yummy treats!!! :) 

Emma's 5th Birthday & The Arrival Of Landon

Emma turned 5 on the 18th. Where has the time gone? And by the way did you all know that my mom is the very BEST by far!!!??? Well if you didn't I'm telling you now! She rocks!!!! Words can't even express how grateful I am for her. Emma would have not had a birthday if it weren't for my mom. My mom made Emma the best little castle princess cake (better than what I would have done... I was thinking of just a plain chocolate cake with pink frosting) but noooooooooooo my mom went all out & so happy that she did like I said my mom is COOL!!!!  Emma invited, her cousins Evan, Ty, & her little friend down the street Peyton (aka Peanut.. it's what she is known around the neighborhood) They played in the water & went on a treasure hunt that my mom put together with a treasure box & all & they had pizza & the yummy castle cake. I wish I could have enjoyed it more but I was in labor with Landon. Yes, Emma & Landon share the same birthday. I think its kinda cool but ask me next year at this time & we'll see how cool it is when Emma has to share her "princess day" with her little bro. 

Here's Landon's story & I cry every time cause I am so overwhelmed with emotions & with blessings. Blessings that I feel that I don't even deserve. I am so forever in the Lord's debt. I have been watched over & blessed tremendously. 

Contractions started Wednesday but were not bad till Thursday morning. I had Andy take me to the hospital in the morning after dropping the kids off at my mom's. Got all hooked up to monitors & was told I was only dilated to 2 centimeters. I was there for an hour with no improvement so I was sent home even though I knew this baby was coming I didn't argue (although looking back I should have) I thought the nurse knew best & so I went to my mom's for the afternoon. I was timing contractions like crazy but the duration of them were not that long & supposedly they don't want you at the hospital till they last 45 to 60 seconds each. Finally by 4:30 my sister convinced me to go to the hospital. I got there & I was 10 centimeters. No time for a an IV no time for meds. No time for NOTHING! I was admitted at 5:03 & Landon came at 6:03 weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz. 20 inches.  Due to the fact that he came so fast he had a few complications & was rushed to NICU immediately. His lungs collapsed & he was checked for other problems. He was there for 4 days. He's home now & happy & breathing on his own. It was hard leaving the hospital without him.  I am so happy he's here & healthy. I love my little family. Now we need to teach him the difference of night & day.

"Little Bugs" Graduation

Emma graduated from preschool almost 3 weeks ago. She loved Miss Paula & all of her friends. On the last day they had a play about a ladybug & all his other bug friends that helped him plan a party for his preschool graduation day. Emma was the bumble bee & was so ecstatic cause she was the only one! The kids were so cute & it was fun to watch Emma participate & it's been fun watching her grow this year. Miss Paula is the best & will be missed, but Emma is ready to move on! After the play Miss Paula had each student stand up & tell what they loved most about preschool. Emma said she liked playing with her friends. Then their teacher all gave them a diploma & a scrapbook. Too cute!!! :) The pictures show of Emma as the bumble bee & her graduating class.

While I Was Sleeping.......................

The kids were doing this. They had a good time & I enjoyed the quiet & my nap :)

The New Erkel

You have to know the show "Family Matters" to enjoy this caption that aired from 1989 to 1998.

Happy Birthday Andy!

Today Andy turned 39! (next year is the BIG ragger & you are All invited) I love Andy in so many ways so I thought I'd share 39 reasons why I love him so much:

1.) At the end of the day no matter how frustrated & tired he is he still finds time to read to our children (Gavin & Emma request him over me EVERY night)

2.) He loves to work no matter the task.

3.) He loves the gospel & loves to teach it to others.

4.) He makes me laugh!

5.) He has the most perfect smile. :)

6.) He does the dishes for me.

7.) He massages my poor pathetic preggo. feet.

8.) He'll get up in the middle of the night to get me water. 

9.) He's the most patient person I know!

10.) He'll go grocery shopping for me.

11.) Andy can cook up a mean BBQ!!!!!

12.) Andy is very faithful to his friends & family.

13.) He's punctuational.

14.) He's easygoing.

15.) He folds the laundry :) & irons sometimes too :)

16.) He'll go the extra mile for you even if it's out of his way!

17.) He loves to teach young children & has the patience for it!

18.) He knows exactly what to say & do when he knows I've had a bad day.

19.) He makes dinner. :)

20.) He's like a kid! (fun, silly, surprising) (I love it!)

21.) He's muy muy sexy!!!!!

22.) He always makes sure that the kids & I are well taken care of.

23.) He keeps me on the straight & narrow.

24.) He never makes you feel left out. 

25.) He compliments my cooking even when I know it does not taste good.

26.) He over looks my differences & loves me still!

27.) He plays dolls with Emma 

28.) He plays catch with Gavin & will take him to the skate park on his days off at the crack of dawn.

29.) He loves to work on my dad's ranch.

30.) He can solve almost any problem.

31.) He never complains no matter the task.

32.) He loves his family very much & would do most anything for them.

33.) He helps our neighbors when they are in need.

34.) He listens even when  I whine & tries to make it better.

35.) He loves the holidays & gets into spirit. (this may not mean much to any of you but could you  imagine being married to someone that is not?) (NO FUN!)

36.) He loves to build things!

37.) He loves to learn.

38.) I love his variety of music & I love to listen to him sing.

39.) I LOVE HIM just cause I do & he's mine FOREVER!!!!!

Happy Birthday babe! I love you!!!!!!! Hope you have a great day!

Father and son camp out

Well, It's officially official. I am truly a Dad, for  I have taken my son to a father and son camp out. The Oceanside third Ward left our safe haven to venture to an uncharted and very dangerous spot.  A couple of miles north of Pauma Valley Casino.  No, we didn't stay at the casino! We spent our evening with a group of fathers at Rancho Corritos campground. It was a nice evening with the standard marshmallow defeat between the chocolate and the gram. The weather was perfect. We went exploring in a dried up riverwash. When we got home the house was still standing, I guess the girls didn't throw that rager party after all. Thanks Girls! 

Happy Mother's Day

I woke up this morning to a breakfast table that was decorated with presents & tulips. Andy made us crepes with lots of various fruits & whip cream.  My sweet kids greeted me with a hug this morning & with homemade gifts (the best presents of all) Gavin painted blocks blue with the words "MOM" on them & Emma made me a key chain. I love my calling as a mom. I love watching my kids grow & learn. I sometimes wonder if they hear what I try to teach them & that split second I lose hope & want to run away they surprise me & they truly do listen & learn & it makes being a mom so worth while. I want to pay tribute to my mom this day for loving me as she does for taking on my challenges along with me. For never giving up on this little red headed kid :) Thanks mom for teaching me the gospel for making me see the light when I needed to see it the most. Thank you for always having the best answers in the world when I needed help finding them. You are the BEST MOM EVER!!!  You never give up & you are always there for another person in need. I hope 1 day my kids will see that in me! I LOVE YOU!  Happy Mother's Day Mom :)

I would also like to pay tribute to Andy's mom (Midge) Thank you, for raising such a loving man! He has taught me so much & continues to do so.  Our kids are so lucky to have him as a daddy. And I am truly blessed to have him as a husband for eternity! I love you & appreciate all that you stand for. Happy Mother's Day Midge!

Lastly I wanted to share the little note Emma gave me:

My Mom (and me) by Emma:

My mom's name is Melanie and Mom. She has black hair and blue eyes. My mom is 2 feet tall & weighs 50 pounds. She is 5 years old.

One of my favorite foods that my mom makes is chicken.

I really like it when she makes me strawberry cupcakes.

My mom likes to tickle me and especially likes when I sleep in my room. I love her because she's my mom.

I often hear my mom say, "Clean your room!"

but my favorite thing she says is, "I love you!"

My mom is nice to me!

 

Random Pictures

In no particular order here are some pictures... ENJOY :)  

Here I am at 33 weeks. I look like I am in pain but I'm really not (okay maybe just a little but it's cause he's all up in my ribs!) I'm going to be glad when he finally gets out!

The pic. below is of Daren (1 of Andy's brother's that graduated a few weeks ago from college.) Way to go Daren! Keep up the great work! The other pic. is of dad on his 71st birthday (sorry Kristen but we voted not to have 71 candles). The kids LOVE any kind of celebration.  And the last pic. well, that is Emma. This is how I found here 1 night after I sent her to bed....... and yes she is asleep behind those glasses. She's crazy but oh soooo cute :)

Before & After

Andy painted the downstairs for me during his spring break. Don't I have the sweetest hubby ever?! :)  Here are the before & after pics. The first pics are before. I had to get rid of the red & purple. The walls below the staircase & above the stairs were painted a very very very very very pale pink.  I decided I wanted color so we painted them a rich brown. I love it babe! THANKS!!!!