Merry Christmas!

This is our Christmas Comic this year. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Too Many Big Events

Joe's sister, Gladys, had her fourth baby and second son on Tues. November 18th! Congratulations Gladys and Paul. 

My sister Melisa had her second child yesterday- December 3- a little girl! (No picture yet!)

 

Kira and Evan came to town for two weeks and we were lucky enough to have them staying with us for the first week!  It was a great visit! We had a few mornings at home with sick kids. We got to stay in our PJ's and move from inside the house to the backyard and back inside.  It might have been a little unadventurous but at least it gave us a lot of quality time to talk. We love and miss you guys so much already! Please come back soon and stay even longer- I promise we will try not get sick next time!
Gladys like a week and a half after having little Blaine. Amazing (and crazy all at the same time) to host Thanksgiving, but it was perfect! 
We had so much fun lounging (playing) all over Gladys and Paul's bed.  This was a rare moment to have the kids all together facing the same direction.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Food makes us very happy in our house and despite the lingering cough and cold symptoms most of us have, we are very excited to share a holiday feast with the Lowry family tomorrow! Grateful people are happy people.  I recently heard  that and I believe that it is true.  This year we are thankful for our home, cool sunny days, giggles and squeals, strong and healthy bodies, our trampoline, great friends, caring and supportive family near and far, prayer,  a loving Heavenly Father who is aware of our needs and struggles, good doctors, the goodness in the world, delicious food, cheap gas, monster trucks, blankets, and cuddling time.  I could go on.  Truly we are so blessed to have to so much!  May you feel thankful this Thanksgiving!

Here ya go (from Joe)

This is for Irene-ee. I had to write it here because I can't violate the strict regime of my blog- politics, sports, and movie trailers. Here goes.

1. Do you like blue cheese? No. It's fungus.
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? No. Who smokes heroin these days?
3. Do you own a gun? Yessir. Just because I can.
4. Wax or Shave your body parts? Shave. Last I checked I was still a man.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Only the gyno, unless it's a woman.
6. Real or Fake nails? Metal. They stick in the wall better.
7. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Hannukah
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Skim Milk
9. Can you do push ups? Por supuesto.
10. What is your favorite piece of jewelry? My JEL ring, because it helps me remember my initials.
11. Favorite hobby? Reading
12. Do you have A.D.D? No
13. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? It is not logical to hate
14. Middle name? Edward (yep ladies- like the sexy vampire)
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? What should I say. I need to make a phone call. I can't wait to have a quiet night tonight.
16.Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Milk, Coke Zero
17. Current worry right now? How bad will taxes get?
18. Current hate right now? The way people spell on facebook
19. Favorite place to be? Anywhere with my family.
20. How did you bring in the New Year? At a neighbors party up until 11:40, then home for the ball drop.
21. Like to go? Eating Out. Movies. Out of Town. Beach. Football.
22. Name three people who will complete this? (?)
23. Do you own slippers? Whaaa?
24. What color shirt are you wearing? Pink (dress shirt)
25. Do you like sleeping on Satin sheets? Have I ever?
26. Can you whistle? Yes, like a champ.
27. Favorite color? BYU blue
28. Would you be a pirate? I would like to hunt pirates.
29. What songs to you sing in the shower? Handel's Messiah
30. Favorite girls name? Millie (maybe Raquel?)
31. Favorite Boys name? Barack (sike!)
32. whats in your pocket right now? Business cards
33. Last thing that made you laugh? When Nancy Pelosi said a more Democratic-controlled Congress would be more bipartisan.
34. Worst injury you've ever had? Broken wrist, freshman year.
35. Do you love where you live? Yes.
36. How many TV's do you have in your house? Two, but I watch TV online on the Mac somtimes.
37. Who is your loudest friend? Millie, especially in Church
38. How many pets do you have? My Smith & Wesson
39. Does someone have a crush on you? Justin
40. What is your favorite book? Atlas Shrugged- go Capitalism!
41. What is your favorite lollie? Cherry Tootsie Roll Pop
42. Favorite sports team? BYU Cougars
43. What were you doing 12am last night? Pondering the election result.
44. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? 4:40 AM?!?!
45. Worst habit? I have low confidence and never think that I'm right.
46. Do you play an instrument? I once played tenor sax, and still own it.
47. How long does it take you to get to work? 10 minutes.
48. Plans for the weekend? Not sure.
49.If you could eat anything in the world right this second? Buttermilk Waffles
50. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes. I did it for you Irene (and because Lacy told me to).

Fun on the Farm (and with the Waters)

This is for you Kira

I like reading these kinds of things but I have never wanted to do one. Until Kira challenged me.  Thanks for reading... it's pretty long:

1. Do you like blue cheese?  No

2. Have you ever smoked heroin?  Argh! No

3. Do you own a gun?  No, but Joe bought one without telling me... 

4. Wax or Shave your body parts?  Shave- although I think this question is too personal for my public blog.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?  Only certain doctors. I had to get a cavity filled last week- it was pretty wild.  

6. Real or Fake nails? Real. I like them short.

7. Favorite Christmas song?  Ave Maria and We Three Kings. Magical. 

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?  Water.

9. Can you do push ups? I haven't tried in quite some time.

10. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?  Tough one. I wear my wedding ring everyday so that must be it- although I would pick something totally different if I could(:

11. Favorite hobby? Discovering things with my kids.  The other day we spent 20 minutes watching a moth try to escape  us.  I felt very accomplished that I kept them from killing it.

12. Do you have A.D.D? No

13. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? Self doubt.  

14. Middle name? Camilla

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?  I need to go to bed...  How cute that Joseph is sleeping with his cousins... I wonder what time he will come to my bed... 

16.Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, rice milk, and cows milk (with desserts)

17. Current worry right now? Is Joseph watching too much TV?

18. Current hate right now?  Societal moral decay. 

19. Favorite place to be?  San Diego California- isn't it ironic ... looking at my last answer. Well, I am very much a dry climate and sunny wether person AND my family is very important to me.

20. How did you bring in the New Year? I honestly cannot remember... I should wake up Joe and ask him. 

21. Like to go? Running, to the beach, and to cute little gift shops and boutiques and stores that carry goods from foreign countries even if I can't buy anything. It makes me feel like I am on vacation.

22. Name three people who will complete this? Nobody - but that's okay.

23. Do you own slippers?  No, it is too hot here too much of the year. I have a black cashmere trench coat that I have never worn and I really doubt I will ever wear it. Any offers?

24.  What color shirt are you wearing? Grey. 

25. Do you like sleeping on Satin sheets?  No- cotton sleeps cooler.

26. Can you whistle?  Yes, but it is through my top lip and bottom teeth.   

27. Favorite color?  green and blue mixed.

28. Would you be a pirate?  If I were an orphan and a very good pirate who focused on the pirates code...

29. What songs to you sing in the shower?  I don't really sing in the shower.  

30. Favorite girls name?  Camilla

31. Favorite Boys name?  Joseph (; 

32. whats in your pocket right now? My pajamas don't have pockets.

33. Last thing that made you laugh?  Joseph.

34. Worst injury you've ever had?  I rolled my ankle playing volleyball in a tournament in High School but still was able to compete in regional finals for track a week later.  Seriously, that was amazing to feel so limitless and invincible physically.

35. Do you love where you live? No.  I don't think I ever will, unless San Diego falls into the ocean and I no longer have that as an alternative.  But I know I am in the right place.

36. How many TV's do you have in your house? Two.

37. Who is your loudest friend? Justin. 

38. How many pets do you have? None.  I am not a pet person.  We took the kids to a pet store so they could be around some animals for once.  It felt kind of like going into someone else's church. I would like a salt water tank and some awesome fish but not enough research it, and save up to buy it etc. 

39. Does someone have a crush on you? A crush- maybe Joseph. He's pretty obsessed with cuddling with my arms.  And Millie for sure.  She could be held and loved all day. 

40. What is your favorite book?  How Green Was My Valley and Follow the River.  I haven't read either in years but both were very impactful.

41.  What is your favorite lollie?  What's a lollie?

42. Favorite sports team? Michael Phelps  

43. What were you doing 12am last night?  Putting laundry away.

44. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Yeah- it's Joe's turn! 

45. Worst habit? Negative thinking

46. Do you play an instrument? No- but I would like to learn- piano, flute, or the guitar.

47. How long does it take you to get to work? I work in my home as a mom, so no time at all.

48. Plans for the weekend?  Hang out with Gladys and Paul and their kids.

49.If you could eat anything in the world right this second?  I am not hungry.

50. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I love you Kira- and I miss you so much- whether we are opposites or just pretty close to it you really changed my life for the better.

Trip to Cactus Country

Our trip to Phoenix was a lot of fun!  We were able to meet up with so many good friends! Wyatt, son of Nancy and Troy is seen above.  He is such a doll and just a mellow as he looks in the picture.   Nancy and Troy just happen to be in Phoenix for a wedding and we were able to get together for lunch at the house where we were staying. We feel so lucky that we have been able to meet up with them twice since they moved away from Gainesville.
Jeannette, my sister-in-law, took us to the Zoo.  She told me it was her favorite zoo and I have to agree.  The San Diego Zoo has that whole "world famous" thing in it's title but it was so much better being able to ride bikes and pull the kids in trailers. It was a completely different experience- no screaming children, no sore feet or swollen ankles- just fun, fun, fun. We were the only ones there doing it but Jeannette assured me that it is allowed and even encouraged- they rent bikes out most days of the week! We were staring at some squirrel monkeys very close to us. Thanks Jeannette- you made our trip to Arizona so much better!


Of course the kids love the carousel.  We look pretty hammered. It was hot but I will die telling people that the humidity is so much worse.  I love dry air. Love it. 
They do this all by themselves- it's really cute.
I was able to meet up with Becky, an old friend from BYU. It was really good to see her- she was beautiful, vibrant, and witty as ever- Thanks for making the drive across the city and taking the time to meet, Becky!  
There was a botanical garden and an herb garden outside our hotel that we had a lot of fun exploring.  Millie looked very agricultural in her overalls. 


We also got to see my old room-mate Cara and her husband.  They were a lot of fun! It is great to travel but for me it is the people that make a difference.  We spent a lot of time with Ryon and Jeannette and their kids, saw Joe's cousin Jim and their family. It was definitely a trip with a lot of memories. 

To Chelsea

Chelsea- in light of your recent major life change of going off to college (and your comments on my blog posts) I wanted to dedicate this post to you!  

Based on my EXPERIENCE I thought I'd give you a few tips! Do with it what you like.  I thought if anyone else had any advice for a college freshman this would be a good non-confrontational place to share it! 

DON'T:

1. Buy a big bag of powdered sugar doughnuts every saturday and wonder why you are getting fat!

2. Hang out with people that put hot dogs in your interior light fixtures and in your bed.

3. Work at Taco Bell.

4. Allow your roommates to rent embarrassingly rated "R" movies and leave them out for your home teachers to see.

5. Develop a huge crush on a guy that plays guitar and happens to have a serious girlfriend back home.

6. Grow dreadlocks (I didn't actually do this but sometimes it looked like it!!!)

Do:

Well, I'm embarrassed to even say these things because I'm sure you are already doing them. But, get involved, try new things, be open minded, go to church and read your scriptures and pray (must, must, must), please be careful, exercise, eat healthy, keep your eye on your goals but don't be afraid to adjust them to new desires.  We love you, we miss you, and we're so proud of you! Come see us soon!

Misc. Pictures

Here are some more wainscoting pictures- we are very happy with it. I still need to hang something on our dining room wall.

Can a 16 month old be potty trained? Just kidding- she just wanted to do what her brother has been doing.
Joseph started Joy School (preschool out of a friend's home) and LOVES it.  It is nice to give Millie more one-on-one time as well.
This girl is so awesome- she definitely holds her own with her brother- she is tough and feisty and so fun.  She seems to understand everything we say and of course only obeys when she feels like it.  She can be challenging but we wouldn't have her any other way!

Summer Highlights

This summer I had some amazing and frankly, surreal experiences.  (Sorry about the underline, I can't figure out how to get rid of it). I can't find the time to dedicate to each one so I thought I would briefly touch on some of them, all in one post.  This is by no means all that happened to us or all of the important people in our lives, but it is a few.

The summer began and ended with a trip to California. The one at the beginning of the summer was with the husband and the kids. The one at the end was without.  They were both very rewarding and despite the quickness to the latter trip it was extremely fulfilling.  There is too much to say here about my mom and sisters.  I really love them.

Saying goodbye to Kira was totally unreal.  It was painful and sweet to watch her just be herself and cry herself silly in the line to go through security.  I would have waited until nobody was watching, but not Kira. She is always exactly who she is. It is refreshing. 
We miss you Kira!

My kids at the beach, and their cousins. So fun and cute and effortless.

Papa Joe seemed to have a lot of fun with the kids at the beach this summer.  He is so proud to be attached to these little ones.

Joe finished the wainscoting project that he and Paul started months ago.  He finished sanding and painting it and it looks fantastic! What a labor or love! Thanks Joe- you are amazing!

Joseph's Third Birthday was perfect. We were at the beach and he was so happy to have all the attention, balloons and a Cars cake. I can't believe we have a three year old. He really has grown up so fast.  Some of his favorite expressions right now, "Are you kidding? That's crazy!" "Can you please stop talking?!" " That is so awesome!" He is very enthusiastic and excited for anything.  He is so affectionate and loving with his sister, dad, mom ... everyone, really. We love him so much!

My second trip out to California was for my oldest friend Monica Haynes' wedding.  She looked like a queen sitting on a throne during the mass.  It was a very special experience to see her and her family and to witness that event.  It was also a  time to see some other great friends from High School- Katie and Abbey.

Sadness & Hope

I've been contemplating this post for a few days and I'm not sure how to go about writing it.  I guess this time, less is more.  Last week the small child of a friend of mine drowned in a pool.  It was such shocking and tragic news- my first reaction was to turn off the Olympics and say a prayer.  Over the last 9 days since it occurred a lot has happened and little else has occupied my thoughts.  I was able to attend the viewing and the funeral and give the family a few words of love and encouragement.  My thoughts keep coming back to how grateful I am for a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who provide us with an eternal perspective on life and death.  I feel like watching his family cope with Evan's death, and watching their extended family and members of the church support them with pure and true religion, has helped me understand how God can allow such tragedies to occur.  I believe that it is His goal to help us all return to live with Him. I truly believe that this little boy's death has inspired Christlike service out of so many people. His parents provide such a strong and stalwart example to those around them.  They seem to possess a spiritual "gift" (as one friend put it) of maintaining that eternal perspective.  The perspective that this life is but a moment, that Evan is with Heavenly Father and happy, and that they will be reunited with him again.  I don't believe that Heavenly Father wanted Evan to die.  But I am grateful that if we follow the Savior and believe what He teaches us, be it through the scriptures or the Holy Ghost, we can survive mortal tragedies and come out closer to what Heavenly Father wants us to be. 

At the funeral both Evan's mother and father spoke.  At the end of his talk his father encouraged all of those present to commit to being better mothers and fathers, friends and neighbors, etc.  In parenthood he encouraged us to focus on the blessings of everyday. Instead of being bitter or annoyed that our baby wakes us up at night, just focus on the gratitude  that he/she is even there to hold close.  Instead of feeling frustrated with a "strong-willed" child, be grateful that he has energy and enthusiasm for life. The list continues of things that go on in my house (at least) that test us.  Upon hearing his talk I have felt a new kind of gratitude for the time I have with my children.  I find more joy in the mundane tasks of motherhood and I think I have changed a little.  I am so grateful for this family and their example of bearing this trial so well.  I know their reward will be great in Heaven.  

Beachin' Photos

This is Joe, blogging on Lacy's behalf as she is without computer in beautiful Marco Island, FL. Incidentally, the photo in her header is of a sunset in Marco Island in 2007. Since she can't be on the U.S. West Coast all year, she gets to go to Florida's West Coast for a month. Some photos:

Lacy and Millie in the calm, beautiful, 4th of July waters.
Millie's favorite place to be on the beach- on a chair, eating. She eats all day.
A completely different day, on a chair also, maybe eating.
Definitely eating.

Looking cool...
Storm rolling in...
Beauty after the storm:
Chelsea, Irene, & Walmir (not pictured) came for a visit:

Irene walking off...how artsy a photo Lacy took!

Joseph finished his first real puzzle! He worked on it so quietly, and didn't smile or celebrate until he was finished.
We had a few rainy days last week. We took advantage of a break one morning to take a nice little walk.
Another beautiful afternoon.
Day 1 of my excellent castle. It's being guarded by a crab.
Joseph is a swimming madman. And yes, he is almost jumping right on the stairs. Cool picture, but not something we want to see again.

Sunset on my parents' 33rd anniversary.
Joseph and Millie, tired and happy after a day in the sun.
Mom & Dad- 33 years!
Day 2 of the castle. Notice the two large castle areas, abundance of bridges and portcullis, village with surrounding wall. I was very happy with this. People could be seen stopping to take pictures of and with it. It surived over 3 days. Pretty tough in Florida.