12 Christmas Things About Me

1) I try to do "The Twelve Days of Christmas" to somebody I know, but I haven't in the last few years. I always forget until the 4th or 10th day.

2) My shopping is always last minute. I never have a list and I always spend more than I budget for because Sandro thinks he has to buy a gift for everybody that he had previously told me we didn't need to buy for. I'm just stingy, I guess.

3) I love to decorate my home. The stockings have to match and the ornaments are always silver and red. I put poinsettas on the tree this year. It adds a lot of color.

4) I like white lights. Only white. I've never cared for colored lights on my tree and the whole blinking thing would drive me crazy.

5) I only like white lights on the houses too, although I have seen some beautiful ones with red bushes. I am thinking I might like that look for next year. I don't like to hang my lights outside unless I do the entire house. I think a lighted porch looks silly by itself, and I'm not really into the scenes on the lawn. I like the elegant lighting look.

6) If you are waiting for my card, sorry. I don't think I have ever sent out cards. And although I actually, surprisingly had my children's photos taken this year, I don't know if I'll get one sent off to you or not.

7) I don't get into the Christmas mood until right before. I guess that's why I don't do my shopping until the last minute either. I'm not a grinch, I promise.

8) My favorite Christmas memories were with my mother. I used to sit up with her and help her wrap and decorate the gifts. I love decorating them. If I don't have ribbon to put on them, then it will have to go into a bag instead. I hate plain, boring gifts under the tree that don't have any ribbon on them.

9) "The Littlest Angel" was a tradition in my home that my mother read to us on Christmas Eve. We would gather together before bedtime and sit around her to listen. Although we had the thing memorized, it was still fun to hear. She put a lot of emotion and excitement into the story and she always cried near the end. As a teenager, I remember thinking how weird it was that she always cried. But as I grew older and began reading this to my children, I understood.

10) Christmas parties are the best!!!

11) You always know when you find the perfect dress. Not for you, for your daughter. I search and search every year. I have a particular style that I love. Elegant (like everything else), classy, beautiful. I don't want it to look like a bargain buyer, although I always buy it for that price. Granted, if I wanted to spend $75+ on a dress, it would be easier. But much like my gift giving, I am cheap. In the end, I come out on top and find both the dress and the price I am looking for. But I may have to step down a few dresses (due to the $75+ pricing) to get there.

12) The church Christmas programs are always my favorite. They're full of songs and beautiful messages. And they always center around Christ. It brings me be back into perspective about what I am grateful for.

Christmas Humor

A Partrige in a Pear Tree...well, not in mine.

We lost our power at about 6:30 am Monday morning. When I left for work, I saw my tree laying in a circle across my front yard. The ice was so thick and heavy that it caused our other tree to sag in the middle. I remember thinking about how much it might cost to have somebody trim the top so that it wouldn't fall onto our roof someday. Two hours later, my husband called to tell me it fell on our house. I guess it saved me some money, right? We still haven't cleared the yard because we had no heat in our house for most of the week. We slept in our room the first night, crowded in the living room with the gas fireplace the next night, and eventually we brought the queen mattress out and slept on it for a few nights. At one point we thought about sleeping at a shelter. Each morning we would bundle up in the car, blast the heat, and drive around all day. We fought for candles and spend countless hours waiting in line at the only Wal-Mart open in Tulsa, only to buy a half gallon of milk and a few things that would not spoil. Everything in our fridge and freezer had to be thrown out. We avoided our home as much as possible this week. It was depressing coming home each night and seeing our neighbors lights on or hearing their generator, knowing we were going to freeze. The kids were sick, coughing, running fevers. We spent lots of money eating out, shopping, anything to keep our minds off the long journey home. We drove across town on the highway and saw nothing. Total blackness surrounded most of Tulsa and Broken Arrow for days. Trees were spread all over the roads and neighborhoods, mixed with falling power lines. I cried some mornings, went to sleep before 8:00 pm most nights. I took the healthier kids to their daycare for a few hours just to keep them warm. One morning Dylan begged to go. They have missed a week of school and I missed three days of work. Thursday evening we were in heaven when we came home and saw our Christmas tree lights through the window. We walked into a warm house and had never felt happier. It's more upbeat now. A lot of the area has regained their power, but half the city is still without. I understood a little better about why we need emergency kits and food storage. I understood a little more about the Katrina victims and what they had to go through. I didn't lose my home, but it felt like a tornado had stormed through our city. It looked like a war zone when driving around town. I am so glad for this part to be over. I am thankful to have my power back now and not have to be one of those to freeze through the upcoming snow storm. I have never been so happy to have light again!

You Shall See Into the Hearts of Your Children

I am glad to have such an open relationship with my children. I have always asked them questions and lectured them on how important it is to stand up for themselves and to protect their bodies and their minds. They are not perfect and they have their attitudes, but they know what is right and what is wrong and I am proud of them for that. I am pleased they know how to react when they are in an uncomfortable situation. They have been prepared for anything and I thank my Heavenly Father for his insight into my children. The most profound statement that I know of my patriarchal blessing is that I would be blessed with insight to see into the hearts of my children. That I would be a comforter to them and aware of their needs. They are beautiful spirits that I must protect. I know that even when I am not in tune with the spirit, it will still come to me for my children's needs. Heavenly Father will always help me to protect them. For this, I am most thankful.

Busy, busy, busy. Have I told you recently how much I love my job?! I get paid to shop for Christmas decorations and I get paid while I go out and buy pies and desserts for our annual party. And I'll get paid while I spend ALL morning decorating the room tomorrow and picking up the entrees and all that fun stuff. It just comes with my position, darn it. I get to be the one who organizes all the parties, buys the birthday cards and cakes, and any other miscellaneous duties that need to be met. Oh, and I get voluntary overtime for coming in on any Saturday that I choose just to get caught up on all the paperwork I had put off while planning everything. Love it.

Hermit Pitfalls

I went to McDonald's Saturday with my sister and her kids. I desprately needed to get out of the confines of my home and the frustrating circumstances of my children. They played and we talked. It was fun to get together, but I realized how much of a hermit I've become. I don't ever do anything. Not that I did alot before, but I never call my friends, I rarely take the kids anywhere fun, and I don't enjoy going to church anymore. I'm not sure why on that last one. I still do my visiting teaching, but every Saturday I decide that I still don't want to go. I just don't have the desire right now. I think it started because I hated my calling so much and I still didn't know anybody in my ward, and then I had the excuse of my husband and then I just decied that I didn't want to keep going. What is wrong with me? What kind of example am I being to my kids? Yet I still don't want to. Hmm.

Ode to Halloween

Devastatingly Interesting

~I am about 90% deaf in my right ear. I feel uncomfortable when somebody is sitting or walking on my right side. I won't sit in the middle or left side of a classroom. I can only fall asleep if I'm laying on my left side so that my "good ear" is facing the pillow and drowns out the noise. This does become distracting though when I'm trying to have a conversation with my husband while trying to sleep.

~I am obsessive about changing my hair color. Not dramatic or weird, but I do like to change my highlights often or try multi-coloring highlights. Last month my hair was a light brown with lots of blonde, but now it is a dark chocolate. I need to put some highlights in it though to spruce it up.

~I cry when I get flustered or frustrated with somebody. It's my way of letting it out without screaming at them. It's not a quality I'm too fond of either. During my first month at work, the shipping manager came up to my desk to tell me that I printed something off wrong and proceeded to let me know the process I needed to follow instead. Once he left the room, I had tears falling down my cheeks and everybody thought he had hurt my feelings. I was just mad that he made such a big scene (it wasn't even my fault) and didn't want to argue with him anymore.

~I am very controlling and stubborn. I never realized this until recently while arguing with my husband about something. I like things a certain way and have my comfort zone. Please don't ask me to step too far out of it. I think I like to argue too. I expect things to be the way you tell me they will be, and when they are not, I let you know. (I'm not a very good restaurant customer sometimes). My poor children probably think their mother is crazy!

~I help others. I go out of my way sometimes to please somebody, even though it is usually inconvenient for me and I wish I hadn't offered in the first place. It's not a bad characteristic to have, but I really need to learn to control it more.

~I have a horrible memory. No joking. I can remember how to do math and things like that, but when it comes to bills, tasks, things of that nature, don't count on me. It drives my husband crazy. I don't remember much of my childhood, teenage years, or when my children were little. I have to write those things down. I am more organized now that I am working and have my computer's e-mail to give me reminders. I sure wish I had that on my personal computer!

~I am a huge procrastinator!!! Enough said, right?

~I love to listen to people and be their "counselor". No, I don't butt in and get pushy, but I do like it when I am asked for my advise. I have a lot of insight because I really don't judge people. I may not agree with you, but I don't judge you.

~I love to be by myself a lot. I enjoy the quiet time and the ability to just relax in my own presence. Ahh...I do like being around people too, so don't worry. I like going to parties and social gatherings, but I don't speak out much or mingle either. However, once I'm around my friends, you would think I wasn't shy at all. (I got an award in the fourth grade for being the shyest girl in our class).

~I love my job. Really, I do. I enjoy working and having time away from my home. Is that normal or wrong for me to feel? Either way, I do enjoy it a lot.

~I am constantly rearranging my furniture. I get bored very easily, so when I clean up, I tend to move things around. I don't like things the same all of the time. I love moving because it gives me a fresh palette and something to do for a while. I also love to paint my walls. Although it's a chore, I do like changing the color to give the room a fresh look. I recently did my bathroom a beige color and loved it so much that I used it in my hallway too. I had just painted the hallway earlier this year, but wasn't pleased with how light the color turned out. I like it now. Hmm, my dining room could use a different color.

~I hate gum too. I use to chew it when I was younger, but for some reason I just stopped and developed some kind of fetish against it. I feel nauseous when I see my children play with theirs or have to touch it. I once had to get it out of Ashley's hair and was so grossed out. The smell makes me sick. I just don't like it. It took a while to let my kids chew it around me, but I made a rule that they can't chew it in the car because of the smell in that tiny area. I know, I'm a weirdo.

Well, there are a lot of things now that you know about me that you may not have known before, right? Am I interesting yet???

Thanks Merry Weather.

Tag! You're it!
Super2thpick
Olla
Winter’s Chill
The Practicalist
BigMac
Mindylouwho
Claremore Kids

The rules are:
1. Link to my tagger and post these rules,
2. Facts about me: some random, some weird ... all devastatingly interesting.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of my post and list their names (linking to them)
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

Mother

Today is my mother's birthday. I have been thinking a lot about her and missing her too. Yesterday I was cleaning under my daughter's bed when I found a posterboard from her kindergarten project. She had to put pictures of her life on it and wrote in blanks about herself. I remember how much she wanted to glue pictures of Grandma Cookie on there, so I found a few that she could cut into and post for her classmates to see. As I looked over this, sitting quietly in her bedroom, I remembered how lovely my mother was and how much my children enjoyed her. I caressed my little one as he stroked his tiny little fingers over her face. "Cookie?" Oh, how I wish he had the memories of her as my older children do. Yet he still knows her. He hears about her and sees many pictures of her. He will gain memories through those of his siblings. And those will live on through the generations. Can you imagine how many will know of her through the legacy she has left behind? She has so many children, grandchildren, and friends who will talk about her. Who truely know her. I knew her well. I held her many times as she had done with me. My last and best memory with her was of her holding me tightly in her arms as we laid in her bed. I cried as she comforted my lonliness and explained that she understood, but she also knew that it would pass, as hers had. She held me tight and I loved it. I felt like a baby in her arms, safe and protected. I felt warmth and love. The kind only a mother can give. She was a wonderful mother to me and I appreciated her in the end. I am grateful for what she has taught me and the moments that only the two of us shared. Happy birthday Mother. You are always remembered and always in my heart.

"It didn't even hurt one teensy bit"

"Yes, those are the ones," she said and sat quietly in the chair with her hands to her side and waited. Her face was still and pleasant as they marked her ears. She made a quick smile as our eyes passed and then looked straight ahead with patience and pride. As they counted to three, she sat with the same look as if she were having her portrait painted. No squinting, no fear. Just determination. Looking in the mirror, she said "yes, those are perfect," smiled, and hopped down. Her anticipation had finally reached it's goal. She was happy.

The Tattoo Chronicles

Rocky Mountain High

"If you were stranded on a mountain, who would be your companion, and what would you wish to eat?" Mike would definitely have to be my companion because I get along with him so well. He's fun and would probably make me laugh so hard with his famous "Hmm baby, hmm hmm" stuff that I would get stomach cramps. Then we would have some very enlightening conversations about a tree or the difference between a deer and an elk or something meaningless that only we would think to talk about. I'm sure we'd be dying for some good beef jerky or a cherry limeade. But probably a big juicy steak, considering we were in the mountains and thinking about how cool it would be to catch a fat elk. I wouldn't imagine that we would go hiking or anything. It'd be too much of an effort on our part. We'd just sit and talk while we waited for somebody to find us. We'd make up silly songs that had no meaning. We'd probably be singing so loudly that the village close by would send out a man hunt just to shut us up. But then once they found us, Mike would pretend to know their language and spat off some kind of gibberish that would just make them crack up laughing and instead of killing us, they'd make him their new leader. But we'd be too interested in learning how they made their food. We would most likely suggest that they change the ingredient in one of their sacred recipes and it would insult them. They would then ask us to leave and we'd be so bummed out that we would walk around the mountain, trying to find our own ingredients to make something good to eat. Eventually we'd get in a better mood and start talking again about the philosophy of life and why we are who we are and why the world is the way it is. At some point we would find a place to rest for the night, but we wouldn't be able to sleep because we'd remember that we were discussing the difference between the deer and the elk. And at that point, who knows how long we'd be stuck there. But at least it would be interesting.

Samokin' Smiles

"The award goes to...

Betsy –my sister whom I admire because she is a mom to three and is working full time to put her husband through school. She doesn’t get to blog very much because she is so busy, but I love it when she does as she makes me laugh and think about life a little more out of the box, which is out of my comfort zone! So here you go Betsy Bo Betsy…Love you!


(By the way, her name is Elizabeth, so you will want to refer to her as that, but she will always be Betsy to me.)"

How wonderful I feel right now as I receive this wonderful award from my dear sister, Mindy. I think the last award I ever received was from my fourth grade teacher for "Shyest Girl" in class. That was also the year that I peed my pants in front of the entire class when I was doing a presentation of my family history book and then had to get a ride home from the mother of one of the cheerleaders since the school could not contact my mother. Hmm...how times have changed.

So here I am, ready to pass this on to one of my own dear siblings (I only have one freind on here). I thought about Big Mac, but who knows how long the award will be sitting in his corner. I think Mindy & I are still cleaning the place up a bit. So let me tell you about my good friend and brother Sam. What a conversationalist. I can't even understand what he writes about sometimes, but when I can...wow. He has some very powerful points to make and does so in a funny, lighthearted way that just cracks me up sometimes. He has always been a rock in my childhood. The kind of brother you look up to and in doing so, he really doesn't let you down too often. He'd leave little notes on my poetry, drive me to my friends (although I once had to count every single mile that we passed-I guess his way of proving a point???), and he'd even be so kind as to leave me handfuls of quarters in his desk. Oops...I'll pay that back someday. I may not be perfect...I mean he may not be perfect. Ok, he is not perfect. But in the end, he does the right thing and has fun doing it. I mean really, how many men can go through college at his age, with four children (all girls for that matter) and a short little wife, while solely supporting all of them and still remain happy and find time to cook a good roast...


err mice, err...maybe I should have gone with the ribs. Anyway, he takes fun family vacations, comes to visit me (well only when somebody else is here visiting, but none the less...he does stay with me). Oh yea, and he still maintains a 4.0 GPA. How do you do it Sam? For this and many other childhood thank you's, I pass along this award. You make me smile every time I think about you.

Heart-Felt Tears of a Child

Life is precious. Especially when it comes to children. As I came home Monday from work, I had that lump in my throat. I walked through my front door, called for Dylan, and sat him down next to me on the couch. Streams of tears fell down his cheeks as I explained that his "best friend", Ian, had a heart attack Saturday morning and was in the hospital. He asked several questions and asked if he was going to die. I explained how his parents performed CPR until the medics arrived at their campground Saturday and flew him to Saint Francis. Sunday afternoon, they were told to say their good-byes because his body was deteriorating and had no brain activity. When I heard the news on Monday, I left work to visit them. His mother is my high school friend, Beckah, and we were both pregnant together with our oldest sons. When I walked into the waiting room where his family was, I saw a family who was smiling, talking about their lunch plans, and happy to see me. I was the only one in tears as I sat and listened to my friend explain the details and how a miracle was in the making as her son began showing signs of improvement and brain activity. As I walked into the ICU, I saw a little boy the size of my own, laying in a bed surrounded by family who knew he would be healed. I had never encountered so many positive people during such a traumatic time. And yet I know that they truly believe that Heavenly Father will take care of this boy and take care of their family. I promised Dylan at that time that we would go visit his friend as soon as he was allowed. In the meantime, he drew him pictures and wrote him a letter telling him that he doesn’t want him to leave and that he loves him because he is his best friend. I love the maturity that Dylan possesses in these matters. We sat down for dinner that night and Dylan asked if he could say the prayer, which we hadn’t been doing for quite some time. He prayed that Ian would get better. I am touched by the innocence of children and the blessings they bring into our lives. I am also thankful for my children’s health and the love they have for others. I hope my friend does not have to experience the loss of a child. I hope she continues to keep this faith that she has held on to and that it continues to radiate towards all those who visit him.

My day...

Beep beep beep beep beep beep...smack...ZzzZzzZzz...beep beep beep beep...smack...ZzzZzzZZz...beep beep...okay okay, you get the idea. I miss my children. The other day Sandro had to be at school early in the morning, so I went in late to work so that I could take Dylan & Ashley to school. I haven't done this in quite some time now and forgot how much I enjoy seeing them when they're happy and content and ready to start their day. Everybody woke up in a good mood and I helped them pick out their clothes. I fixed Ashley's hair and brushed Christopher's teeth. I tied their shoes, gathered their bags, and walked with them to the car. We talked and smiled and laughed a little bit as I drove them to the front of their school, kissed them good-bye and sent them on their way with a little more love on their minds. I had a really good day. I wish I could do that every morning. I also love my job and I enjoy working. I know it sounds crazy, but I really do. I am an Administrative Assistant in a warehouse company that ships crane blocks and it's components to different distributors around the world. Although it is a relatively small company based out of Tulsa, it also has several warehouses and sub-warehouses throughout the country as well as several in various parts of the world. My job is to create the Commercial Invoice for all international shipments and find the best way to ship them. I correspond through email with customers from Latin America to Australia and everywhere in between. I take pride in the accuracy of my work and the ability to troubleshoot problems that my tenured co-workers have. Yes, I am a tad bit arrogant about being able to look up information in the system when others have failed or discover how to save the company money from the errors of former employees and system glitches. I am good at my job. Is there anything wrong with admitting this? I wish I could spent more time with my children, but I also work a schedule that allows me to see them in the evenings and on the weekends and holidays. I can leave work to take them to the doctor and I can take time off when one of them is sick. I work in a professional, yet lenient company that I enjoy being at. This is what makes it easy for me to get up in the mornings after the third attempt from my alarm clock. This is why I put on makeup and fix my hair before lunch. This is what makes it worth being the primary financial support while I put my husband back through school. Because after a pleasant day at the office, I get to come home to a happy family. I get to hear Bebito shouting "It's mommy" through the door and I get to be "surpised" by my daughter who hides behind the couch and scares me every evening when I walk into the house and I get to be knocked down by my son's powerful hug because he is so happy to see me. I get to hear an earful of school gossip from my new teenager and I get greeted by a warm kiss from my "Latin Lover". These are the things that make my life worth while. These are the reasons why I have a good day every day.

Stuck...

You know, I really don't know what to write about lately. I've started a new entry on several occassions, but with no results. So tell me, my reading companions, what would you like to know about me? What should I write to you about?

So Haleigh's has officially moved in. No, no, oh no. I am not pregnant. The girl was just her. No congrats need pass my way. Unless you want to congratulate me on passing the first test of having a teenager in the home. So far, so good. It's been exciting around here actually. I have somebody to watch movies with when the man's at work and somebody to laugh hysterically with while we contemplate who are cholo's and who is not. Apparently I'm not. But regardless of who's group I may not be in, I still enjoy coming home everyday to see how her day at school went. And wow, I thought Ashley talked a lot...

It's a girl!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of our newest family member. She's 140 lbs and 65 inches long, with gorgeous brown eyes and cute long toes. She came with a perfect set of teeth and cute pouty lips. We are so happy to have her! I can't wait until her 1st birthday here in our home. Welcome little darling.

Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?

Ben has always been close to my heart. We've grown up together, shared friends, cars, houses and tv's. We've even been asked if we were twins.



So I suppose it is only appropriate that he moves on from me and marries somebody who is...well...a twin.










So long brother. I shall never forget your quality time with Ashley
or for helping Dylan improve his potty training lessons.
My children love you. My children adore you. You've treated them as your own and from the look of things, they will probably grow up to mimic you. Thanks alot.

Good luck with your life. I hope Kathryn is just as understanding about you as we all have been.

But from the way it looks, I think you have finally met your match.









Congratulations...and good luck, Kathryn.

I've been tagged.

What was I doing 10 years ago?
Living with Dad in Washington, saving up for my own place. Having such a blast at being a young adult. Oh, those were the days...

What was I doing 1 year ago?
Working long hours as a manager, never seeing my children or husband. Wishing I could stay home.

5 snacks that I enjoy.
-peanuts w/ a spicy hard coating (not sure what they are called)
-chips and salsa
-anything chocolate
-chex/pretzels
-bing cherries

5 songs I know the lyrics to.
-"and I said, 'Hey pretty lady won't you give me a sign, I'll do anything to make you mine oh mine, I'll do your biddin'...'"
-"The devil went down to Georgia, he was lookin' for a soul to steal. He was in a bind..."
-"In a tiny house, by a tiny stream, lived a lovely lass, who had a lovely dream..." (thank you Sam for reminding me)
-"I'm a barbie girl, in a barbie world. Made of plastic. It's fantastic..."
-"Early one morning while makin' the rounds, I took a shot of cocaine and I shot my woman down..."

5 Things I would do if I were a milliomaire.
-buy a big house and new cars and throw extravagant parties all the time and not feel guilty about it
-go shopping all the time with my sisters and have a blast
-get liposuction with Mike and neither of us would feel guilty about it
-send each of my siblings $1,000 every year for Christmas and not be stingy about helping all you poor folks out
-ocassionally reserve a resort for us to have family reunions

5 Bad Habits
-procrastination (apparently this runs in the family)
-laziness/lack of motivation
-being online at work
-not keeping my house clean everyday
-shoving the clean clothes into baskets so I can put wet ones in the dryer and then picking out clothes from the same basket to wear until the basket is empty enough to put more clean clothes in

5 Things I would never wear again
-french rolled, tapered leg, acid washed jeans
-ocean pacific anything
-Jennifer's hand-me-downs (although I wish I still could)
-tunic dresses with leggings
-my hair in a side ponytail or fishbone braids

5 Toys I Love
-my computer
-my husband's car
-my husband's cell phone
-Bebito's fluffy belly
-Ashley's Fisher Price doll house and accessories

Tag 5 People
If you aint been tagged yet...you're it!

Perceptions from Bebito...

"Elizabeth needs"

Okay. So I tried Phaedra's google quest and came up with this.

Elizabeth needs to stick around, and be featured a bit more.
(Well I always thought I could use some more attention.)

Elizabeth needs to blog more often because she is smart and funny and knows a lot more hip cultural references than I do.
(I am younger than all of you, remember?!)

Elizabeth needs protection. Former kidnap victim.
(That explains the rapid memory loss)

Elizabeth needs to be used.
(As if I don't get used enough by my kids and husband. "Mom, I need...do this, get that. Honey, can you..." Please stop!!!)

Elizabeth needs to get naked in film real soon.
(uh...)

Elizabeth needs a nuk.
(So what, do you really think a pacifer is going to shut ME up?)

Elizabeth needs a Brewskie.
(any takers?)

'Elizabeth' needs loving.
(who doesn't? And what's up with the quote quote?)

Elizabeth needs the Fashion Police!
(What's that? Huh? I guess I'm ready for a flood, why?)

This is even funnier!
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22BETSY+NEEDS%22

Dear Tooth Fairy

"Dear Tooth Fairy, I am sorry that I lost my tooth." A tragedy poor Ashley will have to bare. She FINALLY lost her first tooth last week during school. She was anticipating this moment for months, but when the day finally came, she was mistakenly disappointed. During recess, as her picture indicates, her mouth started bleeding so she got a kleenex, cleaned herself up, and threw it away in the brown trash can outside, as indicated on the far left side of her illustration. She later discovered that her tooth had came out, causing her mouth to bleed. She accidentally threw it away in her kleenex. Her first tooth. She felt so sad and disappointed. So to make it up to the tooth fairy, she made this drawing and placed IT under her pillow in its place, hoping to reconcile enough to still get some money. Of course the tooth fairy understood her plea and left her a dollar. This made her happy. Sunday I noticed that her other bottom tooth was gone and when I asked her about it, she looked at me in disbelief, touched her gums, and proclaimed, "AGAIN?! So THAT'S why my lip was bleeding! Oh no." She wasn't as upset this time, but tonight she brought me another letter.

"Dear Tooth Fairy, I am sorry I lost my other tooth again." She placed this under her pillow and went fast asleep. I guess the tooth fairy needs to be understanding of her plea.

"Stuff"

I like money. It's a necessity and a luxury all in one little stinky green paper. I like to spend money, but much like my father, I am stingy. Yet I sit and ponder on all the things I have bought and thrown away. If I'm so stingy, then why do I buy "stuff"? This question has been lingering ever since I cleaned out my garage. I got rid of a lot of this "stuff", this wasted space that eats into my pockets. Now my garage is filling up with other things that I don't use. It makes no sense. I cringe at paying more than $3.99 for my kids shirts, but I'll spend $5.00 on something just because it is on clearance. Am I seduced into buying something that I really don't need or even want simply because it's a bargain? Do I really figure out a place for it in my home or does it collect dust? Eventually it just ends up in the garage with all the other "stuff" or gets pawned onto another helpless soul. I've moved so many times and gradually I have reduced my clutter, but somehow I always manage to gain some back. I don't get it.

Children and Microwaves

As most of you know, Sandro works the night shift. This means that he takes the kids to school for me and picks them up afterwards. He sleeps in between and a little before I get home. Well today, Ashley decided she was hungry and didn't want to bother Dad. So when I got home, which I was running a little later than usual today, the front door was propped open with several pairs of misc. shoes. Weird. Then I realized the house smelled a little different than usual. Hmm. As I already mentioned, Ashley was hungry. She's seen me use the microwave many, many times. So hey, she can figure it out too, right? Well, she got it to turn on. But when she noticed her corn dog was on fire, she ran to tell Dad. I never saw the corn dog. I guess the evidence was thrown out before I got home. But I did notice a piece of a burnt stick in the corner of the microwave and charcoaled edges along one of my plastic plates. Umm, not too sure if this schedule thing is working out. I guess it's a good thing she didn't try using the gas stove.

Yes, we are still alive!

Hello! I'm sure you all have missed us terribly, but yes, we are still here. Life is hectic around here, so there hasn't been much time to update you on our family. Well, Sandro is working the night shift now, so we don't see him much. I am still working full time and love it. Yes, I wish I could be home more, but at least I have the daytime office schedule that I've always wanted.

Dylan is doing much better. He was in the hospital during Spring Break for asthma, but still managed to have a good time. He wasn't too thrilled about having to come back home. They really spoiled him there with toys, video games, and stuff to make. He wants to go back. He also has glasses for those who don't know. Looks totally adorable too!

Ashley is doing wonderful at school. She is learning to read and spell and has an outstanding memory. She is also extatic about her first loose tooth. It'll be out any day now!

Christopher is turning into a bilingual talker. He is really saying a lot of words, some is Spanish, others in English and pretty soon he'll be teaching his big brother and sister Spanish. He's a happy child, gaining lots of energy and turning into a holy terror! With Ashley's temper, Dylan's energy and Dad's good looks, who knows how he'll turn out!

Our camera hasn't worked in a while, so I can't post any new photos yet. Sorry. I promise I'll keep up on this though!

Love to all,

la familia de Diaz

My introduction...

Now that I've seen how cool all your blogs are, I'm jealous. I want to be part of the family again! So I'll give this a try and see how well I can maintain this thing from work...my computer chashed AGAIN!