New Years 2009

So, it's 8 o'clock and the new year is almost here. What will it bring... I wonder.
This year, I feel brought me a lot of sadness. A lot of things to learn from. If I had to say what my biggest "happy" moments were, there are four that immediately stand out.
1.Going to the temple!:)
2.Justin being baptized.
3.Gaining new friends(that are great!)
4.Having someone that cared enough about my family to help when it was needed.
I have been pondering what my new years "goals" will be. (Not that I ever keep them.) Sure it starts out in full gear but, after a couple of months most die down. I do manage to hold on to a couple that I see thru till the end.This year I will try my best to keep them. A friend gave me a journal for Christmas. She said it was my "happy" journal. Only for good thoughts. Oh my..I guess it will be empty! I will be writing my new years "goals" in there.
Whatever the new may bring, I hope I will have many "happy" thoughts to write into my journal. Here's to a wonderful 2009!

I Have an Elf!

That's right! I have an Elf. It all started on December 1st...we received a box and in it was a gift card. It also said we would receive one box a day for 25 days. Our "Elf" would bring it. My kids were more than excited and I was definitely humbled.
Jordan asked "Why us? Why did they choose us?"
Justin says "They (the elves) just like us"
I said "Well.. they must think we are pretty special"
The kids have been so excited each night in anticipation of the box arrival. They can't wait to see what the Elf has brought. The question is a good one...why us? Whatever the reason maybe someone must think we are special. To go out of their way to do this.
We are very grateful. We are humbled and lucky. Maybe one day we can do the same for someone else. So,here are our first 8 boxes. May God bless you our "Elf"

My 10 Favorite Things During the Holidays

Here are a few of my 10 favorite things during the holidays:
1.Listening to Christmas music...I just love it!
2.Watching my two favorite Xmas movies...It's a Wonderful Life and Elf.
3.Baking goodies with my kids.
4.Seeing family you don't get to see often throughout the year.
5.Decorating the house with my kids.
6.Peppermint flavored hot chocolate.
7.Wearing scarves and gloves.
8.Seeing the temple Xmas lights.
9.Taking our yearly Xmas card pictures.
10.And the final thing is watching the hope and belief my kids have in the Xmas spirit. Seeing their innocence. And realizing that even though the hustle and bustle of the season is there..they remember what the true meaning of Xmas is.
And those are my 10 favorite things!!

Gettting it together

So, I haven't written in awhile. It feels like my life was turned upside down in September. The roller coaster that went up seemed to be coming down real hard and real fast. I just really was at a stand still and it took this long to feel like myself again. I went through a hard time with Prop 8 because of my sister, Landon will probably end up not seeing his Dad anymore, and I learned that at some point you have to let go of your kids and let them fly; hoping you have taught them enough to make good choices.
Way too overwhelming! But, after many headaches, fasting, prayers, and crying, I think I am back to "normal" whatever that is. So, tomorrow I will list a few of my favorite things as the holiday season is in full affect.
And by the way I am very very grateful for all my special "peeps" in my life!

Simple Inspirations

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."-Eleanor Roosevelt

"I honestly think it is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate"-George Burns

"Don't compromise yourself. YOU are all you've got."-Janis Joplin

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow them."
-Louisa May Alcott

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."-Anne Frank

"Happiness is the reward we get for living to the highest right we know."
-Richard Bach

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."-Martin Luther King Jr.

Almost 16

So, Vivi is waiting to be 16. I think others are waiting for her to be 16 too. I never imagined myself being my own mother. You know the one that always tells you what you don't want to hear. Well, that's me now. I say the same things my mom used to say. "make good choices", "God knows the truth", "be a good example", "you will get butterflies in your tummy"..alot of good that did me!! I just don't want Viv to struggle as I did and do. And I also know even when you do everything right, it doesn't mean happily ever after. But you have a better shot at it.
Hey, being the mom of a teenager is NOT easy.I feel like I should kiss my mothers feet for putting up with 4 girls!I am however blessed with a sweet daughter. One who listens to me chatter away even when she does not want to. One who still likes to snuggle and give me kisses (as she text's of course). And most importantly one who comes to me for advice and "pinky promise" secrets.
I love her so much and I am very proud of the young woman that she is. I just hope her fingers don't go numb from so much texting!

My 3 year old!

Can you believe it's been three years?! Happy Birthday Landon! You are even more special than you know. You truly changed my life.

Preschool...BYE MOMMY

That's exactly what he said...BYE MOMMY! He woke up saying he was going to big, big, boy school. He couldn't wait to get dressed, eat breakfast, and get out of the house. Wow! I can't believe my baby will actually be somewhere else 3 days a week. He's has only been without me for 4 months out of his life and he was a baby when that happened. I know, I know, many of you might say " Get a grip he's your 4th kid, you should be an expert at this!". Well maybe, but I wasn't home with the others. I did not take care of them full time like I do Landon. This is my 1st time experiencing this.

I was fine when I took him. I did not cry. I remained strong. I guess it was the fact that I was leaving him with one of my best friends. The fact that he was so excited and happy. And the fact that he waved at me and said BYE MOMMY...just like that.

Have a great year with Ms.Alison ,Landon! I am proud of my big boy!

Crestline

Two weeks ago we went to visit Grandma Lianna and T.C. in the mountains. The kids got to build a tree house with T.C. in their side yard. They had tons of fun. We also took our neighbor with us and he helped out too. We visited Lake Arrowhead and just hung out with each other. I always enjoy going there. It helps me to appreciate everything God made for us. It's beautiful. We are lucky to have family that lives there and doesn't mind company.

Boys! Boys! Boys!

Sometimes I look and I can't even remember what it felt like to have a little girl. I am surrounded by all these boys, it makes it a little hard to remember those Barbie and Dollie days. There's also the fact that Vivi was a "little" girl a long time ago.

I love the fact that Jordan is more of an authority figure for Landon and Justin is his playing buddy. Landon wants to be just like Justin (now that's a scary thought). When they get along and play I love to see their smiles and hear their laughter.

I get a little sad to think that one day I won't be their #1 woman. That one day someone else will be there, to listen, comfort, and kiss the boo boos. So I cherish all the kisses and hugs I can get today. I cherish playing baseball, wrestling, and tickle fights. My three princes, my three boys.

Peter Parker?

Justin has a new facination with Spiderman..a little out of the trend but that's just Justin doing his own thing. I was a bit surprised though that my son could actually climb walls! Yeah that's right climb walls! I had to take a picture so I had proof! So I guess there might be a little Spidey in all of us! Next time you see him just call him Peter Parker!

Grateful

One of my friends gave me some hand me down shoes for Jordan..and they were great. Jordan went around showing everyone in our family and even some friends his "new" shoes. He was so excited that he had cool Nikes. I appreciate his ability to be grateful for all the things we receive. In this day in age where it's all about what you have, I'm glad my soon to be 10 year old can see the value in things and be grateful.

Trying to figure it out

Yesterday I was outside at night looking at the stars just thinking of life. Along came this young man that was looking for donations by selling books. I told him I could not buy a book and sorry. So he hands me a book for free telling me that it "looked" like I really needed it. The book was titled "Searching for Happiness" All of this is amusing since this week I've been thinking....why do I think I can raise these four kids by myself? Although I have family and friends and they do have their dad's, I feel like ultimitely it's all on me. If they don't behave with their father's well then it must be something I'm doing or not doing. I have heard this twice this week.
I went and I looked at my list I have of WHY I can do this. I love my kids so much but sometimes my inner strength and confidence just flutters away. Everyday I have to tell myself why I can do this. And how important it is not to go back to full time work, even though I can feel the pinch.
I know everyone struggles with being a parent. It's not just about being a single parent. So, I will go and read my self help books that boost my confidence. And I will keep trying to figure out this whole parenting thing!

July 2008

So, it is almost the end of summer!! Can you believe it? Time goes by really fast. It's like they say the older you get the faster it goes....This is my attempt at keeping everyone posted on our lives. It makes me sad when I can't get in touch with everyone, so I figured this would be a good way to keep everyone posted on what is going on with us.
I had a friend pass away this month...she left in me an impression to make the most of everyday. I try and do that but sometimes, I get so busy in my everyday life I forget to enjoy the "moments". So, here we go no more putting things off till tomorrow! Enjoy the everyday moments and make them into memories.
Viviana turned 15 this month!!! One more year until she can start dating.....you know she has begun the countdown. Jordan is busy trying to learn how to play the guitar and playing the Wii. He has really grown up and matured. He says he is the man of the house. Justin is busy preparing for his baptism. He is really excited. Landon is finally potty trained!! He will start pre-school in September with my friend Alison. As for me, I enjoy scrapbooking when I can. I am always reorganizing everything in my house. Thinking of ways to make things easier. Just trying to stay sane as the kids keep getting older.
Well this was my first posting. I will keep updating it and hopefully learn how to load pictures on it as well.