More Malia...

So, today is a good day for Malia stories. Today at church, our sacrament meeting ran over a little bit and the kiddies were getting restless. I should start with the fact that we were a little late and had to sit in the overflow which means metal chairs. Malia was not happy about it. She started screaming, "I don't want to sit here, I don't want to sit here..." over and over. We did get her calmed down eventually but at the end of sacrament meeting, she was holding her naked barbie playing make believe. Her conversation, at full fledge loud voice tone, went something like this..."Plankton, it's me, Barbie. Plankton, I said, it's me, Barbie. Plankton, what are you doing?...and so forth. She would not quiet down. She just kept having this conversation. Then, when it finally came time for the closing song, she started singing, "Connected" from Barbie and the Diamond Castle along with the organ. Only, she was REALLY LOUD. The people in front of us will not make the mistake of sitting near us again. I'm sure of it.

Then, tonight, it was about 9:30 and we had put all the kids to bed. Malia came downstairs and was crying a "I'm scared" or I'm hurt" type of cry. I picked her up and took her back upstairs to try and calm her down. Finally, I grabbed her blanket and laid down with her on our bed (the beautiful one pictured below). Finally, she calmed down long enough to tell me she was scared of the flowers. (Okay....). Then, a few seconds later, I feel it get all warm...yep, you guessed it, she peed all over me and our fancy new bed...all our covers, the sheets, all the way down to the mattress. When I said, "Malia, did you pee?" she calmly said, "Yes." And proceeded to lay back down ON ME. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I thought I was over being peed on! I thought I was going to be able to go to bed on our nice freshly made new bed. Actually, maybe I still will...she peed on rick's side. Hee hee.

Bed Time!!

Like any vigorous red blooded male, when my sugar tells me she wants me to spice things up in bed, I head straight for the workshop. I just finished a project I've been working on for most of the year - a bed to go along with the dresser and nightstand I previously made. This was my most complicated project to date, and definitely the best executed.

It's made of African Mahogany, with panels made of exotic Pomelle Sapele. I did everything myself. I purchased the lumber from a supplier in PA, and it came fuzzy and rough, so I milled and surfaced it all by my yelf (as 2-yr-old Mac would say).

I veneered the Pomelle Sapele panels myself. It was my first time veneering, and it came out pretty well. You can see that each panel is made up two sheets of bookmatched veneer. The figure on this wood is crazy, and really spiced up the piece a lot.

The side rails and bed support detach from the headboard and footboard so that it can easily be moved in three pieces.

Oh, and Malia is supposed to get equal credit for this project, as she shop-vac'd the sawdust created during final assembly. And the bedding is by Michelle of course.

I heart Rock Band

Anyone who has not heard Dale sing "Roxanne," or witnessed him throw his drumstick while ripping a solo, has not lived.

Not so much controlled chaos...

as wildlly out of control chaos. My life this past semester, and especially these past few weeks, has been insane. If I had to pick one emotion to describe me throughout this time I would say overwhelmed. That's not to say its all been bad, but rather that there is a whole lot of good and a whole lot of hard all thrown at me at once and the result is a serious lack of sleep :) Which actually might be explain the following photographs.

The sad part is I have an insanely awesome video of the whole routine that this dang blog won't let me upload. If you're dying to see it, e-mail me. Otherwise, hold out till Thanksgiving or Christmas and I'll hook it up to the big screen for your viewing pleasure.

So, for the story behind these...For those of you who don't already know, I'm activities co-chair for my ward. How it works is my co-chair, Jason, is insanely outgoing and suggests absurd ideas. I, on the other hand, am (or was) basically as anti-social as it gets when it comes to ward functions and thus, avoid activities all together. So, in our weekly ward council meetings it goes something like this... Bishop asks for some ideas for activities, I suggest we flat out skip the activity, Jason counters with a ridiculous proposal, and then we come to a compromise. Unfortunately, the week I was in Texas he suggested a ward talent show and I wasn't there to counter. This week in ward council I made sure to make Bishop aware of our pattern of activity planning so he doesn't make that mistake again in the future. Anyway, what I'm getting at is that as c0-chair I am obligated to participate. Uh...one incy wincy problem...I DON'T HAVE TALENTS ---> at least not any that you'd share on stage with your ward members. However, after much pondering, I came to the realization that I do in fact have a talent. I am an incredible hula hooper. That may be a slight exaggeration but I am better than average, that's for sure. Consistent with most events of this semester, it kind of just snuck up on me and caught me a little unprepared. Today I get home from volunteering at the retirement community and realize I don't have a song, an outfit, or a routine. In the hour between my arrival home and the performance I put together a nice 80's number to the song "You Spin Me Right Round," with 80's outfit and hair included.

Ok, so for the next outlet of my academia overload... My recent participation in my Adolescent Development's Mock Trial. The idea behind the case was that a hardworking, religious teenager ends up getting knocked up by her trashy boyfriend. She sues the school because they taught abstinence only and therefore, she was unaware of preventative measures that could have been taken. And where do I fit in to this mess? You got it, I was the knocked up teenager. Oh how well my teachers can read me! Needless to say I took my part very seriously, as did most of the other participants. We did some massive research and presented our case for a comprehensive sex ed program like there was no tomorrow. Blew the defense out of the water... I mean, when you get a classroom full of conservative Mormons to vote in favor of your liberal proposal, you know you've done something right. Well anyway, here's some pictures to show you how it all went down.

Here is the entire cast of us. Most impressive is my teacher in the middle wearing an entire Judges outfit, from the white wig to the gavel.

Here is the prosecution. I don't know if the teacher did this on purpose (probably because she's in favor of the comprehensive program we were fighting for) but our side was STACKED. Seriously, those girls behind me are the smartest, funniest, and most opinionated in the class and it really worked in our favor.

This lovely young lady is my friend Amanda Kizerian and my teacher assigned her the part of my mama. After the trial she stops us and informs us that "I wanted to put you two together because I thought you'ld be hilarious but that you'ld really bring it...and you were and you did, I'm so proud!"

Once the trial started I meant business. I was in character 100%. This is my, "I'm just an innocent little girl who was misinformed" face...

This, on the other hand, is my..."defense, that's bull crap and you know it" face.

This is a little piece of my victory dance caught on camera. My favorite part of picture is the look on my teacher's face. She was loving it. She not only knows I'm a whack job but she LOVES it.

And last but not least. What happens when you're at the point of busy where you're consistently skipping entire nights of sleep...

A KIDNEY STONE

I don't know that anything I write right now will do this experience justice. Suffice it to say it was the worst pain I have experienced in my life. Luckily I had heard about kidney stones before so when the pain got real severe I was pretty sure I knew what was causing it. If I had waited any longer to go to the hospital I probably would have passed out from the pain before they had the chance to drug me up. Just as a word of warning to anyone who gets one in the future, don't expect the morphine to make it all better...it basically dulls it enough for you to tolerate it.

Both these pictures were taken after it passed and I was flying high on morphine.

I have such great friends...

And this is one reason I love Judy...

Staples...

Okay people, I was just thinking that we eat a variety of stuff..very few repeats in a month or even a couple of months, but there are some things I could not live without. Of course, we're making it a given that you have milk, bread, eggs and cheese, but at my house you will always find these things in my cupboards/fridge: bell pepper, light cool whip, garbanzo beans, cans of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, and yogurt. What are your staples???

Calling all Lisonbeakers....

We are all slackers and we didn't do a Kristin post on her birthday. So, if three weeks is late is good enough for the "other sister" (Judy), then it's good enough for Kristin. I would just like to make a side note that at least we were together (a lot of us, anyway) on her actual birthday in Texas. If I recall correctly, my stomach muscles were sore the next morning from laughing at Kristin (and Courtney's) complete inapropriateness. But, it wouldn't have been a party without it. It made me miss all of us being together.

So, here's to Kristin who is always good for amusement...whether we're laughing with her or at her, we're always laughing when she's around. My favorite memories of Kristin...let's see, there's the BYU college days when Kristin was rooming with Mahele (that poor dorm mom had no idea who she was dealing with). Those were days of nothing but amusement. They ran around in their bikinis in the snow. AT BYU people...Kristin died her hair black and became known as El Vira. Then, she tried to touch up the roots and instead looked like a striped skunk. It was a real nice surprise. One time I parked in the parking spot of the head resident and she came screaming down the halls looking for me. Well, the head resident didn't actually know me, she just knew I was Kristin's sister. All I know is that it was cold outside and that was the only available parking space. What was I supposed to do???...I could go on about her crazy boyfriend stories, but since she's married now, I'll leave those out. I like that anytime I'm home, I see Kristin walking around in a towel at least once. (And now she's got the bazooms to hold that thing up...)I really miss her different laughs. She used to do them for us to make us laugh. She had so many...all completely ridiculous, loud, and obnoxious and hillarious. I got to take many a road trip with Kristin (and Mahele) home from Provo in Pat. Now, picture three very tired college girls, hyped up on caffeine and whatever loud music was in at that point...Good times. Then there's the high school days...Kristin making our YW president's life completely miserable, hanging out in the foyer when we were supposed to be somewhere else.

On a sappy note, I don't think I've seen Kristin look as beautiful and as happy as she did this past May on her wedding day. Granted, their circumstances are unconventional, but I'm proud of them for being willing to do what it takes. We've all had Kristin and Mackenzie in our prayers throughout this custody battle, but we haven't lived through the day-to-day ups and downs that go along with this. So, here's to you Kristin (and Steven) for being strong through some extremely trying times. After this is over, the rest of your life will seem like a cake walk! So Happy Birthday! Next year we'll do it ON your actual birthday...

Happy Birthday Tams...

So, for Tammy's 30th birthday enjoyment, I thought we could post a few memories of her...any of your favorites will do. I'll start. Tams (and someone who shall not be named) babysat our kiddies for us so we could go to Palm Springs for the weekend. Malia was a tiny baby so they had the other three. When we got home, our house was like 98 degrees inside because the AC had stopped working. Picture this folks...three wild children all weekend long in an oven. Thanks Tammy for doing that. When we got back, they were out of there before we could even say goodbye, but I totally understoodl...Turns out, all we had to do was stick one battery in the thermostat and everything was fine...On my birthday right after Bella was born, Tams showed up with a lovely birthday present for me AND she took the kids for a couple hours out somewhere for me. A little peace and quiet on your birthday when you have young children is probably the greatest gift anyone could give you. I think my absolute favorite memories of Tammy are her throwing herself agains mom and dad's front door to make me laugh when I was in the middle of a breakdown. You can't help but laugh at the sight of her doing that, plus the doors shaking afterwards. He he. And, everyone else tackling, dog piling Tammy, the designated tackling dummy. It's a wonder she still likes football...Okay, now your turn. Ready, go.

Malia wanted me to fix her lunch the other day. I said okay, what do you want? She replied, "I'm not going to tell you." Great. A guessing game. When I told her that I didn't know what to fix her if she didn't tell me, this is what she did...sat on the floor of the pantry pouting.


This is the little princess in a football costume. The girl has another identity. She cannot be outdone by her brothers...

Soccer Saturday...

So, today's games conflicted. Carter had to be at his game at 7:45 and Bella had to be at her game which was 20 min. away from Carter's game at 8:45. Anyway, I caught a quarter or so of Carter's game and then went to Bella's game. Bella's team was ASLEEP! Even the little guy who runs around screaming "No" at the other team when they try to get near the ball was out of it. They more or less just stood there watching the ball be kicked into the goal (over and over) by the other team. Anyway, the second half, Bella started to get serious about the game. She scored two goals. After the second goal, she did this crazy victory dance. It was so funny. It kind of resembled the pregnant lady dance with more boody ivolved. It was seriously hilarious! Somebody needs to come up to Fresno and go to some soccer games with us so you know what I'm talking about. Carter is fun to watch too. It is the best when he is "anticipating" a ball coming to him. He gets all excited and moves his feet around and jumps. I love it...

FHE

This is what we did for FHE this week. It was a hit. I was going to hang them in the trees out front, but I can't get them away from the kids long enough to do it. They love flying them around the house and "fighting" each other with them...

Happy 39th Dad!

You don't look a day over 38.

I think I miss Daddy most around our birthdays because he and I always used to celebrate and it's just not the same when he's in Cali and I'm here. So if I can't share a cake with him, the least I can do is blog about him.

Of course we all think Dad is the greatest but I think Dad's "Dad-isms are the greatest. We Dallas kids find endless enjoyment from watching football while quoting Dad. For example, people are called "bozo" or "dipstick" with disturbing frequency. So, this time around, I suggest that we remind one another of some of dad's great one liners.

I know you guys can remember more awesome Dad quotes that "would make a rabbit slap a bear" so don't just sit there...GET TO POSTING!

WE LOVE YOU DAD!!! HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT ONE!

Small victories...

Life is made better by all the little victories. This week, I actually remembered to buy Christmas wrapping paper to wrap some fabulous bargains I found and bought for Christmas this year. Then, I sent in my voter registration which has been on my to do list for ages. I also had to break out jeans because it was cold the other day and...last year's jeans still fit! That's always a victory for me. And, I discovered that if you microwave hominy long enough, it tastes like corn nuts without all the oil! You see, life is good. Oh, and Bella graduated from speech. Now, if I can just find the boys some cheap Halloween costumes, I will be very happy indeed.

Justin would be so proud...

Our Saturdays are filled with soccer! I love watching the games. I coach Bella's team, so I am also the ref...I am literally in the middle of the game! So, Carter had a game on Saturday. He is excellent at defense because he's not afraid to launch the ball. After one of the boys had scored a few goals, the coach switched Carter to forward. He was kind of clueless as far as positions go but thankfully, the ref was from our team and he was kind of standing by Carter coaching him...So, there was a goalie kick or a corner kick or something and the ball came to Carter and so Carter launched the ball towards the goal...it bounces in front of the goalie and then over his head into the goal! The look on Carter's face was classic complete surprise and glee all at the same time. I don't think I will ever see him do something like that again, but it was SWEET!

Isn't it nice to be among the young marrieds?

So, all of us California "Saints" were asked to attend a broadcast last night regarding Proposition 8 (defining marriage as only between a man and a woman). They extended a special invitation to those single and young marrieds between the ages of 18-34. That's me! I am still a young married! Boo ya! Their reason for doing so was so that they want "us" to "do what we do." AKA, blog, text, chat, instant message, etc...So, being that I am one of the "young marrieds," I would like to express my support for Proposition 8. Believe me, this was not an automatic yes for me, but after careful consideration, I support it! So, tell your friends, tell your neighbors, text, blog, talk, whatever you do....but if you're in California, please register to vote and vote for Proposion 8. There...done.

I blame Kristin

Can't you just hear her shouting "YIPEE!!!" This is Elizabeth doing her victory dance when she prevailed upon me to hold off on getting her dressed. Her triumphant expression is borne of the her love for hanging out in nothing but her diaper. She feels absolute glee when she's allowed to be free from her pesky clothes for extended periods of time. And since I can guarantee that she did not get this trait from her father or from me, I have no one left to blame but Kristin.

P.S. I hear that Sarah is walking now. I'm going through withdrawals so would someone hook me up by videotaping some of that and posting it? I'm so sad I'm missing it!

Garbanzo beans...it's what's for breakfast...

My favorite breakfast is roasted garbanzo beans. I know, seriously weird. I'm always trying to get some protein in the morning and you might remember how much I like eggs...(remember the stuffing the egs in the pants pocket incident? or how about the throwing the egg on the floor under the chair and claiming to have eaten them...) I just roast them in the microwave with olive oil, lemon and some spice and they are cruchy, tasty bits of heaven. You should try it! Even my kids like them...

Catching up...

We have been busy! On thursday, Malia's co-op preschool was at my house so I decided to take them to the Cal State Fresno Farm. They have horses, pigs, sheep and cows that you can walk right up to and see.

These are the little preschoolers inside one of those old corn things. I have no idea what you call it (a little help, Adam?) but it's made out of cement and it is open at the top and it is HUGE! They loved it in there because they could make noise and it echoed.

This little guy was the only one brave enough to get close to the horses. The rest of the kids kept their distance!

Judy came up on Thursday afternoon and we went to the Freno Fair. They came up last year for it and had so much fun that they came back again this year. We had a great time. The livestock area was very cool. The cows were HUGE! And, they were so clean! I guess they were getting ready for a show or something because they were really nice and shiny and beautiful. They had some baby sheep that must've been brand new because they were so little. They had some baby pigs. I thought it was fun to watch the runt trying to eat. He was so much smaller than the other pigs! And then there were the baby chicks...little yellow balls of fluff.

This is the kids standing in front of the bunnies at the smaller animal part...they had bunnies, chickens, and turkeys. Oh, and the roosters, of course. They were very noisy!

By far, the boys' favorite place is the rocks and minerals exhibit. They each had some money to spend and they spent it all on rocks. They must've spent an hour in there total trying to decided what to buy and looking at all the different stuff. Luckily there is a bench right in front of this rock place so I could sit with Judy and just kind of monitor what they were doing. (Meanwhile, Malia was running at full speed with David's stroller back and forth, back and forth.) I'm sure the people at the other end of where she was running were wondering where on earth her mother was!

On Friday, I had to send my kids to school because Jake had a race that day and it wouldn't have been fair to let the others stay home...so, my kids went to school and James and Emily and David hung out here. We went to Jake's race which was fun. He came in 4th place this time! He is doing so great! Friday night, Rick watched all the kids while Judy and I went out for a bit...we spent some time at the fabric store and then Baskin Robbins (YUM!). How convenient that ice cream is located right next to a fabric store. Heaven for women!

Saturday it was raining! It was kind of a bummer because we had our first soccer game. Carter and Bella had games at the same time. Bella did a great job...we play three on three with no goalie, but for some reason, Bella thinks she's the goalie. She did block several attempts at a goal which was great. (Had the other team done the same thing, we wouldn't have scored!) Anyway, it was a great game. I'll get to see Carter in action next week. We brought the kids home after the game and had some hot chocolate and the sun came out! It was fabulous to watch the kids play outside! They haven't been outside to play for months. It has been too hot!

Last night, we watched the Fresno State game with some friends. They projected it onto the wall of their house outside. It was HUGE! They are all big Fresno State fans. Let's just say that Fresno State had some major errors...it cost them the game. But, it was very entertaining to watch the team outside, in the cold, on a big projector. It was kind of like being at the game. Jake braved the cold with the adults until the very end. He's quite the football fan. We even wore red in support of Fresno State...they're slowly winning us over. Anyway, it has been a whirlwind of a few days and we are SO TIRED! Thanks Judy for coming to visit. The kids are already asking when we're going to Valencia again!

What's for lunch?

So, this is what I'm eating for lunch today. Delicious. Vegetables sauteed in olive oil with some "Pappy's" seasoning on them. I really do like it...however, I wish I were really skinny and could eat a nice helping of frosting and graham crackers for lunch instead. Ummmm....now that would be tasty. What are you having for lunch?