Skinner Family

Simple Schooling October Nature Study: Tree - Leaf - Seed

2011-10-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

Simple Schooling October Nature Study: Tree - Leaf - Seed: Simple Schooling October Nature Study: Tree - Leaf - Seed

To friends and family!!

2010-06-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

After Selling our company and home, moving across the country so Jake could go back to school and Oh yes....being pregnant again, I have been a bit preoccupied and am ready to go back online.

Here is the new blog http://www.spiritualbirthblog.com/

Much Love,
Vanessa
don't forget to update you links!!!

2009-12-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas officially barfed all over my house. I am the mom who wants Christmas to be magical for my children....sooo holiday music is going constantly crafts and goodies are every day christmas stories are told, etc...

busy is a great word. I feel just a tad overwhelmed with the whole learning curve it takes to do photography. I started a wordpress blog a few months back but it seems to be a bit over my head. I really want to set my new blog up right before I introduce it to the world....but fear with four little ones, time is always the issue. I have attended both my births and they both went as expected. Peggy thought she was having a girl and she did. Amber thought she having a boy and she did.

I absolutly love the to be able to apprentice with my midwife. I think we make a great team. I was the priamry assistant at Amber's....cause she delivered the day before Thanksgiving and the other assistant was baking pies.

In the meantime, I started a makeshift blog. It doesn't have all the links and eduacational site I want up to the references yet but that will come. I think though it will still help to educate people. When I had Sonny I think one of my cousins said she had never seen a birth and that baffled me. but also inspired me to really go forward and perhaps accept that my calling might be this.
Before I really didn't care what people thought or their views on birthing or vaccine, breastfeeding,etc.. cause I believe noone can really say anything until they have those particular experiences and body. I also just know of too many miracle stories where things happened and shouldn't off.

My sister attended a birth a while ago where the mother had to birth her still born child. she will never forget that expereince. If we are not here on this earth to grow from oneanother and help eachother. what are we here for.

My neighbor and friend Angie was told that she wouldn't conceive children on her own and just gave birth last month to her third child (naturally). My Friend Natalie was told recently that she would only have tuble preganancy and suffer many miscarriages. I would like to think God is above science and one day she will hold her very own baby. Love ya Nat!!

I really don't like long post. So here is the other blog that I will probably putting more of my energy and time into.....but please be aware that it is a birth blog and if you feel uncomfortable with birth then please don't read or look at this blog it will have visiual pictures. To me I think there is nothing more beautiful, but that is just me and who I am. It is a work in progress but isn't everything.

My friends and husband all know me well enough to know that when I am passionate about something I go all the way. My husband knows me well enough to never try to tell me one thing from another and just( I assume) decided to support me in all I do. He is a great person. I don't know a whole lot of men that will let other women push out a baby in their bed during the night, while he has to sleep in the boys room.

spiritualbirthphotos.blogspot.com

Spiritual Birth Photography

2009-11-21T01:49:00.000-08:00

So I have decided that I am going to keep my name Sprititual Birth Photography. Cause all I want to be is a exclusive Birth Photographer to go along with my Doula service.

....but that isn't the point to this post. I really like watermarkes, Salina doesn't she says they take away from the picture. So when I tried them out on some recent photos I have taken. It helped me make my decision on that. For Sarah above the little one who'e birth I was at last Saturday it certainly destracts from the pic. For the cute couisn photo I took a while ago I seem to like it. So I don't know. I think that if the watermarke fits without taking away from the feeling of the photo I will add it.

Any thoughts on if watermarkes bother you or not???

2009-11-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

So this obviously isn't my last photoshoot, it's just before when Salina and I were testing the lighting in my home. Suprising we didn't end up using the background lighting just my flash to achieve the look I was going for. Courtney her daughter looks so cute I couldn't resist. Sonny and Courtney are only a few months apart between them there is always someone crying. It's funny cause we can always tell if it is our kids cry or not so one of is always jumping up to check on the matter, but sometimes we both just wait a minute cause the cry will sound so similiar we can't tell who it is. It's a wonder how we get anything done .

Anyway, what I think I will do is just start photography/birth blog. I see almost all photographers are doing this now, and since i want my photography to have purpose I can include my birth stories as well. Speaking of which.....I am expecting a call any minute now to go deliver My first baby as an assistant to my midwife. Cindy (midwife) called this moring and said Peggy was in labour but the contractions are only a 20 mins apart, so there is time. I see the baby being here by early evening. The mother is driving in from California and delivering at the Best Western Hotel. The laws for midwife's different in California so they always drive across state line and deliver in Nevada. Although it is not the first person I know that will be delivering in a Hotel it still seems a bit unconventional. I invited them to come to my home to deliver the baby so there is a small chance that they will come here instead.
While Jake was in Canada this last week I had my cleaning lady come in and do a thourouhg cleaning of all the blinds, window, and fans, etc..so the house is deffinatly clean and looking good. My husband got up and made breakfast for everyone so aside from the bacon smell lingering. It would be a nice environment to labour in.

Veteren's Day and Question??

2009-11-12T20:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday i had all my cubscouts over for a bond fire and wiener/marshmellow roast. We worked on some requirements and had some fun. I really enjoy these boys and love to be involved with getting them ready for Boy Scouts. I also work with great people and that helps as well.

I threw in the first picture just cause it wouldn't be right to have a post without my Monkey.......even if he is covered in ashes.

I did another Photo shoot last night with a completly different look to it. Once again I new what I wanted in my head and Salina came over and helped put into the camera. I know one day I will have to cut the cord with her....but I have so much fun with her. Last week she had two weddings and that is a whole other blog post in itself. I have No desire to shoot wedding and after that experience really know I don't want too. I was exhuasted after wards and why I had to sit by the guy from New Jersey who worked right on Wall Street and had to tell me like 10 Xs that he got to ring the stock market bell once.... I don't know and the guy on the other side of me ....everytime his wife got up he poured a little more of her wine into his glass. Drunk and loud New Yorkers anyone? I know this is suppose to be more of my family journal.

Should I keep posting my photography for now....or is it a little over done?????

After a week of being away, Jake is back from Canada. I'm going now to lie in our bed and catch up.
Thanks...Keo for coming over and making you famous Egg Rolls. It made a great lunch for Jake and I when he got in from the Vegas Airport. Your a great Visiting Teacher. Can't wait for your annual Cambodian Christmas Party!!!

Pirate Rrrrr

2009-11-09T12:42:00.000-08:00

Andy Celebrated his 5th B-day with a Pirate party. Everyone came dressed as pirates except for my own kids, they decided that they wanted to be super heroes instead so Andy was Iron Man and Mick was Spider man and Sonny looked so cute in his Monkey costume that i couldn't resist.

At least Rudy got into the spirit.We Decorated pirate swords......played pin the eye patch on the pirate ( I know what your thinking I should of been an artist)!!Acted like the meanest, badest pirate around.

And most importantly digged for treasure in the pirate ship.Happy Birthday Andy!!!

Children are not guinea pigs!!!

2009-11-06T23:49:00.000-08:00

Man....did learn a great lesson. I was actually warned about this and thought ......what!!!

I drove all the way out to the Date farm today to only practice some natural lighting with my camera i thought innocently I would just use my kids as the models. HOLY MOLY....They let me know real quick that they were not going to cooperate with me no matter how much bribing I could come up with.

The picture of Mick was the only one I was able to get and i caught him off gaurd. Well let me just say I was paying for that for about ten minutes after wards. The fit he threw.... I was so imbarresed and there was noone around to even witness.

My smilely happy baby just staired in dismay. My Andy just staired in digust and we just won't discuss Mick anymore.

O.K.lesson learned....My children are not guinea pigs and they are more then willing to let me know it!!!

Sorry....another photo shoot!!

2009-11-06T00:29:00.000-08:00

I promise I won't turn this into a photography blog. I just wanted to post a few of my photo from my shoot last night. This husband and wife are just darling everytime he looked at her stomach it made me want to be pregnant. I will Attend Amber's birth soon. In fact all my mother's that I am doing photo shoots now, I will also be attending their birth and then taking pics of thier little ones after. This is going to be a very busy next few months. I actuall have a first time mom due with twins in December. I can't wait to get them infront of my camera. Slowly I am creating my own style of Photography the last session I did (don't get me wrong I absoluty love the pics...but they were just not my style, not sure what my style is yet. I knew what I wanted in my head and then Salina helped me with the lighting and posing to acheive my look. I am really pleased with them and can't wait to continue learning. I have a whole new respect for Photographers. This editing thing is so time comsuming.

My first photo shoot

2009-10-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

Ealier in the Day I did this Sweet little one and even got his momma involved to her suprise. Then later that evening we did my first Maternity shoot and was able to get some beautiful shots....more to come. Thanks Salina for helping me with the editing, lighting, posing, etc...

You would never think it but between her kids and mine there was a million kids running around in the background of the session.

And most of all thanks to Charese and her sweet baby for letting me play with him and for Angie for letting me push her into some pretty uncomfortable positions.

2009-10-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy month. My Aunt asked me last year while visiting which was my favorite season? I told her fall she asked why? I responded that my family just stays really busy. Yesterday being Columbus Day and no school and crappy weather. We made Halloweem crafts and caremel apples and listened to Halloween children music. I still have a crock pot full of Caremel. The chocolate had know problem finishing off. I guess we make Caremel popcorn tomorrow.

I have dentist appointments almost weekly (veneers). I am the Bear Den leader for scouts so I have weekly Den meetings and have two births in November so currently have weekly prenatels. I also continue to have the food storage calling and playing the piano in Relief Society can be a challenge when you suck like I do. Busy,busy,busy but with fullfilling things, not worldly/irrevelant things. Jake and I took advantage of our babysitter (sis-in-law) and went out to lunch and did all of our Christmas shopping today so at least I can say I have that done.....can you!!!!!

Happy Halloween

A little tooo HEIL HITLERish for me

2009-09-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

and people wonder why I want to Homeschool!!!

I think the most Ridiculas part is that they are singing it to the tune of " The Battle Hynm of Republic" there should be a law against that in and of itself and No it is not just be patriotic it's just idiotic.

2009-09-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

For the past year Rudy has been fencing three xs a week. He is getting better and better and I am proud of him. Jake goes with him and trains as well and just recently Andy has started going and learning a little . We decided that we wouldn't put our boys rather try to stick to one sport and see how it goes.

Friends

2009-09-15T22:56:00.000-07:00

Salina......thanks for some good conversation tonight and for inviting me to go on some photoshoots with you and for making my blog template so pretty. I know we just got off the phone....say hi to Logan and have fun watching Wolverine.

Vanessa

Salina Ann Photography

Sonny!!

2009-09-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

Our baby has turned 1. There is something so great about our babies when they reach their toddlerhood, yet something so sad. I love having a baby in the home. It brings an extra spirit that otherwise would not be there.

Salina offered to do a photo shoot for me, so I invited Sonny's girlfriends and cousin Obi over for some fun.

We have so enjoyed Sonny in this family. He reminds me so much of Rudy when he was a baby. You know how you just can't get enough of you first born? You watch him sleep and play want to be with his every move. Well, I can't say I went that far with Sonny but sure enjoyed all those first time mom feelings again because he brought so many memories back.

Happy Birthday Sonny!!

Dancing to the Moonlight!!

2009-09-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Jake celebrated his 30th recently. Matt and Jen flew in from Ontario for a visit and getaway. We drove out to the dry lake bed just as the sun was setting it was actually quite stunning and with all the fire's in California, we have had some of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen.

My wish for Jake is that he is happy in life. I was just discussing this with my cousin , as to why (with out the influence of the gospel) would men stick around to work all day while we stay home and have fun. Then they turn around and hand us their paychecks. Jake is all about quality of life and I have sensed for awhile that maybe there is change in the air for him. Just a feeling I get I guess. I hope he is where he wants to be in life currently. I know that I am. I want to be a wife and Mother and progressing spritualy as well as growing emotionally.

Jacob I am so glad that you chose me and I must say that I as much as I was in love with you on the day we married. I am more in love with you each and everyday. At this rate I wonder how I will feel for you when you turn 40. Happy Birthday!

the good news and the bad news!

2009-08-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

The good news is the chickens are all laying their eggs green ,white and brown. The children are having fun collecting them each morning and seeing what
colors will be there.

Now for the bad news....as soon as they started laying my Rooster became aggressive. All the chickens were out on the lawn and Sonny started too crawl towards the hens he didn't get very far when the rooster charged and jumped on his face. I ran over and grabbed Sonny and then the Rooster started to charge me.

When Jake got home from work I told him the story (for those that know Jake, know that he is very protective of his children). He told me he was going to blow his head off. He got out the shotgun and Uncle Tyler and mom did the rest. I wasn't going near that thing and didn't really like the whole experience.

Needless to say the next night we had chicken for dinner.

Poor rooster.....I guess you just don't mess with our baby!!

My family Reunion!!

2009-08-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

O.k so I've tried like three times on different occasions to post my summer family reunion and these pics finally loaded so I will take what I can get. On the ride home from Alberta we stopped in Twin Bridges, Montana and spent the afternoon with Carl. It was so good to have my boys all together for the first time. What a sweet energetic boy. I love that the boys know they are all brothers and feel so completely comfortable with each other like they have known one another their whole lives. We love you so much Carl and will see you next at you Baptism.

Saying Good Bye to Tasha and Faith"sniff sniff" Whaaaaaaa!!!
having so much fun at the water park.
Kim,Vanessa,Kayla,Kelly, Kym, Tasha. I love and miss you all already.

2009-08-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to my friend Amber who posted some really cute pics of her girls sleeping at 2:00am in the morning while traveling up to Washington State.

Well, Amber here are a few pics of what I had to tolerate while driving our 24 hr vacation.

I just needed some pity!!!

Help Wanted

2009-07-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

Jacob is hiring for his company and since the economy is the way it is, I wanted to post this for those who live here and might be interested. I often have friends ask me if my husband is hiring and I usually like to stay out of his company but since he is hiring I hope this helps.

1. 2 Spray foam insulators- the details are on craigslist in the general labor section and the pay is $10.00 hrly rate. Full Time

2. Telemarketer girls currently have 4 but are looking for 2 more @ $8.00hr.
From the hrs of 4pm to 8pm. Part time

3. Commision Sales people. Details are on craiglist.

All inquiries must be sent to President@Jacobskinner.org
Or you can fax Resume to: 775-582-5259

Also Jennifer Jensen is opening up Pahrump Preschool for the fall season, she has two positions to be filled
1. Preschool Teacher and assistant teacher.

She emailed me recently and asked if I knew anyone with Early Childhood Experience.
I can send on the information if you are interested give me a ring.

Father's Day

2009-07-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

Jake's Sister and boyfriend Josh were in town to celebrate Father's Day.

Jake and Josh went golfing for the afternoon while Charrisa took me out for a pedicure. My feet thankyou so much. It was so nice to be treated once and while. he reads to the children each night while they fall asleep. I usually catch him long after they are sleeping continuing to read to himself.

Andy pretends to be a dad all the time and imitate's things that Jake does....the days he is out and not at home working Andy will pretend to pay bills and fax letters to clients and talk on a cell phone. It is the cutest thing in the world.

Andy and Mick gave Daddy's office doors a heart attack to suprise him when he got home.

On Sunday I was preparing Chicken Salad. Mick will sit up on the counter and peninsula and help everytime I am in the kitchen, but this time while I was shredding vegetable for the salad the parsely got stuck....so just as I turned around to grab the gagdet to stuff it down the food processor....yep, Mck decided that his fingers could do the job just as easy.

so after a quick run to the emergency room and 4 nurses and 1 doctor holding down with 6 sticks of silver nitrate ( oh and lots of screaming and endless bleeding on the way) we got back to enjoying our Father's Day.

....still holding his lollipops from the hospital and still pretty upset over what happened.

poor guy, but still really cute with a chopped finger.

Happy Father's Day Dad!!!!

Oh by the way Mick still isn't talking clearly at all and will start his speach therapy soon, but when we were in the emergency room and all the doctors were holding him down.....he yelled out MOMMY HELP ME PLEASE!!! clear as a bell. Just about ripped my heart out. At the same time surprised to hear him speak so well.

Memorial Day

2009-06-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day we did some Hiking up at Mt. Charleston with Jake's family visiting and later went to a luau in Vegas. You know whats really funny.... is when none of us drink but pretend to be waisted anyway(Jake).

Jake can never be serious in front of the camera...I wanted a cute serious photo like the one Dominic has with his girlfriend Lindsey up above. It wasn't happening this is the best he could do.

There was still some snow the waterfall was pretty.

Uncle Tyler offered to carry the baby on the hike. Jake and I didn't hesitate a bit. I wonder what he was thinking when he was about half way up the mountain. He never complained once.

this photo could of been romantic but Jake just can't in front of a camera as mentioned earlier.

Party and Honey came along too.. Party was great and Honey needed some frequent rest I think just having a litter of puppies doesn't help. By the way all the puppies sold immediately so now I just need to get my carpets cleaned.

Jake had an client he was meeting up there for a cabin addition so the rest of us just hung out at a abandoned cabin down the street. Getting this picture was such a production. Andy started crying and whining cause Sonny was just pulling his hair and Mick wouldn't even get in the picture and liked the idea of us chasing him down so what could of been a really cute picture wasn't .

Granola mama now!!

2009-06-07T00:52:00.000-07:00

I think I finally did it. For years I have been trying to create a raw (live) cookie and haven' t had any sucess. So I thought I would tweek my granola recipe up just a bit and joila! I have the perfect granola bar. My kids just devour them and. No they are not raw but I will continue to create don't worry.

So far I have tried sprouted wheat berry with every combo you can think of then went to using my cuisne art to grind all sorts of nut and make a paste as a base, I have used dates soaked in oj and then thrown some carob in with it (don't recommend that one) and everything under the sun.

I think I will switch my forcus for awhile and figure how these can be cooked in dehydrator instead of the oven.

Recipe For Granola Bars

Ingredients:
I always make huge batches of whatever I make so you cut it in half if you please
4 cups of rolled oats
1/2 cup of date sugar
1 cup of wheat Germ
11/2 tsp. of ground cinnamon
2 cups of almond meal
1 cup of flax meal ( this adds a different taste so optional if you like)
2 cups of rasins
11/2 tsp of sea salt ( i really like the taste that the salt adds but you can cut back if you like)

2 cups of honey
2 egg beaten
1 cup of olive oil
4 tsp. of vanilla

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350* degrees Grease a cookie sheet.
In a bowl mix the oats, date sugar, wheat germ, almond meal, cinnamon, raisins and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the honey, egg, oil, vanilla. Mix well and pour the mixture onto the cookie sheet and pat down with you hands.

2. Bake for about 25 mins or it just look brown in the edges. Cool for five minutes, then go in cut the bars. If you try when they are cool you will have chunks and a lot of mess instead of nice even bars. I store my in a ziplock and have them ready to go.

Things in May

2009-05-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

We have ended our spring with staying plenty busy and i look forward to a much slower paced summer but from the looks of things that will not be the case. I had a lovely Mother's Day Weekend and hope you all did as well.

Andy had a Graduation Ceromony from Preschool. I can't believe the year is over." I had a blast ladies and Thankyou for taking such great care of my Andy."

My Sonny turned 9 Months (which I have always said it is my favorite age) and still holds true.

The chickens are now old enough to live in their coop. Hooray !!!!!

Rudy turned 9 and had his first sleep over ever. It was a blast That is the one pro if living here. Rudy decided on Thursday morning he wanted to B-party instead of going to see lion King on broadway. So that day I called 9 of my friends and the next night had a blast of a party.

Word of advice "don't bother cleaning your house before you have 10 nine yr olds over for a party."

The little darlings are ready for sale. We have so enjoyed having them and watching them grow. I'm not sure my boys realize we are not keeping them.

Anyone want a poodle??

And Uncle Tyler gave us a visit on his way to Australia.....of course Jake had to show off his culinary skills. Sushi....yum. I'm not so sure Tyler would agree. "You did great Honey....I just don't think sushi is suppose to be the size of donuts."

Well the month is half over and we still are expecting more company from Canada and many other planned acitivities before the month is up. I feel sleep deprived already.

Having a blast!!

I love it when.....

2009-04-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

I love it when my babies are introduced to food for the first time. It's like their whole world stops when they take that first bite they want to jump out of their diaper. The other morning the boys and I were have some strawberries and banana and cream for breakfast and I look over at Sonny and thought I would give him little bite. So I whip out the bullet blender and with out the cream of course have this yummy little baby food pured in no time.

He take a bite starts to shake and makes those shrieks of excitement that babies do.

Demanding it faster then I can get it on the spoon.

He had the bowl down in no time...........The Result.

ONE VERY SATISFIED BABY!!!!!!

2009-04-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my Sister Tasha and brother-in-law Dave. They just had their fourth child April 1st. That make 2 boys and 2 girls.

We love you and can't wait to meet Faith Eden.

spring had sprung at our house!!

2009-04-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

we have a few new additions to the family. Last week we got our chicken coop completed it still needs to be painted.....but the fence is up and the chickens are here. We got all sorts of green, blue, white and brown layers. This will just give the kids something to sell to our neighbors and give them some character building skills.

Honey had her first litter on Monday and she did so well. She is only a pup herself but something told me she would be an amazing mother and she is. She had five in total and within a few days had lost 2 but the 3 that survived are thriving and so cute. I will get more into that later.

are trees are all blooming and survived the winter all except the beloved Cherry tree. Jake totally over watered it. Such a typical man. I told him that he was and he didn't do anything about it till it was too late. The nut trees, the grapes the roses.....all doing great and ready. I will have to get back to you on whether the garden does good or not.

I have said this for so long but it is alot of responsability owning a home but very rewarding and wouldn't want to ever rent. The one goal Jake and I had was to be home owners before we got married and I'm so glad we did. ( even if we did have to sacrifice our honey moon.)

2009-03-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

Congratualtions to my honey. Today he was sworn in as a US Citizen. It only took 5 short years.

The first thing he did as a Citizen was to register to vote with the Republican party.

Nursing Controversy

2009-02-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=6864594&page=1

Salma Hayek Nursing a baby in Africa!

I love this story. I am not a breastfeeding fan.....souly for selfish reasons. I am making an effort to nurse Sonny for as long as he is interested. I usually cut off my babies early. This always shocks people who no my beliefs. You don't appreciate what you have until you are unable to do so. Mick taught me this lesson as he was unable to nurse.

I did alot of research and learned also through my Midwife course that a baby is never allergic to the mother's milk but rather it is usually always something the mother is eating. This is just what I learned not what I am preaching. I would love to believe it though.

HUMAN MILK FOR HUMAN BABIES!!!!

I have had someone else nurse my child when I was unable to do so and wouldn't hesitate a minute if someone needed me to share my own breast milk.

The Cutest Preschool Class In The World!!!!!!

2009-02-16T14:19:00.000-08:00

2009!!

2009-01-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

I seem to be on a blogging roll so I will just continue with it until I get sick of it then I don't post for awhile.
Which brings me to point of this post. The year has started out great so far and since I don't make News Resolutions I will just mention the things that I have been doing or want to do. I just don't pressure myself into doing anything lately. If I want to talk on the phone all day with my sister in Cananda then I do. If I wake up and want a long bath then I do. If I want to eat raw foods for a while I do and when I want to eat nothing but junk food I do. If I want to play with my kids all day or spend along time making a nice meal for Jake or read and neglect my house work I do. I think you get the point. So far I like this don't have a care in the world attitude. I like to feel like I am doing my part is some small way and not just taking up wasteful space on this earth. With a family of six it is sickening how much we waste so we have started to recycle actually this is my husbands idea and although I hate the ugly huge trash can that sits in my Kitchen it makes me feel a little bit better and since he is the one that has to take it to the recycle place I can't complain. I have a made a concious effort to always turn off the lights in the house taking a whole ten steps up to the playroom to make sure the light is off when no one is up there is my victory. I have almost switched to all environmentally safe cleaners for my home. I have one of those recycle bottles for my water that you can use over and over again so I don't have to buy the little bottles that take up all the room in our land fills. You know what I won't do? Is go back to using cloth diapers agian. I did my own research and found that I wasn't conserving much more and frankly it was disgusting. Mind you I only did with my first born but never again. Of course you can't say never. I'm sure even 8 yrs later they probably have come up with a better cloth diaper solution so maybe I will look into it.I am going to try to go this whole year without having cleaners come in and clean my home. Then maybe put the money saved to something worth while.

Since we own a green insulation company I want to practice what we preach more. Last year I jioned a beautification commitee for our town and all my suggestion were to help our town become solar and more self reliant but I live in a some what of a backwards town and that was so hard for them to fathom so I resigned. Jake serves as a planning commisioner here so I feel like he does service on both our accounts since it takes him away from me a few nights a month. I would like to start composting and this for me is very intimidating so one step at a time I suppose. Andy's preschool went on a field trip to our local dairy farm and they said they deliver all the manure for free. I 'm not sure what I will do with a truck full of cow manure but it seems to me it is a key element in composting. I will have to get back to you on my update.

I usually don't like really long posts but remember I am 30 now and am going to be who I want without a care in the world.

One last ending note for all my Pahrump girlfriends since I am slowly going green.I want to have a rummage exchange where everyone brings there stuff that you don't want and can swap and take as you please. For instance since moving into this house 2 yrs ago I have slowly collected all new decor cause all my old stuff was costomed to my old home. So I have been just hanging on to it all. I use a vita mix, so I don't need my blenderI have a cuisine art so I don't need my mixer, etc...I am almost ready to take a trip to the thrift store but thought I would throw that out first.

I currently have olive oil in my hair (hot oil treatment) so I am going to go and rinse it out cause my visiting teachers just called and are on their way. Got to go!!

congratulations Bill and Kym!!!

2009-01-17T21:20:00.000-08:00

I just returned home from having the privilege of participating at the birth of my new nephew. He is a keeper for sure and so sweet and like his brothers before him. If you could witness Kym give birth you would probably slap her across the face because she make it look so easy. I won't give details of course it is not my place but couldn't' help to just let them know my love for them and beautiful family. I got to deliver the placenta and it was an honour for sure.....Thankyou.
Proud father 4th time around!!!

Sonny was also there and is a bit sad cause his rein is now over......aahhhh.

hr or so after the birth. Kym was showering so i got a few pics with me and the cousins.

I love you...

I can't give the weight....but on a side note Sonny is exactly 5 month older. Hint: he's a big one in comparison.

2009-01-12T19:49:00.000-08:00

I am having a love affair with this little guy up top. When I look into his eyes I don't have a care in the world. He makes me feel more beautiful and perfect then anyone else. I love how he holds no judgement towards me. He has been on this earth almost five months and yet his wisdom surpasses mine with flying colors. Sometimes our nursing sessions last for approximately three hours and I love every minute of me being with him. I love when he smiles as big as he can. My heart melts immediately and he knows he has just spoken my love language.

He is perfect, perfect perfect in every way. Looking at him I know there is a heaven and eternity brings on a whole new meaning. No matter what race, culture, belief, religion, size, etc...all mothers feel this way. I love being a mother there is nothing else I wanted to be. I was one of those little girls that dreamed of it and nothing else. How blessed for me that I get to live my dream. I dislike when people ask if I will be have more, cause my answer is I feel like I am just getting started and then they look at me like I am crazy and make that comment that they could never.

I know everyone reading this knows this feeling with their own....I just felt like vocalizing it tonight.

30th Birthday Suprise Party!

2009-01-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

So I turned the big 30 on the first of January and it was a perfect day.

I woke up a little sad, actually it started the night before. New's Years Eve Jake told me that he had made resevations to go out and eat in one of our more finer restuarants. One thing Jake knows is that I won't eat out at a fast food place or anything close too. I didn't want to eat out though even in the most finest restuarant. I have been eating all month and was just a little tired of it. Just because it was my birthday doesn't mean I have to eat out right, ....right. Well little did I know that Jake had one assignment and that was to get me out of the house between 4-6pm that day. looking back I laugh cause he must of been wondering how the heck he was going to get me out of the house other wise. Anyway, the day started out with lots of phone calls from family to wish me a happy birthday and I was starting to feel better. Then my sister made made me a delicious brunch and after that I started to take my Christmas Decor down and Jake had mentioned that I should just wait one more day. I said, "why when I can just do it now." He then said that we should go to a movie we only have one movie theater in town and it only play one movie at a time. Marly and Me was playing and he said that he wanted to take me to the 3:45 show. Again, I really didn't want to go but do love spending time with him and thought he must really want to make sure I do something on my Birthday so I decided to go. All of this has significance I promise. Then he new that I wanted to hit the Christmas sell at walmart so he suggested that we head over and take a look there. Again surprised because Jake would rather guage his eyes out then go shopping with me. I just took my time and was enjoying all the stuff and showing it to Jake and was thinking any minute he is going to want to bolt out of here and loose patience but he never did and if there is one thing I love it is to shop. So my spirits were very high. Then I suggested to just come back the next day when everything was on sale even more and I didn't want to leave the baby much longer (still nursing) so we drove home and by this time itwas dark and I could see through the nursery window my sister picking up Sonny from the crib and thought I hope he didn't give her a hard time. I go into the house knowing that my Brother and his family was going to be there to play some games and what not. So I didn't think anything of it when I walked onto the dining room and there was a bunch of food and a beautiful cake. I was thinking ohhh they got me a cake (later learned that it was made by a friend, now we know your little cake decorating secret Cambria) and immediatly thought why is it so quiet in here. Believe when I say that there is never silence when my brothers kids mixed with my own are together. Then........I see all these people walk around the corner and SUPRISE!!!!! Happy Birthday. In between the embaressment and flatery I was quickly thinking if I had said anything weird in the whole 20 seconds I had between coming through the door and being shocked. Bill and Kym had gotten sitters to watch everyone kids and it was a great time and believe me I had not a clue.

What a great Birthday and thankyou to all who came to yet another party to go too after a month of nothing but. I am always so shocked when anyone goes out of their way on my behalf and love living in a town with such great people and family.

Oh, Jake got me the wii sports/fit for my b-day and I love it and have broken most of his records.

2009-01-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2008 was great!! we started the month off flying up to Ontario to be with family and it was everything a family vacation should be. We spent equal amount of time with both sides of our family and I think that help to break up the burden. Tasha being 6 months prego again out did herself with hopitality....you shouldn't have.

We all drove down and stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge Resort among some of our various activities and just had a fantastic time. After a few apolgoies to the people who were seated in front and in back of us during the plane ride all went smoothly.

Grandma Brenda ( Jakes Mother)

Uncle Dominic ( Jake younger brother) gave jake a x-box for Christmas. Jake claims it has changed the quality of his life. I get to hear please mom please, can we play games all day long. Yeah for me.

Dominic showing his Ken-do after much pleading.

Some Brother-in-law time.

Uncle Tyler skipped out early to be in Florida. Snow- Sun hmmmm it a toss up I know.

Great Wolf Lodge.... Yes we did walk around like this.

I Got out of the car to get a picture in front of the resort and never have I felt my ears be so cold in their life. I got right back in the car and took my pics in the lobby.

That was enough cold for the year....thanks.

2008-12-31T16:56:00.000-08:00

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Orgasmic Birth to be featured on “20/20” January 2, 2009
NEWS 2008.12.13
Orgasmic Birth will be a featured segment on ABC-TV's “20/20” on January 2, 2009 (rescheduled due to other national news events). Visit the ABC Web site to read more about Orgasmic Birth and share your comments on the film. Joyous, sensuous and revolutionary, Orgasmic Birth brings the ultimate challenge to our cultural myths by inviting viewers to see the emotional, spiritual, and physical heights attainable through birth. Witness the passion as birth is revealed as an integral part of woman's sexuality and a neglected human right. With commentary by…experts in the field…and stunning moments of women in the ecstatic release of childbirth.

TWILIGHT

2008-11-24T23:57:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies .........Here's my Twilight post and some other stuff. Jake and I went to see Twilight. Kym was suppose to come and then at the last minute canceled. Out of the 10 of us that came in from Pahrump to see the movie. I was the only one that brought my husband and was so glad I did. I think I enjoyed it even more. Jake has not read the books but we made into a date and it was great to have a break from the children.
I really owe him cause three weeks ago I really wanted to see High School Musical 3 and as exhausted as Jake was from working all day, he still took me to see it I loved that time together too. Next movie will be yours honey, I promise. My sister made the comment that Jake was born of Angels and Iagree 100%.

O.k. so life is very, very busy. I started a midwifery/Doula course on line and I really love it. It is all correspondence but I love talking and skyping with the other students I feel like I can actually talk to people who speak my language. My instructor has alot of the same beliefs I do so it makes it alot easier to speak my mind and be who I am. The school is about 3 straight yrs (like any other school) and extreemly expensive so I'm not sure if and when this will ever come to pass but it is a start to become a midwife and maybe will be reality some day when the kids are grown.

I guess I am pretty typical and love to post my baby every chance i get. You would think that he was my first born by how crazy I am for him, to the point that when he his is sleeping I just can't wait for him to wake up so I can kiss and play with him some more. The best part about it is that he is a thumb sucker just like me. I guess we should start saving for braces right now....cause I love it and am not going to make him stop and through experience know that there is nothing you can do anyway.

The days are so beautiful. The boys set up the slip and slide and had some last minute water play before winter hits us. The whole family will be flying out to Ontario next week and I think I must be crazy to actually fly to where the snow is. Suppose to have like 5 inches on the ground. I don't think my little ones have ever seen snow...should be fun times.

I'm so glad soccer season is over. This will probably be the last year Rudy will be in Team sports. I realized that he is no good to a team if he his only there for practices and not for the actual game so we are considering other options for him. Our neighbor teaches Kung Fu so Jake and I went over there today and was asking him all about it. In another life I thinkJake would of been a martial artist. He loves to play sports but (thankgoodness for my sake ) never watches them if he does watch a sport it is the Ultimate Extreme fighting and stuff like that. By the end Jake was just drooling and wanted to sign himself up for it with Rudy.

Hope everyone has a Great Thanksgiving and will post pics of our trip to Canada when I get back!

Our Halloween

2008-11-05T17:39:00.000-08:00

I dress up every year and every year I have wanted to be and angel holding a little devil. I made no excues this year and made my own costume and bought Sonny's and I think we pulled it off. Well he did anyway. The group except for Jake. I was so embarassed with his costume that I can't even post it.

"Come and get it"

Even Honey and Party (my poodles) got into the Halloween Spirit. Well, actually they kept giving me glares all night cause they wanted out of their costumes so bad.

Andy's Preschool party! Then after it we headed to Micks early intervention party. No pics but he was a cute pumpkin who kept trying to rip his costume off the whole time. Not pleasant.

Andy's birhtday and pumpkin carving fun

2008-10-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

Andy celebrated his 4th birthday. I'm afraid his birthday might be Halloween themed every year unfortunatly that is the problem when your Birthday lands around a holiday. I know all about that since my b-day is the same day as New Years it kind of sucks. He had his favorite people there in the whole wide world his grandma and cousins. He turns 4 on the 28th. TIME SURE DOES FLY.

Baby Sonny loves his Grandma..... and Grandma love's baby Sonny!

Proud and very tired Pumkin carvers

Jake wasn't going to carve a pumkin. I said "great you can help the little ones paint and decorate theirs". He sat down real quick and started to carve a pirate ship pumpkin. Works everytime!!

Baby Sonny Moments...

2008-09-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

This is Honey my new Puppy..... I didn't know I was a poodle fan but some how I have two now!
GOOD MORNING!!!!!
Mick giving luvs.... and Sonny trying to find breakfast.
this is my favorite part of any day....I have a seat in my tub and can have my bath with Sonny and he just lies there forever just loving the jets. Definatlly a water baby.

Jake is exhausted as usual....but this is good picture of Sonny's hair colour. A redhead now...but so was Rudy, we'll See.

Family Vacation just for us

2008-09-21T23:22:00.000-07:00

Our family drove down to California for the week and was able to hit Legoland, Sea life Aquarium and the San Diego zoo. It was very much needed and will be so memorable for some time. As much as we love Disneyland, Legoland won our hearts four yrs ago when we first took Rudy. Our Suit was literally ten steps away from the beach and the weather was perfect. I am such a homebody and usually am ready to come home when we go away out of town but wasn't ready this time and can't wait for next time. We always wonder why we live so close and only seem to get to the ocean every two yrs. Maybe we'll hit Catalina next time.

charissa I'll get some pics of Sonny posted just as soon as get some...oh and you will have to see Honey our new female poodle. She's a cutie!!!

Blessing Day

2008-09-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

Sonnys Birth

2008-08-28T23:22:00.001-07:00

2008-08-28T00:12:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the shotty slideshow job. My friend offered to come over and show me how to do one ....No, No how hard could it be. 6 hrs later and the worst part about it is that is cuts half the show out like the end where I look like I am actually happy and glowing and all that stuff or when the boys come in the morning and gets to see the baby for the first time. Or when jake is on the phone to all our family in Ontario announcing the big news .

Well I am way to frusterarated with computers at the moment How many time did I have to start over my downloading I can't even tell you. I really can't bare to start over and Oh where the heck is the sweet lullalby music that is supose to be playing. Oh man I am so mad!!!!

It's just a simple slide show for heavens sake.

Well this pictures are as raw as it gets no touch ups or softening nothing. I'm pretty sure I lost the most glamorous birth award back with Rudy...so here it is as promised.

I wish I had a great awsome story to go with it....unfortuntly no Starting contractions about 5:00pm Friday the 15th and about 2:00am in the morning I woke jake up to blow up my birthing ball, called the midwife about 2:30 so she could come over and check on me. Called mom about the same time and she was about 1half hr away driving time. Everyone started to come around 3:00am and I had the baby at 5:00am Sat. the 16th of August. Vary quiet and everything went smooth as ice. I do recommend the Bath as a natural epidural it seemed to do the trick and I was skeptical about that. Now I can say for sure. Just have to figure out a way not feel the pain while crowning.

The cord was so intertwinded around him that pushing took a few extra's but even then I was only pushing for about 10 min. I am at the point where i have had enough births to feel the head come down and the cervix open up completly to know when to push and not waist time and energy. this is a nice feeling.

Right now all I'm concerned about is making sure everyone is fed and clean at night and spirits are good. So blessed to have Sonny a real keeper for sure. Happy Birthday Sonny !!!!

We are on very familiar territory now!

2008-08-14T23:22:00.001-07:00

Really quickly i thought I would update. With story to come later. I don't have internet during the day since Jake takes the card to work with him and when the options at night are blog or sleep I opt to sleep every time. Even now I wonder what am I doing waisting precious time. All went well and Salina was there to take pics of the delivery since she lives one block away it was convenient. Sonny doing fabulous and is content which is a blessing for us since my recovery time is always a little rough. Should be new person by next week and will have some more details and pics.

was loosing my mind yesterday but feeling better to day!

2008-08-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

Called the midwife this morning cause i thought something might be happening but by the time she got here about on hr. whatever I was feeling had stopped. Had her do an internal and she can feel the head but it is still high up and I am only dilated to a 2 so maybe in the next day or two.

Yesterday....not so good my patience has run out and I was no longer feeling that energy rush anymore. I was not the nicest mommy and it all came back to me. Oh yea, this is how you have to feel in order to go in to labor.....like crap and look like it too. Got to make sure I get that last bit of puffiness....heavin for bid I don't have enough already. It has to be so intolerable that you don't care what kind of work is about to come you just need to get the baby out now.

Mom is suggesting castor oil.... no thanks. I don't need to be in the bathroom every five minutes and have such a miserable time. As much fun as it sounds I'll pass.

I truly believe in inspiration cause as the midwife was leaving I was feeling a little down and my friend Selina called to check on me and I had someone to talk to who actually cared.

Thankyou so much for taking me to lakeside with all the kids today Selina ,it was just what I needed and the boys too. We got home and they all went straight to bed and I had my nightly bath in peace sipping my peppermint ice tea.

This is how all pregnant women should embrace their creation. You look beautiful Selina can't wait for Logan to see this.

nine months/ six months

Rudy was drooling over the Kayaks forever so after much pleading I let him go around the lake with me and the little ones behind in the paddle boat. He felt so big and independent.

No, not yet!!!

2008-08-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

Walking in the park today!!!! My little Andy loves the camera and took these photos there's like a hundred of them . He likes to photograph the sky and ants, rocks and trees whatever come into the screen. I let him just walk all over the park and then find it interesting to sit and go through what he found interesting to shoot. I am so impressed for 3yrs of age. Even if I do delete them all later!!
saw the midwife yesterday and all is right on W/ measurements and all that stuff. Still feeling that natural high and burst of energy you get right before the baby. Try to be grateful for that cause I know the exhaustion is soon to come. Went to the park today and walked a little, probably not a good idea (pressure .....lots of pressure).

I can't believe summer is almost to an end. Rudy will be returning from a three week stay in Utah on Monday and will be starting soccer that same week. Can only hope baby comes before then. Getting a little anxious at this point......but I know better then to complain in the slightest as I know of others who are expecting as well and are on bed rest (can't imagine) that must be the ultimate loose your mind state. AT least the Olympics are on and I have something to watch in the evening. Pregnancy cloths no longer fit and the bathing suit stopped at around 7 months so I just wear a sports bra and shorts at the pool......yes I'm quite the scene there!!!

Anytime now....anytime.

2008-07-28T20:46:00.001-07:00

No baby yet!!

Staying active with some swimming and walking and really feeling great this last week. We are at the official count down and am anticipating meeting you Sonny but not the pain.

It is probably a blessing at this point the baby is not early....as Jake has had to go into the city for work everyday with being so busy.

2 very special events!!!

2008-07-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

This past week was more family in town to Celebrate my oldest sister's 40th B-day it was 5 day celebration of singing, laughing, eating and just enjoying each other. Family came from Utah, Arizona and even my sister Tasha and father were able to fly in from Ontario. Which was a real treat.
Thankyou Keo for coordinating the young women to come over and make baby shower invites the lunch was delicious!!
Were stayed at the Stratosphere Casino and saw a show and went to the top of the tower. something we have never done.... so now I can cross that off my list of things accomplished on the strip. Although I still want to eat at the rotating restaurant at the very top.
Nice try Adam!!
Opening up some birthday gifts.

We all wore black and sang a song making fun of Kym's' life that Bill wrote...it was so funny that we could hardly get through the song.
I made the birhtday cake, Jake fired off a fireworks display in the backyard, Dad and the little girls decorated the room, Kelly and mom and Tasha all were in charge of the dinner. Kym and Bill were in charge of an extremely touching gift and with every one's help we pulled off a great time and so many memories to keep for ever.
Getting home from church on Sunday. Kayla, me and Tasha.
singing a song with mom before we all say our goodbyes.
"Here lies Kym's Youth" RIP

After my baby shower. Thankyou Selena and Kym for the wonderful night. Since you both are expecting I will have an opportunity to make it up to you .I have enough freezer meals for 3 weeks, enough diapers for 3 months and all the cute cloths I can't wait for my baby to try on. Especially thankyou Kelly for the beautiful Blessing outfit. You shouldn't have. And of course everyone that came to celebrate Sonny's anticipated arrival.
Who's is bigger?
On top of the tower.
A toast to Kym...
Tasha, Kym and everyone else did all the work this weekend as I can hardly walk without getting my ankles all swelled up. It was nice to have my sister's here to understand the last three weeks of pregnancy are just not so fun. I was spoiled ....I will have to have this baby soon as i gave most all my pregnancy clothes to Tasha who is due in January.

guests at the shower...
Perfect choice ( what a cute cake) although Mick might always think this was his cake.

I have had a shower given for all my babies so far, which was always so thoughtful of my friends thank you. So for this one we had a diaper/ freezer meal shower to throw a twist and give it a theme. I just loved the whole event!!!

food, food and more food....
white and dark chocolate fountains what more could I ask for!!!

I can't believe were at the end of my pregnancy. Hope fully my next post will be the arrival of Sonny. having contractions all day...but no where near consistent. The earliest I have gone was ten day with two of my births so anytime now. I have never gone over my due date but there is always the first time for everything. I was in labour with Mick for 2 days before anything serious happened, and I actually started dilating. I am as prepared as I could be... we had cleaners come in and clean the house, the freezer is stocked and the baby cloths are washed and ready.

So far so good... all I can ask is that it keeps up till the end and are beautiful baby comes into the world without complications. Jake always gives that priesthood blessing to me before and I truly credit my deliveries to his faith and strengh that he extends my way.

Thankyou to my husband for being worthy to hold the priesthood and more so .....using it.

I'm still alive!!!

2008-06-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

Hi, yes I'm still here.....I have had family and friends in town for the last 3 weeks and finally have a minute to catch up. The summer has started out all about Rudy. He had his 8th birthday and I wanted it to be so special. Nothing could of been more special then celebrating it with family...he had all but 4 of his cousin. I always have a big friend party every year but this year just lucked out and had so much family here for him.

Rudy was able to attend his first Pine wood Derby and he had a blast making the car with Jake and racing it. He did pretty good his first year we will know better for next year though. I 'm so excited he is starting Cub Scouts and he is too. Rudy's car is 2nd from the front with the #9 on it.

Rudy's Baptism was the most impressive Baptism I have ever attended and when I played the piano in primary I attended alot so I knew exactly what I did and didn't want to happen.

Aside from that the whole cultural hall was filled and the talks were so appreciative. Right down to the programs which I have never seen anything like them before.
I had my friend make a cake for the luncheon afterwards cause know one can make a cake better.
....and another friend take a photo shoot of Rudy just to give him something a little extra for his Baptism. She also helped me design the invites to it. Actully, she does everything and I just sit back and am grateful that I have such a talented friend as a photographer. She will be attending my birth to capture those pure raw spritual moments that I have never been able to get. Really excited.
It was all so easy and special and Rudy was just showered with gifts from loved ones. He will never know just how loved he is and so special to everyone invovled in his life.
What a little missionary in the making.

Jake side was visiting from Ontario for about 10 days filled with activities. Just in time before the weather go deathly hot...although I think they would beg to differ on that. NICE......
On the way to Red Rock for some light hiking....or maybe just coming back from it and everyone is cranky from the heat. waiting in the shade for the others to come back up the rocks!!

Jake's siblings

We went in for our ultra sound yesterday and everything is wonderful with baby. Already 4lbs and no signs of cleft issues thank goodness. I will probably be living off popcicles and watermelon for the remaining of the summer to try and keep the swelling down. Kelly turned 31 so she came down from Provo to celebrate with us.
these are two friends who are both expecting girls around the same time. I guess I can really see the difference here I know that I get extremly huge but this is rediculas. NO, it's not twins!!
I look at their stomack and don't even know where a normal size baby would even fit.
I will just be nesting and getting ready for the babymoon time. Oh did mention it is another BOY and we are thrilled beyond reason.

Will probably be switching to private next week so if there is anyone left to get me you emails there's still time. You wouldn't belive the people that have come out of the closets that look and I had no idea, only make me wonder just who else might be looking. Not sure to be flattered or creeped out.

2008-05-22T19:49:00.001-07:00

I think for the purpose of privacy for my family I would like to change my setting to select readers only. I really enjoy using this for my Journal and would like to continue blogging.
lately I just feel like there might be a few who may view our family and I am not comfortable with. My life is an open book for the most part. So I feel I should go with my gut feeling right now.

If there is anyone who would like to still take interest in our family I would love to make sure you have access. You are more then welcome to email me your address and I can put you in as a select reader. I think that is how it works? Vanessa-skinner@hotmail.com

There isn't a life that gets more ordinary then ours and everything is going wonderful on this end and perhaps I am just being a little paranoid but for now I will be closing the blog to select readers only. I don't plan on doing so for a few weeks so everyone has time to get me their emails.

Thank you

2008-05-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Raquel and Trina, Fun times the other night (especially the pool fiasco) Sorry the photos aren't more blog worthy, but what can I expect when I hand the camera over to my husband and say "go get some cute pics. of all the kids. Always an open invitation at our house where we can make as much noise as we want and not worry about old men on guard. Now we know!!!

Raquel, I was thinking if I go two weeks late ( not that I'm wishing that upon myself) and you go two weeks early we could have the babies at the same time.

update on life......

2008-05-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day was wonderful for me. I received a new dining room set. I saw this table and fell in love with it. It was made in India and has that rustic style that I really love. It has two huge extension which is great...cause we like to have family and friends over alot. Jake is wonderful for letting me have it. I know we could of used the money on other things (with him starting his own buisness and everthing) but that just the kind of man he is.

I spent the day with my Mom. I know I take that granted most of the time as you really don't appreciate what you have till it is not there. I bought her a pair of flip flops with shells all over them. I thought they were cute and looked like somthing she could wear through summer.

That night when I got home and was waiting for Jake to get back with Rudy from Utah I checked my message's and had a very surprising message from Carl wishing me a Happy Mother's Day and that he would call me later. I have never spoke to him in the 51/2 yrs since his adoption. So I didn't know what to think....there was absolutly no heads up or warning that he would be calling me. I immediatly called Jake to ask him what he thougt I should do and of course he thought it had to be my decision and we both agreed whether I was ready or prepared for that step or not there wasn't much of a choice he was calling.

I answered the phone to hear such a sweet little boys voice on the other end asking for me and wanting anything and everything there was to here and know. He never stopped talking and was so happy that I always send him so many gifts and that I could always send presents. I had to just laugh. We talked about preschool , cows , super heroes (his favorite being batman) movies, Disneyland, Lego land, He just new I had to be a big Mickey Mouse fan cause I had a little boy named after him. He kept inviting us to come visit ( he has never left his little town to date) I told him that if everI was driving to Alberta again I would for sure stop in, as he reside in a very small town an hr. out side of Bute. After a little over an hr. it was time for him to be in bed so we said our goodbyes and he reminded me about the new Batman backpack I promised him when he starts Kindergarten next August. You can count on it, Carl!!!

What a priviledge and compliment it is to know that Carl's parents would like me in his life on such a level. What an extreme blessing. I have no experience with adoption....so I don't know what the rules are oddly enough I have a Sister-in-law that was adopted and his such a great example. She has a great relationship with birth mother. Yet always know's who her real parents are and that would be the one's that she is sealed and raised by.

When Carl's Mother got on the phone to ask if this was all o.k and what I would want as far as reltionship. I just said that it will always be what Carl wants. We will always be here for him and maybe that isn't traditional but it will be what works for us.

Moving on.... Rudy's school had Bring Your Parents To Lunch Day last fri. this is him with his friend Michael.
these are the flips flops for mom.....
These are Jakes prized cherries.
We pulled all the cherries off except for these few cause Jake wanted to taste them this year. We planeted several different fruit and nut trees in our back yard last year so this year we have been just pulling all the young fruit off of them so they can mature better. Jake has been waiting for these cherries for sometime Sat. he was going to eat them but I told him to just wait cause I wanted to show my mom. Well that night we had a party with several different families over just for the heck of it and when I went to show my mom.......someone from the party had eaten them. Jake was so dissapointed. He just wouldn't stop going on about it and had to find out who had eaten them. No one was about to confess and I was getting a little embaressd for our guests.

Now he has to wait a whole nother year to see what his cherries taste like. I think it's kind of funny.

This last week I was babysitting for my nephew while my brother and his wife could present a conferance. I wasn't sure what to do with so many little boys. Then I had this idea of a water slide. Now you can go down a regular slide a few time before your done and bored and ready to move on....but all of the sudden you put water down it and it turns into hrs of fun.

I learned that my nephews have extremly sensitive skin and even with sunblock on they burned really bad. Where my boys just had mild suntans. I felt really bad and will have to leave shirts on them from now on. Liam actully blistered....poor little guy.

This picture above and below are so funny!!!!! Ezra was terrified to go down on his bottom- he usually just went down on his tummy. So he thought he would be big like Rudy and Liam.

He must of just sat in that position for 30 mins. it didn't matter what I said or did how much we cheered him on.....he would not budge cause he was so scared. Fianlly being the evil Aunty I am I started to pry his fingers one by one (he was screaming at me the whole time) until he lost his grip and slidded down. Rudy caught him and after the one second drama came to an end. He got up and said that was no big deal and went about contining to play like normal. Sooo funny!!!

Well, there's my update. I know not much excitement on this end but having fun everyday!!!!

Swimming and the Zoo

2008-05-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

Jake had a week long conference in the city, so we took a couple of days to be with him and have some fun swimming at the Paris and going to the Zoo.

Our view was so cool. This doesn't do justice but we had a direct view of the water show at Bellagio the kids thought it was amazing.
Getting ready for bed.

We got to the Zoo first thing when they opened and all the animals were hungry and waiting to be fed. I wanted them to be more interested in the lions, or monkeys, or alligators but all they really cared about was catching all the baby chicks that were just hatched and finding eggs. I almost think we could of gone to the feed store down the street from our home and they would of had just as much fun. I do get the point. Why would someone want to just sit and stare at a monkey who is doing nothing but eating when you can have the challenge of catching and holding you very own chick.?They did that for hours and keep asking to go back.

Happy 2nd Birthday Mick!

2008-04-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

Today is Mick's 2nd B-day but we've been celebrating it for the last week or so. Sat.we took the family to Skate Zone to play laser tag and games and then Sun. we had a combined party with grandma and Mickey then Mon. we had a campfire in our backyard.

My favorite cake is carrot and I made a bunch of pear and berry pies as well. Kym made some Indian fry bread and it was fun and delicious to eat.
Jake made this little camp ground in our backyard since we won't be going camping this year. I think Mick ate like 20 huge marshmallows before we cut him off. Happy Birthday Mickey!!! We Love you!!!

Oh...the ridiculous dreams!!!

2008-04-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

O.k so I'm one who can care less about other people's dreams and hearing about them when they insist on telling you....but the dreams I have when pregnant are so stupid. Usually I have the reocurring dream that I gave birth to a litter of kittens or what not and I'm usually happy about all my little kitties running around but envy all the mother's who gave birth to real children then I wake up and think "that was a little crazy". Or I have the one where I'm really skinny and looking good and feeling great then I wake and reality hits me that I'm a fat blob that has to roll out of bed and get ready for the day.....but the one last night was so stupid....yet it all fits when I think about my day.

I first went to drop Rudy off at his baseball game and then I was going to take my little one's to a little carnival at early intervention. While there I was going to register to vote and so I was just reading up on the three canidates and their platforms concerning Early Childhood and Healthcare.

Late into the night I am sometime's reading up on the birthing blogs since that is the only thing that really interests me sometime I'll read homeschooling one's or religous one's but anyway last night i was checking out breech home births and why they are possible at home and yet breech hospital births are never heard of anymore. Even though I know the answer I still like to educate my self and make my own opinions. So then it was about 11:00 pm and the phone rings which isn't uncommon since this is when Jake's family like's to call from Ontario so he is now on the phone for at least an hour and I just continue to read about people and their experiences of breech birth's delivered naturally ( my mom had a breech birth and I never really thought about what that was until I started having children of my own, now she is my hero for that.... what a brave women or was that just standard procedure back then)?

So I finally get to bed when Jake gets off the phone and my dream is so stupid but yet make's sense.

{I go into labour early like three months and I happend to be at a hospital all ready. So I will need a cecerean I getting ready for the operation wondering why when my baby isn't even breech ( I guess in my dream breech would be the only reason for a c-section) the real doctor is running late so Dr. Oz ( yep from my girl Oprah) has to perform the surgery even though he is a heart surgeon in real life he must be the only doctor I know about. So I'm so excited and then who comes to visit me....it's Barack Obama and he is letting me know how great I'm doing and then there is a problem and the Dr. cuts me open in the wrong place andI have to puch my own baby out through the side of my stomach( I know ....a little graphic) but then the baby is out and he is about the size of a toddler even though i was three months early and the baby looks like a mini Barack. Isn't that crazy.}

The best part about these dreams is just waking up and realizing everything is normal and the dream is so stupid that it just make's you laugh.

I think it's time I contact the midwife and finally hear this little one's hearbeat!!!!

2008-04-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxa1P4gCats

Just liked this artist for a very long time she seems to be able to get away with being truely authentic and I wish I could be more like that.

Update....

2008-04-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

First off let me apologize.....I suppose it was a little rude to not even consider others and updating on how the surgery went. My motto is no news is good news....but for some that isn't fair. Thanks for all the phone calls from friends and family and your prayers. This is Mick in the waiting room waiting to be called. Little does he know he's about to feel like hell.
After the surgery being wheeled into his room. Got to love that morphine......
A few hours after the surgery....
A little swollen......but not to bad!

Right before the surgery saying goodbye.....
immediately after surgery....not feeling to peachy.

Dad holding Mick....while I fight with the nurses to let me give him his own bottle for comfort and not their crappy ones. Like he was really going to drink anything he just wanted to see for himself that he couldn't drink. I was proud of myself though the only other problem I had was when they wanted to shove Tylenol down him right after the gave him a shot of morphine. And honestly I feel like he would of been better off at home where he could rest in peace and not be bothered by some nurse who insisted on waking him every half hour to take his vitals......oh and at one point I disconnected his machine on purpose......the nurses weren't to thrilled with me then either.
As of today he is going Strong and feeling up to par.....he is only on prescription painkiller at night. and will be on soft foods for three weeks. This pic was taken a few hours ago.....he loves to build castles with his brother.

Won't be posting for 3-4 weeks.

2008-04-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Baby will be going in for surgery tomorrow morning... will be out of the Hospital by Tuesday. Will be turning internet, phone,etc... everything off for a while to take care of his recovery. Thanks to family and friends for helping and understanding.

Easter Bunny comes late!

2008-04-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Rudy was 20 mins. late coming home from school yesterday. Now, I'm not a worry wart mother like some I know. But I was getting a bit wondersome as to where he might be. I was out planting some flowers and kept looking for him. As I was about to go and take a walk to look for him.....he popped out of the bushes a little ways down the road. He was holding something. For Rudy this is not uncommon. He spends the majority of his time looking for creatures and such to put in jars or reptiles to capture. It's just the way boys are breed I guess. It's a familiar scene for him to have a grasshopper or toad in his hands. So, yesterday he comes home with this baby bunny he finds off the road. He appeared to have been abandoned and for a wild baby rabbit it seems to be very domesticated.
The boys fell in love with him and I don't know what the future holds for this little guy. He's about the size of a hamster. I think he still must of been nursing he is so little but the good news is he eats the grass from our lawn and drinks water. We might have a new family pet after all.

Weekend Garage Sale!!

2008-03-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

We had a garage sale on Sat. it was very successful. I'm still surprised that people take the time to actually go through other people's junk and buy their stuff. The most success came with Rudy and his lemonade stand. He made a total of 20.00$ dollars after he paid for his expenses ( cups, etcs...) People were actually stopping and backing up just to buy some of his lemonade. He stayed at his stand all day and I was very proud of him. Every time he turned around however his brother's were trying to drink the profits. Next he wants to make Popsicle's and sell them at the park. I think he really liked the idea of making money. It was also a good opportunity to have a lesson of tithing.

Half way there....

2008-03-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

I made it to my 20 week mark today and am feeling the same as usual. Not a hint of sickness so that makes it much more easy. So far everything is the same as all my last pregnancy's so hopefully it will continue on till the end. I am planning to take some pregnant photo's with my photo friend Salina soon.....cause if I wait to long it isn't prego cute, it's just "Wow, it's amazing the body can change and actually look like that". When I picked up Mick today he kind of kneed me in the stomach and I almost dropped him cause of the sharp jab I felt for the first time......taken by surprise. Guess this baby isn't ready for It's brother's to already be jumping on it's head.

cute movie....

2008-03-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

Last week I was flipping through pay per view.......Jake and I usually watch a movie every weekend and there was so nothing to buy. I had heard about August Rush from Kym but it didn't sound interesting so I just bought it and then a few days later Jake and I watched it.

What a good movie to recommend even Jake watched the whole thing. It's rare when a movie come's along and it leaves you in such a good feeling. I would say this is right up there with The Notebook. Pretty much predictable but I like those movies. Just a good family movie.......and don't we all wish we had a child prodigy in the making?

I put some of the soundtrack on my playlist......

Easter Weekend....

2008-03-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry the pics. are in no particular order..... I make a trail from their rooms to their baskets and make an initial of their names so they would know which one was there's.

Our Easter weekend couldn't of gone better. We started the weekend with the annual weekend Easter egg hunt at one of the local parks ( i think it's put on by the boy scouts....not sure). I had to hold Mick the whole time cause every time the Easter Bunny looked his way he started freaking out. Andy really loved it. They give away bikes and baskets filled and stuffed animals. We never seem to win anything every year cause my kids don't pick up the Easter eggs.....they go for the candy and other fun stuff beside the eggs. Its still a fun tradition though. Jake wasn't able to make it cause he had to bid on some guys pool house he wants to build. So I was a little overwhelmed myself. That night we had a wiener/marshmallow roast at Grandma's minus grandma ( don't get me started) it was still really fun and we did a much smaller version of a Easter egg hunt for the little one's. They had so much fun.......children make the holidays 10x more better.
Liam, Rudy, and Jake roasting.....
Mick and his prized marshmallow that must of touch the dirt 10x before it was done roasting.
Andy finding another egg.
Just relaxing .......

At the park after the hunt....

Kym did the egg dye with all the kids......but Mick was more interested in eating them all. I stayed up till 2:00am in the morning Saturday evening cleaning.....cause for some reason it just doesn't fell right to wake up to a dirty house on Easter. After all Christ died for us the least I could do is make sure my home is clean that day.

Sunday was another fun day with no pictures to share, sorry I didn't want to be bogged down while hosting Easter dinner. Mom made a ham and some potatoes and dessert and I made some rice pilaf and honey carrots and rolls and punch and we just stayed out side in the back yard ate and relaxed and played it was a wonderful peaceful all the children played for hours and enjoyed what they received in their baskets.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter as well!!!!!

Am I an evil sister-in-law?????

2008-03-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Oh Kym.......

I thought I would post a picture of that perogie casserole I was talking about today during playgroup. YUMMY!!!!! Yes I have a picture of it for the recipe book I will someday release.
And don't forget the strawberry tart W/ homemade whipped cream to die for.........hey how's that cleanse going now. I don't even know how you will get through tommorow night's Easter weiner roast at mom's.

Oh this? This is a picture that your husband took of himself when he borrowed my camera while you were in B.C.
Didn't think I would post did ya Bill ? Ha ha!!!!!!!! how do you like that. "Scary"

My Student of the Month!!

2008-03-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Rudy received the Student of the Month award (which is the new way of saying honor roll, I guess). He has never been chosen for this before ( he is finishing up 2nd grade). They don't tell the students until the minute they are called but usually they know if they see their mom and dad in the audience. I was amazed at how many parents were absent for this and was feeling really grateful to be a stay at home mom that didn't miss it. I've never seen Rudy more happy or surprised to see his family. Ironically, one of his best friends Laryn achieved the award as well so that was kind off a special thing for them to share. They have been friends since they were 2 yrs old and Rudy is over at his house playing tether ball as we speak.
I guess it must be the new style to not actually show you teeth when you smile....but then I thought about it and they don't even have teeth to show right now. So it's for the best.

Rudy is also in machine pitch this year for the first time. Although I haven't seen a machine yet so I don't know what that means. Maybe there will be a machine when they start competing and not just practicing.
Jake and Rudy have been practicing every night. It 's hard for the little boys, cause they want to do everything Rudy does. Even though they can barely hold a bat. I got them a set of T-balls for Easter morning in their baskets......hope they like them.

Congratulations! Rudy we are so proud of you,

Love Mom and Dad

Capri!!!

2008-03-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful song put out be this artist that I seem to hear everywhere I go.....I added it to my playlist to listen here or you can here it on "youtube" obviously.

On Circu....

2008-03-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

I cannot take credit for this article....but boy I wish I actually had the guts to say this to some people....even close friends who have actually used the one about being ugly to me. What shallow women and No I Have Never Forgotten the comment! And yes the article is extremely offensive if you have chosen to circumcise.... oh and I took out a few F- words to clean it up a bit.

Read on to be enlightened....

Nothing on this earth disgusts and revolts me more than circumcision. Why the US and Canada (well, US mostly) are the ONLY COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD to routinely circumcise for non-religious and non-medical reasons is beyond my imagination.

Why would anyone remove part of a healthy infant's body without their permission and for no reason is disgusting.

Why? So he looks like daddy?
Please. Unless he was born with an abnormally large dick and pubic hair, this makes no sense.

Why? Because of the slight possibility an infection might occur with the foreskin?
Might as well start hacking out tonsils and appendixes at birth too, since the rate of infection with those later in life is much higher. Might as well chop off every prepubescent girl's breasts to avoid the chance of breast cancer later.

Why? Because it's easier to "do it now than later"?
How do you know it'll be needed later? Or he'll want to remove it later? Don't parents realize an adult will get much better anesthetic than an infant?

Why? Because it's just easier now?
Yeah, performing an amputation without a patients permission is pretty damn easy.

Why? Because you think it's ugly?
Best excuse ever. Way to call your baby's genitalia "ugly". Stop placing your sexual preferences on your newborn baby, douchebag.

Why? Because he may get made fun of?
Considering that only 11% of newborn boys were circumcised in Canada in 2003, I doubt that. And if a kid was staring at one of my son's penises in the locker room I'd have better questions.

Why? Because you have to clean it?
A foreskin is wash and wear until it retracts. Jayden's hasn't even yet. And when it does it will probably take me 10 minutes to show him how to pull it back and wipe in the bath. OHHHHHH THE WORK.

Why? Because you think it's cleaner?
A dirty circumcised cock and a dirty uncircumcised cock are equally vomit-worth and both need to be cleaned. It's not difficult to teach basic hygiene.

Why? Because a girl might not like it?
Why would you want him to be with someone who would say that? Somehow, someway, men in Australia and Europe, where almost NO ONE is circumcised, are still getting laid.

Babies are born with a foreskin for a reason. just because we are allowed to do what we want to with our child's penis doesn't mean it is right. Leave it alone. If you could ask your baby if he wanted to be circumcised, what do you think he'd say?

Kids Day!

2008-03-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Once in a while I keep Rudy home from School to just have some fun as a family together without the hustle and bustle with the weekend traffic. He is really doing well in school so missing a day doesn't seem to make a difference. Not that I would care anyway. I finally got some sand delivered for my sandbox and some top soil delivered for my garden. This will be my first attempt at a garden so I really don't care if anything grows. I just want to learn and hopefully I might see results in the future. Plus I think that my boys would enjoy working in the garden with me. I am only going to grow things that I know grow really well here, like tomatoes and peppers and lettuce. maybe some watermelon. I don't plan on going anywhere this summer, because traveling while I'm pregnant is miserable and I would rather take the time to rest and get things ready for our new arrival in August. haven't seen the midwife but plan too soon. until next time. Oh and Adrienne, I will answer your question on fluoride in my next post.

2008-03-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

WHAT TREE DID YOU FALL FROM?
Find your birthday and then find your tree. This is really cool and somewhat accurate. Find your tree below and see what you are like... I looked up all my siblings because I know all their birthdays off hand just to see. I was blown away at how similiar. Although my birhtday is on the 1st of january so I'm not sure if I'm a Apple tree or Fir tree must be a typo. Fir tree fits more must be a fir. My friend Becky sent this to me....Thanks Becky!

Dec 23 to Jan 01
Apple Tree
Jan 01 to Jan 11
Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24
Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03
Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08
Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18
Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28
Pine Tree
Mar 01 to Mar 10
Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20
Lime Tree
Mar 21 (only)
Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31
Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10
Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20
Maple Tree
Apr 21 to Apr 30
Walnut Tree
May 01 to May 14
Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24
Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03
Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13
Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23
Fig Tree
Jun 24 (only)
Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04
Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14
Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25
Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04
Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13
Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23
Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02
Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12
Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22
Lime Tree
Sep 23 (only)
Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03
Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13
Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23
Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11
Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21
Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01
Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11
Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21
Fig Tree
Dec 22 (only)
Beech Tree

TREES (in alphabetical order)

Apple Tree (Love) -- quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal, And attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous, sensitive, loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children, needs affectionate partner.

Ash Tree (Ambition) -- extremely attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be very egotistic, reliable, restless lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands attention, needs love and much emotional support.

Beech Tree (Creative) -- has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).

Birch Tree (Inspiration) -- vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

Cedar Tree (Confidence ) -- of rare strength, knows how to adapt, Likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

Chestnut Tree (Honesty) -- of unusual stature, impressive, well-developed sense of justice, fun to be around, a planner, born diplomat, can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hard worker, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood at times, fiercely family oriented, very loyal in love, physically fit.

Cypress Tree (Faithfulness) -- strong, muscular, adaptable, takes What life has to give but doesn't necessarily like it, strives to be content, optimistic, wants to be financially in dependent, wants love and affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered at times, can be unruly and careless, loves to gain knowledge, needs to be needed.

Elm Tree (Noble-mindedness ) -- pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, Modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but Not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

Fig Tree (Sensibility ) -- very strong minded, a bit self-willed, honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hard worker when wants to be, loves life and friends, enjoys children and animals, sexually oriented, great sense of humor, has artistic talent and great intelligence.

Fir tree (Mysterious ) -- extraordinary taste, handles stress well, loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness and laziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented, unselfish, many friends, very reliable.. Extremely intelligent. Loves life.

Hazelnut Tree (Extraordinary ) -- charming, sense of humor, very demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics, popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.

Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste) -- of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

Lime Tree (Doubt) - intelligent, hard working, accepts what life dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make sacrifices for family and friends, has many talents but not always enough time to use them, great leadership qualities, is jealous at times but extremely loyal

Maple Tree (Independence of Mind ) -- no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

Oak Tree (Brave) -- robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

Olive Tree (Wisdom) -- loves sun, warmth and kind f! feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

Pine Tree (Peacemaker) -- loves agreeable company, craves peace and harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, likes to write poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls strongly in love but will leave if betrayed or lied to, emotionally soft, low self-esteem, needs affection and reassurance.

Poplar Tree (Uncertainty) -- looks very decorative, talented, not very self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, great artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

Rowan Tree (Sensitivity) -- full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

Walnut Tree (Passion) -- unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

Weeping Willow (Melancholy) - likes to be stress free, loves family life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition, suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make others laugh

Good bye Ron Paul....

2008-03-03T21:13:00.000-08:00

There I said it.... I am a Ron Paul fan have been from the start but tomorrow we will probably say good bye to Congressman Paul. I think he held his own but when you have Romney and McCain who never seem to shut up you really don't have a chance. I know he's running republican but he's an independent true at heart. As am I but unfortunately you have to pick a party to stay alive in this political world and you better believe the republican party is working hard on me and my husband. Although my husband wants to go democrat (huge Harry Reid fan) I know he will have to go Republican if he wants to play this game of cat and mouse or should I say War and Mercy. What the heck , these candidates make me sick and if Hillary even made one thing come true on the Health care situation in this Country then I will vote her in office tomorrow........( sorry mom don't have a heart attack) yet my baby needed his surgery a year ago thankyou Bush for you broken promises and your little tax rebate didn't soften my heart one bit. That wouldn't even pay for the water they give you to drink in the hospital. I just believe that anyone who talks more then 20 mins on the subject of politics is just talking to convince themselves that their tiny brains have some significance in this life.

....And what about our wonderful little Governor Jim Gibbons divorcing his wife after he cheated on her. What a winner state I live in. Yes, I sat there in your little Governor's dinner and listened to you......but guess what I didn't donate a dime to your little speech ( We will listen to you, parents tell us what you want in public education) but what seems to be the first budget you always cut? The Schools. Why are casino hosts making more then our Teachers?

Although I know none is going to read this and really care. It actually helps to just write. One more thing I must add. You don't want to even get me started on Mitt Romney and all the stuff he should of been doing and saying. If I was someone off the street who wasn't supposed to be naturally biased to this man....no way would I even of given this guy a glance. Sorry about the evangelists!

Sorry Honey......if you read this I know you don't want me talking politics until you are a citizen but noone reads this stuff anyway and It's my blog. I want my children when they are old and reading this to know where there mommy stood with her beliefs with 2008 presidential campaign. Yet it's not over it's only the beginning!!!!!

Story time.....

2008-02-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to take my little one's to the library for story time and craft time. It has been so long since we went. I think summer was the last time we attended. It really is true at that 2nd tri. mark of your pregnancy you really do get some sort of burst of energy and you can function in the world again.
My boys were so good. I love it when they are the angels and someone Else's kid isn't. So many time it is my boys who are so unwilling to listen and participate. Of course I can't really say that they participated today as everyone else was singing and doing the actions to the songs, my boys were just staring at everyone and what they were all doing. Oh well, at least they were sitting and not complaining.

Their crafts usually don't make it out the car before they rip something off of them or crinkle them up. Andy was so determined to find a book for him and Mickey. I'm glad they enjoy reading. I think most little one's do. I try to read a book before bedtime each night but since Rudy is reading now I just make him do it half the time. He can't keep their attention very long though. So I need to get back into the habit of reading to them at night. Although I do read to them all day long. We always sing a family song before prayer's each night so I guess I kind of switched them out.
I'm so glad the days are getting warm again. I can't get the boys to come in from out side to eat lunch. Rudy dug this huge hole that both of them can fit into and they just find it fascinating. I guess I didn't need to buy all those toys since a big hole in the ground seems to be way more of a good time!!!

Star Trek Experience, not good experience!

2008-02-19T12:06:00.000-08:00

so, for our anniversary each year my husband and I try to go to one of the attractions on the strip since we live so close we might as well take advantage of what people come here all over the world for. There's nothing more bothersome when people come to vegas and wonder what to do. First of all you have to come with money cause nothings free and nothings cheap anymore. Vegas has some of the finest dining and entertainment in the world but it will cost ya. For anyone coming through, a little advice I give everyone is to go see Tounament of the kings At the Excaliber. This show is only 50.00$ and you get a meal (that you get the pleasure of eating with your hands) and a fantastic show. Other wise your looking at 500.00 easy for a night of entertainment and dining on the strip. My biggest regret in not seeing Sigfried and Roy before Roy got eaten by one of his tigers. A little piece of me is so sad to see Celine gone although we had the pleasure of seeing her show it took us 3 months on the a waiting list to get in. I'm so disgusted by who took her place cause they don't even compare on the radar (Cher, Bette Midler). Secretly though I will probably see Bette's perfomance. O.k. so back to the point I was planning our anniversary this year. So I thought I would try to save some money and I had this idea of things to do not on the strip. I remembered The Star Trek experience and thought even though neither Jake nor I are far from being trekies it would still be fun.
I would never in my life sit down to watch a episode of Star Trek, but did have a brother who's purpose at one point in his life was to never miss an episode,so you pick up a few things here and there. Shhh, I even found myself back in the day getting into Star trek Voyager cause the captain was a female and kicked butt.
I for one was a little concerned with being a little feaked out cause everyone is in character and I don't like being scarred. I even told Jake right before we got there lets just go somewhere else. I don't like this idea anymore. He says no I want to do this it will be fun! I actually was having a great time The food was good and the all the characteres were behaving.

Then we approach the rides that aren't really rides but more like simulations that are completly interactive. We go on the first one and the whole things takes about 30 mins. Then were standing in a line to wait our turn to do the second ride and Jake says that he can't do it and I'll admit I wouldn't have but we just spent the same amount of money as disneyland would of been so I 'm determined to get through this "experience". It wasn't so bad I had few screams and almost ran some lady over trying to run to the back of the room. When a few borgs came running after us. ButI am so proud of myself !!!!!
Jake doesn't like the word scarred to describe his feeling rather, anxiety level rising. O.k. if you say so honey!
I guess I will just leave the anniversary planning up to him from now on.
But you know what I don't get is then he comes home and buys Resident Evil :Extinction on payper view. No Thankyou, you couldn't pay me to watch such scary stuff!!!!

Family Valentine's....

2008-02-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

My very own chocolates from STEPHANY'S !!!Official bite taken from every single one, Thankyou very much!

I wanted to include the children in the suprising dad with a valentine picnic in our living room consisiting of choc. everything. We were a little hyper all night. We watched goonies and ate chocolate and pizza till we were sick.

I think it was the triple chocolate fudge cake that really put us over the edge.
Awh!!! thanks honey!!!

You would think that we would have enough chocolate to last a year, but I'm thinking it won't last the week.

Just a nice Saturday......

2008-02-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

This was just a really nice weakend. One that should happen everyday.
Jake got up and went golfing cause he just bought himself a whole new set of clubs
and quickly realized that he might need a few lesson before going in with the big timers.

we went to the park after going out for some german food for the first time and discovering we really like it.

We made some crafts for Valentines day to hang on our craft board upstairs.

It was just a basic day spent with children and watching them laugh
and have a good time.

My kind of communication!

2008-02-06T23:39:00.000-08:00

So at dinner tonight Jake had a little comment "I think it's time we vaccinate our children".

My response was simple "Honey, don't you ever bring that up in our marriage again".

If you need me to elaborate www.whale.to/vaccines.html scroll all the way down this link and I rest my case.

Superbowl Sunday

2008-02-05T16:40:00.001-08:00

Superbowl Sunday

2008-02-05T16:28:00.001-08:00

Yea, Superbowl Sunday!!!!!! Go Giants!!!! You did it!!!!!!!

O.k so I'm really laughing out loud with this post (something I rarely do) cause I think I would of made an awsome cheerleader. I could care less about the superbowl and there I was cheering the Giants on. Why the giants you ask? Well my husband was going for the patriots, so naturally I had no other choice and I won. I know it was from all my cheerleading I did in my living room.

It's really fun to not be biased when it comes to teams and sports cause you don't get that sick feeling when someone looses you are just happy for the team and their victory. We were really planning on church honestly but Mick had a temperature and so we just stayed home. I put a little halftime music on in honour of the Giants. Poor Jake was trying to explain but my little brain just wasn't going for it. Something about 6points are scored with a touch down and then there is this fieldgoal kick of some sort. Then other points are earned I don't know you lost me with touchdown. I did learn it is anyone's game isn't it.

Family Bed......

2008-02-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

Empty Bed.....

Not empty.......
So, Andy has always slept in between Jake and I. I always felt a little quilty cause he had to leave his crib so early, cause of mick needing it, but enough is enough. Now Rudy has started to come in at night and make himself a bed on the floor beside ours for the last few weeks or so. My sleep is so important to me so when I feel cheated out of it I get a little cranky. Especially if it isn't even involving a newborn.
We don't know what to do. We tuck them in thier beds and before the nights through they are in ours. Lately Andy has been raiding the freezer for icecream at night. I agree with Dr. Phil family beds are not a good idea. Neither of us have the heart to really force them into their own beds.
We try so hard but they just claim to be so scarred. I blaim Jake for allowing movies into my home that I am against for children like Pirate Of The Carribean or Lord Of The Rings, even STar Wars,etc.... Scary stuff for little ones.
I'm just glad Mick is still trapped inside of his crib, cause you know he would be camping out with the rest of us. Oh, and a king size bed doesn't matter there's still not enough room.
It can't last forever, can it?
It will have to stop eventually, but what can you do. How do you reason with a three year old, when their mind is determined?

Cravings.....

2008-01-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

So, my life isn't very exciting right now. Unfortunately most pregnant woman go into hibernating in their first trimester and I am no exception. I don't want to go anywhere or do anything. The thought of cooking dinner just makes me sick so we go out almost every night or pizza is delivered. We have this incredible tai restaurant that me and my husband love but I think even for him he is all tai food out. I crave blueberries like nothing I've ever experienced. In fact as write this I a wolfing a blueberry bagel down (o.k. it's my third bagel but who's counting) I have to have blueberries everyday whether in a smoothie or cereal or pancakes. Jake cannot wait for this phase to end, blueberries are not cheep. I spend my days reading Natural childbirth blogs. I get such a kick out of these really young mothers who have a kid and then think they are such experts on birthing. It's whatever the mother feels comfortable with. I do enjoy knowing that there are other's who feel the same way about my views, but I would never have the guts to actually create and dedicate a whole entire blog to just my thoughts alone..... things are changing all the time. Who is anyone to judge whether someone should have a natural or hospital birth. I have in the past had friends attend my home births they were so curious as to what really happens. I think they were relieved to find out that is no big deal. both of them have since had another child and in the hospital. Then there are friends who I had know idea were even interested at all about home birth get pregnant and ask for my midwives name cause they are going to have their babe at home. Wow!!! I don't think I will have anyone outside of my mother and husband and midwife attend this birth. My mother is the best coach I have ever seen and I couldn't give birth without her. I think my body knows that cause I have always delivered my babies on her days off.
I don't mean for my blog to turn into a childbirth blog but for the next 6 months it just may.....just apologizing in advance.

Spec. Home....

2008-01-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

I was meaning to post this a while ago. Here are pictures of our spec home we completed. We already have a renter which is convenient. I'm really pleased with how it tuned out I'm still not sure about the colors I chose for the out side. That was the one thing Jake left to me to decide and I drove all around some new developments and this is what they are all choosing. I think some landscape will help. We are already starting on our next project probably the triplex but if not then another spec. Home. I just love this home. We basically copied the layout of our first home cause it was such great cute little home for us to be starting out in. It's just 3 beds and 2baths and a office but just perfect for a single family residence.

pregnancy announcment.....

2008-01-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

I can't decide if this picture of the baby in the womb is creepy or interesting. I was suppose to be pregnant with Kym (my sister-in-law) and Tasha (my sister)but neither of them are pregnant in the present. There is still time they will only be a couple months behind. Everyone I know it seems just had a baby so I guess I will be a loner this pregancy. I deffintly am one to tell as soon as I find out. I don't know how people wait until they are four and five months along. I am officially two months.

Family Reunion fun....

2008-01-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

This past week we were up in Utah for various reasons. I was able to attend a cousins wedding in Lindon and visit with a friend in Ogden. See cousins and Aunts from various places. My family was all together in for the first time in 3 yrs so of course that was the highlight of our trip. The low was that it was storming terribly and our tires were completely bald. living in desert it's not so important to have lots of tread. We were so close to my friends house when we started spinning and ran hard into the side rails and taking them out. The only one who was hurt was Rudy and he hit his nose and head extremely hard to leave some marks but that is about it. Our SUV on the other hand was undrivable and had to be towed to the nearest tire store. The accident just took off the back side of our vehicle but at least it's not totaled. We new better but I was so determined to get up to see my friend. Stubborn I guess! It was worth it I really enjoyed my visit even though It was really cut short. Another storm was coming in and we had to get on the road shortly after we got the tire fixed. No, I have no pics. I didn't even take my camera but I see my cousins have a few pictures on there blogs and my sister-in-law will have lots on hers of the trip. I spent a little time back home with my sister Tasha and her family. We are going to start a cooking blog since that is what we both love to do. Mostly Tasha I just follow her lead. We Haven't come up with a good name yet and we were suppose to get it started while she was here but time wouldn't allow.
I feel like I have been eating straight for three months. Probably cause I have. Now all the holidays are over and I can get to a normal routine again.

We made a great dinner. Although Tasha was getting upset with me for everything I tried to add to all the recipes. Not a leaf of lettuce was even left for my poor husband Jake when he got home from a meeting he had. He had to settle for turkey sandwich. He's such a good sport.

We played Guitar hero and some trivia games most of the night. Then had to turn around at the the crack of dawn and say goodbye to get them off on their flight home.

I think Joe really put the board in board games here.
Dave enjoying a new book.
Now, I am so exhausted that I think I'll get my two little one's some lunch and lay down for a nap before Rudy gets home from school and I have to start dinner.

Happy Birthday to me, yea!!!!!

2008-01-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

My birthday started out Sunday night at my mom's for a nice dinner prepared by Bill and Kym. Jake gave me a beautiful diamond bracelet and diamond ring shaped like a snow flake (I've never seen anything like it). It was a nice surprise cause I usually get diamonds for our anniversary I wonder what he has in store for us then. I have to go all year with nothing and then I have Christmas then I share New years, Birthday and then we got married on Valentines day so I get double then too.
I got one cream puff for my birthday cake. Where's my pie? On New Years Eve our friends had a party so I sent Jake and Rudy and just spent the night all to myself in my bath robe and jacuzzi tub with Dick Clark. It was perfect!
Then last night Jake took me to a very nice steak house for my Birthday. One we had not eaten at cause you have to walk through a casino but we heard so much about it I wanted to try it. Very good!
What a nice birthday! Now I have to get the house in order and pack up for Salt Lake City for the next 5 days. I 'm already exhausted.

2007-12-31T09:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas was wonderful at our home this year. It was quiet and peaceful with lots of fire's and hot tea and sitting aroung doing nothing but just enjoying eachother I received my jewelry armiore and Jake got himself a new car so everyone is very happy in the gift department.
Andy was so confused when he woke up and the cookies and milk were gone!
Jake reading the night before Christmas with the boys.

My Jewelry box goes perfect with the rest of my bedroom decor. I love it! Thankyou honey....

Some more Christmas shopping and activities!

2007-12-24T10:49:00.000-08:00

Last Friday I spent the day with Rudy and his 2ND grade class just being a parent helper with the class Christmas party and little gingerbread house's. It was so much fun to see him with all his classmates and he was so happy to have me there to share that part of his life with. I can't volunteer often cause of my two little one's take up most of my time. So when Rudy gets some quality time with me it is really special.
The class did a Christmas gift exchange. I wanted to Rudy to bring the biggest present so everyone would want it and it was fun to see all of the kids just wondering what was in Rudy's big present. A little boy ended up very happy that day and just kept thanking Rudy over and over.
He seems to be doing well in school. He had a rough start and was getting frustrated but he has come along way and really just enjoys going to school and learning.
Saturday Jake and I went to the mall and out to eat at the Cheesecake Factory I've always wanted to eat there cause I have heard so much about the place and it's reputation certainly holds up to my standards the appetizer alone was more then enough. The mall was so crazy the line to see Santa was a forever long of a wait so we just went to the pet store and the kids went on some rides and Jake bought me my Christmas present and we were out of there. It was a good day. People are so crazy when there is a sale though.
Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday and Season's Greetings and all that stuff!!!!

Texas Trip

2007-12-18T09:31:00.000-08:00

Jake's company fly's us out to Houston every year for the annual Christmas party. Its only for a few days but still nice toget away. It's a little humid in Houston so I never know what to expect with the weather.
This is Jacob's boss Trinity. He's the same age as Jake so they get along more like good friends. I set him up with my sister last year but things didn't work.........to bad I really like this guy and he's loaded but he's not mormon and I think that kind of turned Kelly off. I have other friends I would like to set him up with but Jake won't let me.

I get a new Christmas dress every year specifically with this dinner party in mind. I never know what I'm suppose to wear or what I'm suppose to say. No one has kids and all the wives seem to have huge careers. Everyone asks what I do for a living and I also have to remind them I don't work. They never know what to say to that. The cocktail party before the actual party is a little aukward. Then after the dinner party alot of people go the a jazz bar. I just wonder how they can drink and drink and drink. Then there's Jake and I with water instead of wine and herbal tea instead of coffee. It's just a nice time to get away from the kids and get to see everyone in all the other divisions.
I got see Stardust on the plane and I've been wanting to rent that one. I give it a 7 out of 10 just cause Claire Danes is so cute in it and Robert Deniro is Hilarious.

Christmas Tag

2007-12-16T19:33:00.000-08:00

I figure I better do this tag soon or Christmas will be over........

1. Christmas tree up yet? Yes, It was a little late though. During my move last year we broke our Christmas tree so I had to wait for Jake to bring the truck with me to buy another one.

2.Any Christmas decor up yet? Yes, naturally along with the tree I also put my nativity scene and wreaths and stocking and Christmas village etc.... up as well.

3. Do you use white or colored Christmas lights? I was raised with white lights on our tree so I naturally like the white lights better. I use white lights for my garland and for outside and everything. Now my husband the other hand was raised with the colored lights and so he was wanting colored lights. I had to explain that this is a new generation and no one uses tinsel and cheap garland anymore. He has since learned that I will be deciding all of the Christmas Decor and he can just sit back and enjoy.

4. What are your Christmas colors? That would be white, silver and gold with hint of purple. I love the nontraditional colors for Christmas I have seen blue and lime green on a trees and brown and burgundy as accents colors.......so beautiful.

5. What are you asking for for Christmas? If I want something I usually just go and buy it. So for Christmas my want list is usually full of very expensive items. I would really like a new piano and not just new to me but brand spanking new. This is anywhere from 5,000-20,000 easy so I'm not sure when this will happen. My husband is buying a third vehicle and I don't see how we really need three but in his mind he justifies it as needing a Truck for transporting big things and a SUV for a our family vehicle and a Honda for commuting. Maybe I will get that piano next Christmas. Although I do have a birthday on the 1st of January. I'm thinking this Christmas I might be getting one of those 4ft. Jewelery box I have several little ones they are full to the max. Am I selfish?

6. do you own any Christmas Jewelery or clothing? Speaking of jewelery No I don't believe I do. I do however have this winter hat That is shaped like a Christmas tree and it's decorated and everything. I thought that my kids would really love it but instead it just embarrasses Rudy when I wear it in public.

7. Do you bake Christmas Cookies? I find this question to be hilarious.... Well lets see do I bake Christmas cookies, YES!!! and, fudge, gingerbread, toffee, peanut brittle, truffles, caramel apples, spiced nuts, choc. covered pretzels and usually about 10 different varieties of cookies and that's just the beginning. Who do I give to? Oh where do I begin.........how about the mailman, garbage man, ups guy, FedEx guy, Rudy's school teacher, My husband's boss. Dog groomer, veterinarian, the boys barber, Mickeys speech therapist, and that is just the one's I can think of off the top of my head. Then there is the bishop' s family and everyone in the ward then there is the immediate family. Really what I like to do is have alot of treats available during the holidays that way if anyone stops by you have something to offer them and it makes it seem really special. Yes you gain about 10 lbs. over the holidays but you just work extra hard after. Or you don't care like myself.

8. Do you buy Christmas for the whole family? yes, I do it really isn't much for my sister's they are easy like last year I just took my sister-in-law Kym to the nail salon I had my friend babysit and it was just her and I getting a pedi and a mani it was alot of fun cause they gave us these huge hershey bars so we just chomped down on them and talked the whole time. For my Stepfather it's usually some kind of Jerky for my mother it is really hard . I usually just get something that she doesn't have to put in her house so it has been concert tickets to see Josh Groben or a spa treatment or like last year I crossed stitched her Three different styles of a Santa's and then framed them. I thought it would be perfect cause it would be something that would just come out at Christmas and it wouldn't clutter her house anymore then it already is, but she actually found one more square inch of wall space and hung it and leaves it up year round. It doesn't really stand out cause her wall is covered with stuff but it really defeated my purpose of not adding to the clutter in her home. Who would of thought? My sister Kelly is also really hard to shop for I guess as well cause if the gift comes from someplace like walmart she will get offended that you didn't spend a little more money on her. I got her this really cute Ralph lauren skirt a few months ago and the original price was 125.00$ but of course I didn't pay that much for it and she asked what I really paid and when she found she said I was cheap. I only wish I was a size 4 cause then I could of just took it and wore it. It was the only one left next time it goes to my sister Kym Who is also a ridiculous size 4. I have never been a size 4 my whole life.........oh back to the point. ( Christmas )

9. If there a Santa Claus? Of course there is, Rudy has been trying to figure this one out this year. As far a I'm concerned he will believe for as long as possible. He says that kids say at school that Santa's not real and I tell him that no one really knows for sure but that if you believe in him that he is real. We have this different way of doing our list to Santa. Rudy looks through all the Children's magazine's and then cuts our the things that he wants and paste them on his list. That way Santa won't make a mistake, but Santa will only choose one of the gifts and everything else comes from mom and dad ( I can't have that guy taking all the credit).

10. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? for the traditional one's I love Silent Night cause it can be varied in so many different ways and still sound beautiful. For the non traditional one I love Amy's Grant : Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) My brother made me a cd with hundreds of Christmas songs a few years back and it was on there I just love it and have it on my music mix right now if you want to listen to it. I will probably be singing it in church on the 30th since Jake and I are both speaking that day.

11.Would you rather it be a white Christmas or Warm Christmas? Warm Christmas's are all I really know I guess you prefer what you are used to. I just know that Christmas's in Canada are getting milder and milder and they are getting colder and colder here. I don't get it maybe it's global warming?

12.Was last year a good Christmas? Yes it was Mick's first Christmas so those are really special but we were on the tale end of building our home and the home we had just sold we had to be out of soon, so my husband spent all of his free time at Christmas making sure we could get in our new home on time or else we would have to stay at my mom's. We were 4 days late of completion. Jake would work all day and spend another 6 hrs in the cold working at our house with my stepfather John.

13. Which Christmas color do like best? I don't mind either one they both go hand and hand. 14. Do you have a real a real Christmas Tree or a artificial one? I am into going green, so I always will use a artificial one. The real ones just make messes and die way before Christmas is even here. Then you have to deal with it after Christmas. They don't hold my ornaments very well and I can just see my kids pulling off needles cause it's funny. No, defiantly artificial.

15. Do you hang Stockings? Yes, When there is a new baby born into the family my mother will buy them their first Christmas Stocking with their name on them and their own stocking holder. Very cute!

16. What is usually in your stocking? Growing up there was always our breakfast in the stocking like some granola and a little juice with some carob covered almonds and usually some sort of jewelery and always a Christmas orange. Just to hold us over until the real breakfast came. I think I will continue the tradition with my own children. You can't really stuff a whole lot in to them.

17. When opening presents does you family usually open them all at the same time? It seems like everyone is passed out one and then everyone opens them at the same time. Someone has to play Christmas Elf and pass everyone gift out to them. It kind of sad that way cause not everyone is equal when it comes to how many gift received.

18. Do you get up early on Christmas Day? Yes.

19. Do you have a favorite ornament you hang on the tree? As a child we each had a glass bell ornament with different character inside. Tasha had a Penguin and Billy had a soldier and Kelly had an Angel and I had a Teddy bear. They were special. In my own family I have had many special ornaments and they just keep getting broken by my wonderful boys. Jake says that families with young kids can't have department store decorated trees. My sister Tasha has two trees one for the kids and one for her self I think next year I will start this as well.

20. What Christmas movie do like to watch? I love them all but you can't beat the classics's I grew up watching White Christmas ( Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye who could beat that duo) and of course It's A Wonderful Life ( Jimmy Stewart- Every time a bell rings an angel gets it's wings). I really believed that everyone on earth grew up watching these classics. Then there's my husband who has never heard of them. I asked him what Christmas movie he grew up watching and he said " your gonna shoot your eye out, your gonna shoot your eye out". I just rolled my eyes and said it figures you would love A Christmas Story. I can't stand that movie. There are so many great ones now I just love the Jim Carry The Grinch, It's so funny I quote it year round for some reason.

21. What do you like better Christmas eve or Christmas Day? Christmas eve you are anxious for Christmas morning and usually someone by that time is sick with runny nose or coughing or something then Christmas Day is bitter sweet cause it if finally here and then all of the holiday spirit will be over.

22. So you send Christmas Cards? This is my husband category last year he wrote the family letter and sent them off and everything. It's the one thing I don't have to concern myself with. It is very important to him with all of his Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents in Canada.

23. Do you have any holiday traditions? This is something that I am working on I asked my husband if he had any traditions growing up that he would like to continue he said Jokingly" hang tinsel on tree" I guess it is up to me. Although we do have this tradition where him and I will have like 20.00$ and run into Wal-mart and grab something just to have one more thing to open for the each of us and not no what it is. I really like this idea about the ornament exchange but it I would sick if my children broke them the way they seem to have broken all of the ones that might mean something to me. Some of these ornaments are 30.00$ gone just like that. We did the 12 days of Christmas last year for one family but that is more of my thing cause I get up at like4:00am and drive across town in the cold car just so we don't get caught. Maybe something to do when the kids are older. Before my husband and I were married one Christmas My mom made everyone go Christmas Caroling. I thought he was so done with me when she made him do that.....but he was a great sport about it and so maybe this is something we could so as well. If he's willing. I really see our family one day when we are a little older just volunteering our time at a orphanage in Africa or something and skipping the whole Santa Christmas part.

Hope this good enough I know i skipped some of the questions but I think I still covered everything.

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!

Girls night out.....

2007-12-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

I have two girlfriends that I've been friends with since college they happen to both live in Las Vegas and we try to get together as often as possible. We have been there for eachother through the thick and the thin and they are the best kind of girlfriends to have......cause there has deffinatly been some thick times. We had alot of fun back in the day and the best part is we continue to love and support eachother. I couldn't ask for better friends. I don't have the guts to show pictures of us in our glory days but here we are three christmas's ago.
This is at Natalie's house at her Christmas party in 2006

The other night I told Jake I was going to the City (Vegas) to get a micro-dermabrasion and shop and spend time with my girlfriends. I forgot my camera so Natalie e-mailed these to me.My face is a little red cause I just got out of the spa with my girlfriend. It was so fun our friend Julie bailed on us cause she had plans to go to a Christmas party with another friend.......thanks juwlz. Me and Natalie had so much fun she is the girl you want to shop with. She knows the designers better then anyone...... it's a little intimidating. I was able to get gifts for all my sister's at Macy's my favorite department store and hit Victoria's secret for that new bra I desperately needed. Beautiful Natalie is finally engaged to her Doctor boyfriend Chad. They are so perfect for eachother. I am so happy for you Natalie and love you much. I can't wait for the wedding and being the maid of honor. You will be the most beautiful Bride to match your beautiful heart.
Can't wait to see that 20,000$ engagment ring!!!!!!

Letters to Santa and Christmas Candy.

2007-12-11T22:08:00.000-08:00

So today I've been in the kitchen practically all day just rolling truffles. I love making candy during the holidays.....but it can be so time consuming. I promised the boys that we would go to the candy store and the post office to mail Santa's letter if they were good until I could finish.

Our local post office has this huge mailbox set up just for Santa's Letters and we have this unique system here that everyone of Santa's letter's are answered. Last year the boys wanted boats for their bath time Rudy wanted a remote control one. So we wrote Santa and with in a few day three beautiful packages were wrapped and delivered at our door. I was a little taken back and thought who did I owe money too. These people were so attentive that Rudy and Andy wrapping paper was the same but for Mickey they wrapped is package in Mickey Mouse wrapping paper. All the boys got boats and they were all age appropiate and Rudy's was even remote control.
The Postmaster is in our church so when I inquired about what was going on. He said that everyear the Lion's club receives about 2000 letters and they are all answered so far. I felt a little ashamed because I thought that this was for needy families and he said that it was for everyone and as long as they can continue to do this they will. How cool, I thought a real life Santa in this day and age.
As promised we went to the candy store to see if they had any old fashioned black licorice this is my mothers favorite and mine as well, much preferred over the red. It was all decked out in Christmas decor so the children were loving that Then one of the store clerks offered the children to pick out any kind of candy they wanted and a wooden toyfrom their toy chest. I can see the statdegy. While the kids are in the toy chest moms have more time to shop and look around. It was great fun and the children were so excited to find just the perfect wooden airplane or train to take home.
There are perks that come with living in a small town. I was the city (Las Vegas) last Saturday spending the day with my girlfriend doing the spa/shopping/eating thing and it was so fun to have a little break from the kids and just laugh and have fun talking and catching up....but at the end of the day it is so nice to come home and see the stars at night and not have to worry about locking your doors and just having a slower pace of life and shopping at the small family run businesses and just living. When there is a new family that moves into our ward they are always in a big city life withdrawel. They always ask what people do around here. There is no night life and we don't even have a movie theater ( that is one thing I wouldn't be apposed to, going all the way to Vegas for date night can get pretty pricey with the babysitter). There aren't many resturaunts unless you want to go to a casino No Thanks! So people learn to eat at home and spend time with family and I guess that is why we stay here, cause it is the life we both want for our children.

Beautiful Lengths!

2007-12-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

Some people wanted me to post my hair, so I just wanted to quickly add a blurp. Kelly was visiting for Thankgiving and we had planned before hand that she would cut my hair and donate it to Beautiful Lengths. She wanted to make sure I was sure and there was no dought about it. I don't think it is a good thing to get to attached to something physical.
I have heard rumor that locks of love and Beautiful lengths are scams.....cause really they just sell your hair for commercial wigs and turn a nice profit. I did my own investigating and found that this has some truths, but the way I look at it is that even if they can only use 10% of the hair being donated to help even one person feel normal then this would be a cause well worth it. If more if the population would stop trying to take down every good cause and focus on how they could make it better it would be a better world.
I had a good 10" to donate and that made me happy. Kelly did a great job and she understands Red hair is the hardest pigment to color and that is why she is the only one that can do my hair. Most hair dressers assume that they can just treat Red Hair as if it were Blond or brunette hair and they are dead wrong. I don't make these rules but they certainly are true.12hrs later I had low lights and highlights put in. I love the calico look and Kelly says that this is out of style but I don't care. It's my head and I love it. Besides.....give it 6 months and I will look exactly the same. All I've ever wanted was long strait as an arrow hair like Kelly has but she is always good to remind me that I don't have the kind of face for bangs so I will never have bangs. In the past when I have I don't know what to do with them anyway.
Every Thanksgiving try to find a cause out side of our church....... although they are wonderful for presenting oppurtunities to serve....... I still find that I just want to do a little more. Last year I donated some money to this other church that was doing something unique and our church was doing nothing like it so I called the pastor and asked if I could help. Jake never knows what I'm doing and even though I know he wouldn't care I still don't tell him if I am going to do stuff like this. I didn't know they would mail us something of a state ment for a tax right off. So when Jake got the letter and opened it he just rolled his eyes as if to say "what have you been up to now". Then later when our accountant was doing our taxes she started laughing and said "now that is something you will never see a tithing statement and a church on a mission letter. Apparently this church is very anti-mormon. I didn't know and you know what ?I would still do it over again. This pastor came to my home and looked around and it's very obvious that he could see we were mormon and he will remember that I'm sure. You just never know and sometimes it is better not to know, cause it will cloud your judgment.
I really love that scene in Little Women whe Joe come's home and has money for her mother to visit her father in the hospital. They all were in ahh on how she could have come up with the money. Then she takes her bonnet off and No Hair! Everyone is stunned and the smallest sister starts crying and tells her it is her one beauty. I think that I will just continue to grow out my hair and cut it off to donate for the rest of my life. Thanks again Kelly for the wonderful cut and color. I really love the BEAUTIFUL LENGTH!

Getting ready for Christmas!

2007-12-07T19:08:00.000-08:00

Wow! It is taking forever to set up for Christmas, but I think that I am almost there just a few more exstension cords and I should be good. For anyone who wants some advice....don't try to get ready for the holidays and a garage sale at the same time.
Rudy looks so forward to the Gingerbread house we make together every year. It never make it to the end of Christmas.

My tree is only decorated half way up between my boys and puppy I had no choice.

After school play-craft time.

2007-12-03T15:55:00.000-08:00

After Rudy comes home from school we usually just play until dinner and now that the sun is going down much sooner we spend alot of time in our play room upstairs.
O.k. class today were going to learn.....
No more pictures Rudy!
I had to buy a kitchen I don't care if all I have is boys. Everyone loves to imagine and play house. Sometimes I get so sick of transformers and cars and dinos that I just need to buy a babydoll once in a while for my own sake. I guess that is why there is both a father and a mother, cause without Jake I wouldn't understand the need to own 10 light sabers.

I wanted to post a picture of sweet Ashlyn. Her parents are divorced and I am the fathers sitter when she is with him. She is so fun to have around to do all the crafts with me, cause my boys arn't really into them. She gives me a legitamate excuse to watch Hannah Montana and Highschool Musical my favorites on the Disney channel. She is always the first to notice if I have a new shirt on and to compliment it.
Rudy is trying to bare the moment of taking this picure while precious Ashlyn is posing and ready for more.
Once again Rudy is hiding his face rather then admit that he just made a Christmas wreath.

We have these cubby's that the kids just love to make thier forts into. They come in real handy when I need to do a quick clean-up too.

Gourmet Trailmix...Yummy!!

2007-11-29T20:32:00.000-08:00

So every year for the holidays I try to make some kind of treat for my friends and their families. For my closer friends I try to get more personal but for my Playgroup, Ward, Rudy's teacher etc... friends I try to make it as homemade I can. Last year I did homemade Gronola and the year before that I did kettle corn and the year before that I did candided apples you get my point. So this year I was trying to figure out something besides cookies (I make a dozen cookies of some sort at least everyday) and I thought trailmix but who would appreciate trailmix besides me. So I thought I would spice it up a bit.

Vanessa's Gourmet Trailmix Recipe....

-Baked boston peanuts (recipe below)

-assortment of raw nuts: almonds, pecans, walnuts(this is what I use, you can use whatever you like, also the raw nuts make people feel like they arn't totally blowing up in salt and oils).

-assortment of dried fruit: cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, (this part can get a little pricey I have a dehydrater but most people don't, but you can still buy them predehydrated. I also try to stay away from the tropical fruits cause it is winter season and berries just seem to go better.

-Dates ( are not a dried fruit like most people think they are. I live right by a date farm and can get so many different varieties people who say they hate dates are eating them and not even realizing they are eating them).

-Cacao covered raisins ( cacao is just raw chocolate, cocoa is cooked choc. most people don't live by a Whole Foods like myself so reg. choc. covered raisins work just fine).

-Yogurt covered pretzels( I wouldn't even know how to attempt to make these from scratch so this is an optional addition, I bought a carton and then when I was all done delivering to all my neighbors I realized that I forgot to put them in).

Then you just decorate a bag, box, basket and "voila" you have a yummy treat and believe me I have gotten revues that even I didn't expect.

Baked Boston Peanuts

This recipe alone is fun to bag up and give away!

2 cups of raw spanish peanuts
1 cup if sugar
1/2 cup of water
1 tspn. salt

Preheat oven to 350* . In a heavy medium skillet, cook peanuts, sugar and water over medium heat until all liquid is absorbed and peanuts are coated with sugar (about 20 mins or just about when your arm is ready to fall off). Sprinkle with salt. Transfer to greased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes , stirring after 5 minutes. Spread on alluminum foil to cool and store in an air tight container until ready to use.

ENJOY!!!!!

Catching up on all those tags....

2007-11-26T10:58:00.000-08:00

Amber tagged me I guess this post is about Jake and I.
1. What is your husband's name? Jacob Leon Skinner

2.How long have you been married? It will be 4 years next Valentine's Day.

3.How long did you date? That is a tricky question for us since we had a long distance relationship till he finally came to the states and we got married.

4.How old is he? 28 10 months younger then myself.

5.Who eats more? I know it's not very attractive but I do all the way.

6.Who said I love you first? Know idea he probably did.

7. who is taller? He is 5'11"

8.Who sings better? In what style? He is a very good when he sings while is playing the guitar.

9.Who is smarter? In what subject? Even though he is convert he still knows more about the gospel.

10. Whose temper is worth? Mine is by far, sometimes I just wait for his patience to run dry.

11.Who does the laundry? Me, unless he finds himself with nothing to wear.

12. Who does the dishes? Me, if on occasion he does you can be sure that the big ones will always be left.

13.Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Jake

14. Who pays the bills? Me, but I never have any idea what is in the bank account.

15. Who mows the lawn? He does, I have nothing to do with the landscape.

16.Who cooks dinner? Are you kidding me. Even if he attempts it he has to ask a question for every little detail pertaining to the whole ordeal. It's never worth it.

17. Who drives when you are together? He always does.

18. Who is more stubborn? I'm going to say ME!

19. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? We are both pretty good that way.

20.Who parents do you see the most? My mom lives right down the street. Other wise everyone lives in Ontario.

21. Who proposed? He did, he said he needed to go to the mall to get a winter hat.I was a little bothered since I thought he had so many other's and I wanted to wait in the car and he was insisting that I go in and so I went in and he said that the hat wasn't there so now I am really annoyed and then were leaving the mall and a security officer came up to us and said that he needed to bring us into the back for suspicion of shopliffting. I just continue to walk out of the mall and Jake says we better go with him to stay out of trouble and not make a scence. So we walk back with the security officer and he take us back to his office and then just leaves so I knew that something was up. Jake then said that we should kneel and say a prayer and I wasn't having any of that. So he said that he would and then he kneel down and brings out the ring. Yes the whole thing was a set up and the security officer was a friend of his. A little bit cheesy but still pretty creative for a bunch of guys to come up with.

22.Who is more sensitive? It depends again on over what when it comes to his children he is.

23.Who has more friends? I do for sure. He has one that I would say he is really, really close to.

24. Who has more siblings? I do.

25. Who wears the pants in the family? We both do I guess.

26. Where did you meet your husband? I met him the day after he got home from his mission.
My sister and her husband were at the airport for his homecoming and the next day I flew into Ontario to spend some time with my Dad and sister and be there for the birth of her second child. It was at the Thanksgiving dinner at the church. Supposedly, he was praying that he would meet his wife there. If only someone had let me know.

27. What was the first thing you said to your husband?
Me: so when are you leaving for your mission
Him: No, I just got back from my mission
Me: Oh. Where did you serve.
Him: Las Vegas, Nv.
Me: Oh, my mum lives there.

28.Where was your first date? We went to the mall and had a smoothie or sundae or something
and then went to see the movie Lady's Man. (not recommended)

29.Where was your first kiss? We rented a movie to watch with my father and then we went upstairs in my fathers house and told him that we would be right down after we tucked Rudy into bed and then never came down. My father ended up watching the movie alone.

30. Where did you get engaged? In London, Ontario

31. Where did you get married? In Las Vegas temple.

32. Where was the honeymoon? In Tecopa, Ca. at the hot springs resort.

33. If you could have changed anything about it what would you have changed? I know that I'm probably suppose to say nothing just being together is all that counts, but later I learned that the resort we stayed at was owned by a couple in our ward and they said that if we would of let them know that they would of let us stay for free. They did give us a really nice wedding gift though.

So now I'm supposed to tag others, but instead I invite anyone to do this.( Kym)

Alright I was tagged forever ago to do this.........but never have had enough time.

When I blog I hop on and then post my photos and then hope off, but today I have all the time in the world since Kelly is coloring my hair and it is taking forever.

6 random things about me....

1. uhmm... Well let me think here.... o.k. I have never really been high fashion when everyone has the latest thing I am still two yrs behind. My friend ask me the other day what kind of music I liked and I was a little embaressed that I had to admit that I usually just listen to childrens cds (twinkle, twinkle, baa, baa black, row row row )like my hair for instance is a great example. I have never been able to style it and believe me my sister Kelly reminds every time she sees me. Having incredibly curly and red was deffinatly going against me.

2. I believe in 2nd, 3rd and 4th, etc.. chances in life. I have to, I have no choice. I have been given so many chances in this life to learn so many important lessons and I am so glad that I have. Some people are just born with more wisdom and I really just admire that.

3.Alright something more positive....I thought this would easy....oh my family know this for sure. I am a huge Oprah fan I think alot of people are and just arn't admitting it. For my third anniversary I got jewerly and choc., flowers and a two yr subscription to "O" Yea!!!! I love it and read it faithfully. Thankyou honey.

4. I am not athletic for the life of me I really love to swim but that is it. I am going to start running for the challenge of it but am not looking forward to it. I enjoy Yoga and breathing and meditating but if I have to sit down and watch a game on t.v. no thankyou. I have no idea what the rules to football, basketball, etc.. are and even when I am told it doesn't register anyway. Football is sooooo boring all I here is a whistle being blown every two seconds. I only go and watch if there is someone to watch and then I can barely hold on. I realize that I need to change with raising three boys so far I am trying to be open minded. Just because I am not competitive at all doesn't mean that I should limit my children right.....right.

5. I enjoy reading biographys and historical novels. My favorite movie of all time is SENSE AND SENSEABILITY by: Jane Austin. I could watch it over and over again. I am a Kate Winslet fan I generally like her films. She does like those nude scenes so you have to be careful (jude, titanic). Sense and Senseability is one of her more innocent films in her early days. Finding neverland was good to.

6. I love staying home and being with my children and husband. I probably suffer from a little bit of anxiety, cause I seemed to get overwhelmed quite easily. I am truely a homebody.

Until next time!!!!!

Happy Turkey Day!!

2007-11-23T08:20:00.000-08:00

Well, we just celebrated Thanksgiving 2007! Jake handed out cards, so we all could right down all the things we are grateful for this year and all of the things we would like to be thankful for next year.
Still righting.....
still righting.....
O.k. time to eat!!!!
The children got their own table of course.

I know it's probably not the most reverent thing to do(take a picture during a prayer) but they're just so cute when they all try to say it.

Kym made her first Turkey ever and it was DELICIOUS.
It was hosted at our house.
The children were done in no time but they still had to wait for dessert.

Trying to bribe some help for clean-up.
kelly's ready for her evening nap....but we made her play games instead.
And we get to do this all over again with mom on Saturday!!!

Poor Sick Daddy!

2007-11-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

I got to play nurse yesterday. First Jake wasn't feeling well so he came home from work early. Then the kids started with the cough and stuffy nose and red eyes and everyone seems to be sick in our house. Dad got hit the worst. Lots of hot lemon and Ginger tea and Garlic broth and anything that has to do with liquid was pretty much forced down them. I know how it feels to be sick during the holiday's and I didn't want anyone sick during Thanksgiving Dinner.
It is times like these that make me grateful that I went to massage school. I made my bathroom big enough to fit my table in and who doesn't want a little deep tissue after a hot, salt whirlpool.
My little Andy would have his feet massaged all day....then there's my little Mick who from the day he was born hated infant massage and his bath and just about everything.
This morning Jake go up and took a hot Shower and went into work late. He said that without my massage he wouldn't have been able to sleep at all like the night before. Thanks for the appreciation honey and have great day at work.