Lotion Potion

BeforeAfter

David's under the weather today so we are home all day. This meant we missed Chuck-E-Cheese with my nephews as planned and a jewelry party that my friend hosted. Anyway, while David was in bed resting, I had Sophia and Steven to tend to ... both were incredibly restless today! I should have known something was up when suddenly I noticed it was quiet. Then I found Sophia like this. I asked her, "Whacha got there?". She replied, "Lotion potion, Mama.". Enough said.

Need I Say More?

Batman Showers Too!

David yells out, "Mom, I'm done!". To my surprise this was what I found. I had a hard time getting to my camera from laughing so hard (OK, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration). How incredibly cute and funny!

Even in the shower, Batman needs to keep his identity a secret.

Inauguration

A very moving inaugural speech, President Obama. I enjoyed watching the patriotism and found myself misty eyed. I am incredibly grateful to be living in this nation where possibilities happen. May your sincere plans to turn this country for the better come true.

Hangin' With Auntie Gloria

One of my BFF, Gloria, is in town from Oregon for a few days and today the kids and I had the opportunity to hang out with her. We met at Tom's Farm in Corona. She finally got to meet Steven in person and see the three kids together. We enjoyed catching up over a late lunch. The kids loosened up quickly to their Auntie Gloria and had fun hanging out with her. David was especially thrilled that she won a stuffed lion for him, which he in turned gave to Steven. We also took the opportunity to check out the candy store. I was good, I avoided getting any! After all, today is the first day of the Healthy Habits program I joined (more on that later). Anyway, I thought we'd end the day unscathed but little David managed to scrape his shin on a cement ramp siding (super ouch! poor kid was screaming in pain!) but Auntie Gloria came to the rescue and had a band aide for him.

Thanks Glo for giving of your precious time to spend with us. You're awesome and we love you!! --Much regards to your Mom and Dad and the rest of the family.

Exorcist Day

Yesterday was crazy! Really too long to give the minutes. Surely tested my motherhood skills! And as you can guess from the picture there was some throwing-up involved. Two in fact. One from Sophia and the other from Steven. Sophia did the Linda Blair, Exorcist kind ... projectile vomiting! No holding back here. Seriously, she blew up! I cannot go to Albertson's for a long time!! Right there at the frozen food isle, a huge mess and the smell you can imagine will make you throw up as well. I sent little David to tell them what had happened then we took Sophia to the restroom to clean her up. I couldn't save the socks and shoes. They were drenched! I would have thrown away her clothes too but she'd come out naked so we checked out quickly and managed to scrounge up an outfit for her in the car because we did not have time to go home. We had 10 minutes before David's circus class.

So for vomit number 2, Steven gives me a goodnight gift. David and Sophia were already down for the night and I was rocking Steven to sleep. There was something in the air because, boom! he lays a big one out! Himself, the couch, the floor, and my boobs fell victim. So we both took a second shower for the day. Fortunately, he fell asleep shortly after and so did I ... aching of exhaustion and silently cried myself to sleep.

Easy Roast Beef

Here's an easy roast beef recipe that's delicious as well. Just 3 ingredients and you're set! No need to watch it so you can do your errands while it's cooking.

I actually used a small roast here (2.33lb) but you can certainly choose a size to fit your family. There's even room to play with the ingredients. Don't have cream of chicken, then use cream of mushroom. I've even used cream of celery, broccoli, ... whatever cream of -?- you've got. Didn't have onion mix once but had ranch mix ... it worked! This could be cooked in a crock pot as well. Anyway, this really tastes better than it looks in the pictures!

Ingredients:
*3 lb chuck beef pot roast
*1 10oz can of Campbell's cream of chicken condense soup
*1 packet of Lipton Onion recipe soup & dip mix

Directions:
*Put the ingredients in the above order in a baking dish, cover, bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 1.5 hrs., slice, and enjoy it in a bed of rice as I like it or whatever you like.

**Warning! This will make a lot of broth so don't use a shallow baking dish.

Before

After
Dave's dish

Too Honest, It Hurt A Little

So here's the story. This past Sunday in Relief Society I sat beside a friend. I commented on her hair and she said, "Thanks. New year, new hair." She then looked at me and touching my hair, she said, "Jinky, you need a make-over!" Looking closely at my face, she continued, "... and your eyebrow ... D----- (our friend to my right), she needs a make-over ...". So I'm thinking, not too close. I've got a mustache, ... my finger/toe nails too --yuck! Don't even look at my legs. I haven't shaved in a long time! Just glad it doesn't grow as fast as it used to! My tired face, my Michelin belly, etc. All my physical insecurities came to my mind. Thanks a lot! Sure glad when the class started and the conversation had to end.

She wasn't saying those things to be mean. I really do need a make-over! An overhaul even!! I just really haven't made time for myself. Too busy with the kids and goofing off here, blogging! I suppose I have to put it in my New Years resolution list. That's another thing too. I didn't make one! I better hurry 'cause my BIG 4-0 is around the corner and it'd be nice to look decent by then! Wish me success.

Steven's First Baby Teeth

Hurray! Steven's first bottom 2 teeth has officially broken through skin today and is out. Similar to the picture but not as raised. Poor baby. Off and on for the past month he'd wail a sudden cry, often in the middle of the night. So again we're in the middle stage of the first month's sleeping schedule, which is waking up 2-3 times at night. He's just starting so we're looking at more drool and more cries. Oh, the joy of babyhood.

More Birthday For David

David returned to school from a 2 week Christmas break yesterday so his class missed his birthday. We decided to celebrate it today. We had cupcakes, ice cream, Capri Sun and party hats for everyone. We sang the happy birthday song, he blew out the candles, he picked out a present from the birthday box (he picked a rubber snake ... total boy!), ate the treats, and then they played outside in the playground. Didn't witness any throw ups! ;)

P.S. I'm sporting my new camera (my Christmas present to myself since I broke the other one a month ago!) that I just opened today. Haven't read through the manual so this is the basic settings. Not too shabby!

Our New Year's Eve

This day was also David's birthday so we did what he wanted to do. We ended up at JumpZone for a few hours but that didn't tire him out! He played some more at home and helped his dad put his new Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler and his sister's Quad together. He was bummed that it needed 18hrs to charge before he could use it! By evening time, Dave made a bonfire at the backyard and we had a picnic at our back porch. Then had pizza and cake to conclude celebrating his birthday. By 8:30pm, all 3 kids were asleep and 15 minutes later so was Dave and I. Yeap! We slept through New Years Eve! OK, I woke up shortly after midnight, heard Dave snoring so I went back to sleep. Shortly after that, Dave had woken up, got up, looked outside and found no big thrill and he went back to sleep. That's what happens when you're an older parent and have little ones ... too tired to stay up late! Afterall, they'll wake you up in the middle of the night anyways! ---Happy New Years everyone!

My New Calling

Last week one of the counselors to the bishopric pulled me aside and asked to speak with me. I thought to myself, "Yeay! A calling." I thought some more, "Please, don't let it be in nursery! But if so, that's what's for me.". Sure enough I was extended a calling. In the Relief Society as a district visit teaching coordinator. I was pleased, grateful, and excited! Of course I accepted.

Today in sacrament meeting I was sustained by the congregation and after the block meetings I was set apart. I couldn't help but find myself in tears ... choked up right now just thinking about it. It was a beautiful prayer. I certainly look forward to serving the sisters and offer a pledge to magnify my calling.

I thank thee Heavenly Father for this opportunity to serve in this capacity at this time.