Christmas 2014

Wow, Christmas this year came in a hurry it seemed like. I really wanted an extra two weeks to just soak up all the Christmas I could, but it was not the case and now Christmas Day has ended. However, we are still having fun playing with the gifts, looking at the tree, and enjoying the snow.

Christmas was wonderful. Guapo had to work until 5 on Christmas Eve, so that was kind of a bummer I am use to half days on Christmas Eve, but such is not the case and at least it wasn't until 9. Anyway, I prepared out Christmas Eve feast of rolls, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn casserole. It was really good, if I do say so myself. I even cleared off the table as best I could and we ate on matching real dishes. So, it was kind of fun to have a fancy meal mid-week. After dinner, we got all the toys cleaned up and the girls ready for bed. We all opened up our new matching-ish jammies.

My girls in their PJs.

The family.

Then Tia was SO cranky so we put her to bed and let Kylee stay up. After Tia was in bed, we made milkshakes and watched the Nativity. It was really fun and simple. I would always love to do a little bit more with the First Christmas, but I will just have to add more as my kids can handle it. To be honest dinner was a little rough because of kids complaining and not wanting to eat what I had made, but the rest of Christmas Eve was great. After the kids were in bed, I fixed Gaupo's PJ's, and we just hung out and went to bed.

Christmas morning the girls actually slept in until about 6:40, so I was able to get about 5 minutes of scriptures in before they woke up. Gaupo was so excited to have them up. He went and got them and we headed downstairs. We opened stockings first. It was so fun to watch them open them up and see what Santa brought.

Tia and her stocking. This was her first Christmas with a stocking.

Tia surrounded by her Santa goods.

Kylee finding her Santa gifts.

Gaupo opening his stocking and the girls are entranced as you can tell.

As soon as Tia got done with her stocking she went for the presents, but we intercepted her and told her she had to wait.

See that look of "What? I thought this was next." So innocent.

After everyones stockings were opened we relaxed a little and then made breakfast. We had chocolate milk, German pancakes, bacon, and hash browns. It was so good. Tia hasn't taken much to regular milk, but chocolate milk--she LOVED that! After breakfast we got dressed and separated out the presents. Then we all took turns opening them. I love watching them open everything and how everything was great. During present opening, Gaupo's family wanted to video chat so Grandma and Grandpa watched the girls open their gifts and play with them for a little bit. Then we ended that and continued opening presents. At the very ended we brought up their "big" gift from us--a toy kitchen.

Exploring this new toy.

More playing.

 They both love it and I am so glad. I also loved watching Gaupo open his presents because he loved them and I like when I actually get him something that he likes. So, the toy playing began, I did a short video chat with my family and we just enjoyed playing. I absolutely loved watching my girls play together. It was fun to watch them interact and share and explore all the new things. I really enjoyed the peace of just us. Around noon we had lunch which was rolls and ham. Then we put the girls down for a nap. During that I blogged and Gaupo played his new Disney Infinity game. The girls didn't sleep as long as I would have liked, so when Kylee woke up she got to come down and play with Dad. Then I took her over to the neighbors to take care of Moca. When we came back Tia was awake. So, the girls played and played.

Tia loves the kitchen. She can drop things from it, open stuff up, make noise, and stand.

Kylee loves this lawn mower. It makes a lot of noise and she loves pushing it around.

Tia watching the snow outside.

I talked to Heidi to see how their Christmas went. There was more playing, and then we heated up dinner and had a great Christmas feast. After dinner we video chatted with Heidi and Jeff and got to see their hopefully soon to be home. It was super fun. Then we had baths. Which was followed by a video chat with Oma and Papa. Then bed. After the girls were in bed, I got pack for my trip and then we watched Big Fat Liar, and went to bed.

It was a wonderful Christmas. I loved that it wasn't rushed. I loved that I could soak it all in and that for the most part I didn't feel like there was too much going on. I loved that it snowed from 2PM on, and covered the earth in a blanket of white. I loved trying to work on developing our traditions. I just loved Christmas and it really was too short, but I am glad I didn't miss it.

My Trip to Arizona (Super Long)

I know I should probably write about Christmas, but since this just happened I am going to write about it first. I got back today from a wonderful trip to Arizona. It was crazy, kind of stressful, fun, weird, and most importantly a great visit with family.

I left on Friday (26th). I know super horrible to do the day after Christmas, but that was the day I needed to go. Anyway, it started snowing at around 2PM on Christmas day. It was the beautiful falling snow and my first Christmas snowfall so I didn't have the heart to complain. However, the snow kept up through the night and covered our snowless area. This would have been great except for the fact that I needed to get to the airport. Gaupo was working until noon, so I played with the girls, got Tia a nap, and got us some lunch. As soon as Gaupo got home we got in the car and started out. It was going pretty well. The roads were sort of plowed, but people really were not being safe enough for the road conditions. Consequently about 20 or so minutes into the drive we witnessed a car lose control. She was calling or texting (not looking at the road) and she glanced up and accelerated, then the car in front of her put on its breaks and she slammed on hers and the car fishtailed, spun around, and she ended up off the road. Safe but off. It was really scary. We also hit a couple patches of ice, but Gaupo kept us under control. We were safe, but that didn't mean that I wasn't stressing about being safe, getting to the airport on time, etc. Finally we get to the airport, and Gaupo is going to park to help me get in, well everything is FULL. I mean everything. We drove around for about 10 minutes and Kylee kept asking "What are we doing?" To which we started responding, "Praying for a Miracle." Well our miracle came. We saw a car pulling out and we pulled in. By the time we had parked, and got our stuff out of the car I had about an hour to get through security and to my plane before it was scheduled to leave. So, I decided not to check my carseat. 

Well, as I got in the security line (which was long) I noticed that one half of the airport said West Terminal and the other part said East. I started freaking out because I thought I might be in the wrong terminal. Well turns out it doesn't matter. But anyway, I start try to go back through the line, but my brain is not functioning properly and I can't figure out how to wind my way out so I start going under the ropes. Well, this is effective put very hard because I have a baby, a roller bag, my backpack, and carseat I am lugging around. So of course my bag falls. Then a nice couple says "Do you need help?" To which I desperately respond "Yes. I don't know if I am in the right spot. I don't know what to do." They tell me that I am, but I am still not convinced and don't know what to do. Well at that moment, a airport guy comes by escorting a older gentleman through the security line and asks if I need help. I say "I don't know if I am in the right place." He asks me what airline I am flying and I tell him US Airways, he then opens up the security line for me and this older gentleman to cut to the front. 

As I go through security Tia is so not helping me hold her and I am still kind of struggling and looking really pathetic. Well a nice guy with 3 kids asks me if I need help. I accepted and he helped me get the carseat onto the conveyor belt, while I got my liquids out of my carry-on. So, I finally make it through security and I find out I have to take the train to my gate. I am not sure this is what I am suppose to do, because previously the only time I have taken the train is when I go to baggage claim, but I decide to do it and it took me to the right place. By this point Tia is so not helpful. She is so squirmy, and my gate is all the way at the end. By this time I have like 25 min till departure time. Yeah I am stressed. So, I just book it down there as fast as my load will allow, get my gate check for the carseat and finally settle down. I leaned our stuff against a pole sat down with Tia on the ground and had some chocolate. 

Well, we waited and waited to board the plane. It started boarding about 10 min late, which I thought was not big deal, but it took FOREVER for the plane to board. As I was boarding I must have looked helpless again because another guy asked if he could help and I said yes he could take the carseat. So, he hauled it down to the plane for me. I am really so grateful for all the help I had. Once we were finally on the plane it took forever to leave. There was some kind of hold up and then they had to de-ice the plane, so by the time I finally left my plane was about an hour and half late. Tia was really good on the plane and the guy next to us was really chill which was good because Tia kicked him while trying to fall asleep and kept trying to go through his seat-back pocket. Finally we arrived in PHX. I learned from Denver that holding on to Tia probably wasn't the best. So, I strapped her in her seat and then the seat to my bag and then headed out. She was SOOOO much more content. My mom met us just outside security, and my dad came and picked us up. It was so nice to finally be on land.

Tia on the floor at DIA.

The drive home was uneventful, but was nice because I got to talk one-on-one with my parents. Tia traveled good and we got home around 9:30. My siblings were playing a game, but I decided to just watch which is highly unlike me, but I wanted food and to keep and eye on Tia. I still had fun watching them and visiting with them. It felt so good to be home. Tia had a blast finding all the things she shouldn't touch and getting her wiggles out. I think I finally went to bed around 11:30.

Saturday morning I was awakened by Tia opening and closing the closet door. I apparently didn't have the pack-n-play far enough away. However, she did sleep till 7, so it wasn't too bad. When we woke-up everyone except Papa was still asleep and was that way until about 8:30 or so. Tia, Papa, and I just talk and sat and let Tia roam around. At around 9 we had breakfast and I put Tia down for a nap. Then around 10:15 we went to high school to play Frisbee. It was so fun. I loved running hard in to cool air, catching, throwing, and everything. I LOVE Frisbee. Every time I play I wonder, why don't I do this more and then I remember oh, yeah two little reasons (Kylee and Tia). They are great reasons but oh it is so exhilarating to play. Kitt invited her friend Dillon to come so we played 4 on 4. It was a lot of fun and we mixed the teams 3 times so everyone played with everyone. It was so fun. After Frisbee we cam home. I cooked up some fajita meat I marinated that morning and we had a lunch of burritos and tamales. It was so tasty. During lunch Tia went down for a nap and I took a shower. Then I played game with Kitt, until Ian, Klaire, and my mom joined us. I really liked spending so much time with Kitt. Then that night was the whole purpose of going to AZ--Kitt went through the temple. It was so awesome. The session of course was great, but I loved being in the Celestial room with my family. We had a lot of extended family there, and so it was so cool to be surrounded by family. I also loved seeing OUR family together. I missed my Guapo and Klaire, but I loved knowing that they were worthy to be there. I am so grateful Klaire watch Tia, so that I could go and not have to worry about her. Once we got home from the temple, we had brownies and ice cream. Then my siblings and I chatted until about 11:30 again when I threw in the towel to go to bed.

Gaupo and Kylee were here by themselves. From what I gather they had fun on Friday and Saturday too. Friday they got home with only one scare on the road. Then they played, and watch Princess Diaries while having Chicken Nuggets for dinner. Then on Saturday they went sledding, took care of Moca (our neighbors dog), watched Mulan, went shopping, and had fish sticks for dinner. They had a really good time. Sunday they went to church. Kylee loved nursery and wanted to stay with Gaupo after church for his Elders Quorum meeting. Then they had Mac N Cheese for dinner. 

Kylee's hair done by her dad.

Front view.

Kylee posing in her new dress.

Sunday Tia woke up around 7 again. This time I woke up from the door again although I was sure I had moved her bed far enough away, but it wasn't just that. When I woke up my eyes say what looked like Tia pulling herself out of bed and straddling the sides. I jumped out of bed say "TIA, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Luckily my eyes were tricking me and she was just playing with the door but it still scared me. No one was up when we got up. Papa was I guess, but he wasn't out in the living room. Although, he did come out soon after we came down. So, we just let Tia play again until I thought it was time to get breakfast (8:30). So we had breakfast and Tia went down for a nap. During that I read my scriptures and got ready for church. Tia woke up and I got her ready and had lunch and then we went to church. We had to sit in the very front row, so Tia kept trying to crawl up the stairs to the stand. I finally moved a row back and that went over better. Church was good and other than chasing Tia because she is only one it was good. After church, I packed my bags, taught my family how to play Quiddler, and helped with dinner. Around six we had dinner. My cousin Mary Anne came to visit with us. It was kind of a crazy meal, but it was super tasty my mom did a great job. Then around 7 chaos felt like it erupted. Gaupo called so Kylee could tell me about the day and good night, Tia was having a fit because she was super tired, there was still dinner conversation going, and we trying to get ready to leave for Mesa. Finally, it all ironed out and we were on the road. It was good to talk with Dad and Kitt, so I am glad we left the night before.

Tia in her new dress. Thanks Oma.

Tia and Aunt Kitt chillin' in the hotel.

Tia being so cute!!

Then there was today. It started around 3:30 when Tia started sounding like she was going to throw-up, so I hurried and grabbed her and took her to the bathroom. However, she kept it all down. I put her back in bed and went to sleep. Well around 5:30 she did the same thing, and I rushed her to the bathroom and this time she did throw-up. She felt really warm to me to and I was kind of worried. I asked my dad to give her a blessing and he did. I laid her down and went back to sleep. Well, the blessing worked, but we didn't wake up till 7:30 when Gaupo called. Tia still wasn't awake, so I read my scriptures for bit and started getting ready. Then I started to get Tia ready and had to wash her hair because it had vomit in it, gross. Long story short we were late getting out of the hotel. We stopped by McDonald's for lunch and rushed to the airport. Well, I didn't check in the night before (lesson: ALWAYS check-in ahead of time if you can ) and it was about 50 min till my flight was going to leave. So Kitt, Tia, and I went to check in. Well the line was long! So, we called Dad and told him to go ahead and come in. Well, luckily he did because he knew you could print your boarding pass downstairs. He rushed down there and got those for me. We jumped the ropes again to get out of that line and went up to security with everything again. So, Kitt and Dad went as far as they could such a great help. Shout out to those two for being awesome and remaining calm while I was not. So, they let me take the employee line because I have a baby (thank goodness) and I go up and get through but they have to hand check the carseat and it takes FOREVER. I finally get the seat and we book it to the gate. If I could have ran I would. When I get to my gate the door is closed. Luckily there was still a lady there. I rush up and ask, "Is this to Denver? Can I still get on?" Bless that sweet lady because she opened the door  and let me on. Once on the plane, the steward carries my bag and all is well till we get to Denver. Here it was snowing and blowing. Kylee and Gaupo were here to meet me and after a restroom break we headed out. It took us almost an hour and half to get home but it was without incident, so counting my blessings. We were late enough getting home that Gaupo called into work and said he wasn't coming. When we got home we had lunch, the girls and I took naps, Gaupo played a game, and it was great. Then Gaupo got a call with another blessing, the person who was scheduled to work tonight got stuck and couldn't make it, so we decided to send him in so he could make up the hours. Let me tell you Heavenly Father cares about me and my family and blesses us.

Blessings: ability to make up hours, made the plane both times, got home safe, got to be with Kitt in the temple so the reason I went turned out perfect, family who loves me even when I get upset, stressed and don't make the best decisions; Tia's health and the Priesthood, peace, and many more I can't think of right this moment. 

Lessons: Check-in ahead of time, have Gaupo take the whole day off work if I am going to travel, don't travel during rush hour, be patient, I really need to work on being calm and going with the flow. I am better than I was, but it still needs work.

Thanks to everyone. Thanks to Mom and Dad for transportation. To my siblings for putting up with me especially Klaire for sharing her room, and Kitt for sharing a bed with me in the hotel. To Gaupo and Kylee for taking care of things here so that I could go. I could not have done it without everyone. 

WOW WHAT AN ADVENTURE!

Tia is One Post Two

So, I probably should have included this with her birthday post, but it didn't happen because honestly it didn't occur to me. However, I was looking back at past blogs and saw Kylee's first birthday and I thought that a developmental update was the best part. So here are some things about Tia when she was one.

Height: 2ft. 4in. (34%)
Weight: 17lb 14.8oz (21%)
Head circumference: 45.7cm (72%)

Tia is a mover. She loves crawling and almost always does it at full speed. She can and loves to walk while holding on to both of your hands. She will walk with only one hand but not for long. She will walk holding the stroller but pushes to much on it and it often tips backwards. She will get and when she does she will probably love it and start running.

She does most things at full power. She throws her sippy cup at full strength when she is done getting a drink. She cries like she lost a finger even if all she want is attention. She just does everything at 100%. It is so funny. She has a smile that is almost always present and the way her and Kylee laugh at each other is absolutely hilarious.

Tia still thinks Kylee is super amazing. They have secret sister powers that allows them to know when one or the other of them is missing from their bedroom and the will immediately wake up so they can come out too. They love to laugh at each other and they can almost always make each other smile.

Tia is a pro at a sippy cup especially if it is filled with some thing delicious like lemonade or chocolate milk. She does enjoy water but I so far haven't been able to convince her that cows milk is good just plain. (not that I really blame her)

Tia's favorite foods are chocolate, yogurt, red sauce pasta, German pancakes or anything with syrup, eggs, and most things off Mom and Dad's plate. She is still missing her two front teeth, and has no molars. However, she chews just  about everything so she will be so excited when those teeth finally arrive.

Tia doesn't talk yet. She recently has started jabbering but that is it. There are no really words. She does make some sounds and she loves to point and what she wants. She also doesn't really like to sign although sometimes she will. She is just smart and stubborn.

Tia's favorite thing is not books, but she is becoming more interested in them. She loves her pop-up books and her Guess Who Forest Friends book. If it is first thing in the morning she will usually sit through 1 or 2 of those. However, once she has started the day she pretty much wont sit still for a book, but sometimes she will.

I think that is a pretty good update so enjoy some recent pictures of her.

See isn't that smile just great!

What a cutie.

This girl loves swinging and the park. She always swings like this. (this was take in Dec)

Me and Tia already for church.

Kylee and Tia in November.

Feeling Like Christmas

As the Christmas season, I was really struggling with feeling the joy and spirit of the holiday. Our Christmas decorations were up, I was working on presents, had my Christmas shopping done, and everything seemed to be going fine, but I was still kind of grumpy and not feeling the way I wanted to about Christmas. Well I decided to change that. It started with a prayer, a prayer to be able to feel the Joy of Christmas both the spiritual blessing that it is and the joy and magic of it as well. Well, I testify that God hears and answers prayers and here is how he helped ME feel Christmas.

It started with the ward Christmas party. Sure it was silly and fun with good food. However, the part they focused on was the quote from Polar Express that says something like "The bell still rings for those who believe." It just resonated with me in wanting to believe in the joy, the excitement, and of course more in my Savior. It was also fun to see Kylee experience Santa for the first time. She did sit on his lap and chat with him, but the first thing she did was ask him for a candy cane and one for Mom. It was so cute and really so selfless. It was a great start to this season.

Kylee with Santa and her candy canes.

Next was just some little things. 

I was able to find joy in my sewing projects. As many of you know sewing is not something I usually enjoy, but I really have and I feel very accomplished. It helped me love my children more. It got me a little giddy about creating something that they will enjoy and can use.  You will have to see my Christmas post to see pics of the PJs and Tia's stocking, but it was so fun to create something.

I got to talk with my cousin Lisa and others. This was a blessing because one I don't get to talk much to her, but also it made me slow down and realize that the time is now and sometimes other things just need to wait.

Christmas movies. We have watched probably about 6 Christmas movies in about 2 weeks. They have been so quirky and funny. Gaupo and I have really enjoyed that time together and just the way those movies have brought us together. 

I was able to talk to my neighbors about our beliefs. Not preach to them, but I invited them to the Nativity (which they were out of town for), but because I did it opened the door for them to ask questions, to see what we had in common, and to just talk. To be neighborly. It was awesome because I haven't been able to crack that door in three years.

The next big thing to happen after the Christmas party was our Bishop's challenge to give to the Savior by attending the temple this month. That was also another answered prayer because I have been wanting to go with my family and with traffic and the holidays I didn't think it was possible, but when our leaders challenge us to do something Gaupo does and so we said "OK, we have this weekend." (Dec. 13) We went and did Initiatory so we could switch off with the girls. It was so awesome. Probably to coolest experience I had was when Kylee want to go into the temple. I said okay we just go in the front little part (I would later find out they don't really want you to do this). So, we went and as I entered peace and stillness flooded me like I have never felt before. I think Kylee and Tia felt it too because I didn't have to tell them to be quiet and Kylee really wanted to keep going. I have never really noticed the difference between the grounds and inside the temple before, but it hit me that day. Then it was so fun to watch Kylee and Tia around the Christus. They loved to look at it and they wanted to play it was just so cute and special.

Kylee and Tia in front of the Denver Temple.

They are too cute not to have two pictures.

Then the other thing that has helped me with the feel Christmas is an experience I had when I found out one of my friends had some big plans fall through. When I first heard my heart literally ached for them, like it hurt. Then as the day progressed it lessened, but then I heard some of the consequences of their problem and my heart ached again. I really wanted to help. I knew I couldn't solve the problem, but I yearned truly yearned to help. I am sure I sent silent pleas to God to know what to do though I don't really remember saying them. What I do remember is tossing around ideas until I hit upon one that resonated. It stuck and I couldn't get it out. I didn't want to bring it up while our kids were awake and it seemed kind of crazy, but it was driving me crazy not to tell Guapo about it. So, finally I let out this huge sigh and Guapo got curious and asked the right questions. As I told him, the storm inside of me calmed it was crazy. Then he agreed, and we waited till the kids were in bed to tell our friends. So, we called them and told them what we wanted to do. The accepted and we did it. I felt so much peace. The storm the feelings of the day all subsided I didn't worry about it anymore it was so cool. I have never had quite and experience like that. 

Lastly, this past Sunday night was our church's Live Nativity. There was nothing really special or different about it, but the feeling of peace and stillness that I felt while watching, even with two kids crawling and running around was so powerful to me. It was so nice to gather with people who are celebrating the same things as me, Christ's birth. 

I know these are kind of personal experiences, but if your reading I hope you don't judge this blog is what documents life right now and these experiences are what is making the Christmas magic for me this year.

I promise that the Savior was born to this earth. He lives and loves me. He listens to me and knows exactly what I need even if I don't. I know I have a loving Heavenly Father who blesses me everyday. What a wonderful gift God gave to us so long ago. I am so grateful for this season to celebrate it.

One last note is this Christmas I have noticed how Christmas brings together Christians. We may be all different religions, but on this one holiday we celebrate the same thing. We celebrate together. It is really cool to feel united in that joy.

Tia is One

It is so crazy that one year ago Tia joined our family. It just blows my mind and makes me so grateful at the same time. I am amazed by Tia's spunk, smiley face, laugh, joy of climbing and moving, and her overall zeal for life and all it has to offer. She is a very quick crawler, and is learning to step-up on things. She loves most foods except I haven't had much success with potatoes or straight cow milk, but we are working on it. She loves chocolate and knows exactly which bag it is when we get it out for the Christmas countdown. She doesn't talk yet, she jabbers with Kylee every now again and loves pointing at things. She also loves attention, her pop-up books, and playing with toys. She is just a wonder and I love having her around, even when she is super crazy in the bathtub.

So, this was our first on our own 1st Birthday and we decided to try to develop good habits for this December birthday girl. We started off the morning by letting her open one gift--her very own Book of Mormon. She has loved having it and has actually hung around pretty willing for scriptures since getting it. Then we went to babysitting at the rec center. I know kind of mean, but I really needed to go running and she is getting to the point where she cries when I drop her off but as soon as I am out the door she is just fine, so she and Kylee had fun playing with the kitchen and play house. After I picked them up we came home had breakfast and got Tia down for a nap. Then Kylee and I got the party on. We made Tia's brownie cake, and her birthday sign. Then I helped Kylee make Tia a bookmark for her scriptures. When Tia woke up we played with her and had lunch and then the girls went down for afternoon naps. During nap time, I turned the brownies into a "1" and frosted it. I also worked on completing Tia's stocking and I am very proud of my handy work. After both girls were up, we played some more and waited for Guapo to get home. Before Gaupo got home I friends the Merrills stopped by and visited and gave Tia a gift and played. They are so great to support us. We wanted them to join us for the whole celebration but they had other things to do.

When Gaupo got home we had dinner and got that clean up and opened presents. She actually did really good opening them, although she did have quite a bit of help from her daddy and sister. However, it was super fun. One of the gift she got was some toy cars and so everyone had fun playing with those for a little while.

Then it was time for the cake. We lit her candle, sang to her, let her look at it, and then everyone helped her blow it out. It was so fun. Then we put her in her chair, gave her a piece of her cake and let her have at it. She did too. She mashed it and once she tried it she loved and ate it up. She was so pleased with herself.

It was kind of a simple birthday but it was fun to think about her all day and try to make the day special. We loved playing with her and watching her enjoy being the center of attention. We are so blessed to have this wonderful little girl in our home.

We saved the bowl till she woke up from her nap, that way she  could help us clean it out.

Opening Kylee's bookmark.

Taking in the cake and that candle. She was mesmerized.

Guapo and Tia.

The Girls.

Family pic.

Enjoying that brownie.

Look at our happy one year old. What a cutie!

Thanksgiving 2014

This year was Thanksgiving at the Merrill house. We left on Tuesday at pretty close to noon. However, it took us awhile to get gas, and then at Subway there was a line. Then to make us even more late there was a rolled over semi that resulted in major delays. Once we finally got out and past the wreck it was pretty windy sailing. It was so windy. Gaupo and I were so glad we decided to take the Impala and had a hotel reservation for the night. We finally pulled into our hotel around 7:30. We stayed at the Best Western Plus in Kemmer, WY. It is a brand new hotel and I would totally recommended it. It was quite except for the crazy wind outside. It was clean, kind of fancy like a marble shower and counter tops, and fancy kind of furniture. I liked it. The pool was clean and the breakfast was great. Anyway, we wandered around the hotel a bit just finding out where things were and then we got the kids settled into bed. It took Kylee forever to fall asleep, so we didn't get to watch any TV that was a real bummer, but it happens. In the morning Kylee and I went swimming. It was a bit cold for her so we didn't stay in long, but it was fun. Tia would have loved it but she was kind of sick and we needed her to get well, so we didn't even want to chance it. After swimming, we gave the girls a bath and I took a shower and we went to breakfast. Oh man, I think I could have just eaten there all day. They had sausage, omelets, bagels, cinnamon rolls, apple cider, and a bunch of other stuff I didn't get to eat. It was all super good. However, we were late getting there and needed to get on the road again so after filling up everyone we headed out to Logan.

We stopped in Logan to visit Guapo's Grandma. She was so excited to see us. She gave the girls their Christmas presents, we ordered pizza, and played downstairs in her kid kingdom. It was so fun to just watch those two play with all the toys and slides and everything. It was nice to visit with Grandma Hammond and Gaupo's Aunt Sarah who brought her kids over to visit too. We were at Grandma Hammond's house for about 2 hours and we filled it with playing visiting and having lunch. It was so fun. Kylee even got a new "kitty." I was sure that it was going to replace her old one, but as we speak new kitty is on the couch and the old kitty is sleeping upstairs with Kylee. Oh man, what are we going to do when that thing gives out.

After playing hard in Logan, we headed to Swanlake. Julia was so excited to see Kylee and Tia. Then the playing started all over again. The girls got out all the toys, and books and had Grandma playing and reading like crazy. Oh man both Kylee and Tia had a great time soaking up all the extra attention. That night after the kids went to bed, Melanie and I played games together and had a chance to chat. That was really fun. I enjoy playing games and visiting with Melanie.

Thursday was of course Thanksgiving. It started kind of early mainly because the girls woke up at like 6:15, Argh. Anyway, it got me up so that I was ready when Scott brought home Aubrey his fiance. She was really nice and loved the girls, of course. Sometimes, I wonder if people would like me as much if I didn't have kids. (Just kidding, they would, but I tell you these two girls of mine sure steal a lot of the attention I use to get) So, we had fun eating breakfast, getting dinner started, and visiting with Aubrey. We made rolls, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. Julia had everything else all ready before hand. It still took time and a lot of dishes. Once we got all the baking started or done, we took Kylee out to see the cows and swing on the swings. At around noon, Jeff and Heidi and their three kids showed up, so we sat down for our Thanksgiving feast. It was fun to all cram around the table, visit, and enjoy good food. It was kind of weird to me that no one ate pie after eating their dinner, but other than that it was a pretty typical Thanksgiving dinner. After eating, the kids went down for a nap, and the rest of us either rested or visited. That night we had leftovers and then spent the evening visiting.

Friday started dark and early in our room. The girls were up and ready to go way before anyone else in the house. So, I took Kylee to the potty and then we let them play in the bedroom until we thought the kids downstairs were awake. It is kind of hard to contain two little kids who are either curious or bored contained in like a  10X10 space, but we did it. Once they were downstairs, they played, and played. Then we had a breakfast and they played some more. Arlen and Kylee played on hippity-hops forever. They were so tired from jumping and chasing each other. While Tia was napping we put on a movie for Kylee, Arlen, and Naomi while we ladies (Heidi, Melanie, Julia, and I) made and dipped chocolate cherry yummyness. It was messy and with interruptions took quite awhile but I enjoyed it and learned a lot.  By the time we got the chocolate mess all cleared up it was time for lunch and then naps. During this nap times we went through some Christmas decorations that Julia purchased from an estate sale and picked out what we wanted. When Tia and Kylee woke-up from their naps we went to Grandpa-Great's house and visited with him, Oma, Papa, Kitt, and Klaire. It was so nice to see my family and visit with them. It was really kind of short, but two weeks ago I spent a longer time, so I guess its okay. I just love spending time with them though. We headed back to the Merrill's and got there in time for some delicious pizza. Then we visited while the kids played until it was their bedtime. Once my kids were in bed, we played games. We started by playing Apples to Apples because Aaron said he would play games if we played that one and he was only going to be around for 45 min. (which he stuck around the whole night actually), but we had fun. That game is always funny and it is very interesting to see personalities come out. After we finished that games, we played one of my new favorite games "Quiddler." It was really fun, and we actually played all seven rounds. Gary came out the winner. It was kind of funny though because Quiddler is suppose to be an individual game, but everyone was helping everyone and it actually I think made it more enjoyable. After that game, everyone separated. Gaupo finished closing and we went to bed around 11:00.

Saturday was leaving day. It was so hard to leave. The vacation didn't seem to be long enough. The kids were really enjoying playing with each other, and we weren't exactly sure when we would be coming back. It is always hard to leave family. I love Colorado, but it is missing my family and that is hard sometimes. However, we made it back with only one incident, which was being pulled over. I am not even 100% sure that we were speeding because I never saw a sign that changed the speed limit back to 75 but apparently there was one (and not the one right in front of us) and we got ticketed. Oh man, it put a damper on that drive home. I don't like getting in trouble, and so when I do it kind of rocks my world for awhile. But we made it home safe and sound. We enjoyed our trip and had the chance to make memories with family.

Sorry, I don't have any pictures. To be honest I didn't even have my camera. I know super bad, but it happened, and this is the end of the story.

My Grandma

My Grandma died 2 weeks ago today. One week ago I returned from her funeral, but I am going to back up a little bit further. I can't tell you all the details of how my Grandma died, but way back in August when we had our family reunion my Grandma was really thin. I really didn't think that much of it probably because my grandparents don't lead on about anything. Well, come September-October she started getting really week. She went to see the doctor sometime in October and was diagnosed with cancer. When I first heard, I really wanted my Grandma to get better to fight it like she did last time, but as time went on she just kept getting weaker. At first I was really mad. I couldn't understand why she was not fighting to stay alive, why was she giving up. Then I don't really know how it happened except that it did after counseling with Gaupo about death, dying, cancer, and giving up; much prayer and scripture study, and finally humbling myself to the will of the Lord. It didn't happen all at once, it happened little by little, but my heart softened and I knew that whatever the Lord's will was even if it was to take my Grandma back that it would be okay. That doesn't mean that the day I found out that the cancer was all over and that it would just be week before she left that I didn't cry or still want her to get better, but I was comforted. I was comforted by the scriptures that talk about joy, peace and rest. I learned from the scriptures about obedience, and love. I was not alone.

The tender mercies didn't stop with just the softening of my heart. I was very blessed to be able to video chat with my Grandma. I got to tell her I loved her and I got to hear that she loved me. It was a miracle because my Grandma and technology are like mighty foes, and we even had some troubles getting it set up. I was sure that while we were setting it up she would just say, "Augh, technology! Just don't worry about it." She didn't though, she hung on and I got to see and talk to her for the last time. I had a really good cry that day. My kids were kind of looking at me like "what is wrong with you."

To make a story kind of short, my Grandma died about 2 weeks later (I think). It was Nov. 14. My mom called that morning and Gaupo answered my phone, so that lucky guy got to deliver the news to me. Honestly, I had been waiting for so long (or so it seemed) I kind of knew it before he told me. I didn't cry right then like I always thought I would. I did cry when I was alone in the shower and had time to think. I did cry and I was sad, but at the same time so glad that my Grandma didn't have to suffer anymore. She was back home.

Her funeral was the following Saturday. Which actually was great timing, because Veteran's Day was Tuesday and since that is a Holiday at the Library we didn't have to rush and only had to take a day a half of vacation. Anyway, my brother and his family flew in from Texas on Thursday. Then they left for the funeral on Friday morning and we left after Gaupo got out of the Lab. We drove the whole way to Swanlake. Its not too bad if you start in the morning, but oh buddy when it lasts till 11:00 at night it seems like FOREVER!! Anyway, we finally arrived and sacked out for the night. We got up in the morning and the girls got to play with their Grandma and her toys. We had breakfast and then went to the viewing.

Everyone was kind of worried about this and rightfully so. I had not been to a viewing since I was about eight and it was super traumatic. It was the viewing of my Nana and I took one look at her in her casket and lost it, for like the whole funeral, and have really had no desire to go to another one since. However, I willing went to this one and I am glad I did. My Grandma looked very at peace. I know she wasn't in her body that wasn't hard to tell, but it was different I had such a better understanding of it all. I knew that she was at peace. I don't know it was just good. I still didn't hang around long because that is not my favorite thing and all my cousins were around. Anyway, they gathered all us cousins together so we could practice the Hymn we were going to sing--Abide With Me Tis Eventide. Then the great-grandkids and a couple of grandkids practiced their song I Love to See the Temple. Then we visited until they called us to the family prayer. My Grandpa offered it, making it seem that much more like one big family prayer. Then we went to the funeral. It was a wonderful celebration of her life. My Aunt Shara gave a sketch of her life, my Uncle John gave a talk and I remember it was good, but I don't remember exactly what he said. Then my Grandma's brother Joe talked. They were all really good. Kylee joined the great-grandchildren in singing  and did a great job. I enjoyed singing the with my cousins. It was kind of emotional but very good. Then we went to the graveside. It was my very first. We got to do a floral tribute, which I really liked. What happened was all the honorary pallbearers and pallbearers placed their boutonniere on the casket, the granddaughters got a carnation to put on it, then then her children got to put a rose on it. It was just a nice way to say "until we meet again."

Then after visiting we headed to the Virginia church house for the luncheon. Wholly Molley that tiny ward put on a huge dinner. We had enough leftover to do a linger longer for the whole ward the next day. Anyway, we visited had dinner, and visited. We enjoyed being all together. I wish there were more places where we could all gather together. I wish there was a way to have dinner all together where you could talk to everyone, but such is not the case and it was very nice to do it in smaller groups.

That night it was just me and my siblings. We just visited and enjoyed one another. We got baths and showers and prepared for Sunday.

Sunday, we went to Virginia Ward. It was great to be surrounded by people who knew and loved my Grandma. The meetings were good and the linger longer afterwards was great. I got to visit with the Tafts. They were so funny. I was informed I should get my concealed weapons license and carry a gun. They are such a funny couple. Anyway, after eating we went home, put the kids down for a nap and enjoyed a wonderful Sunday.We did have to say goodbye to the Kara, Seth, Kitt, and Klaire. That was hard.

Monday, was just more being together. Although, that night my Uncle John and Aunt Karen came up for dinner, Family Home Evening, and games. It was a fun day and night. I think we all just enjoyed not having to be alone.

Tuesday we had to leave, but luckily I got to take Jack and Lindsay and their family home with me. However, our heater in the car was broken so I froze on the way home. My kids were fine and Gaupo said he was fine, but I was cold, it could have been because I had no socks or shoes on. Also, we decided to go by way of Ogden Canyon and got pulled over for going 76 in a 65. AHHHHH, that is annoying and nerve racking. We have pretty much decided that for us, that way is not faster and takes more gas so we will probably never do it again. Anyway, we got home and that night we just pretty much settled in.

Wednesday, we hung out. Had breakfast, tried to do a workout, and went to the Library. That afternoon Lindsay and I snuck off to Hancock Fabrics and the Grocery store. That night we made brownies and played games.

Thursday, I went back to Hancock Fabrics to get some patterns that went on sale. We visited, and let the kids play. During naps Jack and Lindsay returned their rental car while I watched most of the kids. That night we had the missionaries over for dinner. I changed up the tradition and we had Julia's Beef Rice Casserole. (I had to have something gluten free) Then had ice cream for dessert. That night we played video games and chatted.

Friday, we mainly hung around. Although, I did take our car into the mechanic. It turns out that it is just barely ready today and we had to replace the heater core. But it works, Yeah! Anyway, it was fun to have Jack go with me. I really enjoyed having that small moment of one-on-one time with him. I wanted to take the kids somewhere to play, but the weather was crazy cold and I only one car. So, we just hung around. That night we played board games and had peanut butter popcorn, except the popcorn popper broke, so we made half peanut butter popcorn, half peanut butter cereal and nuts. It was actually really tasty.

Saturday, Kylee woke up sick. So, Gaupo went to clean the church by himself because Kylee wanted her mom. When he got back I took Jack and Lindsay to the airport. It was really hard to let them go. I loved having them and their kids around. I loved playing games together, talking, and not being alone. I think saying goodbye also made the reality of my Grandma passing away set in a little more fully. In any case, I really didn't want to let them go home, but I did. I loved having this family at my house for four extra days. When I got home, it was snowing like crazy, we had lunch and put the kids down for naps. Then it was pretty normal. I prepared my lesson that evening and then went to bed.

Sunday Kylee was still sick. So, we took her just to sacrament meeting. I stayed and taught my lesson, and Gaupo had to miss teaching primary and getting set apart in his new calling as 2nd Counselor in the Elders quorum. Other than sick kids we had a great Sunday. I even got my favorite meal of biscuits and gravy for dinner.

Since then its just been cleaning stuff up and getting outdoors if the sun shines long enough to even hint the air might be warm.

Props to you, if you hung in all the way to here. It was a long post, but I really needed to document my feelings and the funeral of my Grandma.

This is one of my favorite pictures of me and my Grandma. Yep, she loves me and I love her.

Halloween Week 2014

Wow, what a week. It was fun, crazy, and just wonderful.  We kicked off the food festivities  on Sunday. We had to keep it simple because I had Young Women in Excellence that night. With simpleness in mind we had Worms on a Bun. It was really good of course. All it is, is hotdogs cut in quarters, boiled, then smothered in BBQ Sauce. It is delicious.

Worms on a Bun.

 Monday we enjoyed Snake Bite Calzones. This one was one of my favorites  because Kylee got to help "paint" the snake. It was very tasty and fun to make. I had some extra dough leftover from the snake so I also made some "bones." I have wanted to try it for a few years now, and it was fun. More time consuming than I thought but still fun. Other than dinner, we just finished up the October Friend  for Family Home Evening, and Gaupo and I watched Earnest Scared Stupid.

Kylee painting.

Our Snake.

Tuesday, was kind of crazy because Guapo has to work at night, so once again we did something simple. We made Jack-O-Lantern Turkey Burgers.  They were actually really good and my kids LOVED them. I even got Kylee to eat on for leftovers at lunch the next day. It was really simple but really good. I think that other than the food Tuesday was pretty normal. That morning we also made pancakes in the shape of pumpkins and made jello worms.

Pumpkin shaped pancakes.

Jello Worms.

Jack-O-Lantern Turkey burgers.

Wednesday was the Library's trick-or-treat Storytime. I dressed the girl's up. Tia went as a ballerina and Kylee went as a princess, but she just wore a different crown than she normally does. (yes, Kylee wears a crown everyday almost all day) She was already wearing her favorite skirt, so I didn't think she would change, but it was still fun. So, we went to storytime and listened to some books, did a couple of rhymes, and then 'paraded' our the library and over to the city offices where they have some of the staff out with candy and they let the kids walk around and go trick-or-treating. It was really fun and Kylee did good. Although, at one lady instead of saying trick-or-treat she said "I need more candy." I was kind of embarrassed, but the lady just said, "I think we can help with that," and laughed. That night we had Chilli Filled Coffin. This one was actually really fun, but I did cheat I used a cornbread mix and cans of Chilli. It was very tasty and fun. That night I had a stake combined beehive activity. They played get-to-know-you games and had a blast.

Chilli filled Coffin.

Thursday, we had Mummies and Moldy Dressing. I think this was probably my favorite meal of the week. It was just really tasty. It was time consuming to roll all the "mummies" but it was good. These "mummies" had black beans, corn, cilantro, green chili, and some spices in them. It was really good. That night we watched Hocus Pocus which I have to say is probably the creepiest Halloween movie we have.

Mummies and Moldy Dressing.

Friday was fun. We had Trick-Or-Treat turnovers for dinner, and made "homemade rootbeer." I took the girls trick-or-treating to our neighbors homes and everyone really enjoyed seeing them. Gaupo was supposed to take them, but Friday morning I found standing water in my dishwasher, so he was working on trying to fix it. He worked on it by himself until about 8 and then our friend Bro. B came over till about 9 and the verdict came to we need a new dishwasher. Well, by the time we got everything cleaned up, it was late. Gaupo was working on closing and so we didn't watch our Halloween movie, we just went to bed. At least I did, Gaupo still had to finish closing.

Trick-Or-Treat Turnovers.

Kylee playing in the smoke of dry ice.

All dressed up for trick-or-treating.

Saturday was jam packed. Gaupo prepped a lot of the yard for winter. I took Kylee and found a dishwasher. We went to the scratch and dent store here in town. I like going there because they will actually negotiate with you. So, I went in thinking I would just get a cheap dishwasher, but as I was shopping I decided to get a nicer one. It is black on the outside, stainless steel interior, with top controls. At this point I don't know how it works, but it looks great. On Saturday, Gaupo and Bro. B also took a look at the brakes on the Honda. They are all fine. They have been kind of squeaky so we checked it out. That afternoon, we did dishes, figured out a way to take out the dishwasher and still have hot water in the sink, and went to a quinceanera. Going to the quinceanera was really interesting. There was delicious Mexican food, and then they did the traditional things like father-daughter dance, changing of the shoes, first drink of "Champagne," Sparkling Cider in this case, presentation of the doll, and then a couple of dances that we couldn't stay for. I was very fascinated and had a great time.

Sunday we kicked fall off with our Autumn Casserole, church, and daylight savings time ending. It was a really great week.
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Fall is Here

I am loving the beautiful colors the cooler temperatures although I wouldn't mind if it weren't freezing when I tried to go running in the mornings. I go running almost every morning with my girls. I love that it is not blazing hot, but it is kind of a pain to try and bundle everyone up, keep the blanket on, and get all the other stuff like stretching done so that we can leave. Once all that craziness is done though, I love running through the leaves on the green ways. I love seeing the beautiful colors, and the stillness. It is really a great time of  year.

Here are my two running buddies. One of the rare times Tia's hat was still on.

A couple of weeks ago my cousin Robert came to Denver and we met up and had dinner with him. We went Ruby Tuesday's. It was my first time eating there. It was okay, but not a place I think 'oh I really want to go there again.'It was kind of crazy trying to arrange everything. I have mutual on Wednesday nights so I had to make sure that would work out ok. I then had to debate about keeping my kids up late and driving there, but I really wanted to go. So, I made it happen, and gratefully Gaupo was really supportive of it. We had a great time.  It was so fun to visit with him. My kids were actually really good almost the whole time. The drive to and from wasn't too bad except we almost got hit on the way home. Luckily we did not.

I took the girls outside to try and patiently wait for dad so we could leave. It was a beautiful day.

Also because it is Fall we need to prepare for winter. So, on the 17th Gaupo and I went to Home Depot for a date and bought fence materials. It was actually a lot of fun. We wandered around and showed each other what we would want if we had the money to do it, and just dreamed. It was nice to take out time and not have little ones wanting to run off.

Four 8FT rails and 4 posts in our Honda.

From the front.

The fence up and complete until it warms up a bit to paint.

This Friday the 24th, Kylee and I went on a "date." We went to the bank where we got candy. We went to Lucky's market where she got to push her own cart and get a sticker, and then we went shoe shopping. We had a fun time and she is so please to have the same exact pair of sparkly shoes just a size bigger.

She was so excited to push this cart around. She kept wanting to "Zoom." 

Looking super cute with all our sausage.

Halloween is finally happening. I love Halloween week, but that update is not for this post except for our ward's Fall Festival. That party happened this past Saturday. It was really fun. The girls and I dressed up. I just had Kylee pick out whatever dress-ups she wanted to wear and put them on. She called herself a "ballenera" but she really looked like a princess. Tia on the other hand was a ballerina. I went as a pirate. I ended up having to wear my sparkly shows because my real pirate-y shows broke, as in the sole fell off. It was crazy. The other crazy thing of the night was I accidentally dropped my camera and broke it. Luckily Guapo was able to fix it for me. The party was really fun. they had a trunk-or-treat were Kylee took a little while to catch on, but once she did she loved it and is so proud of all her candy. After the trunk-or treat, there was a pot luck dinner and a pie contest. I had every intention of entering the contest, but after creating a slide show for Young Women in Excellence I didn't want to do anything. Anyway, after the party we headed home, got the kids in bed, and Gaupo and I wanted a Halloween movie. It was a fun day and actually turned out pretty good even though Gaupo had to work all day.

Tia as a Ballerina.

Ballenera Kylee.

The Girls.

Sunday was Young Women in Excellence. I was the tech person. I created a slide show, and movie for it. The movie was girls camp photos and the slide show was to help give a visual as to what the girls had accomplished this year. It was super fun. The theme was "Get the Scoop." So, they decorated with ice cream cone balloons, sundae flowers, and ice cream parlor canopies (made from poster board). Then the girls told about the thing the accomplished by sharing there "scoop," and telling us what the "cherry on top," what they learned, from the experience. Our leaders did a great job with it.

In addition to these events, we have been soaking up Fall at the park, and playing outside. What a great time of year.

Tia

Kylee.

The two swingers.