A Little Update

This week is lasting forever. I have had plenty to do, so normally the week would just speed on by, but it just isn't. So, instead of dreading the fact that there are a couple of days until the weekend still I thought I would fill you in on what we have been up to around here lately. We will go by person oldest to youngest.

Gaupo- He is doing great. He still really likes his work at the library. Most days he still comes home happy. His work has recently up-ed the health incentive to also include a day-off if you get up to the third tier. Gaupo is motivated and I am totally supportive. So, he has been doing lots of bike riding. He has ridden his bike the majority of days this winter. It is true that the weather has been good for that, but he did it. He even did it when he had to wear a hat and coat. Being this active for this long is a new thing for Gaupo. Gaupo is still going to school. We are looking forward to summer break here in a little over a month. We are taking the summer off and then will head up our last year of school in the spring. I am really proud of Gaupo because its a lot to be a dad, in the elder's quorum presidency, be a husband, hold a full-time job, and go to school. However, he manages it and it has been really fun to see him enjoy all of those things. Gaupo is awesome. I feel so lucky to have him as my husband.

Gaupo and I at the Ft. Collins Temple last weekend. We are still such a cute couple.

Me- Not too much has changed with me. I am currently still babysitting Trent and Tori everyday. I also picked up some work for my cousin Robert. It only takes about 10-15 minutes, but it keeps my mind moving, so I don't just completely waste the afternoon away. It also good for me to keep some kind of business work up just so I am not completely unqualified to work if I ever had to. I really enjoy my Thursday's because in the morning I have about an hour to myself and I go swimming at the pool across the street and take a shower all by myself. I will also be starting spring frisbee here in about a week and I am really excited for that. This month for R.S. I developed a Relief Society Edition of Cranium. It turn out good, but I would love it if it would get more use, so if you ever need it let me know. Other than that I just keep busy trying to be a good mom, have a somewhat clean house, put good food on the table, and enjoy the nice weather. I am totally loving the nice weather temperatures.

Trent, Tori, Kylee, and Tia. This is my crew. I usually don't go to the grocery store, but some times you just do things.

Kylee- She just finished up with her last Alligator swim class today. WAHOOOO!! About one and half years later and we finally passed. She is doing a great job. She can swim and float and jump in. She is still a little hesitant of deep water, but this next level should get her to conquer that fear, so I am excited to see what it brings. Kylee is learning lots of sight words in preschool. She is always doing something crafty. Her backpack comes home with no less that 3 papers every day. Her 'best' friends besides her sister are Tori Jacobson and Ryker Atkinson. Although she also enjoys playing with Jacob Detro and Jensen Blaine. She loves jumping on the tramp and having friends over. She still loves to sing and play. Kylee is super into Pokemon. Her friend Ryker gave her "the strongest Pokemon ever" today and, so she challenged her dad to a battle. Gaupo battled her and did lose, but just barely. It is so fun to watch this little girl catch on to new things, hold on as tight as she can to her big/older sister status, and find her own kind of adventures. Kylee is one cool five year old.

These moose antlers are so funny. That face is because she is snorting like a moose. Also according to Kylee "Boy moose fight for the girls, and then have babies."

Tia- Tia is growing and changing on a weekly basis I feel like. I feel like her speech improves and lengthens all the time. In the last two weeks she has learned how to ride a two-wheeler. She still has a little trouble starting on her own, but after that she is good to go. She loves riding her bike and being outside. Her baby has the best mom. Tia takes her for long walks in the stroller, feeds her, and takes her for 'car' rides. I love watching Tia imagine and keep up with her sister. Besides learning to ride a two-wheeler Tia has also mastered climbing up onto the roof of our play house. She is so proud of the fact that she and Ryker are the only two kids that can do it. (Kylee did it once, but hurt herself getting down, so she isn't real apt to try again.) Tia seems to like preschool. She loved it when she was doing the three little pigs unit, but now that they are on to something that I think is pretty complicated she isn't as into going to school. However, she still goes and seems to have a pretty good time. I am working on getting her some Occupational Therapy and eventually some additional Speech Therapy. So Tia is growing like crazy and she is so opposite of her sister in almost every way, but you know what I think that is one of the reasons that they are best friends.

Here is a video of Tia on her bike about 5 days after I took the training wheels off.

Tia feeding her baby in the highchair she thought up all on her own.

I am thoroughly enjoying this stage of my family's life. I love watching every member of it grow and change. I love how we actually have something that we all like to do (play pokemon go and ride bikes). I love that we can watch a movie together if we want. The sun going down later lends itself to just a little bit more play time before bed. My kids I don't feel like are too fussy of eaters and tend to hang in there when they have to eat something they don't like. I love that I treasure the moments I have with just my kids. I feel like such a lucky mom to have great kids. I love Family Home Evening with these two. They always want to help. My favorite job for Tia is the lead the music because she mostly just dances, but it is so great. I love to hear Kylee give a lesson or scripture, but her favorite job is to be the special helper so she can serve dessert. She also loves to conduct. I just love being a parent with Gaupo. He supports me and loves me even if he thinks I am sometimes a little crazy or over ambitious. I am so blessed to have this sweet family of mine.

It Started With a Date

Around here we have been trying to get into the habit of having some sort of family council. We try to talk about Family Home Evening and who wants to do what, and what we having going on this week and stuff like that. Well while were were talking about it Gaupo said, and I was wondering if you wanted to go on a date either Friday or Saturday--you just get the babysitter. I was so pleased that he was thinking about such activities and so of course I said yes. However, as the week wore on I almost forgot to call the babysitter; however, I remembered and we got our favorite babysitter Makenna. So Friday night at pretty close to 5:30pm Gaupo and I left the kids and went out on a date.

We went to Red Lobster. It is one of Gaupo's favorite places to eat. You can't make reservations there at least not for a party of two, so we had to wait and it was awesome. For awhile we walked around the building just holding hands, talking about whatever and walking. Gaupo didn't pull out Pokemon. I know he was tempted because he joked about taking it out. However, he didn't he kept his device in his pocket the whole time. So, we walked and talked until Gaupo (he didn't have a jacket) got too cold and then we went in to warm up. Once inside we didn't do too much more talking while we waited. I don't know about you guys, but when you are sitting really close to people you don't know, it kind of makes you not want to talk about all the stuff you were before. Plus, Gaupo was standing and I was sitting which I also think makes for really awkward conversation. Luckily we didn't have to wait long and we got seated at our table. At first I was kind of worried about it because it was a booth, but it didn't have a wall on either side. However, it was perfect. It wasn't too loud, I didn't feel crowded it was great. Plus we had an awesome server, who helped us get exactly what each of us wanted. We got a combo platter: shrimp linguine (Gaupo), Steak (me), and coconut shrimp (to share). Then we got a side of potatoes, and a tomato mozzarella thing it has a fancy name, but I can't remember it. It also came with one salad, but our server said he could make two smaller ones if we wanted them different, so we each got our own. Yes, it was expensive, but we knew it would be and it was so good. We each got what we wanted, tried some new-ish things, and got full. So, the food was a success and so was the company. I had a great time just visiting and talking with Gaupo. We really didn't solve any problems, worries, or anything we just got to be together uninterrupted. It was so great. So after dinner we hit up Sams Club for some cheese because we ran out. AHHHHH, I know, but we got it so the world is safe  again. Then we came home and enjoyed being together some more. It was really so good. It has been awhile since we went on a real date and you know what it was so good, so thanks to our Aunt Kitt for a wonderful Christmas present.

Luckily the great weekend didn't stop there. Saturday was a busy day, but for once we did everything we said we were going to do with the kids. Gaupo got up early and worked on some homework and then worked a little more after we had breakfast. I got a few of the piles that some how end up here. It felt good to sort through them and get them put away. Then we went swimming. The girls have been so excited to have their dad watch them swim. And the look on his face when his little girls turned into little fishes did not disappoint. He had proud father written all over his face. I think he might have even said 'Wow.' He hasn't been with us for awhile, so to see Kylee floating and Tia swimming and both just seriously acting like little fishes is pretty cool. I really just loved watching him be proud of his girls and his girls being so excited to show Daddy all the cool stuff they can do. Also because Gaupo was with us, I got to go off the diving board and Tia and I got to do the slides and I did the slides a little by myself too. It was so great. After swimming for about an hour, we came home. We had lunch and Guapo and the girls took naps. I started working on a game for our RS meeting this month. Then when naps were over we talked about what to have for meals went shopping and then came home. Tia had been wanting to ride her bike all day, so while Gaupo made dinner I took the girls out to the grass hill. Yes, if you remember from last year that means someone is learning to ride a two-wheeler and guess what Tia is doing great!! She can do it we are just working on steering, getting started, and stopping. So obviously I am not taking her for any wild rides yet, but she is doing really good. As I said Gaupo was suppose to be making dinner, but it took a little longer than it should have because he was watching the girls ride bikes. So, we had dinner and then did a floor puzzle together and then got the girls to bed. We finished the night with a movie. It was such a good family day.

I loved this last weekend. It was so fun to be together. To do things we loved and to try a little to make it work. I loved that we all had to give and help to get things done. I loved that we could have fun as a couple and as a family. I doubt this post does the weekend justice because it was so great. I actually have had an extended weekend because I have had just my kids the last couple of days and it has been great to focus on just them. True I had them help me with chores yesterday, but you know what we got them done in no time. We could do them after swim lessons and naps. We could motivate ourselves because if we got it done then we had two days to just play together. We also still had time to play. I have loved watching my girls love each other. Its just been great. I also loved that Gaupo and I started a book together. Every once in a while we will read a book or series together and it has been awhile since then, but it is so fun to read together and enjoy a good book. For me love is definitely spelled T-I-M-E. Take time to love and enjoy your family because they are yours and they are worth everything. I am so grateful for mine. Together Forever.

Kylee is 5

A lot has happened since I last blogged, and I wish I could write about all of it, but it will have to suffice that on President's Day Monday we had a super fun bike ride out at Sandstone Ranch, and did a bit of exploring there too. Then we went home and made delicious egg rolls and rice. Last Tuesday we had a visit from Aunt Kitt before she went to Michigan and then we got to have her some today too. In addition to those things we have also had the missionaries over for dinner, lunch potluck, dinner group, swimming lessons, and preschool. Needless to say I feel like we have been a little busy, but never to busy for a good birthday celebration.

Kylee turned five on Friday and boy howdy was she excited. She has been counting down the days until her birthday. She woke up pretty early, but luckily was pretty quiet until about 7 when she asked if she could go downstairs. I had totally planned to be awesome and go down right away with her, but I just couldn't so she came downstairs and saw her poster, balloons, and presents by herself and a great time playing with Charmander. I did not stay long in bed and we came down and read a few books until everyone else got up. Then we had scriptures and prayer and opened presents. She loved everything she got. My kids are really funny they open everything really fast and don't pay much attention and then they go back later and look at everything. It might be normal, but for me it seems weird. Anyway, we slowed her down a bit, but she really did love it all. She got some coloring stuff, a a floor puzzle, memory game, new dress, bubble gun, gum, chalk and a couple other things. She loved it all. After presents I got ready while her breakfast muffins were cooking. Then we had breakfast and took her to Preschool. So since it was her birthday I asked her if she wanted to take anything to school for her class and she said "oooo, banana bread!" That is what we did. She helped me make the bread the night before and then I sent her with two slices for everyone to take home and then a slice for each person for snack time. Luckily there are only 3 kids in her class because she was so pleased to be able to take banana bread to school. 

Kylee and Tia with some presents.

Kylee and more presents.

This gift didn't come till the next day, but here are Kylee and Tia with a playdough set and Elsa coloring pages.

She had a great time at school and when she got back Tori and Trent were here and one of her other friends Ryker came to play. The kids all played and played until it was time for lunch. We had lunch and got that cleaned up to we could have more friends come over for ice cream. The non-party--it was a non-party because I didn't plan anything but ice cream. Her friends didn't have to bring gift and I didn't give out gift bags or anything. It was just friends and ice cream that is it. Anyway, it started at 1:00, but no one really came until about 1:15. As the kids arrived, they went and found the other kids and they all just played. It of course got louder as more kids came, but over all I think everyone was pretty nice and though they didn't all play together the little groups tended to all play in the same area. It was kind of interesting. So, after everyone arrived they played for awhile and then Kylee asked for ice cream. So we got it out and I served up each kid a bowl and then allowed them to top it with Oreo's, chocolate chips, Chips Ahoy cookes, chocolate syrup and whip cream. The kids thought it was awesome. They all crowded around the table and ate and then ran back outside to play. So, from about 1:15 to 2:20 I had nine of Kylee's friends, plus Tia and Trent. So I had 11 kids 5 and under here and amazing it wasn't too bad. Anyway, once everyone left except Tori, Trent, Kylee, and Tia it was nap time. Everyone was pretty tired, so it was much needed. When everyone woke up they played till Trent and Tori had to leave. Then we had Kylee's birthday dinner of Macaroni and Cheese and hot dogs. Then for her cake we had death by chocolate cake and ice cream. Her exact request was chocolate cake, no frosting. Luckily she loved it and it was a great meal. Kylee could not blow out her candles. She would just blow super hard above the flames so it took her like five time to blow out the candles each time we lit them it was pretty funny.

Daddy lighting the candles.

Kylee, Me, and Tia.

Kylee and Tia.

After dinner, we cleaned up and then went to Lego club at the library. Gaupo asked Kylee if that would be something she would want to do and she said yes. So, he actually worked Lego club and we went to it. They were showing one of Kylee's favorite shows Cat in the Hat, and building with Legos. This was Kylee's first time playing with real legos and it took her a bit but once she got her idea and figured out the pieces she loved building her airplane car. It was fun to watch how she figured it out. To be honest it was kind of frustrating to me because they had the legos separated by color not by shape or size which was kind of annoying, but we got it figured out and everyone had a good time. We actually stayed the whole time and, so when it was over we went home and sent the girls to bed. It was a really big day, and Kylee loved it all. I mainly think she loved the whole day being all about her, but who does't and that is the whole point of a birthday to celebrate them.

Some of our pieces.

Us with our creations.

Kylee and her airplane car.

Tia and her car.

Now that Kylee is five let me give you a little update on her. Kylee is one amazing little girl. When she started school this fall she never colored real pictures just kind of doodled. She didn't write any letters and definitely didn't recognize any words. However, now she loves to color. She draws her, Tori, Tia, and Trent most often. She loves to color and when she slows down she is really good at staying in the lines. She love to write her name and knows how to write quite a few letters. She has some sight words she can recognize, but her favorite is the. She loves her friends and her sister. She loves to play. She also love to be the boss, so when someone differs in their opinion she kind of struggles with that but she is learning. 

Kylee loves primary. She still loves to sing. I think her favorite song is still Praise to the Man, but a close second recently is We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet. She got new teachers in January and is loving having them. Kylee loves church and tries so hard to be good.

Kylee has turned into quite the little fish. She is still in Alligators, but she is so close. She just needs a little bit more on her back float and then she will have it. She is so close. She loves jumping into 3ft deep water. She loves swimming, bobbing, and diving for rings. She also still loves the hot tub at the rec center. Kylee has done really well with swimming and I think we will have a lot of fun this summer. 

Kylee is such a great sister. She really tries hard to include Tia in everything she does. It doesn't really bug her to let her play with her and her friends. The two of them will often hold hands if they are unsure about a situation like the first swim class with a new teacher or going to babysitting for the first time in awhile or something like that. Sometimes they even hold hands just because they want to be together. Kylee still loves to talk for Tia although she is getting better at letting Tia answer before she does. 

Kylee is really a very sweet little girl and I feel so blessed to be her mom. I love feeling her love for me and the rest of her family. I love watching her get excited about thing. I love her personality and how even though she takes her sweet time sometimes she will usually try most things (note the in her time thing). I love watching succeed at life. This little girl is one of a kind and I am so glad that I get to be her mom and just watch all the awesomeness that come from her.

Happy Birthday Kylee!!

Love this girl of mine.

I actually feel like this pic should go somewhere else, but I don't know where. So, it goes here so that it will get published at some date in time.

Gaupo documenting that I am teaching my kids bad things, but as you can tell from the pic above they love it.

Sometimes the World Crumbles

I really want to skip last week and go right to what we did this weekend, but sometimes I think I paint a picture of perfection on my blog and I am by no means perfect. My life isn't perfect. We may not have the same struggles as the rest of you, but we have our own individual struggles that are as real to us as yours are to you. I have short comings and things I hate doing just like everyone else. So here is a my world falling apart story. If you are going to judge me then stop reading and read all the happy stuff because this story is pretty personal.

About 3 weeks ago, I started feeling funny. I know that isn't a great word for it because it isn't like sick feeling, but an emotional thing. So, I sometimes feel separated from what I am doing. I mean I go through the actions of being a mom: I wake up, get dressed, eat, get my kids where they should go, etc. but instead of actually being apart of all that I feel like I am watching it though a glass wall and for some reason can not connect with it. Usually this feeling is when I am sleep deprived or going through some kind of hormone change, so I didn't really pay attention to it because I was going though a hormone change. However, this time it lasted and it got worse. It happened gradually, so I didn't know it was really happening. I started making excuses for why I couldn't go running/exercise and they were ligit but I also wasn't even trying to figure out how to do. I starting eating a lot more carbs and sweets than normal. Which if any of you know me that is a lot because I eat those thing a lot normally. I attributed these things to me having them around because I made them for other people, and while that was true I couldn't really get myself to stop either. As a little more time progressed, I had a hard time getting out of bed and then couldn't wait to get back there at night and then I sometimes had a hard time falling asleep. Then it kept getting worse. I couldn't schedule my life. I seriously could not get myself to make appointments because of 'time' and or 'money.' I didn't really want to play with my kids I wanted them to play by themselves all the time. Then on top of all of that I started to get anxiety over Tia. Now I know your saying well you always do that, but this was different. I was ready to take her out of school because I thought she could handle it. Now, if you read this and you think oh that is me every day. That is most likely fine, some people truly operate that way, but that is so not me. I know its not me because I am most the time a pretty positive person, I enjoy laughing, and talking and usually talking boosts me, but I wasn't any of those things. I was too concerned with what was wrong or not perfect in my life. This was not me you just have to trust me.

So, last Wednesday it all came to a volcanic eruption. It started on Tuesday night. When I was worried that when I picked Tia up she was cuddly and stuff and the week before she cried when we left. I was worried I was doing the wrong thing of sending her to school and that she wasn't ready and that she was having a horrible time and blah blah blah. Then on Wednesday, I had a day. It was an okay day not great but not terrible, but I was feeling crummy about it. Then I went to a parent/teacher conference for Tia. The teacher was a great she told me she loved Tia and that she thought that she was such a sweet girl. Yes, she needs lots of redirection, but she is trying. She is ready for preschool. She tries hard to be good and all this other great stuff about Tia. But she also told me her program was going 4-days next year. So, I came home overwhelmed by all this knowledge and worried about what to do and stuff. I talked to Gaupo and he loving listened to me and talked to me about what to do and so I settled down for a bit and we moved on to something else, but  the emotions were still there. Well, the night went on and my emotions got heightened even more and I got frustrated that something didn't work the way it should and I lost it. I mean LOST IT! I was so frustrated with myself. I didn't feel like I was a good mom and wife. I didn't think I could care for my kids and my home. I didn't feel empowered to make decisions or to do with my life what I should. I was a sobbing emotional mess. Poor Gaupo. I have cried on him before but not under these circumstances. He kept asking what is wrong. To which he always got the reply "I DON'T KNOW!" I gave him a litany of reasons why I was feeling this way. They were the ones listed above about not eating well, not excising, birth control, messy home, and confusion. I told him I didn't feel right. I said, "I am spending so much time of Social Media." (it was more than normal by a lot) I can't focus or plan. I can't make commitments, etc. Then he said what is causing it. "I don't know. We have had so much that I don't exactly know, but I think it might be birth control because I feel like that is when it started." He said, "You need to call the doctor tomorrow morning, and I will take off whatever time you need to get this sorted out." So, I said I would and cried and feel apart for awhile long and then went to bed.

The next morning I woke up and I felt a lot better. I didn't feel perfect, but I felt present. I laughed because I felt like it not because it was the thing to do in the conversation. I was feeling more empowered than I had in many days. So, I got going still a little slow, but better. I got the girls to school and then went and parked at the library to wait for Kylee's field trip and called the doctor. I actually got to talk to a nurse right away which is really unusual. She but in the request to the doctor about a change in birth control and then she asked if we could do a depression screening. "Yes!" I wanted to know because if I did I needed help I was so done being a zombie mom. Anyway, I did the screening and scored moderate. (The scale is mild, moderate, moderate/severe, and severe) The nurse assured me just because it was moderate didn't mean that it wasn't real or causing problems. So, she gave me the mental health number and said if I wanted I could make an appointment. Well, I then had to go to the field trip and talk to Gaupo a bit before it. But, then when I wen to pick-up Tia I scheduled the appointment. The earliest opening they had was March 21st. So I made the appointment. By this point in the day (11:00), I could start to feel myself dipping again. I din't dip as bad as previous days and managed to schedule a vision appointment too. I also talked to my doctor about what was going on and switch birth controls. Which I picked up while my friend Siri watch my kids. Then we went to her house and had pizza and chatted. So, it ended good. I was still not all right, but much better. Every day since then I have been getting better and yesterday and today I have felt normal. So, I am hoping that have a huge explosion of emotion and the switching of medicine have cured it, because I love feeling happy. I love having plans and enjoying things. I love being with my kids. I have loved being outside in the sunshine, riding bikes, running, and just doing whatever.

I don't know if I am all better, but I hope so. I am so impressed by the people who fight/live with depression everyday and survive. I know many days they don't feel like they are surviving, but they made it. After having gone through this I am amazed because when depression kicks in even the simple stuff like a ponytail is hard or not good enough. The feelings of anxiety, imperfection, and not being good enough are so really and potent. They are so consuming. So, for people who have more than me I can't even imagine because just the three weeks of it that I had were so hard in a very unique way.

I am so grateful I have a husband who didn't totally freak when I I completely crumbled into an inconsolable mess. I am grateful to have a good morning, so I could talk to a nurse and get some questions and see and look at some of the things I had been struggling with. I am grateful that when I told my mom she didn't freak out on me either instead she said she was proud of me. That I was amazing for just admitting I was struggling. I am grateful that simple things have seem to make it all better. I am grateful for a family who loves me and keeps going even when I can't keep it together. I am seriously so blessed and though I never ever want to feel that way again, it truly opened my eyes to how real and debilitating mental illness can be. It creeps in so slowly that if your not aware it gets out of control. I have greater compassion. Sometimes crazy things give us clearer vision and better foundations. I am so grateful that the Lord is in charge because his plan for me is making me better/different/stronger/humbler than I ever thought possible. 

The Zoo and the Rest of the Day

Yesterday was free Zoo day, so we skipped swimming lessons and went. I dilly-dallied getting ready and was consequently kind of rushed and late getting out the door, but we did it. We left a little after nine, which got us to the Denver Zoo a little after ten. When we first got there it wasn't too crowded and we decided to go the opposite way we normally do, and I am so glad we did. I am glad because all the animals were out and we got to explore a lot of things we haven't seen before. We say a huge like boa constrictor snake. When I first saw it I kind of did a little jump, but then reminded myself that it was behind glass. Yesh, I really don't like snakes, but I sure saw a lot of this trip. We also say some cute monkeys, and beautiful hawk. The hawk we actually got to see pretty close and hear a little more about him and the zoo. Then we saw some little monkeys, and then decided to go to the elephant show and meet up with Trent and Tori.

Looking at the deer thing.

Tia and Kylee were fascinated by the men taking down Christmas lights.

Tia and Kylee looking at the penguins.

Tia and the elephant.

More with the elephant

It is really hard to get them both to look at the same time.

The elephant show was pretty fun. We got to hear lots of fun facts, and watch him bend onto his knees, lift his head, curl his trunk, walk, turn around--stuff like that. Kylee loved it. She even listened to the presenter enough to know some of what she said. Tia was a little bored, but please as punch to be with Kylee and Tori.

Trent, Tori, Kylee, random girl, Tia, and random boy playing on a jeep thing near the elephants.

We tried to look at some other things, but the kids kept begging for lunch. Finally, I caved hoping we would be able to have a peaceable rest of the zoo trip. We had a good lunch except for the fact that a Canadian Goose stole half of Kylee's sandwich while she was chewing and not paying attention. Kylee was super mad and slightly frightened and Tia was wanting me to go get it back. I didn't go get it (obviously), so Kylee ate some of Tia's sandwhich and then they both had tons of snacks as we continued walking around the zoo. Despite the lunch break Tori was pretty whinny and Kylee was apparently famished because she ate and ate while we walked to the Primate area and then some more after that. I was really worried she would get sick, but I think she is growing, so that equals more food intake.

Sitting on the Ropes.

Anyway, after looking at the Gorillas and Orangutans we crossed the zoo to see the exploring the shores exhibit. Siri was having to carry Trent because Tori was "needing" to ride in the stroller. Somewhere between the lions and the water exhibit we lost our friends, and I honestly gave up hope and to be honest some desire to stay with them because Siri was rushing because her kids were whining and I was going slow because Kylee was starting to whine and slow down. So, with two different tempos going I just gave up because I wasn't going home at 1:00 in the afternoon, not with so much of the zoo to see. Plus I know Kylee can last longer than 1:00 in the afternoon. She does it almost any other day of the week. Consequently, I dragged Kylee along trying to get her interested in anything but going home. Tia was as happy as a lark to just be constantly moving and seeing. On our way to the water exhibit we saw the cheetah, lion,rhino, polor bear and some other cool things.

So,eventually we got to the underwater exhibit and it was really cool. I had never been in there before and it had all kind of things. It has tons of frogs, turtles, fish, snakes, and stingrays. It also had an anaconda. It had lots of really cool things I don't know that I have ever seen. We didn't even get to to see it all, but it was cool. Kylee was thinking she was going to die at this point and Tia wanted to go outside, so instead of caving to Kylee we went outside and saw the giraffes and then the camels (Kylee's pick).

See Kylee is so thrilled to be looking at this mini-shark and huge fish ;)

By that time, Kylee decided to kind of perk-up so we were able to catch on last thing we hadn't yet seen-- Bird World. Besides the huge snake, I think this was the girls favorite part, but I don't know. They really kind of just liked walking through all the doors, but it was so cool, because in some parts the birds aren't in cages and you just walk on the path through the bird area. It was super cool. The girls got to touch a flamingo and owl feather too. It was a pretty cool place.

Finally, after bird world we started heading back to the front. We passed the covered wagon and the girls wanted a picture with that. So, we got that picture stopped at the restrooms on last time and went to the car. It was a little after three by this time, so I think we did really good and milking the day and Kylee's happiness.

Kylee and Tia at the covered wagon.

The kids were so tuckered out. They both feel asleep almost as soon as the were in their carseats. I really wanted to take a picture of them, but I was driving in traffic, so I decided against it, but they were zonked. They slept the whole way. I was kind of tired when I got home too, so I was kind of hoping they would stay asleep, but of course not. Although, it probably serves me right for making them stay up so long. Anyway, we got home and stuck the chicken pot pie in the oven and our dishes in the dishwasher and watched a show of Curious George. Then we got up and played and read books until Dad got home.

When Dad got home we put together Valentines. Kylee was really into it and excited. Tia just wanted the candy and to do everything herself. That was slightly frustrating, but we were able to have patience and only one card got ripped, so it turned out good. It was super fun to watch the girls get excited about what they were taking to school for their friends. After valentines, we had dinner. It was so good to have a warm cooked meal after a long day. Thank goodness some things can bake really well right out of the freezer. After dinner it was FHE. We made brownies. Gaupo had the girls taste salt, sugar, and chocolate. After each one he asked them if it tasted good. Salt was a definately no and the chocolate was a definite yes. The plain sugar was a toss up because it came after the chocolate. Anyway, Gaupo talked to them about how these ingredients on their own either taste gross or okay, but when we mix them together they make something great. He told them our family is the same way as we mix or work together we turn out better than we do when we are all alone. Then we made the brownies, by listening to instructions and working together. We had to really work at listening to each other because we all wanted to take over and not let anyone have a turn or do it their own way, but when we were all trying it went really well. Gaupo said after that it was really hard even for him to listen because sometimes he didn't want to let the girls have a turn or to follow the recipe exactly. I think it is pretty deep how that can compare with our lives and families. There are many time we just want to do it all or do it our own way, but we need to slow down and let others take a turn and if we want things to turn out the way we intend them to we all have to listen to instructions. Our brownies had specific instructions and so do our lives. However, just like when we followed the instructions we ended up with some really good rich brownies, if we follow the directions of the Lord we will end up with a really good  rich  eternal life. Now, I honestly doubt the girls got any of that, but they did get to make delicious brownies that they both like and they got to spend time helping and being with mom and dad.

It was a kind of crazy, long, fun day but oh so good. I love the things we do as a family. I really hope my kids never grow out of enjoying the simple things in life like spending time with family.

Magic Days

I love having a three and four year-old because everyday is magic. I mean we go to the park and we build a castle. It has lightbulbs, doors, windows, and we live in it. Often the girls go on trips to bring back 'blue sand' to build this castle with. Our trampoline can be anything from a Pokemon land to a hospital. The basement is a wonder of fantastic things, but most often there very own world were they can drive, make food, sleep, save each other, and run away from monsters. Almost everyday I am amazed at how the simple things of our life transform into a magical world for my children. They are truly amazing and I love watching them play, build with dupols and blocks, and come up with crazy games to play with their friends. I definitely think these are magic days, because their reality melts away and they live and dream like crazy.

Another reason these are magic days is because winter is very mild here in Colorado. We have had great weather. I could use some snow fun, but hey if there isn't going to be snow then I am glad it is sunny with mild temperatures. However, last Monday (1/28) we got a real winter-summer. The day started off by going a field trip to Panera Bread. They dumped the dough on the table, make cuts in it, and tossed it into their special ovens. The kids were so enthralled with it and to be honest it was pretty cool and we felt pretty special going behind the counter of a restaurant. After getting the bread in the oven, they let the kids frost their own sugar cookie. They had really cool sprinkles and some cool frosting colors. The kids had a great time frosting and decorating and really for a group of 3 and 4 year-olds they didn't make a very big mess. Then after doing cookies they gave us a sample of bread and we talked about how it felt, smelled, sounded, looked, and of course tasted. Then they finished it off by sending us home with our very own baguette. It was so great.

Kylee and Tia working on their cookies.

Kylee and Tia with their bread samples.

But, our summer didn't end with just one cool event because we headed to pool. We had pretty much the whole pool to ourselves which is very unsummer like, but so nice. The girls had a great time splashing and playing around. It was fun to enjoy it with them, and not have to worry about what we needed to do next. The swim trip was pretty much perfect. We did have a slight incident in which Kylee jumped in and I sent her back to the edge and it was too high, so she turned to start swimming back and I plucked her out, but as most of you know Kylee--the panic had already set in. So, while I was trying to clam her down Tia jumped in and I didn't notice. Then the lifegaurd starts walking toward me in a way that says there is something I am suppose to be seeing. That is when I realize Tia jumped. So, I look for her and she is standing on her tip-toes in the water with her head tipped back, so her mouth is at the highest point it could be, but the water is still getting in there. Anyway, I quickly haul her out and on to the edge. She spit up a little bit, but was fine. However, the girls were done jumping into the water. Luckily they were not done swimming, so we went back to the shallower water and swam and swam until we needed to go home for lunch and naps. The girls took great naps and and then the weather was so great we played outside. Then for dinner we had steak on the grill and twice baked potatoes. We even jumped on the tramp for a bit while Guapo grill. It was the perfect taste of summer. Folks, it was a magic day. I know it doesn't seem like it was all that different and any other day, but trust me it was. I was happy the whole day. I didn't get flustered when things didn't go just so. My girls were completely happy minus the crazy pool thing. We got to spend time as a family and we had good food. You will just have to trust me that it was a magic day and I literally felt as if I was living the best day ever. It was AWESOME!!

Now not all days around here are magic ones. We have the normal ones and the bad ones. I mean just after that incredibly awesome day I had like the worst day. It wasn't that anything went really wrong I just felt really off and so consequently the whole day felt that way. I was so mad. I was like why did I have a rockstar day and now a dumpy day? However, we made it through that day too and the next day was better. Days are like that, and thank goodness. I mean imagine if there was no good at any point of the day. Imagine if you were angry all the time, or tired all the time. It would be awful. I think that is why Heavenly Father gives us magic days and/or magic moments. If I am looking almost everyday has a magic moment--a moment that for however short a time it is everything is perfect. To be honest I can't always see them that day and sometimes the magic time is when we are all asleep, but its there. Heavenly Father loves me and thus sent Christ to earth for me, so that my bad days aren't my everyday and most importantly so I can have Magic Days.

My magic making crew at a DQ night, blizzards were buy on get one so time to eat fancy. 

January 2017

Man I don't feel like anything has really happened in our lives since we rang in the New Year and for the most part I am glad. However, it does make trying to blog slightly harder. Even though nothing big has happened here, there have been plenty of little things to keep are life moving right along.

Jan. 5- Aunt Kitt came back to Colorado and we were the lucky people that got to pick her up on a icy, cold night. It had snowed earlier and the road were not very good and the original plan had been for me to go pick her up by myself; however, I have the best husband ever and even though he hates driving to Denver the thought of me driving to Denver on roads like that night he hates even more. So, he crammed his dinner in and drove the girls and I to pick up our Aunt Kitt. I am so glad he came. One, because of the icy roads, but two because when we drive places we get to spend some remotely uninterrupted time together as a family. The drive was fairly uneventful and we got Kitt and got her in our toasty car, made a bathroom stop, stopped at a reception and came home.

We found Tia her own restaurant at cellphone lot.

It was so great to have Kitt here. Plus, because it got so slushy during the day and then got super cold that night Kitt said she would try working from our house and if she couldn't get stuff done then she would probably go home if the roads were good. So, I got on my best behavior and left her alone all the way until lunch. That is a long time to leave some one so cool tucked upstairs all by themselves, but it was worth it because she decided to stay. WAHOOO!! She still had to work the rest of the day which was a total bummer, but like I said she stayed and played the next day. WAHOOOO!! The next day was Saturday and everyone had off work. So, we had a good breakfast and went sledding. It was pretty great with all the frozen snow. Plus, we got out early enough that we were able to have the hill to ourselves for a bit.

Gaupo, Tia and Aunt Kitt on top on the hill.

Kylee coming up the hill.

After sledding we decided to go get Tia's new glasses (she broke her other pair), then because I have been wanting new boots and we were by places to look I went and looked and ended up buying my very first pair of boots. Honestly I can't believe I have gone almost 10 winters without them. Oh well, Gaupo isn't promising to move me to warmer climates so I should have at least that many more winters to wear them out in. After doing our shopping, we came home and had lunch. Then the girls took a nap while Kitt and I did some grocery shopping. Then sadly it was time to send Kitt home. We love when Aunt Kitt comes and with the crazy winter weather you never quite now how long until the next party. Oh well, glad we got a long one while we could.

Tia taking a walk the Sunday after Kitt left. She did not want to walk on shoveled sidewalks.

Me and my boots headed for a before Church walk.

Jan. 3- (sorry they are all out of order, but oh well) Tia started Preschool. It has not been as awful as I was thinking it would be and I hate to admit it, but it is kind of nice to have about an hour and half twice a week to just do whatever. I say whatever but really that means run errands or work out. But still it is kind of nice and Tia seems to like it. I can never really get out of her what happens at preschool, but she always wants to go to the park after. I don't know. She talks a lot when she gets home from school and it is so fun to hear her jabber. I feel like she is talking a lot although I don't always understand it, so I guess we are maybe in one of those phases where we are talking more and getting more vocabulary and so my understanding dips a little. However, it seems good so we will stick with it at least through the end of the year. I did get information on how to get some grant money for helping us get some OT and other help, so hopefully we can get that because I really feel like she could benefit from some OT and maybe some direct speech therapy. Either way we will see how that turns out, but it wont be for awhile, but at least I know it is an option.

Jan 5. (Pre Aunt Kitt)- SNOW DAY!!

Kylee and Tia in our 'snow castle'

Kylee, Tia, and Me in our snow castle.

Kylee and Tia looking at each other in the tunnel we made.

Kylee coming through the tunnel.

Tia in the tunnel.

Playing in the snow on Aunt Kitt's car.

Jan. 12- My first day with both girls and Gaupo gone. I went running and took a shower. I also managed to blow dry my hair and throw in a couple loads of laundry. I know totally epic right, but it was still kind of weird to go to the Rec Center and have no kids. It make me feel old and actually I am not that old.

Swim Lessons- Both girls are still going to swim lessons. I think they may be getting burned out. I am not sure, so we will do one more session and then see what happens. They are both doing really well, but sometimes you just need a break from constant lessons, but I don't know. Kylee can do her back float she just can keep her tummy up long enough to do it for very long. She can defiantly roll from her back to her front, but still working on that front to back. She loves jumping in to about 3.5 ft of water. She loves to swim and kick and just be in the water. Tia is loving lessons I think, but does'nt really do what she is told. Although, she can swim under water sort of and she is great at jumping in. She can also get rings off the bottom of the pool if it is a little shallower than three ft. She still loves the water and can do things with help, but as with everything she has got to slow down and focus or its going to be awhile. She like to do things real quick and then move on. However, it looks like we have a consistent teacher so hopefully that will help.

Gaupo- Gaupo has started school again and it is definitely not as bad as it could be. He is taking some pretty heavy classes and we were really worried they would be pretty paper heavy, but luckily that is not the case. He has a couple, but for being online Ethics and Digital something or other it could be way worse. Gaupo still enjoys his job and the people he works with. Pokemon Go is still working its magic (actually Gaupo just informed me it is not Pokemon Go that is getting him going it is his work incentive that is getting him going. He really wants an extra vacation day.) in getting him to ride his bike to work if it is nice weather, which we do still have occasionally here. He also got himself a Fitbit with his Christmas money from his Mom and Dad and totally loves the weekly challenges he has with his mom. His mom get like a billion steps a day, but it helps him at least try to move around.

Me- I am doing good. I am not as active as I hoped I would be, and have tons of sugar around to make that habit a really bad idea. I have really enjoyed being able to get in the pool again and at least feel like I have energy to do the things I want to do. I am still watching Trent and Tori. Most days it is really good. I really miss playing with my kids when they are here. I mean I could, but I just get bossy and don't want to play how they play, so it is kind of better if I just let them do there thing. I still love working with the RS. I work with great sisters and we have a great ward. It is always interesting to see how the Lord uses us to do his work. Other than that I am not doing much just kind of living the life of a mom, which is totally awesome. I have great kids who keep my life interesting. I get to watch two other kids who make it that much more crazy. I have a great husband who loves when I handle everything great and when I don't. My life is not what I thought it would, because it is so much better. I wouldn't change it for anything. Just to spolight one of my favorite mom things...the park even in winter. (taken about two weeks ago)

Tia, Tori, and Kylee making a train down the slide.