Let's Stick to the Basics.

Today

2012-01-22T11:33:00.002-05:00

I am not very good at expressing in words what is in my heart, but I will try.

This morning we have been watching videos and clips that the church has published. I am again at awe and overwhelmed with gratitude for what the early saints went through. Their faith is inspiring! They worked hard, they had great faith and they sacrificed much. I am so grateful for them, and grateful for the gospel that I have been blessed to have my whole life. Watching these makes me realize the great responsibility I have to share what I know with others and to teach my girls the truth, and how to recognize the truth through the spirit so that they can also know! I know that this gospel is the truth, I know that there is a prophet on the earth, in Thomas S Monson, who talks to God, and who leads us in faith to become closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the atonement of the Savior, that allows us to repent and become better. And by which we will be able to be resurrected and return to our Heavenly Father! I am so very grateful today and wanted to share.

Halloween

2011-11-01T12:32:00.005-04:00

Halloween seemed to go on forever this year! We had a few things that we went to and dressed up for, so it was fun. Ward 'Fall Festival', Dunham's Halloween party, and Trick or Treating with Carabello's. Yesterday was rushed and raining so no pictures of then, and Miriam wouldn't dress up or trick-or-treat anyway, so there you go! LOL We had fun all weekend! Here are pictures of all our costumes! Oh and Laurie had two costumes!

costume for ward party

All the girls were lady bugs their first halloween...and sometimes their second as well, this is from when Miriam was 1!

Bumblebee, and Southern Bell

And the costumes that I spent the most time on!!!!!

UFO (old swim floaty, with shiny fabric sewn on)!!!!!!!!

shooting star and saturn!

picture updates are always the best!

2011-06-03T09:04:00.005-04:00

Ok so here are some pictures of our latest happenings. I have another blog post about our vacation to Smith Mountain Lake but that will have to come later! LOL Anyway, enjoy.

camping! :)

Still sleeping

circus!!

corsage!

Mother's Day dessert! YUM

Emma's staph infection...ewww

Class Ballet

we have the very same picture of Miriam and Elaine ;)

My first black eye-softball. This was almost healed, I forgot to get it when it was the best! lol

Memorial Day!

stinkin mosquitoes!

It was a pig-tail kind of day! :)

2011-05-10T13:05:00.000-04:00

New Friends

2011-04-24T17:32:00.003-04:00

It has been a while since I posted but I really felt I wanted share this.

Ever since we have lived here, on our way to church there is a big frog in the yard of a house, and the family has always decorated it for the holiday's. Bunny ears, coiled heart headband, leprechaun hat etc, and on Christmas the nativity is surrounding it and the frog watches on the infant Savior. We love looking at it and seeing what the frog will be wearing! At the beginning of the year we kept a watch out to see what would be next, and we noticed that they didn't put anything up for Valentine's Day. It was puzzling and I wondered if anything was wrong with the family...I kept looking for changes.

About a month ago, as we passed leaving church, a thought came to me that we should write them a letter telling them how much we enjoy looking at their frog and how it brings joy to us each season! So we did!! We also put that we hope we can continue to enjoy it for years to come. So after the girls reminded me over and over for the next several weeks, we finally wrote it signed the Chacon Family. We were going to mail it but kept forgetting (notice a trend!?) so Carlos suggested dropping it off.

Two weeks ago we went to deliver it but they didn't answer so we left the note at the door.

Easter Sunday came and we were late for church ( I greatly dislike being late to things) and so I was a bit upset, and as we passed the 'frog house' we saw bunny ears on the frog and a sign on the tree that said, Happy Easter CHACON FAMILY! It was so sweet!!! <3 <3 I was so touched, I had to hold back the tears!

On the way home, we stopped by to tell them Thank you and meet them. So we went to the door and they knew who we were right when they answered the door. It was a younger lady, not much older than me ;) who answered. I was expecting an elderly couple. And she told me that she was grateful for the letter. She told us that her mom and been in charge of the frog and that she had passed away from cancer in Jan. That is why we didn't see his decorations. Our letter prompted her to take charge of the task!! She really appreciated it!

Her dad was there as well and they told us that he and his wife had gone to the mountains 20 years ago and they got 'Frank' there. I don't know if she has been decorating him that long, but anyway. It was just really neat to know and to meet them and so sweet for them to thank us that way! They both had tears in their eyes and I did as well as we took pictures, talked a little and wished each other Happy Easter!

I know that the Holy Ghost prompted me to send that letter to them so that they know someone else appreciated what their mother/wife had done. I think it was a nice way of honoring her and keeping a memory of her!

I am thankful for situations like this that remind us how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us individually and remind us when we show love to one another!

Thank you 'Frank the frog' and Mrs. Crump for making us smile!!!

Sorry you can't see Carlos or Jack very well, but there you go ;)

MIriam's baptism

2010-09-05T20:02:00.004-04:00

Miriam and Daddy right before the baptism :)

We recently had the opportunity to celebrate with Miriam as she made the decision to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! It was a wonderful day and week as we spent with family. So many were able to come, and my only regret is that I let everyone else take pictures and didn't get many myself! I did however get the classic baptism pictures for her to remember! She was able to share the day with a classmate, and a new convert. It was very special. She is such a wonderful daughter of Heavenly Father and Carlos and I felt that again as he was able to lead her into the water to be baptized and also confirm her and bless her to recieve the Holy Ghost as her constant companion. I am so grateful for the blessings of the gospel and family and that we have a loving Heavenly Father who allows us to experience such joy here on earth and that it can last for eternity through the blessings of the temple! Thank you everyone who was able to be here, we missed those of you who couldn't! She was so happy!!

We even included Flat Livvy! :)

People there but missing from picture is:

Ana and Eli (busy),

Carlos Sr, Catie-Lynn, Rose-Marie, Mason, and RM's friend, Luis (all came a bit later)

To our Lainey Bug!

2010-06-20T08:20:00.003-04:00

There are so many pictures of Elaine that I am having a hard time narrowing it down!! She is such a great girl! She is busy, funny, crazy, energetic and our lives wouldn't be the same without her! She just finished her Kindergarten year at school and is getting so good at reading! Such a smartie!!!We all love you so much miss Elaine! Happy Birthday!!! SIX years old!!

First few years of Miriam

2010-05-13T09:27:00.002-04:00

Miriam Elizabeth Ann

2010-05-13T07:40:00.005-04:00

2005

Since it is Miriam's birthday, this post will be dedicated to her! I can't believe she is 8 years old! She is going to be baptized and I am so happy for her! She has been growing up so fast and it has been amazing to see since the time she could talk, how fast she learns. She is so smart! So fun! And oh so very helpful! All kids have their moments when they don't like their little sister's or parents really, but she for the most part is kind and creative!

I am not very good with words and even though I have been thinking about this post for weeks, I can't seem to put into words what I want to say about her. I love her! I don't like it when we are apart! She has been so wonderful this last few months while I have been sick in early pregnancy. She gets me things I need, massages my back and head, sings to me, and reads to me! She once offered to totally take care of the girls so I didn't have to do anything. She got breakfast and helped get them dressed! I did help a little but she is getting so independent! She is a great student and all the teachers love her. She is so beautiful and, well, basically one of the best kids you'll ever meet!!

I don't have a picture scanner so I can't show you of when she was born, but I will try to get a picture collage up soon of the ones I have on disc.

We love you Miriam, keep singing, keep smiling and most of all, keep being YOU!!!!

Easter 2010

Tender Mercies Mormon message

2010-03-07T20:50:00.001-05:00

Surely I have noticed the Lord's tender mercies in my life. I am so grateful for the blessings this knowledge, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, gives me in my life! Now I just need to do better at bringing myself closer to Him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B4El4B9LVw

Camille

2010-03-03T21:07:00.003-05:00

The last semester of college at BYU before I got married, I roomed with Camille, Stacy, and Sarah (no last names!) and a year ago I found out Camille and Sarah were living in the DC area. Sarah moved soon after that, but Camille didn't. We saw her a couple of times there and had her come visit us once, it has been great! And now she is leaving... :( BUT it is a good thing because.... SHE'S GETTING MARRIED!!!!

This is a picture of her and her fiance, Eric and us at their engagement party on Saturday! She is moving to Indiana, where he is living. They met through a missionary companion of Camille's.

Sorry about the glare...and we are a lot less dressed up because we spent the whole day traveling and unsuccessfully visiting DC! :)

So happy for you girl!!

time's up!

2010-03-03T20:52:00.004-05:00

We were playing a game last night and parts of it were timed, and every time Carlos said 'time's up' Laurie did this...

The first time it was because she thought we were saying 'arms up' but then she just did it for fun! :) And NO I wasn't picking my nose..I had some food on my finger and I was getting it off! LOL, Oh and her favorite song was Let's Groove by Earth Wind and Fire. Laurie loves to be the center of attention. She talks a lot and the girls love her!

The girls have been sickish lately and Miriam, while she feels a bit sick herself, has taken on the role of nurturer very well. She is so sweet! Elaine is very upset she is missing school and Laurie loves to snuggle with mommy so it is ok to her that I will! :)

Carlos got a new responsibility at work and has been very busy! It has been hard for me because with his other jobs I have been able to call him and talk any time. Now..he barely answers his phone! I am starting to get used to it but it has been frustrating.

I am trying to get in a good groove with Scentsy and am getting more ideas and trying to work hard to make it work. I will be going to the training in July so I think that will help me get to be a better sale person!

Ok well that is that... Here is a picture of Elaine's nails! When Mary-Carmen was here a few weeks ago...it was her birthday and she took Rose-Marie and then wanted to take Miriam but she didn't want to so she took Elaine, to get their nails manicured!! They just painted Elaine's nails and she LOVED it! The guy put the design on for free! :)

long time....again

2010-03-03T09:13:00.002-05:00

I think about blogging all the time but then...it takes time to sit down and think of something to say that it worth reading...so I don't! However, I need to put up some pics and or videos, which ever I have time to do today.

The girls are doing well in school and Laurie is a talking queen! She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to use force to get it, especially with the girls! LOL Right now they all have coughs, and fevers...but...other than that they are good.

Carlos is really busy with work and scouts, and I am trying to keep the house neat (unsuccessfully) and my Scentsy business growing... it is OK.

I am super excited for Ana-Christine and Abinadi to have their baby this month!! I hope I get to go down and see them!

Well anyway, here is a video of Laurie attempting the 'lizard face' that Papa does! I was trying to get her to do that and also to say 'thats funny' because it is so cute the way she says it!

"dat wonny"

hair!

2010-01-14T12:06:00.003-05:00

I was doing an inventory of my Stampin' up stuff to sell, and Laurie was playing in her room... I was done so I came to get her and realized she was on the changing table. I quickly assesed if she had gotten into anything that could hurt her and obviously failed because the next thing I hear is 'schhicht' you know, the sound of scissors cutting something. OH NO!

"Did you just cut your hair?!"

"Yep!" :)

" NO!! Let me see."

I didn't see any place on her head that obviously looked cut, but I did see this:

I know it isn't a lot, but for her who has no hair, it is! Ahhh, Stinker! ;)

Princess Elaine

2010-01-02T19:07:00.001-05:00

My sister, Livvy, put up the pictures of Elaine in Florida when she became a princess! :) Click Here!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-27T17:45:00.002-05:00

This is another long one, but better than scrolling through all my pictures! We had a Christmas eve dinner with all 15 of us! Carlos' parents and 3 of his sister's with family, and Sarah and Evoly! Sarah went up to her sister-in-law's after.
Christmas morning was stockings with just Grandma, Grandpa and us until the rest of the fam got there! Then it was presents and eating!!! We had a fun day of games and lots of eating! LOL We still had snow for most of the day. It rained, so after the day was over, the snow was gone. But it was so fun to see snow that day!!

Holiday Baking!!

2009-12-27T17:28:00.002-05:00

This year I had Cindy (mother-in-law) to help with the baking! It was so nice to have her expertise! I made the cookies and chex mix but she made the others! :)

Dec SNOW edit

2009-12-19T19:43:00.005-05:00

Richmond hasn't had December since I think they said, 1917. From the NBC12 site
"In the Richmond area, the last December winter storm event with at least 6 inches of snow occurred in December 1982.

The last December winter storm event with at least 8 inches of snow occurred in December 1966.

The last December winter storm event with at least 10 inches of snow occurred in December 1917."

This time around, the amount is ranked in the top 10 since records began! We made a cardboard sled for Laurie and I didn't get a picture...hmmm oh well.

December so far

2009-12-19T19:21:00.005-05:00

This one is long! Livvy has some pictures of when she made Elaine into a princess so maybe she can put them up! :)

November

2009-12-19T19:21:00.001-05:00

Desired birthday

2009-12-08T16:58:00.002-05:00

I got the desired reaction. She also said "poopy" when she opened the gift from the Reyes' of a Pooh coloring book! :) So fun!

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T07:36:00.000-05:00

My friend Emma posted this and I liked it. Here you go! :)

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Today

2009-11-20T09:03:00.004-05:00

I am feeling very grateful today. Carlos is such a wonderful person and husband! He has a good job and provides well for us! My girls are great! I started listening to Jim Brickman's Christmas CD. I am having fun with Scentsy, I got the snowman warmer JUST in time! I teach a great Sunday school class. My birthday and Laurie's are coming up in a few weeks! I get to see New Moon tonight with friends and sister. I get to see my mom in FL next month. I get to chat online with my Dad. My great in-laws are coming for Christmas. I have good friends and awesome family! Pretty much my life is good! I know that when I have troubles, worries, doubts, that Heavenly Father will send his comfort through the Holy Ghost and remind me of His love and my worth!
And I found this picture of a quilt on my friend Katie's blog! I love snowmen!

Through the years

2009-11-10T07:49:00.002-05:00

Inspired by FINALLY starting course 3 of the Wilton cake decorating classes, I thought I would make a slide show of the cakes I have made through the years. Some are pretty pathetic and one I am certain I don't have a photo of! It was for a wedding of a friend at church and I think only the photographer, Marlise, got a shot of it! OH WELL! Here they are! Also this year's(2009) cake for Elaine was a MUCH better pink princess cake, but our digital was broken so I have only photos of it. Need to scan later, maybe they are on the blog...?
I am not sure what to do for Laurie this year as I will be just finishing my course 3 tiered cake and I don't know if I will want to make another! BUT She sure does like Winne the Pooh so.. ;)

Songs

2009-11-06T17:22:00.003-05:00

So who do you think she looks like when her head is turned?

Virginia State Fair

2009-11-01T20:56:00.001-05:00

Erin went with us to the fair this year. It was on new fair grounds. It was fun. I had the camera and I am sorry it took this long to upload pictures! We had a good time but wished we could spend more time there! Sorry there aren't more pictures!

September fun

2009-11-01T20:34:00.002-05:00

We tried to do a few fun things before school started. We went on outings to the Zoo, Bass Pro shop, Chick-fil-a on spirit day for free sandwiches, and the beach!! And we got our pumpkin early which by Halloween was completely rotten! LOL

October Happenings

2009-11-01T20:19:00.002-05:00

So here are some pictures of our adventures in October. We watched conference and while I was printing activities for the girls to do, I was also printing labels for Scentsy and I accidentally printed the activity on my label sheet. So the girls had conference stickers! LOL
I joined Scentsy as an Independent Consultant and have so far had a good time.
Sarah and I took our little girls with us to Florida. Grandma and other Ogden Family members came to go to Disney so we drove down. For some reason we don't have any pictures with Livvy and fam but we did hang out with them! We had a lot of fun although the trip was quick and long! Evoly is so funny and likes to put things to 'bed'. while we were in Florida, it was her diaper! LOL
I helped out at the school for picture day and it was great! Sarah came and watched miss Laurie.
Our floors in the kitchen/bathroom got damaged a while ago from the A/C and dishwasher leaking and it took us a while to replace them. We finally had a friend do it for us, and while I still don't have pictures of everything back in place, they look great! I will hopefully get some pictures, but my house just can't seem to get clean enough! LOL I never thought having my kitchen upside down for a week would be so stressful but IT WAS!!!!

Catch up

2009-11-01T18:43:00.006-05:00

So I have a lot of blogging to catch up on but I need to post these pictures of Halloween first, then I will get back to the rest of the pictures!

Caught Red handed!

2009-09-27T17:23:00.004-04:00

and Bejewled

AND yellow faced!! LOL
proud of myself
hiding??

school pictures

2009-09-09T16:14:00.004-04:00

at school
on my way!
My seat!
My teacher!
My seat right next to Mrs Collins desk! YES!
waiting for the bus
still waiting....

First day

2009-09-09T15:54:00.003-04:00

The first day of school went great! We got up on time, got dressed, made lunches, ate breakfast and they were on their way!

I grabbed the camera, and Carlos waited in the rain for the bus with the girls while Laurie and I drove to the school and waited for them there!

(I was going to embed the pictures but I will just put a bunch at the end and you can look at them then!)

When Elaine got there, we walked to her class, I told Miriam I would come see her soon! Elaine was the first in her class, and Mrs Proffitt helped her know where she should put her things and told her to find her seat. She did and then started the coloring that was there for her. I waited for a while and then decided I should go see Miriam. She was glad to see me. We talked for a bit and then Laurie and I left.

When school was out, Laurie and I waited for a long time for the bus! Then Elaine happily got off the bus and ran to give me a hug!

She told me she had cake!! She told me they did a fire drill practice! She told me she has a best friend named Katie! I think she liked it! She even had 'homework' it was a bag they had to fill with 4 things about themselves. We had fun with that!

Today was good too, it was Miriam's time to fill up a bad of stuff. Elaine was SOOO excited about something she had to put in the fridge. I guess the fundraiser stuff said if your parents weren't available to see it when you go home, you should put it in the fridge by the milk, so she HAD to do it! So anyway, now I have 2 kids with fundraising stuff so....Wanna buy something??

Miriam has decided that she doesn't like sharing the school experience with someone else. She wants to be the one to tell us about stuff and has to say it before Elaine can. This is going to be interesting.

I am going to put pics up in another post.

Kindergarten orientation! **

2009-09-02T19:52:00.003-04:00

We went to meet Elaine's teacher today. Of course I already knew who she was and that she had her but it was good to go to the orientation. She was so excited! I was too! They talk to you for a few minutes and then they take the kids to their class and you stay back for a little bit... We missed Miriam's orientation so I had never experienced it before. I didn't think I was going to, but I teared up as I watched her happily prance off with her teacher away from me!! Wow, she is going to be so happy at school! What a cutie! (pictures later when I feel like it! LOL)

HI mom!

See ya!

New niece!

2009-08-19T15:30:00.002-04:00

My one and only brother and his wonderful wife had their first baby this morning!! Her name is Norah Lynn Ogden! She looks just like him and I love her already!! You can see a few pictures on my mom's blog! Hurray for babies!!! Congratulations!! :)

Evoly's party

2009-08-02T18:48:00.005-04:00

Evoly's party was great! Sarah did a great job with the food! We played water ballooons! Evoly got a bunch of Dora things and the girls want to hang out at thier house a lot more!

some more

2009-08-02T18:44:00.002-04:00

Partayy

2009-08-01T16:04:00.002-04:00

I made this today for Evoly's birthday! I will add to it after the party!

for fun

2009-07-30T12:47:00.005-04:00

sharing our cone. (Elaine was at a b-day party)

sharing their cone.

cutie

At the school playground such a ham!

walking home from the school

on the swings! Yeah!

Having fun with Aunt Carolyn

Group photo of a wonderful visit! Don't know why there are some funny faces, I think they were saying cheese or something! :)

new car and cuteness

2009-07-22T19:45:00.000-04:00

Old car
New car!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Sisters on the 4th of July!

pictures

2009-07-21T16:06:00.001-04:00

My sister Olivia, put up pictures of her move to FL and it contains our 4th of July photos since I didn't have a camera! Take a look! http://picasaweb.google.com/dragonflyexpressions/MovingToFlorida2#

car

2009-07-20T22:19:00.001-04:00

Well we got a new car!! 2006 Nissan Altima! Carlos is in love with it! It drives really nice and we are excited. The only thing we aren't excited about it is having a car payment again.... pictures to come soon.

new song

2009-07-14T17:27:00.002-04:00

Ok so I don't actually know how new this song is but I heard it today for the first time and decided that I really like it!

coming soon

2009-07-14T16:47:00.001-04:00

We just got a new camera so I will be able to start posting pictures etc when we get a memory card! We thought it took a Memory stick and we had those so we didn't get one, then we found out it takes the Memory stick DUO! It's different I guess! anyway, coming soon!

update

2009-06-19T12:45:00.003-04:00

Well our camera broke so we haven't been able to take many pictures lately. Mostly because we have a disposable camera and need to wait for it to develop! So...since most of the time I don't post until I have pictures, I haven't done much. So anyway I will do an update here and hope that it isn't too boring! :) I got my hair cut. I wanted it more angled so in a month or so, I will go back and get it done shorter in the back. I finished my choir conducting class and it was great, I learned a lot and enjoy knowing what I am doing and how to get what I want from the singers! :)
The first weekend of this month we went to the temple and then arranged to meet two of my roommates from BYU the semester before I got married!! It was so fun! I saw Sarah in the temple but she wasn't able to meet up with us afterwards. So it was my family and Camille! We went to the DC zoo and then out to dinner! It was great! I think we are planning to make a habit of meeting at the temple each month! I will really like that! I don't know yet how July will work since the first weekend is Independence day and then Carlos will be at High Adventure camp but we will make it at some point!
My dad came to visit last week. We had a good time. Miriam didn't attend her last day of 1st grade because we took a road trip to NC. It was fun. Sarah and Dad have pictures so maybe I will get them from them. We went to a museum and then Dad found a dance studio that did Friday night dances! It was great to have a short lesson and then get to practice what you learned. I think I will make Carlos try it tonight and see if we remember!! :)

Carlos started a new position last week and he likes it alright...except that a lot of the people there use bad language and it is frustrating and offensive. He said something once but doesn't feel like continually asking. He had he 32nd birthday on Tues. I got him the movie Princess Bride and had painted a football dish for him to use at football nights! Last night we went to S&K which is closing and got him two new suits, a shirt, tie, and socks all for the price of a regular suit!

Miriam is so big. She is 7!! She is going into 2nd grade and defiantly very smart. Next year we are going to try to get her in the gifted program I think. She might get to have her kindergarten teacher again! That will be fun. She is a big helper at home and while she has a LOT of worries, she tries to be nice. She took 3 sessions of swimming and is getting pretty good. She can almost dive!

Elaine is turning 5 tomorrow!!! She is excited to start school in the fall. She wants to be just like Miriam. She is also taking swimming lessons and getting better. She still needs confidence. She is sort of getting the hang of reading and has some words memorized. However, she doesn't really like to take the time to do that, she would rather be watching TV or playing a computer game....

Laurie is starting to do some babbling that sounds more like words. When she sings along with us she does the right amount of sounds, they just don't sound like words. She says Mama, Eye, and Bapa...not sure what that means. It used to mean cracker. She will start a swimming class at the YMCA this summer so I am excited about that!
Well that is about it I think... I will try to get a camera soon...

Elaine

2009-05-24T21:44:00.002-04:00

I realized I didn't have any new pictures with Elaine in them so I decided to put her swimming lesson pictures up. She is doing really well, getting more confidence...at least with the teachers. Not when we go as a family though! :)

Crabtree Falls

2009-05-24T21:13:00.002-04:00

We have been planning to go on a hike to Crabtree Falls for a while now and this was the weekend we decided to go. Miriam and Elaine were a bit hesitant to go since the last time they went with Carlos the path was iced over and they fell a LOT and it was scary! The trail isn't hard but it has a lot of switchbacks and steep edges that could be dangerous. Anyway, the drive was fine, not too long...until the Blue Ridge Pkwy. It was so windy! Miriam lost her breakfast! :( But we made it! (on the way back was worse cause we hadn't eaten much for 4 hours and both Miriam and I had a hard time keeping it together! But we did!)
It was a beautiful day, perfect temp, not humid and we were the first people on the trail! The water fall was such a site and the water was cool and beautiful! We carried Laurie either on our shoulders or in arms and traded off. It wasn't bad. But we had to take a lot breaks and have a lot of pep talks that we could make it all the way! We had to keep reminding the girls that we were going to the top and it would all be worth it when we got there! It was! Even Miriam admits she is glad we made it and had a 'little bit of fun.' :)
By the time we got to the top there were people who had passed us and on the way down already! It took us a while! Round trip up and back was 4 hours!! Shouldn't take that long! LOL Anyway, we saw lots of centipedes, snails, flys, Azalea flowers (pretty!), and a few.......RATTLE SNAKES!!!!!!!
So here's the story: We got to the top, sat there viewing the majesty of the mountains, eating our snack and resting when a family comes up and starts doing the same thing. The dad says 'wow that is a big rattle snake!' I thought he was kidding, picking on his kids! NO, I turned back and there it was, going away from us thank goodness! I told him I thought he was joking, and he was obviously not and also not a fan of snakes! It was a little weird, but when he said it, I pictured the big AZ/UT rattlers, all coiled up. No, this was about 2 1/2-3 ft. But still, a rattle snake! So it slithered away, phew! So on our way down, I asked Carlos what we should do if we see another one on the trail...? He said, don't touch it! lol So not minutes after we start on the trail down, did we have a scary experience! I was turned around with Elaine doing something, and when we turned around Carlos was saying something about going slow and careful but Elaine doesn't do those things and she proceeds when we hear 'TDDDDDLLLL' (ok that is my attempt and imitating a rattle snake warning sound! LOL) She stops, I grab her to back up and we stand perfectly still. There is a snake just on the other side of the trail going up the hill...head away thankfully! But it was scary!! And bigger than the other one!! It stopped, we stopped, and waited, people started lining up behind us... we told them what it was so we all just stood there not sure how to proceed.... Then the snake started moving again up the hill and when it's head was a better distance away, I picked up Elaine and on the count of three quickly walked past while holding my breath! Carlos had Laurie on his shoulders and Miriam in his arms! It was defiantly an experience I had never had and will never forget! LOL Needless to say the rest of the way down we were extremely cautious and worried of another encounter! I am glad to say we didn't have another one! Phew!!!
So we went as fast down the hill as we could because at that point we were ready to be done! So tired, and being careful...but not careful enough! Miriam slid a little and fell backwards on to a big rock that happened to have a point on it and it left a big BLACK and BLUE bruise on her thigh! She was so good, didn't cry too much and kept going! Then not long after, I didn't see one rock and slipped on it and twisted my ankle! My gymnastic coaches would be proud of me, after a brief catch of my breath and pain to subside, I 'toughed it out!' :) It was ok, just a little sore. It was so great to get to the end and feel so happy that we made it all the way to the top and back! All of us! It was wonderful!
This morning my ankle was a bit swollen but not too sore. I iced it and that helped a lot, it will be fine! Hurray! Oh and our camera stopped working. Apparently the last fall from the counter to the ground, courtesy of Laurie, ended it's life! It still turns on but won't take pictures! Grrrr. so now we have to decide if we want to repair or get a new one. Sheesh!! So I have no pictures! Sorry. Carlos took some on his phone so he will have those but I don't!

Miriam's Birthday

2009-05-24T21:05:00.004-04:00

I will let Miriam write about her birthday but I will put a few things here. She turned 7 and I can't believe it! She is so big! She loves to read, and play games so... she got books (6 from Nana!!), games and other things for her birthday. Her BIG birthday gift was a new bicycle! She was so happy!

Birthday loot!

BABIES! (Laurie, Evoly and Mason)

New bike!

Wrapped gifts and the awesome pinata Grandma brought from Costa Rica!

This is what she wanted her cake to look like. I know I messed up and it isn't very creative but that is what she wanted and I didn't spend very much time on it! it was a homemade chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting! YUM, except I cooked it a little too long and it was dry.... oops

Fairy apron and hat! :)

Mother's Day

2009-05-24T20:57:00.004-04:00

I have lots of things to blog about, however, I will just do one at a time.

For Mother's Day we went down to NC to visit, and all of Carlos' family was there. His parents and sister, Catie-Lynn, had been in Costa Rica and came for little Courtney Mae's blessing so we had a bit of a reunion. It was great! We talked, ate, swam, and had fun. All the sisters and me (I in place of Carlos) went out after the kids went to be on Sat, and stayed out having a GREAT time until about 1am! I loved it! Anyway, here are some pictures.

Beautiful Courtney

Mother's Day photo, Carlos is taking it. He got me a beautiful Orchid corsage to wear at church!

Concert!

2009-05-12T11:26:00.009-04:00

As an early gift for our anniversary, Carlos surprised me by taking me to the Kenny Loggins concert here in Richmond! It was great! I love Kenny! :) Here are some clips and pictures.

Kenny

waiting for it to start! It was a bit chilly!

This is one of my favorite songs. We used to listen to this all the time at my home growing up.

Danger Zone!!

Forever

Can't think of Kenny without thinking of Footloose! ;)

Welcome Courtney!

2009-04-26T15:47:00.004-04:00

The girls and I went to NC Friday to go see our new niece/cousin! Mary-Carmen and Tyson did a great job! She is cute and healthy! Here are some of the pictures I took. I forgot to get a family picture on my camera, but they have one on theirs that I might copy and put on here later when she gets home! MC is recovering well from her c-section and happy.

Tyson after the section watching Courtney in the nursery

They reunite!

So precious!

Courtney Mae

Ana-Christine (self proclaimed favorite aunt! :) hehehe) I am sure she will be!

Waiting... This is the same hospital that the boys were in and Ana knew the security guard and he let us put the baby by the door and when it opened the girls got to look in and see the baby! They were very happy!

Miriam read the whole book while she waited for us to see the baby!

Saturday alert and beautiful in Grandma's hands!

Cherry Blossoms

2009-04-15T11:37:00.008-04:00

So the Friday before Conference, we went to Washington DC for the Cherry Blossom festival. We got a great parking spot, which we later found out really means, you will get a ticket soon!!!! Ouch! It is a good thing Carlos decided to go back to the car after an hour because we would have gotten towed!!
We walked around hoping it wouldn't rain, which it didn't! :) It was a lot of fun, very pretty and the girls did pretty well. It was a quick trip!
On our way home after being stuck in a bit of regular traffic, we stopped by Potomac Mills to eat somewhere and found a fun diner. We enjoyed all getting what we wanted, Miraim: Spaghetti as usual; Me: omelet; Carlos: country fried steak!; Elaine: pancakes as usual; and Laurie: a little of everyone's plus her own side of corn! Yum! :)

Walking by the Washington monument on our way to the blossoms.

Listening to a high school band at the WWII monument. Boy did that bring back memories!! It was windy and they liked getting wet from the fountain.

Laurie wouldn't stand still. We were looking for Daddy at this point,walking toward the Jefferson monument.

SO many trees all around the water of the Jefferson

beautiful

Miriam's turn to take a picture

Elaine's turn to take a picture

in a tree (I couldn't get her to look at me, only daddy!)

in the tree

In the tree, look at all those holes! The next day she got another hole on bottom!!!

group picture on our way back to the car. Miraim making a funny face!

eating at the diner.

Daddy 'picking' music (Elaine's idea and picture skills)

video

2009-04-14T17:21:00.002-04:00

There are unfortunately no video's or pictures of the storm! Sorry!

Camping and Easter!

2009-04-14T17:06:00.005-04:00

Laurie's new apron. (thanks Easter bunny, brock brock aka. Nana!)

sugar high

diggin in

waiting for the hunt in the small HOT tent!

not happy

not happy either

ooh look what I got!

I am actually ashamed at how little pictures I took! If you want to read about our camping trip you can go to Ana's blog. We had to drive a little further than we wanted, but it was worth it! Carlos wanted to bring every piece of camping equipment we have! He didn't like me telling him he couldn't bring it! The girls did well and were really excited. We were really tired on the way home due to the HUGE (and awesome, but a little scary in a tent) storm we had. We had a lot of fun, and hope to do it again for two nights! nice windy, and a bit cold. the water was quite cold...but not PNW cold!!!! Carlos got in first, then Elaine, then Logan and Abinadi! They were all soaked and cold. Logan and Elaine in their clothes, the men in their suits. They planned on it!

cooper doesn't like the sand!

Laurie wanted to eat it...and she did...a lot!

so pretty

campsite before the storm! :)

Easter went well. We had our hunt at camp on Sat and Sunday we just relaxed and ate yummy food and candy and went to chorale! We got some pictures of the girls in their dresses on a disposable camera Carlos had so I don't have much on the digital. Maybe we will get a disk so we can put them on here.

10K pictures

2009-04-03T09:04:00.002-04:00

Here is a link to the website to look at pictures of me at the race. You can also do a search for other people you might know. My number is #39743 if the link doesn't work. Enjoy!

http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_event.asp?EVENTID=48019&BIB=39743&LNSEARCH=1&PWD=

Pottery

2009-03-31T17:48:00.001-04:00

It looks better in person but here is what I will be sending you soon, Mom. Mine is a secret so I can't put it on here yet :).

poor girl!

2009-03-31T10:19:00.002-04:00

The girls got a warhead from somewhere and Elaine wanted to try it. I warned her that it was sour and when she put it in her mouth she tried to make the face of the guy on the packaging. Then....

Biggest little helper!

2009-03-23T10:25:00.002-04:00

Laurie is my biggest little helper of all at her age! Not only does she like to help unload and load the dishwasher and cupboards, unfold clothes, sort all the toys in the bedroom, brush her teeth and hair, but this morning when I was in the shower (she has to be in the bathroom or she screams for me the whole time), she decided to clean the toilet!! She got the toilet wand and stuck it in the toilet like I do...the only thing she forgot to do was leave the toilet seat up so it closed on the wand and she couldn't do anymore! I washed her hands as soon as I was out and realized what she did! :) She is obsessed with the toilet and the cleaning wand and I really don't like it but today I thought it was cute that she really tried to clean! What a funny girl!

Also, My mom has been here visiting for the past almost 2 weeks and it has been so fun to have her here! She got to stay at Sarah's new apt for a few nights, which is so exciting because her place is so nice and she has a pull out couch and can have guests! Hurray! Anyway, we have had a good time and soon Nana will be going home, but we will hope to see her again soon! Thank you for coming Nana and we love you! She has some pictures on her blog!

stuff

2009-03-09T07:56:00.002-04:00

Carlos and Elaine have been gone since Wednesday morning. I had this impression that while they were gone I would have all this time to clean and keep things that way! For the most part that has been true, however, Laurie is really in to everything! She takes apart whatever she can get her hands on! She loves to throw!
Laurie climbs on everything. She loves the kitchen stool especially. Thursday night she was up on the stool and I didn't think there was anything up there on the counter for her to get and the next thing I know I am nearly soaked with a pitcher of juice (well drink mix 'crystal light')!! It's a good thing I was going to mop that night anyway! I am still not sure I got all the juice from under the dishwasher!
Miriam has slept with me and we have been having slumber parties (well not really as I have been extremely tired and gone to sleep about 9 or 930 every night) and she really likes it. Last night and tonight she has to sleep in her own bed though.
For some reason this weekend I have been allergic to something...itchy throat, sneezing, itchy eyes?? I don't see anything blooming yet but.... so far today I have had 2 little benadryl pills, they make me pretty tired!
I started putting up this precious moments stick on boarder in Laurie's room and have 2 rolls. Well these were given to me when Miriam was born and I have never used them so they have been stored somewhere, I found them the other day and took one out thinking I would only need one. Well...I need both, and now I DON"T REMEMBER WHERE I PUT IT!!! Typical me... So frustrating!! So once again I have started somehting I can't finish yet! I am afraid I might have given it away... :S
Well Carlos and Elaine are having a good time in Costa Rica and they come home LATE Tues night. Let's see how much I can get done before then ;)

little tidbit

2009-03-06T07:52:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking about my family a lot lately, which I guess is normal, however, certain members of my family are going through challenges that no one could have foreseen and my heart has been aching for them. Also myself, I have been also struggling with my own issues in life. Most of my issues are not unique as many women have them, but I have been having a hard time knowing what to do about them. I have been trying to keep my mind and body healthy, but maybe not doing as much as I could to keep my spirit healthy.
I just read a blog from a long time family friend, who has an amazing life and she posted this and I told her I was going to steal it from her because it was so wonderful!

It is an excerpt from Elder Holland in his talk For Times of Trouble:

In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham’s seed. I close with this promise from heaven. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;“And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.”“… I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, … and mine angels [shall be] round about you, to bear you up.“… The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.” (D&C 78:17–18; D&C 84:88; D&C 78:18.)"

I am forever grateful for the 'tender mercies' from our Heavenly Father and grateful for His gospel in my life. I know I don't do enough and yet I am blessed with unmeasurable blessings. Thank you Jessica for posting this and helping me remember!

phone

2009-03-02T18:15:00.006-05:00

all night!

first thing in the morning, still snowing hard

stopped snowing for a while! One of my snow princesses!

YES!!!!

later afternoon

cool chickie

my second snowman

beautiful trees and world!

snow angel

hard worker! thanks Miriam! :)

Carlos having a snowball fight with the neighbors while the girls do some work ;)

Snow angel!

These are from my phone. We had fun today, and no school tomorrow as well so maybe more fun tomorrow! :)

IT HAPPENED!

2009-03-02T07:50:00.002-05:00

These pictures are from Miriam's digital camera because ours is at the church (hopefully no one stole it) This is Laurie's first snow so I will get some pictures and post them later
It has been snowing since last night about 6pm!!! and still snowing! AWESOME!!!

Elaine's Invention

2009-02-24T16:44:00.001-05:00

I asked her to put the marbles away and she decided to do this...

weekend in Williamsburg

2009-02-16T13:00:00.004-05:00

road to the ferry across the James! (video below)

President's Park! Really great, information about each president of the US. Takes a long time so toward the end, we had to kind of skip through... but still great time!

George Washington info

leaving President's park

Play room downstairs for activities. They had a set of Cinderella figurines!

Master bath shower!

living/dining area...already messy with our stuff! Each room had one of those big TVs!

girls bed

master bedroom

well here it is people... *updated

2009-02-16T12:59:00.002-05:00

A couple weeks ago, *(Feb 3) it snowed... That's it...enough said :(

Dolphin of the Week

2009-02-16T12:52:00.004-05:00

Miriam was Dolphin of the week a few weeks ago and this is the poster she made to share with her class about herself!

1 I am the oldest in my family

2 I look just like my mom did when she was this age

3 I love to read. Especially Junie B books

4 I love school

5 I love to sing

6 I have been to Singapore and Costa Rica

7 I love fairies

and not numbered because I thought it was self explanatory, is 'I am trying to be like Jesus and I am an child of God!'

"Reading" a book

2009-02-12T15:29:00.003-05:00

This is Elaine entertaining Laurie. Before I started taking this, Laurie was laughing and yelling too!

Valentine fatalities :)

2009-02-12T15:11:00.002-05:00

What is it with toddlers and pencil top erasers??
The culprit!

The victims!

The girls and I put the Valentine treat bags together this week and today we closed the bags up and put them in a big bag to take to school tomorrow... We were all relaxing and Laurie wasn't with us and when I finally decided to go see what she was doing...I found about 7 pencils like this! Eraser pieces were on the floor and in her mouth! STINKER!! hehehe

Luckily the last year we have collected several pencils from holidays etc so I was able to replace them all without buying any more! :)

Dancing Queen

2009-01-27T16:39:00.004-05:00

Laurie has always liked music and conducts it whenever she hears it, but lately she has been also dancing, so here she is on tape! :)

Spa Day

2009-01-27T16:37:00.002-05:00

Erin has been wanting to do a spa day with the girls, and we finally did part of it! We had fun, even if we didn't have enough time to do everything! :) We painted nails too and the girls had fun! :)

oooh pretty

2009-01-27T16:33:00.002-05:00

Her hair is finally long enough to put pony tail's in it! hehehe

New coat

2009-01-17T12:43:00.000-05:00

For mom

stuff

2009-01-15T20:37:00.002-05:00

Yummy!

What a cutie!

Miriam and her best friend Regina!

Her funny scrunchie face!

I CUT IT!!!!!

Christmas/New year's and Mason's birthday!

2009-01-15T19:57:00.009-05:00

I know, it's really late but I just didn't load them on the computer until now so....

Kids place setting! (Mila (Logan's friend), Logan, Elaine, Miriam)

Yum! and Pretty!!

Aftermath!

Singing 'Samuel'

Abinadi reading the scripture Christmas story.

Beautiful tree!

Christmas morning

Stockings

Laurie's bathroom cup!

Christmas hats!

Carlos and his stocking!

Elaine's favorite present from her primary teacher! Thank you!! Her own Book of Mormon.

Cutie too big jammies!

She loves her new baby Donald from Jen, Cory, Lucca and baby Dario! Thank you!
Ben's maracca's, He loved them!

What a cutie in her new hat!

Cleaning up the mess!

My new nightlight I got after Christmas sale shopping I LOVEEE IT!

New year table. We had crepes and toppings!

Mason's party!

cake time!

Aiming for candy!!

Big boy 1 year old!!!

oh the memories!

2009-01-01T20:42:00.009-05:00

I was looking for a picture among the many and found this video. This was our first practice together! We (siblings) sang this for Sarah's (sister #4) wedding. We were laughing about something in the beginning and had to really compose ourselves, however we pulled it off! The picture goes out but you can still hear! I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!

for those who don't know from L to R is: Olivia (livvy, sister #2), Carlos (hubby), Manda (sister#1), George (brother extraordinaire), Me (#3)

laurie and Mason too :)

2008-12-30T22:30:00.001-05:00

Create your own FACEinHOLE

Elaine is Barbie

2008-12-30T17:13:00.001-05:00

Create your own FACEinHOLE

it's love ;)

2008-12-30T14:03:00.001-05:00

Create your own FACEinHOLE

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T20:31:00.004-05:00

I love the holiday's for many reasons, most of all being that we remember the Savior's birth, and life, and get to have fun with family but also because...

they make cute chicken nuggets, and I get to use my cutest place mats I got for my birthday (from you mom)

I get to dress up my girls and curl their hair! :)

I get to dress them in the same outfit! and take cutie pictures!!

We get to put out our nativity sets! :)

I get to dress up! And hold my crying baby for a picture to get her to smile! :)

Sorry Carlos isn't in any of these! He was already at church when we took these!

Christmas Cookies

2008-12-11T12:42:00.003-05:00

Yummm!

For some reason I can't seem to pick a recipe that rolls out without adding a LOT of flour! I forget every year which one works best... Anyway, they turned out yummy and I also realized that I can decorate cakes, but not cookies! LOL MOST of the cute ones were from Sarah (tree, gingerbread man and some others I didn't get pictures of!). EXCEPT the snowman, star and the santa! :)

Our 1 yr Birthday Princess

2008-12-06T10:15:00.007-05:00

Laurie had her first birthday yesterday and we had a good time! Daddy started work so we met him downtown. We went to the Downtown Grand Illumination in Richmond and then we came home for cake and ice cream! Laurie didn't have any ice cream because she is allergic to milk as far as we know right now. We hope she grows out of it! (they aren't all in order, but here are the pics/videos!) Sarah, Evoly, the Abbotts, Catie-Lynn, and Grandma were all in attendance besides our family.

Outside listening to Bill Bevins count down to the lighting!
Skywalk family photo!

After eating a bite of Whopper Jr.

Everybody cake.

Making the smash cake! (pan borrowed from Misty! Thanks!)

Birthday cuteness!

Birthday breakfast!

Recent happenings **

2008-12-06T09:44:00.005-05:00

I haven't been very good lately of updating everyone on our situation here in the Chacon house! Sorry.
About 4 weeks ago Carlos got notice that he would be layed off after his contract was up instead of being hired on at LandAmerica. Anyone who has been paying attention to the news knows what has happened to LandAm. Anyway, he has been on the job search for 2 weeks now and finally got a new job at CXI which is actually the company that bought Indigitech, who was Carlos' first employeer after college! So that is neat. He will be working at Capitol One as a CXI contractor. It is a permanent postion which means we will be in Richmond for a few more years at least! :) After that we are planning, on some level, to go to graduate school for Carlos. Anyway, Miriam lost her first front tooth and it is so cute to look at her. I am pretty sure I put her video on her blog so you will have to look!
We had a lovely Thanksgiving and it wasn't overwhelming at all because all of us made something and it was great! We had it at Rose-Marie's (carlos's sister) house. All of Carlos's siblings and families were there as well as his mom. It was nice to have everyone together. We did miss Grandpa but we understand he had to stay in Costa Rica for now!
Grandma and Catie-Lynn left this morning and we are all sad and miss them! We are going to have a busy day of Christmas fun and get ready for the big day! :)
** By the way, I had my 30th Birthday the day after Thanksgiving and it was fun. At 2am Ana, Abinadi, and I went shopping. Starting at Walmart where we got portable DVD players for $49, $9 vacuums, and Ana got a $4 mixer! :) Then we went to a few more stores but didn't buy anything else! It was a LOT of fun! We all went to see Twilight and then came home for angel food cake! YUMMMM! It was a great day! Thanks everyone!

Evoly's cutieness

2008-12-03T15:21:00.002-05:00

Attmepts

2008-11-23T10:29:00.003-05:00

Fun for us! Oh and you can see one of my new glasses!

Family Trip

2008-11-10T13:44:00.004-05:00

This was on our trip to Shenandoah Crossings last month! Our friends Deborah and Bryson Dunham came the second night we were there, we had a good time! :)

Here is one of my favorite pictures of Laurie, and you can see all her teeth! She LOVED the swing!

Deborah and the girls on the hay ride.

She got into the marshmallows! YUM! (I didn't let her finish it!)

We were mini golfing and she really wanted to do it so we let her hold the putter!

They were going really high, it is the first time I have seen a nervous look on Elaine's face while doing something fast!

First morning watching cartoons!

Halloween Happenings

2008-11-04T09:43:00.003-05:00

So I promised that I would post all the the Halloween happenings on my blog and I decided to wait until after to do it, so here it is. I will put pictures up and then add captions. For pictures of a party we went to go here.
Play time at the Abbotts! Mason smiled right after the picture was taken!
Three funny girls!

I made this for our neighbor party we had on Sat 25th

Here is our party table! We had chili, cornbread, beef dip with chips(from the neighbor), and cider! YUM

Ok here it is. My costume for a Halloween party!

Our Jack pumpkin

Two years ago I made these eyeballs and they were so yummy and last year I was so pregnant we didn't do anything very festive so THIS year, I decided I HAD to make them again! They were sooo yummy!

The girls helped a lot!

Here they are!

This was at the ward trunk-or-treat. Laurie was so upset that I had left her with a different person that when I got her back, she was mad when I wasn't holding her. Carlos was sick so he couldn't help me! She cries a lot when I am not with her! :( Rose-Marie and I thought it would be a great picture by the pumpkin! :)

HALLOWEEN! The Ehrismans came up and we had a lot of fun! Here are the trick-or-treaters right before they went out! We are sad we didn't get a picture of everyone but this is all we got!! We have a spider, Cinderella, and a Fairy. Carlos is a football fan!

Yummy mummies! I should have made 3 packs!!

Our Halloween family photo! Daddy was sick and I wasn't prepared for a photo but it is cute. It looks oddly familiar...maybe it is because it almost identical to our Easter picture, with different clothes! :) hehehe

Thanks Nana for the cute jammies! We are missing Evoly in hers! So cute!

Trunk-or-treat costume :)

Distracted and an update

2008-10-30T08:22:00.000-04:00

I am sorry, for those of you who like looking at my blog, that I haven't been updating. I have been distracted by many things lately, but mostly re-reading (with Carlos this time) the Twilight books! I thought I would take this opportunity to blog since the two girls at home are still asleep and Carlos took the book to work with him. :)

We have all been doing well. Nothing MAJOR has happened. Miriam loves school and there is a girl that lives a block and a half away, so we have started having her over 2 times a week to play and they love it! They wish they could do it every day, but...she has homework to do and I have decided that friends don't stay past 4. That is when I usually start many of my dinner preparations etc. My wind down time before Daddy gets home! :)

Elaine does her Kiddie Kollege and loves it! She did her math homework in about 1 minute the other day, I was impressed! She is getting so big!!! She loves playing on the computer and outside and with Miriam and her friend.

Laurie is also getting big and gets in to EVERYTHING. She can tear apart the girls room in no time! It is quite funny! She is also still very attached to Mommy. Still won't take a bottle or paci. Even though I was gone for almost 10 hours and Sarah tried to give her a bottle, she wouldn't take it!!! Little stinker! She eats almost everything we do and won't eat baby food. Even when we give her things that are chunks (which she likes), she wants to eat what we are eating and she knows it isn't the same!! hehehe

Carlos is really enjoying the Young Men program and is always busy thinking about them and their activities! He is a good leader to them, I think. He is also busy with work and we are grateful that he does it for us!

**Oct 30-Well I wrote this a while ago and not much has changed. :) We finished all the Twilight books and I liked them even for the second time! I did have my first cake order for someone outside of the family. Carlos had me make some cakes for work and someone ordered one. Of course it isn't my first paid cake ever because I made one for Rose-Marie! :) (I made it in Sept)

Laurie is now standing on her own for several seconds and walking across furniture.

Ok well here is a pic of my cake and maybe some others. I will put up the Halloween pics after tomorrow sometime! :)
Megan (if you don't know, Megan has been one of my best friends since 3rd grade!) was in Chantilly, VA for work and I drove up with Laurie and we visited for the night! It was fun! :) Megan was married on the 24th! Congratulations, wish I could have been there!! (yes I am laughing in the pic)
The cake. Not the prettiest but still fun that I got paid!

Oh dear!

2008-10-23T11:21:00.003-04:00

Laurie has finally learned how to climb the stairs! She had done it a few months ago up to the second step and then fell and decided to never try that again. Three days ago I helped her climb all 13 steps and now she is a pro! But you have to watch her, because she will climb them and then sit at the top yelling for you to come get her!! Hehehe. What a silly! She is very smart and demanding and you have to make sure you are really paying attention or you will have a big mess to clean up, or she will have eaten something you don't want her to! Ugh, I am sure all babies this age are the same, it has just been 3 1/2 years since I did this, so I forgot! Oh and she also started giving kisses voluntarily! It is sooo cute! I will give Daddy a kiss goodbye and then she will lean in to give him one as well! So fun! I love my girls!!

All about us!

2008-10-05T20:31:00.004-04:00

These might not all be in order but I had a TON of pictures that I hadn't uploaded and so I thought I would just fill everyone in on what has been going on. Life here is pretty centered around Miss Laurie! She is just so darn cute! :)
What a pretty girl am I! (Oct)

9 Mo! September
Looking up-side-down at mommy
Elaine's Kiddie Kollege class. (don't know the other girl)
All us VA girls went to see Papa by the Dulles Airport. They had a LOT of fun in the back while we drove! :)
Papa relating to his grand kids. Oh and see the buttermilk? :)

10 Mo!!!

Republican Roundup! Yummy BBQ!

Evoly really liked the pony! Kept trying to touch it. General Conference glasses! hehehe

Fun

2008-10-03T13:33:00.003-04:00

I found this on my friend Deborah's blog.

1.Did you date someone from your school? Yes I did.
2. What kind of car did you drive? I drove a red Hyundi Excel hatchback. I think. It was great! Except that I was so short I had to practially stand up to hit the clutch!
3. What was the most embarrassing moment of high school? During the beginning of the season pep rally, the gymnastics team was tumbling and I did a front tuck and over rotated and landed sprawled out on the mat…got up and continued but I was pretty embarrassed!!
4. Were you a party animal? Um…No.
5. Were you considered a flirt? I don’t know. No one ever told me that.
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? I was in the band and choir. They were awesome!!
7. Were you a nerd? Don’t think so….
8. Were you on any varsity teams? Yes I was a varsity gymnast.
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? No.
10. Can you still sing the fight song? If someone started it for me maybe…we usually didn’t sing but we did play it in the band and I could probably sing it to you and do the cheerleading dance !:)
11. Who were your favorite teachers? Mr ??, Anat/Phys, genetics and other sciences. Sorry I can’t remember his name!
12. Where did you sit during lunch? Usually at a table until my Senior year and then I got to eat on the ‘Senior carpet’ LOL.
13. What was your school's full name? Priarie High School
14. School mascot? Falcons
15. Did you go to Homecoming and who with? I went to Homecoming 3 times with three different people only one of which I was actually ‘dating’ exlusivly. Not sure I should name them ;)
16. If you could go back and do it again, would you? Yes I believe I would.
17. What do you remember most about graduation? I remember being at the ceremony but I also remember the party after! It was a lot of fun to hang out with friends to celebrate!.
18. Where did you go senior skip day? School I think.…but I did skip on other days ;) with my mom’s permission of course. Never did I do it without her knowledge!
19. Were you in any clubs? Hum. I guess gymnastics is a club.
20. Have you gained some weight since then? Um yeah, I guess having 3 kids does that to ya!
21. Who was your prom date? Jared Cooke
22. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? Obviously this survey doesn’t know how old I am… I was planning on it and I did….anyone know how long ago?
23. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself? Not sure but I know I do this now and I am sure it started then… Don’t be so afraid of what other people think. Have more confidence in yourself. Don’t worry so much!!!!! Work hard!

9 mo!!

2008-09-16T12:18:00.002-04:00

Laurie is 9 months! She loves to eat stuff that she can grab and feed herself, not so much the stuff that has to be fed TO her. Hehehe. She stands up on ANYTHING that is taller than her in a crawl. and she is getting braver and starting to do one handed and taking a few steps. She is so very cute and smiles a lot and does cute things for us to laugh about!

Today she started saying...Momma!! She seems to be making the connection! Hurray! I love it, it is so cute to hear!

Brain?

2008-09-15T07:03:00.002-04:00

So I am trying to save more when shopping for groceries and other necessities by using coupons and going places where they have incentive deals etc. This knowledge and desire is courtesy of Ana and her actions! :) I am getting excited about it since last weekend I got a box of 92 diapers for $10. I thought that was pretty good. :)
Anyway, in order to fully take advantage of these deals you need to get the Sunday paper with the coupons in it, which I don't. SOOOO, I am supposed to go out Sunday and buy it from a stand somewhere.... I forgot AGAIN for the second week in a row. I am NEVER going to remember that!! So I am looking at people's blogs, ready for this weeks steals and remember that...I can't do anything AGAIN because I don't have the coupons!!!!!!!! UGH!
What is wrong with my brain, I swear on Sunday all of a sudden I think about all the things that are going on and they pile up in my brain and I get overwhelmed and can't think of anything! No wonder I can't organize my house, I can't even organize my thoughts in my brain!!! Sheesh!

Favorite

2008-09-10T15:35:00.002-04:00

I have seen people do this before where they have a Friday favorite. Well I am not starting that or anything but today I saw something that I had to dub as today's favorite! :)

It is at http://www.sesamestreet.org/videos . Elaine was watching these videos and one came on, called.....wait for it.......Preschool Musical! HAHAHAHA! Carlos and I laughed. Anyway it is cute and funny. One of those classic Sesame Street spoofs with Muppet's! :)

Patriotic?

2008-09-09T21:10:00.002-04:00

I guess we were today. Miriam woke up this morning and while eating breakfast, started singing the National Anthem. So I decided it would be a good time to better learn the song. So we sang a few times before I made her hurry and eat!
Then later during the day, Elaine started humming and singing some words she knew. She hadn't been awake when we were singing earlier so it was funny.
Then after Miriam came home, we all sang it over and over loudly! I like to exaggerate my voice and pretend I can sing like I can't, and it is funny for the girls! :)
Anyway, I am always grateful for this country and Love the anthem! It always makes me feel patriotic:)

School

2008-09-04T08:09:00.005-04:00

Well I was going to put more pictures of our FL trip, however, Carlos unplugged our external hard drive and I don't know how to hook it all back up and that is where my pictures are so......

Miriam started school on Tuesday. She really likes it. She didn't get the teacher she thought she wanted but her teacher is really nice. Her name is Mrs. Moore. She has a few of the same friends in her class that she had last year. There is a new music teacher, and gym teacher this year. Maybe she will enjoy gym more this year! She was sad about her music teacher, but I think she will like who ever is there, since she loves to sing!

She was being a bit of a cheese ball!
Isn't she cute!!!!!! (going to the bus)
She gets her very own desk this year!! Hurray! She also sits by two boys, they alternate in this class!

Elaine will start her Kiddie Kollege with the county next week. It is two days a week for 3 hours each day. She is sooo excited! I am interested to see what a few hours at home with just Laurie will be like. It isn't long but.... ;)

This is us waiting for the bus on the first day! We waited for almost 45 min! We weren't sure what time we should be there so we went at 205 and then the bus was about 10 min late(got there at 245)!!!! So we were really early and it was hot!

finally

2008-08-29T13:55:00.003-04:00

We are finally feeling better here. The girls are well, except their eyes are still a bit bothersome, and I am feeling better but my pain is still there just less. So anyway, that is good, I think we will go to DC tomorrow and see my brother! Yeah!

pain

2008-08-28T08:59:00.000-04:00

I started the antibiotic.

sick!!!!

2008-08-26T14:27:00.002-04:00

I hardly ever get sick! Well last Sat my body decided to give in and get sick! But I am not the only one! Elaine and Miriam are also sick! It is awful!!!!! :( I have a swollen sore throat, fever, chills, achy body and stuffy nose! I went to the Dr yesterday and they took a strep test, it was neg. So they took a mono test and it was neg. Then she gave me 600mg of Motrin, and a 'just in case' antibiotic! (I decided not to take) Then the girls had their appts and the Dr did the strep test for good measure and then said, it was just a virus...so good/bad news! Bad cause there is nothing we can do!! We feel a little better today cause we have eaten but I am hot and sore! I think there is something going on but I didn't want to take a antibiotic 'just in case"! Anyway, hopefully we feel better by Sat, we are supposed to see George in DC!!!!

My little princesses

2008-08-23T07:15:00.004-04:00

On Monday(11th) we decided that we would wait in line to meet the princesses. There were three of them in this line and the wait was about 60 min. We may have waited longer!

First 15 min
Half way there!
At this point I got out of line and traded with Carlos, because Laurie had woken up (couldn't take strollers in and she was sleeping) and I had to feed her.

Getting a little bored. (Only Daddy can get them to make these faces! LOL)

I was still feeding baby and didn't know how close they were so I went to fill water bottles....and I didn't make it back in time!! :( So Daddy went in with them.
Make way for Princess Aurora. I think this is Miriam's favorite
Cinderella!!! I think Elaine was just in awe that she actually met her!!!! Hehehe

Princessly advice.
Belle
Being a good Daddy he accepted the call to get in the picture with the Belle...was he standing in for the Beast?! Hehehe.
Anyway, they had a good time and had the biggest grins on their faces when they got out!

Unfound

2008-08-22T09:54:00.001-04:00

When I can find my cord to my camera, then I can download picutres of our trip. Sorry.

Florida fun!

2008-08-14T13:29:00.002-04:00

We just got back from our almost week long visit to Florida. We visited family and had a great time. We were grateful for Mary-Carmen driving there with us and helped the kids!
Ana, Carlos' aunt, got married and this was her reception. It was nice. The (second) cousins, Aaron, Joseph and the girls, had a lot of fun together! We ate lots of cake and danced, swam, talked, watched Olympics etc. We were there Sat and Sun.
Then we went to Disney World. Jen (my 'sister'), her hubby and parents, all work there so they were able to let us in. I will not give you a play by play of what we did but we arrived on Monday and Linda let us in to Magic Kingdom. We spent the evening there, making sure we went to It's a small world! (at Miriam's request but in honor of Dad! HEHEHEHE). We enjoyed our time and the girls got to wait in line to see three of the princesses!!! We stayed for the parade and fire works! Got home very late!
Then on Tues Jen & Corey, and Lucca met us at Animal Kingdom. It was so great and the girls had a good time. Our favorite things were the Safari and the Lion King show! Definite must sees! Then we went back over to Magic Kingdom where we met up with Izana (and kids) and Sherrie who were there and spent the evening with them. It was more relaxed and nice. We convinced them to stay until late with us and stay at our hotel with us, and then we went back to our place at an earlier hour and got ready for the next day departure.
Thank you to Jen and her family! Thank you for all those who helped us!
Our drive home was really good actually. The girls did well. I was able to drive some and everything went pretty smooth. We felt like we used more gas for some reason but its all good! :) Anyway, we had a great trip. The house was in great condition when we got home! ** Carlos went back to work and is,I am sure, tired. We missed a lot of Olympics so we need to watch gymnastics tonight and stop missing stuff!:) I will do pictures later. (as always)

** Our friends Patrick and Leigh Acosta moved to Texas but before they left they needed a place to stay so they spent a few nights at our place while we were gone and they graciously cleaned up and we came home to a nicely cleaned home! THANK YOU!!!

Let's Stick to the Basics.

Today

Halloween

picture updates are always the best!

It was a pig-tail kind of day! :)

New Friends

MIriam's baptism

To our Lainey Bug!

First few years of Miriam

Miriam Elizabeth Ann

Tender Mercies Mormon message

Camille

time's up!

long time....again

hair!

Princess Elaine

Merry Christmas!

Holiday Baking!!

Dec SNOW **edit**

December so far

November

Desired birthday

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Today

Through the years

Songs

Virginia State Fair

September fun

October Happenings

Catch up

Caught Red handed!

school pictures

First day

Kindergarten orientation! **

New niece!

Evoly's party

some more

Partayy

for fun

new car and cuteness

pictures

car

new song

coming soon

update

Elaine

Crabtree Falls

Miriam's Birthday

Mother's Day

Concert!

Welcome Courtney!

Cherry Blossoms

video

Camping and Easter!

10K pictures

Pottery

poor girl!

Biggest little helper!

stuff

little tidbit

phone

IT HAPPENED!

Elaine's Invention

weekend in Williamsburg

well here it is people... *updated

Dolphin of the Week

"Reading" a book

Valentine fatalities :)

Dancing Queen

Spa Day

oooh pretty

New coat

stuff

Christmas/New year's and Mason's birthday!

oh the memories!

laurie and Mason too :)

Elaine is Barbie

it's love ;)

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Cookies

Dec SNOW edit

Distracted and an update