Bummed

Bummed because. . . I'm still pregnant!

Bummed because. . .I miss my doctor in Utah.

Bummed because. . .my doctor in California is a hippie!

Bummed because. . .my mom isn't coming because my dad's been in the hospital.

Bummed because. . .I thought last week was the last time I would have to wear the same black dress to church that I've been wearing for months!


JUST BUMMED. . .

Father's Day Minature Golfing

For Father's Day, the kids and I made a 6 hole minature golf course for Ben. The kids had tons of fun making each one of the holes. They were so creative!



CJ made the first hole that was BYU on one side and Pixar on the other. She also made the 3rd hole into Russell from "Up". Mia made the 2nd hole into Zoey. At first, I thought it was a robot, but very quickly Mia turned it into a beautiful Zoey adding necklesses and hair. She also made a TV with "Myth Busters" on the screen.



I made a record sheet for the game. Xander ended up winning because he ditched the golf club and decided that throwing the golf ball in was easier.

The kids had a blast and I am totally exhausted! We love you Ben/Dad!

Zoey's Blanket

Yay! I finished Zoey's blanket in four days thanks to my friend Rebecca for teaching me how to do the edging. This was actually the easiest blanket that I have made. I like to make a blanket for all of my kids. I'm not very good at sewing. Actually, I am rather sloppy because I rush and I don't take the time to read about how it should be done. You can look at my kid's blankets that I have made and see what I am talking about. I tried to do a pin wheel quilt for CJ. I then tried doing an easier one for Mia but didn't know how to do the binding (is that even the right term for the edges?).

Finally, I got a little smarter and started asking people for help. My mother in law helped me make a blanket for Xander. I designed it and wanted to make a huge "X" in it. She taught me how to quilt it and do correct binding. It was my best blanket yet! And then, I asked my friend Rebecca to show me how to do the crocheting around the edges. Very fun!



So I am definitely getting better. This was really fun and I think I will do it again. Now that Zoey's blanket is done, she can come anytime!

Come out little Zoey, I know you want to!

Mormons in the Time Magazine

Awhile back we had a Times Magazine reporter come to our ward in Alameda. He came and observed many of the activities that happen in the church/ward setting. The article just came out last week and we've all been interested to see it. You can check out more pictures and stories at: Inside a Mormon Ward



It's neat to see your friends in the Times Magazine. This is Colleen and her husband who have been called to Germany on a mission. Colleen was my visiting teacher and the sweetest lady ever.



If you get a chance, look it up or buy a copy of the Times Magazine!

Sand Sculptures

In Alameda, they have an annual Sand Sculpture Contest where all ages can enter for free. They begin at 9:00 a.m. and have 3 hours to complete their sculpture before the judging. We came after all the sculptures were completed and it was fun to walk up and down the beach looking at their creations.

They have each sculpture sectioned off with a rope and some sticks, but that didn't stop Xander from getting too close to them and adding a little footprint in their display.

The contestants could use anything they could find along the beach. Some used clay as their medium and others used the seaweed, shells, and grass.

I think my favorites were the ones that were sculpted into animals or objects.





We love living near the beach!

My Double Digit Girl

CJ turned 10 on Friday and it was her turn to have a birthday party. I love parties! Call me nuts, but I love planning parties. This year, CJ had a movie party. Her friends made their own personal pan pizza and picture frames. I took lots of pictures of the girls being funny so that they would have a great picture to put in their frame. This is one of my favorites.



I saw someone make cupcake icecream cones and thought I would give it a try. First, I baked the cupcakes, then I put icecream on the bottom of the cones and placed the cupcake on top. I frosted and sprinkled it before I put it in the freezer until I was ready for them. They turned out great!

After the cake and presents, we went outside and I did a movie trivia game with them. Each time they answered a question correctly, they got a movie ticket that they could cash in later at the concession stand. I hired Mia to man the station. Hey, it was cheap labor! She didn't charge a thing! I gave her candy and she was content.

The girls watched "Hotel for Dogs" outside (thanks to Lora for the projector!)which was great because almost everyone of her friends got CJ something to do with dogs-a dog book, little stuffed dogs. She loved it!



Xander had fun being the only boy. One of CJ's friends, Caroline, Xander loves. He calls her "Coraline". He's seen the movie and it is one of his favorites. You can tell from these pictures that he is a lady's man already!

CJ had a great birthday! She got flowers, games, dogs stuff, and her favorite. . . an IPOD shuffle from her very smart Mom and Dad. I love this girl and I wish she would just stop growing up so fast. If I blink, she grows an inch! I love you CJ, my double digit girl!

Baby Non-Shower

AT FIRST. . .

My friends wanted to give me a shower. I told them that I didn't need a shower that I had everything I needed-thanks to the 3 kids I already have and especially since 2 of those kids are girls. I told them we could just hang out and do something fun. I didn't want people to spend money on me.

THEN. . .

Adrienne and Tina started planning a Potluck Brunch. I thought, "Sure, I love eating and chatting with friends." Then, the potluck brunch was going to have just little decorations and they would tell people, "No presents." But then, Adrienne asked if people wanted to bring something, could they bring diapers, wipes or something like that? I said, "Sure."

SOON. . .

Pretty soon this potluck brunch started looking like a baby shower. Oh how sneaky friends can be.

NOW. . .

I loved the Baby Non-Shower and of course, people didn't listen and brought me gifts anyway. Adrienne and Tina were so creative and I loved it! They made me a diaper cake which is sitting on Zoey's dresser and looks so cute. It's so cute, I don't even know if I could use anything from it!



I have the best friends! Thanks Tina and Adrienne!