Aches & Pains

So the last post was about aging...here is another one.

We have put up a gate so that miss Alayna doesn't tumble down the stairs. Well, unfortunately, the gate it attached to a wall and a railing. It makes it really difficult to put the gate up so we just leave it there. Pat and I can get over the gate just fine, but Arianna isn't tall enough so either Pat or I have to pick her up to get her over the gate.

One such occasion left me with pain in my back. I haven't even hit my 30's yet and I am falling apart? I want to blame it on gymnastics, but we all know that isn't the reason why I have an aching back. Maybe I will just blame Arianna...she just didn't jump high and hard enough! Yeah, that makes me feel better if I use that as my excuse.

Anyway, my back is healing and I hope to not throw my back out anytime soon!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

A Tribute To Getting Older!

So...today is my birthday! I thought I would share an experience I had a few weeks ago which might make you laugh:

A Facial Experience

Pat got me a gift certificate to a spa for Mother's Day about 2 years ago and I finally ended up using it! I decided to get a facial (knowing my birthday was coming up gave me the feelings of wanting to look younger). Anyway, the lady doing my facial was really sweet and nice, but kept asking me about my skin...ie: Do you drink enough water? What do you wash your face with? How do you take care of your skin?

Where was this conversation heading? See, I have always had dry skin, ever since I was a kid. And living in California has actually helped some...I guess it hasn't been enough though. I drink water (nursing), I use good lotion (probably not the most expensive), and I make sure to stay out of the sun as much as I can (plus I wear sunscreen frequently).

Well, at the end of my relaxing experience, the lady came in to talk.

"How old are you?" she asked.

"28 almost 29" I relay. (trying to make myself seem a little older so my skin would match my age)

She went on to say, "Well, you don't have wrinkles, but you do have FACIAL CREASES!"

I was laughing inside! I don't know if there is such a thing as facial creases (Rachel maybe you can give me some insight). I am trying to look at it this way...I must smile a lot!

What do you know, I am smiling as I type up this story! HAHA!!

So Cute!

Look at the big brown eyes!

A good friend took a few pictures of Alayna while we were at the park. I am hiring her the next time I want pictures!

Alayna has always been a happy baby! Don't you just love the blanket? My Aunt Elaine made it for Alayna and Alayna loves it!!

Way Over-Due

Happy Birthday Arianna!!

On November 26th (a week ago) Arianna turned 6 years old. We had a little party with a few friends...pizza, cake, and went to see Bolt in 3D. It was a cute movie!

So, I sit here thinking about the past 6 years and I am amazed how fast the time has flown by. I was looking at a picture of Pat, me, and Arianna (she was about a year old). I noticed how young I look in the picture. It makes me sad on so many different levels.

Anyway, Arianna is growing up to be a smart, beautiful, older sister (I say this because being a sister is her happiest dream come true). She's already lost 7 teeth...mainly because she pulls them out before they are ready to come out. She tells me daily how much she misses her cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents in Utah...she loves you guys! She is always looking out for the underdog. She loves Alayna and loves helping me out. She loves her dad.

I love you Arianna. Let's hope this year is even better!!

24...My Favorite!!

I confess...I love watching this tv series! I have been watching 24 since the first season was on. It is really intense and I love that! I kid you not, every time I watch an episode, I have a hard time going to bed at night because I lay there pondering about the show and what is going to happen next week (yada, yada, yada). It's crazy, I know!
Jack Baur is the main character. No, I am not in love with him. I just love the show! This season should be very interesting. I can't wait!!

I Can't Wait Till January 11th...

Okay all...I can't wait for January 11th. Any guesses as to why I can't wait for that particular date to arrive? (Hint...it was a 2 hour event yesterday night, Sunday and has the initials JB)

Take a guess or wait till I post later!

Something I am Thankful For...

I have been thinking about how I want to word this post, but the words haven't come to me because I have too many feelings on it. So I am just going to start typing and see where it leads me:

Family Support: (title of my post)

I was at lunch with a friend from my ward. We were meeting because this friend of mine is going through a certain trial in her life that I have just so happened to have experienced as well. INFERTILITY! A word that I happen to not like, but also have learned to appreciate. I've learned that positive things can come from something discouraging and trialsome.

This friend of mine wasn't so discouraged about infertility itself, but the lack of family support happened to be what was weighing heavily on her that made infertility difficult. This got me to pondering about my infertility situation and the support I have received from family and friends that made this particular trial easier to live with.

So, I would like to list a few instances where support helped me out through difficult times:

1. Mandy (good friend from high school) helped me find an infertility specialist and insisted he was the best. THANK YOU Mandy!!

2. Brooke, (wonderful sister) you watched Arianna for me on numerous occations and even came with me to the drs while going through my IVF proceedure...THANKS!

3. Amy, (wonderful sister) you called me up when I found out my IVF proceedure didn't work and you cried with me. This moment stands out because Amy actually lost her only girl to SIDS at 6 months old and here she was feeling so sad for me because I really wanted a child. See I look at it this way, at least I didn't have a child to lose, where she actually had a baby for 6 months and lost her...THANK YOU!

4. Dad, while I was getting ready to adopt (the first attempt that fell through) you helped me to understand what a birth mother might be going through. This helped me to have more patience and love for her and I really tried to understand what this birth mother was doing for me. Gracias!!

5. Mom, you have always encouraged that there is more to do.

6. Kim (great friend) was a listening ear. Plus, you always helped me understand the Lord's plan better while going through my struggles...thank you!

There was so much support from all and if I didn't mention you, I am sorry. Alayna is sad and I need to finish so I can be a mom.

A Good Book To Read

My dad wrote this great book...I highly suggest you read it!! I am going to copy what is on the back so you get an idea of what the book is about.

"Summer of Anger,Summer of Peace is an inspirational story that will make the reader laugh, cry, and examine just how precious life really is. Written by Rick Dean, Dennis's brother, this true-life story comes alive with firsthand accounts of Dennis's struggles and triumphs while living with MD (Muscular Dystrophy). It is doubtful that you could read this story and not be changed and encouraged to make a difference. If you are looking for a story that has all of the elements of life, and one that will give you a new perspecitve on what you may be currently going through, do not miss this uplifting biography."

If you are interested in a copy send a note to my father, Rick, cmydimple@yahoo.com. It truly is a wonderful book to read. It makes you want to be a better person.

Brutal Honesty...love it, but hate it!!

Picture this:

Arianna and I are sitting on a little bench outside waiting for the bell to ring for school to start. All is well; Alayna is being malled by a group of kids that think, "she's just so cute!"; Arianna is cuddled up to me knowing school is about to start....RING RING goes the bell. Right as the bell rings, a little boy in Arianna's class comes up to see why there's a group of kids huddled around us (baby). He says to me, (as he points to my stomach), "It looks like there is another baby in there!"

Kids say the darndest things!!

Holidays Holidays!!!

I love the HOLIDAYS!! Here are a few things that I LOVE:

*Fall Leaves
*Snow (too bad I am living in California)
*Good Christmas Music
*Decorating the Tree
*Window Shopping (those of you who know me, know I don't buy things...just look)
*Pumpkin Pie...Cheese Cake
*Food, Food, and more Food
*Hot Chocolate
*The Smell of Cinnamon/Spice
*Christmas Programs (out in Cali, there is a Inner Faith Concert where all faiths get together and sing...it is pretty neat)
*Desserts
***Knowing that I will be with FAMILY***
***Anything to do with CHRIST***

These are a few of my favorite things...there are more, but I can't list them all!

Happy Holidays and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Another Month is Here!

I can't believe it's November already! As much as I love Thanksgiving and Christmas, Halloween is definitely my favorite holiday! Maybe it's my favorite because Halloween is the first holiday in the fall...I don't know. (secretly it is the candy)

Here is Princess Aurora...Sleeping Beauty...Arianna. I am not the princessy type, so getting this costume for Arianna was hard for me this year. However, this is what she wanted to be and I didn't want to pass on my issues to Arianna...isn't she beautiful!!!
We decided to buy a pumpkin hat and slippers for Alayna since we figured she would be hiding in her stroller while Arianna trick-or-treated. Alayna gets mistaken for a boy about 50% of the time...I don't think this costume helped any!

So, I figured out how to increase the chances of Alayna being asked if she is a girl...notice the cute little barrett in her hair? I hope it works!

My Father's Poem

It has happened again...Death. My Uncle Vic passed away. He was in a motorcycle accident...while trying to help someone else actually. That is what Uncle Vic did a lot...helped others. I will miss him. I hope his family (kids, wife, grand-children, mother, brothers, sister) will feel comfort. I am glad he was in my life...I will miss him.

My dad spoke at the funeral service. Here is a poem my father wrote a while ago, but read it at the funeral...I really like it!

Death??

Death?? Oh yes!! I'm familiar with him

He has taken my brother(s), my sister, my friend

He has taken my father, my granddaughter too

He has taken the old, he has taken the new.

And each time he came he tore me a part

and left me with such a large hole in my heart

but all you who loved me knew of my pain

and helped me until I felt normal again.

So each day I pray and thank God above

For each one of you and all of your love

and I thank Him for each of those dear ones who've died

for they each added joy and brought strength to my life.

And I know that some day death will visit again

I don't know the who or the how or the when

and when he comes I'll be broken anew

but thanks to you all I know I'll make it through.

And someday death will come calling for me

and when he does, what a friend he will be

for love is eternal and death cannot end

this love that I feel for my family and friends.

Jayden is waiting, Victor is there

When we finally meet a reunion we'll share

and I know that my joy will be more than my pain

when I finally see all my loved ones again.

By Rick Dean

Here I Go!

Well, I have all the papers together and the phone numbers ready...I am READY!?!? We've already donated money to the cause, but I don't think it's enough. I am a little nervous to do it, but I know it needs to be done. I need to actively take part in what happens in my community. So I am just gonna do it, what's the worst thing that could happen; someone hangs up on me? I can handle that. Here I go, in support of Prop 8. What are you going to do to get involved?

Mr. Mom...AKA Pat

Boy am I a lucky lady! Let me explain: I am married to the Best Man around!!

(Sorry ladies, but it is true)

*Pat is Handsom*

*Pat makes me smile and laugh*

*Pat makes breakfast just about every day for the family*

*Pat makes dinner too!*

*Pat packs Arianna's lunch most days so that I can sleep in a bit*

*Pat takes Arianna to school*

*Pat is good at what he does for a living---works HARD*

*Pat is honest*

*Pat is a Priesthood Holder and takes it very seriously*

***Pat is a GREAT Dad***

(there's more, but I will stop)

Arianna loves her dad! When Pat takes Arianna fishing, she literally wants me to stay at home so she can have alone time with dad! (Luckily I am not the kind of mom that would get mad over that)
Alayna loves Pat too! Even though she wants me most of the time, she sure gets a smile on her face when dad walks into the room.
Pat loves to do outdoorsy things. Hunting, fishing, camping...and much more! This was a good picture of just him with his big fish.

I sure love and appreciate all that he does for me!

And that is the reason I am the luckiest lady around!!

A California Fall

I love this picture! I have really enjoyed living close to the ocean. As much as I have enjoyed the ocean though, I sure miss the snowy mountains in Utah!

It is a good thing that we get to visit Utah in the winter...skiing season is shortly coming and I can't wait to be able to ski this year!!

Well

This goes to show how computer illiterate I am. I am still tryong to figure out how to put my new header up so sorry about all this. The header is cute and my sister did a great job!!

Free Header for Advertising!

OK...so my sister is trying to get her blog templates advertised. If you advertise for delightfuldots.blogspot.com, she will create a header for your blog for free!!

If you have already advertised for her, just go to delightfuldots.blogspot.com and send her a quick email. She will do a great job!!

My header will be created soon for all to see!

Delightful Dots

Hi All...My amazing older sister created a new site where you can put cute blog templates on your blog...check it out...it is free too!! Looking forward to seeing these cute backgroungs on your blog haha! (No pressure or anything).

http://www.delightfuldots.blogspot.com

Backwards Day!!

So, I was looking at Arianna's skirt the other day and noticed the pockets were not in the right place! I guess that's what happens when kids dress themselves!! ( this skirt has pleats on both sides so I can see why she put it on backwards)

6 Months Already!!

I can't believe 6 months has already snuck up on me! Time sure flies by when you are having a great time!!

I sure love that Alayna has such a big beautiful smile! Even though Alayna is a mama's girl, she smiles at everyone around her.
Alayna doesn't have her dr.'s appointment until next week so I cannot tell you how long she is or how much she weighs...not yet anyway. But, Alayna loves to move, roll, and scoot! I will place her on the ground and turn my back for just a second and Alayna is already on the other side of the rug. It is crazy. I have already started looking into putting up gates around the house so she doesn't take a tumble down any of the stairs.

I don't have many picutres of me and Alayna together...because I am the one taking the pictures most of the time. So, here we are. I love Alayna's lips in this picture...they are pink and puckery (if that is a word). I don't look as cute as Alayna in this picture. In my defense, Alayna decided to wake up for a few hours last night so I only got about 4 hours of sleep...oh well.

Everyone Is Doing It!

I figured I would do this tag since I rarely do them: Enjoy!

1:Where is your cell phone? In the diaper bag
2:Where is your significant other? In our room working
3:Your hair color? Dirty Blond
4:Your mother? Dot (Dorothy) Beautiful
5:Your father? Rick (Fredrick) Handsome
6:Your favorite thing? Family
7: Your dream last night? I can't remember...I slept so good!
8:Your dream/goal? Serve missions for my Church
9:The room you're in? Arianna's room
10:Your hobby? Blogging
11:Your fear? Losing a child
12:Where do you want to be in 6 years? Maybe more eduacation
13:Where were you last night? At home getting ready for trash day
14:What you're not? Hungry
15:One of your wish list items? Gym Pass ??
16:Where you grew up? Orem, Utah
17:The last thing you did? Put Alayna down for her nap
18:What are you wearing? Black capris/purple shirt
19:Your TV? Samsung
20:Your pet? Black cat...Ashes
21:Your computer? Dell
22:Your mood? Little tired
23:Missing someone? Yes
24:Your car? Odessey
25: Something you're not wearing? Shoes
26:Favorite store? Target
27:Your summer? Was fun
28:Love someone? Pat
29:Your favorite color? Blue
30:When is the last time you laughed? 1 hour ago...Alayna
31:When is the last time you cried? Last night

I am not going to tag anyone unless you want to copy and paste the questions...I'd love to read your answers, but no pressure!

I'm so ready for this

So, Alayna has been sleeping through the night for the past few days and it makes me so happy! But...I find myself wondering, "Is this temporary? Or are we finally hitting a mile stone here?" Time will tell I guess.

Of Course She's Hungry, Just Look At Her!

Isn't Alayna starved to the bone? Ha!! If any of you know my kids, they sure get chuncky!! Take a look...more pictures to come this week!

Alayna sure is a happy baby! Here she is just chillin on our bed.
We bought a new bouncer. Alayna loves playing and jumping in it. Oh, she also likes to poop in it too! If you put Alayna in this bouncer, 9 times out of ten she poops...thought you would like to know that!
Here is Alayna loving her rice cereal! She didn't seem to mind the new texture of the food. Arianna didn't care too much for cereal so this is new to us!
Alayna looks fantastic wearing her food don't you think?
This is just proof of how good of a sister Arianna is to Alayna. Arianna wants to help out in any way possible. Now I hardly get a chance to feed Alayna. Just today Arianna said to me, because I wanted to feed Alayna, "Mom, if you don't let me feed Alayna, how am I suppose to be a mom?" Yikes, I'd better not let her feed the baby anymore...she's too young to be a mom!

Alayna

Teething Moments:

You know you have had a bad night when your baby falls asleep on a blanket on the floor like this...darn that teething! This is actually a picture of Alayna in Utah. Notice my set up here...blanket on the floor (extra padding), two pillows stacked on top of each other (for my head), toys spread here and there! This is where I spent most of my nights so Pat and Arianna could sleep. It was a rough 3 nights.
This is Alayna at 5 months. She loves to chew on her toes (first sign of teething actually). We thought, "Oh this is so cute!" Of course it is cute, but had I known what was to come in the next few weeks, I think I would have had a different thought!

Back To School

I know it has been a few weeks since school started, but I am finally getting it posted now. Arianna is in 1st grade! I can't believe it! So far Arianna loves school (I hope she enjoys school through her entire school years...yeah right!)

Anyway, here she is with her new clothes and new pink backpack.

My baby is growing up!!

Minus 1, Plus 1

Minus 1: So, Arianna finally lost her second front tooth. She is now officially what I call "toothless"! I dropped her off at school and when I came back to pick her up, it was gone. Arianna pulled the tooth out all on her own during class. I am sure it made her feel cool and awesome to do it when her classmates were around...that's Arianna for ya!

Plus 1: We took a quick trip to Utah for my nephew's baptism. The entire time we were there, Alayna was fussy and would not sleep much at all. (It was a very trying time for me). Anyway, we got back home and within 2 days, a tooth had broke through. Poor little lady. Teething must be a painful experience. I don't have a picture of Alayna's tooth because she barely lets me see it. It is the bottom front tooth.

Last Week of Our Summer!

It's official, Arianna lost her top tooth! This is Arianna's 5th tooth that has fallen out. When we were in Utah a few weeks ago, her cousin accidentally hit his head into her tooth making the tooth a bit loose. Well, a child can't leave a loose tooth alone right!?!? The rest is history!!
We decided to put Arianna in swimming lessons this summer. She has sure enjoyed it! Here is Arianna swimming to her coach.
Alayna and I hang out together while Arianna swims. I figured I would take a picture of her too!

Famling!

Hello Everyone!

I have a favor to ask all of you...some good friends of ours has created a new way to link in with families and friends. Just go to famlingo.com and check it out. Tell me what you think.

Thanks again!!

Plane Ride

This is a picture of Alayna's first plane ride. She did really well. No crying or saddness...other than Arianna (can't you tell by the sad face?).

"5 years old going on 20!" Said Pat.

Arianna had her gymnastics recital a few Saturdays ago! She did great!! I was a little worried about my make up job, but it seemed to turn out well...that was until she actually came back from the dressing room. I guess I didn't put enough make up on her because Arianna returned to us with bright pink lipstick on and purple eye shadow.

This picture is of my make up job...enjoy it because Arianna won't be wearing make up anytime soon.

Chip Chop

NOW YOU SEE IT...

NOW YOU DON"T!!

Since I had Alayna, my long hair was being pulled non stop. So I decided to have my wonderful sister cut it all off. It has been a long while since I have had short hair.

Alayna is 4 Months Old!!

Alayna turned 4 months old yesterday! I cannot believe how fast time has gone. As you can tell from the picture, Alayna is pretty tall and chunky!! We are pretty sure she is already about 15 lbs.

Things Alayna can do: blow bubbles, roll over, chatter almost all day long, and I love to eat my hands!

We are sure glad Alayna came to our family!!

Summer Fun Has Begun!!

We went to Gilroy Gardens a few weeks ago. It was a blast!

Arianna and dad having a ride together!

Look at this waterfall! It sure felt nice to get sprinkled with water in the heat!

I was sure tired of peddling...am I that out of shape?

Here is a close up of Alayna...she sure is a good baby!

Tagged

Lyndsey tagged me so here you go:

Two names you go by:
1:Ang
2:mamma

Two things you are wearing right now:
1:glasses
2:robe

Two of your favorite things to do:
1:spend time with family
2:spend time with friends

Two things that you want very badly at the moment:
1:To eat breakfast
2:Have my house painted

Two pets that you have or have had:
1:Sassy (my dog I grew up with...she was hit by a car)
2:My BIG black cat currently is Ashes

Two things you did last night:
1:Watched "Last Comic Standing"
2:Went on a date with Pat (and the baby came)

Two things you did today:
1:Hung out with Arianna's preschool pals
2:Mopped my floors

Two things you ate today:
1:Fruit Leather
2:cereal

Two people you last talked to:
1:Kim Hurtado
2:Kathi Russell

Two things you are doing tomorrow:
1:Going to Arianna's gymnastics recital
2:Cleaning

Two memorable vacations:
1:My favorite...Cancun Mexico
2:Driving to New Mexico as a kid every year to visit family/cousins

Two favorite holidays:
1:Halloween
2:Christmas

To Do or Not to Do...That is the Question

Here are the directions: 1. Ad a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember. This can be about me, or any related memory of my family.... 2. Next, repost these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It is actually pretty funny to see the responses.

Rainy Day at the Beach?

We went to the beach a few weeks ago and got rain. I made Pat take some pictures because it was so cool looking. Just looking up at the stormy clouds truly made me ponder just how small I was compared to nature and God's creations! It is truly mesmerizing!!

OK, so I need to expalin something. The reason I have been posting every day is because I have been at the computer trying to get my quarterly reports done (in the church that I attend, I serve as the secretary for the women's organization)....so since I am here, I might as well do it right?

Anyway, here is Arianna on the Monkey Bars. At the beginning of the kingergarten school year, Arianna was only able to jump onto one bar, hang there, and then fall to the ground. Now, well, Arianna is able to do the entire thing! I am not kidding, if Arianna sees Monkey Bars, you'd better believe she will say, "Do you want to see me do the Monkey Bars?"

The Mad Scientist

We took this picture a few weeks ago. This is Alayna after she takes a bath. Her hair goes crazy! The shadow around her was perfect for the picture.