Swimming Lessons

Analia and Maya had their first official swimming lesson today.  Analia is a FISH!  She can hold her breath and swim independently underwater...we had to keep close tabs on her because she just wanted to jump in and swim around like the older kids.  She'll be a great swimmer very very soon.  Maya was a little hesitant, maybe because the water was pretty cold or maybe because she's only 1 and we were skipping her morning nap to be there, I don't know for sure.  The one exercise she was fabulous at was laying on her belly reaching out for a toy.  Once the lesson was over and they could both just play and splash, Maya warmed up and really enjoyed herself.  We stayed at the pool and the beach for a few hours...the sun felt wonderful and both girls were playing in the soft sand...I told Mike that I think we may have found Paradise.  

Christmas Day

Christmas this year was one of the best years for me...I had so much fun getting ready the weeks before the big day, and on Christmas eve, I cooked so much food so easily that I knew it was a mini-Christmas-miracle.  Last year I got so freakin' mad at having to do so much work that I didn't enjoy it at all--and I learned my lesson.  So this year I planned well and got everything ready so Christmas day would be a breeze.  And it was.  Throughout Christmas eve and Christmas day, my girls we're so so sweet...even more so than the normal every day sweet. We the girls PJ's from Korea and they loved them.  Analia got a red Kitchen from Santa and Maya got a cute little ramp that little balls rolled down (see video below).  We had fun playing and eating all day long.  In the afternoon we took a walk/ride around the neighborhood.  It was refreshing to get out into the warm air.  On the following day, we hiked to Haputo beach and swam and played in the sand.  It was a fabulous holiday. I miss you all and hope your days we're a fulfilling and rich as mine were!  Love you!

Our Thanksgiving Adventure--Boonie Stomping to Pagat Caves

The coast of Pagat

Mike in front of a natural coral bridge

The girls and I in the ancient Chamorro village in front of a grinding stone.

Inside the Pagat caves

Preparing to go on our hike

After cooking and cleaning and eating all day on Thanksgiving, Mike and I always get a little stir crazy and want to go out on an advenuture--last year we went on a leisurely bike ride that ended up being about 17 miles round trip with me being 7 months prego...I was in total pain for 2 days afterwards.  

This year, we decided to go hiking--we packed up a couple of water bottles, 2 apples, some gold fish and pretzels, got directions from a guy at outdoor rec and off we went.  We were feeling extra prepared because the girls had hats and sunblock on...come to find out, we didn't need the sunblock because we delved deep into the jungle...what we needed was bug spray.  

My girlfriend was shocked that we went without a guide--what do we need a guide for, we just follow the trail, right?  Right.  At first this was easy because the trail was an old sleeping-grass covered road, then down into the jungle we went.  I say down because we decended 400 feet of slimy limestone coral, with ropes along the way to help us down--this was no easy feat considering I have Maya strapped to my chest in the front carrier and Mike is carrying Analia in a backpack...just one wrong move and we could permanently damage ourselves and our kids...yikes.  My nerves were shaky.  Finally we made it down safely and found the caves we were hiking to.  To our utter surprise, inside the caves is a fresh water pool, clear as crystal and quite refreshing.  But completely dark.  Luckily there was a family leaving as we arrived and they left us a flashlight (and some bug spray, thank heaven).  So we stripped the girls down to nothin' and we got in the water.  The pool in the first room was only knee deep and at the back of it was a narrow, slanted passageway, about 3 feet wide and 15 feel long, that led into a much bigger room with a much deeper pool.  All around the room were candles that we lit up and, along with the flashlight, it was light enough to swim and jump off rocks.  The girls had a ball, jumping in and splashing around.  And we did too.  

On our way out of the caves, we ran into another group who was headed out farther along the trail to the coast.  We joined up with them and hiked through an ancient Chamorro village, with old grinding stones and all.  I was glad we were following the group because the trail through the village was difficult to follow--it all looked like it could be a trail.  As we got out of the village, we caught glimpses of the coast, then BAM, the trail opened up to a natural coral bridge and cliffs and the ocean.  It was breathtaking.  

We hiked all around the rocks, had our snack, and headed back.  I should mention that the group left long before we did, so we were on our own.  We reached to ancient village and lost the trail.  I started thinking, okay we have about 2 sips of water left and some pretzels.  After backtracking and hiking all around, we found the trail and the caves and decided to power hike back to the car.  By the time we got back to the grassy road, we were drenched and exhausted and the girls were sleeping.  

So we learned a few lessons: always pack more water than you think you'll need, leave extra clothes in the car, bring lots of extra food too, maybe even a first aid kit (Mike got a nasty gash on his shin), and always, always bring bug spray.  

So this is becoming sort of a Thankgiving Tradition--go on an adventure, and pray that everything works out.   It's not an adventure if you don't have to pray a little along the way, right?

Ol MacDoney had a mama pig...

I walked in the other day and Analia was singing to Maya--it's short, but totally cute.  Look at Maya smile... 

Don't worry, I'm still here...(MEGAPOST)

Let's start with the Good Stuff!  Some pictures to lighten up your day!

Here we are at a Saturday service project in the park.  We're really working hard!

HALLOWEEN:  Analia is Ariel--the " 'il'l mermay dress" was a hit! She even sang the song--ahh ahh ahh...

What else could Maya be, but an Angel?

Off to the beach...kinda different from FL!  But SOOO beautiful.

Hello my faithful readers--I'm finally having a few moments of quiet on this Sunday afternoon...I do get moments of quiet every day, but I'm usually doing other things--reading scriptures or sleeping or cleaning with toxic cleaners--but today I thought I'd post a few things that have been going on in my life.  

First off, Mike and I decided that we need to infuse our diets with vegges and fruit and, WOW, what a difference it is making in how we feel and sleep and exercise...I've started my own Nutrition 101 course and have decided to veer away from trans-fats, hydrogenated oils, sugars, and pesticides.  Up until lately, I kinda thought that I was 'above' all of the healthy stuff--like "I don't need to spend a buck fifty more on organic something or other because I exercise everyday and eat pretty well..." Until I found out that even big exercisers need to have 'clean' and healthy food to live well and continue in an active lifestyle.  I learned that as early as age 7, kids are showing signs of hardened arteries!!  Is that insane?! 7?!  I was shocked and really felt like I need to help Analia make good food choices--and it starts with what we have in the house.  So I bought the all natural peanut butter (a daily staple around here), Soy milk, organic vegges and fruits (not much selection here on Guam--everything is shipped and is not in fantastic shape), and organic yogurt (so yummy!).  That is just a start--baby steps.

The next thing is that I've been studying my scriptures (almost) everyday--and I'll give another big WOW for that, because I feel so much more love in my  life...I'm nicer to my kids (most of the time) and to Mike, I feel happier, and find myself wanting to laugh more.  It really was a decision that I made--when I found myself getting mad for wasting time napping when I didn't absolutely have to, or reading dumb emails, or any other thing that is not productive--and then I would feel crappy and grumpy.  It was almost becoming habitual.  Then I just decided that I want to be a happy, spiritual person again--and poof--I made the tweaks to my day and felt so much better.  It's nice how the commandments and guidelines of the church are really for our own benefit and growth--which in turn benefits those around us.  And can I send out a shout for this past General Conference?!  Fantastic.  What I learned from conference (thanks AD!):

• L. Tom Perry: 4 things needed to survive: food, clothes, shelter, fuel (from Thoreau)--he expounds: FOOD: care for body and nourish spirit; CLOTHING: dress modestly and have a clean appearance; SHELTER: do not live beyond our means; and FUEL: build up our spiritual fuel by strengthening our testimonies.  I love references to literature!
• Dieter F. Uctdorf: Faith--Hope--Charity all build each other.  Put my faith and hope into action.
• Joseph B. Wirthlin: "Come what may and love it." How do I approach adversity? He advises me to: laugh, seek for the eternal, understand the principle of compensation, and trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
• Jeffery R. Holland: God sends his Angels to comfort, guide, and warn.  I must try to see the love of God manifested in people.  D&C 84:88 "mine angels round about you to bear you up."
• Lawrence E. Corbridge: The highest standard is achievable because it is God's endeavor, not a human endeavor. It's achievable by everyone.  He makes us able.
• David A. Bednar: I should counsel with the Lord in all my doings--morning and evening prayers are linked together to spiritually create our day.  Try giving a GRATITUDE prayer every once in a while--just say thanks for everything  you can think of, and don't ask for anything.  And pray for others with sincerity...I will receive strength, comfort, revelation, and guidance. 
• Henry B. Eyering: Speak well of each other--be generous, because that is what the Lord will do for us.
• Pres. Thomas S. Monson: Find JOY IN THE JOURNEY, NOW.  Appreciate life.  Make the most of today. Change will come, so be loving and kind.  Relish life as we live it. Gratitude is one of the noblest virtues.  Follow the life of Christ. 

I've been so uplifted and spiritually strengthened from this conference (and the General Relief Society Broadcast too--Elder Uctdorf spoke to my heart.)  I can't wait for the magazine to get here!

And finally--we just had an earthquake!! Yes, literally just now.  My hands are totally shaking--just like all of the pictures on the wall. It started sounding like a low grumble then everything started shaking, books falling over and the pictures slanting on the wall...and the grumbling sound just got louder and stayed for about 10 seconds, then slowly stopped...wow.  Really kinda scary.  It makes me think about perspective--not about fighting over politics (which I've learned my lesson--just don't bring it up, with ANY ONE, PERIOD), or worrying about what people think--it's about loving and staying close to my family, and those I care about.  And well, right now I don't really know--I'm shaken up, literally.

I love you all and miss you.  Until next time---Kisses from GU.

I Voted!!

Yes, it's true...I've already voted.  Just tonight Mike and I finished our absentee ballots for FL, and, WOW, does it feel great to vote!  I was interested to discover that, after reading each persons information (bio, plans, stances, experience) my votes were about half and half.  1/2 Republicans and 1/2 Democrats.  I really don't care what party the candidate belongs to, just what they stand for.  And it is such a relief to know who and what I'm supporting...instead of just voting for the president and not voting for anyone else, like I was considering doing...and to know that I'm giving a piece of my mind to help make the U.S. and FL good places to be.  Ahhhh.  So nice.  The only bad thing is that I don't get an "I VOTED" sticker to wear around.  

I hope everyone takes a few minutes before they walk into the voting box, to google the candidates up for office and really read up on their lives, what they stand for, and what they want to do with their office.  It's so important, because this is our country, our state, and our city....so please vote smart!

Updates...

I wanted to post a few pictures that we've taken along the way:  Look at how much fun Analia is having!  She just loved the little rides we have at the mall.

The rides are so cute too!
Analia and Maya are sharing everything lately--bedroms, baths, and even colds.  Yes, right now they are both sick with a nasty cough and runny nose, and they have been for over a week.  It's getting old.  I love this picture because it's the one time when the girls are sharing a toy that Maya isn't crying!  Cute.
Analia got into my makeup bag and found the mascara.  Nice job, I would say.
And this is smilin' Maya tonight in the bath.  Even though she's coughing and running her nose away, she just loves the bath and can't help but have fun.  I think this is one of the best pictures of her.  Wow.  She's beautiful.

In other news, we haven't taken any pictures of this, but we are beginning to potty train Analia. So far it's going okay...we've had success a couple of times, but it's slow going.  Any advice from you professional parents?  I've already told her that when she gets good at going potty, then we can get her some Little Mermaid undies, and she's excited, but that's a long way off.  

Analia's latest quotes:

every morning: "i waked up" and "maya's wake" 

when she doesn't want my help: "my do it" and "my help"

after she gets in trouble, she says "sorry maya, we fest friends, huh mom"

when I ask her a question, she says, with her finger to her lips, "um..."

Turns out, moving is really hard.  Especially with kids.  I am totally missing everyone--I'm trying to make new friends though, but that is slow going too.   I feel like I need to stay connected the best I can with my family and friends--it's good to know that friends are out there, even though they are REALLY far away.  

Love you all.