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.

Hafa Adai! Welcome to Guam!

Hello Everyone!  Yes, we have made it across the world to our new home--GUAM!  So far it's been one hiccup after another (for example, we didn't get picked us up at the airport, so we didn't know that we had reservations at another hotel along with a rental car, so we ended up staying up all night trying to figure things out and paying the cab rides all around, for a night at a hotel and a day of rental car.  That's just the first--then we find out that we got the wrong forwarding address, so everything that was sent to us during the month on July and August was returned!  Wow, just thinking of these two things makes me so mad!    Anyway there were many other things...)  We are just trying to learn our lessons from each mishap here--next move will be better, I hope!

The girls are doing great and we're trying to get settled and get into our routine.  I don't have many pictures of the island, but here is what I have so far.

Me on one of the beaches on base....amazing!

Us at the Guam Aquarium.

A sunset over Tumon Bay.

Life in boxes--they turn into tables and chairs for eating.  How convenient!

Isn't Maya just so dang cute?!

The one thing I have loved about moving around, is that my little family is growing together and becoming so close.  Analia and Maya just love playing (when Analia is not mawling Maya!) Like last night we did family home evening and we played the "stop/go" game down our hallway.  We had both girls laughing and giggling--it was so so fun.  And Analia is always asking for Maya to do things, asking if she can eat things, or asking is they can take a nap together.  She says that she and Maya are "bess frens".  It is so true and I hope they continue to grow together.  

I've been called as a nursery worker!  Wow.  Such a change from YW.  If you guys have any suggestions, please comment because I can use all the help/encouragement I can get.  I know this is where I'm supposed to be, but sometimes it gets overwhelming always being around kids.  I've ordered the new manual, but it is going to take like 4 months to get here, for real.

Some other news is that Mike is going to deploy in January for 6 months to Iraq.  It's hard to swallow, but it is inevitable.  Right now I'm planning on moving in with Mike's sister Laurie for a few months, and then moving home for a while.  I have 6 months to split up...so we'll see.  I try not to think about it, but at night I find myself snuggling up closer to Mike and hugging him more.  I know it'll be hard, so I'm just trying to soak in all the time we have. 

We love you all and we'll write more soon.

Hafa Adai! Welcome to Guam!

Here She Is...

Eating her first bowl of rice cereal!  Yay!  I thought about waiting until we get to Guam to begin anything new, but she has been grabbing at our food and following the fork from our plate to our mouth, so I just decided to try it.  And she is a pro already!  She hardly spits anything out and swallows it quickly.  I think she's ready to be eating solids.  What a big girl she is--5 1/2 months already.  She is rolling easily from back to belly, and is getting better at belly to back.  When she gets excited, like when she watches us eat, she kicks her legs and just wiggles around.  

The other night I was putting her to bed and just giving her kisses and telling her how much I loved her, when she pulled her head back and put both of her palms onto my cheeks, and pulled me in for a big kiss!  I was so touched.  She really looked into my eyes and just wanted to tell me that she loved me too.  That's one moment that I will always remember with her.  Just how tender she is.  

And her eyes!  They are so blue and deep--I feel like I know those eyes, like my heart knows those eyes, and that they know more than her little baby self can.  Wow.  I'm so lucky to have my two little babies.   

Pull this thread as I walk away...

If you don't get the reference, it's a Weezer song from the 90's that goes something like this:

If you want to destroy my sweater,

whoa o o o

pull this thread as I walk away,

as I walk away,

Watch me unravel

I'll soon be naked,

Lyin on the floor,

Lyin' on the floor,

I've come undone.

This is the song that represents my life since last Friday.  Sure it happens as soon as I write that life is going great...Analia has totally hit the terrible-horrible-monstrous twos!!  I can't believe she used to be my sweet little girl.  Seriously it was overnight.  On saturday she just went nuts...biting, scratching, and stomping on Maya, screaming not to go to bed, she was up for 2 hours in the middle of the night crying that she wanted to sleep with me in the big bed.  NO WAY.  We had to keep up the fight, but eventually I just laid down with her in our guest bed until she fell asleep.  She whines and cries all the time and nothing we say or do seems to help.  She's stubborn and doesn't forget the thing she's crying for.  UGH.  I am definitely at the end of my rope.   

Any suggestions from you experienced moms??  I need some help here!

A Journey of a Thousand Miles...

This past week and a half, the girls and I have been vacationing in Utah.  We had a blast.  Seriously, this had to be one of the funnest vacations for me.  Even though I was basically a single parent, I loved it still.  Each day was jammed with seeing people and doing things.  We had family reunions, family dinners, play dates, bridal showers, receptions, and weddings.  Whew.  I didn't think I would ever rely so much on Coke to get me through the day -- in a happy mood!  

This trip, in all of its fury, turned out to be much more for me.  It was a proving ground for me as a mother and a woman.  I felt in control of my emotions and my actions.  I felt in-charge of my life.  I felt like I was doing good for my kids.  And this feeling came home with me.  It is so nice to remember what is important--and I've discovered that it's all about my family and spending time with them.  Especially with my kids.  I've just loved each day with them, and now that I'm home, I feel rejuvenated and re-motivated to make each day great.  For instance, instead of watching T.V. after dinner and letting Analia run around us, we play outside, eating ice cream or swinging on the swing set, or walking around the neighborhood.  Now, I know that this energy will run out sometime, but it really feels great--in my guts--to live my life this way.  Not letting things drain away my time--like the T.V. or the computer (my two biggest time wasters!)  

Ahhh.  

The other thing it proved to me is that I'm a strong woman.  I can care for my kids and give them the things they need....for the most part.  They still need their dad like crazy, and I do too.  But it is sure nice to know that when I do it alone, it works out okay.  

Traveling also proved to me that I don't have to have things all planned out.  I basically started with a general game plan, but it morphed and changed as I went along, and I just flowed with it.  Not much else I could do, actually.  But I found that this is the easiest and least stressful way to travel.  It made the vacation fun.  So I hope I can carry this with me as I go across the world in a month.  

This trip to Utah almost didn't work out, but I'm so glad that at the last moment, it did.  And I was able to learn so much about myself and how I want to live my life.  Thanks everyone for making this a fantastic vacation.  Kisses.

(I'll get some pictures posted later...)

An pretty perfect weekend

Us at Montgomery Zoo

Analia watching the monkeys swing.
At the Georgia Aquarium.
At our friend's pool party
This weekend was so awesome! First off, Mike was TDY in Montgomery, AL all week so on Friday we decided to go up and meet him. We spent the day at the Montgomery Zoo, which is totally fun and nice and perfect for big and little kids. Then on Saturday morning, we drove up to Birmingham AL to go to the temple together...which we haven't done since we've been married! We've gone, but we always just had to swap, so one of us could watch Analia, but our friends went with us and so we swapped with them. It was so so nice to be in the temple together. Ahhh.
Afterwards, we spontaneously decided to go up to Atlanta with our friends. Since we were only an hour and a half away, we might as well do it. So we drove the distance and spent the afternoon at the Ikea and then the Olympic Park. It was just so fun to be spontaneous and do things that we normally don't do. Then on Sunday we went to the Georgia Aquarium and packed in there with all the other thousands of people to see the amazing fish and sharks and whales and penguins. Analia had a freakin' blast. She loved seeing the animals. But by the time we were at the last exhibit, we were ready to get out and away from people! We started our drive home and stopped in Auburn AL, just to see the campus and eat dinner. What a beautiful campus and gigantic stadium! We got home late Sunday night, and after a 6 hour drive, we were exhausted. Our girls did so great though! Maya slept and played and hardly cried! This was a breakthrough trip for us--we proved to ourselves that we can do things, like trips and spontaneous overnighters, with our kids. We just have to keep our patience in check and remember to be flexible.

And to top off a great road trip, we had Monday off work for Memorial Day. Our friends had a BBQ and a pool party that we played at for 5+ hours.  It was so much fun and Analia loved jumping in the pool.  Maya stayed and played in the shade and watched us swim.  All in all, we got to see some new things and learn a lot about ourselves, and then we got to play in the sun for a few hours.  It was awesome. I couldn't ask for a better weekend. 

Sprinklers & Splash Pad

So the weather this week has been just fabulous!  We've been playing outside everyday, and I've been getting quite a tan.  It's nice to be in your backyard, where no one can see that I shouldn't be wearing a bikini, but here I am anyway!  Analia has been having a blast.  We have an inflatable pool and a sprinkler that she just loves to play in.  Today we went down to the park and played with her friends at the splash pad.  It's totally fun.  And Maya has just loved watching Analia play!  She is usually napping when we're in the backyard, so everyone's happy!

 

I have also finished the quilt that we gave to our dear friends here in FL.  It's not perfect, by far, but I've really loved making it and hope that they love it as much as I do.  I want to make a smaller one for myself, if I can figure out a pattern!  Don't you just love the pattern, by the way?  It was a little tricky, and after unstitching the pieces until my fingers almost fell off, it worked.  So it's all worth it.  

A Poem

I thought I was full -- like life was fine and dandy --

Then I met you, Mike,

   and I burst open -- like a summer storm --

   electric and exciting --

   soaking me through.

I thought I was full -- like I could take no more

love into my life --

Then I had you Analia

   and laughter soaked with tears 

   exceeded the known capacity of my heart.

I thought I was full -- like what else 

could I ever need?

Then I had you Maya Isabel

   and life grew three sizes so I could

   fit all of my love for you in it.

I think I am full...

Then I see my girls laugh and grow and dance

and run

and cry and learn

And my heart melts into something

bigger

and God smiles.

Baby Maya

Maya in the cutest little headband that my best friend Kristen sent!  Darling, huh!

Here is Mike getting Maya to laugh!  It's so fun to see her smile!

These are the fingers she sucks on to get herself to sleep!  Isn't it cute?!

So Maya Isabel is now more than 3 months old!  Wow.  So far it has gone by so fast...she's sleeping through the night (the last 3 nights), and I know this sounds wierd, but I'm kind of sad that I don't need to get up with her anymore.  Not to mention, my boobs are ready to burst in the morning!  But really, even though I was wasted tired, I cherished those midnight and 4 am feedings.  I feel like the infant time of Maya's life is already gone.  But she is healthy and beautiful and I'm happy that she's growing like crazy!  She loveslovesloves to watch Analia and is actually laughing with her!  These guys are so fun.  My house seriously is full of sounds all the time--crying, laughing, playing, crying some more, then laughing some more, etc.  

I love being a mom.