Ahhh!

So, I just did an intense little work out to deal with some stress and then I did a cool down with a piece of cake and some blogging. I'm sure many of you can relate to this type of cool down. In my opinion the only reason to exercise is to justify dessert! I'm mostly kidding about that.

Any way, no need to delve into the stressors so let's talk about happier things. This past week I got a new calling (even though we'll only be here for another month) and I'll be helping with the Activity Day Girls. We are going to do an activity about journals. That should be fun and messy. No activity is complete without some glue, glitter and stickers! HA!

On Saturday we took the kids to Discovery Kingdom (formerly known as Marine World). I didn't take enough pictures which shouldn't surprise anyone but we had a lot of fun. Beckham fell in love with the penguins and McKayla got to feed a seal. We rode Thomas and ate really expensive, greasy food. Now that's the life. Lonnie was disappointed that we didn't get to ride any coasters, but I guess that gives us an excuse to go back in a few years.

10-25-08 The kids LOVED the penguins!

10-25-08 McKayla and Mommy ride on Harold.

10-25-08 Daddy and Bubs take a ride on Thomas the train.

Blessings in California

Well, as some of you know Lonnie and I intended to live in Washington while he's off track at BYU-I, but we ended up in California. We've talked a lot about why we're here now and there seem to be a lot of little blessings all around us. First of all, the blessing of work for Lonnie and for his step-dad. With a wedding coming up soon my in-laws needed contracts to pay for everything. It seems that just as we came to CA my father-in-law started getting more contracts than he knew what to do with. Secondly, there have been lots of opportunities to help family members here. We've gotten to know nieces and nephews better, help my sister-in-law move into a new house, be a shoulder to cry on, baby sit while my brother and sister-in-law work, work on projects around the house and even cut my brother-in-law's hair (btw . . . he's had dreds for the past 14 years and it took almost 5 hours of cutting and combing to leave him with a manageable hair cut). Another major blessing is that our kids haven't been sick once while we've been in transit. I wouldn't really be able to take them to a doctor here since our medicaid is for WA. Health is a huge blessing. Finally, last night I got to help a lady who needed some gas money and it just made me feel good. Like everyone, my testimony waivers at times and I wonder if I'm really on the right track. Then little miracles occur and they remind me that there is a purpose to life and the relationships we make. I started this post nearly a week ago . . . so much for having more time on Sundays.

Sunday

So, I blog on Sundays because I think I have more time on Sundays. I'm not really sure that's true but so far it's working out. This week I finished weaning Beckham. He had his last feeding Wednesday night. Thursday night Lonnie put him to bed for me while I was out. Lonnie said he kept looking around the room for me but eventually gave up and went to sleep. The hardest night for us was Friday. He threw a big fit going to bed, and I felt sick to my stomach that I was the cause of all his frustration. Thankfully, I didn't give in to the temptation to save him from his agony with a little sip of milk. He cried a little while longer and then it happened - he went to sleep! It feels great to have my body and my wardrobe back. No more lifting up my shirt day and night. No more outfit restrictions due to lack of access to the motherly goods. Freedom never felt so good. Beckham has taken to the formula remarkably well. There were a few days he didn't drink too much but each day gets better and better.

Lonnie is a wonderful husband and father. On Thursday night he volunteered to watch the kids and put them to sleep so that I could go to a class all about digital scrapbooking and blogging. What more can a wife ask for? The class I went to was very interesting and there are two more coming up. I can't say I know any knew tricks because that would require me to go to our teacher's blog and do some reading. However, I thought I would post her blog for anyone who's interested in doing a little reading. My teacher's name is Ann Kerr and she just taught a class at BYU Education Week. She knows her stuff. www.digitalhotspot.blogspot.com

Here are a few more pics just for fun. Until next Sunday . . .

9-24-08 I love your bubble 'do!

9-26-08 Lonnie's 28th Birthday Poster. Pretty clever if I do say so myself!

9-27-08 We went to a huge birthday party and while the birthday boy opened his gifts, Beckham explored the bounce house and had a blast.

9-28-08 Don't worry Beckham . . . some day you'll be as cool as me.

10-5-08 Beckham loves to crawl!