Day Number Two

We slept well at the gorgeous resort and I was so happy to check out the roof top Jacuzzi in the morning. We ate breakfast on the veranda. yummy hot chocolate and the fire and water nearby made for a great morning. We wanted the walk the row some more, but Spencer was all about going to the water. He loved putting his feet in and just being near the lapping waves. We relaxed and them checked out and went to see the great views down the coast. We went down the 17mile drive to pebble beach and then Carmel and then the Big Sur, so lovely!

A New Day

Welcome February! I am not one for over scheduling or keeping my self busy with so many tasks, so January was a little fast paced for me. I did see and hear much at Emmy's Speech and Debate tournament (we brought Emmy's friends; Jocelin and Nancy) that made me grateful to be dedicated to motherhood and the family. These students are so amazing and their sad stories of the life as they see it are depressing and real. Drugs, suicide, depression, self harm, bullying, detachment from others, chronic medical conditions, and death are some of the issues brought up in these speeches. I believe that more of societies problems could be resolved with kindness, charity and strong families. I heard these bright students echo this and it brought me hope for the next generation. They seem to know relationships with people and being there for one another is better than busy distractions and worldly pursuits.

Emmy did a original prose and Poetry piece this time. She is in the novice category, but still got fourth place with a new speech she had not preformed before. I was supposed to be judging while she was performing, but as blessing would have it I had opportunity to go and see Emmy. She did and excellent job It is a long day of hard work and anticipation on those tournament days. Emmy did go to Winter ball too that day. She wanted to go and found a date somewhat last minute so I'm happy it all worked out. We like Craig, he is a good kid.

Celia has been super cute lately too. She has been asking Brian on Daddy Daughter dates to get ready for the dance. They had a great time although she still got sick form eating too may sweets like last year and they came home early. She loves pink and sweets and being out, but its cute how overstimulating it can all be then its time to call it quits.  Celia has been snugly with me lately too. She loves the robe Brian and her picked out for me for Christmas and is always saying how soft I am. I like all the hugs. I was however surprised when I went down the hall to find a piece of pink construction paper with a note that said "Best Mom Ever"!! She had also cute hearts cut out from paper. Each had a letter on it and the message lined up read "I love Mom".  There was also a large cupcake sparkly sticker with the message. What a great way to start off February feeling the love. I love my family so much and and glad I get to spend so much time with them!

New Hair and Teeth

It was all of a sudden. I had been complaining about my hair for a while, I attempted to cut is short a few months back, but I only trimmed my bangs. It wasn't until my hubby mentioned in conversation how we sometimes hold on to things we had in high school habits, preferences, memories.etc. I said I don't really have anything I'm holding on to from high school and it was pointed out to me that my long hair could be attributed to that time in my life. Its true, for dancing in The La Habra Hawaiian girl company we were to have long hair. Really long hair to give more of the Hawaiian look while dancing. I don't have the complexion or hair color of that of a Hawaiian, but at least I could have the length. I love my hair and the long hair has kept me warm through Utah winters and it grows so fast I got used to it. I kept it long. Letting it grow was more convenient then getting it cut. I am however not so attached to my hair that I couldn't let it go. I don't have an obsession with my hair so much that I wouldn't cut it or change it. I was out to prove this point when i decided to find a hairdresser and get the Pixie cut suggested sometimes from my hubby.  It felt liberating. Seeing my pony tail of hair off was a little weird, but I felt so light and giggly. I showed the hair dresser at J C penny a picture of a pixie cut she had in a magazine saying it was trending for 2015. No one I know has this haircut, but maybe if I went to a big city, I wouldn't be the only one with short hair? It doesn't matter really. It is fun and funky. My hair moves this way and that, has a lot of body, and is ridiculously easy to care for. No more hair in our food, vacuum and sinks being bogged down with too much hair. No pulling my hair every time I get a hug from my kids. No one can sit on my hair and pin me when I lie. You can tell feel freedom. It still takes some getting used to for sure and I still love long hair, but for now it has been a great change and the right choice.

My teeth change has been going on for years now. From third grade I have damaged the area of my front teeth when my permanent tooth was knocked out. An abscess for many year ruined the gum tissue above my teeth. After having the tooth next to my fake front tooth removed and several( I don't dare count)oral surgeries later, I am getting implants( really the crowns on them that show) for a new smile. I got implants a while ago, but the gum structure and shape of them cause my gums to recessed and the implant to not be perfect aesthetically. More surgeries and time later..today is the final step(crosses fingers) to my long tooth journey. Dr Steiner and now Dr. Wilkes have worked on me and done without cost. It is unheard of and bless them for that! I will have permanent nice looking teeth and gums. They are healthy and as nice looking as we can get them under the circumstances. It has been an ordeal, but I'm glad that this my front teeth won't be the issue it has been for most of my life. The future is bright and I feel very blessed. It is only January but for 2015 so far I have new hair and teeth!

Favorite Family Pastimes

I almost set aside this blog and went to journal only. I love my camera and going out in nature so alas this outlet for me has survived. This month has been busy with IEP meetings, dentist appointments and a hurt back( for the first time). There have been many challenges, but even more blessings and tender mercies.  Today, I wanted to get out of the fog and we drove around on a Saturday car ride like we do. We saw the temple, The Palladio shopping center, El Dolrado hills, Folsom and had subway for lunch. We missed Joe, he was on his "snow camp-out" for Boy scouts. The rest of us loved the views and time spent together on our side. I'm grateful for my health and beautiful family.

 We went and found a beautiful modest dress that is long enough for Celia for her Father Daughter Dance tonight at her school. She has been looking forward to this for months. I'm pleased with how Celia has grown socially and expressively. Raising these wonderful and sometimes challenging children really does bring me joy.  Emmy has been receiving acceptance letters for college. I can't believe where to go away to school is on her plate of choices. So far she has the options of  BYUI, Sac State, Utah State and SUU. We are waiting on one more application. I'm glad Emmy is enjoying her senior year and doing well in her classes! I'm going to miss having her around for when I want to take pictures and no one else will be in them for me.:) We sure love Emmy and are excited for her to be growing up into such a lovely young woman.

Celebration Time

December first was a hectic day as Things seemed to be finished with Emmy's BYU application and I edited on the information page and thought I screwed up her priority deadline status. Luckily, the deadline was the end of December first so she indeed receive that priority status. Now we wait. I hope and pray she does well getting ready for university life and loves it as much as Brian and I did.

After relaxing from application stress, I had a Tacky Christmas sweater party to go to. It was a lovely time having dinner at the mall and exchanging gently used gifts from friends. We had a yummy shortbread dessert and loved our Mom's time out party. Later that week Brian and I went to a Christmas party at the Packers. It is nice to talk with friends and see the beautiful decorations and feel of the holiday joys. Next we went to Brian's work party. It was a lovely place. I loved the real candles lite on the table for a lovely dinner. It was prime rib which I haven't had before, too pink for me, but overall the conversation food, and time with Brian and others was a wonderful time. Emmy saved the day as a babysitter and I feel like we've celebrated for Christmas quite a bit already.

The shopping is pretty much done and the Christmas cards will be sent out soon, so now we focus on the Savior and trying to do good will to all men and being kind to others. I really have been thinking about Charity lately and I know the Lord loves us so much, all of us and would have us help others feel of his love. Service can be difficult, but it brings lasting joy. I love to see my children content and cozy and feeling loved. I'm sure Heavenly Father would love to see all of his children so taken care by each other. On Thursday we are having the Relief Society Progressive dinner start at our house then move to other houses in the court. We are going to carol and have a thought about Christmas, it should be great. Emmy, Celia, and Joseph are participating in the ward musical Christmas fireside next Sunday, I cant wait for that. Our children truly are a blessing and I'm so glad we have them at home to enjoy the Holiday Season together.