Our Little Getaway

I had never been to Monterey so it was a real treat when Brian suggested we go there and bring Spence along overnight! Spencer always stays home even on date nights with the kids so this was a real treat for him. He loved everything about it. The car rides, the ocean the sensory of feeling the sand and sea. He also loved the view of seals while eating dinner with a view and going to the private beach attached to our hotel. the first day was so nice seeing cannery row, checking in, relaxing at the beach and spending time together. I couldn't believe how clear the water was and how beautiful everything was. I'm so glad we got to go. Spencer was so happy we worried he would sleep that night, but he did a great job, so well behaved and such a trooper.

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.