Let's Go!

So this Shaver Lake trip is planned a year in advance. Most of my extended family makes plans to attend, and throughout the year everyone makes necessary preparations. My parents rent a vacation home for my family, my sister's family, my still-single brother, and themselves. Every year they always say how nice it is up there and that's where they should plan to retire. It is so fun being all together! The other families all get homes on the same street. Everyone takes a turn serving dinner one night during the week. Really, I don't have to do a thing, my parents are the champions at taking it all upon themselves! Days are spent boating, swimming, wakeboarding, digging in the sand, napping, eating, laughing, whatever you want! It seems that every year has a story tied to it, some good, some not-so-good, but all of them memorable. For me, I always get carsick the last 30 minutes of the trip when we speed through the switchbacks up the mountains. I was pregnant last year and threw up in our mostly-empty ice chest. This year I'll be sure to bring a bucket so I don't mess up my new van.
And today is finally here! We're leaving this afternoon and I have so much to keep myself busy that I won't have time to count down the hours! It will be so nice to write about when I return...til then!
A few pictures of Shaver Lake Past...

Happy Birthday Daddy!

YeeHaw! Daddy is finally getting older (he's got to catch up to me)! I've heard so many stories about Chris as a baby and little boy. I've also been told the story about the day he was born-pretty quick and the doctor almost didn't make it in time! Chris' mother had had 4 babies previously, all quick deliveries...no fair, I say! Anyway, he was the baby growing up and just a perfect little angel from what I've been told. Never gave his parents any worries or grief. What a sweetheart!
These are a few pictures I pulled from his album. He normally doesn't read the blog unless I ask him, so he may never know they're here! My favorite is the saggy diaper.


Anyway, we're grateful for him and all that he does for our family. Between working full-time, school, and his EQ Presidency church calling...he always has time for us. He has been a great strength and support to me over the years, as well as my best friend. I love how much we have grown up, but I also love the moments where our immaturity kicks into gear and we can be childish (in a good way.) We're great competitors but also the best of teammates. Sometimes he drives me crazy with how much he tells me he loves me (I know, I know, ridiculous!) He puts up with me, even when he doesn't have to, and always makes me feel beautiful,even when I'm not. He's a great example of unconditional love and loyalty. I admire so many of his Christ-like qualities.


Dillan ADORES him, Leah has a laugh only for him. He's the most important person in my life and I hope to become his ultimate TrophyWife and be more deserving of him.
Happy Birthday Stinky! I love you!

Family * Food * Fireworks * Fun

We spent the 4th of July and surrounding days submerged in swimming pools and BBQs. We had a great time seeing family members and eating to our hearts' content. Dillan has finally overcome his fear of the water that has been present since May. He's finally comfortable and asks to go swimming all the time. I opted to keep him out of swim lessons because I wanted to avoid any confrontation with him. Maybe after our trip next week I'll consider it again.
The best part of the weekend was Saturday night. It was the Pechanga Indian tribe's annual Pow Wow at the casino. Saturday night they had an amazing fireworks show. We met my parents and brother at the Sports Complex just across the street. We had our picnic dinner at the soccer fields where there were hundreds of other families. Dillan dribbled up and down that field a dozen times and then we had batting practice. When all the lights went off, we cuddled up under our blankets to watch the fireworks. Dillan has always hated loud noises, so hid his face for the first few minutes. Soon, however, he found the courage to watch and has not stopped talking about it since. Leah had her eyes fixed upon the bright lights in the sky. She was still and totally mesmerized. It was great! We've decided that making memories should be our top priority in our family. Better late than never to start!

It's the little things...

The other day I discovered my kids actually playing peacefully together. Leah is getting to the age where she's a great playmate for Dillan! (More of a prop in his play, really) But they were too cute!

Dillan's 3-year-old Stats

Height: 38" Weight: 37 lbs
great vocab, listening skills

Leah's 9-month Stats
Height: 29" Weight: 22.8 lbs
still no teeth! eats everything

Drumroll Please...

drumroll....Anyway, it's true! For those of you out there who ever heard Chris talk about the one vehicle that he would NEVER own--it's finally happened (tear): We own a mini-van! These past few days have been pure joy for me.
Some of my favorite things about it: 1, wide open SPACE. 2,One does not break into a sweat as soon as they climb inside. 3, the doors slide open. 4, Dillan can climb in on his own. 5, the air-conditioning is spectacular; and 6, the gas-gauge doesn't openly mock me and make me angry.
Chris may not admit to it, but he enjoys driving it too. It's wicked smooth.
So we've joined the mini-van owners clan that is our ward, and I'm considering some family-ish stickers to be placed on the rear window like everyone else has. Fine, I'm a conformist, but I'll be different. Yes, I vow to WASH my vehicle on a weekly basis as well as a bi-weekly vacuuming. Hey, I like driving a clean car, why can't everyone else?



And voila, our 2006 Honda Odyssey EX-L. It's like manna from heaven.

99 Things You Really Should Know About Me...

that is, if you care at all. I gangked the idea from Ali and had to try it. Here they are, in no particular order:
99. I don't like sandwiches.
98. Bread gives me the hiccups, I eat it sparingly.
97. Born in 1979, graduated high school in 1997.
96. I am not a fan of Oprah and don't understand why people are so attached to her.
95. I've been biting my finger and toe nails since I was a kid.
94. My birthmark is on my left shoulder. Whenever people see it, they think it's a scar from a bad fall or something painful.
93. Chris is a big animal lover, I am not. He wants a cat and a dog. I want neither.
92. I look forward to the day where my family is "settled." By settled I mean we live in a nice home, in a nice neighborhood, where our kids can grow, a good job, etc.
91. I always thought most LDS families were as normal as mine. Then I met Chris' family. I was wrong.
90. Someday I hope to design and build my dream home. If Chris just HAS to have a pet at that time, I've got it all figured out. 99% of the house will belong to me and our kids. He will be free to visit as often as he wants. The other 1% he can use for his pets. I think 1% is extremely generous. He says, "that's not funny."
89. Although a California native, the best tan I've had in my semi-adult life was when I taught swim lessons in Orem, Utah a few years ago. That's also where I got the worst sunburn.
88. I have a love-hate relationship with Best Buy. Yes, it pays for our livelihood, of that I'm grateful. I'm very disgusted at the management staff that works with Chris. Losers. I don't know how he can stand them.
87. I look forward to the day where Chris has a "grown-up" job to match his credentials.
86. I love how patriotic our country has become since 9/11. It makes me proud to be an American.
85. I took some piano lessons as a kid from my talented Grandma. I never practiced. One of my goals is to learn the left hand so I can play and hopefully my kids will love music.
84. Why do people insist on making themselves victims? It drives me batty. Yes, there will be problems, every person on this planet has them. The true test lies in how you will react and overcome!
83. I find that I antagonize people. I guess I always have, I'm just noticing it now and trying to be better.
82. I'm a Sudoku master.
81. I've always liked musicals, but I'm not one of those musical-obsessed people. Chris starred in Oklahoma in high school. I have proof. Sometimes I'll try humming a song from the play to see if he'll break out in song and dance. Alas, no.
80. Sometimes I wonder if my mother-in-law and I had been high school peers together; would we had been friends or enemies. Hmmm.
79. Soon after I had Leah, people asked me if I'd be having more kids. Yes. My plan is that all the birthdays in our family will be equally spaced throughout the year. So far we are right on. So, if you know all our birthdays, you can figure out which months I'd like to have another child and from there figure when I plan on getting pregnant again.
78. I love water. Drinking, swimming, cleaning, it doesn't matter. There's nothing better.
77. I hate how people insist upon adding something to their clear, pure drinking water. In France they pour in flavored syrups. Some friends of ours have to add Crystal Lite. Come on people, high quality H2O is it!
76. Chris is a soda-addict. I am not. I am determined that my kids will not become addicts.
75. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for not raising me on soda and sugary juices. Yuck!
74. I love the scent of sunscreen. Any sunscreen. We have nearly 10 different varieties in our house. I love to grease-up my kids and take in their odor. It just has a fresh, sun kissed smell that is nostalgic in nature.
73. Because of my pregnancies I now have the nose of a bloodhound. It's like my superhero power.
72. I love reading. I love good books. They are hard to find.
71. Sometimes I visualize myself writing the next great break-out novel series. It could be about anything. Young orphaned wizards at magic school, why couldn't I think of that!?
70. That would be amazing to write a book while raising young kids, supporting a husband through business school, and attaining SuperMom status.
69. I really don't like perfumes. Cologne is okay (on a man) for special occasions. Try sunscreen instead.
68. There is so much of the world that I have not seen. Yet. I envy those who travel all over and have stories to tell. That's what I hope to do someday.
67. I'd love to go to culinary school. I don't know how creative I would be, but I'd love to gain more confidence in the kitchen. Chopping up food in milliseconds would be fun. Just teach me that!
66. I like smart, funny movies. Funny movies, not dumb movies.
65. But I'm not always consistent. Sometimes I'll laugh at a dumb movie. It just depends.
64. My second roommate in the dorms at BYU was named Leah. She was smart and pretty. Confident and friendly. She loved the outdoors. She told me she wanted to be a River guide and play her guitar around the campfire. I forgot about her until after I had already named my baby girl.
63. Chris and I both love John Denver. There, something we agree on. Everything up to this point has been disagreement.
62. I cannot wait for the Olympics to start!
62. Last spring I saw a documentary on China and determined that was one place I have to see. Low and behold, I find out shortly thereafter that the Olympics will be in China in 2008, the same year as our 5th wedding anniversary! I knew it was meant to be.
61. No, I will not be going to China this summer, to watch or compete.
60. If I was in China this August I would definitely watch swimming, diving, gymnastics, catch a few men's and women's soccer games, volleyball and track and field. I'd squeeze in whatever else I could.
59. In high school I played volleyball, soccer and swim team. I loved playing and staying active. Sometimes I miss being a part of a team. Sure there are adult sports leagues, I'd just want them to be serious about competition. Cuz I am.
58. My baby brother just turned 24. I think he sometimes feels pressure about getting married. Well, I say take your time. Please do not rush into any relationship just because you feel pressure from others. You've already determined some of the qualities you'd like her to have, so don't settle for anything less. Sure you'd like to marry someone like your sister, but be realistic: You are not gonna find her!
57. I took a diving class at BYU. The best class I could have taken by far. I was successful in doing so many tricks off the diving board, I felt world-class. I can still PROBABLY do some of those things today, but I'm a little less confident.
56. I'm annoyed by people who use the acronym "OCD" incorrectly. Come on, either get educated or shut it!
55. I LOVE LOVE LOVE BYU Football. Every year since Dillan was born he gets a new BYU T-Shirt that he's only allowed to wear on game days. Last year, with the birth of Leah, we continued the tradition to include her and us.
54. I have little patience when I drive. Many of the expressions I've used while driving have come back to haunt me through my son's mouth.
53. I wish we could live in those "simpler times" I hear people talk about. They sound so nice.
52. I think if I could start school over again I'd try something in the medical field. A surgeon, OB/GYN, or even a nurse would be fine.
51. Breakfast is my favorite meal. I could eat breakfast foods all day.
50. I used to be very very good at keeping a journal. I still have a lot of high school and my college years. Not that I had anything profound to write in them, but at least I have a record of those years.
49. I've never worn make-up except on my wedding day, but that was because my good friend escorted me to the make-up artist and kept me in check all day. It feels too unnatural on my skin.
48. I am not a candle person. I would never give one as a gift to someone.
47. Same with good-smelling lotions. It's such a non-personable gift to give to someone. When I receive something from Bath & Body Works I know the person had no idea what to give me. Or they just didn't care.
46. Spending more than $30 while shopping (with the exception of food) makes me ill. I hate spending money.
45. I think what I really hate is shopping. I've never liked buying clothes for myself. Although, since having a baby girl, I always seem to find something cute at the store for her.
44. I don't understand when students say "I'm not a good test-taker." It's a lame excuse! If you want to go to college and have a good career, you had better learn to study!
43. I took AP English my senior year of high school. The day of the test I ate a "Toaster Strudel" for breakfast. Not even an hour into the test I got sick and ran to the bathroom to throw it up. I was not able to finish my test and have not eaten that product since.
42. I got my best bowling score ever when I was pregnant with Dillan, 235.
41. Just before I had Dillan I had finished my teaching internship and had stopped working. Everyday I watched "The Price is Right."
40. Someday I will be on that show. I just hope I get to play a game that requires some skill and strategy and not just pure luck.
39. I hate the interactive cartoons. You know, the ones that ask a question and then pause waiting for the viewer's response. I've banned them from Dillan's viewing privileges.
38. Scary movies are terrible. I can never get images from a scary movie out of my head. Then I can never get to sleep with those images haunting me. I hated getting up in the middle of the night to take care of Dillan as a baby. I don't remember what movie I was suckered into watching, but it scared me.
37. Whenever we visit a pool I am always asked why my son isn't wearing water wings. It just goes against everything I ever stood for as a swim instructor. Water wings put kids in an upright position, not a swimming position! When you're upright you sink, you drown. Even though he can't swim on his own-YET, I won't do it!
36. I wonder if every teenage girl has the names of their future children written down in a journal. I do, but I can't find that journal and probably wouldn't like the names anyway.
35. Isn't it great to watch a movie you haven't seen since you were a kid? It's like a whole new movie because you finally understand everything that you missed when you were younger.
34. I took a guitar class. I really should have practiced more. I would love to learn to play.
33. Camping is the greatest thing for families. Every family should go camping more.
32. My first semester at BYU was Summer 97. There was a girl, I think her name was Sara, who was in my ward and my FHE group. I remember she was tiny and frail. The first week when we were all meeting one another she told us about her heart condition that she'd lived with her whole life. Maybe two weeks later her heart finally gave up and she died. I remember being confused and wondering how things like that happen when you're away at school and away from home.
31. Sure I have dreams and aspirations for my kids, even though they are extremely young. I expect them to exceed all my expectations.
30. One of my most favorite actresses is Julie Andrews. I wonder how proper I would have turned out if she had been my nanny.
29. I once killed a cactus plant. Apparently I should have ignored it more.
28. The weirdest thing I ate in France, besides the cheese, was pizza with bananas on it.
27. When I was a lifeguard I probably made a dozen saves. Nothing spectacular, mostly just little kids jumping off the diving board, only to remember they can't swim. What if I hadn't been there? Their parents sure weren't!
26. I am against kids being home schooled. Parents should be more involved in their children's schooling, but in my experience, home schooled kids end up socially inept.
25. I'd like to run a marathon someday. It would have to be in support of some important cause. I don't think I'd be motivated otherwise.
24. When Dillan was a baby we participated in two stroller-pushing walks, both in San Diego. One was to support children's literacy, the other was a walk through Legoland (I'd never been there!)
23. I'm the odd one in my family who doesn't like steak. I'm not sure why. Must be a texture thing, everything is a texture thing. The rest of my family, my sister in particular, are all steak-loving carnivores.
22. You guessed it, Chris is one too. Poor guy doesn't get much steak around these parts, I don't have a clue how to cook it the right way.
21. That also makes me a cheap-date, you don't have to worry about me ordering a $20 steak!
20. One year in elementary school, our class had an "estimation jar." It was full of candy. We all had to make our estimations. The winner got to take it home and fill it for the next time. I know I wasn't the smartest in my class, just really good at guessing, or just really lucky. I know I won that thing at least 3 times.
19. Junior High was the worst two years. My body was changing, I felt awkward, and friends changed overnight. I remember my friends being interested in boys. I probably had a few crushes, but it wasn't that important to me. I hated boys!
20. Didn't change much in High School. Still awkward, had different friends, but playing sports kept me focused. I wasn't concerned about going to dances or trying to impress boys. I could care less. Later on I had a few friends who were boys, probably because all the girls started to really change. They all wanted to grow up way too fast and leave childhood behind.
19. I like rainy days that spring up every once in a while. They're refreshing and allow us to stay indoors with a warm blanket and good movie.
18. I love the 4th of July. I love BBQs and feeling patriotic. I love how every year it is a challenge to create more elaborate fireworks than the year before. The best fireworks show I've seen was in St. Louis, MO many years ago. Last year was fun, too. We went to an area where it was still legal to light fireworks in the streets. It was so fun!
17. I want a mini-van. When Dillan was 9 months old, we set out on the search for a mini-van. Chris hates mini-vans. Great! It will be my car all to myself! Between Chris and the salesman, they convinced me to get the Durango. It's the worst gas guzzler on the planet. I can't take it anymore! Now, I'm on the search AGAIN for my mini-van.
16. I almost always research something before I buy it, especially somewhat expensive things.
15. I love online shopping. You always find good deals because prices can stay low when they're not in stores. You also find unique things that no one has ever seen before. Add that to shopping in PJs while at home, it's heaven!
14. I really don't like cake. I love sweets, especially the baked kind, but cake is not one of them. At least that's one thing I can turn down!
13. My soccer jersey was 13. It's my number. Chris gives me a hard time about it, but I don't care. I feel a great connection to that number.
12. There's just not enough drama in the world for some family members of mine. The stupid thing is that they stir it up all the time between eachother. It keeps me entertained, but drives a deep wedge of separation between everyone. Come on, grow up!
11. Chris and I can play games till we throw up. The competition can get pretty intense, but it's still too much fun to give up!
10. I wonder how long the list would be of things I should be doing right now instead of typing on the computer.
9. Before, when I only had one kid, I use to wonder why so many women would complain how they never get anything done. I had tons of time. Now, with two kids I stop wondering, but only just a little.
8. We're trying to decide when we'll take Dillan to Disneyland. His cousin, Roxy, has a lot of exposure to everything Disney, but he really doesn't. He likes Cars and Finding Nemo, and I realize there are so many more movies with cute characters and good life-lessons to be learned. What's my problem?
7. I'm proud to be a T-Shirt and Jeans kind-of-girl. Although with staying at home with my kids, it's become more like a T-Shirt and sweats.
6. Listening to Dillan sing primary songs is my favorite kind of music.
5. I like those home decorating shows with the savvy carpenter who builds furniture and spends like $3.50 on materials. I would love to build my own furniture. I'd fill my whole house! My whole dream house.
4. I love washing my car. I love the feeling of driving a clean car. When I get into someone's car who never washes it nor picks up the clutter, I feel sorry for them.
3. I am a morning person. Not a night owl. I get up early and get so much "me-time" before everyone else gets up. Heaven once again!
2. I hate shoes. I wish they were non-existent.
1. And for my finale, I'd just like to say that I appreciate all your time and patience in reading this blog and making it to the end. I always thought of myself as an easy-going person without many qualms. After writing this, I'm not so sure. Life is still good. Thank you and good night.

Sesame Street and Sea World...

...who could ask for anything more? Oh, on the way home Dillan saying, "Mom, you're my hero." Who knows where he picked that up? And, although random, it made me feel good inside. So yes, Sea World FINALLY revealed their new Bay of Play. We were all set to go to the grand opening a couple weeks ago with our "special" passes, but it was pouring rain that day and so missed out. Dillan could have spent all day at that place. He didn't care about seeing the sharks, dolphins, or penguins. He wanted to go on the Elmo rides and slide on the big slide. It was a lot of fun. I can't imagine how crowded it will be once school is out.


It started sprinking a little, so we took shelter in the carnival-type gaming area . Chris carefully evaluated each one, figuring out the odds of winning the jumbo prizes that hung overhead. He finally chose one. I'm not sure what it's called so I'll do my best to describe it. It's a bunch of PVC pipe cylinders all bunched together. Mostly white, with some other colors strategically placed. The object is to toss softball size wiffle balls into the colored pipes. Each colored pipe represented a different size prize. For $5, you can toss a bucket of balls. Chris took Dillan and stood him up on the counter so he could toss a few. They tossed and tossed. Each one went down the white pipes. No prize. We walked around a little more, but ended up in front of the game again. Chris knew he could win. He was determined. Just one more time. He started tossing, Dillan begged to join in. While my attention was turned to Leah, sleeping in the stroller, I suddenly hear the game employee cheering and give Dillan a high-five. What happened? I look and see Dillan's ball rested nicely in a blue pipe. I look at Chris. Jaw-dropped in shock and shaking his head in disbelief. No way a 3-year-old did it. But it was true. I was beaming with pride. Blue=large prize. Not the XLarge, but big enough (I'm not a stuffed-animal fan). An Elmo or Cookie Monster in pirate garb. He chose Cookie.
I tried to get Dillan to pose for a picture, but he refused-so I told him instead to give the saddest face he could. What a great day!