I've been busy and lazy, so for the last couple of weeks I have delayed uploading some recent pictures I had taken. Pics of Rori at soccer, swimming, along with some pics I took/NEED for a project I'm working on for RS... Yesterday I took a couple more pictures of Rori at swimming. And then two minutes later, my camera died. Like dead. Dead as a door nail.
And because I had the memory stick in it that is not formatted, I can only access those photos while it is in the camera, not on my card reader. And now I cannot access the camera, thus, I cannot access the photos. Great.
I am hoping I have a friend who has a camera that uses this same kind of memory stick so I can access my photos using their camera. But in the meantime, no updated pictures for my blog.
I'm also planning on buying an inexpensive point and shoot camera to replace this one. This kills me though! I had already planned on buying a digital slr in another year or so. I am planning on taking photography classes when Rori starts kindergarten next year and I planned on getting a new camera either around then or as soon as we could afford it after the WDW vacation. I wish we could just buy the digital slr now. But I don't want to spend that much money when our vacation is already in jeapardy. :S
We are planning on getting a new camcorder (in leiu of Ryan and I exchanging anniversary and Christmas gifts) and I could postpone that one instead, but I think I'd rather have the new camcorder before the digital slr.
Why, oh why, couldn't my camera have waited just one more year to die? Bummer. Huh. I guess I wish that the camera had been the procrastinator, not me! ;)
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Overwhelmed
My blog has been neglected. I want to blog. I even have blog material (photos). I just have been busy, or tired, or just plain lazy. ;)
I need to get out of that rut! So, here's a little update:
Rori is loving her swimming, dance, gymnastics, and soccer. This girl is busy right now! I never intended to have her in so many things at one time, I think it's overkill. But somehow this is how it is for at least a few more weeks. We've been having her tested/evaluated for speech and language delays. She definitely has some, we are now just determining to what extent and if it's enough to warrant having her in some sort of preschool/therapy now instead of waiting until she's in Kindergarten next year. When the evaluating is complete, it may change some of the activities she is currently involved in, which is why, for now, I'm just letting her do it all.
Cadi is doing well in school - Straight A's so far. Infact, she has gotten 100% on everything she has done or turned in so far, except for missing one question on a quiz that was about class rules - not even about the class subject. I'd say that's pretty good. As the school year progresses, the subjects will become tougher, but for now, she's doing great! She is enjoying violin and piano and yesterday I caught her mimicking violin moves while we sang church hymns (she was silently playing along with the song), I used to do that too, just with an invisible piano. :)
Ryan and some friends worked on the deck this week. The entire rail is up now, and we only have the top board to put around the uncovered section now. I'm hoping to reseal the deck this week and for that top board to get put up within this week, as well. Then Ryan plans to pull down the current awning and replace it. I just hope that it all goes as planned and that we aren't left with an uncovered deck all winter. It would not be the first time. ;)
There isn't much update on me, though. I just run people to places they need to be, help with whatever project people need an extra hand with, keep up with laundry, dishes, cooking, etc. lol Notice, I didn't say I've kept up with all the cleaning. LOL I need to find time to get to the gym... with all of Rori's activities, it has been a real challenge. It's discouraging. :S
But for the most part, things are going well here! We don't really have anything to complain about. We're blessed. And even when things don't go the way we hope/plan, we cannot deny that we are still very fortunate in so many areas in our lives. :)
I need to get out of that rut! So, here's a little update:
Rori is loving her swimming, dance, gymnastics, and soccer. This girl is busy right now! I never intended to have her in so many things at one time, I think it's overkill. But somehow this is how it is for at least a few more weeks. We've been having her tested/evaluated for speech and language delays. She definitely has some, we are now just determining to what extent and if it's enough to warrant having her in some sort of preschool/therapy now instead of waiting until she's in Kindergarten next year. When the evaluating is complete, it may change some of the activities she is currently involved in, which is why, for now, I'm just letting her do it all.
Cadi is doing well in school - Straight A's so far. Infact, she has gotten 100% on everything she has done or turned in so far, except for missing one question on a quiz that was about class rules - not even about the class subject. I'd say that's pretty good. As the school year progresses, the subjects will become tougher, but for now, she's doing great! She is enjoying violin and piano and yesterday I caught her mimicking violin moves while we sang church hymns (she was silently playing along with the song), I used to do that too, just with an invisible piano. :)
Ryan and some friends worked on the deck this week. The entire rail is up now, and we only have the top board to put around the uncovered section now. I'm hoping to reseal the deck this week and for that top board to get put up within this week, as well. Then Ryan plans to pull down the current awning and replace it. I just hope that it all goes as planned and that we aren't left with an uncovered deck all winter. It would not be the first time. ;)
There isn't much update on me, though. I just run people to places they need to be, help with whatever project people need an extra hand with, keep up with laundry, dishes, cooking, etc. lol Notice, I didn't say I've kept up with all the cleaning. LOL I need to find time to get to the gym... with all of Rori's activities, it has been a real challenge. It's discouraging. :S
But for the most part, things are going well here! We don't really have anything to complain about. We're blessed. And even when things don't go the way we hope/plan, we cannot deny that we are still very fortunate in so many areas in our lives. :)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
"When you're older, MUCH older." ~ Charlie Swan
Today Cadi began talking to me about weddings. First, she told me about a crazy dream she had where she was standing at the alter, getting married, and just as she was about to say "I do", she barfed and it was rubbery, so it bounced off the floor and hit her dressed-in-white-soon-to-be-husband. The barf was "blue, red, brown, and yellowy-green... with a dash of orange."
This "wedding dream" discussion led to other wedding type thoughts and discussions. She announced that she could marry someone 6 years older than her. I wondered where that came from and she told me that one of her teacher's parents are 6 years apart.
Then she asked, "How old is Taylor Lautner???"
He is 18; seven years older than she is. She thinks that's close enough. lol
This "wedding dream" discussion led to other wedding type thoughts and discussions. She announced that she could marry someone 6 years older than her. I wondered where that came from and she told me that one of her teacher's parents are 6 years apart.
Then she asked, "How old is Taylor Lautner???"
He is 18; seven years older than she is. She thinks that's close enough. lol
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Photo Catch Up
I've been taking pictures but just not posting them. So now I'll need to play a little "catch-up".
Rori has been LOVING her gymnastics class! She asks me several times a week if it's a gymnastics day. I've taken a few more pictures but it's really hard to get decent ones with the lighting in that building.
This first collage is just her fooling around before class starts...
This next one is from the next week when I tried to get pics of her during classtime.
In addition to gymnastics, Rori is trying out soccer. A friend of mine is organizing a really informal preschool soccer team. It's just one hour every week - and free! (We do have to pay $5 for a t-shirt, but that's more than reasonable.) So, we're giving it a go! She had lots of fun playing ball with some of her friends! When I told her we were going to go play ball, she insisted on wearing her "Go Pats!" shirt... Atta girl, Rori!!! lol
Finally, one day last week, Acadia asked me to put curlers in her hair before bed. So naturally, Aurora wanted me to put some in hers, too. The next morning she was adorable in her curls! Everywhere she went, people commented on how cute her hair was. Since it was her first time getting her hair curled, I made sure to take pics, though they aren't the best pics of her...
Rori has been LOVING her gymnastics class! She asks me several times a week if it's a gymnastics day. I've taken a few more pictures but it's really hard to get decent ones with the lighting in that building.
This first collage is just her fooling around before class starts...
This next one is from the next week when I tried to get pics of her during classtime.
In addition to gymnastics, Rori is trying out soccer. A friend of mine is organizing a really informal preschool soccer team. It's just one hour every week - and free! (We do have to pay $5 for a t-shirt, but that's more than reasonable.) So, we're giving it a go! She had lots of fun playing ball with some of her friends! When I told her we were going to go play ball, she insisted on wearing her "Go Pats!" shirt... Atta girl, Rori!!! lol
Finally, one day last week, Acadia asked me to put curlers in her hair before bed. So naturally, Aurora wanted me to put some in hers, too. The next morning she was adorable in her curls! Everywhere she went, people commented on how cute her hair was. Since it was her first time getting her hair curled, I made sure to take pics, though they aren't the best pics of her...
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Day of Service
Reported by The Associated Press
September 10, 2010
President Barack Obama is asking the country to observe the Sept. 11 anniversary as a day of "service and remembrance." He says Americans should find a way to serve their fellow citizens and rekindle the spirit of unity and common purpose felt in the wake of the 2001 terror attacks.
Obama spoke at a White House news conference Friday, a day ahead of the ninth anniversary of the attacks.
He said Saturday will be a day to commemorate not only heartbreak, but also the "enduring values and resilient spirit" of America.
Our "Day of Service" began a few weeks ago as our Stake organized humanitarian efforts to be carried out today. We collected and donated non perishable food, toiletries, and money to be used for new paint for Open House Ministries, a fantastic shelter here in Vancouver that helps families by not only providing them a home, but helping them find work and get on their feet so they can move on to their own home. A few representatives from our church took the donated items/money to Open House Ministries today.
Today, our "Day of Service" began by my family allowing me to SLEEP IN!!! I didn't wake up until after 9am!!! It was wonderful!!! Then, Ryan made us all breakfast. I felt spoiled. :)
This afternoon, though, I baked 6 loaves of zucchini bread, made with zucchini fresh out of my garden, and took five of the loaves over to our neighbors. (We did keep one loaf - how could we handle the delish smell and not keep ANY for ourselves??? lol) Two of the neighbors are relatively new and I hadn't met yet, so it was a great way to introduce our family.
The rest of the day will be pretty much your typical Saturday. Do some housecleaning, have family time, get ready for Sunday. I think we've started it off pretty nice, though. :)
September 10, 2010
President Barack Obama is asking the country to observe the Sept. 11 anniversary as a day of "service and remembrance." He says Americans should find a way to serve their fellow citizens and rekindle the spirit of unity and common purpose felt in the wake of the 2001 terror attacks.
Obama spoke at a White House news conference Friday, a day ahead of the ninth anniversary of the attacks.
He said Saturday will be a day to commemorate not only heartbreak, but also the "enduring values and resilient spirit" of America.
Our "Day of Service" began a few weeks ago as our Stake organized humanitarian efforts to be carried out today. We collected and donated non perishable food, toiletries, and money to be used for new paint for Open House Ministries, a fantastic shelter here in Vancouver that helps families by not only providing them a home, but helping them find work and get on their feet so they can move on to their own home. A few representatives from our church took the donated items/money to Open House Ministries today.
Today, our "Day of Service" began by my family allowing me to SLEEP IN!!! I didn't wake up until after 9am!!! It was wonderful!!! Then, Ryan made us all breakfast. I felt spoiled. :)
This afternoon, though, I baked 6 loaves of zucchini bread, made with zucchini fresh out of my garden, and took five of the loaves over to our neighbors. (We did keep one loaf - how could we handle the delish smell and not keep ANY for ourselves??? lol) Two of the neighbors are relatively new and I hadn't met yet, so it was a great way to introduce our family.
The rest of the day will be pretty much your typical Saturday. Do some housecleaning, have family time, get ready for Sunday. I think we've started it off pretty nice, though. :)
Remember
President Spencer W. Kimball said that perhaps the most important word is "remember".
I don't think any of us can forget. And I hope we never do. I hope we always remember how united we became, how we stood together and were strong. We have forgotten some of that, to some degree, so I'm glad we take time to remember on this day.
(Turn up your volume, the sound quality isn't that great.)
I remember how it felt to see the plane hit the second tower and to realize that this was no accident. I remember how I sank to my knees in shock. I remember praying with my family for all of the people on the planes and in the towers.
Then the Pentagon was attacked. And I remember wondering where else they might hit? Planes were grounded. One was missing. And then we learned about United Airlines Flight 93's heroic acts which prevented even more devastation. Those brave men and women fought to save others' lives, knowing that they would not survive themselves.
I remember all of the flags - everywhere! So many people wanting to give blood. I remember our landlord (a firefighter) going down to NYC (we lived in Massachusetts at the time) to help. I remember the brotherhood he felt for his fellow firefighters in NYC.
I remember understanding that things would change in our world because of this attack. Realizing that travel would change, security would change, and realizing that someday that would feel normal.
I remember the support we received from around the world. The tributes, the signs, the candles. I remember one sign that said, "Today we are all Americans."
I remember loving my country and being proud of what she stands for. Even knowing that this made us a target, I felt grateful that we stood for something so good and right and true that no attack, no terrorist, could change that. I remember the intense determination that we all felt to prove that we would overcome and emerge an even stronger nation.
I don't like looking at the images, reliving those moments, thinking about the suffering of those who were there and experiencing it all. I don't like hearing the stories of people who have lost their loved ones and are left behind, their lives changed forever. I don't like thinking about how a group of people could commit such horrible acts in the name of religion.
But I pray I never forget.
I don't think any of us can forget. And I hope we never do. I hope we always remember how united we became, how we stood together and were strong. We have forgotten some of that, to some degree, so I'm glad we take time to remember on this day.
(Turn up your volume, the sound quality isn't that great.)
I remember how it felt to see the plane hit the second tower and to realize that this was no accident. I remember how I sank to my knees in shock. I remember praying with my family for all of the people on the planes and in the towers.
Then the Pentagon was attacked. And I remember wondering where else they might hit? Planes were grounded. One was missing. And then we learned about United Airlines Flight 93's heroic acts which prevented even more devastation. Those brave men and women fought to save others' lives, knowing that they would not survive themselves.
I remember all of the flags - everywhere! So many people wanting to give blood. I remember our landlord (a firefighter) going down to NYC (we lived in Massachusetts at the time) to help. I remember the brotherhood he felt for his fellow firefighters in NYC.
I remember understanding that things would change in our world because of this attack. Realizing that travel would change, security would change, and realizing that someday that would feel normal.
I remember the support we received from around the world. The tributes, the signs, the candles. I remember one sign that said, "Today we are all Americans."
I remember loving my country and being proud of what she stands for. Even knowing that this made us a target, I felt grateful that we stood for something so good and right and true that no attack, no terrorist, could change that. I remember the intense determination that we all felt to prove that we would overcome and emerge an even stronger nation.
I don't like looking at the images, reliving those moments, thinking about the suffering of those who were there and experiencing it all. I don't like hearing the stories of people who have lost their loved ones and are left behind, their lives changed forever. I don't like thinking about how a group of people could commit such horrible acts in the name of religion.
But I pray I never forget.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Mi Madre
Today is my mom's birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! :)
Obviously, my mom has had a great influence in my life. I often reflect on the counsel/advice she gave me and the example she set while I was growing up. She probably doesn't even realize that I was listening or paying attention at all. lol
Things I learned from my mom:
•How to be a good friend. That it's more important to just listen than to probe and ask questions. That it's important to be trustworthy and honest with them.
•Not to be so dramatic. It may have taken me awhile to apply it, but I remember my mom counseling me a few times that things don't have to be so "black and white", that I didn't need to get so worked up about things, that I could look at other points of view and find compromises and silver linings.
•To love the scriptures. I remember my mom waking us up early in the morning to read scriptures together as a family. I also remember watching my mom have personal scripture study. She may not think she was consistent enough, but I saw her consistently strive to be committed to studying regularly, and that's what I remember.
•To create opportunities for my kids to learn and grow. My mom is hard on herself about this but doesn't realize just how much she really did for us. My parents made sure we got in to the best elementary school around and volunteered there often to be involved in our education. My mom took us to swimming lessons everyday of summer and to the library almost as often. She wasn't able to provide music/dance lessons for all of us, but she did act on every opportunity she could find for us. I was fortunate and did get piano lessons and that was a huge blessing for me.
•To appreciate nature. My mom LOVES all things nature. Animals, trees, mountains, rivers, oceans, flowers... you name it, she loves it. We went on nature hikes, to wildlife preserves, to animal parks, etc. Some of it was boring at the time, but I knew my mom loved it. Now I love those things, too.
•To budget, save, and spend carefully. My family never had much money so my mom had to be very careful on how she spent her money. I hated that we had to shop at thrift stores and I remember being embarrassed of how my mom would pull out her envelopes to pay for things... and now I do the exact same things!
•To work hard for something that is important to you. For years, my mom took us kids around the neighborhood collecting newspapers and cans every week to turn in to the recycling center for cash. We would save the money and use it for the one splurge our family loved most - our annual passes to Marine World Africa USA. No one liked collecting papers, but we all loved going to Marine World. All the work to earn the money was worth it.
•To think of others' needs. Even though we didn't have much, my mom always wanted us to try to give to others. I remember we would read through the newspaper during the holiday season where they would publish a list of people's wishes. Most of the cases were people who had gone through very trying experiences. We would each select which wish we wanted to help come true and we would work to collect/earn money to donate for that wish.
•To serve the Lord. My mom had a testimony and I knew it. She always wanted to do her best to serve the Lord, wherever He needed her. She served in auxillary presidencies, in scouting, as a teacher, etc. Even when the calling was something she didn't feel comfortable with at all, she still accepted it and did her best to fulfill it.
The list could go on and on... I'm grateful to have my mom as my mother. I am grateful for all of the life lessons she has taught (and continues to teach) me. We love you, Mom! Have a Happy Birthday!!!
Obviously, my mom has had a great influence in my life. I often reflect on the counsel/advice she gave me and the example she set while I was growing up. She probably doesn't even realize that I was listening or paying attention at all. lol
Things I learned from my mom:
•How to be a good friend. That it's more important to just listen than to probe and ask questions. That it's important to be trustworthy and honest with them.
•Not to be so dramatic. It may have taken me awhile to apply it, but I remember my mom counseling me a few times that things don't have to be so "black and white", that I didn't need to get so worked up about things, that I could look at other points of view and find compromises and silver linings.
•To love the scriptures. I remember my mom waking us up early in the morning to read scriptures together as a family. I also remember watching my mom have personal scripture study. She may not think she was consistent enough, but I saw her consistently strive to be committed to studying regularly, and that's what I remember.
•To create opportunities for my kids to learn and grow. My mom is hard on herself about this but doesn't realize just how much she really did for us. My parents made sure we got in to the best elementary school around and volunteered there often to be involved in our education. My mom took us to swimming lessons everyday of summer and to the library almost as often. She wasn't able to provide music/dance lessons for all of us, but she did act on every opportunity she could find for us. I was fortunate and did get piano lessons and that was a huge blessing for me.
•To appreciate nature. My mom LOVES all things nature. Animals, trees, mountains, rivers, oceans, flowers... you name it, she loves it. We went on nature hikes, to wildlife preserves, to animal parks, etc. Some of it was boring at the time, but I knew my mom loved it. Now I love those things, too.
•To budget, save, and spend carefully. My family never had much money so my mom had to be very careful on how she spent her money. I hated that we had to shop at thrift stores and I remember being embarrassed of how my mom would pull out her envelopes to pay for things... and now I do the exact same things!
•To work hard for something that is important to you. For years, my mom took us kids around the neighborhood collecting newspapers and cans every week to turn in to the recycling center for cash. We would save the money and use it for the one splurge our family loved most - our annual passes to Marine World Africa USA. No one liked collecting papers, but we all loved going to Marine World. All the work to earn the money was worth it.
•To think of others' needs. Even though we didn't have much, my mom always wanted us to try to give to others. I remember we would read through the newspaper during the holiday season where they would publish a list of people's wishes. Most of the cases were people who had gone through very trying experiences. We would each select which wish we wanted to help come true and we would work to collect/earn money to donate for that wish.
•To serve the Lord. My mom had a testimony and I knew it. She always wanted to do her best to serve the Lord, wherever He needed her. She served in auxillary presidencies, in scouting, as a teacher, etc. Even when the calling was something she didn't feel comfortable with at all, she still accepted it and did her best to fulfill it.
The list could go on and on... I'm grateful to have my mom as my mother. I am grateful for all of the life lessons she has taught (and continues to teach) me. We love you, Mom! Have a Happy Birthday!!!
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