Paybacks?

Ava. I often wonder about this girl. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE her to pieces. And so does pretty much everyone who knows her. I just haven't been able to figure her out. Although today, I do think that I had a major breakthrough.

I went to Fred Meyer. I was doing a little shopping, and my darling girls were of course out of control. It just so happens that in the very same isle as me, was my high school chemistry teacher. This may come as a shock to some of you, but I was very disrespectful to this teacher. I have gotten better over the years (so I think), but I tend to be a little sassy, and unfortunately, this teacher got the brunt of it because . . . . well . . . . . . I didn't like her. (That was back when I only wanted to have the cool teachers who only wanted to be your friend and weren't really interested in teaching. They just wanted high schoolers to think they were cool, because they obviuosly didn't have enough friends their own age). This teacher wasn't like that. She honestly tried to teach, and I would have not part of it. She was also a really nice person. I am so ashamed.

Anyway, back to my story. So I see her in the same isle, and like I said, my kids . . . . . out of control. Mostly Ava, because that is just her nature. I did not want her to see me for a couple of reasons. 1. I was so embarrassed of the way I had acted back in the day. 2. I didn't want her to see my Ava being so disrespectful to me and have her think in her head "hmmmmmm, Libbie totally deserves a kid like her after all the crap she put me through."

I successfully avoided her. But it really got me thinking. Why is it that I have such a hard time with Ava? Edyn and me get along great. Lila is a peach so far, except for the stunt she pulled the first six months of her life with the whole colic/not sleeping thing. But Ava. . . . . we butt heads like no other. Since I am such a genius, it has taken me this long to figure out why. WE ARE JUST LIKE EACHOTHER. Seriously. There are just so many similarities.

1. Ava is sassy. I am sassy.
2. Ava is bossy. I am bossy.
3. Ava is stubborn. I am stubborn.
4. Ava has blue eyes. I have blue eyes. ("Mom, our eyes match.")
5. Ava tells me I am mean all the time. I call Damon a jerk all the time.
6. Ava has been peeing her pants lately even though she has been potty trained for 2 years, because she is too lazy to get up and go to the bathroom. I pee my pants when I cough or laugh too hard, jump on the trampoline, or while attempting aerobics.
7. Ava is always feeding her face. I am always feeding my face.
8. Ava has never been really cuddly or affectionate. I have never been cuddly or affectionate.
9. Ava is impatient. I am impatient.
10. Ava will not take no for an answer. I will not take no for an answer.
11. Ava has her own agenda. I have my own agenda.
12. Ava hates going to bed. I hate going to bed.
13. Ava is crazy when she is tired. I am crazy when I am tired (and most other times too).
14. Ava likes to yell. I like to yell at Ava.

OH. MY. GOSH. The list goes on and on. Is no wonder we butt heads. I have never been a big book reader on how to raise kids. Not because I don't think they don't offer valuable information. I just think that every kid is different, and there are so many methods out there. Some things work for some people, and other methods work for other people. Its just too overwhelming. What I want, is for someone else to read the books and tell me what would work best for me in this situation. Anyone interested? I will totally pay you.

Since I am sure no one will volunteer for that one, I think I am definitely going to be reading up on how to do better with this baby o' mine. But until I can fit it in my busy schedule, I will show her all the love I can, because after all, she is pretty adorable.

Yes, that is a BeDazzler in the background.

Thanksgiving Festivities

I have a small confession. I have been playing on facebook lately, and just haven't even had the desire to blog. How can I be such a traitor? I don't know, I just can. But I vow to repent of my ways and keep up on this blog thing, because after all, it is my journal. (Another thing I haven't been keeping up on for the last . . . . well . . . . . 6 years).

We have been keeping very busy as usual. And now that the Holiday Season is here, the festivities have begun. I LOVE everything about this time of year, even the cold.

A couple of weekends ago we headed down to Nampa to see my OLDEST (hee hee), yet VERY SEXY sister! Of course we had a blast. We were introduced to my new favorite game, called Ticket to Ride. Check it out. I bet you will like it.

Another highlight of the weekend was that we got to see some very good friends we went to BYUH with. Oh man . . . . we had some good times back then at old Temple View Apartments, and galavanting all over Oahu. It was so good to see you guys! And Damon is now officially a Boise State fan. He even has the shirt to prove it.


We kicked off Thanksgiving with Taco Wednesday the night before. I think that this will be our new tradition. So much fun. We had tacos of course and had these friends, and these friends over to play games. I of course talked a lot about how bad I was going to demolish everyone, but as it turns out I ended up getting schooled. Dang. You're going DOWN next time El Donaldo!

I also came up with the most genius idea. I don't know why I have never thought of it before. Probably because I am not a genius. I got beads for the girls to play with (from Walmart of course) and make necklaces while us parents played games. It kept them busy for such a long time that we actually got to play without them bothering us! From here on out, I will be buying a crafts like that and setting up a craft table whenever we have friends over.

Thanksgiving was . . . . well, lets just say I have had better. Don't get me wrong. I had a good time, but the dinner was actually a complete disaster. And it was my fault. Now, I don't mean to break my arm patting my own self on the back, but I can cook a mean turkey. I have done it many times, but for some reason this year was not my year to shine. I put the thing in the oven at 9:30. Then I went about my day, doing this and that getting ready for the meal I was to host. I should have known things were gonna get ugly when I broke my fancy (and when I say fancy, I mean its glass and not plastic) glass from Walmart. Well shoot. I was going to actually use those for dinner. And since I was going to have 7 Adults, no big deal. I still had 7 fancy glasses to use. I would just go and buy another one at a later date.

I continue to prepare the meal. Damon is helping. He peels the potatos and we get everything ready. He goes to wash some of the dishes, and what do you know? He breaks a fancy glass! DANGIT. Now I am down to 6. This really puts a damper on my place settings, which you should know by now, ususally consist of paper plates and cups, but after all it was THANKSGIVING and I was trying to glam it up a bit. Oh well. I guess we will use the plastic cups.

By now the turkey has been cooking for 5 hours, Just the right amount of time. We take it out of the oven. Everything else is cooked and ready. Damon goes to carve it. Guess what? NOT DONE. WHAT THE HECK. So I cover everything else to try to keep it warm and we put the turkey back in the oven. Everyone is sitting around watching TV and I am sure starving. I know I was.

While the turkey cooked for a whole EXTRA HOUR, I decided to make a lemon blueberry trifle in my fancy new trifle bowl from pampered chef. If one thing turned out good it was definitely this. DELICIOUS! But of course I forgot to take picture cause I was so flustered. After I make my trifle, I decide to do some dishes. And guess what? I broke my FREAKING 9x13 glass pan all over the place. (yes, i said "freaking", deal with it)! This is when I just about lost it. Just ask Damon's mom. She was sitting right there when I started uttering profanities. I may have made her a little nervous. Sorry Sharon. I clean up broken glass for the third time. I am tired of getting glass shards in my bare feet, (its is starting to hurt), and I'm thinking that plastic is the ONLY way to go for me.

We take the turkey out, and what do you know. . . . STILL NOT DONE. I mean COME ON. So we just carved the blasted thing and put it back in the oven for a few minutes and an HOUR AN A HALF after our actual start time has passed, we finally sit down to eat some hot turkey, yet COLD everything else. Better luck next time Libbie. I have already decided we are having tacos for Christmas. I am so DONE with turkey and glass for the time being.

After dinner, the rest of my family came over for dessert. Of course Edyn and Uncle Tyson were the entertainment. Edyn is always wanting to have "Dance Offs" with people, and Tyson has the sweetest moves of all of us so he gets to be the lucky one to compete with the 5 year old! Its just unfortunate when he dances better than Edyn. She is not very happy about that. If you ever have a dance off with her, make sure she wins. She is a sore loser. (Mariah, I WISH SO BAD I would have taken some pictures of you in your dance off. You gotta come over again so we can reenact that one. HILARIOUS)!

After the dance off, more friends and more games. Fun stuff. Now I am not usually much of a game girl, but I think I am starting to like it, even though I lose all the time.

I can't even remember what I did the Friday after Thanksgiving. I can tell you what I DID NOT do though. SHOP. I would rather pay more than wake up early and deal with all sorts of people, who I would just end up kicking or pushing out of my way because I can't handle crowds like that. (YES, I am a feisty broad)! I would rather go later and keep what little sanity I do have left.

Saturday. I TOTALLY remember what I did this day. One of my favorite things. I took my little guy Walter out for some target practice. He loves me and I love him. I have a hunch that he is gonna get a little friend for Christmas. So excited about that one. Thanks to Meeeyatch and Nan for taking us out to Pasco and for the good times. This will DEFINITELY have to happen more frequently.

After a long night of work Saturday night, Thanksgiving weekend was a wrap. Now, Christmas time! The most WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!!!

Some Very Important Stuff

1. I ask myself every day, Why did I ever tell my kids they couldn't say "butt?"
Seriously. All it does is cause me grief. Why? Oh, because I say butt, and so do so many other kids and adults that I know. And every time I, or anyone else, get caught saying it (even if it is an innocent "but", I (or anyone else) get yelled at by my darlings, "MOM YOU SAID THE B-WORD!"

So, I have decided that I might just tell them that they can say it all they want. You know, use the reverse psychology thing. I'll let them get it out of their system, and then maybe after a couple of days, they won't make such a big deal of it and my life will be so much better all because of one stupid word.

Also, the word "freaking." Really. Can I get mad at them for saying it, when I also say it, and so many other people say it. Tonight Ava called her cousin a "freaking boy head." I laughed right out loud, because it was funny, but (oooooohhhhh I wrote the b-word) it really hits home when I hear my kids say these words that I say that are so not classy.

I think I can handle my kids saying "butt." "Freaking," however is not gonna fly. Dang. This means I am going to have to clean up my act. If anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to help a girl out here!

2. I just couldn't wait any longer. We put up our Christmas tree tonight. These pictures don't do it justice, because it is soooo pretty. For the last few years I have done a silver and gold tree. But this year I decided to spice it up a little and add red. I do need to go to the neighbors (Walmart) and get some more red ornaments though. Christmas time makes me so happy! My goal this holiday season, besides the giving part of course, is to not eat myself sick for the next month and a half.

The dude in the pink pajamas is Evan a.k.a. "freaking boy head." We had a sleepover, and I have all girls . . . you do the math. Hopefully he will turn out okay in spite of being dressed as a girl every time he comes over!

Halloween

We don't usually get too into Halloween, mostly because we are always working that night . . . but this year we happened to have it off, so we managed to get to the Trunk of Treat at church, and then to Meeeeyatch and Nancie's party with some friends. My sister and I slaved away the night before, making the most spectacular costumes for me and Flamers. And I am just thrilled that they turned out so good, and that my little Tinkerbell was so entertaining the whole night! I was so proud! Oh . . . and guess who won the costume contest . . . Yep. Tinkerbell, or should I call him "Tinkerbeau." Of course he was campaigning for votes. Tis the season!




After the party, we of course headed over for a photo shoot. Its not often that Damon looks this good, so we had to document it.

(Nice face Peter Pan. It looks like you are flying with a giant stick up your bum)!

Lots of Stuff

A Sprinkle

Last weekend, I flew to Denver (thank you so much Denise) to surprise my Erika for her Sprinkle. What is a Sprinkle? Its a very light baby shower . . . . . Let me just tell you . . . . AMAZING. Erika's mom Denise is the ULTIMATE party thrower. I of course had to take pictures, because the parties I throw include paper plates and plastic cups, so I continue to be completely amazed at the functions that these Hammond Ladies throw. And once again, I had to ask which fork I was supposed to use! I swear, every time I go to Denver, I come back a little more refined! This trip I was also reminded how glad I am to not be pregnant. Sorry Erika! Only about 5 more weeks to go. Hang in there!

BTW, I took Lila with me cause she is "still on the tit." (Please tell me you have seen Sweet Home Alabama . . . "you have a baby . . . . in a bar . . . . ") I was so worried about the plane ride. Lila has not been the easiest baby I have had. The way there, she was perfect. The way home, NOT SO MUCH. Lets just say that she screamed the first hour and a half of a two hour plane ride. (a mixture of being tired, constipated, teething, the air pressure) I counted how many people were on the plane, because I needed to know exactly how many people hated my guts. 104, Oh, except for the two who were actually nice to me and offered me help. The other 102 people graced me with glares and looks of disgust. I can't tell you how many times I mouthed the words "I am so sorry," to complete strangers who wanted to kill me and my baby. After about 10 minutes in the air, I was completely pitting out, because I was a nervous wreck, I decided that I would just camp out in the bathroom, seeing as how I was in the very back row, this made if very convenient for me to duck in and out when other people actually needed to use it (you know I am completely desperate if I am camping out in a germ filled bathroom). I finally got her to sleep. Luckily the dirty looks stopped after that.

NOTE TO SELF: WEAN LILA, AND LEAVE HER HOME NEXT TIME.

Two Nibbles
I was at work the other night, and Damon was with the girls. This little cutie was over playing with Edyn. This is the conversation Damon told me they had.

J: Wow! Look at Lila's teeth. She has two!!

E: Yeah, She does, and they are VERY sharp. I know this because she bites my mom's nibbles.

J: What are nibbles? OOOOHHHHHH....... I know . . . . .they are those two things that poke out from my mom's (whispering the next word so Damon wouldn't hear) boobs.

I could not stop laughing. And then, as I was talking to J's mom about this, she told me that our two little girls actually call theirs "niblets" because they are much smaller than their moms.
(Sorry, no pictures on this one. This is not that kind of blog!)

PHANTOM
We went last night. A bunch of us. I went in high school, and apparently I forgot the story, cause I was clueless for much of the performance . . . or maybe I was just really tired. Probably BOTH! I was wishing Erika was sitting right beside me so she could have given me the play by play. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the music and a night out with some awesome ladies.


A Sad Goodbye
The good news is that Uncle Phil came from New Zealand last Tuesday. The bad news is this means Tanisha is going home with him tomorrow (Monday). BUMMER. I just love them and New Zealand is just so far away. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will move back to the USA sometime in the next few years. We had a little dinner at my house tonight to say goodbye. I totally used paper plates and cups!

Nice harry "NIBBLE" Tione . . . .

CELINE DION FANATICS
Its no secret that I am a die hard Celine Dion fan. And I am not even a fifty year old lady . . . YET! Seriously. I once sat and watched the DVD of her "New Day" show (which I was lucky enough to get to see in Vegas) for approximately 8 hours one day. All the behind the scenes, EVERYTHING. Since then, I have watched it several more times. It SO GOOD!

So it shouldn't surprise you then, that my girls are also Celine Dion fans . . . . as they have no choice but to be (they call her Celine Dionce . . . pronounced like "Beyonce"). Damon's mom got me her new album "Taking Chances" last Christmas, and its one of our all time favorites.
The other night, Uncle Tyson and Auntie Tsveti were over and Ava gave them a Celine Dionce Concert. Enjoy!

Apparently she DID NOT inherit my stage fright!

Thirty One

Today was the day. Damon turned the big 3-1. We went on a hot date, at the shooting range of course (Damon is an great shooter. That guy on the target didn't stand a chance), and then on to Famous Dave's. YUMMY! Afterwords, we had the party of the century, complete with Ernie hats and the babysitters. When it comes to parties, we obviously don't mess around.

I love this man for so many reasons. Below are just thirty one of them.



1. He is sooooo handsome.

2. He loves me . . . unconditionally, and let me tell you, I have not always made life easy for him. I can be irrational, crazy, dramatic, scary, and many times a plain BEEEEYATCH for a wife, but for some reason, he just continues to adore me. I know. I am sooooooo lucky.

3. He is loyal . . . .he loves the Miami Dolphins . . . . . . unconditionally . . . . . even when they suck, which is A LOT.

4. He loves his precious baby girls . . . . unconditionally.

5. He gets up many nights with our babies, and he has never once complained about it.

6. He changes diapers, cleans up barf and poop, does dishes, folds laundry, and has never once complained about that either.

7. He is a hard worker. He puts in TONS of hours, often with little or no sleep. He runs his studio well and his employees and clients love him.

8 . He is so artistic. He is an AMAZING Photographer, and is working on getting his masters in photography right now. I have shown you some of the pictures he has taken of our kids, but you would absolutely die if I could post everything he does. I am completely blown away with the things he comes up with. He is constantly learning more and getting even better than he already is.

9 . He teaches me sweet tricks in Photo Shop.

10. He is very competitive. This comes in handy when we enter Biggest Loser competitions . . . . well, except for the last one . . . .DANG!

11. He is romantic. I often times joke around that I am the boy in the relationship and he is the girl. I am so UNromantic. He is the one who wants the candle light dinners, walks under the moonlight, getaway weekends, etc.

12. He never gives me a hard time for the amount of time I spend with my friends. He never complains about having to stay home with the kids when I take "girls weekends" or "girls nights." He knows when I need breaks, and is so willing to let me have them.

13. He is patient. Like I said, he has to put up with a lot from me . . . . but also others. I rarely see him lose it.

14. He loves his mom.

15. You might be surprised, but he can pull off a killer English accent, as well as Southern. I never knew he had it in him . . . . sooooooo funny!

16. You would be very surprised with his acting skills. He did have a role in the BYUH campus movie. If you are lucky, you might get to see it someday!

17. He speaks only Spanish to our kids . . . . they are pretty much bilingual because of this.

18. He has a testimony of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

19. He loves the Gospel, and obeys the commandments.

20. He reads scriptures with our kids, and makes sure we have family prayer every morning and night. I find this extremely SEXY!

21. He serves others on a regular basis.

22. He is a great teacher, and has a way of getting thru to people of all ages.

23. He is very forgiving.

24. He is 100% man, but he is not afraid to cry.

25. He loves his friends.

26. He is very intelligent.

27. He has a great memory. This comes in very handy for him. Especially in arguments, and he LOVES to argue. He is a great debater. I think he should run for President some day. No one would stand a chance against him.

28. He loves politics as much as I do, although he doesn't let it consume him when things don't go his way like yours truly.

29. He is funny . . . but only DUMB FUNNY! (only two people will understand this one, but I had to throw it in)!!

30. He is kind. He won't even kill bugs or spiders. Seriously. He scoops them up and puts them outside.

31. He used to hate running, but he did it anyway, so he could run with me. Now he really enjoys it, and has to actually encourage me to do it.

Damon is perfect for me. Because of him, I am a better person. I don't know how I ever got so lucky. Happy 31st birthday Flamers. You are the best husband I have ever had!

I Love Fall

I lived in Hawaii for three years. I loved the warm weather, but it got a little old sometimes, constantly being sweaty and always having to grease my fuzzy hair back due to the humidity.

When we moved home, I was so happy to live in a place where there were four seasons. I like how when I'm just about tired of being hot all the time, it starts to cool off. And when I am just about tired of being cold all the time, it starts to get warm.

My favorite season is Fall! Below are a few reasons why.

* My chapstick no longer melts in my car.

* Time to break out the Fall sweats.

* Crock pot meals. Chili is my specialty.

* Crisp cool air.

* High School Football games. GO LIONS! ROAR!

* Christmas is just around the corner, and I can threaten my kids that Santa won't be coming if they are naughty. (I am so mean, but it totally works).

* I love running int the Fall. Its so cool and I don't get overheated.

* Apple season. I LOVE APPLES. Pink Lady's are my fav, Fuji's and Gala's are also delightful.

* Fall colors. So BEAUTIFUL! I think we might attempt a family photo this year with the trees in the background.