Summer happenings

Something is seriously wrong with my computer...I can't blog properly...anyway...here are some pictures from the summer. We went to Utah and had a blast. Kim and I ran a 10 K in record time. All my girls had birthdays and they were fun. I ran my first half marathon. My favorite family in the world came to visit and we went to Santa Cruz. There you go :)

We went to the Dominican Republic....so fun!

School's Out for Summer

Except for me! I'm so excited! I got a position teaching second grade summer school here in California. I was really surprised to get it. They say it is a good way to get in with the district. Even if it takes a few years :/

What's even more amazing is I have child care all worked out. Sicily is going to a day care and the only day they couldn't cover was Thursday. I was freaking out about it and the next day, the girl who works the front counter at my gym said, "Do you ever need help with Sicily? My daughter is 13 and would love to tend for you." What? Are you kidding me? What are the odds?

Kennedy gets to go to summer school with me and this will be really good for her. She enjoys learning and being around people. Cassidee made the cheer team so this will keep her extra busy. We're so lucky to have made a good friend to carpool with us when practices are in the morning while I'm TEACHING. :) Can you tell I'm excited?

Sometimes, it is amazing when things work out positively. Simply amazing!

Spring in a Nutshell

So spring has sprung and the showers have not stopped. Well, luckily, they stopped long enough for my BFF in the whole wide world to come visit. We had a great weekend. We went site seeing in the city, ate out, spent one entire day at the pool, and even had a terrific girls night out. Being with Kimberly rejuvinated me. How do you go from spending an hour every day with some one and every weekend to not seeing them for months. How I go on is beyond me....
uh, photography by Sicily. I also spent two days at Disneyland/California Adventure with the girls. The second day we got to bring a friend's daughter and it was a blast.

Mike and Cherry also tied the knot. This wedding was one of the most incredible things I've ever witnessed. They make a beautiful couple. Skinny Mike :)

Joseph is smashing in his cream tux and those are my girls in their Easter dresses.

This is them on Easter morning. Oh yes, we're still Utes. Don't ever forget it! (Especially because here everyone is so BYU crazy. I made a huge deal in pointing this out in the ward newsletter :) )

I miss my Utah friends. Thanks for following up with my blog. I get very lonely and wonder if this'll ever get easier.

Trae

I wanted to have a writing sample for my teaching portfolio. I want your opinions too.

Trae stared up in the room filled with wondering spectators as his coaches crouched down beside him. The walls seemed to spin around him making him dizzy and unsure. Slowly his breath returned and he felt his lungs gasp for air. His mother's voice, always supportive, could be heard in the background of Trae's trainer's concerned cries.

Wrestling wasn't always something important to Trae. He had the typical suburban childhood. Rides to and from school and eating out with friends and family were all daily occurrences for Trae. He didn't particularly care for his health and never seemed to worry. He ate what he wanted when he wanted without any attention directed to his nutrition. Exercise was unheard of for Trae. There was an occasional, "I'm fat" moment where a couple of push ups were necessary but never any longevity to his physical activity.Trae realized on his own his lifestyle needed to be changed. "Beating up" his uncles, losing his extra weight, get a few girls...before those things seemed like a distant fantasy. Now, he knew it was necessary for a big change.

Standing on the sides Trae waited for the ok to get started. It was his second match of the day and he felt confident wrestling the high school "broomfield". They shook hand and began to grapple. Trae's opponent took him down right from the start and they started to struggle. Trae hit an escape out of bounds and was able to stand facing his challenger. The last thing Trae remembered was shooting for the adversary's legs. They both shot at the same time, leaving Trae knocked out cold and unconscious on the mat.

Once awake, Trae made it to the sidelines, ready to vomit from the mild trauma. Expectantly, his trainer advised him to rush to an ambulance for an evaluation. He was wheeled out by EMTs and given immediate medical attention. The ambulance ride was treacherous after receiving an IV only to have his blood splurged all over his arm. X-rays and MRIs are standard procedures after an incident like this, and Trae remained cooperative for these processes in the hospital. The morphine kicked in and Trae felt his mild concussion quickly dissipate. Luckily, Trae was ok and able to make a full recover with a few days.

Wrestling was the sport that changed Trae's life. After trying out and making the team, he began practicing for three hours a day, six days a week. From the start, he wanted to quit. The high school seniors consistently gave Trae a hard time in the locker room-threatening him to "stop losing". The hours were growling but once he started to notice positive changes in his demeanor and his physical appearance, he knew things could only get better for him now.

He dropped 40 pounds his freshman year of wrestling. He began to eat smart, skipping out on sodas or fast food with his friends. The task of eating right can be difficult for anyone, let alone and adolescent young man.After being active during wrestling season, he decided he wanted to do more. He got involved in cross country, choir, glee club, writing club, and peer counseling for incoming freshmen. Trae was also able to incorporate himself into more religious activities as well, forming lasting friendships in the church choir. Workouts and exercise became a regular part of his day. His self esteem flourished, his attitude thrived, and his happiness swelled.

Looking back, Trae's life has made an impeccable transformation. He has no time for video games anymore. He loves to sing, exercise, date cute girls, and next year plans to be the varsity wrestling captain. He's happy now and he's inspired those around him to care about their health too.

Backyard

So, we had such a fantastic spring break and I got all the pictures downloaded onto our PC and we found out it had 3 viruses. It's sorta out of commission at the moment. Anyway, we got to go to Southern California for Joe's friend's wedding. The girls and I went down early so we could go to Disneyland with Krista and hang with Joe's sister. Then the wedding was beautiful. I knew it was going to be extravagant but holy moly! Cherry and Mike went all out. Apparently, I learned this during my pedicure, that is how the Asians do it :)

After 8 long months of clearing out garbage from the backyard, we are almost ready to start getting it pretty! I'm so excited because...well....those of you who know me, knew how much I loved my yard in Layton. I miss it sooo much! Anyway, we've been clearing out leaves and branches that haven't been taken care of for 20 years. Joseph even found an old roof or something buried in the back. All we have is one more shed to rip down, and then we can start redoing concrete and planting plants. Most importantly, we're getting the pool and the pool equipment updated starting this week. I am so stoked! It almost makes up for the fact that we don't have our boat anymore!

Sorry dear friend Chelsi...no pictures of my kiddos. :(

Non Fiction Fairy Tale

Once upon a time there was a maiden who had three beautiful daughters. The maiden had a good life with many friends, an exciting job, and a fun family. The maiden lived in a modest house with her three daughters but was married to an evil wizard named Merlin. One day, the evil wizard named Merlin said, "We are moving to a place where there are no jobs. The houses will be old and falling apart, but you will like it!" Then he laughed real wicked like, like this "Muuuuuu ah ah ahhhhhhhhh".

The maiden followed the wizard, knowing this was her husband and she was supposed to support him in order to create peace. They went to the desolate land called California and she cried often, missing her friends and family.

Occasionally, the wizard's friends would visit from the south and that was fun. One time, the maiden had a friend visit from the east and that was good times as well. However; often, the maiden felt sad and alone.

Until one fine day, a princess called. The princess told the maiden that she would come to the desolate land for a quick visit. This great news of joy caused the maiden to dance a happy jig and high five Merlin, for he would be out of town this weekend. It would be a true girl appreciation weekend with the maiden, the princess, and the three daughters.

The princess ventured far and wide, in search for this land they call California. Finally, the princess and the maiden were together again, for they had worked very hard together in the homeland providing education for young children and they played often.

Together again, the princess and the maiden decided to Have a Coke. The sweet sugary substance instantly made everything better....along with the much anticipated sunshine and warm weather.
They purchased matching hoodies and took an adventure to the beautiful bridge. The laughed merrily as they looked like insane tourists but the maiden felt giddy and couldn't help it.

They watched movies with the three young daughters. Many, many movies.

They experienced the great outdoors and rolling grassy fields of this new land. There were many smiles from this happy bunch.

They enjoyed the whole weekend together, seeing the sites and relishing in happiness.

The maiden decided to let all of her friends from her homeland know that they could visit anytime. She decided maybe the wizard named Merlin is not as wicked as she once thought and would try harder to make the most out of living in her new land.

The end.

Fanatics

You know those guys at the gym? Those ones that groan, grunt, and make a face every time they lift a weight? If it is that hard for them to lift, then why go so heavy? Do they not know that they're in public? People are watching and laughing. I lift heavy weights but it doesn't sound like a cow sent for slaughter.

Also, one girl....you know who you are....dancing around after every set you lift. We didn't come to the gym to watch you belly dance from machine to machine. Find a private spot to shake your groove thing because it's almost offensive what you're doing.

Last, girls and guys, why do you constantly look in the mirror? I get wanting to make sure your form is correct or that you need to go low enough for your squats, but checking yourself out before, during, and after everything you do? Even when talking to another person? Seriously?

Please tell me I'm not alone on my rants....I need a friend....lol
fanatics

Tennis anyone?

We live down the street from a park. A magnificent park. The playground-swings included- is covered with beautiful trees and loads of grass. There are numerous slides, old "dinosaur bones" to climb, and bars to do gymnastics. It even has a cute little doggie park just for Nico.

One sunny afternoon, just the other day, Sicily and I went to the park to play before I picked up the girls from school. (This is one of the perks of being a stay at home mommy.) As I was pushing my little munchkin on the swings, I noticed....tennis courts!

I am not a tennis player. I've only played once in my life. Nine years ago in fact, on our honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii. Joseph and I were staying at a time share with courts so we decided to play. Nine years ago, Joe was just content to just let me hit the balls. It didn't matter what direction or how hard I hit. Nine years ago he hugged me and told me I did a good job.

After seeing these awesome tennis courts at the park, I told Joe, "We need to buy some rackets and use these courts! You brought me here to 'sunny California', now we need to reap the benefits of living here." So, we bought rackets. His and her rackets :)

Today we played tennis for the second time together. I was schooling Joe, or I thought. I was hitting the ball, running back and forth, serving up a mad storm. Wow! Little did I know that Joseph is a professional tennis player and could point out every little flaw or mistake I made. I had no idea that he "took a class in college" and had obtained such insane skill!

Oh Joseph. I love you! You make me laugh and help me strive to be the best...even at tennis.

So Dreary!

I'm consumed in sadness. It isn't because it's rained for three straight months, or the fact that I miss my Body Combat class so bad it makes me want to scream! I'm consumed in sadness because I'm 33 years old, I've had three children, and I'll never be able to eat like I used to ever again!

In high school, I had a Twix and a Mountain Dew everyday for lunch and I was still 15 pounds lighter.

After I had Cassidee, I was 20 pounds lighter and never even exercised!

Now, I exercise like crazy, can't remember when the last time I even thought of milk chocolate and caramel melting in mouth, and stay away from the sweet nectar of life I like to call "Mountain Dew" and I still want to lose 10 pounds. WHAT IS THAT??????

Valentine's Day

This past weekend my friend came to visit us. We had so much fun. On Friday, we took Sicily into the city and went to China Town, Union Square, and Fisherman's Wharf. We saw Spencer and Mikelle Brown there....so weird! We spent all day in S.F. and had a blast. On Saturday we just went shopping in my little town because we were having a get together with some other friends on Saturday night. She's a very picky shopper! On Sunday we ditched church and went to San Jose to the Winchester Mystery House. Now there's a story you should google. Mrs. Winchester was NUTS! On Monday we went back to the city to see the Golden Gate Bridge and then went to Salsilito to see the beach. It was so fun. I was so sad to see her go home! This is Jenn with the girls at the mansion.
Kennedy at the beach. She got soaked worse than this!!!!

This is my favorite picture of all weekend. Cassidee looks so free and happy!

My little Sicily. She is such a treasure :)

Cassidee and Mikelle. When they hook up, it's like we never left.

Joe's new thing

Joe has always talked about getting a pool table. I was so objected to the idea because it's stupid but he got one anyway. Luckily, this can be switched into a formal dining room table for when we have visitors or something. I just think this picture is funny, because Kennedy is learning how to play and Cassidee is reading a book. Kennedy is so much like Joe and Cass is so much like me. Joseph is pretty excited so I guess that's what is important. He works hard for us and we appreciate all he does.

Ooooooops

I stand corrected. It has been brought to my attention by a few family members that Greg and Krista did not introduce me to Big Lots. In fact, for years (seriously years) my mom has been telling me that Big Lots is a great place to find stuff (years!) Snobby me didn't realize the kind of stuff my mom was talking about. I'm sorry mom and I will be sure to listen to you from now on because apparently....mothers know best.

If it's any consolation, I am now dealing with three....THREE very stubborn versions of Rachel Lee.

New Stuff

I haven't posted about the house in a while. Really, we've done a lot. We are busy every weekend doing stuff. From pruning trees to taking out shelves to getting soft water, this house is keeping us going. Because we finally got the floors redone, Joseph was able to put in new baseboards. Before they were ugly cheap wood ones so he put in pretty white ones (that I painted of course :) ) We were also finally able to move our couch down into this room after the floors were done. Before, Joseph and I had to share a love sac and that didn't work for me very well. Boys stink. He he. Over New Years Greg and his family and Mike and his family (love you guys!!!!) came up to build some more shelves in the garage. I love it! Joseph also got me a label maker for Christmas so I was able to label everything! It's a dream come true!!! He also got the wake/snow boards off the floor which makes me happy.

So, I got this cool table at World Market. I just walked right in and knew it was meant for me. When Joseph asked me how much my response was, "But it is so perfect for our house!" because, ummmm, it was a little much for a table. However, notice the new vent covers and those snazzy baseboards. OW. It's hot!

These are the new couches. Greg and Krista introduced us to Big Lots. AMAZING! We were looking at couches for thousands of dollars (seriously, three kids, a dog, and a cat) and found these for less than 800. Believe it or not it took six of us over an hour to figure out how to arrange everything. I wanted to focal point to be the piano and it's right across from the couches. I love it! Aren't the floors so pretty!

This is just a before picture to show you the ugly floors and old school shutters. GHETTO!

Thanks Greg, Mike, Krista, Cherry, and Jeff for helping us get this place in order. What a great Christmas/New Years present :)

Christmas...Come and Gone

For Christmas, we went to Utah. It was great to see the family. It was awesome that my old floors from the 60s got sanded and stained while we were gone because they look incredible now. Even neater....we finally got couches for our living room last weekend. I can't wait to take some pictures. But for now, back to Christmas.
We visited Grams. We went to Temple Square.

We had fun with family.

We did a gingerbread train.

We went sledding...(snicker-look at Kennedy).

Fun to have Christmas. Even more fun that it's over :)