Santa's Workshop

We were given tickets to this Santa's workshop in Kirtland. They got to sit on Santa's lap and make wooden toys with the elves, and lots of fun train sets and Christmas Trees all around. They had these figurines of fun Christmas movies. As you can see the Abominable Snowman from Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer movie, behind Max. There was also a wagon ride pulled by Clydesdale horses around this park to see Christmas lights, some of different nursery rhymes. It stopped at the stables and there were pony rides. We of course had to ride the pony. Chloe loves horses.

"Shoes for my baby girl!"

I have a cute little story about Chloe. For the past 2-3 months Chloe has claimed that she has "babies in her belly" one is a boy and one is a girl. She is very adamant that she is going to have twins. I have just let it go thinking that she will forget about it and move on. Well that hasn't quite happened. Two weeks ago she came up to me and was upset, I asked her what was wrong and she was worried she hadn't had her babies yet. She asked me how long until they come out, mom? I did not know what to say so I reassured her that she will get to have her babies after she grows up and gets married. She grabs my face by placing her hands on both of my cheeks, looks into my eyes and said "They have to be inside me for thaaaaat long?" I giggled and said you have to get married first. Well, she is now marring Westley from school and they are going to have twins, a girl and a boy. Fine, I said. Yesterday we went shoe shopping. As I was looking at the different tennis shoes Chloe spotted a sparkly pink pair of slipper like shoes. She steps down from the extended cart/ bus they have at Target and said over and over, "My baby is gonna love these shoes. I have got to get them for her. She needs shoes. I know she is going to LOVE these shoes. I have got to get them for her." As she is saying this she grabs a pair and throws them into the back of the cart to purchase them, then steps back into the bus. She continues on and on about how her baby is going to love them. I could not help but laugh. She was disappointed when I told her we couldn't buy those $12 slippers for her baby. That I would get them after she has her baby, she was concerned they would be gone by then. I promised her that I would get them for her baby after she has her baby. She seemed okay with it. This is the picture of the shoes at Target aren't they beautiful. She is in the nesting stages already. She will be a wonderful mother someday, by the way she cares for her dolls and her "babies".

OH---IO vs MI

This is what my house will be battling this weekend. Did you know when the rival began???
It was all over the possession of the city of Toledo in 1803.
Here is the link to the story. http://columbusoh.about.com/cs/historygenealogy/a/ohiomichigan.htm

Since Toledo is in OH---IO we know who won the original war of Toledo. Good luck all, but we know OH---IO is the ultimate winner. Go Buckeyes!!!

Family Walk

We took a walk in the fall leaves on a nice warm day. It was nice to be together. A momma deer and her 2 fawns ran right beside us. At this park we found a playground and Alta practiced her monkey bars. She got across 4 bars. She is growing up. We use to have to hold her up as she crossed. Chloe loves sliding and climbing on anything.

Things that make me smile

Alta came home yesterday just sharing a bunch of trivia about the pilgrims and the first thanksgiving. This along with many other thought provoking readings, like the Ensign conference issue, has made me think of somethings I am grateful for and make me smile. I thought I would give a list and encourage those who read to do the same on their blogs.

10) A warm bed especially waking up to a 3 yo smiling at you while snuggling to your side 1/2 the night. Knowing they came into bed because we can protect them from nighttime shadows that scare her. How did I become the protector when I am the one often looking for comfort that a strong arm can provide?

9.) My husband going to work with a smile on his face. Yea Yea!!

8.) Daylight savings time allowing me to get my children on an earlier bed time routine. Not only allows me more evening time, but happier children in the morning.

7.) Hot chocolate. I have a very special way to make my hot chocolate, but I especially like it with a non dairy hazelnut cream, just a touch not too much.

6.) I am enjoying being a Visiting Teacher lately. I feel I am doing a better job and trying to not only visit the sisters, but also looking to help meet their needs as much as I am able.

5.) My children. My little Chloe taking care of her sweet dolls. She has a little wash cloth washing their face and hands making them all clean. Putting them to sleep with a special blanket and pillow. Alta asking me to get her a space ship so she can go to the moon. Thinking I am able to get her what ever she can think of.

4.) Music!!!! I love an inspiring piece of music that lifts my spirits.

3.) A clean house. When everything is in its right place I feel a fulfillment that I am doing something right. This doesn't happen as often as I would like.

2.) My family being together and loving each other. Not only for eternity, but through the daily routine as well. We love playing games together.

1.) I know the truth. I have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I understand His plan and it helps me get a perspective on life especially when it is being disrupted. I can still have a peace inside. I love the Scripture. "Be still and know that I am God."

The Victorian Vampiress and The Maiden Princess

H A P P Y H A L L O W E E N ! !

APPLES APPLES APPLES

We had a great time picking apples. There was a nice wagon ride and some fun things to do. The apple trees were a great height and the kids could reach the branches. We got 2 1/2 bushels of a nice mixture of apples golden delicious, fuji, suncrisp, and another nice big round red apple. I took the apples to Z-ville and with the help of Christine and Moms supplies we made 28 qts and 12 pnts of apples sauce with 10 rolls of apple leather. All my jars sealed!!! yeah! It was lots of fun and much easier than I thought it would be. I now have a year supply of applesauce. One thing my children love. Thanks Christine and Mom.

Love having a dog.

I just want to say I am grateful for Michelle giving us Lexi a Shih Tzu dog. This little dog has given my children so much love and attention. These girls of mine treat her as if she is just a baby doll by giving rides in strollers, dressing in doll clothes, playing fetch, hide-n--go-seek, or just love time. At first I thought Lexi just tolerated them playing with her, but I have learned she absolutely loves the girls. I have realized that if I come home with out children she wines and wines at me because she wants to be with the girls. Lexi gets all excited as I get ready to leave she runs to the door barking happily because she thinks it is time for a ride to get the girls. She usually will ride with Chloe and I as we go pick up Alta on the days I don't work. Right this very minutes Chloes is reading a book to Lexi and telling her all about it, while Lexi sits next to her appearing to look at the book. I have to describe it because I have no camera. I guess I did not realize that having a pet dog in the house is like having another family member. I grew up with no animals in the house, "they belong outside." I have to say I felt this way for many years and I can appreciate not having animals smells in the house. Which is why I love the Shih Tzu's because they don't shed. At this point I see the friendship that is made between my girls and their dog and I wouldn't trade it, smell or no smell. These girls love their Lexi.

Ohio State University Marching Band

Ohio State University Marching Band


This brought back many fun memories of being in a marching band. Those of you who did not know that, I play the trombone for my high school. This video makes it look easy, but there is tons of hard work in putting a show like this together. Wow I was very impressed. I hope you all enjoy.

Pavarotti Died today

I am saddened today as I learn of the death of my most favorite voice. Pavarotti's perfectly pitched tenor voice was my favorite sound. Every time I listen to his voice, but especially in this song Nessun Dorma my eyes would tear, especially on the dramatic last note... as he sings V-I-N-C-E-R-O!!!
It was a dream/ goal of mine to hear Pavarotti in person. Now I will have to settle to hear him singing in the choir of heaven. As I would drive in my car, I would put this CD in and blare the music through the speakers conducting to myself. Enjoying every note.... especially the last, bringing tears to my eyes. I love the words and meaning to the song of love conquering all. Nessun Dorma means "no one sleeps" in Italian. Puccinis opera Turandot. I can't wait to see this opera someday. No one sleeps till love is found and conquers all. Did you know I was such a romantic at heart. This link takes you to the interpretation of the opera and translates this song. I hope you enjoy it as it is my favorite song. It seems to pierce an area of my heart that rarely is touched.

http://home.earthlink.net/~markdlew/comm/turandot.htm

Pavarotti - Nessun Dorma

Dads Birthday

Hope your day is a convivial. We wish you an extremely thoughtful birthday. We love you and miss you. Keep up the good work serving those people in Cambodia. We will have a party just for you on your birthday, we even have the day off of work to celebrate your day. Oh wait it is Labor Day, a lot of people have it off. HEHE... You are loved.

Update

You know it has been a while since I have updated this wonderful blog. I am frustrated in the fact that my children have dropped and broken my new digital camera. So updated pictures will be a miracle at this point, but.... we will continue to update.

Max has started his new job in the IT Dept for NASA. He has had lots of training classes. He absolutely loves it!! He is so happy waking up early in the morning, he seems to be extremely grateful to be going to work and not just a temp job but a permenant place. I told him this is a grown up job. He laughed.

My Alta has started her first day of class. She loves to go to school. She told me she was glad she had the nice teacher. It was good to hear. 2nd grade, I can't believe it!

We were looking for a new daycare since our previous one decided not to take partime preschoolers any more... well we found a great place for Chloe. I was very impressed the moment I walked into the school. She will do lots of fun learning and development there. Yeah!!! I have been stressed in trying to find the right place. I am grateful things are coming together.

Nana's Birthday

Happy Birthday Nana (& Mom.) We love you and want to wish you the best birthday ever. When looking at all your pics, we noticed you spend a lot of time holding babies and in the kitchen, putting your special magic on all the yummy foods. We sure appreciate all that you do in making all of our stays so enjoyable. You are awsome. Thank you.
Love sent from your Cleveland vacation spot....Max, Deborah, Alta, & Chloe. We will see you soon.

Splash Zone

We had a family home evening talking about how Nephi always responded positively when asked to do something. We challenged the girls to be like Nephi. They would get a sticker every time they would be happy and respond quickly to any requests given from either parent. After each child got 10 stickers they would get to go to splash zone a favorite hot day spot. It was really cute, the next day I had requested Chloe get ready for the day and brush her hair. As she was brushing she was remembering the FHE lesson and said excitedly..." Mom I am being like Nephi!!!" Of course she got a sticker. They both worked very hard in being obedient. Way to go Girls!!

I was sooo glad this movie was PG-13, because I love a good action flick. This is definately a movie one should see on the big screen. I really enjoyed it!!!!! Great intense action movie.

Sisters

I know it has been a while since my last blogging, but not much to write. I found these pics of Chloe as a baby and how sweet Alta was as a big sister. The first pic is Alta and Chloe meeting eachother in the first weeks of sisterhood. The second pic is one of my favorites... Alta had put all her baby dolls in my bed, and was so proud of herself. I then put Chloe and Alta in the bed saying now all my babies are there. Alta's big smile and Chloe's screaming was picture perfect.

The Police Concert

We had such a great time!!! They definitely rocked the house. I loved all the songs. Sting was Awesome!!!! These guys were just rock'in their guitars and were just lov'in it. The picture in the red photo corners was where he had just smiled at me personally. He came across the stage just for me. It was funny how star struck I became. I haven't been to a concert since I think I went to a ZZ top concert with Alan and Christine many, many years ago, 1994. As we were waiting for them to come out, I was just so excited I was trying to egg Max into getting excited, (cuz we all know how excited he gets about things) so I called Tammy, because I knew she would be excited with me, but instead she was just mad she couldn't be there. (She thinks Sting is hot too.)

Happy Birthday to You, Mom!!!

Mom we sure hope you have a wonderful birthday. You are awesome!!! We will be thinking of you all day today. Consider this your birthday cake, since we are unable to celebrate the day with you. Close your eyes and hear us singing..... "Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you , Happy birthday dear Mother, Happy birthday to you.... Tis love brings us here, Tis love brings us here, Happy birthday dear Mother, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!" WE LOVE YOU MOM/ GRANDMA!!!!!

My Sweet Alta

Alta has so many different expressions. She is a cute girl that loves to be silly and joke around. She makes us all laugh and smile.

RDH making a difference?

Something that I have done.....
In one of the many offices I work, I instigated the implementation of a new oral cancer screen called vizilite. It is a mouth rinse & light that illuminates abnormal tissues in the mouth. If an area is suspicious and illuminating with no known trauma, there is then a T- blue test that is a dye. When done it will dye any cancer or precancerous tissue blue, if it isn't cancerous nothing will turn blue. The dentist was skeptical, but I researched it and presented it to him. He already did the visual soft tissue screen and I thought this would be a great adjunct to what we were already doing. He finally agreed and we are now doing it in the office.
I had a patient Monday who opted to have the additional test done. The test caused an ulcer to illuminate on the Right lateral boarder of the tongue, we then did a T- blue test and it stayed blue, meaning the ulcer was of some stage of cancer. David yes we referred to an Oral Surgeon. But in this patients life all of a sudden she had cancer. She had no history of tobacco use.
It was interesting to be a part of this process. I felt very involved in this persons life and the changes that are happening. I am hopeful that this test will have allowed us to catch the cancer early, before too much damage has occurred. I will be interested to see what the pathologist will find it to be. I saw worry cross the face of the patient. I wanted to say everything will be alright, but I couldn't, because I did not know, though I did try to comfort her. I am glad we are doing this new test. I feel good that I pushed it into our office and I hope it will help save lives or at least improve quality of lives. I guess I feel that in this small little area I work in, I hope I am making a difference.

Fourth of July

Every other minute both girls were asking if it was time for the fireworks. Finally the time arrived and off we went. We grabbed a blanket, snacks, drinks, bug repellent, and found a clear spot at Long Pier Park in Lorain. Seeing fireworks over the lake was amazing, nothing was in our way. There were lots of people there, relieved that the storms never arrived.

We went to Kirtland because the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was there to kick off their exhibition. It was so awesome to experience the exhibition rubbing shoulders with The Choir. They had great stories about all the pictures, outfits, awards, and videos. I got to live the moment as they relived it with each other. My girls were a center of attraction as they utilized the digital conductor. The digital choir would go faster as they conducted faster, and stop if they stopped. The Choir members were watching them and gloating over how great they were conducting. I explained to some members that they use to practice at home, to be like mom at church, because I use to be the ward chorister.

Chloe's little garden

Chloe loves to help me in the garden. She is fascinated with dirt. In these pictures she is unaware of me taking pictures because she was so focused on planting this weed.

We sure enjoyed the monument to women. It is full of wonderful bronze statues of women in there everyday moments.

The children loved the ox cart ride and the horse and wagon ride. They sure were bumpy. I can't imagine riding this way across the country.

Our Nauvoo Trip

The Nauvoo Temple is absolutely beautiful. It has cherry hardwood through out the building. It is the first temple I've seen have hardwood floors.