Happy Father's Day!

Wishing my wonderful husband, my dad, grandfathers and fathers in law a happy day! :)

Bad, bad blogger!

WOW! It's been over a month since I last posted here. And so many things have happened since!

Bella turned 2! Yes, yes. My little baby girl is growing up and we love her more and more every day (despite the whining from time to time and the "no-no-no" little tantrums...). She's talking up a storm and learns new words every day. She still loves Little Einsteins and her favorite character is Annie. A few days ago we watched "The Jungle Book 2" and she loved it! I think it's all the animals and the songs and dancing.

We took a family vacation to go visit my parents, my brother and Billy's parents. We actually only saw my dad because my mom had to stay in Colombia to have foot surgery. My brother had to leave on a business trip 3 days after we got to Houston. But we had fun! We went to the zoo and the aquarium. And I dont think I have to explain how much Bella LOVED them!!! And I took about 500 pictures! :O We also went to the YMCA several times and Bella enjoyed the pool *very* much! :)

We then drove to Louisiana and stayed at Billy's mom. We drove at night to allow Bella to sleep but it didn't quite work as planned. Nonetheless we had fun and Bella loved seeing all the cows and horses and chickens and other animals at the farm. She even fed a baby calf some milk with a bottle - "I wanna give the nu-nu to the moo-moo." Her words, not mine! Billy officiated his cousin's wedding on Saturday and Bella got to dance with KJ (Billy's sister) at the reception. She also went to bed *really* late! We had Bella's birthday party on Sunday after church and she had lots of fun at the pool. Billy was sick half of the trip with random stuff. Bella got sick a couple of days but nothing serious.

Scrapbooking related... I met 2 friends from 2Peas. I had already met Debbie, but this time I got to meet I got my shopping fix at Hobby Lobby and Archivers :) Those 2 places ROCK! I've been working hard on Bella's album. Trying not to get behind even though I'm still working on her 1st birthday pictures! LOL LOL LOL

Mother's Day Present

I got a beautiful grill for Mother's day! Cant wait to start using it!!

Ten ways to be a more light-hearted parent

A friend sent me this article and it's amazing! Mental note: read and practice :)

One of my Twelve Commandments is "Lighten up," and I have a lot of resolutions aimed at trying to be a more light-hearted parent: less nagging, more laughing. We all want a peaceful, cheerful, even joyous, atmosphere at home -- but we can't nag and yell our way to get there. Here are some strategies that help me:

1. At least once a day, make each child helpless with laughter.

2. Sing in the morning. It's hard both to sing and to maintain a grouchy mood, and it sets a happy tone for everyone--particularly in my case, because I'm tone deaf and my audience finds my singing a source of great hilarity.

3. Get enough sleep yourself. It's so tempting to stay up late, to enjoy the peace and quiet. But morning comes fast. Along the same lines...

4. Wake up before your kids. We were so rushed in the morning that I started getting up half an hour earlier than my children. That means I can get myself organized, check my email, post to Slate, and get my bag packed before they get up. It's tough to wake up earlier, but it has made a huge difference in the quality of our mornings.

5. I've been researching the hedonic treadmill: people quickly adapt to new pleasures or luxuries, so it takes a new pleasure to give them a jolt of gratification. As a result, I've cut back on treats and impulse buys for my kids. The ice-cream sandwich or the Polly Pockets set won't be an exciting treat if it isn't rare.

6. Most messages to kids are negative: "stop," "don't," "no." So I try to cast my answers as "yes." "Yes, we'll go as soon as you've finished eating," not "We're not leaving until you've finished eating." It's not easy to remember to do this, but I'm trying.

7. Look for little ways to celebrate. I haven't been doing holiday breakfasts long, but they're a huge source of happiness. They're quick, fun, and everyone gets a big kick out of them.

8. Repetition works. A friend told me he was yelling at his kids too much, so he distilled all rules of behavior into four key phrases: "keep your hands to yourself"; "answer the first time you're asked"; "ask first"; and "stay with us" (his kids tended to bolt). You can also use the school mantras: "Sit square in your chair;" "accidents will happen," "you get what you get, and you don't get upset" (i.e., when cupcakes are handed out, you don't keep trying to switch).

9. Say "no" only when it really matters. Wear a bright red shirt with bright orange shorts? Sure. Put water in the toy tea set? Okay. Sleep with your head at the foot of the bed? Fine. Samuel Johnson said, "All severity that does not tend to increase good, or prevent evil, is idle."

10. When I find myself thinking, "Yippee, soon we won't have to deal with a stroller," I remind myself how fleeting this is. All too soon the age of Cheerios and the Tooth Fairy will be over. The days are long, but the years are short.

Have you found any good strategies to cut back on the shouting and to add moments of laughing, singing, and saying "yes"?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

And I'm now 28...

Before turning 28! :O

What could I say before the clock strikes midnight?... I dont have many words of wisdom in my last minutes of being 27. This last year has brought good and not-so-good things. One of the best things was Bella started sleeping through the night. Seems vain and superfluous. But try going without consistent sleep for 13 months while tending to a colicky baby who screams nonstop and you will understand me!
I also started attending MOPS at Yosemite Church and have enjoyed it very much! Even though it's only twice a month, it gives me some free time to socialize with other moms and form friendships. I've even been asked to serve as a table leader for next year's MOPS!
I also started working as the church and school secretary here in Merced. It's only 12 hrs a week but it helps me to get out of the house and be somewhat productive!
Finally, one of my most precious accomplishments has been working on Bella's scrapbook albums. I've already caught up to May of 2008 and have filled THREE albums!! :) LOL I'm sure Billy will freak out once he reads this and ask me *where* I plan on keeping all these albums of mine :) I'm sure one day, somebody, somewhere, somehow, someone will appreciate them! Hopefully....
Anyways, it's 11:55 pm and I better get my beauty sleep. It's just not the same once you turn 21... (plus 7) :) LOL So to all, good night. And to me, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Bella's 22 months!!!

She's growing like a weed and getting cuter and cuter. She's talking so much and imitating everything we say and do. It's really funny but scary too!

Yosemite adventures

We are back!! It was a good trip. We drove to Mariposa Saturday morning, Billy preached and then we drove to Camp Wawona (Yosemite). We had originally reserved a big house for the 3 families (us, Sabaos, and Reyes), but they messed up and didn't realize the house had already been reserved. So, they gave us 3 A-frame houses for FREE!! :) It actually worked out better because Bella's such a light sleeper and I dont think she (or us) would have been able to get any rest with 6 adults and 6 more kids running around...

We went walking Saturday afternoon and then attemped to do some rock climbing (on a fake wall). Yamila and I didnt make it past half way up... sad, I know! Especially since all the guys and kids went up and down at least 2 or 3 times. I tried. Seriously. It was freaking hard!!

Then on Sunday, after breakfast, we went hiking. I don't *totally* hate the outdoors but I much much rather go to a restaurant, watch a movie, or go to Starbucks and chat. That or scrapbook! :) I do hate hiking and I'm grateful that Bella is a great excuse for limiting those to "strolls in the park with shade and flat terrain". 99.99% of the time at least. Well, this time was the 0.01% and they dragged me along. I was glad the Reyes had a baby younger than Bella, which made hiking with a stroller not such a terrible thing. LOL

Then, on our way back from the hike, Billy saw a snake. A really small one, but a snake nonetheless. My idea of animals and nature is going to the zoo or aquarium. All the camping I needed/wanted to do, I did it when I was 10-15 while in Pathfinders (sorta like Boys' Scouts). And I refuse going to Campmeeting unless we have an RV. I like having a shower, a toilet, warm water, my pillow and a comfy bed.

We do love the beach and so whenever we can, we escape the valley and drive to Monterey/Carmel for some sun and sand :) That's our next trip. I need some sun and sand before I go crazy in this valley!!!

New car!!!

Today we got an amazing RAK. The personnel director from the Conference had offered us a free car a few days ago and we picked it up today. A few weeks ago Billy had his annual review and he told him that it's been rough having only 1 car, especially for me with a baby and being stuck at home.. etc etc.. anyways, he talked to his wife and since they had recently inherited a car, they decided to pass the blessing to us and give us their older car. It's a Ford Explorer 1999 but it's in *great* condition and has a lot of upgrades. I'm just so thankful and I dont think it has sunk in :) lol... I just can believe it!!! :) :) Billy already took some pictures so I'll post some later.

Giveaways!!

Look at these cute bath capes :)
http://spatimebaby.com/

http://frugalmommyof2girls.blogspot.com/2009/03/spa-time-baby-giveaway.html

First day of work

Today I started my part-time job as the church/school secretary. The desk was a mess and between Billy and the school principal's to-do-list I could be full time, but alas they are only giving me 12 hrs a week... we'll see...

Also, another super cute giveaway - baby shoes! :)

http://www.jackandlily.com/

http://frugalmommyof2girls.blogspot.com/2009/03/jack-and-lily-giveaway.html

ok, one more.. cool swimming suits

http://frugalmommyof2girls.blogspot.com/2009/03/tuga-sunwear-giveaway.html

http://www.tugasunwear.com/

Doctors appointments

Yesterday, I had a doctor's appointment. Among other things, I recently started having pain in my right upper abdomen. I figured it was my liver because I dont have a gallbladder anymore... The doctor ordered some blood work, which I did this morning, to figure out what's wrong..

Today, Bella had her orthopedist appointment. And we got some good news!! He said the x-rays showed her left hip had some delayed growing but he thought her bones should continue to grow normally and since she's walking fine and otherwise developing normal he didn't think we needed to do anything special - i.e. cast or special shoes. PRAISE THE LORD!!! He also said it was ok for her to go to the Toddler's gym class! Which she's absolutely loving!!!

She was 25.4 lbs and 31 in. She's growing and growing :)

Library Time

Yesterday, Bella and I went to the Merced Library for the Story Time at 10 am. It was great and Bella loved it! A lady read a few stories, the kids played instruments and sung, and at the end they each got a sheet of paper to color. Bella really enjoyed it and we are planning on going again! :)

Today, we had the MAS Talent Show at our church. Bella danced, Billy beat-boxed and I took pictures :) Those are our talents!

Bella is 21 months!!

Bella turned 21 months today!! She's growing so much, learning every day, getting more and more adorable :) It's amazing how fast her second year is going. Regular sleep makes a HUGE difference! And she's been healthy the last 3 weeks. So that's awesome!! We are going next week for her orthopedics appointment but I'm trying not to stress out about it.

Bella and I went to MOPS in the morning. Then we went to the park in the afternoon and met some of the MOPS moms and kids. Bella gets really shy when she's around other kids and it takes her a little bit to warm up to them. But she really enjoys being around other people.

After the park we went to the church to organize the Beginners SS room and put together the swing. It's looking really great! We need to hang some more frames and make sure they clean it before Sabbath. Bella loved having all the riding horses all for herself :) And she was playing the piano and playing with the other stuffed animals. She also saw Flopi before going to bed and she was SO happy :) She loves Flopi so much. I hope they can be friends for a long time :)

Flip Mino HD

Ryan McLean from Smarter Wealth is giving away a brand new Flip Mino HD to one lucky reader. This will be the easiest Flip Mino HD to win because barely anyone is going to enter meaning more chances that you can win.

The Flip Mino HD is the coolest gadget around. You can shoot one hour of video in HD (so you can play it on your plasma) and you can even edit your footage right on your device. This device is so small that it will fit in your pocket so you will never miss capturing a moment ever again.

To enter all you have to do is sign up for Ryan’s newsletter and post about the competition.

Check out all the details of how you can enter the Win a Flip Mino HD competition now.