I'm Feeling a Little Vaclempt! (Don't know how to spell that!)

I have less than a week in my beautiful little home and I am terribly sad about it! I just hate to leave here and leave all of my memories and friends. But I know that this is a good move for us and that it is a huge blessing for Joel that he loves his job finally after all of these years. To do something you love is a blessing indeed! So anyways, Here are some pictures of the first home we really made together. We moved here in June 2006 one month before Allegra was born and have created memories and friends to last a lifetime! For that I will always be grateful! To my friends and home, You will be missed immensely!!! I love you!

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A little break from the mundane...

So I'm up to my ears in packing, one of the things I hate most in life! And I thought I'd write about one of my biggest loves in life... my kids. I seriously think I have a major crush on Gianluca (not a sick and twisted one okay! I'm his mother!!!!) He has been so funny lately from his booty dance to just the funny things he says. So I wanted to write a few out before I forget:

1) (note: this day was a crazy day and The Dude was not listening what-so-ever! I had to tell him repeatedly what he was supposed to be doing to the point of raising my voice before we had to go, here is what he said in the car-ride following)

G) Mom, did Jesus make everything?

Me) Yes he did (proud he was even thinking of Jesus)

G)Why did Jesus make mom's that yell?

Me) (in shock!) Why did Jesus make little boys that don't listen to their mommy's?

G) Well you yelled at me at the house!

Me) Well if you'd listen, I wouldn't have to yell at you to get your attention....


AAAh, it's a vicious cycle isn't it! Once you get started on that, it seems the whole day is that way! But that sure made me laugh! I swear he is 4 going on 14!

2)

G) Mom when you leave me I get so sad that I cry. It just breaks my heart! But when you get back, POOF! I'm happy again!

3) Why is it that anytime we go to the store the Dude feels the need to go #2?? Almost without fail. And he is a man for sure because he takes his time! I'm always like, "Gianluca, are you finished?" While Allegra is running around touching every possible thing in the bathroom. And he always says, "Mom, You have to wait for your poo poo to come out!"

4) Yes, I've been known to curse now and then... maybe a bit more. But upon finding Gianluca making a disaster out of something I usually say "Dude, what in the hell are you doing????" Now, he likes to use that term every once and awhile and always in the perfect context. "What in the hell!!!" When he sees something crazy or what have you. I'm not proud of it, but I sure think it's funny. And I really don't consider hell a swear word. Maybe I'm just rationalizing, but there are a few others I'd like to add to the list as well.....

5) Mom can I have to some chocolate? Can I get it from your secret mustache? (secret stash :)

6)After leaving Chick-Fila, the Dude was really wound up and acting crazy. I told him he wouldn't be able to go to Aidan's house if he didn't chill out. So he looks at me w/ a big sigh and says "Mom, Can we discuss this later?" The little shi%^&!!! I almost could have killed him!!! And then it was pretty funny! He started laughing and told me he got that line from BEN 10!


There are a million more, but I can't think of them being distracted by boxes half packed and what not!!! Anyways, every mother adores her children I know, but I am definitely enjoying the age he is. He's a little person and really thinks about the world around him. At this age they are so full of passion, curiosity, very forgiving... I think I really understand what Jesus means about being more childlike. Gotta love these munchkins!!!

NYC.... And We Sold Our House!!!

So First off the big news... which I'm not completely thrilled with (sigh)WE SOLD OUR HOUSE! I'm not sure if that is meant to be excited or scared! So after 4 showings and all of the family members, dogs, uncles mouse saw our house and so forth, they put in an offer. We went back and forth a couple of times and they excepted it on Saturday. So now we will be officially homeless as of Dec. 19th. I'm really sad I won't get to decorate for Christmas! Joel thinks I should put that Michael McLean song "Homeless" from his Forgotten Carols album on the blog. It's quite fitting. We still need to show the house for the next ten days in case the inspection doesn't go well, which is super annoying. Today at 1:30 they called to see the house from 1:30-2:30! Are you kidding me!!! I have a toddler taking a nap and they want me interrupt my quiet time! So I declined it. I am so sick of showing my house I could scream! GRRRRRRR!!!

On a lighter note, Joel's parents are flying in this Saturday and Joel will be coming on Monday for Thanksgiving. We will be busily eating turkey and packing. FUN FUN FUN, but the funnest part of this week will be watching TWILIGHT!!! Can't wait! Then I will be on my own for a couple more weeks and back to Idaho for Christmas! It will be so nice to have a white Christmas!

NYC
At the beginning of this month we went to NYC for a long weekend. It was amazing! I've never been and have always wanted to go there in the fall. We stayed with Joel's amazing cousins from Argentina (Gustavo) and Uruguay (Rossana). They live in an apartment in Manhattan and were just blocks away from all of the sights. We went to Magnolia Bakery, Time Square, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (incredible! We didn't have enough time to see everything), Wicked, SoHO, China Town, Little Italy, and part of Central Park. The NYC marathon was going on so we couldn't really walk around and didn't have enough time. I have to add a funny story about Wicked. I've really wanted to this play for awhile. All of the tickets were $120+ so we weren't going to go. We were at the ticket hub in Time Square and what seemed to be a homeless woman with 2 teeth came up to us w/ tickets for wicked. She was hilarious! She said she would give them to us for $80, so we walked across the street w/ her to an ATM. I kept saying, "How do we know these tickets are good?" and she said "come meet this hot dog stand guy, he's known me for 20 years." So the hot dog guy says in broken English " Buy the tickets, is good." that made me feel a lot better! So we tell her we want to talk about it, and she paces back and forth and finally offers them to us for $60. We're still not sure so she introduces us to another guy who looks a lot more official and we decided to get the tickets. The tickets were good and the show was AMAZING! Loved it! So did Joel, so go see it. Gracias Rossana y Gustavo para todo! Era muy lindo!

This is getting super long, so I'll just add a few pics from our trip and go to bed!

Visits and Halloween

Well, as you can see I am kind of tired of blogging. Or maybe I'm just plain tired. But at any rate I've been really fortunate to have my mother come visit me for 5 days towards the end of October and then Joel and his mother came last week. To tell you the truth I've been getting the hang of this single mother thing and it isn't as bad as I expected. I love my little munchkins to death. Although there have been numorous occasions where I needed to put myself into time out and have gained a major addiction to caffine, it hasn't been all that bad!

Everything is going well with the house.... we've had 30 viewings. One offer, who then retracted that offer, one that wanted to put in an offer, but couldn't because it was too far away from her job; and hopefully one offer this Saturday for a person who's looked at the house twice already. I guess we'll see....

I really had an amazing time w/ my mom here and now with Joel and his mom. Halloween was fun and lots of carnivals to attend. Gianluca couldn't decide which costume to be, so I think he wore everything out of his costume box every chance he got. Allegra was the most adorable little kitty I've seen. It has been a crazy month, but very fun! Joel and I also got back from NYC recently, so I'll put pics of that up later!

Hurricane Ike Survivor AND Daddy Came to Visit!!!

Well, since my last blog, we had a hurricane and Joel came to visit!! Yeahhh!!! So, about the hurricane, I was lazy and didn't take any pictures, but I have friends that did and as soon as they e-mail me some pictures I will put them up. Basically the night before Hurricane Ike, we had a neighborhood block party at my AMAZING friends, Matt and Kristin's. We just sat outside and visited w/ all of the adults on their street while the kids ran wild. (Seriously, Allegra was trying to get naked the whole time, so remind me to lock her in her room when Spring Break comes along). It was really fun. Friday night the hurricane hit our neck of the woods around 1:00 AM. Mostly just fierce winds (75-110 mph) and a lot of rain. I couldn't sleep all night because I kept having crazy dreams about tornado's sucking us all up into them. I woke up and looked out the window and the trees were blowing like crazy and looked like they were about to crash into the window. Oh did I mention I slept at Matt and Kristin's house. It was a blast!! Cause staying alone would not have been fun. Although I did have several other invites (thanks to all of you who offered!!!) By the next morning it was just a ton of rain and debree everywhere. There were hundreds of trees that were blown down here in the Woodlands. The only damage to my house was that a tree fell through our fence. Thank goodness it wasn't onto the house. I stayed w/ the Burgons one more night, and because of lack of power and no phone service I decided to go party w/ my girlfriend Karen from college up in Dallas. It was a blast! We stayed for 5 days and they graciously took the kids and I in. We really loved seeing Dallas and going to Ikea for the first time. We also went to the zoo on my b-day (Yep, I'm the big 29!) and then out to dinner that night w/ Karen, her sister Emma and my friend Nicole (who lives down the street from me). I was happy to have my Hurricane Ike refugee w/ me. It was a little sad because Joel had planned a big deal w/ flying in on my b-day and surprising me. But he cancelled the trip for two weeks later.

Joel flew in last Wednesday and we surprised Gianluca by picking him up at school. He was so excited to see Joel that he just rushed over to him w/ a smile from ear to ear. He kept saying, "Dad, I am so happy you are here, I missed you so much!" Allegra and Gianluca were all over him the whole time he was here. He also gave me a girl's night out to celebrate my b-day w/ my girlfriends in The Woodlands. It was so fun! We really enjoyed having Joel around to play and fix the fence and just be a family again. I really have a new respect for single mom's. I totally miss Joel. He is such a good man with a good heart! He's my BFF, what can I say. :) Anyways, he left Tuesday and now I'm back to the same old same old.

It looks like there's a couple interested in our house. So Please keep us in your prayers. We are dying to sell the house and be back w/ Joel!!!

A big thanks to all of you who have come to my rescue and invited us over for dinner or to hang out. You have no idea how much that means to me!!! It has kept me from the going on the verge of insanity! You are true friends!!! I love you!

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Life of a Single Mom!!!

I need to apologize first off to any of you who have e-mailed or called me and I have forgot to respond. See, what happens is I respond in my head after listening to my voice mail or e-mail and then I think I've answered the question... Apparently it doesn't work like that in the real world, but as I am on the verge of craziness, I have a valid excuse. Two Small Children and no hubby = memory loss!!!!

The kids are going crazy w/ lack of male influence right now. They went to having Tio Christian and Daddy all the time to nada! So every time we hang out at a friends house and the dad is at home, it's an all our wrestling match. Sorry for anyone that has had to endure that! Anyways, we miss having Daddy at home. Just yesterday as I was cleaning out the 1/2 roll of T.P. that Allegra dumped in the bath tub; subsequently clogging the drain, I really missed Joel. Can I tell you that picking up quickly disintegrating soggy T.P. out of the bathtub is hard and gross. I kept thinking of overflowing toilets and was dry heaving half of the time. Luckily my new BFF Drano did the rest of the trick!!! Where was I when Allegra did this might you ask, passed out on the couch! No I was helping Gianluca. Oh the things kids can do in a few short minutes.

I also had a fun weekend w/ my college roommate Karen this weekend. Her and her fam were here and we played all weekend long! It was a blast!!! I love Karen and how upbeat she is! We had a great time reminiscing!!!

Other than that, We've been playing w/ a lot of frogs lately in our yard! I guess all of the tadpoles around here grew some legs and migrated to our yard because we have TONS of frogs. I think the top amount that GL has caught is in the upper 20's in one setting. Pretty impressive if you ask me! Allegra loves them to but is afraid to touch them... Just like her mom!!!

P.S. Just wanted to add and give a big shout out to my amazing friends who are taking great care of us!!! I love you guys!






Joel we miss you!!! Come visit us soon!!!!!!!

Vernal or Bust?!!!

Well, it's happening folks. I am moving to Vernal, UT. Some may ask themselves "Where in the hell (pardon my French, I blame my cursing on my family:) is Vernal, UT???" Well it is right here...


(It's in the upper right hand corner of Utah)

And what is in Vernal?....



That's right, dinosaur land my friends, DINOSAURS!!! Well, more acurately there bones. Which create fossil fuels, which creates oil, which is why we are moving there... because we are greedy people who want to keep gas prices high and make money on it! Not really the last part, but Joel is working for Halliburton there, thanks to his best friend Allen who convinced him to interview out there..And boda-bang-boda-boom, we are moving to Vernal,actually Gianluca and I like to refer to it as Dinosaur Land. I think it's a bit more appropriate and Vernal is really an ugly name if I do say so myself.

Well, to make a long story short, Joel left last Saturday and I am playing single mom/housekeeper/yard worker/ pool boy (minus the pool and boy)????/ chauffeur/referee/ sleep deprived/ .... Did I mention we just put the house up for sale today? If you'd like to see pictures, just e-mail me. Anywho, Gianluca started preschool this week--- Whooo-Hoooooo!!! And so Allegra and I get in some quality bonding time. She is so sweet AND defiant! I don't know where she gets it! :) Anyways, I just wanted to give you the update!

And as far as me wanting to go... Well, I feel good about it. Although, I am dreading leaving my amazing friends here! I am so grateful for them! They are my family away from family! I love you guys!

Throwing-up Babies & poo hands

So it has been one crazy month! We went to Idaho to visit my family and it was a blast seeing everyone and Gianluca basically disappeared because he was always off playing w/ the cousins. I'm sorry if I didn't get to see any of you (besides family). It gets pretty complicated seeing everyone on vacations anymore unless you come see me. So hopefully in the near future (which is a high possibility because we may be moving to Vernal, UT) I'll get to see you all more often.

I just had a quick story to tell about my kiddos. Gianluca asked me the other day when my friend Kristin was going to have her baby...
G: Mom when is Miss Kristin going to have her baby?
M: Oh not for a while.
G: But mom the baby is getting bigger and her mouth is too small!!!
Me: Gianluca, do you think baby's come out of the mommy's mouth?
G: Yeah. Like, they throw them up!
M: No, they come out of the mommy's bottom.
G: (Grossed out look on his face) THEY POOP THEM OUT???!!!!(he says this while in the squating position) EEEEWW GROSS!!! Do they have poop all over them?
M: (laughing like crazy) No buddy, mommy's have another hole wear babies come out.
G: Oh. Then runs off to go play.

That saying is true, kids say the darndest things!!!!

Okay my next story is that later that day, Allegra was yelling for me to come get her after her nap. I walk in and she says, "Mama, poo poo" while patting her bum. So I pick her up to go change her diaper only to realize that both of her hands are covered w/ poop!!! I mean completely covered, no skin showing, only thick nasty poop. I'm gagging just thinking of it. So I run her to the bathtub and hose her down. Is it possible to dip kids in bleach??? J/K! So I go back to the crib and there is poop all over, including her binki!!! Gross!!! Yeah, it's a good thing mom's don't poop out there kids, because that stuff is just so nasty!!! Man, these kids!!!

When I have more time I'll update you on everything else that has been going on!!!

Big Celebration Weekend!

Red White and Blue Celebration

First off, the 4th was amazing! We had a party all day. We went to the pool, and then to block party, and then to our fireworks party. Neil and Darla Fort staked out an amazing place for us where we had a bunch of amazing food and fun. Joel wore the most ridiculous Billy Ray Cyrus red, white, and blue mullet wig. By the end of the night I was going into convulsions looking at all of that hideousness! There's a great father son mullet picture. It is pretty sad. And funny. Anyways, the fireworks were awesome! It made me feel like I was in I.F. again down on the greenbelt!

P.S. Did I mention that these pictures of Joel are still giving me nightmares? Love you honey, see I knew all of this mullet obsession would come back to get you in the end!

P.S.S. I had to put the Born to be Wild song on here. Can't you imagine Joel w/ his lovely teeth on a big Harley cruising down the highway with his mullet whipping through the wind. It's a beautiful image isn't it....?

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Allegra's B-day

This is a few day's late, but Allegra turned two on Saturday. We did a little spur of the moment b-day party at Bare Branch park. It is an amazing park w/ all sorts of things to play with. She was in hog heaven and running around like a maniac. Our friends Matt and Kristin joined us in the fun. The kids had a great time, and even the parents. It was a nice relaxing evening w/ cup cakes, who could ask for more.

Allegra is now miss independent, stubborn, feisty, and still adorable and sweet as ever. She got Care Bears and a little doll house (thanks Abu Maggie)and a few other little things. She was so happy. It is fun and sad to see her grow up so quick. We love her dearly and so glad she's a part of our family.

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Beach Blues

I admit it... I have the Beach Blues. I miss the ocean. If there were two reasons why I would move back to Tampa in a heartbeat they would be: 1)Joel's family, and 2) Clearwater Beach. My kids loved it, we love it. In fact it is a dream of ours when we strike it rich to buy a beach house there. Aaaahh to dream. But as Cinderella says, "The dream that you wish may come true". So here is a little montage of some of our pictures from the beach. Don't forget to push the pause button on my music, otherwise you won't really hear one of my favorite songs called "Walk on the Ocean" by Toad the Wet Sprocket, coincidentally one of my favorite bands of all time.

I'm also adding a few pictures of Joel's and my getaway. We were able to spend a few days at Joel's parents neighbors, dog's, cousin....condo on the beach. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of walking on the beach, laying out at the pool, and sleeping in.... I could get used to that kind of life style. One morning Joel and I found 30 sand dollars, 3 sea urchins, two hermit crabs, and an amazing conch shell. It was all in one piece but it had a slug in it. It was like one you would spend lots of money for in the store...one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen. But we put it back in the ocean. Just to keep it as we found it. As a side note, the sand dollars didn't count as they were dead!


Dinner at our regular anniversary spot... Armani's


The Big 8 Years!


Seriously, best food I've ever had! 5 Star Restaurant.


Our Treasures from the Sea.

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Happy Big 31 B-Day Joel/ Magic Kingdom

The Dude helped make the cake!



Hey well I like to say it's better late than never! So I'm a slacker wife, NOT! Today is Joel's b-day and I've been running around like a chicken w/ my head cut off to pull off his b-day. I first cleaned my disgusting kitchen (that I didn't feel like cleaning last night), ran to Wal-Mart to get b-day cake stuff, came home, got the kids, went to the airport to get Joel's mom, stopped at Sam's club on the way home to get his gift, came home, made his annual carrot cake (from scratch might I add), made a yummy chicken Marsala dinner w/ sparkling cider, and then we reaped the benefits of it all. I normally don't like to toot my own horn, but I must say that is one yummy moist carrot cake! I really am not a carrot cake person, but this... TAKES THE CAKE!!! Ha ha ha. It also has cream cheese frosting. What more need I say. But, I am a slacker in regards to not having done this blog earlier today. I'm sure Joel was checking the blog at work every few minutes just waiting for my profession of undying love for him on his b-day and he got... THE BEST B-DAY PARTY EVER! Okay not really, but hey he has his family here (minus Norby), a rockin b-day feast, and well he is married to yours truly! Wow, I sound conceded. It's just like what Joel McHale from The Soup says about Tyra Banks, she makes everything about herself on her show, and I am making Joel's b-day tribute about me. So let me tell you why I think Joel is the shizzzz...: (p.s. sleep deprivation makes you think you are some white guy trying to be a rapper)

1) Amazing blue eyes... seriously check them out next time you get a chance.
2) Hilarious. That is one quality about Joel that I love and hate. Never knows when to be serious when I'm mad at him!!! But we always have a good laugh.
3) Very caring
4) Genuine
5) Hard worker. Seriously he is sleep deprived (4 hrs/night(yep he's trying to kill himself) and he still goes to work at 5:30AM)
6) He's a big kid and loves to play w/ the kids (when he's not a zombie from #5)
7) Loves nature/ animals (Besides Bella, or bologna as he referred to her)
8) Big Teddy Bear and is not afraid of his softer side.
9)Has big dreams of helping other people in need.
10) Can speak 3 languages... come on that's pretty freaking awesome! Spanish (first language), English, and Italian
11) Knows a bit, or sometimes a lot about tons of things, so he can talk really to anyone.
12) A big people person. He's hard not to like.
13) Very passionate and strong willed..... AND STUBBORN!!! But, so am I.
14) Best speed walker I know.
15) I could go on and on, but really Joel is amazing. I love him. He's my BFF. I'm so happy we get to share this crazy experience called life w/ each other and our beautiful kids!

MAGIC KINGDOM

Really quickly, on our Florida trip we went to the Magic Kingdom and it was a blast! Joel's parents, abulea Hilda, Tia Marilu and cousin Maria Noel and baby Gabby came w/ us. It was so fun. Abuela was in a wheel chair, but that gave us access to all of the fast lines which really was amazing in the heat! Gianluca loved all of the rides especially Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear. Next time we go I'd love to go for a couple of days so we'd have more time. But it was a blast!!!

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Ooops, just a few more

 

 

 

 

Pictures from our favorite beach!

 

 

 

 

Well, we are back from our wonderful trip to Florida! We had an amazing time w/ Joel's family and also took advantage of the free babysitting! Thank you Maggie and Norby for all of your help! I will give you all of the details of our trip in a later blog, but I just was messing around w/ Picasa w/ some of our "family pictures". Why is it always so painful to try to have family pictures taken? First we did it in the morning so the sun was in our eyes the whole time. Allegra only wanted to play w/ the sand, and Gianluca had a lot of painful smiles. And why is it so hard to get people out of the picture when they are wearing unflattering bikini's and speedos!!! Allegra actually ended up soaking wet by the end because she had to get in that beautiful clear blue water! Hence the name of the beach... Clearwater Beach. So anyways, here they are. I'll blog later w/ the rest as I am dying with a nasty cold and I feel like my head is about to explode!!!

Eight Years and Counting...

Happy Anniversary Joel! It is our 8th anniversary. I can't believe how fast time flies! I have to say that I have really loved these years w/ Joel, my best friend. He has always been there for me. We met at Ricks. We went on a camping trip for 5 weeks w/ the college to get science credits. We camped along the Oregon coast, Salmon, ID; Yellowstone National Park, and a few other places. I have to thank Melissa Eagen that I even met Joel because she conned me into this trip when I could have gone to Sydney Australia w/ my parents! Then she backed out the last minute!!!! Thanks a lot Melissa!!! Anyways, I still went and met Joel. He was the hairiest guy I have ever met!!! Okay maybe not, but that was my first impression. Joel was always making people laugh and goofing off, so when we all were having a serious conversation one night, I was surprised at how much more in depth he was. He is so knowledgeable. I love that he can talk to anyone because he knows so much! He's a likeable, loveable teddy bear. What can I say. I didn't think he liked me, he always gave me funny looks, but of course now I know he just always is messing with people. Anyways, after our summer semester roughing it, I didn't stay in touch. Until one afternoon in the fall I saw him on campus and he became our 7th roomey! He was always hanging out and we became best of friends. I had no idea he liked me, and I was head over hills w/ my missionary, so it really surprised me that I was jealous whenever anyone flirted with him. The rest is history. We started dating and got married in the spring.
Now looking back 8 years. We've moved a gazillion times (Utah, Rexburg, St. Anthony, Rigby, Denver, Rexburg, Tampa, Houston). We've been middle class, very lower class, and middle class again. We have had many trials to say the least, but all of them have made us stronger. And last but not least, we have two beautiful children that fill our lives full of love and happiness. I'm so happy I went on that stinking camping trip instead of Australia!!! I love you Joel. You are amazing!!!

Love,
Sid

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Fun in the Sun!

Well, we have really been enjoying our nice weather (besides today, it's pouring rain!) It's been in the mid/high 80's and we have been just soaking it all in. The kids love to help Joel washing the cars. However, Allegra is very scared of the power washer. So when that is turned on, she is hanging on me like no other. We also have been hanging out at Market Street where there are a bunch of fountains that shoot up. The Dude loves them and Allegra is undecided. Last weekend we put up our misters on our terrace out back. It's supposed to cool things down by 30 degrees. I hope so, I'm already being a big wuss w/ the heat!!! Yesterday at Target I bought some lights to hang out there as well. I imagine myself hanging out there at night listening to good music, entertaining friends, or just reading a good book.

Speaking of books, my friends and I went and saw Stephanie Myers last Friday. It was so fun!!! She is the author of the Twilight series. She is actually very funny and down to earth. Like someone I'd hang out with. Very normal. After that we went out to dinner at Chuey's and then called it a night. I love my girlfriends here! They are amazing. I am very lucky to have such good friends all over the country!!!

Not much else is going on here. But we are excited to go to Florida next week!!! I can't wait to hit the beach!!!

HOW DOES ANYONE HAVE MORE THAN TWO KIDS!!!!!!!

It's official! I am going crazy w/ my children! Next time you see me I'll probably be trying to bite my ear or going into convulsions!!! I'm knocking on wood when I say this.... "No More Kids!!!!!" As much as I love my little ones, they are truly little monsters! Okay, maybe just Gianluca and Allegra at times. But they are perfect little angels when they are asleep! Gianluca thinks he needs to go to a friends house as soon as he wakes up in the morning and is always inviting himself over to other people's houses. I must be pretty boring! So if he is not doing that, he is teasing his sister because he is bored and he doesn't like to play by himself for more than five minutes. Then he's been picking up some bad habits from other kids w/ potty talk. "You're a poo poo head" and that sort of thing. He really is testing the limits!!! I can't wait until all day kindergarten. If only it were tomorrow. I know this sounds horrible, but I have to vent! He really is a sweet boy, but he's going through this bad phase and I think that I truly am going nuts. How am I supposed to get anything done around my house when I am constantly having to referie or entertain? AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Any advice?

MY OBSESSION

Well my wonderful friends introduced my to the Twilight books. I can hardly contain myself. I never thought I would have it so bad for vampire books! But it is so intruiging! Not to mention that and LDS author (Stephanie Myer) wrote them. So I am part of the world wide Twilight obsessed fan club. If you haven't read them, do it!!! The movie comes out in December!!! Can't wait! Read it! Don't ask, just do it!!! You'll thank me later!

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Itchy, Poopy, Barfy, and yard work!!!!

Well, as you all well know I have dropped off the face of the blogging world except to throw in a few b-day shout-outs now and then. So I am trying to think of what's been going on. Well, we almost finished our yard. We live on a corner lot, so we have a lot of flower beds. Last year we tackled our huge front flower bed and this year we are doing all of the rest. We got 8 yards of mulch! It is cedar, so I love the smell, it isn't that poopy smelling crap. Literally! The one reason I hate spring in the Woodlands is you'll be taking a walk, think Allegra just made a nice stinky and what do you know, someone has new mulch in their yard. It really is quite disgusting. Gianluca always says "eeewww, someone just got mulch. It smells like poop!" So back to our yard. We laid down that black tarp sun-out stuff which is really a huge pain in the you know what! You have to cut around all of your bushes and trees and pin them all down. It takes forever! But it's worth it so we don't have to deal w/ the weeds! So anyways, we finished that. Got the kids a sandbox and a little house, and a slide to play w/ in the backyard. It is so nice to just put the kids out there to play... EXCEPT FOR OUR DOG!!!

Bella (our puppy) has been a big pain in the butt lately! I have been her biggest advocate since we got her, but now I think I am starting to change my mind! Not only does she have mange, but we all are itchy! I take her in every two weeks for a shot and it's almost done. Next week should be the last. To say the least, I've learned my lesson. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FREE DOG PEOPLE!!! So as if that weren't bad enough, Joel is always giving me crap about her because she's not potty trained, our house is beginning to smell like pee, he's itching, and she isn't the brightest star in the sky. Of course I know, she's a puppy. It's not her fault. But the fact that she's jumping on the kids and destroying my backyard and newly planted plants... I think I might just kill her!!! I now just laugh when Joel makes fun of her-- I used to defend her. I'm a bad pet owner!!! I think I'm just a little overwhelmed here. Joel, I'm not saying this again... You were right about the dog! We aren't ready!

What else, I've had the stomach flu twice, Allegra had it once. She woke up in the middle of the night crying. When I went in there she said "Mama, a mess! a mess!!" I turned on the light and there was a nice throw-up mess. She took a bath and stayed up for two hours like nothing ever happened. Laughing and watching cartoons, while I was washing her only blankey that she can't sleep w/out. She was sick for 4 more days. And let's just say the runny poop was not fun to clean up!!! Too much info. I'm sorry. Somehow The Dude and Joel have escaped this nasty stuff!!! But, the Dude has not escaped getting into trouble. He is the master of disaster. He and his buddy Aidan (all under their father's supervision might I add) locked themselves in the bathroom, filled up the sinks, and threw wet soggy toilet paper all over the bathroom. Allegra was also in on it! So the photo w/ t.p. covering my nice picture is just a nice example of the maham that occured. I asked Joel, were you not watching them? "I did.. but I was also watching the movie like YOU suggested I do." Me- "well I didn't say to not watch the kids!!!" Fun times, fun times!

Any big events? The dude had a field trip to a petting zoo. He loved it! It was so fun to see him run around w/ the animals and the crazy goat who walked on the fence. Easter of course. Lots of eggs and candy. But other than that... nada mucho! So I will be better about updating now. Sorry for the huge vent session!!! Here's a slideshow w/ all of the pics. Have a great weekend!

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Feliz Cumple Abu Maggie!!!

Okay, just bare w/ me everyone! I know my blog has basically become a birthday blog, but I don't have any more b-days for a long time. So today is my sweet mother-in-law's birthday!!! Maggie (AKA Magali)is one of the nicest people I've ever met. She is very sincere and loves to serve other people. She is so little that I look like a giant standing next to her! The first time I met her was Joel's cousin Laura's wedding reception. I had on my suede Mary Jane platforms from Austria on and I realllllly was ginormous standing next to her! I can't believe she had 9 and 10 pound babies NATURAL!!!! Anyways, Maggie is a very extraordinarily talented woman. She is a professional seamstress and sews anything from window treatments, to evening gowns, to wedding dresses (mine included) for all of the hottie totties in Tampa.She always is sewing something for us when she comes to visit. Everyone loves the window treatments she's done for us. So I'm glad someone is getting use out of my sewing machine! I haven't sewed since the 7th grade!!! She is so busy and is like the energizer bunny. She just keeps going and going and going. She works w/ her clients during the day and stays up late sewing all night. I don't know how she does it! Maybe that is why Joel can function on such little sleep. Runs in the family I guess.
Maggie has always been so helpful for us too. Every time she comes to visit, she just whips our house into shape and helps me clean and organize.... Looking at my house right now, I'm thinking she's due for another visit!!! She is like a busy worker bee. She has really shown me a great example of service to others. And even though Maggie is so sweet, she definitely has an opinion which I think is fantastic. She stands up for herself and what she believes in. She knows what she likes and doesn't like. She is also an amazing mother and grandmother. I am so grateful that she loves to spend time with the kids and babysit for us. Our kids love her and Abu Norby too! They have always been so generous w/ us. They even let us live w/ them for 1 1/2 years. Looking back, I don't know how they put up with us! But we are grateful to them! Maggie, like I said before, you are so kind and giving and genuinely care about others, it's no wonder why so many people love you! I am so happy I get to be your daughter, even if you are crazy sometimes!!! Just Kidding! ha ha ha!

P.S. I'm sorry I didn't write more, but my mind isn't functioning as I've had the stomach flu... AGAIN!!! I really do love you!

Happy B-Day Little Brother from another Mother!

Well, I just wanted to say happy birthday to Christian! He (for those of you who don't know) is Joel's brother who is my age. The big 28! Do you feel old??? Anyways, since I'm the youngest in my family I guess he is the closest thing I have to a little brother. Although I don't really think of him as little! After all he is taller than me and just turned the same age. But I really think that Christian is a great guy. He is so funny (when you get him going) and very clever. He is extremely intelligent and very introspective. I've always admired that about him. I remember when I first met him and I was so excited to have a new brother. I remember when he came up to visit us when we lived in Utah and we drove to Idaho that he totally belted out Frank Sinatra and let me tell you it was impressive! He's also good dancer. I think that secretly he goes out and battles it out with other dancers at night and just doesn't tell us about it! J/K! Joel and I have always enjoyed him coming to visit. He came out to Ricks/BYU-I w/ us (which he probably doesn't have too many fond memories of Allen Hall or the freezing cold!), he came and worked w/ Joel when we lived in Denver, then we went back and lived w/ Joel's family when we moved to Tampa. The poor Maggiora's had to deal w/ me being pregnant. Let's just say I was not always in the best mood. But they put up with me and I really appreciate that. Christian watched Gianluca for me while I worked at Sylvan Learning Center. Gianluca LOVES Tio Christian. In Gianluca's words, "Christian is totally cool!" He's a great uncle. I think all kids love being around him. Anyways, we love you Christian. I'm happy that I get to be your only sister. Even I've acted a little crazy now and than, I hope you know how much I love you and admire you. Have a great birthday!

Looking Your Age...

So I have to vent. I have had a gazillion comments ever since I moved here about my age. Everyone thinks I'm a teenager! The first time was when some high school kids came to my house to sell something and asked me "Is your Mom or Dad here".Let's just say I didn't buy what they were selling! Then after I had Allegra, we went to dinner w/ our friends Seth and Betsy. They have a little boy two days younger than Alley. So we were waiting for our table and an older lady asked Betsy if both of the babies were hers. Betsy said explained that one was hers and one was mine. The lady looked at me and said, "No, you couldn't be older than 16!" I've had a few other comments since then but then this last Friday we were at Sam's Club and the girl checking me out said "Wow, you look really young. Like your 17 or something!" What in crap people! They are so rude! So I said "Actually I'm 28. But maybe when I'm 40 and I look like I'm 30 I'll appreciate that comment." Maybe I should just embrace it. I should start saying, "yeah I'm 16. Being a pregnant teenager really sucks!" I don't know, I really shouldn't care. It's the lack of respect that really pisses me off! Come on people. I wear my wedding ring and have two kids. At least say I'm 21! I guess when I'm out running my errands people just look at me and think that I'm some hussy teenager that got knocked up a couple of times. EEEEEEERRRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!

So I have a two part question.
1- Give me some good comebacks.
2- I'm attaching two pictures. One w/ short hair and one w/ my current long hair. Do I look older w/ short or long hair?



Here's me age 24.



Age 28.

Do I look older w/ short hair or not?

Happy Birthday Mom!

Well, you know what I have always thought was super cool? The fact that my Mom and Dad's birthdays are two weeks apart AND they were born the same year... 19_ _ (okay I won't write it out! :) AND they were high school sweet hearts, okay just the last part of their senior year. I really think their story is fun. My dad was the cool drummer in his band "The Decades" (is that right?) and my mom was the mascot for the Bonneville Bees. Which is very appropriate because she can be pretty feisty let me tell you!!! So here is what I love about my Mom.

1. I remember her always wearing Obsession. I remember getting homesick for her when I was little because they went out of town a lot and I would smell her great leather jacket because it smelled just like her!
2. She is really pretty. I love her smile.
3. She has a great laugh.
4. My mom is just a little thing, but she's got a big attitude. She loves those shoot em' up shows. I vividly remember her always watching Predator and Terminator. Probably because she grew up w/ all boys!
5. When we were growing up, she could crack the whip and get us all doing our chores. I secretly liked that little tin chore box w/ the very detailed lists of what to clean. Then she would check it, and if it wasn't good enough we had to do it again.
6. She loves the ocean.. just like me. Maybe I get it from her.
7. She is a little rebel in disguise. She loves to drive fast and just do things that you wouldn't expect from her.
8. She is stubborn... so am I.
9.She is probably the reason why I fell in love w/ Patrick Swayze. (Trust me, it was a sick addiction. Carol Mortimer and Lara can attest to the lipstick marks on the posters of him in my room!) We watched Dirty Dancing a lot!!! Also, Pretty Woman. I will always remember watching these shows w/ her.
10. She knows how to have fun.
11. She is a really good cook. I love her spaghetti, Suki yaki (no idea how to spell that one), chicken and dumplings, ... the list could go on.
12. She loves fresh vegetables and fruit. I have fond memories of stopping at the fruit stands on the way home from SLC and then going home and eating them when we got home. AAAAHHH the corn and yes, even the cucumber in vinegar.
13. She's got a strong addiction to salt. Just don't share a lemonade w/ her at the Training Table, trust me on this one.!
14. She also has crazy cravings, but for your sake mom, I won't go into it!
15. She loves nature and especially Taylor mountain. Because it is so close to your heart Mom, it will always be special to mine.
16. We've had amazingly fun girl trips to SLC.
17. Adding onto #16, I really had fun driving to Oregon w/ her in her little forest green Mazda MX6. That was crazy fun driving that car, even w/ the car troubles and delays.
18. She loves to shop!
19. She took great care of me whenever I got sick. That whole mono thing... Thanks for all your help mom!
20. She is the most accident prone person I have ever known!!! I would explain, but that could take hours! She's given us lots of laughs but at least she's a good sport!
21. And last but not least, my Mom is very loving and caring. She will talk to anybody which is a great quality. She came from a poor struggling family and worked hard on the farm. So she can relate to others in many ways. She has struggled a lot w/ her health and just trials in life, but she has a testimony of the love our Savior has for her. I love you mom! I am so grateful for the wonderful opportunities and experiences that I have had because of you and dad!!! I hope you have the best birthday ever!

P.S. You are only as young as you feel!!! So I guess that makes you 38 and holding right? Age doesn't matter! Just celebrate life! And yes you are beautiful inside and out!


Wasn't she a beautiful baby!!!


Here she is w/ her very special Grandpa Jorgenson.


Here I am w/ her in Nauvoo.


Graduation Picture.


Mom and her crazy brothers!


Let's just say that the jacket she's wearing compliments her colorful personality!!!