The Warren Family

My Girls

2012-01-31T13:29:00.000-08:00

In a few short days, at the most, our family will go from a family of four to a family of five. I've been so focused on the upcoming arrival of August, that I've failed to share much about my two sweet daughters. I was reading another friend's blog and she was sharing a conversation that she had with her Stake President (religious leader in our religion) where he said, "You should gain a testimony of your children." That comment has made me ponder more about what I know and appreciate about my children and what more I can learn by understanding their needs and personalities better.

ABIGAIL

She is a vivacious little girl. She is singing or talking virtually constantly. She definitely has a song in her heart. Thankfully, she has a beautiful voice to go with that song. Unfortunately, sometimes she gets stuck on repeat and that can become a little maddening at times. She is a very loving little girl who watches out for her sister. She does great in school and got all high marks on her first report card. She also received a Top Flight Award at her school for Writing this past week. She has yet to pull a card (something that results from a bad decision) and I imagine the day that happens she will be in tears. She definitely is high on emotion. Things that become particularly dramatic moments for her are when pain or blood are involved. A small scrape may seem like a life-threatening wound to her. She is becoming more quick witted, like her Dad. She is super outgoing! She also is very perceptive! She picks up on things and topics that Aaron and I are talking about without me even realizing she's listening. She also has a theory for why things are the way they are in life. It's fascinating to hear the workings of her mind.

Favorite Things to Do: go to Disneyland, be with her family, play computer games, draw, go to the park, play with legos

Favorite Food: burger with cheese and ketchup only or pasta noodles with butter and Parmesan cheese

Favorite Dessert: Ice-cream

VIVIAN

She is a law abider to the core. This little girl will ask permission for everything. When I say everything, I mean it. If she wants to get a booger out of her nose, she asks. If she is getting sleepy in the car, she'll ask first if its okay to fall asleep in the car. I'm pretty sure she got this way since she's seen her sister get my wrath when her sister does something wrong. Vivian wants nothing to do with my wrath. I don't blame her. She is also very detailed in how she shares her plans or desires. She will outline what she is going to do and how it will be within the boundaries that have been set for her. Ex: She'll come into my room and ask if she can take paper from the printer to draw on. She asks because she knows I monitor how much they take. Once I say yes, she will then tell me that she is going to take the paper and use markers to color. She will then clarify that she is not going to color on the ottoman (she says this because she knows using markers by the couch is off limits). She will then add that she is going to color over by the fireplace (since that is a marker approved area). Its unreal. She does this with most everything. She is painfully shy. She often opts to play by herself versus joining in with others, unless Abby is there as moral support. She still has food neophobia (fear of new foods), but has made progress in this department. She also has Partial Superior Oblique Palsy, which is a paralysis in the fourth nerve in her right eye. She is slated to have surgery on this in March. One of my favorite things that she does is when she caresses my face when she snuggles in bed with me.

Favorite Things to Do: type family members name on the computer, play Doctor, do my hair, have a tea party, run, go to Disneyland, and have family movie night

Favorite Food: quesadilla or chicken dinos

Favorite Dessert: cookies

These two girls are incredible! I feel so blessed to have them in my life! August is a lucky little guy to have such loving sisters to care for him when he arrives. I know Aaron and I feel richly blessed by their presence in our home and they make us want to be better parents and better people. I look forward to strengthening my testimony of these two beautiful daughters of God.

38 Weeks

2012-01-19T09:51:00.000-08:00

I've done more documenting of this pregnancy than I have of either of my previous two. Maybe it's because I've had a month longer to document.

I feel like I should somehow share what I'm experiencing for posterity purposes, but I don't know that I have all that much to report. I see the doc tomorrow for my 38 week check-up, so I imagine I will know more tomorrow.

As for baby August, he's an active little guy. He gets the hiccups often, which I love. Abby got the hiccups a lot in utero. I don't recall that ever being the case with Vivian.

I'm pretty nervous about delivering a full-size baby. When I delivered Abby there wasn't time to think about her coming out. It just happened. Then with Vivian there was so much focus on my Mom's passing that I didn't give the delivery any thought. Now I feel like I've had an extra month to just wait, wonder and worry about this little guy's arrival.

I am heavier than I've ever been, but that's due to starting this pregnancy 20 lbs. heavier than the last. Fortunately, I have not gained as much in this pregnancy as I did with the previous two. I'm pretty stoked about that fact since I've gone a month longer which should have equated to a month more of added weight.

I have been contracting a lot these past few days, but nothing consistent enough to go into the hospital. After so many false alarms, if I'm not in unbearable pain after having drank all the water in my house, I'm not going in to L&D.

I'm sleeping well when I'm not contracting or my girls aren't waking me up in the middle of the night. They slept through the night better when they were babies than they do now.

The last week or so, I was SUPER productive. I figured since I wasn't on bed rest that I should get some business taken care of before Auggie's arrival. Unfortunately, my energy seems to be depleting a bit these past few days.

The plan for this afternoon is to take the girls out on a family date. They've been so good and patient with all the unknowns and all the changes of plans over the past month that we thought it would be good to give them some of our undivided attention. I'm looking forward to our family time!

I feel richly blessed that I've made it this far into the pregnancy and I am thrilled at the possibility of delivering August and being able to hold him in my arms right away. The idea of not having my baby taken immediately to the NICU fills my heart with overwhelming joy.

If you're the praying sort, please pray for Auggie to arrive to us healthy and strong!

Notes to Self

2012-01-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

- Should you continue to bear children, remember next time to drink LOTS of water and lay on your side when necessary to avoid early contractions. 37 weeks is longer than you're used to, but its WAY better than bed rest and preemies (at least so far).

- Read your scriptures. I don't know why you don't do this more regularly. You've been spending a good portion of your evenings readings scriptures lately, thanks to the Bishop's challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 60 Days. As a result, you have gone to bed every night feeling happier, more at peace, and filled with accomplishment and joy.

- You and Aaron are doing quite well as husband and wife. As with any marriage though, things get rocky from time to time. When this happens, listen to the CD that you made for your wedding guests. Every time you listen to it, it takes you back to those precious moments (that we all tend to forget) of new love. It lightens your heart and reminds you of how good you really have it!

- You have great potential! Allow yourself to succeed! Try to avoid the urge to give in to laziness and self-centered actions.

- You have amazing daughters! Try to work on being slower to anger with them. You have been over-reacting over things that really don't matter at all. Going off the handle on such things doesn't create a loving environment. Plus, showing frustration or disappointment on things that REALLY do matter in your kids' lives will lose its effect if you respond in that same matter with all things.

- Don't forget to pick up band-aids at the store. You have a cut on your finger in a place that keeps getting aggravated. A band-aid would really help.

L & D

2012-01-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

I have such mixed emotions as I type this post. On one hand, I feel so grateful that August is still safe in my womb growing and developing as he should. On the other hand, I am SO tired of visiting Labor & Delivery for false alarms. I'm tired of inconveniencing people with watching our girls or having my husband miss work. I'm tired of what feels like "crying wolf" and all that that entails. I'm also tired of the pain that goes along with contractions.

It makes me feel like I'm crazy. In some respects, I feel like this is my first baby. I've never made it this far so everything is new. I'm told to come in when my contractions are 2-4 minutes apart and then I do and they continue to be 2-4 minutes apart, but that's not enough for labor. Instead it turns out to be something like, "drink more water." Then I feel super dumb for going in for contractions if it was just a dehydration issue. AGH! It's so frustrating!

So, here's the latest, for those interested. I am 80% effaced, I am not dilated as of yet, I'm supposed to drink water like there is no tomorrow, and now I'm told to come in when everything gets stronger. Apparently, contractions that are 2-4 minutes apart is not my marker anymore. So, there you have it, folks.

The last time I was in L&D (Dec. 15), I swore to myself that I would not go in unless it was the real thing. That's what I get for swearing. Since last night was yet another L&D false alarm visit.

The silver lining: August is still cooking and I feel very fortunate to have so much love & support for myself and this little guy.

35 Weeks!

2011-12-29T09:51:00.000-08:00

I truly did not think my body was capable of making it this far in a pregnancy based on my track record with Abby & Vivian. I'm SUPER excited to have hit 35 weeks!

I'm not sure what made the difference this time around, but I am going to give credit to the following:

- The service of others that allowed me to be true to my bed rest orders.
- The sweet prayers of my children and husband on behalf of August & I.
- Not working during this pregnancy.
AND...
- The weekly pregesterone shots administered lovingly by Aaron.

Even though I'm off bed rest, I'm still having to take it pretty easy. We had plans to go to dinner and a movie last night for a pre-anniversary celebration, since Aaron works on our anniversary. We managed to still make it to Macaroni Grill & Yogurtland, but the movie got nixed. Having contractions took away from the excitement of a movie. Instead we were home and in bed by 9:30p. LAME!

I'm not sure if the aches and pains I'm feeling our indications of his arrival being soon or if I'm just a big baby and this is what 35 weeks feels like. If the latter, these next 5 weeks (assuming I go full-term) are gonna be loooooong.

It's The Most Wonderful...

2011-12-29T09:37:00.000-08:00

Time of the Year!

I LOVE this time of year!

It's filled with cookie baking & Swedish Rosette making!

It's filled with silly faces!

It's filled with family!

It's filled with birthday celebrations!

It's filled with Christmas morning delight!

It's filled with homemade presents!

It's filled with recycled gifts (can you see the rainbow neckalce around Abby & I?)!

It's filled with laughter!

It's filled with adorable pictures!

It's filled with exciting upcoming arrivals!

It's filled with the cutest jacket EVER!

It's filled with gifts you weren't expecting that are SUPER cool!

It's filled with story-telling!

It's filled with silliness!

It's filled with recovering (sometimes from surgery, other times holiday chaos)!

It's filled with our wedding anniversary - 8 years (along with the anniversary of Aaron moving out here to CA - 10 years)!

It's filled with all things that make me happy! It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Service

2011-12-18T16:05:00.000-08:00

I never thought of myself as a service-oriented person. I can always think of ways to serve others outside of the home, but rarely seem to follow through with it. Then when it comes to serving within our home, particularly for my husband, I seem to be stumped on ideas. Sometimes when I do get ideas, I wonder if it would really even benefit the person.

For instance, does visiting a friend, or even a stranger, really uplift their spirit or is it exhausting for them when they're already burdened with poor health, heartache or other hardships? When I think to give such service, I imagine its just a burden on them. Yet, when I receive such service its so clear to me how much is gained from a loving visit.

Over the last two weeks, I have been the recipient of great services. Some were merely offers for service that touched my heart more than the person would ever be able to realize (like the call from a friend in the Arby's drive-thru wanting to know if I wanted anything). It's made me re-evaluate the impact of an act of service.

I've received great monetary gifts in my life. Gifts that I use daily, treasure greatly, and warm my heart. But no monetary gift has brought me more over-whelming joy than that of someone's kind deed of service. The last time I was on bed rest was another time in my life where I was flooded with kind deeds. Each one of those deeds still stands out in my mind and touches my heart.

These services have inspired me to re-dedicate myself to being more service-oriented. The acts I have in mind may not seem huge but my prayer is that they will be acts as special and meaningful as the ones I've received; a visit with a friend, a meal brought, a ride given, a baby-sitting offer, a card, a plate of treats, etc.

"We become what we want to be by consistently being want we want to become each day."
- Richard G. Scott

Bed Rest Blogging

2011-12-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

It seems like blogs are going the way of the dodo these days. I'm not sure if its due to the influx of Facebook users or the people I follow on blogs are getting too busy with their lives. I know for me its the easy access and high readership of FB.

I originally started our family blog to keep Aaron's family updated on things in our lives. Now that FB seems to have a better following it seems like that is the better media network for keeping them informed. Although, I can't really look back in my FB profile as well as I can on our family blog. So, I suppose this blog still has a purpose, even if I lag in updating it.

The above picture was taken at a baby shower that a few girlfriends of mine threw for August and I. I was 31 weeks and 2 days along when it was taken. It was early the next morning that I ended up in the hospital with pre-term contractions. So, today marks 2 weeks of bed rest. Bed rest and I are not suited for one another.

I struggle with not being able to pull my weight in the home, not being able to go out and about, not being able to go on family adventures, and not being able to participate in the kids school activities, among other things.

On the other hand, its interesting having bed rest at a time that would otherwise be crazy hectic. I see status updates of shopping, parties, things-to-do, and the like and think to myself that the only stress I have this holiday season is keeping this baby cooking. Another plus of bed rest during this time of year is that my scenery from the couch is that of a lit Christmas tree, nativity scenes, and hanging stockings. Another benefit is all the holiday cards we receive. I know they're being sent because of the time of year, but receiving one feels like a little card of love & support as well.

I am missing out on some of the fun holiday traditions we've created, like looking at the Brea Neighborhood Christmas Lights. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to go to Mission Inn in Riverside before all this went down AND I was able to attend our special Summit House dinner with my parents and siblings. Both were incredibly fun!

I'm slated to be released from bed rest this Thursday, Dec. 22, so who know what Christmas traditions can still be completed before Christmas arrives. My plan is to take it easy though until Christmas passes. My only Christmas wish is for this baby to come out healthy and for me to NOT be in the hospital on Christmas Day.

I love Christmas Day and all the family time I get the whole week of Christmas with family birthdays too! Its my favorite time of year and I just hope I get to play an active role in it, even if its from the laying down position on some couch in my family member's homes.

May your Christmas week be merry and bright!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T20:44:00.001-08:00

Aaron originally had to work today. They told him on Tuesday that his schedule changed. We could have gone to my Dad's cabin, but my doctor gave me the red light for going up to the mountains for the remainder of my pregnancy. We settled on a quiet Thanksgiving dinner at home. Our roommate, Alyssa, joined us for the holiday. It was nice to have her with us, as she feels like family to us all.

The girls and I watched the Macy's Day Parade this morning, while Aaron slept off his work last night. Then Aaron baked apple pie with the girls. We played and lounged all day. It was fantastic. Just before working on dinner, we made some sugar cookies and cut them into the shape of turkeys. A fun little treat for the girls since neither of them are big on pie.

We dined on a turkey roll stuffed with cornbread stuffing, orange-cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, sauteed green beans with garlic and macadamia nuts, and some yummy rolls (I found the recipe on Pinterest and it was a hit!). The spread was divine and the sugar cookies & apple pie topped it all off nicely.

Now that the girls are down for the night, Alyssa, Aaron and I are gonna watch "While You Were Sleeping" to kick off the holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Hope it was a good one for you and yours. I know ours was lovely and I am indeed grateful for the life I live, the loved ones I have, and the very air that I breathe.

30 Weeks

2011-11-24T20:19:00.001-08:00

I've made it to 30 weeks without going into active labor. Yes, I have made it this far before. No, I have never weighed this much or looked this big before. Yes, my back does hurt. No, I am not having any contractions. Yes, I had already gone into active labor with Vivian by this point. No, I had not gone into active labor with Abby at this point.

Yes, I can't wait to meet him!

No, I will not rush his arrival!

First & Second Tooth

2011-11-24T20:09:00.001-08:00

Back on November 13, the day after she donated her hair, Abby lost her first tooth. She was tired of wiggling it all day and asked Daddy to pull it out for her. Being that Abby's tolerance for pain is like mine, in the fact that it does not exist, I was shocked she wanted Dad to pull the tooth. She held strong though and got $2 from the Tooth Fairy that night.

She ended up going back to school that Monday with no hair and one less tooth. Such a big kid!

She had her second tooth pulled tonight, Thanksgiving Day. She's been waiting for Dad to be home and awake all week so that he could pull it. Thankfully, we got to have Daddy home for Thanksgiving this year. You can't even tell that she is missing two teeth since her two adult teeth are already coming in.

Exciting times for our big girl!

Locks of Love

2011-11-12T13:30:00.001-08:00

Sometime during the Spring, as Abby's hair was getting longer, I mentioned to her that there are a lot of kids who don't have any hair. I was telling her that you can donate your hair to kids that are sick so that they can make wigs for the kids to wear. The foundation that organizes this great deed is called Locks of Love.

She was instantly on board. The only problem was that when we checked the length of her at the beginning of Summer it wasn't long enough. They said she still needed a couple inches. We went back in today and they were trying to sort of talk her out of it since her hair would end up being REALLY short for them to get the length they needed (10").

I asked her multiple times if she was okay with it being REALLY short or if she wanted to wait. She said with no hesitation that she wanted to donate it today. I was so proud of her devotion to the cause. As they chopped it off, I teared up. I am so proud of my sweet baby girl. Her kindness and love for others is truly a gift.

I think her new A-line cut is DARLING and she's even more beautiful! What a blessed Mom I am to have such an incredible and inspirational daughter! I love you, Abby!

Enjoy the process through pictures...

Family Trip

2011-11-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

Aaron started a new job this past week on Halloween. He is no longer working in OC Jail and has now moved over to the UCI ED, which is one of the top rated hospitals for trauma in our area. The ED has always been a passion of his, so we're very happy about the opportunities this provides him. When we found out that he would have a weekend open before he started his position, we figured it was a good time to visit my grandparents. I'm not sure when I'll be able to travel next with August's upcoming arrival.

It worked out perfectly that the weekend Aaron had free was also the weekend that my Uncle would be traveling down from Salt Lake City with his family and my Aunts would be traveling up from So Cal.

We left at 1:00p on Friday and stayed overnight in Las Vegas. Aaron hadn't been in 9 years and the girls had never been, so it was quite an adventure. We did LOADS of walking. Not one complaint from the girls either and it was chilly out. We had such a wonderful time taking in the sights! The downside of our adventure in Sin City was all the things around us that were not-so-kid-friendly. Fortunately, my girls are still oblivious to drunken groups of people and pictures of virtually naked women EVERYWHERE.

On Saturday, we woke up and grabbed some breakfast on the outskirts of Vegas before heading up to meet the family in St. George. My grandparents actually live just North of St. George, but the family had all come in to St. George for shopping/eating for the day. We met up with them at Tai Pan Trading Company. For those that know of TPT Co., I didn't think their other stores could be any bigger than the one they have in Rancho. Boy, was I wrong.

After TPT Co, we headed to Wal-Mart, and then to Paradise Bakery. I had to laugh as we were taking pictures inside the Subway within the Wal-Mart. Nothing says family reunion like the Subway in Wal-Mart. AWESOME.

We only had 5 hours together with my extended family before they headed back to my grandparent's home. I would have loved to have spent more time with them, but we would have had to turn around the moment we got to their home to start our own journey home.

I think one of my favorite parts of the trip was seeing my grandparents sit and visit with our girls through out all of dinner. It was so nice to hear my grandparents speak so highly of the intelligence and sweet spirits that my daughters possess. They really are amazing little girls and it felt good to know that my grandparents were able to see that in our short time together.

Since we had a little bit of time before we needed to get on the road, we headed to visit the St. George Temple. We have a replica of this Temple in our home so it was exciting for the girls to see it in all of its life-size glory. We also had the opportunity to go into the Visitor's Center and watch a video of God's Plan for Us. What a sweet experience that was for me to recall the great blessing I've been given to be a part of an eternal family. I falter so much in life, yet I've still somehow been found worthy to be a part of this amazing family! What a gift they are in my life!

One little glimpse of our travels home. It was a whirlwind trip (34 hours to be exact) with lots of time on the road (12+ hours), but it was a memorable one that I will treasure forever.

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

I have been so bad about blogging, but its mainly because I've been so bad about bringing my camera along. Fortunately, I remembered to bring it for our Trunk or Treat party last night. We all had a fantastic time, but the girls might have had the most fun of all. Vivian talked about how much fun she had on the whole drive home.

If I were a little kid, I think the balloon room would have been reason enough for me to have a blast! As I understand it, there were 640 balloons in the room and a TON of kids at one point. The best part as an adult was hearing that when all was said and done they shoved all the balloons into the Bishop's office of the OTHER ward. Of course, the other ward's Bishop then popped all 640 balloons and plopped them onto our Bishop's desk. Good times.

So, here's a little bit about the girl's costumes. First off, I HATE spending a bunch of money on costumes that are of poor quality and so uncomfortable that my kids want out of them before they even get into them. Fortunately, CostCo had affordable ones (less than $20). The only problem was that CostCo did not have a huge selection. So, what do you do in such a situation? You let your kids use their imaginations. When they saw a mermaid costume and a princess costume, they decided that one of them would be Ariel Mermaid and the other would be Ariel Princess after she becomes human. It worked out fabulously! Both girls were happy!

Here are the girls with their friend's Lily and Sophie. It's interesting to me that Vivian doesn't really have any friends of her own. She considers all of Abby's friends as her friends. She doesn't really play with kids her age at all. She's also not the type to go up and make friends at the park. She's either glued to Abby's side or off in her own wonderland. It's even the same thing at preschool. Of course, she is in a preschool class with all boys. But still, every time I see her at school she is playing on her own. Quirky little kid that Vivian.

Last year, Aaron won the chili contest. This year Aaron took third in the pie contest. His prize this year was a cow piggy bank. You gotta love the irony of the prize in this the wonderful land of dairy farms.

This may be the last time you see me in front of the camera before this little baby joins our family. I feel ginormous and blech. However, here is our family at the end of 3+ rounds of candy gathering during the Trunk or Treat (me @ 26 weeks along). Aaron was kind enough to stay back and man our trunk.

We have more candy than I know what to do with and we haven't even done our traditional family Halloween trick-or-treating. I'm looking so forward to our time together with my siblings and their families tomorrow night. It's honestly become one of my favorite family gatherings.

Happy Halloween!

Happenings

2011-10-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

- I did end up going to the hospital the day after my last post to address the contractions I was feeling. They gave me a shot of trabutalene and told me to take it easy (no bed rest orders, thankfully). I have not had any contractions since my hospital visit.

- I've been helping in Abby's classroom on Tuesdays and I LOVE it! I really enjoy getting to know the kids in class. They all have such distinct personalities. Kindergarten is a really fun age!

- My newest nephew, Johnny, was born last week and he is so very precious. When I went to my brother & SIL's house to see him he just looked like a little doll laying on the couch. I always forget how small babies really are when they're first born. So sweet! I had such a nice time holding him and admiring him.

- I made some cinnamon roll pancakes this morning and they were sinfully delicious! I truly love all things cinnamon! I dare say its my sweet of choice. I think cinnamon sugar treats may even trump chocolate ones.

- I got to go on a date with Aaron last night and it was delightful. We got to grab a bite to eat at Casa Sanchez, get some dessert at Handel's Ice-Cream and then watch Contagion. Granted Contagion wasn't the most upbeat flick, but it was a good movie. I feel like dates are so important in a relationship.

- It was General Conference Weekend, which is when our Prophet and other Church leaders address us. We have the opportunity to watch it in our home. I love the time we get to lounge, spend time as a family and most important learn Gospel principles. Another perk of General Conference is the opportunity to bake special treats like the pancakes above and the homemade apple pie below that we are all anxious to taste! This is Aaron's first time ever making pie. He even made the crust because he's domestic like that! It looks so divine, doesn't it?

- In short, life is really good. I'm really enjoying my opportunity to be a SAHM, I'm excited about the arrival of August Matthew, Aaron has doors that are opening for him professionally, we feel blessed to have Alyssa as our roommate still and enjoy our time with her, I love our community and the everyday life we live. Certainly I have things I want/need to improve upon in my life, but I am enjoying this time in my life.

20 Weeks!

2011-09-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm half way there, as of today. I've gained 10 lbs, which, based on my starting weight, is probably more than it should be at this point. The best part though is that I still weigh less than I did at the very start of this year when I was not pregnant. Thanks to losing those 13 lbs. before getting pregnant, I'm not as bad off as I could have been.
Aaron gives me a shot of hydroxyprogesterone each week now to help prevent me from having another premature baby. I received my 5th shot today out of 20 for the pregnancy, assuming I make it to the 36th week. There's no way to know if its working until I either do or do not go into preterm labor.
Based on my past record, there's no real way to tell whether or not I'm in danger yet. With Abby, I just went into labor and they couldn't stop it and she arrived within 24 hours at 33 weeks and 6 days. With Viv, I was in and out of the hospital 4 times. The first round of preterm labor was at 26 weeks and 1 day and my last trip resulted in Viv being born at 33 weeks and 2 days.

As it stands today, I don't feel so hot. I feel all sorts of pain in my lower abdomen area and pressure on my pelvic area. I'm not sure if this is just typical third pregnancy pain or not. I don't want to over-react, but at the same time I don't want to under-react. Today, for whatever reason, my pelvic area has had so much pressure when I'm standing that I just want to sit down to relieve the pain/pressure. Same goes with my lower abdomen. It hurts unless I'm laying down. Is this normal? I'd really appreciate feedback.

I remember when I was in labor with Abby, before I realized I was in labor, I felt like she was about to just fall out of me. That sensation is similar to how I've been feeling today, but not exactly. I just don't know. Sigh.

Otherwise, things are looking up. All of us Warrens are doing well. The girls are loving school! Aaron attempted Mt. Whitney for the first time this past weekend. He made it to Trail Crest, which is HUGE considering he got altitude sickness. I'm really appreciative of the opportunity to be home with my girls and getting more and more excited about the arrival of August Matthew! Life is good.

If you're the praying sort though, will you please keep me and August in your prayers. I would REALLY love to have a healthy baby boy that I can bring home without utilizing the NICU webcams I read about that our hospital has so you can see your baby 24/7.

Grandparent Adventures

2011-09-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

We got a phone call from Aaron's Dad a little over a month ago asking us when a good time would be to come out for a visit. We were thrilled! Aaron's Dad hasn't been out to CA since our wedding. All of our visits have been in TX. It was great to have him see our world. Plus, since our wedding, he re-married and we hadn't had many opportunities to get to know his wife, Silvia.

In true Warren fashion, we tried our best to show them a good time. Its all part of our secret plan to convince Aaron's family that they need to move out here to CA. We had 2 1/2 days to fill with fun!

Day #1 - We hit LA! After Abby got out of school, we packed up some lunches and drove up to the Griffith Observatory. It wasn't the clearest day, but it was still an amazing view. Plus, seeing the Hollywood sign is always fun for visitors.

My favorite part of the Observatory was this machine they had where you jumped on the floor and it showed how an earthquake is measured. The first time we did it, it was me, Silvia, the girls, and two random strangers all jumping up and down together. Quite fun! Aaron, Silvia, and his Dad made a bigger splash than we did on our first go.

From the Observatory, we headed to Hollywood & Highland. We got to see all the Hollywood-esque stuff that's fun to see. Plus, we enjoyed some ice-cream at Disney's Soda Fountain & Studio Store.

From there, it was off to Dodger Stadium! It was a first Dodger game for all of us. Aaron's Dad bought us all some great seats! I had never sat in benches at a professional ballgame before. I really liked it! It didn't feel as cramped.

Needless to say, at the end of our 10+ hour adventure, everyone was pooped. It was full of great memories though! I felt like we got to experience so much of LA!

Day #2 - We hit the beach! Laguna Beach to be exact. We took Bob & Silvia down PCH and stopped off at Main Beach. The tide was high so the girls weren't too keen on being in the sand. We sat on the boardwalk for a bit. Bob & Silvia walked the beach while the girls played at the park. Then we went up to the gazebo on the cliffs to get a better view. It's always a fun trip for me since Laguna is the first beach I brought Aaron to, the beach where he proposed, and the beach where we took our engagement pictures. We capped off our beach adventures by going into the Candy Baron and loading up bags of candy. YUM!

Day #3 - We didn't have as much time on the day of their departure, so we opted to stay local. Since moving to Chino, we had yet to visit any of the air museums. We decided to remedy that since Aaron's Dad served as an airplane mechanic during Vietnam. It was pretty amazing to see all the planes!

I had the girls pretend to be scary like the plane behind them. LOVE these kids!

Um, yeah, so whoever took my baby and replaced her with this grown up girl needs to back off! I can't get over how grown up she looks! Seriously, please slow down time! This is her sitting in a flight simulator. Pretty cool stuff!

So, there you have it! Our adventures with Grandpa Bob & Grandma Silvia. We love living in an area that has so much to offer our little family and extended family! To those we know and love, come visit us!

SAHM

2011-09-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

I have the opportunity to walk Abby to school every morning. Each time that we walk, I feel so full of gratitude. I love that we're in close proximity to the school and that she and I get that time together. I love that I'm out moving every morning. I love our community. I love that I'm able to be there for her and not feel like I have to rush off to work. I love that I'm able to help out other Moms where I can.

I see how the working Mom struggles when dropping off their kid. They're torn about saying goodbye to their baby and they're stressed about being late for work. The working Mom has a tough role. I don't envy it, but I do respect it's challenges.

Walking back to my home, it gives me the chance to think of other blessings that being at home affords me. I'm so excited that I'm able to volunteer in Abby's classroom. It hasn't begun just yet, but I'm looking forward to it. I realize now what a blessing it is that I did NOT get into that college course I was trying to take. This extra time allows me to play a more active part in Abby's schooling.

Overall, I just feel so blessed to be a Mom to such wonderful girls. They come with their challenges, as does any child, but they are such a blessing in my life. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't marvel at their beauty both inside and out.

What a gift it is to be at home with my little ones. It's come with its fair share of financial burdens, but its certainly worth it for me!

There's 104 Days of...

2011-08-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

Summer Vacation and school comes along just to end it, so the annual problem for our generation is finding a good way to spend it. - Phineas & Ferb

Here's how we decided to spend it:

- We did the reading program at the library. Received a call just yesterday that another prize awaits Ms. Vivian. She has already had her name drawn once and both girls have received a myriad of prizes through the program.

- We bowled with friends

- We went to Disneyland

- We swam

- We hit the beach a few times
- The girls had their first sleepover at Papa & Granny Dee's

- We went to Seascape Kids Fun

- We made some crafts (making a house out of a box was one of the kids favorites)

- We hit up the dollar movies

- We went to multiple splash parks with friends

- The girls went on a hike with their Papa & Granny Dee

- We played with sidewalk chalk, bubbles and play dough right outside our door

- We watched fireworks

- We went to a professional baseball game

- We went to the county fair

- We served others

- We played dress up

- We got to visit with friends and family from long distances

- We had a TON of play dates with amazing friends

- We attended birthday parties and baby showers

- We ate lots and lots of unhealthy food

- Abby got to attend Vacation Bible School with some of her previous preschool friends

- The girls got to jump in bounce houses

- We got to look at model homes (a favorite past-time of ours)
- We watched every episode of Phineas & Ferb, I'm sure

AND one of the MOST exciting things...

- We found out we're having a baby boy to make next Summer that much more eventful!

Unfortunately, in all the excitement, I didn't get very many pictures along the way. Here are some that I did get though -

A new adventure awaits us as Abby starts Kindergarten on Monday and Vivian starts Preschool on Thursday. Hope this Summer treating you all as well as it did us!

America's Pastime

2011-08-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

On Friday, August 5, we had the opportunity to go to an Angels game as a family. It was Vivian's first professional baseball game. We planned it so that we could enjoy the fireworks after the game. Thankfully, the girls were pretty patient since it went 10 innings. The Angels beat the Mariners, 1-0.

Vivi has never been good at sensory overload. The noise was a bit much for her when we first arrived. She soon warmed up to the festivities and got into the clapping and dancing that comes along with America's pastime. She had lots of admirers. I heard several people in the row behind us talking about how they couldn't get enough of her and how she was too adorable. I assured them that she really is as cute and fantastic as she appears.

The firework show was pretty amazing! I have to say though that the music that they chose to go with it was pretty lame. I guess I've been spoiled by the firework show at Disneyland. (Oh, Disneyland, how I miss thee!) Here's Viv being mesmerized by the firework show.

It was a lovely evening. I really enjoy watching sporting events live. Abby got bored with it all pretty fast. Vivi probably would have too if she wasn't so into the dancing opportunities.

OC Fair!

2011-08-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

Long overdue is a post on the adventures of our trip to the Orange County Fair. We had such a fun-filled evening. I can't express how much I love when our little fam is out enjoying life together.

We started our afternoon looking at the animals. I'm not big on animals, but the girls get a kick out of it.

I wanted to attend the ice exhibit since it was on my list last year and it never came to pass. It was smaller than I anticipated, but very cool (pun intended). The walls, the barrier, and all of the displays were completely made of ice. I thought it was nice of them to provide blankets to help us wimps through the room. Aaron, of course, was a man about it and went through sans blanket.

Next stop was the Family Fun Fair area where they have kiddy rides and the like. Abby wanted to go through the mirror maze "ride" and Viv wasn't feeling it. Viv was more inclined to stand in front of the funny mirrors outside and make faces.

After the kiddy rides, we did an assortment of other things. We went through the product exhibit, talked to the Sparklets vendor for a bit (I mention it only because the sales guy's haggling made me laugh), we hit up the visual arts exhibit, took our annual b&w family photo booth pics, watched parts of the acrobatic show (which was pretty impressive, I must say), and ate LOTS of food in between all of that. Since a lot of those stops were more for Aaron and I, it was on to the pony rides to give the girls some more kid-friendly activities.

The picture below of Abby is dark, but maybe you can see the detail better when you click on it. Her face is just too priceless to me. She's growing up so fast on me. I'm not sure I'm ready for it. She is such a beautiful girl (inside and out).

After the pony rides, we headed over to the Alaskan Pig Races, which were pretty awesome! I should post the video here, but I'm feeling pretty lazy right now. It was fun times though! Then we headed over to see MORE animals. Again, not too big on the animals, but the baby goats were pretty stinkin' cute. Again, I should have shared those pics too, but that whole "lazy" thing is playing a big role in this post.

A trip to the fair isn't complete without some deep friend something, right? Aaron was trying to hunt down the deep fried s'mores that he enjoyed last year, but no such luck. He opted for the deep fried klondike bar. It was good, but not one of my faves.

We took our junk food over to a table and it turned out that the "Dueling Piano" show was slated to start in a few minutes. Abby really wanted to see it (so did I, honestly). They said they take requests so she wanted to go ask the guy to play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." The video below is when he started to play it for her. I wish I had turned my video on earlier because he said her name and everything right before he started to play. It really was the perfect ending to our wonderful day.

I truly treasure this time with my hubby and girls. Not everything is bright and sunny in life, but there is no way of denying the peace you feel when you realize you are head over heels in love with your husband and your children warm your heart and make you laugh daily. This night was truly wonderful and I hope I can always remember the way I felt that night on days when it's not as evident.

Family: isn't it about...time.

2011-07-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

This weekend was so nice and it was all thanks to a LOT of family time. It felt so good to snuggle, play, laugh, and throw in a french toast contest for good measure.

Dad took the girls to the pool on Saturday afternoon and then followed it up with baking cupcakes with them. While the cupcakes cooled, Dad took us to Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner. We then got to come home and frost/eat the cupcakes. The best part of the night though was after the cupcakes. The girls had set up a date night for Aaron and I. Abby took our orders and we had a fabulous time. Unfortunately, no pictures from that date.

Sunday entailed a fort made my Daddy. It was legit. Do you get the idea that Aaron was all about spending time with us this weekend? Not that he doesn't normally, he just didn't have as many obligations this weekend as usual. It was SOOOOO much fun!

We were also fortunate enough to finally have our French Toast Contest. Aaron and I have been claiming that our individual methods of making french toast were the best method. We finally put it to the test. We made sure we were on equal playing grounds. We used the exact same batter to prep our toast. The only difference was that my Mom fried our toast when I was growing up and Aaron's family toasted their french toast over a buttered skillet. Aaron won. Alyssa (our roommate), Abby & Aaron all chose his french toast. His is good, but I still like mine best. Vivian would only try mine so her vote didn't count. I will admit though, that you could taste more flavor in Aaron's (right). However, I liked the crispiness of mine (left).

It was one of those weekends where there are several moments that you just sit back and think, "Man, I got it good." And I do.

Update

2011-06-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

Just some points I felt like sharing since I've been so bad about blogging and this may be the closest I get to journaling during this pregnancy:

- Vivi went to her follow-up appointment for her eye. She has partial superior oblique palsy. Previously, the opthamologist did not use the word "partial." Today he did. That makes me hopeful that her situation may be correcting itself. She also showed signs of a stigmatism, some sort of vascular thing (he used big words), and far-sightedness. The latter is apparently in normal range for her age. The vascular thing I guess is a very common thing in premature babies and the stigmatism is not bad enough right now that he would do anything about it. So, we sit tight for another 3 months and keep praying that all these things will improve with time.

- I think its also safe to say that Vivi is potty-trained. How it was so easy with her vs. Abby is beyond me. She had just one accident (why is it always at your house, S&T?) in the past two weeks. Technically, she even told me she had to go and I didn't act fast enough. This accomplishment has been a huge blessing in my life.

- Abby is SO excited to start kindergarten. I need to make sure I keep up with her reading, letters and numbers. She has been starting to read and I'd hate to slip back due to my laziness. Teaching a kid to read is hard stuff. She's doing great though! That makes me really happy!

- Aaron is serving in the Bishopric at church. That, along with his job, keeps him super busy. He's still so good about making time for us. He's such an amazing husband and father! I feel so blessed to have him as the head of our household and truly wish I had the capacity to do more to show my appreciation for him.

- As for me, oh me. Are you ready for my pity party? I feel awful. Fatigue & nausea have led into the blues. The only way I feel remotely okay is if I stay still. The lack of movement, exercise, and activity is definitely having an affect on my endorphins. I'm sitting here right now wishing that I could call my Mom and she would come over and rescue me like only a Mom knows how. How do they know how? Moms just seem to know how to meet needs before you know what it is that you need. Oh, how I miss that. Just thinking about it is getting me sad, so lets shift gears.

- We're contemplating not finding out the gender. I can't believe I'm even putting these thoughts into print. I have a friend who is a huge advocate of not finding out. The idea is sort of intriguing. I think also that I'm known for being too impatient to pull it off is what is driving me to want to do it. Crazy, right?

- I miss OC but I love my home. I know, I know, you have to read this all the time on my blog. I just really wish I were closer to my support system.

- I have a laundry list of SO many things that need to get done that aren't because I am in "survival" mode. Le sigh.

Ok, the nightly anxiety coupled with nausea is setting in and its time to close. Until next time...

Grammie & Grampy Visit

2011-06-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

Aaron's Mom and Step-Dad flew out to see us at the very beginning of June. We had an absolutely incredible time with SO many memories! I, of course, have hundreds of pictures and videos of all that we did. It seemed impossible to nail it down to merely a couple pictures. I decided that the best way would be to pick only 1 picture from the sub-folders of the "G&G Visit" master picture folder.

One of my favorites from the "Recital" sub-folder is below. I love the sass that both of the girls have when getting ready for their big show. They both did FANTASTIC! I was so proud! It was such a treat having grandparents from both sides there to support them.

Our day at Disneyland was a full one! This was at the very start of our day and we got lucky in the sense that Mickey was just walking out for pictures as we were walking by. Right after this picture, we got to head over to CA Adventure for brunch at Ariel's Grotto thanks to G&G. It was a special treat and a wonderful day (& night)!

Abby's Preschool graduation fell during their trip as well. Abby started the night off strong. Her usual enthusiasm was in full effect (see below). Unfortunately, she ended up getting very nervous during their presentation of the chicken dance and her emotions pretty much went downhill from there.

Our last day with them (these pictures are not in order) was spent down by the coast. We went to Balboa Island where Robert fell in love with the cars, homes, water, and boats. We then went further south to the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach. This is a staple destination whenever Aaron's Mom visits. We pack lunches and enjoy the scenery. I thought this picture of Robert with the girls at the Montage Resort was darling! Love the wind blowing in their hair.

Our first day was full of fun & gifts from G&G. Grammie brought her Cookie the Clown gear and made the girls balloon animals (a favorite treat of theirs). She also made them poodle skirts and got them accessories to go with (not seen here). Grampy brought the girls two singing dolls. One sings "Zippidee-Do-Da" and the other sings "You're The One That I Want." The skirts were inspired by the latter doll. In short, the girls were spoiled from Day 1.

As good as Cookie the Clown's balloon skills are, the balloon maker at Old Spaghetti Factory gave her a run for her money. We had a lovely evening at OSF and we each got our own creation. Abby requested Ariel, I got a crown, Vivi got a butterfly wand, and Aaron got a monkey. After dinner, we headed over to the Summit House to check out the view and reminisce about our wedding reception there 7.5 years ago. It was a great night!

Robert is passionate about cars. Thankfully, SH told me about the Petersen Automotive Museum in LA. It was a big success! Even better than that, we went to The Grove afterwards for lunch where there just happened to be a classic cars show that same day. Robert was in heaven and the girls had some fun reenacting an old-fashioned drive through the trees.

We also took them down to Seal Beach one afternoon and just walked around. The highlight for all of us was our stop at this bakery. THE BEST CINNAMON ROLLS EVER!!!! OH MY GOSH!!! After our pit stop there my MIL henceforth referred to Seal Beach as Sugar Beach. Oh man, my mouth is watering all over again.

There you have it! A little peak into our adventures with G&G! Their trip was planned just right because since then I've been useless. The nausea has hit me like a freight train and I'm pretty much miserable. I keep telling myself this is all for a good cause. I honestly do not remember the girls being this tough to get through. Wish me luck.

On The Record

2011-06-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

I think its a boy. I have NEVER been sick like this at night. I'm typing this from my bed and feeling like I'm gonna hurl at any moment. Plus, my body is expanding in a different manner than it did with the girls. I would write more, but the nausea is winning. I'm just saying...

WAM: Pregnant!

2011-06-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

Well, you may have noticed that I've missed a few weeks in my weight loss journey. Now you know why. I'm at the very beginning of pregnancy #3. We're due 2/2/12. So, what would have been Week# 22 in the weight loss journey is now Week# 6.5 in my pregnancy.

For the record, I clocked in today at 201.

Lets say you and I pick this series back up this time next year?

WAM: Week 19

2011-05-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Clocked in at 198 lbs. Down 1 pound from last week. I wish I could say that I'm doing something to make this weight loss happen, but I think it has to do mostly with being off of a particular medication that had a weight gaining affect. I think the only thing I'm doing that's positive is cutting out my Ensure drinks in the morning since they were so high in calories. Although, I did make a choice today to order something that was 300 calories less than another item I wanted while out at lunch today. Maybe little things like that add up.

WAM: Week 18

2011-05-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Clocked in at 199 lbs. Up 1 pound from last week. Boo. You would have thought that painting a living room would have helped out my cause. My weight still starts with a 1 though, so I'll take it!

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

Aaron had to work this Mother's Day but he was still a Sweetheart and made a special breakfast for me. Yummy breakfast burritos. We did our usual church routine and came home and napped for a bit. Afterwards, we headed to my Mom's grave for a bit. It was especially nice since my brother, Steve, showed up with his daughter. It was nice to be there together.

My Step-Mom was super sweet and had a dinner honoring me. It was a nice evening. Everything for dinner and dessert was on a kabob. It was cute! She set up an adorable little table for the girls to dine at. They said they loved their fancy dinner. We spent the rest of the evening talking about life. It was a wonderful end to the day.

A special thank you to my own Mom for all that she did to make me who I am today. I am grateful for all that I learned from her and all of her that still lives on in me. I'm also grateful for my Mother-in-law and Step-Mom. They both are wonderful women who have been there for me many a time. I'm especially grateful for my own opportunity to be a Mother. It was all I ever wanted to be when I was growing up. Knowing that my dreams of being a Mom have been realized is a gift beyond measure. Thank you Abigail & Vivian for teaching me more about myself and life then I ever could have imagined! I love you girls!

STATS

2011-05-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

Both girls had their annual check-ups two weeks ago. This post is merely for my journal purposes.

Abigail:
Weight: 42 lbs.
Height: 42.2 inches
3 Things She Can Do Well: write her name, ride her bicycle (with training wheels), and tell stories
Something She Is Learning: to read. I can't believe she is already able to read a bit.
Something Healthy She Loves: hummus
Security "Blanket": her green pillow and LBPB (Little Bear Pink Bear)

Vivian:
Weight: 35 lbs.
Height: 38 inches
Head Circumference: 18.3 inches
3 Things She Can Do Well: clear the table, mad crazy skills on Astro Blasters, run
Something She Is Learning: to go to the bathroom in the toilet.
Something Healthy She Loves: bananas
Security "Blanket": her ducky pillow pet, her blanket and her binkie (only at night)

Vivi's Birthday

2011-05-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl, Scoops, turned 3 this past Saturday! She is a light in our lives. Here she is wearing her birthday crown in the morning...

She got a Dora Styling Set for her birthday. Here she is blow drying Daddy's "hair"...

These are the earrings and clips that came with the Dora styling set...

Thanks to Auntie Szu-Hua spending the night the previous night, we were able to get a family picture on Viv's birthday morning. I also want to thank Auntie Szu-Hua for coming to my aid in cleaning, decorating, and wrapping. She is the reason the acronym BFF was created.

Viv has been asking to go to the beach for a couple weeks now. We thought that would be a nice treat for her special day. We had a great time! Aaron even made his first real sand castle complete with bridges & mote.

The evening of her birthday was celebrated with Papa, Granny Dee, my brothers and their families. I love when all of the cousins are together!

It was a fun-filled day! I can't quite grasp that she is already 3 years old. There is not a day that goes by that she doesn't crack me up with either her smile or her sweet voice. People are always telling me how mild-mannered she is and how well-behaved she is, its refreshing! She really is a delight & we love her dearly!

WAM: Week 17

2011-05-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

Clocked in at 198 this morning. That's down 2 lbs. from last week. Down 10 lbs. from the start of my blogging weight loss journey and down 15 lbs. from the first of the year. I'll take it.

Of course, I am still 6 lbs. behind schedule. BOO! Man, if I could lose weight at The Biggest Loser rate, I could catch up in 1 week. Its sort of crazy how all the women on the show now weigh less than me. Ah well.

Our most dedicated reader, Szu-Hua, commented how I didn't reflect on my week in last Monday's update. Here's what I can say for this past week:

- Exercise has been almost non-existent, but I can't help but wonder if the warmer days are getting me moving more in just my daily activities.
- I haven't made any real diet changes to speak of, I've just sort of said no more times to certain foods where I would've normally said yes.
- I started to read "Women, Food & God" by Geneen Roth (finally). I've had it on my nightstand for 6+ months. I haven't gotten very far, but its already quite intriguing.
- I'm finishing up my Ensure drinks that I have on hand and then don't plan to purchase them anymore. 250 calories is not the best way to start the morning unless its going to really fill me up.
- My teeth are actually helping me lose weight. They hurt so bad with certain chocolate and all things cold (like ice-cream), that I think I may be losing weight by default.

That's what I got.

Home in the IE

2011-05-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

When I first met Aaron, he told me they have a saying in Texas, "If you don't like the weather here, wait a minute." I think the same thing could be said for my feelings of living out here in the IE. If I don't like it here, I just need to wait a minute and I realize there are things here that I love.

My first month here, I was miserable. No sugar coating possible. My battle with depression sky-rocketed and my anxiety was barely controllable with medicine.

The following months were more of the same. I would search Realtor.com almost daily. I didn't care how much money we lost. I hated the 91 fwy, I hated having to trek into the OC for all of my medical needs (which were many last Spring), I didn't like my church ward (sorry to my Centennial ward readers), I missed my family and friends back in the OC and Aaron was working so much to be able to pay our mortgage that I felt I was all alone.

Then May of last year hit and so began FLY SEASON. Oh, fly season, how I loathe thee.

Somewhere in the middle of Summer last year, I went to our community pool and saw people I knew at the pool. I realized how much I loved that we were a part of a real community here. People were friendly at our parks, faces seemed more and more familiar, and for a bit it didn't seem so bad.

Then I would remember how blasted hot it was and I would be on realtor.com all over again.

I had always heard that it takes about a year to get used to a new place. So, as 9 months approached, I felt like maybe it would get better. Plus, Aaron wasn't budging on us moving prior to our 3 years to avoid paying back the $8K that the government gave as part of their housing incentive. Honestly, it was also a big help that I was on a more appropriate medication for my ongoing battle with depression.

So, here we are, 1 year and 4+ months into our 3-year commitment. My mind changes daily on whether I want to spend the rest of my days here in Chino or head on back to the OC. I just wanted to jot down some pros and cons about life here in our first purchased home.

CONS
- Family is further away.
- Medical facilities are further away.
- Disneyland, beach, friends, etc. further away
- FLY SEASON
- Aaron's commute
- Costly HOA's & Taxes (taxes are higher here)
- The smell of cows

PROS
- Our home, I just LOVE it! I really, really do! It fits us just right! I love all the space!
- The fact that we can walk to the public library, Abby's future school, our community gym, our community pool, and a ton of great parks!
- The fact that I have amazing neighbors! It's so nice to not be dealing with apartment living.
- I've grown to love so many people in my ward and would now miss them if we moved.
- Park Days with a bunch of ladies nearby every Wednesday morning.
- The girls dance studio and their upcoming recital.
- All the development and yet still so much space!
- The Carbon Canyon drive is beautiful.
- The view of the mountains
- Some food gems we've found like Casa Sanchez, Canatarro's & Handel's
- Our neighborhood

I may never live in the OC again and I may spend the rest of my life looking at living there, who knows. What I do know is that a home & community are what you make of it. I know that wherever my family is is where my heart & home will be also.

President Thomas S. Monson (President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) said in the April 2009 General Conference, "The future is as bright as your faith."

My faith has wavered much over the past few years, but I think its on the rise and I'm grateful for what that means for our future as the Warren Family.

Disney Day

2011-05-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

The two week block at Disney over Spring Break really had an effect on me. I was itching to go as soon as possible. Yesterday was the only day that it worked for our fam. The only thing was that it only worked in the morning and Aaron had worked all night. He suggested that he just stay up and we hit Disney as soon as it opened. Crazy, right? But it was such a good call!

It was a HOT day so the morning hours were more bearable. Plus, the crowds were lean in the morning. We got a lot of rides in a short amount of time. It was a fun little trip and now I have my Disney fix for the week.

I haven't a clue why this came out so dark, but this was not staged. They are SO cute together and its almost like they're at Disneyland alone. No people in the shot.

I'm so head over heels in love with my family!

QOTD: Mother

2011-05-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this more for myself than any of our readers. I had a special moment today as a Mother. Abby's preschool had a Mommy & Me Tea Party today. At one point, the kids were invited to come up and say why they love their Moms. I was expecting a similar response from Abby that the other children gave - I love her because she loves me, because she kisses me, etc. Instead this is what Abby's response was:

I love my Mom because she helps me to be better and better. I like to help her because it makes her happy and it makes me happy.

I was caught off guard by her sweet words. I think they were especially meaningful to me since I worked really hard with her on writing her "e's" this morning and she was feeling really discouraged. By the end of the page she had improved ten fold and I told her how proud I was of her and her hard work. Her comment at preschool felt like a "thank you" from the stress of her homework this morning.

Abby, I love you because you help me to be better and better. I like to help you because it makes you happy and it makes me happy.

WAM: Week 16

2011-05-02T23:23:00.001-07:00

My time in ONE-derland was short lived. I clocked in at 200 lbs. (+1 lb. from last week).

WAM: Week 15

2011-04-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Clocked in at 199 this morning. Yay! My weight begins with a 1 again.

Not sure how this happened though since I had a steady diet of chocolate all weekend long. Darn holidays. I think I may fill Easter Eggs with something other than candy next year. The kids get so much of it everywhere they turn. I just threw more than half of it out and we still have a ton!

Our roommate was telling me about how she has a co-worker that drinks Ensure to GAIN weight. Well, there might be part of my problem right there. I was starting most mornings with an Ensure and before the first of the year, I was coupling the Ensure with something else I could actually chew. I guess I was thinking in terms of vitamins and fiber and not calories. Now my fridge is stocked full of Ensure and I don't think I'll be drinking them unless I'm in a real pinch for time. They are SO yummy. Now I know why.

I only worked out once this past week. Pathetic, I know. I made a couple conscience decisions for the better. That's about it though. It makes me wonder how much weight I could lose if I actually applied myself.

QOTD: Prayers

2011-04-20T23:39:00.000-07:00

Abby said our bedtime prayers this evening and she prayed that our family would be "tied together like a rope." Not sure if she got this from somewhere or not, but I loved hearing her pray for it. Made me smile.

My Mom

2011-04-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be 3 years since my Mom passed. The strange thing is that I remember having to get through each holiday one by one for the first year. The holidays were what got me especially sad and anxious. The second year is a complete blur. I'm trying to figure out how its been three years. The hardest part now isn't the holidays as much as the day to day.

The other day I encountered an experience that was so overwhelming on my emotions that I thought if maybe I could will it hard enough my Mom would come back and pick up the phone when I dialed. 714-313-1229. Wow, was that her phone number? Is it really still in my brain from all those times I dialed it?

I haven't talked to her in a while. Honestly, I don't really feel her around me like I used to. I imagine that she is busy doing the Lord's work in Heaven and that brings me comfort, but I wish she could take a leave of absence and come back and chat with me for a bit. I miss her terribly.

I just watched a DVD my BFF, Szu-Hua, made for my Mom's funeral. Man, if there was a way to put it on this blog it would be here. I think she did such an incredible job. As I was watching it, I found myself missing the softness of my Moms skin, particularly her upper arms. She lotioned everyday and night. It was so amazingly soft. I miss it.

She was blessed with such an amazing spirit. She lit up a room with her smile and she always reached out to people. I especially miss watching her in her role as a Nana. She loved (& continues to love) her grandchildren. She was a hands-on Nana.

My most vivid memories of my Mom include moments where the music was playing. Whether it was a bottle she grabbed from a wedding party dinner table to sing in to, a pumped up stereo to dance in the car to, or a dance with her Daddy to some fun swing music, she was into music. Hers (and my Dads) passion for music is something I cherish in my own life.

Mommy, I miss you. I hold on to two treasured moments that I experienced in the Temple with you. Both of those moments reaffirm to me that there is a heaven and you and I will be together in it.

WAM: Week 14

2011-04-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Clocked in at 200 lbs. yesterday. Down 1 from last week. Down 8 since the start of the blog process. Down 12 since my worst (while not pregnant). Still, I look in the mirror and strongly dislike what I see. Apparently not enough to do much about it though. Will I ever see the 100's again? I wonder...

WAM: Week 13

2011-04-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

201 lbs. this morning. Down 1 from last week, 7 overall. This means that I am 5 lbs. behind schedule since this is only the BEGINNING of Week 13.

I exercised a couple times last week, but ate absolutely awful. We've been eating out WAY too much. Luckily, a dear friend of mine got me a subscription to "Cooking Light" and there are a lot of yummy looking recipes in there that I'm excited to try.

I've contemplated taking pictures once a month to show the progress (or rather to shame myself to actually losing a legitimate amount).

I know what my biggest weakness is now. Its sauces/dressings (perhaps sweets also). Did you see the clip this past week on "The Biggest Loser" when Bob brought in all his team's favorite foods? I hate when they do the shameless plug for a product, but he did make a good point about how its not just about ordering something bad but putting bad condiments and such on it to make it even worse.

I'm sure my readers think that I've made little to no progress, but the truth of the matter is that I think I'm starting to get disgusted enough or maybe "The Biggest Loser" is starting to break through for me. I don't know. This past week was a pretty moving episode for me.

I think I'm realizing that its not an easy process. I was hoping I could do it in such a way that it wouldn't feel like work or sacrifice, but I don't know that that is possible. Nor should it be easy, right? We are supposed to work by the sweat of our brows all the days of our lives, are we not? Motherhood takes work, marriage takes work, being a good person takes work, so why would my body (or my finances) be any different?

So, my dear readers, here's to work!

Do You Remember?

2011-04-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

A few months back, I stood crooked.

Thanks to my back surgery in October 2010, I am now standing straighter. The lighting is tricky so I don't think you can tell how much better I am doing. More than anything, its just nice to be free from the constant pain I was in prior to surgery.

Thank goodness for modern medicine and able doctors.

WAM: Week 12

2011-04-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

Clocked in @ 202 lbs. yesterday morning. That's a +2 change from last week. I should be 11 lbs. lighter than I was when I first started posting on here, but I am only 6 lbs. lighter.

I promised to always be honest with our readers, so I thought I would share that I've decided to go back to therapy to address some possible root problems as to why I give up so easily. Perhaps I can get some tools to work through my shortcomings.

I've seen a therapist off and on for 4 years now. I have found it very helpful in working through past situations and ongoing weaknesses. There are many ways to approach weaknesses. I know many shy away from therapy. Personally, I find that a combination of prayer, therapy, and openness with friends and family has helped me grow. I believe emotional growth is critical to physical growth (or physical minimizing in my case).

You see it all the time on The Biggest Loser, right? Well, I imagine others see it when they watch. I actually fast forward through those scenes. I get frustrated when Jillian thinks she's a therapist. I'm sure she has insight, but lets face it, people, she's a personal trainer. She does not have a degree. Either way though, the idea that people need to break through their own emotional baggage is a reality to me.

I'll keep our readers posted. My appointment isn't for a couple weeks though.

On the upside, I have had some comments on my face looking slimmer, which has been nice. Here's a picture from just now for some reference as to where I'm at in the process.

WHEW!

2011-03-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

That was fun! 7 new posts below. SH is gonna love that!

None of them are all that thrilling, but I have really felt the need to journal some happenings in the Warren home and frankly I just don't feel like writing all of it down in a journal. So, I utilized my on-line journal.

Hope you enjoy!

Second Opinion

2011-03-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

So, we got our second opinion on Viv's "stray" eye this past Friday. The diagnosis was the same as the first(Superior Oblique Palsy), but the doctor visit was worlds better. I figured the first Opthalmologist had the right diagnosis, but talking to her was one of the most bizarre encounters I have ever had with a doctor. I would ask her one thing and she would answer about something entirely different. It was so strange. Plus, she wasn't able to get a measurement on Viv's eye and how far off it was nor was she confident in her ability to fix it. The new Dr. got a measurement no problem. Such relief.

Unfortunately, the second Dr. did confirm that surgery was the only cure for her situation. He said there is an 80% chance it will get worse and a 20% chance it will get better in the coming year. He wants to check on her every 3 months to see which direction she will go.

So for now, we sit tight (and pray).

Papa & Granny D

2011-03-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Last night we had my Dad and Step-Mom over for their birthdays. Their birthdays are less than a week apart. We did something a little different this time. We had a movie night. It was super fun! Tangled came out yesterday and our whole family was anxious to watch it. Hopefully Papa & Granny Dee liked it as much as we do!

Happy Birthday to a wonderful Dad and Step-Mom. I feel so blessed to have them in mine and my family's life. They are loved and adored by their granddaughters, that is for sure! I think the girl's only disappointment from the evening was that Papa & Granny Dee didn't bring their dog, Jersey.

Dance

2011-03-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

My girls seem to really enjoy dance, which is nice for me. I see other Moms struggle as their kids keep wanting to come out and be with them. Some kids I'll see in class one week and then they never come back. Dance isn't for everyone and maybe one day it won't be for my girls either. In the meantime, its fun to take them each Monday. They get a great activity and I get to chat with Moms for two hours.

Vivian has class first, here she is, second from the camera with her back to me.

Abby's class is second. Miss Kayla, their teacher, let Vivian do the warm up song with Abby's class. It was fun to see them in there together.

I am SO excited to see these girls do their recital in June. Expect lots of video and pictures then!

Sleepover

2011-03-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

We had the privilege of having our dear friend, Jessica, come and stay with us this past weekend. She brought two of her three kiddos along. You may remember from a past post that Jessica was the one mistaken as my daughter at Target. She also happens to be the sister of our roommate, Alyssa. It was fun to have so much girl time together! We did agree though, that as cute as these kids are, next time our girl time needs to be sans kids.

Jessica did all the girl's hair on Monday morning. My girls looked especially cute for dance that day.

This was the only time that I thought to get a picture of us ladies. Too bad it was right as Jess was heading back to AZ.

I HOPE!

2011-03-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

So, we sing songs to the girls every night before bed. One song in particular HAS to be sung per Vivi's request. The song is "I Hope They Call Me On A Mission." The lyrics are as follows, if you have never heard of the song:

I hope they call me on a mission,

When I have grown a foot or two,

I hope by then I will be ready,

To teach, and preach, and work as missionaries do

Too stinkin' cute!

Disney in the Rain

2011-03-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

We went to Disneyland last week without realizing it was expected to rain. For whatever reason, I thought it was going to rain the following day. We had jackets since it was chilly, but otherwise were in no way prepared for the weather. You'll notice Abby doesn't even have a hood on her jacket. Here's us on the tram before the rain came.

It started to rain lightly and we pushed through it. Aaron gave up his hooded jacket when it got to be too much for Abby. We asked the girls if they wanted to leave, but they kept saying they were okay. Plus, we were having so much fun ourselves that we didn't push it. So, here's the girls in the middle of our 3 hours in and out of the rain.

I think it might have been when we got off Pirates that we realized the rain was becoming too much. We were all soaked to the bone and it was starting to get dark. This is the picture I got of them by the time we were on the tram leaving.

HILARIOUS, right?! Could they look any more miserable? Scoopsy looks like she's gonna kill me.

Something pretty funny from the night was the way they each were once they had had enough. Scoopsy was basically shivering and wouldn't say anything. She was content to suffer in silence. Abby, on the other hand, just kept repeating over and over, "I'm COLD and I'm WET!" They are each SO the product of their parent. Aaron's a "suffer in silence" follower and I'm always ready to tell someone what is wrong with the situation. Negative Nelly here.

When everything was said and done, we had lots of fun and many good memories. Plus, the rain provided an opportunity for me to enjoy their yum yum yummy hot chocolate. Disneyland knows how to make some tasty hot cocoa, I tell you what!

St. Patty's Day

2011-03-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

So, thanks to my Dad's girlfriend during my High School years, I look forward to St. Patrick's Day. She is the one who introduced me to corned beef. Oh, how I love it! Upon getting married, we started a tradition of having friends over for corned beef every year around St. Patrick's Day. You need a group for corned beef, because it doesn't come small. And lets be honest, as good as it is, there's a reason its only readily stocked on the shelves once a year. Alas, this year didn't pan out for a friends dinner. I think we finally got around to eating it, along with my FAVORITE Kerrygold imported Irish butter, just this past week with our little fam.

However, on the day of, I had to do something festive. I have been so bad about decorating and didn't get any fun gifts for the girls. My Mom was big on decorating and getting us something for every holiday, so I felt like I was a bad Mom. So, what was my last-minute remedy? Three leaf clover pancakes. Can I just say that it was harder than I anticipated?

At least the girls had cute tops for their day. I don't even own a stitch of green. Such is life.

WAM: Week 11

2011-03-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

REALLY?! So, I clocked in at 200 lbs. this morning. That means I lost 3 lbs. from last Monday.

The reason I find this hard to believe is that I did NOTHING this past week. Seriously, I did NOTHING. I didn't work out once, unless you consider carrying kids through Disneyland in the rain a workout.

I honestly don't even think I made one conscience decision for the better. I even attended a baby shower on Saturday where I had myself a full plate of food after I had JUST come from eating lunch at my house.

I seriously thought I was going to have gained back all the weight I had lost (since it really isn't that much). I was even wondering if I didn't post my update if anyone would notice.

Too funny.

So, I'm down 8 lbs. from when we started this journey together and I'm down 12 lbs. from this time last year.

Here's to starting next week with a 1 in front of my weight.

WAM: Week 10

2011-03-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

A couple days late for my check in, sorry about that. I clocked in on Monday at 203 lbs., which is a +1 lb. from last week. BOO!

I can't say I'm surprised, I worked out only once and on that same day I ate THREE donuts in one sitting. Blah!

No excuses. Just laziness.

Week 10 was supposed to be one of our check-ins with the overall goal. I should have weighed 199 lbs. on Monday. Needless to say, I have not met my goal.

As I was out walking on Friday, I felt my mood change from blah to pumped. I was trying to figure out why we drag our feet on things that make us feel better. Each time I work out, I feel better. So, why is it that I don't want to do it? Why do I deprive myself of happiness?

Wish me luck for this week. I'm gonna need it. I have a cold for the THIRD time in the last month. I'm not feeling pumped to do anything that requires the slightest bit of effort. Hence me not even taking the time to post these past couple days.

Ok, off to motivate myself to help Abs with her homework. How is it that she has so much and she's only in Preschool?

QOTD - My Sweet Girls

2011-03-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

ABBY

So, today Aaron and I decided to have an early Family Home Evening. The Boy Scouts in our area are gathering blankets, clothes, toiletries, etc. to send over to Japan for those in need. We've been praying for those in Japan daily since the quake & tsunami hit. Today we decided to tell the girls a little bit about whats going on over there. Aaron even showed them some clips of the tsunami. I was a bit hesitant, but Viv was in la-la land and Abby seemed to take it well. After the videos, we read about service and charity. Then Aaron wanted to go through our house and gather all the warm clothes & blankets we could find for them. We also decided that there may be some kids that would want stuffed animals. Let me preface the following quote by saying that "Little Bear Pink Bear" aka "LBPB" is a staple in our home. Its Abby's preferred stuffed animal. Its her security blanket, as it were. She left said bear in Florida when we traveled last May and made LBPB a card to send to her to tell her she missed her. Thankfully, Grammy sent LBPB home as soon as she found her. So, here's how tonight went as we were sifting through clothes and such:

Abby: I love Little Bear Pink Bear and she is very special to me, but the people in Japan are in need so I want to give them LBPB.

Aaron and I looked at each other and both of us were seriously about to cry. It was the sweetest thing. Aaron says, "well, she definitely got the message." Her tender heart is so special. I hope she holds onto that. I told her she didn't have to give them LBPB but how sweet it was that she was willing to do it for those in need. I told her how incredible she is and she started to cry a little. I asked her why she was crying and she just said that she was really happy. So dang precious!!!!

VIV

We were laying around cuddling as a family and I decided to ask Vivian what she wanted to be when she grows up. She answered, "A Mommy."

These two girls are BEYOND incredible! I am loving this age. They play well together, they are helpful, they are kind, they are loving, they are full of joy and life. They seriously make me laugh every single day! Every time I think of these girls and my husband and how blessed I am to have them, I can always hear Julie Andrews singing in my head, "Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must've done something good."

Sunset

2011-03-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

In February 2004, my Mom and I went to the park at the top of the Bastanchury/State College hill to watch the sunset. There was a couple there that were celebrating the husband's birthday. Unbeknownst to us, this couple was taken back by a special moment that they witnessed; my cancer-stricken Mom and myself sitting together watching the sunset. They took a few pictures of us without our knowledge. Afterwards, they approached us to let us know what they had done and asked if they could send the pictures to us.

They were a very kind couple and these photos will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm grateful for them finding beauty in a moment, capturing it, and sharing it.

I miss my Mom. Terribly. The thing that pulls at my heart strings the most is seeing a Mother and daughter laughing, talking, or tending to one another needs. I see this at church a lot. Mom's helping their grown daughters with their own children and the like. I see this at Disneyland often too. Daughters excited to share moments with their Mom. This happened yesterday at Disneyland. I saw a daughter chatting with her Mom and they were laughing together. I felt happiness for them and then the pain of loss for myself. The best way I know how to work through those feelings is to realize that I was also blessed with several wonderful moments with my Mom. I also take comfort in knowing that I have two wonderful daughters that I have those experiences with daily.

May we find joy in those around us. May we recognize our own blessings. May we focus on what matters most.

WAM: Week 9

2011-03-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

A day late again, sorry about that folks.

I clocked in at 202 lbs. That's 2 lbs. down from last week and 6 lbs. total. I think that means I am 2 lbs. behind schedule since we're just at the beginning of week 9. Maybe there is hope for me yet.

The bummer part is that I don't feel any lighter. The clothes don't feel any looser. The body doesn't look any slimmer. Ah well.

I'm learning to look at labels more, which is something I didn't expect to do. Who knew that wheat rolls would have high fructose corn syrup in the top three ingredients?

I learned that the Ensure drink that I had most every morning for breakfast along with a cereal bar was not as healthy as I realized. Ensure drinks are 250 calories on their own.

I also learned that 1 tbsp. of salted butter has 100 calories in it. For something that disappears into bread it sure packs a punch of calories. If you think I'm giving up butter though, it ain't happening.

Moderation. That was and IS the goal of my weight loss journey.

WAM: Week 8

2011-03-08T09:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry I'm a day late. I clocked in yesterday at 204 lbs. That's a 3 lbs. loss from last Monday.

I'd like to thank my cold for making food tasteless and therefore less tempting.

I'm trying to be more mindful of my calories with the calorie counter. Man, I had no idea how poorly I was eating. Granted, I'm still an awful eater.

I also notice how many times in a day that I just take a bite of something in the process of feeding the kiddos. In reading another weight loss blog I read their own acronym for BLT: bites, licks, tastes. The site says no to BLTs. The calories sure add up.

So, I'm not sure how far behind I am on my goal right now, but I am kind of proud of the fact that I weighed 211 lbs. at the beginning of this year and now I'm 204 lbs. Its not much, but its something. I'm excited at the possibility of being under 100 lbs again.

WAM: Week 7

2011-03-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

So, with 6 weeks under my belt, I should be 6 pounds lighter. Unfortunately, my weight yesterday morning was 207. No change from the week prior and only 1 lbs. lower since the start of this pathetic journey.

I'm sure you think there is no reason to continue to check in, as I'm not doing anything, but I'm not letting go of my goals.

I recently downloaded a calorie counter and its definitely making me take a serious look at my calorie intake. I'm still not being perfect, since it says I should only have 1630 calories/day and I think I was eating about 2500-3000 calories per day. BUT, I am happy to report that I turned down a donut today. That does NOT happen in Sara Warren's world, folks.

XXX

2011-02-27T21:51:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't a graphic post, that just happens to be my age in Roman Numerals. Ancient writing for an age I once thought seemed ancient.
So, I'm starting this post in a grumpy mood. No particular reason for the grumpiness though, that's the worst kind. Lets hope I can shake it off by the end.

So, my 30th birthday will forever be remembered thanks in part to some very special people in my life.

It all kicked off the Friday before my birthday when my BFF, Szu-Hua, took the day off work and took us to Vegas. I'm not a huge Vegas person since I don't drink, gamble, or partake in the risque shows, but my opinion has changed. I had the MOST wonderful time and I didn't do anything where the knowledge thereof had to stay in Vegas. I will even publicly tell you all that I placed an unfinished cookie from the buffet in my purse for later. More on the buffet in a moment.

So, she took me to see LOVE. LOVE is the Cirque de Soleil show that uses Beatles music. She surprised me by getting the front two seats. First row consisted of two seats and we were in them. It was unbelievable. Of course, I couldn't take pictures so I have no way to convey how amazing the seats and show were. You'll have to take my word for it. Better yet, go see it for yourselves!

We followed the show up with 3 hours of shopping and only going in to two stores in those three hours. But really, Anthropologie and a three-story H&M need quality time. Unfortunately, my goal to lose weight is pathetic and I didn't fit in anything. Boo. Still had a blast though! Just shopping without kids in tow felt wonderful. Plus, having a fashion guru to assist when Grandma patterns were pulling me in was very helpful.

Before heading out of town the next morning, we hit up The Wicked Spoon Buffet in the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Can I just say, AMAZING?! If you EVER go to Vegas, please go to their brunch! There were so many wonderful flavors that we had to be strategic to taste all that our hearts desired. The street tacos still preoccupy my thoughts.

On our drive back, it snowed! It was so cool! We were driving through Apple Valley/Victorville area and it was coming down pretty good. We pulled over to take some pictures. It was a great memory to wrap up a splendid getaway. You know the trip was good when you start to run out of adjectives to describe how much fun you had.

I just love this girl! We're now in our 22nd year of our friendship and I always have the best time with her! I have been so blessed to have her in my life. Side Note: See, I knew if I did a birthday recap I would start to perk up. Just thinking about how much I love Szu-Hua is making me happy. I'm a lucky girl.

On Sunday night we had my family over for a birthday dinner. My SIL's and I all have our birthdays in February. The picture below is of us sportin' our scarves that my Step-Mom made for us. Way cute! It was soooo nice to have everyone over. I miss not seeing them as much now that we're in the IE. I especially miss Abby & Viv getting to play with their cousins. They love them soooo much. Not sure how Brandon managed to escape the camera, but my girls adore their eldest cousin!

Birthday morning came the next day and I woke up to an incredible husband and two beautiful daughters. They had presents, drawings, party favors, and princess crowns (for the girls & I). They told me to get my robe on and come out and eat some donuts. YUM!

The house was decorated and Aaron even got up early to go grab some balloons from the grocery store. He even hung stars from the ceiling. We've never decorated for birthdays so this was all especially sweet to me. Aaron really did make my birthday extra special.

Once we loaded up on donuts, it was off to pick up my Dad & Step-Mom for the duffy ride they bought me. We got to drive around Newport Bay in a duffy boat for a couple hours. To make it even more grand, I got to eat my favorite, Togo's Sandwiches, while we were on the boat.

Unfortunately, Viv was a bit of a pill on the ride. She didn't like her life jacket. I think the smile below was when we first got on the boat. Her excitement plummeted soon after. By the end of the ride she was asleep and I had Abby go take a picture with her thumb up next to a sleeping Viv. Too funny.

It was chilly, but absolutely beautiful out. I had a great time and it felt nice to have something special to do on my actual birthday. It was a wonderful treat.

The remainder of my birthday was pretty low-key, but quite nice. Although, I don't think my girls got the memo that they're supposed to be nice to me on my birthday. They were CRANKY!

We came home and took naps, then headed out to buy me a smartphone, and then off to Qdoba for some yummy Mexican food for dinner and their ever-mesmerizing touch screen soda fountain machine.

Aaron, the girls and I came home and then we had some cake. I should mention that both with the cake below and my birthday cupcakes with my family I successfully blew out 30 (31 with the fam) candles. I still got it.

On the night of my birthday when it was just our little fam of four, I felt so overwhelmed with gratitude for what I have. Aaron is such an incredible husband and father. He is so thoughtful and mindful of me and the girls. I can't put into words how much of an inspiration he is to me. And my girls, oh my girls, the more time I spend with them, the more I realize that my dreams of motherhood could not have compared with all that I have experienced with these two sweethearts. Ups and downs alike, they are amazing. For those TV watching Moms out there, "They make my heart feel super happy!"

Speaking of dreams, Aaron made one of my longtime dreams come true. My ride on the zamboni. It wasn't looking like it was gonna happen since it costs $500 if you want to ride one at the Staples Center (the home of our LA Kings). However, Aaron was able to make it happen for free at the Honda Center.

We hid our LA Kings jerseys in an over-sized purse so we wouldn't offend anyone while riding. I broke them out as soon as we got off though. It was a fun game to watch and the Kings beat the Ducks 3-2. Woot woot.

The best part was that Aaron got to ride the other zamboni on the ice with me. It was a super fun night!

The memories that I have from this birthday will stay with me forever. I have been blessed to be surrounded by amazing friends and family. I don't even have pictures to share of the simple play date I was invited to with some friends from Abby's old preschool that turned out to be a little birthday party for me. So sweet.

I never would have dreamed I would enter my 30's without my Mom around, but Heavenly Father has blessed me with such amazing people to remind me of how loved I am.

And that's what I feel as I wrap up this post...love. Love for the people in my life, the life I lead, the family Aaron and I are creating, and the knowledge I have of my eternal salvation.

WAM: Week 6

2011-02-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

207 (+1 lb. since last week)

All I can say is that the Cosmopolitan Hotel buffet in Vegas was WAY worth it! AMAZING!

Happy 3-0 to me!

WAM: Week 5

2011-02-14T14:11:00.000-08:00

206 lbs. this morning. Down 1 lb. from last week.

Things I learned this past week:
- Stumbled upon a motivating blog called Heavy Duty Mama (see side bar) about this Mom that lost a significant amount of weight. Upon reading, I realized I want to get a calorie counter of some sort. I know I am eating far more than I should.
- My energy level has been in the toilet. I keep wondering if its due to emotional fatigue, poor eating, or just plain laziness feeding itself.
- You can do nothing positive towards your cause and still lose a pound in a week. Go figure.

Wow, for losing a pound I sure sound like a negative nelly.

CAM: Booster Seats

2011-02-08T12:49:00.000-08:00

So, I think Abby is getting too tall/heavy for her current car seat. Plus, I think her car seat has expired (yes, they have expiration dates - its crazy). My question is, whats the best next step for my little girl?

I'll be honest, I would love to have something easier to move around and slimmer than the bulky thing we're working with now. However, I once saw this PSA about how a Mom lost two of her older kids and she thinks its because they weren't in a 5-point-harness car seat/booster. Do you strap your kids down as long as you can or do you let them grow into their role has a seat-belt passenger?

Your thoughts and/or product recommendations are always much appreciated. BTW - I want our readers to be candid. If your opinion is different from that of other comments, please still share. I want to hear all the pros and cons.

Thanks a bunch!

WAM: Week 4

2011-02-07T13:50:00.000-08:00

Clocked in at 207 lbs. No change from last Monday. Considering that I did virtually nothing for my cause last week, I'm actually quite happy that I didn't gain 5 lbs.

I know its only a couple pounds, but I started this year at 211 and I haven't been 207 since last March sometime, I think.

Things I learned this week:
- WARNING TMI AHEAD, the amount of poor eating I do while on my period is insane.
- Not doing my back/core exercises is so counter-productive for my goals.
- Got a "tsk,tsk" from my Physical Therapist on the jogging incident. He gave me some guidance and explanation on how that is not what I should be doing right now for my health.
- Taking the girls to the park and walking laps while they play is good for all parties involved.
- The MOST important thing I learned is that I have a very supportive group of friends who are still reading despite my pitiful progress. Thank you all!

WAM: Discouragement

2011-02-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

I think I may be poking holes in my remaining three tires.

It seems every time I talk to someone about how they or a loved one lost significant weight it always involves NO SUGAR. I can't do that, folks. Let me rephrase, I can do it, I just don't want to do it. I would need to want to do it to be successful at it.

My body has been aching, mostly my left hip and left foot. I think I'm using this as an excuse to not exercise.

I think I'm quickly approaching that time of the month (tmi), which equates to longings for fatty and chocolate foods. Not good.

I think I'm slated to gain enough weight to put me back to where I was before this even started. Sigh.

This is Halloween

2011-02-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

My girls (and hubby) are all quite fond of "Nightmare Before Christmas." I think I've only seen it all the way through once. I'll tell you this much though, I know one of the movie's signature songs well thanks to my girls.

Abby's Take:

Vivi's Take:

WAM: Week 3

2011-01-31T09:02:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of week 3 I clocked in at 207 lbs. That makes it a 2 lbs. loss for this past week, but only a 1 lb. loss from my starting point.

I'm excited to see some progress, but I still feel like I'm barely squeezing into my clothes. Obviously, 2 lbs. isn't gonna change that, but a girl can dream, right?

Some things I learned this week:
- Just because you hang out with a pregnant woman, doesn't mean you should eat like one.
- I was able to say no to seconds and larger portions a couple times this week and that felt good.
- We were good about eating in. It helps when you plan your meals and make sure they're meals you enjoy.
- As much as I like to push myself in the gym, I need to not overdo it. The pain in the back afterwards keeps me from doing exercises the following day.
- Eating because the food is in front of you is not the way to eat. Special treats are important but its important to make sure its a special treat that's worth the calories.
- I feel less winded when I do stuff and feel like I have a little more energy.
- 2.5 weeks off of caffeinated sodas. Not feeling the blues as much and no headaches.

Thank you all for reading & supporting me. Seriously. Knowing that I'm gonna report each week helps me to realize that each small step I take can help my ultimate goal.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

Here's to hoping the elephant is low in calories. ;o)

Happenings

2011-01-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

With all the series I've been doing lately, I have failed to talk much on the daily happenings in our home.

I thought I would grab a few cute photos from this month and go from there.

This picture is of Vivian and my girls' friend from church, Bristol. Bristol is a sweetheart and she is a tiny little thing. I love it & I love her! Vivi looks so gangsta here. I had to share.

Our FB readers know that the girls started dance this month for the very first time. Vivian's class is pretty much free form. She seems to love it. Abby enjoys it, but, like her mother, she gets frustrated when things get difficult for her. Don't you wish you could somehow prevent your weaknesses from being passed down to your children? Oh, how I wish I could.

We were fortunate enough to go to Disneyland twice this past week. We went once with Daddy on one of the most beautiful days. We went again with our friends, the Lius, for Logan's 4th birthday. Both trips were fun. I love the off-season at Disneyland. I don't feel as rushed to get from one ride to another so that I can make the most of my trip. I'm also enjoying not having to drag a stroller along. The joys of going for only a few hours means that the girls get to walk. The best part is the ease of getting on/off the parking tram. Any parent with kiddos knows what a pain this can be. Its the simple pleasures, right?

So, for a month now we have had a roommate. Her name is Alyssa and she is the sister of one of my dearest friends, Jessica. Alyssa is dating Jessica's husband's brother, Joe. Did you get that? Basically the sisters are with the brothers. Fortunately, I have known the brother's family since I was a kid. Aaron and I honestly look to the Aston Family (the brother's fam) as our example of a strong Latter-day Saint family. The parents have always been so good to let us join family functions and Dan & Jessica are two very special people in our lives. Having the opportunity to have Alyssa in our home has been such a blessing. She is such a kind and positive woman. The best part is that she and her sister both have the same infectious laugh. Now I get to hear it more often and I think of Jessica every time I hear Alyssa laugh. Another perk is all the date nights we've been able to have thanks to Alyssa's nanny skills AND the blessing of having our very own hair stylist in our home...

Here's Joe with the girls. These are supposed to be their angry faces. I think my girls are almost as in love with Joe as Alyssa is (almost).

We had some fun birthday parties this month. We started it off with my nephew, Ian's, birthday dinner. It's always great to be surrounded by family. Love this picture of these two cousins. So cute!

We ended the birthday festivities yesterday at our friend, Katie's, 3rd birthday. Katie had Princess Belle come to the party. Belle did face painting among other things. The girls loved it!

At this point, you're probably wondering where Aaron and I are in all of these pictures. We do see Aaron, contrary to popular belief, but I must admit its not as often as any of us would like. He is extremely busy between work and his new calling in the church. However, we are grateful for both. His job has afforded me the opportunity to stay home with the girls and that's been a dream realized for both of us. Also, his calling has brought us strength and peace through this busy time in our lives.

As for me, well, you're well aware of how I feel about my weight. This is the main reason I am in none of these pictures. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't dreading tomorrow morning's weigh in. I'm almost certain I will have let you all (and myself) down for another week. Aside from that though, my battle with depression seems to be holding steady. I've been doing well for 6 months now. I had a hiccup in early January, but was able to get myself back on my feet with some exercise and better planning of my day. A schedule is key for me. The holidays took that firm foundation away.

Vivian can't seem to catch a break. Her recent medical issue is that she's been diagnosed with superior oblique palsy. Her right eye gets stuck looking up and out. Its not a lazy eye though, its a misalignment of the eye. The first specialist said the only cure is surgery and even that's not a guarantee. Needless to say, we are opting for a second opinion before we make any rash decisions. Otherwise, Scoops is as good as can be. She has such a good temperament. Her speech is improving, which has made for some fun times. I'm holding off on potty-training until warmer weather, as I hate trying to do it when jeans and pants are involved. Too much to fuss with. Plus, I'm stalling.

Abby is becoming quite the intellect. She wants to know how and why things work. Not in the annoying "why? why? why?" manner, but in the speculating type of manner. She has theories. I love to listen to them. She is starting to blend sounds and she's been able to sound out a few words. The process of learning to read boggles my mind. She is as outgoing and bubbly as ever. Plus, she is a great helper. She sets an excellent example for Vivian when it comes to helping.

In other words, we're alive, we're doing well, we're strengthening our testimony of the Savior, we're struggling with healthy living and finances like most of the world, but we're pressing forward with faith and some good works.

WAM - 19 Again

2011-01-27T10:09:00.000-08:00

So, I did something that I have not done since I was 19. I jogged for 12 minutes straight. Seriously, this is HUGE in my world. Its a big deal for my stamina and its a big accomplishment for my back.

My back wasn't hurting while I was jogging. My hips, on the other hand, were killing me. Lets hope that my back doesn't get mad at me for this later. I'm gonna have to fess up to the Physical Therapist that I've been jogging. I don't see him until next Wednesday. Lets see how much jogging I can get in before that, shall we? Better to beg for forgiveness then ask for permission, right?

In other news, I am admitting to our readers that I long to eat out. I love to eat all the delicious foods that restaurants have to offer. It has been the largest nemesis of our budget AND my waistline. I don't want to get extreme (in relation to what I'm used to) though or else I'll just throw any goals to the wayside in this department.

So, Aaron and I decided to allow ourselves to eat out for dinner once a week and eat a lunch out once every 2 weeks. This includes date nights as well. The only exception will be during birthday weeks where festivities are in abundance. Particularly my 30th, which is quickly approaching.

That's all for now. Just wanted to share my mini-victory with you all.

QOTD - Catch-Up

2011-01-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

So Abby has been saying some pretty funny/smart stuff as of late. I can only remember 3 off the top of my head, but I thought I would share them here. I debated sharing any of these since they're much better when you take into account her personality and how she delivers them, but here it goes...

Quote 1
We had this toy cash register that must have had a short circuit or something. It began to continually beep. We agreed it was time to throw it away. I was busy on the computer so I told Abby to go and throw it away. There wasn't room in either our regular or recycle trash. I told her to just place it on top of the recycle bin. As she was walking away, the register goes crashing down to the floor. She continues to walk out of the kitchen without missing a beat and says, "That wasn't a good idea." She didn't stop, turn back, or say another word about it. It was sooooo funny. When things go awry in my life I find myself quoting her matter-of-fact comment. "That wasn't a good idea."

Quote 2
We had the Missionaries over for dinner this past Sunday. They were giving us a spiritual thought at the end of dinner. The Elder was reading about when Jesus walked on water. I was trying to include Abby in the spiritual thought and our conversation went something like this:

Me: Abby, we're gonna learn about when Jesus walked on water. Isn't that amazing? Can you walk on water?
Abby: No. Well...I can if there's a bridge.

She says things that seem like such intelligent thoughts for a 4 1/2 year old. I can't remember all of the quotes in this department, but I'm starting to see an analytical side of her come out, which is so funny since that's how her Papa (Grandpa) and I (when I worked, I think my brain has since turned to mush) think.

Quote 3
We frequent Disneyland thanks to Annual Passes. Our last 10+ trips have always included a stop by Pooh"s Corner Bakery Shop. We get gi-normous cookies and specialty treats there. As with all things Disney, its pricey. Not to mention that the calories are not conducive to Operation WAM. I know I could still treat my kids without indulging myself, but I don't think my girls need the excessive calories either. I digress.

Here is the conversation with the girls about the trip to Disneyland without our cookie stop:

Me: Girls, lets talk about something about our trip to Disneyland today. Mommy & Daddy are tight for money. We won't be able to get cookies this time since we don't have enough money.
Abby: Can't you just get more money?
Me: I wish it were that easy.
Abby: You can get money from our piggy banks.

You hear stories all the time about how kids think they can take a penny and buy a bike with it. Its money, right? What more does the establishment need? I thought it was sweet that she wanted to help us out with her money. Maybe she just wanted to help her cookie situation out, but I found it thoughtful nonetheless.

Quotes don't always transfer well to paper, so forgive me if this post was self-indulging. Until next time...

WAM - Week 2

2011-01-25T09:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I did 1 pound worth of change. Unfortunately, it was in the wrong direction.

Although this post is a day late, I am going off of my morning weight each Monday.

Mon, January 24 - 209 lbs. (+1)

Some comments regarding my first week:

- I did work out 4 times this past week
- I did my back/core exercises 4 times this past week
- I feel my core getting stronger from these exercises
- I realized that I am still on medication that is known to make your body retain water (no excuse)
- I realized that fast food is not nearly as worth it as it used to be
- I realized that I'm gonna have to start to adjust my food choices sooner than I'd like
- I learned that washing hair everyday is essential after I workout
- I realized that I can't exercise or push myself as much as I'd like, as I still need to realize I am only 3 months post back surgery and I have limitations.
- I still cheated and jogged (against my PT orders) for 5 minutes and it felt glorious.

Not sure if any of our readers read the link that I posted about other bloggers posting their weight loss process. One of the bloggers made a comment that stuck with me all week. She said if you have a hiccup in the weight loss process, don't give up and give in. Then she made this analogy. If you get a flat tire, you fix it and get back on the road. You don't go and poke holes in the remaining three tires.

My goal this coming week is to fix my flat tire and get back on the highway. Don't give up on me just yet.

WAM - Gratitude & Inquiry

2011-01-18T20:40:00.000-08:00

I want to start this post by thanking those of you who commented on my "kick-off post" for the Weight A Minute (WAM) Series. Each of your comments helped me feel both loved and supported. Knowing I have a supportive audience to this journey makes all the difference in the world.

Now for my question.

So, I hear that most women do not wash their hair daily. Some go so far as to wash it only 2 times a week. I was always an everyday washer, but cut back to every other day at my hair stylist's suggestion.

That being said, what happens when you start to exercise everyday?

I don't know about you guys, but I sweat (quite a bit, to be honest). I shower every time that I finish working out. If I start to work out daily (as I did today and yesterday), does this mean I should increase my hair washing to daily as well? Or do you ladies just wash your body and not mess with your hair if its not too terribly sweaty?

Would love your input.

Weight A Minute (WAM) - Week 1

2011-01-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

Yes folks, I have a new series for you!

So many thoughts to share to kick off this series. I've been contemplating this for a while and planning the exact day that I wanted to start this series. I found it ironic on the day of my "Kick-Off Post," Yahoo had a headline article about the very same thing I was about to embark on. Click here.

I've heard that most New Year's Resolutions have been thrown to the wayside come 14 days into the new year. So, while many Americans have already given up, I am just getting started.

There are 50 weeks remaining in 2011 and my goal is to lose 1 pound a week. While a loss of 50 lbs. is the ultimate goal, I don't want to be too much of a slave to the scale. So, a sister goal to the primary goal is that I will be able to comfortably fit in my size 12 clothing, mainly my collection of darling skirts.

The BIGGEST reason for doing this series is that I have NO problem letting myself down. I just rationalize things away until I'm okay with my poor decisions. However, I have a BIG problem letting people down or not being held accountable for my actions. So, this series is to be held accountable for this process (the good, the bad and the ugly). I'm not going to sugar coat anything. Let me say though, that because I am doing this series so as to not let down others & be held accountable, I am doing this entirely for myself (and maybe my family too).

I want to be healthy for myself, for my husband and as an example to my kids. I'm far from making drastic changes, so keep in mind that I will be making plenty of unhealthy choices still. Its a process, right?

I want to like what I see when I take pictures. I want to not shop in the plus sizes section. I want to not feel my neck fat close off my throat when I'm twisting or laying in a certain position. I want to have my wardrobe back. I want to take the weight off my body so that my back doesn't have to be strained by the unnecessary fat. I want to lose the roll that I'm quickly obtaining. I want to no longer be so easily winded. I want to gain a better understanding of portions. I want to not eat just because I'm bored. I want to have a change of thinking, but not be consumed so much by the process that I lose sight of my true love for good food.

That being said, lets take a look at my starting point:
1. I clocked in at 208 lbs. this morning
2. I failed to look at my percent body fat this morning, but normally its 40%+ (sick, I know)
3. I am BARELY fitting into my size 16 clothes. Most size 16 tops do not fit around my chest.
4. I don't work out for more than 30 minutes (walking) at a time.
5. The most I work out in a week is 2 times
6. I rarely, if ever, do the back exercises designed to strengthen my back for better health.
7. I currently have no concept of portions nor do I eat the proper amount of fruits and vegetables (or even close for that matter) as I should each day.

I realize that I'll likely lose more pounds one week, perhaps none another week, and maybe even gain some weight along the way. I thought the best way to get a gauge on how I'm doing would be to set some markers. I'll likely need to be ahead of schedule before the holidays hit, but this is how it should look.

At the beginning of...
Week 10, March 21, I should weigh 199
Week 20, May 30, I should weigh 189
Week 30, August 8, I should weigh 179
Week 40, October 17, I should weigh 169 ( I haven't seen 168 in 5+ years; huge milestone)
Week 50, December 26, I should weigh 159

At the end of Week 50, which happens to be my 8 year wedding anniversary, I should have reached my goal of 158 lbs.

That number sounds very overwhelming right now. I haven't weighed that since my first year of marriage. Is this a realistic goal? I hope so. I told my MIL that I dream of losing 50 lbs. and she said I should set smaller goals so it doesn't sound so overwhelming. So, I would like to lose 1 pound this coming week.

Christmas Dinner

2010-12-26T13:53:00.001-08:00

We had a lovely Christmas this year. I posted the picture highlights on FB. I thought it would be worth noting here though that we hosted our first Christmas Dinner. Not only did we host it, but I planned the menu and (with the help of my guests) prepared the meal. Can you believe it?

Those that know me know that I do NOT do the cooking in our home. I am happy to report that we had a delicious meal of Ham, Holiday Potato Casserole, salad, and bread. The best part for me was the salad thanks to Brianna's Blush Wine Vinaigrette. Side note: Brianna is not a friend of mine but rather a name brand found at your local grocer.

For dessert, I made Apple Dapple, which is a deliciously nutty baked apple treat. I got this recipe and the Holiday Potato Casserole from friends at church when Aaron and I were first married. This is the first time I put the recipes to use in my own home. Boy were they tasty.

We were joined by my Dad, Step-Mom, and dear friend, Mary. Thanks to my lovely kitchen counter, I was able to capture the loved ones and setting that we enjoyed this Christmas night.

Hope all of your Christmas' were merry & bright!

Day 12 - Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T21:18:00.000-08:00

So, I guess I can't do simple math. I thought my 12 Days of Christmas would land on Christmas Day. That does not appear to be the case.

Today was full of family time, errands, last minute deliveries, and yummy food.

Our Christmas Eve night was spent with my Dad & Denise (aka - Papa & Granny Dee). We had a great time over at their home. I'll share it through pictures since I'm short on time this evening (still lots to do, in true Sara fashion). And no, the pics are not in order. Its that whole short on time thing I mentioned a sentence ago.

New pajamas for Christmas Eve. They also have scarves on that Granny Dee made for them. Very fun!

I thought they would fall asleep on the way home, but they were still wide awake. I'm sure the excitement of Santa had them wired. Here are the milk, cookies & carrots for Santa & his reindeer.

I love my little angels and I can't wait to see their faces tomorrow morning when they get their new bikes! Fun times. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some wrapping & cleaning to do.

Really? Really?!

2010-12-24T00:11:00.001-08:00

See these two girls with me? They're sisters. One is in her twenties and one is in her (early) thirties. Here is a little tidbit about our girl trip to Target just an hour or so before this picture was taken.

Us three girls were checking out at Target when the cashier made a comment about how Alyssa (on my right) and Jessica (on my left) were behaving and not fighting (like kids do, I guess). I can't remember the exact wording but the remark and some others the cashier made let us know that the cashier thought that I was their Mom. That's right. Me, the Mom; Them, my daughters. I know I look older than my age and these sisters look young for their age, but really? Really?!?!?!

Jessica is a mother of three little ones. On our drive home, I exclaimed, "Yay! This means I'm a Grandma!"

Really, Target Cashier? Really?!?!?

Day 11 - Christmas Movies

2010-12-23T22:55:00.001-08:00

Everybody has their Christmas movie that they have to watch every year. We have 2 in our home that are mandatory.

The first is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I tried to get the clip embedded here, but its not working. Hopefully the link above (warning: there are bad words in the clip) will take you to the clip called "Hap Hap Happiest Christmas." You'll want to watch the minute long version.

Coincidentally, in that clip, Chevy Chase references the other traditional movie in our home, White Christmas with Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye. Aaron and I watch this one every year together.

One of our favorite parts (mainly because its so cheesy that we make fun of it) is where they are singing the song about snow. Enjoy the clip below and start at the 1 minute mark if you just want to hear the song.

Aaron loves how Rosemary Clooney (George Clooney's Aunt) says she's going to wash her hair with snow. Also, whenever Aaron and I mention snow in our daily conversations we break out into this song. Its a fun little ongoing joke, I guess.

I first saw this movie while sitting on my floral blue couch in my family room when I was around 10 years old. I fell in love with Vera Ellen's dancing, especially that toe tapping she does in the "Choreography" dance number. I'm not sure when it became a tradition for me. Fortunately, Aaron was willing to add it as one of his traditions.

Both of these movies are stocked full of great scenes. Each of them speaks to the different sides of Sara - irreverent humor and heartfelt storyline/songs.

Other runners up that may or may not be seen during the Christmas season include: Scrooged, The Grinch That Stole Christmas, and While You Were Sleeping.

What do you watch each Christmas season?

Day 10 - Christmas Cookies

2010-12-22T22:56:00.001-08:00

Christmas cookies turned out to be a three day affair this year. We started on Monday night as our Family Home Evening (FHE) Activity. This was the night that Aaron, Abby & Vivian made Aaron's Famous Super Cookies (butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, potato chips, and oatmeal in one cookie). I was busy making my Giant Molasses Cookies. I also prepared the dough for the sugar cookies and helped with the Mexican wedding cookies. Fun times.

Here's us enjoying the cookies of our labor. Don't you think my spice cupboard and self timer did a great job taking this picture (below)? I was pretty impressed.

Day 2 was especially fun since we had our dear friends, the Astons, over to help prepare (& eat) the Swedish Rosettes. The picture below may not be the best, but considering that a 4 year old took it, I think its quite swell. I'd rather have only blurry pictures of me these days.

Not the best pic of Aaron (below), but I couldn't resist posting since I love Jessica peaking in between the guys!

Four of the five kiddos eating the Swedish Rosettes. Yummy! I think one of the kids said it was like eating a snowflake.

All that remained on Day 3 were the sugar cookies. They can be such a pain, but they are tasty and the kids have a blast helping. These pictures are totally out of order, but frankly, I am too tired to care.

I love this picture of Abby since it was a clear shot of her smiling while she was dancing to "Jingle Bells." Abby helped do the sprinkles while Vivi napped.

Here's a classic picture of Abby helping clean up the beaters after I made the frosting. She had turned the step stool into her personal reading desk while I was preparing the frosting. It was pretty cute.

The girls got to roll the dough and press in the shapes. Its always fun to see them help in the kitchen. They both enjoy it so very much.

Some cut out cookies never look as cute once they are covered in frosting and sprinkles. This Santa cookie cutter (result seen below) is one of the hardest cookie cutters to use. The key to sugar cookies, according to my Mom, is lots of flour. I used lots of flour, Mom, you'd be proud.

Yes, that is a pathetic heart on the left. I always hand form the last piece of dough into a heart for my Sweetheart.

END RESULT: Cookie trays to our neighbors, the Astons, and our family. We successfully made one batch of Giant Molasses Cookies, 2 batches of sugar cookies, 2 batches of Mexican wedding cookies, ? batches of Swedish Rosettes, and 2 batches of super cookies. Yummy.

Day 9 - My Testimony

2010-12-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of things in life that I do not know. I don't know how to change a tire, how to play the piano, how to ski, or how to solve the budget crisis.

What I do know though is more valuable than any of those combined. I know that my Savior, Jesus Christ, was born in a manger some 2,010 years ago. I know that he came to this Earth to be the perfect example for us and to atone for our sins. I know that the birth and Atonement of our Savior is as real and tangible as the very water I'm drinking as I type this post. I have felt it firsthand in my life. I have felt the love of my Savior and Heavenly Father time and time again. When I hear the story/scriptures that speak of the birth of our Savior, my heart softens and my Spirit is overwhelmed with joy. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the birth of my Savior, Advocate and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

I was not raised in a home that shared the scriptures as they pertain to Christ's birth. This Christmas I would like to start a tradition of reading the story of Christ's birth to my children on Christmas Eve. Maybe one of these years we'll even have enough people in our little family to put on a nativity scene.

I know that my Redeemer lives and loves me. I will sing praises to His name this season and always.

Day 8 - Holiday Cards

2010-12-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

We visited Aaron's brother's family a few years back during the holiday season. In the guest room they had a clothes line that had holiday cards on it. I thought it was such a great idea that I shared it with my Mom during that last Christmas together. She went and got all the items to make a fancy clothes line. She even spray painted the clothes pins gold.

I was so excited to put the clothes line up this year. I love receiving Christmas cards, especially the ones with pictures. I wanted to be able to share them with others who visit our home. I thought the best place would be the stairway that you have to go up to even get into the living area of our home.
If you see your card in any of these pictures, I would like to personally thank you for the time, effort, and thoughtfulness that took place to have it hang upon my wall. Plus, everyone knows its super fun to get mail that's not a bill.

It is each of these cards that inspired me to do Christmas cards this season. Unfortunately, I am way behind and they are still en route to me. You may be getting a Christmas card from me after Christmas. Sorry about that.

Day 7 - Tree Decorating

2010-12-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

We got our Christmas tree on December 1 this year. It was a great way to kick off the month!

On that last Christmas with my Mom, she shared with us that a family tradition during her childhood was to eat donuts, drink hot cocoa and decorate the tree. We decided that was a tradition worth carrying on. Any excuse for donuts, right?

Abby was thoroughly enjoying all the ornaments that pertained to her. She took a picture of her ornament from Preschool last year (among others). This one is so cute that I thought I would share it.

I'm the one to put on the tree topper each year. Its of the Disney fairy from Pinnochio. Its really cool because you put the top light inside her and her wings light up. Aaron got it for me when we got our first Christmas tree together, which was a couple years before we were married. This marks the fairy's ninth appearance.

Don't mind how poorly placed the lights are at the bottom. Here's the final product.

Here's a little clip from the festivities of the evening. Nothing spectacular, but worth sharing.

There you have it. Christmas tree decorating - Warren style!

Day 6 - Ward Christmas Party

2010-12-18T09:55:00.001-08:00

Unlike the activity that I put on for Relief Society, this activity was for the entire ward to attend. Since I have been in charge of church activities for virtually our whole marriage, I very much appreciate the opportunity to go to a church party that I don't have to stress about.

They had a lot of fun activities for everyone to do, including cookie decorating. This picture is SO Aaron.
I'll be honest, I have had a difficult time adjusting to living in the IE. If it weren't for the church I know it would have been even harder. Its so wonderful to meet people that live in close proximity that have the same values and beliefs as I do. Here is a picture of some of the wonderful women I have met in our ward. My friend, Katie, took this picture. We should have had her on the other side of the lens with us.

Another difficulty of this past year was my weight gain. Almost every picture I see of myself I can hardly see the Sara inside. I can almost see my thinner self in the picture below.

What would a Christmas party be without a Santa sighting?

The ward party was the third time they had sat with Santa. The first time was with Auntie Szu-Hua at Victoria Gardens. They didn't allow you to take your own pictures and I wasn't about to pay the $22 for the cheapest picture package. I tried to be stealth and use my phone that was hiding under my jacket a little bit. Not too bad of a picture for not aiming it at all.

The second time was at Disneyland. We didn't bring our camera that time and I'm not about to pay $8.95 for the digital copy that Disneyland took. Do I sound cheap?

Well, it looks like you got a bonus picture/topic for Day 6. I guess I'm feeling generous. ;o)

Day 5 - Away In The Manger

2010-12-17T13:01:00.000-08:00

As promised, here's another ode to Mom in our 12 Days of Christmas.

Remember that year previously mentioned where my Mom and I decorated our shared home during her last Christmas? We had a lot of fun that night. So here's another tale of the evening.

My Mom has this little wooden manger that her Mom (my Nana) brought back from Jerusalem one year. It was one of the few decorations that didn't get put up for sale in that aforementioned Garage Sale. See those little wood chips on the table where the manger sits (below)?

Side Note - I just realized this post is not going to be as funny if you weren't there and if you didn't realize how special it was to see my Mom laugh during such a physically & emotionally painful time for her.

So, I look over at her and she's throwing wood chips into the manger. She had all the figures set up and I guess she didn't want to redo it so she was just throwing wood chips in there. You really had to be there, because this story seems so dull. It was just funny to see my Mom throwing wood chips in on the representation of Christ's birth.

It may look like she's crying here, but this was her laughing. It was so good to see her laugh that I made a point to take this picture.

As I was setting up that same manger this year, I too found myself throwing wood chips in at the manger. I smiled to myself and felt that much closer to my Mom who has been gone for over 2 and a 1/2 years now.
I was sort of dreading putting up decorations this year. It was the first Christmas, since my Mom's passing, that I was not in the process of moving. Moving was my distraction to help get through the holidays without her. When the boxes of holiday decorations came up I felt overwhelmed by it all. My Mom was the master decorator, not me. What if I put things in the wrong spot?

Fortunately, my Step-Mom assured me there was no wrong spot. I pressed forward and found a place for every last decoration. Things were working out just perfectly. My Mom had done much of the ground work and now I had the chance to let her talent shine in my home.

One of my favorite things she had prepared during her last Christmas was this garland with the bows and lights already set just right for it to go on her China Hutch. It reminds me of the magic we had in our home when I was young. The twinkle lights make me happy every night when I plug it in.

Day 4 - Disney Christmas-fied

2010-12-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

What would the 12 Days of Christmas be without a Disneyland trip to report?

Our Annual Passes are about to be blocked for the holidays. We decided to get in one last trip yesterday. It was a last minute decision since Aaron got called off from OT. Yay! Hooray for unexpected family time!

This is one of my favorite pics! I have such beautiful girls with gorgeous blue eyes.

Abby wanted to take pictures with Rapunzel the last time we went but it didn't work out. We promised her she could go the next time. We were the LAST people to be allowed in line on the last time slot that Rapunzel came to visit. Phew. Since the wait was really long, I decided a bathroom break was in order.

On our way to the restroom we saw that Flynn Rider was just chillin' against the wall in Flynn Rider style. Nobody was even by him taking pictures. We got to walk right up to him. He even chatted with Abby for a bit (Viv was terrified). As we were walking away, Abby was sharing all of her excitement and made some sort of comment about him being a "boy." She said it in such a way that she suddenly sounded 15. I'm not ready for that yet.

I realize it looks like we dressed Viv for the snow. Rain was a possibility and this is the only jacket she has that is waterproof. How stinkin' cute is she?

The Holiday Small World really topped itself this year. They even added little puffs of scents to the ride (gingerbread and pine tree). We missed the projection show they do now on the Small World walls outside. We've seen it in years past and its pretty incredible.

Day 3 - Relief Society Christmas Dinner

2010-12-15T10:16:00.000-08:00

My calling in church is the Relief Society (woman's group 18+ years old) Meeting Coordinator. I am in charge of providing activities for the Sisters of our ward to attend each month. I do this with the help of the Relief Society Presidency. My primary partner in crime is Katie (seen below). One of our activities that requires more preparation is the Christmas Dinner & Program.

I felt that this event was successful. The ambiance was beautiful, we had a delicious meal, and a spiritually uplifting Christmas program. Whenever I have an activity that goes well I realize that it is only because so many people step in to bring their gifts and talents to the table. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by people with such talent. Whether it be a good eye for decorations, a good worker bee, a talented singer or musician, a perfectionist (Katie, this means you), a cook, or a good cleaner, every strength makes the activity better.

Each table had its own hostess. They were responsible for bringing the dishes, silverware, glasses, pitcher, butter dish, and centerpiece for their table. Mine (pictured below) was the least elegant one if that gives you any indication as to how well done the other tables were this evening.
Sometimes you can't quite get the whole picture without taking a video. Here's a little clip I took as the Sisters were arriving.

I had my kids in tow through out the entire day. They didn't complain once during the 5 hours of decorating that morning. They were angels until it got to around 9:30 that night (way past their bedtime). They spent close to 10 hours in the church building that day without a complaint. I was impressed. Even though you see them, we did have Nursery provided shortly after I took this video. It was a nice evening where the Sisters could come and enjoy a night sans kiddos.

Day 2 - Christmas Tree or Spider Web?

2010-12-14T18:47:00.000-08:00

Forgive me in advance, but most of my Christmas posts will be regarding my Mom. I've mentioned this before, but my Mom was synonymous with Christmas for me. She made the holiday bright in our home during my childhood.

My little family and my Mom lived together during her last Christmas before she passed away. I had gathered my own decorations over the first years of my marriage. My Mom had been replenishing her own decorations since a huge Garage Sale she had where she sold almost all her decorations from my youth. She regretted selling them almost as soon as the customers walked away. We brought our decorations out and decided to decorate together that year.

DISCLAIMER - If the item pictured below is something that you gave to my Mom (some of our readers knew her), I apologize for my remarks.

As I was going through the decorations, I pulled out the above item. The conversation went something like this...

Me: Mom, what in world's name is this?

Mom: I don't know. Its ugly though, so it must be yours. (Gee thanks, Mom)

Me: Mom, its not mine. I just pulled it out of YOUR decoration box. Plus, I remember seeing this on your table last year and thinking it was kind of hideous. I'm not sure if its supposed to be a Halloween decoration or Christmas decoration.

Mom: (Laughing) Well, give it to me.

[She proceeds to wrap it up in more bubble wrap than is necessary and puts it back in the box]

Me: Mom, why are you putting it back in? Just throw it away.

Mom: Nope. I'm wrapping it up so you can find it next year and laugh and think of me.

She knew her time left on the earth was limited and that next Christmas I would be without her to laugh alongside.

I did pull it out the Christmas following her passing and it brought a smile to my face. Last year, we didn't decorate at all since we were in the process of moving. This year when I pulled it out of the layers of bubble wrap, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to laugh or cry.

Oh, how I miss my Mom.

I couldn't decide if the tree should be hidden for a laugh for another year or actually displayed. I decided to display it as my own personal inside joke with my Mom (I guess not so inside now that I'm sharing it). Although, I have to admit, its sort of hidden. We don't want people questioning my taste, now do we?

Whew.

2010-12-14T02:27:00.001-08:00

Its a good thing that I took a break from the projects to do Day 1's post. I am finally finishing my task for tonight @ 2:27am.

::snore::

{drool}

::open mouth breathing::

Sara out.

Day 1 - Best Christmas Lights EVER!

2010-12-13T22:35:00.001-08:00

I imagine I will be up for quite a bit longer, as I have MUCH on my To-Do-List. However, I don't want to fail on Day 1 and miss the opportunity to post. So, here I am taking a break from my other projects to share my first bit of good tidings & joy.

This past Friday night, we had the chance to grab some pizza and check out Christmas lights back in our old 'hood in OC with some of our new friends from the IE. Look at us bringing the two worlds together.

We walked the usual neighborhood up in Brea. We drank some hot cocoa that was being sold on the street. We even made some donations to one home so that we could use their restroom. The soda from dinner caught us at a bad time. It really worked out in our favor though, as we were able to see one of the most beautiful guest bathrooms we'd ever seen in a private home.

One of my favorite houses there (where all the lights were synchronized to change at the same time) is no longer done the same. I contemplated writing a note to express my sadness. My friend, Katie, suggested that they were probably new owners. If that were the case, I think the previous owners should have left their lights behind to carry on the tradition. I know I counted on impressing my friends that night by showing them this particular house. Alas, I had to come up with a back-up plan.

A friend on FB had posted about this house back in P-town that has lights that are synchronized to a radio station. There are signs in the yard to tell you which station to listen to for the matching music. I guess the guy broadcasts from his home or something. It was INCREDIBLE to say the least. We all just sat there in the van in awe.

Please enjoy! Unfortunately, this does not do the home justice. These owners better not move on me, gosh darn it!

###

Editor's Note: I am sooo frustrated! I tried posting the video clip of the lights here but its 3 MB too large. Arg. Then I tried to use Google Videos to post it here. Apparently, they no longer let you upload on Google. I didn't want to use YouTube, so I just posted it on my FB profile. LAME. The link above should go to my FB profile, but it may not work since you have to have an account. Sorry to our readers, it appears as though Day 1 is pretty anti-climatic.

Here's a consolation prize. We saw this house on the way home from the Relief Society Christmas Dinner & Program (church activity). Its in The Preserve Community where we live.

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

Although the "12 Days of Christmas" traditionally starts on Christmas Day, I will be doing my own variation that will end on Christmas Day.

My BFF is one of our most avid readers and she has requested more frequent posts. Since the "30 Day Challenge" (see sidebar) went over so well, I am going to do 12 consecutive days/posts that are entirely related to the Christmas season as it pertains to the Warren Family.

Unlike the "30 Day Challenge" the topics will not be posted beforehand. I have been cooking up some Christmas thoughts in my head and will share them starting tomorrow.

As a little preview lets take a look at a picture of the Warren Family on Christmas Day last year.

Please stay tuned.

Choose The Right

2010-12-08T13:51:00.001-08:00

The ever-popular words to an LDS Primary song keep running through my head today, "Choose the right when a choice is placed before you." Oh, how I hope I did.

Ever since Abby started at her preschool in the Fall, I have not been keen on it. I have to blame her preschool back in OC for this situation. They were/are such an AMAZING preschool. I always knew we had it good there, but I didn't realize how good until I looked for something else where we live now. It was so good, in fact, that we even contemplated paying double what we're paying now and making the trek to OC three times a week to have her back there.

Alas, that venture is not practical. I did some homework and I think I may have found something that's better suited for Abby (and me). Although, I really won't know until I go and pick her up today. Oh, how I pray that I did the right thing. The last thing I want to do is shake-up my daughter's world.

The hardest part of our decision was whether or not we take her from her friends at the Preschool she just stopped going to this week. My prayer is that she'll make friends quickly at this new school.

Its still an in-home preschool she is going to, which means it still won't be as professional and organized as her preschool back in OC. The staff seems friendlier, which was our biggest concern. They just didn't seem especially kind towards the children. I want to know that Abby is in the most positive environment possible.

Certainly I realize that she will eventually encounter a less than kind teacher and perhaps even bullies in school, but 4 is not the time for that and especially not when we're paying to prepare her for her future in education.

"In its light, choose the right! And God will bless you evermore."

Day 30 - Photo of You from Today & 3 Good Things from the Past 30 Days

2010-12-02T21:04:00.001-08:00

Could I look any more hideous in this picture? WAIT! Don't answer that.

The craziest part is that I went to Target today and got hit on in the oddest manner possible. If you want that story, just ask. It was a strange conversation and I didn't chalk it up to the guy hitting on me until I replayed it in my head. Aaron confirmed it when I relayed the story to him. I thought it impossible since I looked like this...

3 Good Things in the Last 30 Days

1. I sewed a button on for the first time since my Jr. High home economics class. I was pretty proud of myself, as I am NOT crafty or a sewer by any stretch of the imagination.

2. I got a new vehicle. I'm going to avoid details, as this is a public blog and who knows if some of our readers are criminals, right? Right.

3. Once I publish this post, I will have successfully completed this challenge without any hiccups. That is a big deal for me. I'm good at giving up at things. Its sad, but true. I'm also really good at giving excuses as to why I couldn't complete something. Perfect example - today I was late to get to my friend's house and I blamed it on my daughter taking a longer nap. It was perfectly true, but its still me trying to justify my actions whenever I do something less than great.

Those aren't the best 3 things that happened in the last 30 days (although #2 would make that list), but they are good things that happened.

That's a wrap.

Day 29 - A Song That Makes You Cry

2010-12-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

"How Can I Help You To Say Goodbye," by Patty Loveless.

I actually have a few songs that get me choked up, the National Anthem being one of them. However, there is no other song that I can think of that guarantees the water works like this one does for me. This song brought tears to my eyes long before my Mom's health and lifespan were in question. The idea of losing her at any age was always devastating to me.

For the record, this is a country song, but I am not a country music fan. I had a country music phase, but Aaron broke me of it. There are still some country songs I really enjoy, but don't tell Aaron.

Day 28 - Picture of Art Piece Meaningful to Me

2010-11-30T20:15:00.000-08:00

I think less description is more for this picture.

The original sculpture was created by a Danish sculptor, Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844). This particular picture is of one of the few replicas of Bertel's depiction of Christ after he was resurrected.

Day 27 - Dream House

2010-11-29T18:14:00.000-08:00

This topic was much more fun to research. I thought about trying to describe my dream home, but then I recalled something I heard recently -

If you take a person into a room of 25 women with one of those women being that person's Mom, the person will be able to pick out their Mom with no problem. Then take that same person out of the room and have him describe his Mom in detail to the next person to enter the room. No matter how good the description is it wouldn't be enough for the other person to pick out the original person's Mom in that same room of women.

There are images in your head that just can't be described properly. Even still, by attaching a link to my dream house you still won't get all the nuances that I would add/remove to make it my TRUE dream home.

The main reason I love this home is because it has a porch (albeit small), brick on the exterior and it has a very unique upstairs floor plan. Look carefully at the way the stairs are configured towards the top of the staircase - it goes two ways. Plus, I love me some Jack & Jill bedrooms.

I would definitely make some upgrades to the interior to make it look a less like every other new home on the market. I think the biggest thing I would do would be to ditch the granite & stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. They look great, but man are they a pain to keep looking clean. I'd go for a more country-style motif through out the home.

This model home happens to be a couple blocks away from where I currently live. Maybe one day...

Day 26 - Photo That Makes Me Angry/Sad

2010-11-28T16:17:00.000-08:00

This is by far the hardest assignment yet, as it required me to look at a lot of disturbing images. I'm including one of the more tame ones that still gets the point across. There are few things that conjure up more sadness and anger than child abuse/neglect in my eyes. Its tragic.

Can I be done with this post now, please?

Thank you.

Day 25 - Photo That Makes Me Happy

2010-11-27T09:40:00.000-08:00

This far into the 30 Day Challenge, I'm sure you could guess that my family makes me happiest of all. A picture of my family would certainly work for this post. Alas, I felt our readers needed a break from the obvious.

Music makes me happy. I love a variety of music from hymns & classical to alternative rock & funk. However, there is no other band that gets me as happy as Dave Matthews Band. This is an older picture with all the original members. They no longer have LeRoi Moore, the saxophonist, as he passed away in August 2008. It took 3 new members to replace his talent.

When I'm feeling angry, I put on "Don't Drink The Water" and scream out the lyrics along with Dave. When I'm feeling blue, I put on "Lie In Our Graves" and sing with a smile on my face. When I'm feeling blessed, I can't help but think of "So Damn Lucky." Plus, on our honeymoon we went to a restaurant where the whole Dave Matthews Band CD was playing over their sound system. When Aaron and I signed all the documents to purchase our first home, "You and Me" was playing inside the Sales Office. That's a small fraction of the emotions and memories that come flooding up with virtually every DMB song.

I've been fortunate enough to go to several DMB concerts. Aaron and I even went to 3 concerts in four days. In one of those three concerts we traveled 6+ hours to see them. I've sat everywhere from the pit up front to the lawn way back. No matter the seat, the shows have been amazing.

DMB truly makes me happy.

###

Editor's Note - I just noticed that Day 14 and Day 25 were the same topic. I guess I should take it up with the creator of this challenge, Shannon's Adventures. I was right though, on Day 14 the picture was of my family, clearly the obvious choice for such a topic. Now I'm even more happy I spiced it up or else you would have gotten the same Sara spiel.

Day 24 - Favorite Book

2010-11-26T13:22:00.000-08:00

I'm not the type to re-read a book. Not sure why that is the case. My only guess is that the most exciting part of a book for me is not knowing how its going to end. Once I know, it takes away from the exhilaration of the read. I think a good indicator, for me, of being a favorite is if I want to re-read it.

There are two books that I HAVE re-read: Twilight Series' Eclipse and The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. They are each a favorite for me in different ways.

There are two more books I would add to that line up of books I would gladly re-read but have yet to do so: the first book in the Hunger Games' series and Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. Both of those books are incredible!

I never would consider myself a reader. I read painfully slow and forget most everything I read. As with all things though, practice makes perfect. My love for reading has really grown more in the last couple years. I think the Twilight series was what ignited it, perhaps that's why I love Eclipse so much. It reminded me of how fun reading can be. Here's to broadening my horizons.

Got a great book suggestion? Do tell. I've been meaning to get my hands on a book called "The Help" not sure who its by, but I hear great things.

Adventures in Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T20:32:00.000-08:00

Anyone else remember the movie "Adventures in Babysitting?" In the movie, Elisabeth Shue thinks her night is going to go one way and then it goes an entirely different way. Our Thanksgiving wasn't extreme like that, but it certainly had a lot of emotion wrapped up into it for me this year. I have lots on my mind and intend to share most, if not all, so brace yourself for a long post if you plan on continuing to read.

Aaron had to work this Thanksgiving so I wanted to stay home so we could be together for dinner during the few hours he wasn't working. I didn't want the day to be like every other day so I planned on watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, baking sugar cookies in the shape of turkeys, watching "Miracle on 34th St." with Abby while Viv napped, doing a Turkey craft, and making our Thanksgiving dinner.

As planned, we started the day off with the parade. I never really watched this as a kid so this was actually a first for me to sit down and watch virtually all of it. My favorite part had to be the Rockettes. I was getting teary eyed watching them and here's why...

When I was in Jr. High my Mom introduced me to the theater. I fell in love immediately. The theater became our special thing we did together. The Fall before my Mom passed away I purchased season tickets to the Orange County Performing Arts Centre. I thought it would be great to go with my Mom a few more times before her time on earth was through. One of the shows we went to was the Rockettes. We were completely in awe that night. I remember there was one number where my Mom and I just looked at each other stunned after it was done. We couldn't clap hard enough to show our amazement at their talents. You have to understand that when someone is in pain 100% of the time there isn't always much room for smiles and laughter, especially when it hurts more to laugh. I will NEVER forget my Moms face that night. She was so blissfully happy. I knew then that those tickets were one of the best purchases I would ever make. The real reason I got that particular season was because "My Fair Lady" was going to be on stage at the end of the season. She also introduced me to that movie and I instantly fell in love. I thought it would be perfect to see it together in person. She passed away before "My Fair Lady" hit the stage. However, I would have gladly given up 100 performances of "My Fair Lady" for that ONE Rockettes performance. Just seeing her smile in my mind brings a smile to my face. Now you can fully understand why the Rockettes hold a special place in my heart.

Next on the list was to make sugar cookies with the girls. When I was a little girl, my Mom did not allow me in the kitchen as anything more than a spectator. I'm not sure if its because she wanted it done quickly or perfectly. Either way, I knew that if I wanted to have any hand in baking cookies I needed to head to my childhood friend, Jana's, home. Her Mom let us in on the action. I told myself when I got older that I would let my children participate in the kitchen. I didn't want them to grow up as threatened by the kitchen as I am.

Honestly, I can see why my Mom kept me out. It does get frustrating when the mess becomes messier, the cookies don't look perfect, and the time it takes to complete the task is doubled. But to see their faces and excitement when it comes to mixing, rolling, and decorating cookies makes it all worth it.

They don't look much like turkeys once everything is said and done, but they turned out cute nonetheless. Abby particularly liked this one since the sprinkle landed just right so that it looks like an eye. I frosted some of them and they did all of the sprinkles. This one was a group effort.

After our cookies were done, we ate lunch, treated ourselves to our cookies, and then Viv went down for her nap. As planned, Abby and I watched "Miracle on 34th St." I watched it mostly on fast forward to keep her attention. It was fun to snuggle up with her on the floor and watch it together.

Then it was time to start preparing our meal.

We had little in our bank account this week and we didn't want to put anything on credit so we decided to make the most of what we had: a turkey breast in our freezer from a year prior, Mrs. Cubbison's stuffing mix, McCormick's gravy powder, Marie Callendar's cornbread mix, and potato pearls from our food storage collection we started back in 2005. We used our remaining money to purchase fresh green beans, macadamia nuts (for the green beans), and a $2.99 apple pie all at Henry's Market.

All was going smoothly until I noticed that the potato pearls are only good for 3 years after their purchase date. We decided to cook them up anyway to test them out. They were pretty much disgusting so we made an Executive Decision that a Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes (though tragic) was better than a Thanksgiving with food poisoning.

Remember how I said I was never in the kitchen during my youth? When I was snapping the green beans this evening I was thinking back to my first Thanksgiving married to Aaron. We were with his family in Texas. I wanted to help but didn't know how to do anything so they suggested I snap the green beans. I had no idea how to even do that. Crazy, right? Its so simple and yet I didn't have a clue. That is the beginning of my Thanksgiving dinner experience.

So tonight I made the turkey breast, the stuffing, the gravy and the cornbread. Aaron made the green beans. I served it all up on my Mom's china, which has become my tradition since her passing. Its the one time a year that I pull it out in honor of her and her desire for elegance.

Once we sat down to our meal, the crying began. Forty minutes of Vivian crying because she did not want to try one single bite on her plate even though dessert was on the line. Normally we make her a Viv-friendly meal, but I was tired of her not eating what the rest of us were eating, especially since I know its a mental thing and not a physical thing anymore. She's never going to learn how to branch out if I don't stand my ground more often. All she had to do was eat the tiny bite you see below and she could get one of those whopping big turkey cookies and she just couldn't do it. Here she is (seen below) once we're all done eating and she comes in again to make another plea for a sugar cookie. She went into hysterics every time I told her she had to try a bite or else no cookie. What a lovely and peaceful Thanksgiving dinner. We tried to talk about what we were grateful for over her loud crying.

I've never let my kids go without dinner before so that wore me out. Then the loneliness from the day started to wear on me. Thank goodness for a couple texts, a call from my Dad and a call from my brother or else the day would have really been quiet. Then as I was cleaning the dishes, I recalled how my Mom was always the dishwasher at all the family gatherings. The sink was her spot. It just made me miss her more. Then Abby started to whine and throw fits after dinner. It just started to all pile up and soon my emotions got the best of me.

(My Mom in her usual spot in front of the sink washing dishes)

I then proceeded to only see the bad in everything and began to mope. After that, I decided it was time for books and bed for the girls. Somewhere in the middle of reading "Baby Brains Superstar" by Simon James, my bad attitude slipped away and I remembered again all that I was grateful for in my life.

I said our nighttime prayers, which brought me more comfort. Then I gave lots of hugs, kisses, and accolades to my girls. Then I sang them lots of songs before saying goodnight. Just singing church songs and lullabies made me feel that much happier.

So, fortunately, I survived this rather lonely Thanksgiving with my gratitude intact.

Despite my grouchy moments today, I KNOW I have much to be grateful for in my life. The knowledge that I have a Father in Heaven and a Savior is immeasurable. Loving family and friends tops the list, particularly my amazing husband and girls. Good health for our little family is a close second. Living in this free country is another blessing that I count often. Other blessings that come to mind are indoor plumbing, having all of my five senses, my husband being employed in this difficult economy, cameras, and the fact that I can now officially start listening to Christmas music.

Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
###

Editors Note: Not sure where to put this in, but we skipped the turkey craft and the dinner was quite tasty. Yeah for the latter!

Day 23 - Something You Could Never Get Tired of Doing

2010-11-25T09:15:00.000-08:00

Snuggling with my girls.

Neither of my girls are huge snugglers, which may be why I cherish it so much when they do. I think this may be the very best part of being a Mom for me. There is something so sacred about knowing Heavenly Father entrusted me with these special spirits. It makes me want to hold onto them and love on them as much as I can so they know how precious they are to their Savior, their Father in Heaven, and their Daddy & I.

If you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go snuggle with my girls now.

Day 22 - Celebrity Crush

2010-11-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

I may secretly have a few or perhaps not so secretly. I try not to gush too much over male celebrities because I don't think its very respectful to my hubby. I wouldn't like him constantly gushing about famous women. That being said, the first person that comes to mind is Joel McHale. I think the main reason I like him is because he's funny, good-looking AND he seems to be a good guy off camera too. He's been married for 14 years and I know he is a family man based on my friend, Jenny's, encounter with him at a baseball game. So, there you have it.

On the other hand, Aaron refers to Paul Newman as my boyfriend. I gush over him based on his role in Cool Hand Luke. Such a great movie. Its a little slow at times, but its a classic.

Day 21 - Five Pet Peeves

2010-11-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

1. People biting their nails. This was always gross to me but it took a turn for the worst when my 6th Grade Teacher said there are microscopic worms in our nails. Double gross.

2. Crumbs on floors and counters. Drives me a little nuts.

3. Getting into clean sheets dirty, especially dirty feet. I've never gotten into clean sheets dirty and I've never worn clothes to bed. I strive in every way to take a shower right before bed so that I go to bed nice and clean. This also applies to my home. I have to have things tidy before bed; toys put away, dishes done, etc. If these things aren't done then I know I'm not doing well.

4. The toilet paper roll having the paper come at you from under. I am an over girl. I will certainly change it in my house if its put in wrong. I used to even do it at other people's houses. My Dad had a girlfriend during my HS years. She always had the toilet paper come from under. I would switch it every time. When I got older I realized they might like it under as much as I like it over, so I worked through my issues.

5. People taking the Lord's name in vain. I can handle curse words far better than I can handle hearing the Lord's name in vain. This one just makes my skin crawl.

I thought of a few things that I don't like about people but I've learned to not be bothered by a lot of it anymore. Being late and being a flake fall into that category. I'm not sure if its because I've realized things come up (especially when kids are involved) or I've just realized that people have different priorities in their lives. One persons priority may be to be on time and anothers may be to not rush through life. Its all on how you look at it. It still drives me a little crazy, but like I said, I'm learning to better understand differences.