Friday, December 28, 2007

It was a Merry Christmas!

We had such a wonderful Christmas and I am finally catching up to write about it! My parents went snowmobiling at Brianhead for Christmas, so we had a family party with them and my brother's family on Sunday. It is always so fun to be around loved ones during this time of year! And it was just beautiful up in the mountains and my parents have these gorgeous ice sicles that hang all around their house. It looks like they hung each one, but they are all natural!! Sadly, I didn't get pictures of them b/c by the time I realized I wanted a picture, it was dark out. Next time I'm there I'll have to get a shot. Here is a slideshow of the family. (We also had a Dixon Family party--that's my mom's side of the family--and I'll include those pictures in here). We did the nativity and Lukas was a shepard. Which I'm so surprised he dressed up and actually participated! He's usually so stubborn. We had a great time with the Marshall fam, as always!

Pat's family has different traditions...Every year we go to Jessica's house in Eagle Mountain and have a nice dinner and visit then wait 'til midnight and open all our gifts to each other. It's fun, but really tiring and hard with young kids. Every year I say I'm going to switch the clocks ahead two hours. No one will go for it! The kids had fun and were wore out by the end. As soon as we put them in the car they were asleep! We had fun hanging out and being silly.

And finally, a Christmas at home! We were all pretty tired from the festivities in Eagle Mountain, so we slept in until about 9 (Pat was up first wanting the rest of us to get up to open gifts...) but we waited until Lukas finally woke up around 10. The kids were so excited and it was so fun watching them open their gifts and being so happy! I realized that I wouldn't have cared if I didn't get any gifts because it was so joyful to watch the kids! We got to rest and relax all day and had a nice dinner at Aunt Lecia's house in Riverton. It was a wonderful and merry Christmas!!!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Maxwell

I have a little notebook that I write in for the boys when they reach a milestone or do something cute/funny. I haven't gotten to it lately and since blogging is way more fun than writing, I'll just post it here so I remember it later. Max is 13 months now and SO cute. He is also very busy and into everything. The entire bottom half of our Christmas tree is bare b/c he has taken all the ornaments and decorations off. He has the cutest walk and he'll run away in delight if you chase or growl at him. He still falls a lot, but just bends in half and gets back up. He can say a few words "ba ba" for bottle, "pu pu" for a stinky diaper, "mama" and "dada" of course, "nana" & "papa" too. He does the baby sign for milk. He will also say "ah gah" for all gone and when he sees anything that resembles a phone he holds it to his ear and says, "aaahh" like he's trying to say hi. I guess we talk on the phone a little too much! :) If he sees a doll or baby, he'll hug it although he has yet to learn what "soft" means. (He made two kids at church cry b/c he hit or took their toy...) He likes to head-butt things, especially the couch and will stomp his feet in place when he's happy or being silly. He sees a dog and says, "woof woof" or "ga ga". He loves to play peek-a-boo and will try to cover his eyes, but it's usually his nose. Lukas constantly says, "no no no Max" so Max walks around saying "no no no no". And if he puts something in his mouth that he's not supposed to and I get after him he'll say, "yucka". He is the CUTEST! Of course I can say that b/c I'm his mom! Max weighs about 25 pounds and is solid. He is tough to pack around. Luckily he can walk, but doesn't always want to go where we're going. He likes to eat whatever we're eating and his favorite is gogurts (frozen). He loves his milk, too. He is learning to go down the stairs backwards and loves to climb up them. He and Lukas can have growling wars until we can't stand it anymore. In Pat's family, we give kisses a lot, so Max gives the cutest kisses, if he's in the mood. If you are laying on the ground, Max will come at you full speed and tackle you. It's funny to see Max take down Lukas!

Lukas

Lukas is 3 years and 2 months. He is very independent and territorial. He has knocked Max over countless times b/c Max got into Lukas' area. Poor Max. I keep hoping someday they will be friends and want to play together. I guess I just need to give it time. Lukas loves playing with play-doh and will use the cookie cutters to make shapes. Sometimes he pretends he's making cookies. He went through a phase where he had to cut everytihng up to look like a puzzle and then insist I help him put it together. He could watch "Go Diego Go" all day. He thinks every meal is lunch and could eat cereal each time. He thinks when we go to the store he gets a treat! Ahhh! I hate going to the store lately. And he knows how to throw a fit, too. He goes to preschool and has fun, but sometimes he'll come home and say, "I was mean today Mommy. I took Tommy's toy." He loves pizza and pepsi (uh oh). He takes care of Max's binkies and when the house is too quiet I look around to find Lukas in a corner being sneaky with the binkies. I think if I let him, he'd still want one. He is great at cleaning up and likes to line up all his toys. He gets really hyper when he's tired and it's a nightmare trying to get him to sit still. He loves to repeat whatever we say when it's prayer time and says the cutest prayers on his own. He likes to hear bedtime stories (like Snow White or Sleeping Beauty). What can I say, he likes Princesses! But he knows it's for girls, like at the store when we look at toys he'll say, "that toy is for girls". Whew! Lukas is a picky eater and I wonder if he'll ever weigh more than 30 pounds. He could live off of milk and popsicles. I sure love my little guys!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Ode To Pat

Well, it was Pat's birthday on Sunday and so I thought I'd make a little tribute to him. What can I say? I married a 12-year-old who just turned 28! He is a kid at heart, but he makes things fun. He is an awesome father and the boys love him. He works hard and plays hard and is a joker all the way through. Some things you might want to know about Pat...He loves sour things (sour patch kids, lime popsicles). He can fall asleep in about 1/2 a second, anywhere, if he's tired or watching a movie. He can solve the rubix cube (and loves to teach anyone who wants to learn). For being a food lover, he is quite picky. He could play basketball every day of his life and wakes up at 5 on Tuesdays to play ball with the guys. (Recently he told me how he wants to take a class on getting his vertical jump higher. I thought he was kidding, but oh no, he was quite serious). He knows every word to any Wu Tang song. He loves magic tricks or card tricks and will show anyone who will listen his tricks. He loves to read and does so for at least 30-45 minutes every morning. Just ask him where he reads... He has a lot of determination and self-motivation which is why he works from home successfully! He wants to try out for American Idol and will practice while driving in the car. That's my Pat and I sure love him! Happy Birthday Patricio! XOXOXO (Just look at this picture! The way he struts his stuff. Not much has changed!)

Mendoza Bunch

Here we are...the Mendoza's! We went and took a group picture to give to Sonia (my mother-in-law) for her birthday/Christmas. Pretty amazing that we are all looking and mostly smiling with 5 kids (note they are all BOYS!!!). Anyway, kudos to the photographer.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Abuelo

We had a dinner for Pat's dad for his bday. Here is a picture of him and the grandkids (all BOYS) and Pat and his sisters.

My Boys

What can I say? Lukas put the Christmas decorations to good use (and Pat dressed him that day and is wearing Max's shirt by accident). Max is just as cute as can be in his red hoodie. Gotta love my boys!

To get a puppy or not to get a puppy...

Our neighbors dog just had puppies and we've been talking about getting a dog for quite some time now. It so tempting to get one. We got to play with one of the puppies for a little bit and I can see we're not quite ready. Max man handles it and Lukas is afraid to hold it too long. It's a Westie. Pat is really sensitive to dog hair and so we have to get a dog that doesn't shed. This is one of them. Awwww, she's so cute! But NO, we're not getting a dog. Yet. But when we do, Lukas has the perfect name picked out. You'll just have to wait to find out...

Winter Wonderland

I went and spent a couple of days at my parent's place. It's like a mountain retreat. The view is just gorgeous and you can see Provo. My parents just got a hot tub and we got to enjoy it! It was snowing outside and we were nice and warm in the hot tub! (Excuse the white legs). The snow was so bad we had a hard time driving home. I was swerving all over the place. I think next time I'll just stay longer.

Preschool Pals

Lukas started preschool this year, as you may already know. It's a neighborhood thing...a lot of people call it JOY school (I don't know much about that) but there are 7 kids and each mom takes a turn being the teacher. So every seven weeks I have preschool at my house and we rotate houses. It's worked out pretty good and Lukas loves it. However it is quite stressful having seven 3-4 year olds running around PLUS Max, but I survived our turn. We made play-doh and reviewed all the letters we've learned so far. The kids are funny. One kid sort of wanders off and does his own thing, one likes to talk, but takes F O R E V E R to get his point across, none of them can sit still and one peed their pants. It keeps me on my toes. The first time I tried to be so elaborate and do all these cool things, but this time I learned to just be flexible and go with the flow. It turned out fine. And now I can rest for seven weeks. Whew! And Lukas will be in Sunbeams in January. I'm totally freaking out b/c he has such a hard time sitting still and following directions. Today at church they had to come get Pat (I was home with Max who has a cold) and they said Lukas didn't want to participate in Singing Time. I think I am going to struggle with him. I feel bad for his teacher. What should I do? And he is STILL not potty trained. Although he tells people that he is and that he wears underwear. The poor kid is living in denial. I think I've tried everything (prizes, the potty watch, bribery, money, candy, toys) and he is just not into it. He'll do it once and then he thinks that's it. Any moms out there that have tips or advice, I'm all ears.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Our Trip to California

Finally! Here are the pictures of our trip to Albany (where my sister lives). We did so many fun things in Cali! We went to the zoo, rode on the Bart to get downtown, played at fun parks, went shopping, jelly belly factory, went to see the lights at the Oakland temple, visited an old hotel where my Grandpa Dixon proposed to my Grandma, saw every color of house you could imagine and just spent quality time with my sister and her family! Mindy is the best hostess...we loved staying with her. Thanksgiving dinner was amazing! As was every meal that she made. Lukas and Karsten fought the entire time, and now Lukas asks "Where's Karsten?" every day. If you notice, there are no pictures of them together... How sad! They are three months apart, and I'm sure as we give it time, they'll be best buddies. I was so sad to leave. I love the time that I have with Mindy and can't wait until we can do it again!

Milk's Favorite Cookie

Max has discovered Oreo cookies. Who doesn't love 'em?

Friday, November 30, 2007

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

So I made it home from San Fran (more posts/pics to come) and have finally started the HUGE pile of laundry, got our suitcases unpacked and done some grocery shopping. And I pulled out some of our Christmas decorations. I forget how much I love it. I get so caught up with Halloween and then this year spending a week at my sister's for Thanksgiving, Christmas sort of crept up on me. The only thing I'm not excited about is hanging lights outside. I guess I'll give that job to Pat. Maybe next year. Seems like all our neighbors have lights up. There is no snow on the ground, but it is C O L D !! Anyway, this is a picture of me in downtown San Fran in Macy's looking down at the BIG tree. Talk about a huge wreath!! They wouldn't let me carry ot on the plane. (haha) Some things I love about winter...(I'm trying to be positive b/c I don't like being cold or driving in snow or dragging melted snow into the house)...I love Hot Chocolate. Mmmmmmm. I love wearing a scarf (it hides how fat I'm getting from drinking all the hot chocolate). I love snow mobiling or sledding or making a snow man. But only for a short period of time. When my fingers are numb, I'm done. I love watching the snow fall from inside my warm house with a fire going. And I love egg nog. But only half a cup at a time. And lastly, I love driving to look at lights and seeing how festive people are and how excited they are about the season. Ok, now I feel like I can make it through winter and not be a scrooge. Now I need to decide where to put the tree...

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

San Fransisco

I'm in California visiting my sister. We're having so much fun! We all came for Thanksgiving (my parents, too), but Pat had to get back for work. I stayed a few extra days and will go back Thursday. It's great being able to hang out with Mindy. She always does fun things and makes great food! Luckily she also has a stairmaster. I can't wait to show pictures of our fun trip.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have started a new tradition to send out Thanksgiving Cards instead of Christmas Cards so that I can enjoy the holiday season more and not be so stressed with having to get cards out. I sent out a few cards, but thought it would be nice to just post an update on our family and hope that more people are online these days. Pat and I are very blessed and feel so thankful for all that we have. We have been able to buy our first home in Herriman and we just love it here. Pat has really loved being a Realtor, despite some of the bumps the market has felt this year. I am thrilled to be able to stay home with Lukas and Max (at least most days) and I love seeing them grow and learn so much. We love our ward (even though it is on the verge of splitting and a new stake forming). Pat has served as Elder's Quorum President and I have been a supportive wife. We have felt the blessings of serving and look forward to what a new year has in store. We mostly feel blessed for our health, family, friends and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for being a part of our life and for your wonderful example. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

7 Wonders of JaNece

I have never actually done one of these "tag" things, but Michelle tagged me and I thought it would be fun to think of things about me. And since I should be packing for San Fransisco and am a huge procrastinator, I'll do this instead! (We're spending Thanksgiving with my sister). So...here are seven things you might not know about me:

  1. I am a little OCD at times. Like if the kids are in the toy room and there are toys strewn about, I will quickly put them away (sometimes when they are still playing). And not just away, I have labeled all the bins so I know where each toy goes. I know...I know... And I can't go to bed unless the house is picked up and everything is put away. I drive Pat crazy. I can't relax until it's done. When I was little, I'd go grocery shopping with my mom and I'd organize the cart (put the boxed groceries together, the cans together, the refrigerated items in a corner, the bread and eggs on top). You'd think my cupboards and closets would be a little more organized.
  2. I really want to make a difference in the world. Like with recycling and being more conservative with our resources. You know, not leaving the water on when I brush my teeth, and reusing zip lock bags and water bottles. Sometimes I don't even flush the toilet until the second time (SORRY, this is a little too much information--I'm embarrassed to admit it). I want to be more earth-friendly.
  3. I used to be a ballet dancer. I think I stopped around the time I turned 12. I loved it, though. I wonder why I didn't pursue it??
  4. I am totally paranoid with throw-up. I mean, everyone thinks its gross, I'm sure, but I am a little overly obsessed about it and will avoid it at all costs. I think it stems back to my childhood when Wade Miller threw-up behind my chair in first grade. GROSS!!!!
  5. I have hopes and dreams of one day becoming a photographer, a beautician and learning sign language. And maybe writing a book. But I don't know what it would be about.
  6. I am a hopeless romantic. My favorite movies are : The Wedding Singer, Ever After, Just Like Heaven, and 13 Going on 30. I love it when the guy has to fight for the girl! And I love movies in general. I'm a big movie quoter. I think I could quote word-for-word Tommy Boy, Emperor's New Groove, Remember the Titans.
  7. My name is half my dad's name (Jack-Ja) and half my mom's name (Eunice-nice) but they changed the "i" to an "e" and capitalized the N (JaNece). Thank goodness, b/c I don't think I'd like to be called "Janice". :) There you go. Now I want to hear all about you, if you have time and want to. Tag you're it...Alison, Emily, Patty & Mindy (just use email), Paige, Jackie and Leslie.

It Finally Arrived!!

Here it is! It's a square table that seats 8! And it's taller than a regular table. (I hope the kids don't fall off)! It looked HUGE at first, but now we are getting used to it and we love it! Come on over for dinner 'cause now we can seat you!

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Kitchen Table

First off, we sold our condo that we bought in West Jordan (we were renting it out and they wanted to buy it, so we sold it and made some great equity). So with our equity we plan on finishing our basement. We hope to do most of it ourselves which will save a lot of money. And since we're saving money, we have some to buy other things with. So...we have been looking for a kitchen table that seats more than just four. It's been fun looking and shopping for one that would go perfect in our dining room. We love the one we have, but with both our families living so close, we want to have them over and it's hard when we have to crowd around a small table. We spent a lot of the day comparing and looking, but ended up buying the first one we saw. We're so excited! It comes on Tuesday, so I'll have to take a picture of it and post it. :)

Sunday, November 11, 2007

The Big "5"

So Pat and I have been married for 5 years now. We had our anniversary on Friday which is also Max's birthday (long story). We celebrated with Max during the day and my parents came to stay with the kids so Pat and I could go out on the town. We stayed in the Marriott downtown Salt Lake and ate out at "Ruth's Chris Steakhouse". It was super fancy and we loved every second of it. We were living the high life for a little while. Then we came home and were reminded how blessed we are to have two beautiful, healthy, happy boys. We are happy to be married and it's nice to know that we can work through our differences and we're there for each other. It was fun to celebrate the big 5.

Birthday Boy!!

Max just celebrated his first birthday on Friday (November 9). I can't believe he's already one!! He is my sweet escape. I love everything about him. He is just so cute and happy and sweet. I hope he always stays that way. He brings a lot of happiness to our family and so it was fun to celebrate him. He had NO idea what we were doing with the presents and balloons and stuff, but boy did he like his cake! Lukas loved helping him open his presents and blow out his candle. We had a family party for him on Saturday and it was nice to have both sides of the family there to celebrate. We are blessed to live close to Pat's family and most of my family (we miss you Mindy). Here is a slideshow of his party and birthday.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Motherhood and Life

It is so late right now and there are a million other things I should be doing (folding the laundry, putting dishes away so I can fill the dishwasher with dirty ones, sweeping the floor under Max's highchair where he left 1/2 his dinner, reading my scriptures...). Instead I am just sitting at the computer making a chore list and a schedule so our family can be more organized. I went to a "Successful Mothering" convention this weekend at the South Town Expo Center. It was so great. I went to these classes and heard speakers on marriage, motherhood, organizing and so many other things! It was just what I needed. So now I'm trying to implement the things I heard. I have decided that I love to organize so much that I am disorganized by trying so hard. SIMPLIFY is my word for the year. I'm working on that, too. So I just wanted to post that I love being a mom and I love my life. There are hard days and times, but I am blessed with a great family and I have fun (most of the time). So here's to you family! Mwwaaah!

Sunday, November 4, 2007

The "Sour" Face

Max does this cute "sour face" thing when he's happy and when he's playing off others attention. Like if you cough, he'll cough. If you growl, he'll growl. I was calling Pat in the other room and he was mimicking me..."paaah". It was so cute. This sour face is funny b/c he'll just do it when he knows he's being watched. I love this stage of his life. Although it's getting hard because he's mobile and gets into everything. And I could talk about that all day! Check out those cute chubby thighs of his. OooooooH! I love it!

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Organized Garage

It's funny when you move into a house how much stuff you collect. We've never had a garage before, but it's sure getting full. I've wanted some shelves in there for a long time, but a lack of money, time, motivation, ect. has prevented us from getting them. My dad called me the other day and said he had a lot shelves left over and he was on his way to bring them over. Not only did he drive an hour to bring them to us, but he stayed all afternoon and put them up!!! I wish I had a before picture because it was cluttered! Well, here is the after picture and let me tell you it feels nice and clean and organized!! Now all we need to do is paint the walls.

Happy Hair!

This past week my friend and I decided we were sick of our boring hair, so we went together to get red put in it. Next time I'm going to put in more and make it brighter, but for now, it was just what I needed. And you might not even be able to see the red, but look close. There are days I still wish I had long hair and I feel like it will never grow...*sigh* but I'll enjoy it (or try) for now.

Spooky Walk

This has been the weekend for Halloween. This is just my favorite holiday for serveral reasons. 1. You get to dress up and become something/someone else. 2. You get candy. 3. There are no gift-giving obligations. 4. There is just something about orange, black and purple! And of course fall is my favorite time of year so it's only natural that Halloween is my favorite holiday. Ok, so I have to share how cool my parents are. My dad was born on Halloween, so every year he has to share his special day with trick-or-treaters. Which he doesn't mind, and every year my mom comes up with something fun to do for him. Last year he turned "60" so she had a big halloween surprise party for him (which was a blast). Well, this year we were invited to a "Spooky dinner, Spooky Walk and Birthday" at their house in Woodland Hills (it's a small town outside of Salem/Spanish Fork, Utah for those of you who may get confused with the Woodland Hills in California). It was a family party so my Uncle and brother & his family were there. Woodland Hills is just that, a mountain with lots of trees and the perfect setting for a spooky walk. Lukas was weary to go on the spooky walk, but said he would if Nana held him. My other nieces (Madelyn and Jaden) were also a bit apprehensive to go, but we all went in a big group so it would be less scary. Let me just say that our walk through their wooded backyard was so awesome!!! And mind you if Jaden hadn't been clutched to me the entire time I might have been spooked myself. There were bats and spiders flying through the trees and people crying for help (thanks to a cool flashlight w/ buttons and sound effects). And several well-placed props that fit the spooky theme. The kids were scared and the adults impressed. It was really fun! And you know that there were hours and hours of preparation put into making it that way! I wish you could all experience it. WAY TO GO Dad and Mom! I think it might turn into an annual tradition! Here is a slideshow of the event!

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Tender Moments

I was recently reading Michelle's blog about how she went to the temple to surprise her mom. I got to thinking...and last Thursday I took the boys to Provo and we waited for Nana and Papa (my parents) to finish their shift at the temple and surprise them when they came out. We got their a little after 11 a.m. and that was right when their shift ended. I was so worried that I was too late. We waited and waited and I just knew I missed them!! Well, finally they came out. They had decided to eat lunch (which they never do) and I think if they hadn't I would've missed them. It was so fun to be at the temple. Lukas had fun running around and making sure his brother didn't fall or get hurt. And it was good to see my sweet, faithful parents come out of the temple and I'm glad my kids can be around their influence.

Pumpkins

We had FHE and finally carved our pumpkins. Here's how they turned out. I wish they lasted longer. It hasn't even been a week and they are already started to shrivel.

The Sandwich

So I was making Lukas lunch one day last week. I gave him some cheese and crackers and slices of turkey and pepperoni. He was upstairs eating and I was downstairs doing other things. After a few minutes, he came down and showed me his "sandwich" that he made. He had stacked every cracker, cheese and slice of meat I had given him into this one giant stack and he was attempting to eat it. WOW! And he succeeded mostly, despite the thick layer of crumbs he left behind. Kids...

Thank Goodness for FRIENDS!!

I have had good friends in my life and recently I have found a GREAT friend. She is there for me when I need her. She listens to my silly problems and relates to them without making me feel like I am burdening her. She is willing to do whatever it is we're doing so that I have company (like go to the mall and let the boys play at Dino Town) or go with me to the endless "parties" that are going around (Tastefully Simple, candles, jewelry, clocks). Or even just sit around with me and talk while we take a break from our kids. She makes me feel important and worthwhile to be around (which is a big deal when all day long I hear "No Mommy" or "Get me milk"). I can't tell you how many times I have called her and she's been happy to hear my voice and lifted my spirits! She is awesome and amazing and I am so glad we're friends! THANK you Emily! I wish everyone could have a friend like her. :)

Friday, October 12, 2007

Hair Trouble

What a silly thing to blog about, but it's on my mind ALL THE TIME! I am just so sick of my hair. I chopped 6 inches off in July and it doesn't seem like it has grown at all since then. Boo hoo. I always want long hair when it's short and short hair when it's long. When will I ever be happy? Right now I can't do anything with it except pull it out. I have seriously considered extensions only they are a little pricey. I guess I have to patient and let it grow, or enjoy it while it's short. **Sigh** What's a girl to do... Ok, I feel better now that I at least got that off my chest. Maybe I will dye it a funky color or do something with it that I normally wouldn't consider. Stay tuned for exciting and fun details!!

Thursday, October 11, 2007

what we did in JULY

I love these slide shows and got some pictures together from JULY. We had a family camping trip (at Payson Lakes), went to the Tracy Aviary, rode 4 wheelers at Nana and Papa's house, got to see my BF JoAnne (from Reno) at her daughters baptism, had a visit from my sister that lives in San Fran and then just the regular every day stuff.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Fall is the BEST!

Last night we went to a pumpkin patch for FHE. It was so fun seeing the pumpkins and just being outside in the crisp air. Fall is just my favorite time of year. I wish it lasted longer. I've already made pumpkin bread and a yummy pumpkin dessert. And sugar cookies and hot chocolate. Guess it's a good thing I walk in the mornings. We have all our halloween decorations up and it's so fun to come home to glowing orange and purple lights. I look forward to this all year. The changing colors are quite a sight.

Monday, October 8, 2007

New Jersey Morristown Mission Reunion

It has been 8 years since I got home from my mission to New Jersey! Man, I am getting old! I look back and it almost seems like a dream. At the time it felt like it would never end...that I would never come home. Funny how time seems to drag on as a missionary. I loved serving and being a missionary, though. I was looking forward to this reunion and hoped to find old friends there. I did see Elder Urry and Elder Carpenter there. Other than that I didn't recognize hardly anyone else. It was at my mission president's house in Saratoga Springs. Pres. Schreiner was the same as I remember him and it was good for me to see him and have a chance to talk with him for a minute. My mission was very strict and had a lot of rules, so my memories tend to be on the negative side sometimes. This was good for me to remember how sincere and nice Pres. Schreiner was. Now I don't have to stress about going to another one if I don't want.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

September Update

I'm so new at this whole "blog" thing, but I refuse to be left behind! So, here is the latest and greatest in the Mendoza family. Lukas just celebrated his 3rd birthday. He still loves "Toy Story" and wanted to have a Woody party. His Nana made him a Woody outfit and he looked so cute in it! He had a great birthday. I can't believe he is getting so big! He also started preschool and looks forward to going each week. Max is quite the bugger! He is so fast and into everything!!! He goes for the stairs the fastest and since I can't find a gate to fit our stairs, I have to constantly be pulling him off (which he hates). He thinks he can walk already and lunges forward causing an unwanted tumble. He has stood by himself for a few seconds at a time. I am in no hurry for him to becoming even more mobile! Pat is busy with Real Estate and his church calling. He works from home (which can be both good and bad). He plays in a bball league and still wakes up at 6 am on Tues mornings to play ball with the guys. I find myself wishing there was more time in the day to acutally do something that I want to do (not clean up the house or do dishes or change diapers). I figure my time will come when I can do exactly what I want. Patience. I have fun with my boys and I love being a mom and a wife (most of the time, haha).

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Lake Tahoe

We spent a week in Lake Tahoe in August and had a blast! We drove there with my parents and met up with my sister and her family. We had so much fun. The water was cold, but the weather was warm. Lukas liked the beach and hiking. He has a lot of energy. Max wore me out. That kid is heavy!!!!! And since he's not walking I had to carry him and hold him a lot. He didn't sleep so great either. All in all, we liked being with family and being in Cali. It is so beautiful there.