Four Under Six

Miss Independent

2012-01-11T11:07:00.000-08:00

So here I am, sitting at Starbucks, typing away on my laptop. I feel so young, so free, so full of that old college energy and coolness. Oops. I guess I just gave myself away that I am not really a young undergrad, but actually a thirty-something. homeschooling, stay-at-home mom when I use such dated words as "coolness." No matter. I won't let that dampen my spirits.

I have two small windows of time in my busy week when the kids are all in school, and I have some space all to myself. Normally, I spend this time working out, then running various home/kid related errands. You know, picking up the dry cleaning, making that redundant trip to Target, or roaming the aisles of Costco. I never minded those errands, but today, after I dropped the kids off, I realized I didn't need to do any of those things. My legs are so tired from the 10,000 lunges I did yesterday (thank you, Robert!) that I need a day of rest before I see my trainer again tomorrow. I only had a few items to pick up at Target, and needed nothing at Costco! Whaaaaaaatttt?! Crazy.

So even though I'd already had my coffee (with Robert approved creamer, which yes, does exist), I walked right into Starbucks, ordered a skinny vanilla latte, and am now enjoying a kick back morning just people watching and internet surfing. Who knew the little things could be so unbelievably pleasant? What its this incredibly satisfying feeling? Oh yeah, it's that sweet feeling of doing something solo, something that I want to do when I want to do it. That feeling I used to have all the time before I had kids, that feeling that no one is depending on me right now. That feeling no one tells you about before you have kids. It's kind of like the other day when I was bending my body into insane positions in Yogalates (Yoga+Pilates) class, and the instructor said, "Now, just relax your muscles. This is your time, it is all for you," and I started crying. Time for myself? What a concept.

Now even as I am typing this, I feel a pang of guilt. Mom guilt, which is yet another thing no one tells you about before kids. I spend almost every second of the day with my kids, teaching, feeding, cleaning up after them, but it's still amazing how guilty I feel when I walk out the door for a girls' night or even a date night. I don't know exactly where that comes from, but the mom guilt feeling still happens to this very day. I know it's o.k., even necessary for moms to have time off from the kids and home life, but I can still feel the hairs prickling on my neck slightly from the idea that I don't love my kids enough to be with them all the time.

I guess I think about it in this way. Even Jesus, when He was here on earth, needed a break from the twelve disciples, who were, in many ways, like His children. They were immature and needy, and were ever present. Maybe Jesus had to get away from them from time to time to pray and meditate, and decompress, talk to His Father, and receive guidance. Without a Starbucks to serve delicious coffee and provide free Wi-Fi, perhaps Jesus just appreciated sitting quietly under a tree, praying, being still, enjoying the silence. I doubt if He felt any guilt over that. He needed that time to draw close to His Father. Just as I do. I think it's time to close this laptop and spend some quiet time with God. And that's nothing to feel guilty about.

Welcome to the World, 2012!

2012-01-01T21:34:00.000-08:00

Wow! Another new year has come! The Walker family would like to officially welcome 2012, and we look forward to experiencing life with you this year!!

I am truly excited about 2012. I have a feeling of hope and promise in my heart. Now, I am not really a big New Year's resolution person. I don't really believe that there is any magic in the January 1st date. I believe that I have the opportunity every single day to get up and make a decision to live differently if I so choose. That, to me, is one of the may invaluable jewels of being a Christian. I make a choice daily to follow what I feel Jesus is leading me to do, to say, to think, and feel. I can sincerely ask for forgiveness and repent, turn from my ways, and lead a new life, in the very next moment if need be. Now all that being said, I am going to make a goal of getting right back on my healthy eating plan. Five pounds of holiday weight gain later, and I feel the need to avoid sugar at all costs! Maybe that cinnamon roll stand isn't such a great idea....for my thighs, anyway!

I sure have missed you, little blog, but I had to take a little break during Christmas due to our busy schedule. It seems like for two weeks straight, we were busy every evening with the kids' and adult fun holiday activities. We soaked up every minute of the Christmas season. We are that crazy family that sings Christmas carols in the car. Yep. That's us. Just like the Griswold's in Christmas Vacation. And yes, it usually ends up that Danny and I are loudly singing in the front seats, while the kids look out the windows in the backseats, anxious to make our destination. We are the family cruising the block slowly, seeking the most outlandishly decorated houses. We drove down Sunset, our local famous Christmas crazy decorated block, probably 10 times. I am the mom who dressed her three daughters in the same matching Christmas dress for each and every Christmas party. And of course, my house has been continually filled with Christmas music, from sun-up to lights out since November 26th. The house has been fully decorated since the day after Thanksgiving, and I have loved every minute of it.

I have always tried to have everything pertaining to Christmas down and out of the house on or before January 1st. I feel that the new year deserves it's own time, apart from all things December. All of the decorations have been down and the Christmas music put away for a few days now. My house just seems a little dreary, as do I, I must admit. I seriously considered whether it would it be odd to have evergreen garland permanently draped over my "mantle" (it's not really a mantle, more like a hole in the wall, but who's keeping track?), but decided against it. The space where the tree sat is now completely bare, just a lonesome corner. I miss the Christmas music, so have turned on my favorite playlist a couple of times, but it doesn't feel right. It almost makes me more sad to listen to it. Ok, moving on....time for some pictures...

2011 was an absolutely wonderful year for my family. As I've said before, we've hit a magical, golden era in the lives of our four young kiddos, where life is just so good. So good. If Danny and I had only known how good it would be so soon, we probably wouldn't have felt so sorry for ourselves when the twins were born, so helpless and pre-mature and the girls were so young, too boot. We felt so in over our heads in 2008, 2009, and into 2010, it's crazy to think about it now. Maybe God had to take us down that difficult and seemingly endless, sleepless, painful path to come out so high in the end. I praise God for giving us our children so quickly. I never would have imagined I would have four kids in three years, after only being married for five years, but that is what God gave me, and I will be eternally grateful for His infinite wisdom and gifts.

Anyway! Whooo...moving on. I would like to leave with you a handful of photos from our family portrait session from last month. May God bless you this year!

A Cinnamon-ey Success - We Smashed Last Year's Record!

2011-12-17T17:17:00.000-08:00

Despite rain in the forecast, we set up tables, chairs, and tents for our second annual Hot Chocolate and Cinnamon Roll Stand. I've already mentioned this, but our little stand is a fundraising event where we "give" away yummy food and drink for a small donation. People are encouraged to donate loose change, but some bring bills...and some of those bills are pretty big! We take that money and donate it to World Vision, an international ministry that provides farm animals, Bibles, and education opportunities, among other things to poverty stricken people in third world countries.

God truly blessed this day for us. Just as 9:00 AM rolled around, the sun came out from behind the clouds. The glory of the day was upon us, just in time! Now last year, we collected over $350 and the girls had a blast picking out a donkey, a flock of chickens and sponsoring a child. We were excited to see if we could smash that record this year. We had over 100 people come by the house this year, tons of kids running around the yard, and 150 rolls eaten. But the big question...did we break our record from last year's $350 donation? Time for the drum roll....Oh yeah!! Our friends and family donated over $900 to World Vision!! Amazing!! Thank you so much for coming and supporting this wonderful cause, and I loved seeing so many of our neighbors and friends! What joy!

Please check out the pictures from this event:

Thanks y'all! See you next year!!

Calling in Reinforcements

2011-12-16T16:44:00.000-08:00

I know when I get too busy. It always happens around the holidays. Like most busy moms, I usually overbook events, cooking, and other irresistible fun things during Christmas time. This week, I knew I needed help early on since the Cinnamon Roll Stand was coming up. So I did the only sensible thing. I called up my family to come over and help. My big sister, Ayron, came over early in the week and helped me make the first 100 rolls. We buttered, mixed, sprinkled, buttered, rolled, baked, then buttered some more. It was a sweet, buttery masterpiece by the time we finished.

Well, the work wasn't over! I wanted to make 50 more rolls. I sort of manipulated my mom into helping me by pushing what a great skill it would be for her to make cinnamon rolls from scratch. The evil plot worked! She came over yesterday morning and helped immensely. Now my mom is one of those women who can grab a few ingredients and whip out a golden, buttery pie crust while I am still busy studying the recipe. She just has that natural skill. I had not realized how handy her ability would be for cinnamon roll making! I have gotten better and better at cinnamon roll making, but my dough is not a strong suit. It tastes good, but it looks pretty bad. Sometimes I imagine the dough as a rebellious teenager that is just laughing rudely at me as it cracks, sticks to the surface, and refuses to take the shape I want. My mom took that dough, and before it knew what had happened, she slapped it on the counter, and rolled out the most gorgeous 30 x 10 inch rectangle I'd ever seen! I didn't get anymore lip from the dough after that.

She handles that rolling pin like a samurai holds his sword. It's a weapon, and she's not afraid to use it.

Just like Julia Child, I'm telling you!

So she stayed busy while I took a few pictures, then went and watched a Christmas movie. Just kidding, I pitched in...with the dishes.

Cooking isn't my only big chore, now we move on to stamping and addressing Christmas cards!

My need for reinforcements moved on to the Christmas cards! While I wrote out the addresses, the girls stamped, stuffed, and licked. We were an unstoppable force!

This morning, I recruited the girls to help me with more cooking....

Cubby counts out and then unwraps caramels...

...while looking super cute.

Emma, who is still growing out her bangs (this is going to take forever!), helped me a ton by peeling carrots. Peeling carrots is a job everyone fights over, for some reason, despite the bloody knuckles that almost always results.

Aahhh....my little team of workers makes my life so much easier, and fun!

Then it was craft time! I love going to Michael's craft store at the end of each holiday and picking up all the leftover craft kits. I box them, then pull them out the next year and it's like brand new crafts at clearance prices!

That's not the greatest way to hold a glue stick, J.D. Oh well. I better go check the cooking and not worry! Thanks to you, reinforcement team, I finished all of my work today! In just a few hours, the Cinnamon Roll Stand will open, and we are more than ready!!

Cubby's First Solo!

2011-12-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

We attended another fabulous Do Re Mi concert last night. The Do Re Mi's are a junior choir singing group, and this is my girls' second year singing with this group. The Christmas concert last night was just as it should be. It was the perfect combination of happy, whimsical, silly songs and serious carols about Christ's birth.

The entire concert was adorable, so professional, and well done. The most notable moment for me were the girls' solos. Each had a small solo part to sing. This was Cubby's very first solo ever! She has sung plenty of duets with Emma, and we do get to hear her sing plenty of solos at home, but this was her first on stage, with a microphone, in front of a crowd singing performance! She was fantastic!!! No hesitation at all. She sang sweetly and clearly, right on pitch into the microphone. No stage jitters at all! See for yourself:

Emma sang a little more serious song called One Little Star, about the star over the town of Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. She did really well, too. I think the transition from the first solo singer to her was a little bit challenging. She handled it extremely well.

There's nothing like watching my daughters singing in an adorable Christmas concert. The joy of Christmas is now alive and well in my heart!

Crazy Competitive

2011-12-13T22:34:00.000-08:00

Yep, this one's about me. I hate to admit it, but I am crazy competitive. I have been like this my entire life. But I am ready for a serious change since really, it's no fun for anyone to play games with a person with this much need to win.

My competitive streak started way back in my volleyball and basketball days in high school. I loved being the big hitter or the blocker during volleyball matches. I thrived on winning. I loved playing volleyball with a passion, and I, being taller than a lot of other players, had an advantage that made it truly fun and exciting to play.

Now as far as basketball goes, the honest truth is that I wasn't a very good player. I had the height, but no speed, and no real coordination or shooting precision. So, my coach just put me under the basket and I would rebound and shoot the ball in the basket by using the backboard all day long. It wasn't rocket science, and a kid like me, without real talent or stamina, was able to get pretty far in a small league like the Imperial Valley.

As a thirty-something-stay-at-home mom, I don't get to compete in volleyball or basketball games much anymore. I have to release my need to compete somehow, so I (sadly) do it through games with friends and family. When Danny and I were first married, we played Scrabble once in a while. Scrabble is my favorite game of all time. I would always beat his butt, no question. However, after a few months of steady play, Danny started catching on to a strategy and began catching up to me. I was beating him by a smaller and smaller margin. One fateful day, and I am so ashamed to admit this, but he pulled ahead of me in the game, and I literally got up and left the table. I have never lived that one down, let me tell you. Even now, he'll ask before we begin a game, "Are we going to finish this game?" It only happened once, but it stuck as a very unlovely memory.

We started playing games pretty regularly a couple of years ago with another couple, Luke and Elizabeth. They were both very experienced in game playing, and would often bring over new games and teach them to me and Danny. Now, they had never seen this competitive side of me before; I had tried fairly hard to keep it hidden, knowing how ugly it could be. But one day, they brought over a super fun, but very challenging (for me) card game called Phase 10. Basically, to win the game, you have to get through all ten phases to win the game. I couldn't get past phase 1. They were all moving ahead into phase 3, then 4, then 5. I couldn't get past phase 1. My cards were atrocious. I finally slammed my hand down on the table and walked away. They were in shock. Elizabeth's mouth seriously dropped open like in one of those movies when someone sees something unbelievable. It was horrible, ugly and most of all, rude. I immediately felt ashamed.

I have had to consciously work on my need to win ever since that day. I have tried hard to keep level-headed, repeating in my mind, "It's only a game, it's only a game." Now just a few years ago, my sister married my sweet brother-in-law, John. John is an excellent, although super stealthy, game player. He will get behind in a game, so that you think he's out of the running, then he'll come out with an awesome hand, that just blows everyone out of the water. He's the guy that lays all his cards down on the first hand, leaving everyone to clean up their disastrous remnants. Now he's competitive, too, but nothing like me. He teases me to get me going, and I tease back, and then the old April just comes out of nowhere. Now as we all get seated around the table to play, the trash talk starts, usually aimed at me and sometimes at John, and it sometimes cycles out of control. Kind of like tonight.

My competitive spirit turned ugly. I love playing the game, and don't realize how that need to win looks to others around me. It ain't pretty. That's all I'm saying. I don't think a little bit of healthy competition is bad at all. And it's funny how some games I don't feel that great need to win. Let's just say it's selective. I've decided to stay away from those games that get me really fired up, at least for a while. I guess I just really don't ever want my kids to see me flare up like that, especially at their dad, over what? A game? Too silly. Too crazy.

I'm just wondering how many people have someone in their lives like me. Someone who gets hurt when another game player decides to "skip" them in the game. Someone who people warn others about before playing, like, "April's playing, be careful!" Yep, that's me. Crazy competitive. But working on it. Starting today, I'm working on focusing on the people's faces around the table more than the game board in front of me.

Anybody want to play?

Cinnamon Roll Stand....Here We Come!

2011-12-11T19:30:00.001-08:00

In just six days, my family will host our 2nd annual cinnamon roll and hot chocolate stand. This was Emma's idea last year when she begged me for a lemonade stand, and I, not wanting to stand out there in the hot sun, convinced her that the winter would be a much more profitable season here in the desert. We decided last year to give all the proceeds from the "sale" to an international ministry called World Vision.

Every year, World Vision sends out the coolest gift catalog. It has pictures of a variety of farm animals (or "beasts of burden" if you are my husband) pictured, along with a price, and a description of how that animal can be of use to a family in a third world country. For example, a pig costs $195. That sow can produce as many as 20 piglets in a year. As the catalog points out, "within 6 months, each of those piglets can weigh 200 pounds and fetch a hefty price at market. The income can be used for children's education, medicines, and other essentials." Two chickens cost $25, a goat is $75, a dairy cow is $500, and so on. Last year, the girls made over $350, in mostly loose change, since that's what we encourage people to donate. We had the most fun picking out the animals for people. We even had enough money leftover to begin sponsoring a child.

Out of all the parties, concerts and programs we attended last year, the hot chocolate stand was by far the girls' favorite event. They talked about it endlessly. Earlier this fall, when the stores first became decorated for the Christmas season, the girls began asking excitedly if we were going to have the stand again. It wasn't really even a question. The fellowship with our neighbors and then the giving experience was one of those things that, for us, helped define the reason for the season.

We set up the stand early in the morning and used the tent since the forecast called for a slight chance of rain. The gorgeous, overcast and chilly day only added to the fun of the experience for the girls. See their outfits? They are always, and I mean ALWAYS ready for cold weather gear.

So, now to the point. I spent my whole afternoon today baking cinnamon rolls in preparation for our next stand this coming Saturday. My sister came over after church, and we stirred dough, melted butter, and sprinkled enough cinnamon and sugar to make Paula Deen very proud. Ayron and I had so much fun. This is when a kitchen with a large work surface really helps! We baked 100 rolls from scratch!

Here are the rolls just before I put them in the oven.

I checked those puppies often! No one wants burned rolls, I know that much!

This is me stirring the outrageously good icing. Coffee + powdered sugar + maple flavoring = heaven sent flavor. Seriously. The best thing on the planet.

Yay! Look at those adorable little pans, all ready for eating!

Drizzling icing....

Oh, sweet home Alabama!

100 rolls ready for eating!!

Oh, the pictures could go on and on. I went on a little hay day with the camera here.

Doesn't that look fantastic!? Wait! Is there a roll missing?? Now who on earth would eat one right out of the pan? I'll bet I know the culprit.

Ok, seriously, I'll stop the photos. Just believe me when I say that this will be one of the best rolls you'll ever have in your life. Seriously delicious. I hope to see each and every one of you at the stand in my front yard, next Saturday from 9 until 11 AM. Bring your loose change, or even a dollar bill or two!

An Emotional Wreck

2011-12-08T21:58:00.001-08:00

I am sort of an emotional wreck right now. I seriously can't get through a Christmas movie without tears. We watched Miracle on 34th Street the other night, and even though every year I have moved a little closer and closer to the anti-Santa side of life (thank you Luke), I still got choked up! The music video shown during the credits of the most recent Veggie Tales movie had me literally bawling. It showed a montage of kids opening shoeboxes full of Christmas presents, and they were so happy and thankful. I'm getting a lump in my throat just thinking about it. Even the Dora Holiday special got me going. It's a little crazy, I know.

Anyway, this emotional side of me during the holidays is nothing new. This always happens to me at this time of year. As a mom with four young kids and a wonderful husband, a beautiful home, and loving family and friends, I feel so incredibly blessed and fortunate. I love the sparkle, the beauty, the hope that seems to just float in the air during the Christmas season. It's like God has sprinkled just a little bit of extra love in the air, and we get blessed just be breathing it all in.

Today, I had to go to the grocery store in the late afternoon, a horrible time, truly, to go anywhere with a couple of my kids, let alone all four. I had to go, though, since we were having dinner guests, and I was all out of chicken breasts, orzo, milk, eggs....ok, I won't tell you my entire grocery list. Anyway, I loaded up the kids in the sweet mini, and we drove over, singing Mickey's Christmas carols all the way. My family's new favorite song? Pluto singing, or should I say, barking O Christmas Tree. We got out, and the kids linked hands, and we walked in. I almost cried when I saw them with their hands grasped together in the parking lot, people! Somebody help me here!

J.D. requested the single shopping cart seat, and the girls were only too happy to let him have it. They wanted to have free rein in the store, which J.D. later regretted, I'll have you know. Anyway, the girls danced and played their way through the store, only intermittently helping with the actual grocery shopping. I always have at least one person ask me if they are all my kids. And I almost always have a person tell me that they are shocked that I take all four out with me shopping. Is it because of their behavior? I don't worry myself with that, I just smile and say, "Yep! They're my best helpers!"

Towards the end of our grocery store journey, the kids all took a ride on the cart. That was one heavy cart to push, I'll tell you that much! But I didn't mind. I was pushing my greatest, most immeasurable treasures. Today, the check-out lady asked me all about the twins. She was pregnant with a baby girl, and had always wanted twins. I always feel obligated to play up how difficult it was in the beginning with the twins, how we barely made it, how those long nights and days with four kids under age three will forever be etched in my mind. But I don't need to do that anymore. The twins are three and a half now, and they have grown into happy, healthy, active little children. I couldn't have asked for a bigger or better blessing than this.

See? Now this blog didn't help my emotional state at all! I am a wreck, I tell you, a sniveling wreck! O.k., I've got to put a stop to this. Maybe it would help me to remember the Sharpie incident on the tile floor by Gigi. Or perhaps the shovel full of dirt in J.D.'s bed, placed there by, oh you already know the answer to that, surely. Or maybe the I'm-so-tired-I'm-going-to-throw-a-fit-tantrum-at-bedtime by Cubby. Ok. Tears are all gone. See? They're not angels, but they make my life so sweet, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. Happy tears, I mean trails to you!

Family Movie Night

2011-12-02T22:29:00.000-08:00

Many areas of our lives have gotten a lot more fun since the twins turned three. For starters, they are potty trained, sleep all night in their own beds, can get themselves dressed (sort of) in the morning, and they no longer need sippy cups anymore. They have graduated from babyhood into true childhood, and it is a grand, wonderful time for our entire family because of this.

One of my most favorite things to do, or should I say one of the experiences I have most yearned for (believe it or not), is having a family movie night. A night when Danny and I could take all four kiddos to a mutually enjoyable family friendly movie, and all kids would sit and watch the movie through its entirety. Well, folks, that happened on this very night. We have tried family movies before, but the kids have never been able to make it through the whole show without getting bored, needing to go potty, or just plain having a meltdown mid-show.

Tonight we decided, at the very last minute, to run down to the mall to catch a late matinee of The Muppets. Now granted, I am not a Muppet fan, like, at all. I never got into it, and I could barely make it through the last Muppet movie. The kids were interested, and the time was right, so we all loaded up into the car to watch the movie. We were the only family in the theater! That has never happened to us! We picked our favorite seats, broke open the bag of saltwater taffy, and watched preview after preview. The Toy Story short movie was a definite treat, and I actually thought to myself that the short would be my most enjoyable viewing moment of the whole night since, again, I am not a Muppet fan. Oh was I wrong! And might I add, I have grown to slowly enjoy being wrong, shockingly! The movie was so sweet, so funny, and so well acted! I laughed, and dare I admit....I even cried at the end. The kids loved it, and we all walked out of that theater happy...and a little hungry.

Sometimes those unplanned, last minute evenings are the most enjoyable of all. Have I mentioned that I love my family already? Because I do. I love my little family. Even when Gigi laid flat out on the floor in the theater. Even when J.D. melted down at the drinking fountain when he couldn't reach the spout. Even when the girls begged and begged and begged me for quarters to ride on the mall cars. I love my family. God is good. And I am glad He gave me this perspective on those little hair-splitting moments of only a few hours ago, and now I can laugh.

P.S.: See the Muppet movie....if only for the Barber Shop Quartet's version of Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit.

I Am So Thankful

2011-11-26T22:07:00.000-08:00

For my little family, 2011 has been a banner year. By only the grace of God, Danny and I have successfully maneuvered our six person team over some difficult twists, turns and bumps in the road. We made it through having four small children, in very rapid time. God has richly blessed our family and I feel we have reached a sort of golden age, a perfect time in our lives where everything seems to be clicking forward.

We survived Danny's ever changing job opportunities and challenges, his pneumonia scare, and a year with more arthritis pain for Danny than I'd ever seen him endure in our eight years of marriage. Despite all of this, Danny is expanding his business, having a great time with his new off road vehicle, and I might add, is more devastatingly handsome than ever with his new facial hair.

Our decision to homeschool has been an absolute blessing. The girls are thriving in their studies and are making new relationships and deepening old friendships. We have struck a nice balance between attending as many workshops at our Academy as we can, while still maintaining a calm home environment where work is getting done at a rigorous pace. Homeschool certainly isn't the right fit for everyone, but it is for my children at this time in their lives.

As a complete side note, I get the funniest reactions from people when I tell them that I homeschool. This one might surprise you. I was at Marshall's the other day at around 11:30 PM with Emma and Cubby. I'd just picked them up from an Academy workshop and we had run over to shop for a few minutes before heading back to pick up the twins. The check-out lady noticed that the girls were of school age and asked why they weren't in school that day. I told her that I homeschool, and then I went on to describe the Academy and the requirements, and so on. Sometimes people just give me a blank stare, but usually people are nice, but they say something like, "I could never do that. My kids would drive me crazy!" This woman, however, looked at me and said, "You are so lucky. I would have loved to have done that with my kids." Wow! That totally took me aback. I would never have guessed that this woman would have felt that way, and it made me realize how blessed I am to have the opportunity. the choice, and the financial stability to homeschool my own children.

Anyway, life is very good. Now Thanksgiving this year was particularly special because we got to do it all...twice! We were invited out to Ayron's in-laws beautiful home in the country for lunch, and then I hosted a small family dinner party that evening. The lunch out in the country was wonderful, just perfect. The day was overcast, but not too chilly. J.D. pushed trucks around in the sandbox while the girls played on the swings or pretended to be horses in the nearby corrals.

The thirty or so adults ate an outstanding dinner at a long dining table. During dinner, our adorable hostess asked us to say what we were thankful for. She gave us each a corn kernel, and we were to add it back to the the pot when we had finished sharing. This was a beautiful moment, the most memorable moment of my Thanksgiving, actually. I listened as all of this people, some I knew, and some I didn't, share about their blessings. Small things and big things were shared, but it was a moment of truth, and faith. Most everyone there said that they are the most thankful to God for their eternal salvation, and to Jesus for guiding them and sacrificing for them. Some thanked their spouses and children. Others thanked the host and hostess for the meal. A few tears were shed as every guest shared their heart, giving us all a picture of their gratitude.

Danny and I both mentioned in the thankful activity, how blessed we are to have our four healthy, beautiful children. Later on, I was able to capture a little love story between Danny and his youngest daughter, Gigi.

Danny was holding Gigi outside by the fire. She may have been a bit chilly, or just wanted some daddy time, I'm not sure, but this is how I found them. I don't think a tighter hug is possible.

And then she went on to inspect his beard. Now this just makes me laugh. Every child in our family has his or her own opinion about the beard. Emma keeps repeating, "I wish you would just shlep it off, Daddy!" (shlep meaning shave, we guess). Cubby thinks he looks like a monster. Gigi likes to rub her face on it. J.D. could care less; Daddy is Daddy.

So she likes to rub her little face against the beard. It does feel good, I'll tell you that much.

Lovey-dovey. Ahhh....these little girls have such a hold on their dad. Too sweet for words.

Then we attempted a family photo. Not too bad, right?! I think everyone is smiling, or at least not crying. That's a huge step forward, people!

And here I am with two of my favorite people on this earth. The three of us spent the following day (yep, Black Friday!) in Palm Desert to celebrate my mom's birthday. Never one for big birthday celebrations, part of mom's special day was actually holding a spot in the huge check-out line for me while I tried on clothes with Ayron as my personal stylist. She is the best mom a girl could ever ask for, that's the truth!

One of the sweetest Thanksgiving gifts for the host and hostess was the presence of their only grandson, baby Jaden. He slept throughout most of the party, but when he awoke, there were plenty of people awaiting the chance to hold him!

And here is my house , all ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Ayron thought the table looked so pretty I should take a picture, and now that I see it, I am glad I did! It did look awfully festive in there!

The five kiddos enjoyed all the traditional fixins' at the kids' table.

The girls had organized a simple program. Ellie sang "Old MacDonald." J.D. sang "Tractor, Tractor" to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. My mom read a beautiful poem. Finally, Danny and the girls led the group through "May the Lord Mighty God," which is sung to the tune of Edelweiss. It was adorable.

I love that J.D. stands right directly next to Daddy to strum his little banjo during the performance. I'm thinking that boy needs a real little instrument for Christmas so that we can truly expand this family band!

Happy Thanksgiving from a very blessed and thankful Walker family!

Our Vacation to The Merriest Place on Earth

2011-11-22T22:03:00.000-08:00

The kids and I just returned from a four day, three night vacation to Disneyland. We had an absolutely fabulous, magical time. And yep, I'm sure you already guessed it, but it has taken me about this long to edit, crop and upload all of the amazing pictures. Luckily for all you casual viewers, I only uploaded 63 of the over 300 photos I took on this trip! As a side note, please don't feel you have to look at every single one; these long pictorial focused blogs are mainly created for the family to enjoy.

The annual Disneyland passes given to the four kiddos by my mom and dad for Christmas last year have been the most awesome gifts. This was our third and final trip to Disneyland this year, and it was definitely the most magical and memorable, at least for me. The whole park was decorated up for the upcoming Christmas season, and it couldn't have been more beautiful or festive. The enormous Christmas tree decorated with huge ornaments and ribbon welcomed guests upon entering the park. Main Street was decked out with fresh garlands of greenery, ribbon and bows. Even the characters were all wearing their Christmas outfits!

The entire trip was full of magical moments. The holiday parade was a highlight, for sure. The sparkling floats and happy characters, the jolly music that filled the air along with the joy on the kids' faces at seeing the amazing sights was a truly moving moment for me! I will also never forget taking that first stroll down Main Street with my mom beside me with the four kids. I was holding the big girls' hands, and my mom was pushing the twins in the stroller. I seriously couldn't get the lump out of my throat. It was too beautiful, too perfect, I felt too blessed all at once. To be at this happy, gorgeous place with my four young children who are just the right age to still believe in the magic of a place like Disneyland was enough to put me over the edge. My mom and I looked at each other and we were at a loss for words....believe it or not!

Anyway, the entire trip was full of moments like those. I've got to share some more sweet memories: I watched as my dad and J.D. boarded Dumbo and I could see J.D.'s little arm sticking out of the elephant flying his airplane. I saw Gigi and her cousin Ellie sitting together eating a cookie, while haphazardly feeding the ducks. Cubby and I screamed and laughed our way up and down her first ride on the Matterhorn. The first night of our stay, my mom and the kids and I dined on fabulous filet mignon and red velvet cake at a New Orleans restaurant at Downtown Disney. My big sister, Ayron, always showed up every morning with an adorable Disney-ish outfit, complete with matching Minnie ears. Emma met Sleeping Beauty and my sweet girl couldn't stop ringing her hands with nervous energy at actually coming face to face with a REAL princess! Oh my, I could go on and on.... but I'll just let you enjoy the view with pictures:

Hello Disneyland!

Everything is so grand in Disneyland! The huge tree with huge, shiny ornaments, surrounded by huge presents welcomed us.

I love my little monkeys!

Yup, they belong in a cage, for sure.

Lovin' this self-portrait with me and Gigi.

Yay! We finally caught up with cousin Ellie mid-day just in time for Small World.

Ellie always has the coolest accessories.

Good times on the Small World boats. My bro-in-law and I had some quality catching-up time in the back of the boat.

"Disneyland!"

If I ask J.D. to smile, this is what I get.

Time for some souvenirs! The girls each picked out their own Mickey hats. Love their choices. Emma's actually has a little "glass" slipper on top. She got a ton of comments on that hat!

I had to get some ears, too.

Time to head back to the park for the parade, y'all! Gigi loves to help me push the cart.

Grandma D gave lots of piggy back rides to tired kiddos...God love her!

This is at the flag lowering ceremony, complete with the National Anthem and a military salute. It was awesome.

Silly picture! Somebody isn't feeling so silly though. Gigi was silently refusing to participate. Tired little monkey.

Main Street Disney pre-parade. What a beautiful sight!

Sleeping Beauty's castle became gorgeous as it was lit-up and ice-covered in a grand ceremony.

Then it started snowing! Why not?! We're at Disneyland! You better believe it's going to snow!! It's at this very moment when I saw Cubby's sweet face looking up at the icy flakes that I started to cry. Again.

Pretty castle.

The girls and I cruised around Disneyland at night and we got to see the tail end of the fireworks show.

Day 2. See? What did I tell you about my big sister's outfits and Minnie ears? That girl is all about Disneyland.

See all those teeth? We are REALLY excited.

"Disneyland!"

J.D. picked up this hat and squeezed it onto his head. And I didn't take it off...no way! He's all about Goofy!

Minnie's biggest fans!

Now this is only 1/3 of the original cookie. When I said everything is bigger in Disneyland, I meant it! That cookie started out as big as Emma's head! She ate every bite, by the way.

Yay! The whole crew lined up for a family shot. Woo-hoo!

We love Lightening McQueen!

I bought J.D. this little airplane early on our second day. He took it on a bunch of rides, so believe me, that plane had the trip of a lifetime!

Fun times, but cousin Ellie is getting tired...

....but not Gigi! She's still going full steam ahead!

The girls love window shopping.

Finally, Grandpa D showed up on the last night of our stay. Let the jokes and fooling around begin!

Now that's some precious cargo!

Again, what did I tell you about Auntie A? Quite the Disney fan, dontcha think?! That shirt is not store bought. She made it. Just kidding, I think.

Fun times with Grandpa on the antique fire wagon.

Here's my adorable parents, yucking it up on Main Street. So glad I caught this shot.

Five sweethearts....

...having the best vacation ever!

And then look who we bumped into!

And then Princess Ariel, too!

Grandpa attempted to teach J.D. how to shoot a gun. Good times.

All aboard!

And another trip on the train...

....J.D. wasn't sure about the Thunder Mountain Railroad at first....

....but then it got fun....

.....and then even more fun! He loved that roller coaster!!!!

We ate beignets in New Orleans. That powdered sugar is sooooo delicious on a warm and toasty donut. Don't tell my trainer, but I enjoyed every last bite!

Oh, this looks like trouble!

Going solo on the roller coaster....good times!

Bye, bye cousin Ellie. See you in a few days!

J.D. and Ellie get their hug on before she takes off.

Cubby is jumping for joy.

Then just smiling, cause she's so darn cute!

I love my sweet girls.

Grandpa and J.D. fool around in the Dumbo line.

Cheese!

Woo-hoo....we're almost flying!

Our last meal in Disneyland. Yup, ice cream, baby.

Good bye Disneyland, we love you!

J.D. (3 and a half), Cubby (5 and a half), Emma (almost 7), Gigi (3 and a half)

So long....

It's been great. So great.

Seven Years with Emma

2011-11-19T22:36:00.000-08:00

Just prior to every birthday that rolls around in my household I now regularly become super nostalgic and sappy. I don't like the kids getting older. Time is passing way too fast in my opinion. I used to get so annoyed when people would urge me to enjoy every second with my kids. They'd always say things like, "They don't stay young forever," and all that type of stuff. It's now me telling people with little babies, "Time goes so fast, enjoy every moment. You won't believe how fast they change and grow." It's so painfully true!

My oldest daughter, Emma, just turned seven years old today. I can hardly believe it. It seems like just yesterday that Danny and I walked through those hospital doors and I gave birth to that beautiful girl. She was a gorgeous, healthy 8 pound baby. She kept me awake those first two nights with a backwards schedule, but once she accepted that heaven sent creation of a pacifier, life smoothed out into a fairly consistent new baby routine. She grew quickly, walked at 10 months, spoke early (and often), and had just about everyone wrapped around her finger. At 17 months old, her baby sister, Cubby was born, forever changing the dynamic of her brief life as an only child.

She has grown and changed each passing year into a lovelier and more wonderful child. God couldn't have given me a more wonderful gift than my four children, that is for certain! Always a sensitive child, and a mommy's girl to boot, entering school was no easy feat for little Emma. We entered her in Green's Kiddie Pre-School at just 2 years old, which she reluctantly adjusted to after a few months of class. She soon grew to love Mrs. Green and looked forward to attending her two day per week classes. A year of kindergarten came and went with new friends, a beloved teacher, and a few more stumbling blocks. The next year of homeschool proved a good fit for our darling girl, and her schooling has only improved in the past two years.

Her singing talent, which we believe is a clear gift from God, is her great joy. She has sung ever since she was a small child. I remember driving in the car, with Disney Princess songs or nursery rhymes blasting from the CD player, while Emma belted out each and every lyric. Always on tune, always the right words. She had an early knack for learning the words quickly and easily and it was only until later that we realized that her vibrato was not a show, that's really how she sings!

Emma is a true romantic at heart. I have been so looking forward to watching Anne of Green Gables with the girls. This movie is a classic for me, since as a little girl I watched longingly as Anne fell in love with Gilbert in the romantic setting of Prince Edward Island. We just wrapped up the first half of the mini-series last night, with a scene that culminated in (finally!) a kissing scene between Anne and Gilbert. I looked out of the corner of my eye at Emma to watch her reaction to this show of love. She had curled herself up into a ball, and had covered her eyes and ears with her arms. I could see, however, through the tangle of little girl limbs, to the huge smile on her face. Once the scene was over, I asked her why she'd covered up and not watched the happy scene. "It's just too much, mommy," she said, "It's just too happy." She has always done this, she covers her face when the emotions are running too high. Danny and I believe it is because her sensitivities run so strong. She can't watch a scary movie or even read a frightening story. Her nightmares are all too real for her wild imagination. Her romantic, imaginative and sometimes naive little heart can't yet handle the realities of this world. Not just yet.

I could go on and on with stories about our sweet girl. Just suffice it to say that she is a blessing to us, a gift from God that we pray we will never take for granted. We just want to have the wisdom to raise her in the way God would have us bring her up. She is so precious! Let me just leave you with a couple of my favorite Emma pictures:

This is Emma one year ago, when she had just turned six years old. She is enjoying our newly remodeled kitchen.

My mom set up a doll dress up party, complete with a runway, lunch for all adults involved (yes, we invited guests: Grandma Susie and Aunt Ayron), and fashion show. It was the highlight of Emma's life for a month or so.

Painting outside is so much fun!

Emma has gotten to be an old pro at losing teeth. She now coaches her younger sister on proper teeth loosing technique.

And here she is today at her 7th birthday party. She wore her gorgeous Purity Ball dress again, and fully enjoyed each and every guest, morsel of food and of course all the gifts. She made me so proud!

Here's a picture of Emma reading a book that she wrote to the twins. This is probably a year ago or so. Emma is growing into a wonderful, caring and guiding sibling. She is seeing her role as the oldest child as a privilege and an honor. She wants to now take care of the younger ones more than she wants to boss them around....most of the time anyway.

Horseback riding in Julian brought out a whole lot of smiles!

Our little cowgirl loves to get all glammed up for just about any event.

We had many adventures this last summer, and exploring the Rueben H. Fleet Museum in San Diego was one of the more educational. She loved crawling through this tunnel!

We love you so much Emma, and we are proud and honored to call you our daughter. Happy Birthday to you, sweet girl!

Parade Day!!

2011-11-14T21:36:00.000-08:00

On Saturday morning, Danny and I walked the kids down to Main Street Brawley to watch the event that is the epitome of rural Americana, the Cattle Call Parade. We sat on hay bales, up high on a trailer bed provided by our lovely friends, the Osterkamps (friend shout-out....hi there!). Anyway. Here we are perched atop the trailer, with the most perfect view of this classic parade:

It was a bit chilly, but that wasn't going to hold us back from enjoying the sights.

And now I am going to give you the reader, a little quiz. I am going to show you a picture, and I'd like for you to guess which person in my family chose this as their favorite parade entry. Good luck!

Yup, not too tough, this was Danny's favorite. He could have watched that tractor for hours.

Cubby-wubby. My little horse-lover can't get enough of horses, God love her!

Gigi loved the giant bee atop the Westmorland fire truck. "Buzz buzz!" she shouted when she saw it!

Aunt Ayron loved the ever classic uniforms of the Holtville Viking band. And they still play the same song from when we were in high school. And that was a looooonng time ago, people!

Gigi and mommy kickin' it in a cowboy hat at the parade. I'm loving how that hat covers up my dark roots!

Man, my handsome is so darn hot with that beard. Love you, honey!

Ellie loved getting the best view in the house up on her daddy's shoulders.

Danny and my sweet cowgirl, Emma.

Here's the last photo I took before we took off for home. The kiddos got too cold, and we had to head for the hills. So long Cattle Call parade, we look forward to another fantastic show in 2012!

A Kid Style Kick-Off

2011-11-12T17:08:00.000-08:00

My niece is a cattleman's daughter. She is a cattleman's granddaughter and great-granddaughter. So you can probably see that coming from a long line of cattlemen, Ellie has a lot to look forward to, especially living in the Imperial Valley during Cattle Call.

Last year, my sister, who is a firm believer in carrying on family traditions and honoring your heritage, brainstormed ways to properly celebrate the Cattle Call week for a two-year-old. She came up with last year's party: Ellie's Cattle Call Shin-Dig. It was a huge success. Toddlers from all over the Valley hitched up into their car seats and made the long journey to the country ranch of Ellie's grandpa and grandma.

This year was no different. Ayron and my sweet bro-in-law, John, planned another fabulous party meant to make the now three-year-olds more tickled about being cowboys and cowgirls for a day than anything else.

The miniature hostess was all smiles while sitting atop my mom's refurbished antique saddle. Can't wait 'til this saddle is strapped to a beautiful palomino horse!

The petting zoo was one of the kids' favorite part. The ducks were so friendly! When Ayron and I had ducks when we were kids, they didn't care for us one bit. The geese were a whole lot worse, though, they nipped us everytime we'd try to get into the pen. Nice!

J.D. loved all of the animals. You can't see it too well in this picture, but he is carrying a currycomb in his right hand. He had gone around to every animal (including the dogs), and had given each animal a single brush with the currycomb. He was very complete; every single animal received one solitary brush from J.D. But at the end of his little mission, he saw this lone goat, reaching up to eat the mesquite branches. He was a little leery, but he slowly made it over there to complete his purpose. Once he'd given the goat his brush with the currycomb, J.D. was officially finished with the petting zoo, so he moved on to the next fun thing (the castle-shaped jumpie) and never looked back!

Gigi was super gentle with the guinea pigs. Perhaps she learned that squeezing tiny, defenseless animals isn't super good for them. For those of you who don't know, we had a few baby rabbits for a short time. I'll just leave it at that.

Cubby, our resident animal lover, got along famously with the donkey and pony. She likes to kneel down and look into the animals' faces. She's got the fever for animals!!

And here's yet another sweet advantage to having a twin sibling. These two will always have a see-saw partner!

J.D. LOVED the sandpile. I have probably fifteen pictures of him in various states of playtime fun in this sandbox. He couldn't get enough of the old trucks and tractors. Such a boy!

Cubby took a ride on the antique saddle. It fits her real nice.....

Ayron had set up the cutest crafts! The stamp-your-own handkerchiefs were adorable! The kids stamped western shapes on their hankies and hung them up on a clothesline to dry. So cool!

J.D. had been wearing a ratty old straw hat that was sadly misshapen. My dad stopped by one of the western hat kiosks in Brawley to purchase his grandson his first read cowboy hat. I barely recognize that handsome little guy! So grown up.

It's fun to dress like Grandpa!

The lunch was delicious, and the twins took no time in waiting to dive right in.

Family picture time! The kids here are in the latter stage of saying, "Yee-haw!"

Here's my family, with my brother-in-law John on the far left, then Ayron, Mom, Dad, me, and Danny on the far right. Cubby is in the front left, then Ellie, J.D. Gigi, and Emma.

I love my handsome, bearded hubby. Sadly, nothing I say is going to stop him from shaving it off in a few days. Insert sad face.

Pure joy. We love you, Ellie. Thank you for the great party....looking forward to next year and another fabulous party!

My Little Cowgirls on Stage!

2011-11-11T15:58:00.000-08:00

As I described in my last blog, Cattle Call week is a big deal around here. We had a blast at the mini-rodeo, and that very night, the girls got all dolled up again for Cowboy Poetry. Cowboy Poetry is an annual event that beckons to all local folks to wax poetic and read or recite their favorite western themed poems in front of the happy crowd at Stockmen's Club.

A couple of years ago, the girls and Danny began to perform a song at Cowboy poetry. At just 3 and 4 years old, Cubby and Emma learned "Home on The Range," donned their pink cowboy boots and western duds, and sang their hearts out in front of an extremely gracious crowd. The cheers were amazing! The girls had caught the fever for performing. Since they've performed in front of people from such a young age, they have no problem singing right into the microphone, it's amazing! Last year they sang "Yippee-ti yay-yo," or something like that. I don't know exactly how to type out made-up cowboy words. The response was great!! I know, I know, I am an awfully proud mama. Can't you just see me with my feathers all fluffed up? I can't help myself.

Anyway, this year, Danny had planned on teaching them another cowboy themed song. Unfortunately, his pneumonia knocked him out for so long, that he didn't have time to teach the girls a song, plus practice in the time left. So since he'd already worked so hard on teaching the girls "Keep On the Sunny Side" for Western Round-Up, they gave a repeat performance at this year's Cattle Call Cowboy Poetry. It was another smashing success.....which resulted in the girls' first front page photograph! Check out their photo by following the link: Imperial Valley Press Cowboy Poetry Photo Gallery

Now, although my pictures are not as fancy or professional, I snapped a few fun ones, and be sure to check out the girls' performance!

Gigi had a hard time waiting for the girls to perform. Next year, Gigi won't be on the sidelines...she'll be up on stage alongside her big sisters. J.D. will be up there too, we hope...even if it is just to stand by Grandpa Jim and strum along on his banjo.

Yay!! Keep on the sunny side, y'all!

After the performance, everyone felt free to let loose a little. Uncle Christ is happy to oblige and get the kids laughing!

J.D. is like, "Yeah, this is all cute and very funny, but give me my banjo back, buddy."

Woo-hoo! The awesome band in the flesh! We are so proud of you!

Gigi was happy, too. But then again, she's always happy with Grandma D.

And here I am with the girls. What a great night. Good job, cowgirls!

Mini Rodeo, Big Fun!

2011-11-08T21:39:00.000-08:00

This week is Cattle Call Rodeo week in our small town. Every day, all week long, our town hosts fun, family friendly events aimed at pleasing any and all rodeo fans. Today was the mini-rodeo. The mini-rodeo is just what it sounds like. It is a miniature version of the "big" rodeo, meant for pre-schoolers and other school-age children. The mini-rodeo is shorter, sillier, and is full of kids doing fun events, sort of gymkhana style events. This event hosts some serious stuff too. The barrel racing is no joke!

Now my kids love the mini-rodeo even more than the big, full sized rodeo that's coming up this weekend. Last year was their first mini-rodeo experience, and ever since then, we were sold! This year, my big sis taped off a group of front row seats for us, so that when we arrived, we had a great view of the action. We saw kids dressed up as clowns, tons of gorgeous cowgirls with sparkling belts and big smiles. We saw the American flag flying and five year olds gently guiding their trusty horses around barrels. We saw young cowboys fall down and get right back up. We saw it all, and it was great! Yee-Haw!

What follows are a handful of my most favorite pictures from our day at the Cattle Call Mini-Rodeo.

Cubby and J.D. walk excitedly into the grandstands.

Meeting the cowgirls was such a thrill for the little ones! I love that they ride their horses right up to the bars so the kids can give a good luck pet to the shiny horses.

Cubby was probably my most excited child. She's the one who's been begging for a horse now for a the past year. She reminds me a whole lot of me at that age!! Luckily, my mom and dad bought me a perfect Shetland Pony at her age. A pony just might be in her future...

Emma loved watching the show, and she decided that she now might want to be a cowgirl too. I think the shining, sparkling cowgirl queen blouses may have a little bit to do with this change of heart.

Gigi wasn't scared of the giant animals at all! She's such a brave little girl!

This guy gave us an awesome show atop his full-proof gray dappled horse.

The girls got quite a kick out of it!

Here's a picture of my gorgeous, and always chic niece, Ellie!

We sat with Emma and Cubby's homeschool group. And here are a couple of their buddies from class. Gotta love all those jeans and cowgirl hats!

Then the flags came out, and the national anthem was sung by an incredibly gifted high schooler. I looked down at my kiddos to see....

...J.D. with his hat held in his hands during the national anthem! He's watched his daddy enough times to know what to do during our nation's song. Way to go, buddy!

We had to leave a bit earlier, since the little ones got rambunctious and hungry about halfway through the show. We stopped on the way out for a classic Cattle Call photo op.

Yep, it doesn't get much better than this in our small town, folks!!

I even had my photo snapped!

The grandmas came along for good measure, and assistance! The kiddos were only too happy to pose beautifully with the grandmas, every child was beaming from ear to ear.

Then it was time for lunch, so we headed out. The kids, who we thought were ravenous, ate quickly, then headed outside to.....

...climb a tree and look really cute doing it!

Sweet J.D. is a natural treeclimber.

But nobody climbed higher than little Cubby. That girl is so much like me it's not even funny. She loved being high up in the branches, probably dreaming about the day when she too can ride around the arena on her soft pony.

Back at the Gym

2011-11-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

For those of you that don't know, I have given birth three times. My first two girls were born naturally, with a hefty epidural, of course. Both labor experiences were pretty textbook, I was told. My recovery time was typical, back on my feet the next day. After about six weeks or so, I felt like myself again, pretty much. Now, the twins were born via emergency C-section three and a half years ago. The recovery time on that was pretty lengthy. I had never had to deal with that kind of pain before. The incision was gruesome, the pain extreme, and on top of that, I developed mastitis, a very painful infection in my right breast. During those first few weeks of the twins' lives, I was a physical and emotional wreck.

Now today, after my second workout with trainer Robert, I am again, a physical wreck. I took about 2 and a half weeks off while his wife had a baby and I recovered from sinusitis. I just followed my doctor's orders to stay away from any intense exercise since the antibiotic he prescribed me could cause tendonitis. So, during that two week hiatus, I didn't eat too well, and I definitely didn't work out one bit. And yes, I gained a couple of pounds back too. I basically became a softy again. Bad move. Very bad move.

Yesterday morning I met with Robert at the gym to get another session in before Cattle Call week started, the week of painted on jeans! Apparently it is for some people at least, but not so in my case....yet! Anyway, that was the hardest workout so far, including the six weeks before my illness. Today, I am so sore, I can barely walk. Actually, I can walk, I just look like a cowboy who's been riding the range for a week. My back and legs ache, my arms feel sore, even my rear end screams at me when I want to sit down. So I had to give you that little blurb on my three childbirth experiences with pain up at the top so that I can explain to you that today is my fourth most painful physical experience of my life. And I have just one person to thank for it. Hopefully I will be free from soreness by tomorrow so I can get some more exercise in. Then again....I better not push it....painted on jeans are a bit overrated, don't you think?

What a Crazy Couple of Weeks!

2011-11-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, well, I hardly know where to begin. My family has had a rough, hectic couple of weeks. Since I don't know quite where to start, I will let the pictures do most of the talking, since looking back at them will remind me of what we've been through!

A week and a half ago, on Saturday, Danny played at a Master Chorale concert here in our home town. He dressed up like a cowpoke, and despite his annoying cough, he played and sang beautifully. The western themed concert was a hit, as this small town is gearing up for its biggest local event, Cattle Call Rodeo.

Danny played alongside his banjo picking dad, and our good friend, Luke. They were a great sounding trio. Check my Facebook page to hear one of their tunes, Blackberry Blossom. It is a boot stompin' good time!

Luke and Danny have a fabulous time playing together.

Hey, who's that handsome bearded cowboy? It's none other than MY wonderful man!!

Now the next day after the concert, Danny's "cold" went from bad to worse. Much worse. His cough became hacking, he maintained a low-grade fever all day, and he felt wiped out. His second trip to the doctor and a chest x-ray later and he was diagnosed with pneumonia. In order to not be hospitalized, he was given a heavy dose of antibiotics, a strict recommendation to lie down and rest as much as possible, as well as two shots of intense medicine to heal him even quicker. His first few days at home were tough. He felt bad, but he gradually felt a little better, then a little better. He was still advised, however, to avoid going outside, avoid any kind of activity, and rest as much as possible. So he did.

As Danny lie resting, all of the Halloween and harvest events approached! The girls are seen here dressing our little dog, Button, in her pumpkin outfit. She wasn't too thrilled about the hat.

That day we made crafts and played games at our homeschool academy's Halloween party. Emma, our sweet little angel, is seen here painting a pumpkin candle holder.

Cubby, or should I say Rapunzel, with her new spunky haircut, is also painting a craft project.

While the girls were having fun at their party, I took the twins over to their pre-school Harvest Party. The fireman, J.D., appears to be rescuing someone from atop the slide. Nah, he's just looking super cute. It's not a tough job for him!

Here's the three year old trio, posing for a lovely picture. The fireman is clearly protecting the adorable Cinderellas from random flames and coy passersby.

Ahhh....Gigi and Ellie. BFFs! And no, believe it or not, Ayron and I did not plan this out!

Yum! A harvest lunch just wouldn't be complete without fried chicken, mashed potatoes and a scarecrow hat! Boy do I love those two kids!

And a few days later, now, J.D. took his fireman outfit to a whole new level with boots, shorts, a fireman top, and two sets of goggles. I guess you can never have too much eye protection, eh buddy?

Next on the agenda? Western Round Up!! Every year since I was a youngster, my church would host a harvest type event around Halloween. The chili cook off, salsa and cornbread contest, plenty of games, a mechanical bull and country music in the background, Western Round Up is a community hit. This is the first time we have attended for many years. The only bittersweet part was that Danny had spent the last two months practicing to headline the country concert with his dad, Luke, and other friends. His pneumonia kept him away from the outdoor concert, but the show went on! So we got all decked out in our cowboy duds and had a good ol' time!

Gigi and J.D., who wore his banjo around to show that he was filling in for dad, enjoyed the country music. There was some spontaneous dancing. Moments like those are just another perk of having three year olds.

My sweet western family poses here just before the hats started flying off and their hair went from civilized to "cwazy" as Gigi would say.

Emma and Gigi roll some pumpkins here with our good friend Isabella. Luckily, no winners were announced, everyone got candy for participating!

The girls sang "Keep On the Sunny Side" with Luke and Grandpa Jim accompanying. Their sweet voices stole the show....at least in my opinion. :)

On my, were the desserts delicious! Cubby is enjoying a mini brownie with frosting and a candy corn on top. Heaven!

Emma is gearing up for her big solo on stage at the talent show. She was asked at the last minute by our Pastor's wife to sing Amazing Grace. Look below for the video. Also, this is the grand beginning of her journey to long bangs. She wants to grow them out, and it all starts here people! Now it will be seen in awkward lengths until it finally gets to that blissful state of fitting in a ponytail. Ahhh.....maybe next spring?!

J.D. and Grandma Susie have a very special relationship. She can understand most of what he's saying, but even when she can't, her encouraging facial expressions and big smile keep that boy talking on an on.

Here is the talent show when Emma was asked to wrap it up with her now favorite song, Amazing Grace. Watch below for the video version....

Adorable cowgirls....with relief written all over their faces after successfully finishing their songs for the talent show.

Sweet Grandma Susie with her loving granddaughters.

The day after Western Round Up was Halloween day. Now you may recall that Danny and I were trying to downplay all of the evil stuff about Halloween. So we had a pretty mellow day in preparation.

The girls are working on a fall leaf craft here.

They went outside to gather fall leaves so that we could rub them onto paper. They loved this project! The simplicity and beauty of watching fall leaves appear on paper was the perfect craft.

Soon enough it was time to get dressed up. Cubby, with her new chic haircut, decided to be a flapper since we already had the costume from last year's after Halloween sale. Gigi decided to impersonate Ariel this time around.

Here are the terrific foursome! Ariel, a fireman, a flapper, and an angel! Love it!

When I said, "What does an angel do?," this is what Emma did. Love that dramatic little princess!

And Cubby was right on when I asked her the same question! How on earth did that girl know what a flapper does? Oh, that's right I was mimicking behind the camera. I'm glad that's not on film!

Our good friend Elizabeth came over with glow in the dark wands with flowers, hearts and hatchets. Oh, that hatchet was a big hit with Brawley's littlest fireman!

My sweet girls trick-or-treated at five of our neighbors houses, and then were ready to call it quits and hand out our candy. We had a great night, playing games, eating yummy food, and laughing and talking. Poor Danny had to stay pretty sedentary, but his spirits were good as he watched the kids run around in their costumes.

On the next and final day of our two week adventure, Cubby and Gigi were lucky enough to meet the Cattle Call Queens!! They learned all about the rodeo from their presentation, and had the opportunity to ask any question they wanted! They had none, but I did. What a smart couple of poised young ladies.

And here are my two girls, in between the queens of our local rodeo. What an honor it was to get to take pictures and get autographs from these hard working gals! The fact is, the girls totally didn't have any idea who these girls were, or why they were wearing those hats, or why, for that matter, their hair was so big and poofy. That was Cubby's only question, actually. "Why is their hair so big, mama?" I don't know honey, was all I said. I just don't know.

Anyway, the most important news I can leave you with is that Danny is on the mend. I drove him out to the ranch yesterday to look around, and today he went on several errands around town, and came back looking like himself. Or should I say, looking like a scruffy version of himself.

Finally, sorry this post was so long, we've had a lot going on, and I just had to share!

Halloween Fun with the Twins

2011-10-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

I am not really a huge Halloween fan. Don't get me wrong, I love the pumpkin patches, scarecrows, apple picking and fall leaves that connote all things autumn. It's the skeletons, gruesome masks and bloody, disturbing stuff that always strikes me as evil, and completely over the top for a "kid" holiday. In fact, for me, if my kids weren't so into dress up, I would skip Halloween altogether. Call me a curmudgeon, that's just the honest truth.

I am such a Halloween scrooge. Believe it or not, I actually lodged a formal complaint at Party City last week for their nightmarish display of evil, bloody monsters at the front of the store. My kids walked in and upon seeing the guy with the blood coming out of his neck, Freddy Kruger whispering, "I'll see you in your dreams," and a shrouded "death" character, complete with a sickle, they had a mini-freak out. Sure, my kids are pretty sheltered, but they are also very young and I believe, super vulnerable to frightening images. I don't feel like Freddie Kruger having any part of their dreams.

When I was a kid, my sister and I always dressed up for Halloween. My parents never made a big deal about it, and so we never thought too hard about what Halloween was all about or why we participated in the holiday. Well, just last night as we were tucking the girls into bed, Emma asked me why we celebrate Halloween. I was stumped. So I did what I always do when that happens. I told her that was a question for her dad. Danny gave a pretty great answer, I thought. We may dress up for Halloween, and we may even trick-or-treat a little in our neighborhood, but basically Halloween should be seen as a time to reach out to others with the love Jesus Christ. I mean, when else do you have a bunch of strangers showing up at your door all night long? It's a perfect mini-mission project for the kids! It was at that moment that I remembered the special Halloween tracts I had bought at our Christian bookstore last week. I showed them to the girls and we made a plan of how we could distribute them along with candy the night of Halloween. We'll see how it goes. This is our first year attempting such a plan.

So after this serious talk with the big girls, I ventured over to the twins' room to ask them about their Halloween costume plans. Now, given they probably don't remember last year....

....see? They were only two years old! They don't really know what they are talking about when I ask them what they are going to be. The conversation, which I videotaped, went from bad to worse...and I have to admit, that I encouraged it. Funny.

Watch the video to see two three-year-olds take on what they should be for Halloween.

Sick Day

2011-10-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

When one person gets sick around here, the inevitable always happens. Everyone gets sick. And depending on the severity of the illness, these bouts usually last an incredibly long time. I guess the illness has to work its way through everyone, so it takes 6 times as long to cure!

About 5 weeks ago, I came down with a hacking cough which quickly morphed into a headache inducing sinus infection. I took one day off of working out for this illness, on the day I thought my head would explode. Then I went to a session with my trainer when I clearly wasn't over it, mainly to see if he thought I should just skip out on eating in the Zone and take a break from working out for a while. That was not a go. He was also pretty unhappy about my four day break from my food diary. Then I even asked the nurse practitioner who prescribed my antibiotics if I should take a break from exercise. That also was a no go. Are those two guys in cahoots?!

Anyway, the workouts have continued, and I still have the cough and chest congestion. Believe it or not, I am supposed to get a CT Scan to figure out if the shape of my nasal cavities is a breeding ground for mucus. Gross, I know. Sorry. I have procrastinating on this one for a few weeks. I know i need to make an appointment for the ear, nose, and throat doctor, but I have so many other things to do!

Today, right after my extreme workout of believe it or not, only 12 minutes, I started coughing and couldn't stop. "You still have that?" my trainer asked. Yup, still got it.

Then the kids got it. A couple of weeks after my cold began, J.D. started coughing, then Gigi, then Cubby. After a lengthy checkout by our beloved pediatrician, we discovered that J.D. had a serious left ear infection, sinusitis, and with a 102 degree temperature, possibly the flu. Gigi and Cubby also had sinusitis and a touch of bronchitis, the doctor thought. That evening, after the doctor's appointment, everyone was exhausted, including me. I didn't feel like cooking up a hot meal that my sick kids would surely refuse to eat. So I cheated...

...with breakfast for dinner. These pancakes were just what the doctor ordered, so to speak. The kids never realized that I packed the batter full of two heaping scoops of vanilla whey protein powder! I piled their plates high with strawberries, and dribbled plenty of syrup. This plate shown is Danny's. I also had pancakes, but my syrup was basically invisible. I also added a few strips of turkey bacon to mine and Danny's plates. Yum!

The kids were happy.

Happy enough to ignore their utensils.

Poor little J.D., who hadn't had much of an appetite all day, downed his pancakes with fervor. You're eating a ton of protein right now, buddy!

Right after breakfast, I mean dinner, one of the girls discovered their tuckered out little brother asleep on the couch. Probably passed out from the sweet goodness of dinner!

Little sister Gigi, I mean Doctor Gigi, checked on the patient multiple times.

I love this picture, with her little doctor headband on. It's like she's studying up for an exam, or writing a prescription. Maybe we'll be able to show this to her later on when she has graduated from medical school and we can say, "Look! You had such an early interest in medicine!"

Or maybe we'll show her this one. Gigi could easily be a fireman. With her fiery personality and sometimes hot-headed temperament, a firehouse might just be where she belongs! Too cute!

We are still not 100% over here, but we are on the mend, thanks to plenty of antibiotics, a humidifier, and plenty of protein pancakes!

Aunt Diane's 70th Birthday Party!

2011-10-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

My mom is one of five siblings. The four sisters are very close, vacationing together, and planning regular dinners out. My mom's oldest sister, my Aunt Diane, just turned 70 years old. It's so hard for me to believe that someone like my Aunt Di, which such charisma, vibrancy and energy is 70. Her approach to that decade has made me re-define how I think about the 70s. I remember when I thought 40 was old! I definitely don't think that anymore, having a 45 year old husband and all! Aunt Diane is one of those rare people with an eternal positive spirit, a spirit bound solidly in her steadfast faith in God and a deep love for her family and friends.

A few months ago, as her milestone birthday approached, my aunts and mom all convened to start planning a be-boppin' super cool 1950s themed party. I think my sister Ayron immediately went online and ordered the cutest poodle skirted outfit out there as soon as the theme was revealed. Anyway, the clock was ticking, and the aunts got to work on putting together an unforgettable evening for their dear sister. Decorations and costumes were ordered. The song list was carefully organized. A program was planned, and invitations were sent out.

My mom and dad hosted the party at their house, and after quite a bit of post-summer yard work, the yard looked amazing. On the morning of the party, Ayron and I went over to the house, and decorated, taped, blew up balloons. Without our kids around to help us filter our language into mature verbage, my time with Ayron basically reverted right back to the roots of childhood. Ayron teased and insulted, and I laughed and attempted to verbally get her back. That wasn't happening, she's way to quick for me, but it was fun, and nostalgic to try.

The party was a wonderful success. Most of the family came, including a few surprise visitors. The food was delicious, reminiscent of a '50s diner. The evening couldn't have been more beautiful. The breeze kept the air cool, and the sunset was glorious.

I have a few pictures to share with you. I hope you enjoy stepping back in time to the 1950s!

Here is my Aunt Di who was easily the most beautiful and fun dressed person at the party! Happy Birthday to you Di!

My little family, minus the crazy twins, arrived in our finest 50s duds. The girls and I are matchy-matchy in our pink and black poodle skirted outfits. Danny is a 50s era biker, like Marlon Brando in The Wild One. He said almost no one knew who he was. Most people came up and said, "Great costume! What are you?"

The girls are THRILLED about the costume party!

I loved the checkered cake alongside the adorable invitation.

See? Isn't Ayron adorable? I am trying to be authentic in my tennis shoes and bobby socks, but she chose a little more wisely in her chic silver ballet slippers. We had so much fun that night!

Dad looked so handsome in his white jacket and pink carnation. And yes, I caught him singing that song multiple times throughout the night.

Cubby was super excited about these sweet 50s specs. She and Emma wore theirs almost all night.

My mom and dad are now hooked on costume parties. They loved dressing up! Who knew?!

Here is my Aunt Di next to her prom queen picture and just behind her is the original prom dress that she wore!

The girls, along with their cousin, sang, "How Much Is That Doggy in the Window?" They sang all four verses, and Cubby's "arf-arf" was perfect!!

And here are the four sisters! My now super-fit Aunt Lynn is there on the far left, then the birthday girl, my adorable mom, and sweet Aunt Bette on the far right.

Here's Aunt Di with her three children, as well as her three grandchildren. This was one of the sweetest moments of the party. Diane's children each gave heartfelt, loving speeches of love and appreciation for their mom. They told stories about her loving, generous spirit, which permeated their lives as children and on into adulthood. After their speeches, Diane told everyone how her faith in God has helped her maintain such an attitude of joy despite a life with both happiness and pain. Her words were so clear and beautiful. Life without God is not even half a life. She gave her life to the Lord as a young child and told herself she would live her life to serve God. She is such an inspiration to me!

The girls had a great time at the party. Right around 8:00 PM, their coach had turned into a pumpkin. With tears in their tired eyes, they headed home, and slept hard all night. They loved being 50s girls for the night. What a wonderful event, a celebration worth every minute of preparation. Seeing the smile on Aunt Diane's face throughout the party reminded me how much family means to me, how much love is present in my life, and how blessed I am to have been born into this family.

One Month In! A Fitness Update

2011-10-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

One month ago I began a whole new wellness strategy. I had tried all the diets: Weight Watchers, South Beach, keeping a food diary, and had even paid a whole lot for a shnazzy nutritionist. Each time I tried something new, I lost a few pounds, only to gain it back a few months later. Even though I had dieted pretty thoroughly, I had never given regular exercise a shot. I would intermittently jump on my elliptical machine, or take a leisurely walk around Cattle Call, more to take a break from household duties than for any kind of attempt at improved fitness.

But this time is different. This time, I hired a personal trainer, joined a class-heavy, strength training focused gym, and the results have been amazing. I now work out three to four times per week for an hour. Twice a week I meet with my trainer, who is something of a guru in the Crossfit world. He takes working out extremely seriously, and places a huge emphasis on proper form and workout intensity. I believe his motto may just be, "If you are not close to throwing up by the end of the workout, you haven't really worked out." It may not be, but that's pretty much the result for me. I'm exaggerating a little, but I do feel totally wiped out after my twice weekly workouts. I usually have to run out to my car afterwards to re-fuel with a protein shake to quell my shaky stomach.

After a week or so of intense workouts, I began keeping track of every morsel of food in a food journal. The food journal is required by my trainer. He looks at my food and makes dark circles in pencil around the "bad" stuff. For example, the second time I went to a training session, he encircled my confession of "two balls of chocolate chip cookie dough" with a large dark mark. He encouraged me to look into getting on the Zone diet, and I did. I bought the book on Amazon for about $2, and after skipping the scientific stuff, got down to the meat of the plan, and understood the basics in a few days. Basically out go the sugars, and in go the vegetables! I weigh and measure my food, and write it all down. In order to be in the Zone, one has to have a certain balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It is all very precise and individualized for each person.

A typical breakfast for me now is 3/4 cup of egg substitute scrambled with a whole mess of vegetables like onion, bell peppers, spinach, and salsa on top. For the fat, I usually add a tablespoon or so of light cheese on top. I have a salad or half a sandwich for lunch on most days, always with 3 ounces of protein and a small amount of fat accompanying. A now favorite afternoon snack is two vine ripened tomatoes, sliced, with 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese and one tablespoon of guacamole. Delicious! Dinner is another three ounces of protein, a large green salad, and a pile of veggies. I usually have a cup of raspberries or strawberries for dessert. This plan is super filling and very doable. However, I have never had to shop so often!! We are taking trips to the grocery store, mainly Costco, every few days to fill up on fresh produce and meats.

Believe it or not, even the kids are slowly taking to this new way of eating. Tonight for dinner they had hamburger, onion, and black bean burritos with sauteed squash and steamed carrots. The only one who complained, Gigi, went to her room for complaining, then came out a new person, and ate her entire dinner, now cold, without a hiccup!

I can go off the Zone one day per week, and believe it or not, it is not as much fun anymore. I have such a hard time getting back on the next day, that it hardly seems worth it....at this point. I know it's very early in the game! I do still have a sweet tooth. Usually at night, which has always been my weakest point, I want to reach for something sweet. While in Julian lately, I bought some really delicious hot tea flavors, like coconut vanilla dessert tea, and hazelnut. Most of the time that cup of hot tea will do the trick to stave off that craving.

I have lost 10 pounds so far, and I am thrilled beyond words! It took a whole lot of work to get here, but it was worth it! All the sacrifice and sweat to achieve this weight loss motivates me to not go back and regress. I have about 15 more pounds to go, but according to my trainer I am not supposed to think in terms of numbers on the scale. I can't help it! He wants me to think in terms of inches and body fat percentage. I guess I am just over the moon at this point at how much better my clothes are fitting, how I don't get out of breath as easily, and how my trainer now calls me, "tough." Life is good! And now, I'd better put my kettle to boil, it's time for some tea!

A Letter to the Tooth Fairy

2011-10-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

We've had our share of lost teeth around here. My oldest has already lost five, and my second has lost four. Both girls have had loose teeth for a couple of weeks now, and it became a sort of mild competition between the two of who would lose theirs first. Well, while brushing her teeth tonight, Emma's finally gave way, and oh the celebrating! We've had quite a few dinners where meals are carefully eaten. She has gingerly taken each bit of food, scared of a painful bite, plus the poor thing lives with the fear of swallowing the tooth since that has happened twice before.

But no, this was a perfect lost tooth. No pain. Very minimal blood. A dream of a lost tooth, really. She set to work writing a letter to the Tooth Fairy, which has become a family tradition.

Here she is composing the letter, with little sis watching.

It was a pretty lengthy letter.

Here's the new smile! See those big holes on the bottom?! Such a sweet little 1st grade smile...I love it!

Emma had plenty of supporters! Little sisters surrounded her, and the excitement grew as they headed for bed. So much excitement in fact, that I had to capture it all on video....

My favorite part is the last bit, about how she should give a gift for the Tooth Fairy. As if a beautiful, shiny baby tooth isn't enough of a present!!!!

Danny's Day

2011-10-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I asked my sweet hubby what he wanted to do for his birthday. He answered with what has now become a tradition with, "A family desert ride culminating in dinner at Camacho's (a favorite mexican food restaurant just south west of El Centro)." Danny planned out the ride by calling the family, and it seemed as if the ride was a go. His greatest desire was for all four kids to ride along in the jeeps, play in he sand at various stops and enjoy the desert adventure.

But the best laid plans changed, as they often do. His birthday, which was yesterday, was a hot, hot day. The kids interest in the ride evaporated with the rising sun. His dream was deteriorating, and he was about to call it quits. After talking it over for a bit, we decided that the long, five hour drive probably wasn't the best idea for the kiddos anyway, and dinner at Camacho's was fun, but the drive was far, and the kids usually got pretty antsy at restaurants. So, I volunteered to make dinner, and the ride was shortened to just two hours. The kids got on board with the new plan, after a stern talking to. I think my exact words were, "This is Daddy's day, and we are going to do whatever he wants with a smile on our faces! .....or else."

Here's the whole gang, all smiles, heading out to the desert yesterday afternoon. The kids are covered in sunblock, but are totally excited about the adventure. My dad is on the far left, then Danny, Uncle Chris next, and "Uncle" Luke on the far right with J.D. This looks very promising!

The twins rode with Daddy and Uncle Chris. After the ride, I heard they loved the bumps, and screamed and squealed with glee. Gigi slid down a massive sand hill on her bottom, resulting in quite a sandy shower experience later that night! J.D. is in absolute heaven. His smile cannot get any bigger.

The girls rode with my dad and Luke in my dad's new toy.

As for me, no, I didn't go on the Jeep ride. I stayed home and had THREE AND A HALF HOURS on my own in the house without a soul. At first it was eerie, but I quickly got over that and fully enjoyed the free time. Think movie, hot tea, bubble bath, and then I got to work making meatballs and marinara sauce for Danny's birthday dinner. Heaven!

When they returned home, the kids were tired, but happy. They loved the desert! But more than that, I think they loved their dad even more for taking them along. We ate a family dinner of my homemade meatballs and sauce, Grandma Susie's delicious salad, garlic bread and my mom's yummy squash. Danny's requested meal was a hit with kids and adults alike.

On to the presents....

Apparently Daddy needed a lot of assistance, or should I say assistants, when opening his gifts!

A sweet moment....

Luke went all out with Danny's favorite gift of the night, a shop vac!! Yep, that's a friend who truly knows us!

J.D. and Grandpa Jim decided to try it out as a telephone.

Cake time! Luke played Happy Birthday while we sang.

I think that may be 45 candles!!

Again, the kids gathered around to give Daddy a hand with the cake blow!

It was a very special, memorable evening. Danny is now halfway through his 40s and life is so good. Happy Birthday, Danny!

Fall Color

2011-09-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

My sister's birthday on Friday was also the official first day of fall. Now where I live, one would never know it was fall on September 23. In fact, it doesn't really start feeling like fall, as least to me, until late October in the hot desert. Sometimes, it feels as if my soul yearns for four seasons. I don't know why it is, but I feel a deep need to see leaves change color in the fall, skeleton-like branches in the winter and fresh blossoms in the spring.

At the last minute yesterday afternoon, Danny and I decided to rapidly pack up the kids and head up to my parents' mountain cabin. We needed a getaway, a place to go and just relax without the pressing matters of home life; laundry, cleaning, phone calls, dishes, it all needed to wait. The minute we arrive up here, the tensions and stresses of a busy life with four little ones, a pressing job, and never-ending chores just melts away. We sit around and talk while the kids play. We watch the wind whispering through the trees. And we even put on sweaters to take away the chill on our desert skin!

Last night we ate out at the local favorite BBQ place. The kids requested their usual grilled cheese, but Danny and I surprised them with turkey dinners, complete with stuffing, mashed potatoes, buttery vegetables, cranberry sauce, turkey and gravy. It was quite a feast! Despite some mild complaining at the beginning of the meal, which resulted in some children losing their dessert privilege, the mealtime with the whole family was pleasant. The twins no longer require highchairs, so we actually sat in a large booth which had plenty of seating for our family of six to spread out.

We drove home after dinner through the winding mountain roads, keeping our eyes peeled for turkeys and deer in the road. After a hot bath, the kids wrapped up in blankets, and cozied up on the couch for a movie. It was absolute bliss. Little J.D. stretched out on top of me on the couch, watching the movie while enjoying a back scratch from mom. The kids crashed early, tuckered out from a busy week and a relaxing afternoon in the mountains. I think seeing the fall colors, the beauty of God's creation changing with the weather, is a good thing for kids and adults alike. Take some time, if you can, to drive up to see the fall colors this season, you won't be disappointed!