Slightly Embarrassed

For days I have been trying to figure out a few comments posted on my blog. Something about being "tagged". Although I love the internet and blogging and what not, I think I am more suited for dial up then high speed when it comes to such things. That is not where the embarrassment comes from. The person who tagged me, Lisa, is amazing and does so much. She is an inspiration to so many. Check out her blog and you'll understand. Now that I have figured out what a tag is and what this tag consists of, her is my response.

What makes me an authentic mom:

1. The night time wake up calls from weeping children are always my best mothering moments. Probably all the rest, even though it was interrupted, helps me see their tender needs for what they are. Sometimes I wish my night time manners could be as readily available during the day light hours.

2. Being away from my children is more of a punishment then a treat. Not that being a mom 24 hours a day isn't trying especially when kids are tired, hungry, and bored all at the same time and you feel the exact same way, but lack the age excuse to act out. I just love each movement and word that spills from their precious selves. For example, Tiago was having a particularly rambunctious and disobedient day and it was a challenge for me to deal with the random spurts of tantrums. Then he suddenly bursts into the room and in an almost still angry voice states "You know what I'm thankful for? This beautiful earth that God created." Or Mia, who woke up too early on morning and set of a chain reaction of too early morning time moments for the other kids was found in the toy room closet tenderly reading a book to a very attentive brother and sister. Or Talia was says things like "More Chocolates". I wish there was some way to record their idiosyncrasies and mannerisms to cherish forever.

3. I detest television watching for my children. I would much rather them stare at the wall. We watch movies once a week and that is about the extent of their tv viewing. Mia used to think that Elmo was Elma because her only reference to that character was from other kids pronouncing its name. I still have troubles figuring out the whole DVD player in the van since we have used it a total of 4 times. I much rather enjoy a good book with them and we are currently car listening to the Secret Garden. I would highly recommend it. (ironically I am addicted to television or I should say I have no control over myself once the tv is on so I keep it off for that reason. I agreed to have cable just so we could see the BYU games and watch General Conference at home.)

4. Even though my singing voice is less then desirable, our home is constantly in song about something with a little dance to compliment the music. In fact, Tiago and Mia will often be singing something about a given make believe scenario. Talia has even began randomly bursting into song and dance. Mia, the most prominent theatrical child of the 3, began the dancing before she was born. She would make my belly contort into all sorts of interesting shapes whenever a good beat could be detected.

5. I would live in second trimester of pregnancy forever if that were possible/rational. (again, this isn't any sort of announcement) There is something magical about little feet and arms kicking around inside of you, but you still have room for all your vital organs.

I think now I am supposed to tag 5 other people and I am at a loss. One of the biggest reasons I blog is to learn from the other women I have met in my life. With that said, I will pick Angela R., Emily W., Kristi G., Claudia S., and Kimberli T.. I am sure these ladies will know what to do better then me, but here is the gist:
write about 5 experiences/feelings that have shaped you as a true, genuine Mom. The rules are to keep it real and then tag 5 other mom's with this honorable recognition.

Merlin's at Seaworld

Here in the fine state of Texas, Thanksgiving equals cancellation of school for the whole week. Not that you can tell that Thanksgiving is coming with all the Christmas stuff, but it does mean a lot of family fun. (Too bad Fernando isn't rewarded with the same duration of time off. . .he has no time off at all)

To kick off the festivities this week, we headed to Sea World. The park was transformed into a winter wonderland which helped remind us that it is winter. 74 degree temperature makes it hard to remember. Upon entering the gate, we were greeted by Merlin or at least that is who Mia thought it was. It was one of the best Santa costumes I have seen in my life. Next we watched the Polar Express 4D! What was the forth dimension? Vibrating seats, falling "snow" aka fluffy bubbles, gusts of air shooting into our face, and a fancy disco ball.

We watched a slightly corny Christmas show entitled Deck the Halls with Clyde & Seamore. Clyde and Seamore happen to be preforming sea lions. Luckily there was the rope climbing area to help burn off some pent up steam from the two shows we sat through.

Then came the best part of the whole day. Me and the kids who were tall enough rode Journey to Atlantis over and over again since there were no lines. The ride isn't very long, but who can pass on a roller coaster that gets you sopping wet? Not I. I just felt bad after a few times since the 2 other moms were stuck watching us ride and trying to entertain the toddlers. Talia was a little annoyed by the no water restriction that my friend thankfully imposed upon her. The day was pleasant, but misery was sure to come after the first wave of water splashed her unknowing self.

Even with Tiago's melt down at the end and his unscrupulous use of his hands on his friends, the day was wonderful and we are planning to go back again.

The Old Adage

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." as become my motto. Ok, I think it has always been apart of who I am. For example, when the pots gifted from us for our wedding became too scratch for safety we just bought a large skillet and called it a day. All my cooking (boiling noodles to frying meat to sauce making) occurs with that one magical pot. It works great and makes for very creative cooking. When my kids cranked up the hand mixer to its highest gear in peanut butter batter consequentially frying the motor, I became my own hand mixer. I keep imagining the beautiful arms such hand mixing might create. Too bad such mixing usually comes from various sweets hence the arm theory is flawed. The stroller's wheel exploded, again, but I found a comparable part at Lowe's for $1 and will run, I mean walk carefully that stroller into the ground. (take that Gracco and your $5 mark up on a fancy bolt).

Well, puppets were needed in the youngest nursery class and I didn't feel like spend $40+ dollars on them was such a good idea. Heck, Loopy Sue wasn't that tricky. . . bring on the felt.

The owl was my first attempt and was quiet a learning experience. By the time I added the rest of the crew, I had come up with some quick time saving tricks and I am ready to bust out some more. I am just waiting to see if the kids actually like them, but hey for the $2 it cost me in felt, I figure they were worth it.

Room with No View

Most of my Sunday wardrobe consists of knee length skirts. After my call to serve with the nursery age children, I realized that knee length and toddlers doesn't equate with modesty. With all the ups, downs, floor play, etc., the knee length skirts would have to be shelved.

I have been searching for ankle length wonders and found maxi dresses to be the best option. My sister lovingly refers to these as a hippie's idea of dress up. Never mind that they look like glorified muumuus, Target had a whole series of maxi dresses on super sale.

Hilariously, I found out this exciting sale from another member of the church I attend. When I showed up the next Sunday, everyone had taken the chance to purchase many of Targets sale dresses. In fact, me and 3 other ladies were wearing the same dress in 3 different colors. Oh well, it's bound to happen. Like the time when I was pregnant with Mia and showed up to church along with another fellow pregnant woman wearing the same Motherhood Maternity dress (one of the few reasonably priced dresses that actually had sleeves and went below mid thigh).

Today, when I pulled off the price tag of one of the said maxi dresses, I noticed something peculiar. The tag said, "Liz Lange: Maternity". Too late, I needed to dress for church and just prayed that no one happened to purchase the dress for their pregnancy and would get the wrong idea. The oven is bunless and nursery children are spared the horror of unintentional visual aids from me.

The Answer is No

Yesterday, we made friends with one of the many strays in our neighborhood. (sorry the above photos were taken with some for sale dogs a few weeks back) It brought back the age old discussion of owning a dog. Mind you, the stray was very well trained and really sweet. But, i really am just barely keeping up with things in my house . . .well, not even keeping up with house stuff to add another needy thing. I figure we will be ready to own a dog once I can keep the house clean, lovingly nurture my kids, and fill my calling with easy. Seeing as that won't happen any time soon, I am grateful for the random run ins with dogs to help feed that "need" my kids have.

Lost Maples

Now that the weather has changed and being outside is enjoyable even if you aren't surrounded by water to cool you down, we have been searching for outdoor adventures whenever we have the chance. This past Saturday, we took an hour and a half drive out a beautiful park called Lost Maples. We arrived around 8 am and there was a line to get permits into the park. We weren't expecting the weather to be on the chilly side and were glad to have a few fleeces stashed in the car. We're already planning our return trip.





Mia even had the chance to bust out her map skills that she learned this past week at school.

Our camera is being temperamental, so we have been using our iphones to take all our recent pictures. Convenient, but not very good quality. Luckily during our family picture photo shoot attempt, a nice gentleman/fellow hiker offered to take our picture on his fantastic camera. He emailed me the pictures.

Friday the 13th, A slightly better day (eating out that is)

Veterans Day brought a rarity, Fernando was off work. Mia on the other hand had school. Mia already convinced Fernando that family bonding time was far more important than school, but at least my in class room helping that day swayed her into half day attendance.

The day was planned as follows:

Family Walk Mia to School--too late, so we had to drive
Group trip to the gym---Talia was sick, so we couldn't leave her in the YMCA daycare
(saved me the pain & humiliation of trying to match workout pace with Fernando)
Read to kids in Mia's classroom---accomplished and enjoyed
Gracefully check Mia out of school for the day---checked out, secretary peeved
Library Storytime--skipped
Ride in the BraPark---beautiful,

bummer we don't all have bikes




Free Veterans lunch at Applebee's--avoided, bait and switch to IHOP (gag for me)

After that we just fell into normal 2nd Wednesday of the month routines with Dance class and Recipe exchange.

Fernando went back to work, but surprised us with an early return home around 4 pm. I was plumb out of ideas for dinner and hijacked the family for some TGI Fridays 2 for $20 deal. On the drive over, I explained how Friday the 13th fears are for those who lack faith and understanding of our Heavenly Father's plan. (ok, a bit of a stretch, but I thought that I could use their curiosity as a teaching moment) I explained that we have nothing to fear (not even fear itself) and so we were celebrating the day in a Thank Goodness style.

Have you been to this restaurant? I had been years before in Utah and this was nothing close to that experience. The restaurant was dark even for restaurant standards and the Bar was the prominent feature. You even could get cheaper appetizers for sitting there first. Luckily we had a window seat and the deal was too good to be true. We were all very much satiated for under $25. Talia went to town on the spinach artichoke dip appetizer and the kids were digging the cedar roasted salmon. I on the other hand was lapping up the gourmet 5 cheese macaroni that was smothered in blue cheese flavor.