Tonight I was doing a little blog stalking and I saw some of the most beautiful photographs. It made me realize that I am truly an amateur. Baby steps. At least, I am now taking photos on a regular basis. This is a favorite picture of Spence I took in Long Beach a month ago. I think I will try to take a photography class this winter.

This photo of Layla captures her personality. She is a bit wild but also fiercely loving.

The whole family is down with the flu today and we just slept and watched movies. We are hoping to recover quickly because we are having friends over tomorrow night for a almost New Year's Eve party.

Haven't posted a Story People quote for awhile so here goes:

Rolling along just waiting for someone to cross him so he can tell them the things he's been saving up for all those years when he wasn't so self-realized

Enough for now...love to all.

Such lazy days this week. I am working a few hours but off otherwise. So of course because there is time, we are all sick with colds. It is nice just to stay in bed and watch movies. We saw "Night at the Museum" on Christmas Day and "Eragon" yesterday at the theatre. Both great movies for families. I have noticed lately as my two are nearing adolescence, how difficult it is to find movies without trashy sexual references. We put on "Anchorman" and after 15 minutes, turned it off in favor of "The Incredibles." Had I been just with Doug or alone, I would have watched it but with my children, it just felt kinda sleazy. Spencer remarked that it "wasn't very respectful." It makes me grateful that he understands the difference. I know as the teen years come he may not feel the same way but it makes sense to reinforce his understanding of good movies and bad. Besides, how can the same be good for my spirit. It is hard to be disciplined because many of the shows I enjoy (Comedy Central) are in question. And for heaven's sake, why do we have to see those ridiculous Girl's Gone Wild ads every commercial.

The photo is Michaela's Project Runway pose. And a sweet picture of Kailey Jo on Christmas.

Well, the Tates had a wonderful Christmas. We took a different approach this year. Since the older kids were all flying in from Salt Lake City, we decided to begin the celebration with breakfast. We set a beautiful table (well three tables) for 12. It made me think how we have doubled in size since Doug and I were married. We took a fun quiz about the truth about the nativity. Then Doug read Luke 2. It was 10 o'clock before any gifts were we even looked at the gifts. Really pleasant. The spirit was really sweet and it was easy to feel the love in the room. WOW.

We gave Clint and Natalie annual passes to Disneyland. Natalie, Clint's wife cried when they opened their gift. She has an attached to Disneyland similar to mine. I have wonderful childhood memories of Disneyland. It was one place my father loved and he was always happy there and on his best behavior. Giving tickets to Clint and Natalie is one way to see our grandchild more often. She changes so much each time we see her. Right now she looks like Spencer when he was a baby. Cute, round head.

Today has been total relaxation. It is nearly 5 pm and I am still in my pajamas. Maybe I just won't change today. My life is so blessed. I recognize the gifts I have been given. My wonderful children, the peace of the gospel, the love of a good man. And increasing wisdom to recognize and be happy with this richness.

Enough for now...love to all.

We are in the wild Christmas crunch. I have the presents (well most anyway) bought, 70 percent wrapped and the house is almost clean. We will have all the older kids here with us here in California. I am bound and determined to be finished before tomorrow so I can have a peaceful Sunday.

Michaela is changing so fast. It is clear puberty is right around the corner. Her independent spirit is alive for all to see. I told her she was getting kinda mouthy the other day and she said, "Well at least I am not like ______, she is one of those Valley Forge girls." I asked, "Valley Forge girls?" She said, "Yeah, she says like and totally all the time." She meant a Valley Girl. I laughed my head off but she didn't want me to tell anyone. (Okay, I told her dad). I love this child, they say laughter is the best medicine and she is liquid tonic.

The photo is my grandaughter Kailey Jo. I took this at the Tate Family Christmas Party 12/16/06. Enough for now...love to all.

This is a fun collage I put together in Photoshop as a gift for Spencer's teacher. I have been teaching an art class called "Meet the Masters" in his class. I miss being with them at the school but maybe it is good for them to learn more independence. Life is good right now. I always love this season, although I am always trying to push too much in the space and usually end up sick to compensate for the stress of the season. This years I do recognize how blessed we are and how the gospel of Jesus Christ has influenced our lives. There is peace in this knowledge.

Enough for now...love to all.

Been off the radar for a few days. I went to Utah for my annual Bookclub Christmas Extravaganza. This is my favorite celebration of the year. These women are amazing and have added so much richness to my life for the past 12 years. Besides which any one of them could run a small country. Also, went to the Tate Family Christmas Party without Doug and the kids. Went with Steve and Amanda and Clint, Natalie and Kailey Jo were there. She is getting so big and she looks a bit like Michaela. Makes me nostalic.

So much going on for the Holidays--seems we just go from one party

to the next and I just hope I have the right labels on the gifts. Tonight we will go caroling with the Bandleys. I know they enjoy our company but I think they really want someone who will sing.

Story People Quote of the Day:

Most people don't know there are angels whose only job is to make sure you don't get too comfortable & fall asleep & miss your life.

Enough for now...love to all.

Okay, I am having fun with Photoshop these days. I just learned how to sharpen photos. See if you can tell the difference between these two.

Last night, Doug and I sang for the Relief Society Christmas Party. It was a beautiful program about Mary's feelings about her part in the Savior's birth. We also had Spencer and Michaela perform in a quartet with Doug and I. They are becoming real performers. Because we started them singing in front of others so early, they have no stage fright.

Tomorrow, I fly to Utah for the Annual Bookclub Christmas celebration. In December we don't read a book, each of the 14 members finds a Christmas thought or story to share. As well we make or buy small thoughtful gifts. Better than Christmas morning for many of us. So peaceful to sit in the comfort of these amazing women.

Story People Quote of the Day:

There are angels everywhere you can imagine. I saw one hiding in the closet in our bedroom once & I invited her out, but she said she was waiting for a friend thank you just the same & next time I looked she was gone.

Enough for now...love to all.

Each night before we go to bed there is a request from Michaela for "Snuggle Time." This consists of 15 minutes or so with Spence and Michaela basically piled on top of me watching some kid friendly show before bedtime. If we are late and it can't happen--life is unbearable. I am grateful that my 9 and 10 year old still seek the comfort of my arms. I am already beginning to see the beginnings of separation. It happens so slowly--the first time your child turns their cheek when you try to kiss them goodbye at school. When your child doesn't want you to bear your testimony because you might cry and embarrass her. I sure they come back after the teen years but for now I need to hold them tight and bank these moments for what is surely to come.

Story People Quote of the Day:

We lay there & looked up at the night sky & she told me about stars called blue squares & red swirls & I told her I'd never heard of them. Of course not, she said, the really important stuff they never tell you. You have to imagine it on your own.

Enough for now...Love to all.

What a busy weekend. On Friday, we had our company Christmas Party. From there I went directly to a Christmas Party for the Achievement Day girls. Next day, the kids went with Steve to the LA Auto Show while Doug and I slipped off for a movie. We saw "Deja Vu" with Denzel Washington. Pretty good and the best thing about it was that it was not animated. That is the first adult movie Doug and I have seen since we have been in California.

Later that night was our Ward Christmas Party. I did the costumes for the Nativity and Doug was the Narrator. We are scheduled to sing for the Relief Society Christmas Party tomorrow. This ward is keeping us very busy.

Then yesterday afternoon, we went with our good friends, the MacAuliff Sisters to a mexican Rancho Christmas Open House. They had crafts and storytelling. The most interesting thing for me was this huge 150 year old fig tree (actually two trees grown together). The trunk is close to 6 feet in diameter and the roots are thick and topside. Makes for very interesting photos. This is Sister Frank MacAuliffe. Honestly, these three sisters need their own sitcom. They are all three docents at the Rancho and know all the details. These women are spiritual and physical giants.

Last night Spencer and I went to visit Karen Smith in our ward. I wanted to take her a couple of Christmas stories and see her house decorated. Karen is gifted with ceramics and porcelain and has somewhere between 300-400 Santa's of all shapes and varieties. Spencer could have stayed for hours.

I don't know how long we will have this California experience but the Lord is blessing us with meaningful friendships and experiences.

Story People Quote of the Day:

Being Good
I've always thought death was a lot like Christmas, he said. I can't wait to find out if being good the whole time was worth it.

Enough for now...Love to all.

For a few years now, I have noticed a "twin-like" kinesthetic bond between my little one. I have a wonderful photo of them asleep spooned together with Michaela's head using Spencer's knee for a pillow and Spencer's head on her feet.

Even now when they have their owns rooms for their belongings and dressing, somehow they always end up sleeping in the same place. Spencer would say he is there because his room shares a wall with ours and the TV is too loud but I think he just likes the comfort of his best friend.

I love this about their relationship. This loving bond will serve them their whole lives.

Story People Quote of the Day:

Love your enemies is way too hard, she told me. We need a game everyone can win. Like what? I said. How about 'don't bite'?, she said & then she shrugged. I think it's best to start small.

Enough for now...Love to all.

One day while surfing, I found this interesting NPR site. I love the different prospectives and find them inspiring. I have added the link to my page. Check this out. What I believe changes from day to day as life presents me with opportunities to learn. It is interesting to consider if we spend our time based on what we believe. If I believe my family is eternal, do I spend my energy working together to get there or watching reruns of Law and Order and The Office (for the Pearsons). I would love to submit an essay to this site but suspect what I believe is not all that remarkable.

I do believe that I am responsible for my response to my life. I believe that God knows what will refine me as a person and will continue to provide experiences that test and try until I am able to embrace the changes he has planned for me. I believe in the spirit of goodness within each of us that seeks to do right. I believe my life has meaning and that our children watch how we live more than what we say.

I believe that sharing what we believe has value and contributes to the greater good in the world. I believe acting on our beliefs brings harmony to our souls and aligns us with the Godliness that exists in each of us. I believe that while I have not been given everything I want (which is transitory), I have been given what I need.

Story People Quote for the Day:

I've always liked the time before dawn because there's no one around to remind me who I'm supposed to be, so it's easier to remember who I am

Enough for now...Love to all.

Can I just say that I hate Parent Teacher Conference. To come at the appointed time, sit on little chairs designed to make you feel small and hear how your child is not the "well above average" child you know in your heart they are. Every fall conference for the past 5 years I have heard from teachers about both my children's propensity for distration. By Spring they have usually figured out how the teacher views the world and can parrot back the appropriate behavior usually ending up the year a grade ahead. Where does that little grade go during the summer? I try to continue reading with the library Summer Reading programs. Oh well, at least I am progressing some--I now calmly accept the teachers assessment of my child and have ceased my, "well when they tested him last year, he was a grade ahead" rant.

Tonight we went to a baby shower for the Primary Secretary. Quite a good turnout and it felt a bit strange to be with women so familiar with each other in a more relaxed situation. One sister kept trying to get the others to feel her biceps with talk of how her trainer is whipping her into shape. I countered with having my closest friend in the ward feel the flab on my upper arm.

From the Story People:

Caregiver

What happened to you? I said & she said she was nurturing the cat against its will & that was the end of that conversation.

Enough for now....love to all.

Okay, my posting screen has returned to normal. Saturday night, Doug and I and the kids had an amazing dinner prepared by our friend Jose Tosado and his wife Tiffany. Jose fixed enchiladas that were excellent but what really got to me was his recipe for guacamole. Tiffany and Jose live in an area of Long Beach called Naples because there is a canal in the middle of the area in which gondolas and boats travel down. Although, the gondoliers must have some sort of noise restriction because there was not much in the way of singing that we could hear.

Anyway, after dinner, we went down to the canal for a stroll to see the houses decorated for Christmas. Apparently there is a competition and later in the month we could go back and see the winning decorations. These homes are in the 2 million+ range. I seriously doubt that these owners are hanging there own lights. Frankly, I think this should be a part of the judging criteria. The homeowner would have to describe how long and what injuries occured during the hanging of the lights.

This was the first time I have scene the "upside down" Christmas tree. And the Santa face in lights was very creative. I could see Doug and Jose running for cover refusing to "buy in" to this lighting excess.

Anyway, some fun photos.

More than enough for now...love to all.

Something has changed with my blog template. I was all prepared to post some fabulous photos from our Saturday dinner with Tiffany and Jose and the upload photos button is gone. Just goes to show technology is not always your friend. I will figure this out.

Enough until I figure this out....love to all.

Someone should study the lights on the tree phenomenon. This is generally Doug's job. He sets up the tree with lights and I decorate it. I think male/female relationships could be studied here. For example, does the fact that it has been at this state for 4 days says anything about the male psyche? And this year lights on the outside of the house forgitaboutit. Michaela and I strolled through our neighborhood to see which houses have put up lights. It occurred to me that this year more than ever it is important to put up lights. We wouldn't want our new neighbors here in the mission field to think Mormons aren't Christians and don't celebrate Christmas.

Spence is home from school today with "a sore cough." As you can see from the Gameboy, his hands seem to be working just fine. Well, I guess I should be getting on with the work day. Today's Storypeople Quote:

Remember to use positive affirmations. I am not a dork is not one of
them.

Enough for now...Love to all.

For some reason, I feel like I am walking in a fog. I am unable to get much completed and I feel somewhat unmotivated. I always feel this way as the days shorten. The good news is I know I will feel re-energized when Spring comes.

There are your fog people & your sun people, he said. I said I wasn't
sure which kind I was. He nodded. Fog'll do that to you, he said.

So how important is a clean house? We returned from Utah a couple of days ago and I know if I finish unpacking, it would just emphasize the need to do laundry. If I set up my visiting teaching appt., it will inspire me to make something to take. If I contact a client, they might want to do business with me. I am grateful for guilt that has always been a part of my personality. It moves me to action. I love this print from James Christensen called "Balancing Act." It just reminds me of the interesting complexity of our lives. As President Hinckley states, "Do the best you can."

Enough for now...Love to all.

We just got back last night from Salt Lake. We drove the 1400 miles this time. That is a very long time in the car but we enjoyed watching all the "Liken the Scriptures" DVDs and viewed High School Musical at least 5 times.

Each Thanksgiving I try to get the whole family together for photos. I got some beautiful shots, some of my favorites are posted. At Walmart, the photo tech asked me who the photographer was, the photos looked professionally shot to her. Okay, it was Walmart but I was a little proud of my photo efforts. I also went kinda crazy getting presents bought and wrapped for the family that will not be able to come to CA for Christmas. It was either get it done then or do it here and have to finish in time to mail.

It is becoming so confusing. We have been here in CA long enough to start really enjoying the weather and our ward. When we were in Utah, we were asked over and over, "when are you coming back to Utah? Frankly we just don't know and we are torn when we think of leaving or staying.

I am still trying to master the photoshop/photobucket/blog banner issue. I will get there eventually.

The quote today reminds me of Spence and Michaela in the car on this long drive.

I'm going to get as far away from you as possible, she said, & there's
nothing you can do to stop me. So, I shrugged & turned & started to walk
away. That's not fair, she said, you're not even trying.

Enough for now...Love to all.

Today a speaker in Sacrament talked about the Savior when he went to the Americas after his ressurection. Specifically about how when He first appeared they knelt down. Then he had them come forward to touch the wounds in his hands and feet. She talked about how the thought of actually seeing the wounds and knowing the cruelty that had created them always made her heart ache. She said that scriptorians estimate that for each individual to touch the wounds personally would have taken about 2 1/2 hours. Can you imagine being there. After each person had the chance to personally examine the Savior's hands and feet, they fell again to their knees and cried Hosanna or Lord Help Us. That personal experience had solidified for each person that this truly was the Savior. Reflecting on the wounds of the Savior reminded me of the pain I felt when I broke my wrist this summer. The nerves were so tender that the pain was uncontrollable. I had taken Percocet and it had no effect. I was alone in Seal Beach and finally the pain became so overwhelming, I called a cab at 2:30 in the morning to take me to the hospital. There they gave me morphine and I was finally able to sleep.

It is awe inspiring when we consider what was done for us. It makes me grateful and so aware of my weakness and the responsibility to do what I can to be worthy of the gift that has been given me.

Enough for now...Love to all.

These three are the loves of my life. How blessed I am to have each one of them. Today we took a water taxi from Seal Beach to Long Beach. We are determined to maximize our California experience. One thing I have loved about being here is the amount of time we have been able to spend together. Since we don't know too many people yet, we do much more together. Spencer and Michaela are developing such a strong friendship. I just hope I can make it through the "she kicked me" phase.

What would it take for world peace? I said. Is there a right answer? he said.
No, I said. Oh good, he said. I thought this was going to be one of your
love-your-little-brother talks

Enough for now..Love to all.

Okay, so I am now a part of our Enrichment Committee. I like to pretend that it is difficult but the reality is I love the creativity and being with these wise and wonderful women in Relief Society. We had our Fall Craft Night. I hosted the "Brag Books." Photo albums made by sewing together paper bags and decorating them. We had 18 at my table alone. Probably 50-55 women attend, aged from 24-84.

Yesterday at work we had a "let's get along better" training session. They gave us all Predictive Index tests and then showed the results to all members of our team. It was sort of eye opening for me and did explain some of the challenges with co-workers. I don't much will change bottom line but I should feign a little hope.

Tonight Michaela and I played basketball while waiting for a meeting at the church. I really love that she is athletic. I have always felt a little insecure about team sports. I was shooting baskets and actually making quite a few. Of course, being guarded by a 4 foot 5th grader has a certain advantage to it. My own mother never had to money or desire for us to play on teams when we were growing up. Oh well...gotta love livin through your children.

When I was young I always wanted to go exploring in a cave and when I got older I finally did & it was dark everywhere & there were strange sounds like your stomach after a big meal & I couldn't wait to get out. I figured out later that I mainly liked to go exploring caves in my mind where I could be comfortable & not get dirty & cold. If you read too much National Geographic when you're young it's hard to adjust to the real world.

Enough for now--Love to all.

Last night we had my friend Tiffany and Spencer's new best friend, Jose over to dinner. Jose shares a few passions with Spencer, and I totally appreciate his showing interest in Spencer's Pokemon collection (Pokemon is a racket I find difficult to bear, think of the mark-up on trading cards which retail for a buck a piece). Doug fixed a great roast as always and Tiffany and Jose brought incredible chocolate chip (can't call them cookies because they were huge) treats. I met Tiffany through my work and from the beginning I have been so impressed with focus, dedication and work ethnic. Besides which we share many of the same opinions about the challenges of our office.

We have become good friends with a number of younger couples since we moved here. Maybe it is our vain attempt to stay young. Or maybe it helps us bridge the gap with our own children. Last night after a rousing game of Disney Trivia and Whoonu (one of the Cranium games, quick to play and a fun way to get to know people), Michaela lured Jose and the group up to the loft to play Donkey Conga. Jose picked it right up and as bedtime neared, we sent Michaela and Spence off to bed.

The adults continued to talk about a number of issues political and not, including office politics, while I believed the kids were nestled away in bed. We said goodnight to Tiffany and Jose at about 11:15 and I went to look in on the kids to do the mother--straighten the covers thing. I opened the door to find Michaela reading "Hoot" to Spence. She informed me that she does thing every night (I guess if I am not reading to my children, someone has to take up the slack).

We talked about how much fun we had with Tiffany and Jose and a bit more about "personal space" (Spence would have crawled into Jose's lap if allowed, the Pokemon connection sealed his admiration). Then Michaela shared with me her feelings about Doug and I taking Jose and Tiffany away from video games with "our adult talking." They were having fun till we started talking about immigration and the cost of living in California (one of my preferred rants). I reminded her that when she has friends over, I let her decide what they do.

I feel so blessed to have these two children, the amaze, amuse, entertain and challenge me to be a better person. I can't imagine my life without the richness they bring.

I always wanted to invent something that would move around & make funny noises & would change the world as we know it & I forgot all about that until we had kids & now I see I came pretty close. --The Story People

Enought for now--love to all.

We have such a nice Sunday yesterday. Doug and I sang in Sacrament Meeting. Many a sister came up to me after and told me Doug sounds like Michael Ballam. His voice has always charmed the women in our various wards. We have felt so welcome in the Seal Beach Ward. This picture was taken at a Sunday dinner a couple of weeks ago. Since we don't have our extended family here, we have taken to inviting members to our house for Sunday dinner. Doug makes a great roast and it has been great to get to know members on a more personal basis. Two weeks ago we hosted the McAuliffs. These three sisters Frank, Janice and Mary (Mary is taking the picture) are all in their 80's. They all taught school and have lived together all their lives. They are amazing examples of vibrant service. Frank told us about serving a mission in Tahiti in the 50's. She tells stories like those of John Groberg. They are democrats and Mary is the most politically active. She was published in our Seal Beach Newspaper for her views on health care. Janice is the oldest and she is the life of the group. They told us stories about World War II and their Asian friends that went to the internment camps. These women have lead such rich lives. They could have their own sitcom--an LDS version of the Golden Girls.
When I broke my wrist, I received a call from Mary asking if there was anything an 80 year old woman could do for me. I adore these women.

Tolerance
He only gets vicious when he watches too much tv, so we keep public radio on most of the time instead so mainly all we have to worry about is him going around to all the neighbors asking for money. -- The Story People

Enough for now...love to all.

Kinda of a quiet day today. Woke up this morning to a frantic Michaela. She had just remembered that she had told her friend Jenny that she would come and watch her last soccer game. Our children have been lucky finding friends here in California.

The girls took this photo on their own with the timer. Of course, I am focused on why Michaela doesn't comb her hair become taking a picture, (she just got out of the shower), but she is sharing the moment with a friend.

Doug and I are singing in church tomorrow, Spencer has a talk, I am working on an Enrichment activity and teaching Primary. Tonight my thoughts are turned to...do we have clean, ironed clothes?...what will we have for dinner?...etc. It reminds me of the primary song, "Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday, we ... and call it our get the work done day." Mostly, I think this works for mothers.

I will stop complaining when I'm dead, she said, so I got out my day planner & told her I'd love to pencil that in.

Enough for now...Love to all.

Okay, so we need your help. We went out today to help Spence and Michaela take pictures for their Reflections entries. I am going to post a few and let you help us decide on the final. I have already ordered the Photoshop software but haven't received it yet. Always a couple of days late. The theme is "My Favorite Place." Spencer's is of course "Gamestop" and Layla's is "Hanging Out with My Family." We tried hanging out of some trees for her but ants were crawling all over us and the pictures still looked shadowy and poor. Anyway, anyone willing to vote for either of Spence's photos, let us know what you think.

I looked at Layla's tennis shoes today. They were filthy. When I ask her how they got so dirty, she said, "It's call activity Mom. These shoes are a badge of honor." I guess she told me.

Enough for now...love to all.

I started work very early this morning. Polk, the company I work for, was hosting an ethnicity seminar. So interesting to have the presenters identify how different groups shop and what is important to them.

When I got back to my home office, I was informed by my children that the weekend has begun. They are out of school tomorrow.

Sometimes I think we should bury all our money in a hole & go back to
enjoying life again, he said. It'd probably be a good idea to make a map of
where the hole was just in case it didn't work out though.

----- The Story People

Sometimes it has to be okay to crave the kind of simple approach to live enjoyed by our children. This working for a living isn't all it is cracked up to be. I guess it all depends on how you choose to view your life. Do I acknowledge the blessings of my life or focus on the pebble in my shoe.

Enough for now. Love to all.

I am a bit obsessed with blogging. True to my compulsive nature, once I start with something, I must buy the toys, wear the T-Shirt and completely exhaust myself learning about how to do this until I am bored and can move on. I am not there yet. Last night I drug all the family to Walmart (cheap with little political conscience) to buy a new digital camera. I have a Video Camera and a camera on my phone, but no I need one with better megapixels and features. These are some of my first photos. Get a load of my handsome husband, wacky son and my darling daughter. Michaela came to me last night with concerns about how to get gum off her face. I shared with her the secret to remove gum--PEANUT BUTTER. She decided it was photo worthy. This child provides such humor in my life.

Don't you hear it? she asked
& I shook my head no & then she started todance & suddenly there
was music everywhere & it went on for a very long time & when I finally
found words all I could say was thank you.

-The Story People

I am also blessed to have a great husband. He has been so supportive through these last 12 years. When I look around, it reminds me that the Lord knows me and helped to find a man who could help me grow. I am grateful for him.

Marriage is our last, best chance to grow up. -Joseph Barth

Love to all. Enough for now...