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.