THE PRETTY LITTLE DOLLY!!!

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!

Halloween 2011

So at the beginning of October we bought the kids their costumes.

Rapunzel for Nayeli. Not including the hat. We were having fun at Party City.

Darth Vador for Christian cuz last year he was little Anikan so he grew up. ;) This picture shows him posing as his mask says, "The Rebels will not escape me."

Hair made out of soft yarn and a headband.

Seeing how long it would be braided.

Putting it together.

My wavy hair. Took a half hour to an hour with a wave iron.

Took eyeliner and highlighted some lines on my face and used white spray for my hair to be Rapunzel's fake mother, Mother Gothel.

Little Rapunzel.

Added flowers and glowsticks (to make the hair look like its glowing).

Darth Vador and his Master, Emporer Lord Sideous.

At my sister's ward's Trunk or Treat.

Yoda was there! Christian was totally fascinated by him. LOL

And of course the two legged machine.

I thot it was cool that the guy could pop his head out the top like in the movie. He made it himself.

We didn't get to be at the Trunk or Treat very long cuz Chris dropped his parents off at the airport and came home to get makeup on but it was still fun. Lots of people loved the costumes, especially Nayeli's "hair". There were even other "Jedi's" there and kept "attacking" Chris, The Emporer. Pretty funny!

Resemblance?

So for the past year or so my family and I have been saying how close my niece looked to my daughter around the same age. My daughter is roughly 3 years old now and my niece just turned 1. I chose pics of my daughter around the age of one to show the two look alike. So now you tell me- how close they resemble or resembled each other?

From top to bottom it goes my daughter then my niece, daughter, niece, daughter, niece.

Long Time No Write

Hey to those that still read blogs,

I realize it has probably been so long that most are tired of looking at this blog because nothing is written. I'm sorry for the long delay. I really don't have much of an excuse except- kids. And even that isn't a good excuse, but here is why:

Nayeli

She is now 3 years old! I can barely believe it! She is pretty much nap-free. She's a total sweet heart when she wants to be and she talks almost as much as Christian. Although, her attitude has been a little more stubburn these days with saying "no" to us when we need her to do something and when she thinks the world is her playground. Also a few months ago we tried potty training her, all that resulted were headaches, wet floors, and crying. So we stopped until we feel she understands the concept a little more.

Christian

He is back in school again. But this time its different. New school, new teachers, shorter bus rides, and a full school year instead of half. The first few weeks Christian missed his old teacher but adjusted well to the new one. Last time Christian had 4 other kids in his class, this year they have started with just 2, him and another kid. Trust me, I was happy about that. The kids in his class usually have behavioral or communication problems which is part of why Christian qualified for the program. Ugh, I just realized he'll be 5 next year. Then kindergarden! AH! Okay I'm done freaking out now. So anyway...this school is the closest to us so it has been nice to have him home sooner and at a more predictable time. Christian has been doing really well in his class, most days getting some kind of prize or sticker or stamp, and everday I try to to remember to ask him how his day was, what snacks he ate, what he played with...etc and I already know the answers because the teacher sends a daily note of all they did that day but I ask him to relate and to work on communication. So its a growing experience for both of us.

Also for both of them I have been trying to get them out of the house more often because they get so bored at home. So not a lot of time to be on the main computer where all the pics are.

Me (Jazz)

I have been trying to work on one of my books. A vampire book that I feel hasn't been done and want to do before vampires completely go down the drain. I have also gotten into Sudoku. And in doing so I've converted Chrunkel (Chris, my husband), my sister and her husband of doing the same. Funny thing though, I think they all beat me by finishing faster. Look what I've done. LOL As for that company I was working with for the past few months, I will be an inactive consultant within days. Not entirely a bad thing, I learned I hate being my own boss when it comes to selling products and I have this genuine fear of talking to random strangers. LOL There is also another project I'm helping a friend with these days. He wants to create a film that he's written and put it out there for people to see. Its all volunteer work so things are going slowly at the moment. I've also been enjoying being an aunt of my sister's little girl born almost 2 weeks ago.

Chrunkel

Chrunkel is still doing his UPS thang. Can't say if he is training for another marathon or not, I don't think even he knows for sure, but he is running during some of his breaks. He is happy to be an uncle again after his sister had a baby boy recently. We haven't had the chance to physically meet the little bundle but we've seen pics since they live in another state. Chrunkel is thoroughly enjoying Sudoku, or as he always says it: So-do-ku or So-do-ko. I always have to remind him how to say it, but he always claims he's tired. LOL

I think that's all. If not I'll add more later.

The Help

Back in early March I wrote a book review on The Help by Kathryn Stokett and recently found out through my book club that they've made a movie from it. Here is the trailer.

The Zoo

At the Zoo.

First the water fountain.

Don't worry Nayeli and the boy didn't fall or run into each other.

Like father like son.

Grabbing the water. Kaleb is so cute trying to get the water.

Took this shot through the handle of our wagon. Sorry, Chris's butt is in the way, LOL.

See even the giraffes think its hot- sticking their tongues out.

The orangutan was trying to sleep with his blanket. Ellie and Christian were right up to the window with it. Pretty cool!

As we were getting a sno-cone before we left the zoo, a family of ducks crossed the road for the pond nearby.

Eye Crossing

Nayeli can cross her eyes!



Crossing eyes 2

Glasses!

Christian brought home fake rubbery glasses from school one day and we took pictures.

Sunday Quote

Sunday's Quote is from

Emma

This is my favorite quote from the movie.

"But I went to the wrong place. My brother's house is usually a place of comfort to me but seeing your sister there, kept you fresh in my mind. And the torture...I assure you...was acute. I rushed back. Anxious for your feelings. I came to be near you....I rode through the rain! I'd...I'd ride through worse than that if I could just hear your voice telling me that I might at least have some chance to win you."

My favorite line in particular is: "I rode through the rain!" Makes a person laugh, smile, and (for the dreamy romantics) can even make them cry.

Sunday Quote

Today I have a quote from a song by

P!nk

because everyone feels like crap sometimes and we need a boost that someone cares. I know I do.

"Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel like you're less than, less than perfect. Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel like your nothing, YOU ARE PERFECT TO ME!"

Family and friend note- We may not agree with each other, and our view and lives are different but YOU ARE the PERFECT people in my life. I love you all.

Sunday Quote

Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Musical
A Little Fall of Rain
Marious: "But you will live 'Ponine. Dear God above! If I could heal your wounds with words of love."
For my Uncle Jim, I pray that his pain will pass soon. Love you!


For those who would like to hear the song from which this quote came.

Best & Worst Used Cars

In case you were wondering- cuz I wondered.

Best Used Cars

Small Car

Honda Fit

Family Car

Toyota Prius

Upscale Car

Lexus ES
Luxury Car

2005 Acura RL

Sports/Sporty Car

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Small SUV

Honda CR-V

Midsized & Large SUV

Toyota Highlander

Minivan

Toyota Sienna

Pickup Truck

Honda Ridgeline

Worst Used Cars

(Alphabetical)

Audi A6

BMW 535i

BMW X5

Cadillac SRX

Chevy Astro

Chevy Aveo

Chevy Blazer

Chevy Colorado

Chevy Impala

Chevy S-10 Pickup

Chevy Uplander

Chrysler PT Cruiser

Chrysler Town & Country

Dodge Caravan

Dodge Grand Caravan

GMC Acadia

GMC Canyon

GMC S-15 Sonoma

GMC Safari

Hummer H3

Jaguar S-Type XF

Kia Sedona

Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Mini Cooper Convertible

Pontiac G6

Saturn Outlook

Saturn Relay

Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible

Volkswagen Passat

10 Yr Old Army Kid

This is an awesome story. Please take the time to read.

Most kids might hope to get an Xbox or an iPod Touch for their 10th birthday. Brennan Daigle got a reception from a formation of soldiers, a ride in a camouflaged National Guard Humvee--and induction as an honorary member of the Army.
Since October 2009, Brennan, from Sulphur, Louisiana, has been battling embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma--a rare form of cancer in which muscular tumors attach themselves to bones, writer Rachel Reischling reports in the Fort Polk Guardian. Last month, doctors told his family there was nothing more they could do, and gave Brennan just weeks to live.
Brennan has always loved the Army. His mother had created a Facebook page--Brennan's Brigade--to keep family and friends informed of his condition. People from around the world, including soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, have left comments of encouragement and support. One group of soldiers in Afghanistan posted a picture of themselves holding an American flag, and told Brennan: "We're flying this flag in honor of you; we're here to back you. Stay Army strong."
Becky Prejean, who runs a charity for sick kids called Dreams Come True of Louisiana, heard about Brennan's illness, and got in touch with his mother, Kristy Daigle. Brennan's greatest wish, Daigle told Prejean, was to meet some soldiers in person, before his illness worsened. So the two women contacted the Fort Polk Community Relations Office, which put out a call for a few soldiers to attend Brennan's tenth birthday on Feb. 26.
Forty showed up.
Brennan had been told he was going fishing with his father. But when he got out of his dad's truck, he was greeted by a formation of 1st MEB soldiers, standing at attention in front of a National Guard Humvee. After a moment, they all shouted "Happy Birthday, Brennan!," and broke into applause.
Brennan was speechless, according to his mother. "All he could do was giggle," she said.
Brennan and his best friend Kaleb were invited to check out the Humvee, and Brennan sat behind the wheel. Then soldiers took the two boys out for a spin. Afterward, Brennan and Kaleb put their heads out the hatch on the vehicle's roof, while the crowd snapped pictures.
But it wasn't over. Brennan got out of the Humvee and was led to the front of the formation, where he shook hands with each soldier. He was inducted into the Army as an honorary member, then given a coin symbolizing merit and excellence, as well as a military jacket with his name on the pocket, and other Army-themed gifts.
"Brennan, you exemplify what personal courage means," Pfc. Kamesha Starkey, 1st MEB, told him.
Finally, the mayor of Sulphur, La., gave Brennan a key to the city, and the title of Honorary Mayor of the Day.
"Words can never express what I felt seeing all those soldiers there, knowing some of them had just come back from Iraq and still took time out for just one little boy," Kristy Daigle said. "Just to know that they care enough to give their all, to give their love and support to a little boy is phenomenal. It says so much about our men and women who serve our country in the armed forces."
Some of the soldiers said the event helped put things in perspective for them. "It was good to be able to give back," Pfc. Kyle Frederick said. "It opened my eyes to a lot of things: How I take my kids for granted, how lucky we are, how we complain on a day-to-day basis and we really have it good compared to others."
As for Brennan, it took a while for his new honor to sink in. The next day, he asked his mother, "Am I really in the Army?"
"You most certainly are," she answered. "They don't swear in just anyone."
"That's awesome," said Brennan.

Disney's Prom

I really hope this movie does well because I think this looks hilarious!

Sub Words

On our way home from church we started playing this Word game. We do this now and then to see who wins, for fun. Sometimes we do words that rhyme or like today we did words that started with 'sub'.

We had:

submarine

sublime

substitute

subway

I can't remember all the words we used and I think Chris ended up winning, ironically. When we got home I looked up all the words with 'sub' and we missed a lot!

Like:

subconscious

subject

submerse

submission

submit

and many others.

Got any word games you like to play with your spouse or kids?

Sunday Quote

This quote is from

Swan Princess

Rogers- "'What else is there?' She says, 'Is beauty all that matters?' and you say, 'What else is there?'...You should write a book- How To Offend Women In Five Syllables Or Less."

So men? Could you write a book like that? Gosh I hope not! LoL

Preschool Thriller

I thought this was adorable! They aren't real coordinated but hey, they're preschoolers!

Book Review

About two weeks ago my friends and I decided to make a book club. Our first book we decided to read was The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Summary:

Be prepared to meet three unforgettable women:
Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.
Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.
Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town...

My Review:

It was good! Reading the summary didn't catch my attention like I hoped it would. But I'm the more fantasy/syfy/romance type. When I started reading, the first few chapters I really didn't think I'd finish because I felt so bored. So I looked to my girls in the club asking if anyone was having a hard time like I was reading it. One girl had already finished it telling me that it gets better the longer you read. And boy was she right! By the end I didn't want to put it down.

I recommend this book. If you want to borrow it let me know. But first call, first given.

Nayeli's Cutest Moment!

I kid you not this was Nayeli's cutest moment.

We just had our Home Teachers over (people from our church to give us a lesson and see if we need anything) and we ended it with a prayer.

We told the kids we were going to have prayer so they'd be encouraged to be quiet. Nayeli didn't hear it or something because we knelt down and one of our Home Teachers started to say a prayer and she had a toy in her hand. As soon as he started talking, she did too. I was about to shush her when I looked at her through my eyelashes and she had her eyes closed. Then, I guess, she realized she had a toy in her fingers because she threw it on the floor, with her eyes closed, and clasped her hands for prayer as she stood. She also started saying a prayer with him. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO dang cute!!!

Thankfully I was able to hold my laughter till he was done praying but as soon as he was done I was laughing so hard. It was so funny and yet the cutest thing I've EVER seen her do. At a point I wish I could share this with you via video but that would not be a very Spiritual thing to do, so you'll just have to visualize the moment yourself.

Sunday Quote

Today's quote comes from The Muppet Caper. It's not the best Muppet movie but it has it's moments.

So this one comes from the point in the movie where this fashion designer, who is elegant and proper, and her brother, who is a thief and acts like an idiot for his sister to think he's not smart enough to steal from her, are in a fancy restaurant. They are both seated and the fashion designer worries that her diamonds will be stollen and says, "I feel like thieves are breathing down my neck." The fashion designer is looking everywhere but her brother, who is looking straight at the diamonds and breathes on her neck,

"Thieves aren't breathing down your neck."

I love this quote because those who have seen the movie, it's just a funny and ironic moment to have an inside joke about.

Sunday Quote

Because it has been raining out here in AZ for the past few days and it's been a bit chilly I have this quote from my MOTHER about days like these~

Years ago

Me: Mom! My hands are cold!

Mom: So put some socks on!

I love my mother's logic. If you really think about it putting socks on can warm up your hands, though I have to say it takes a while.

I love you Mom!

VeggieTales

Christian has discovered VeggieTales from Netflix and he likes to sing the song.
First recorded.



Third recorded.

Christian's Work

Christian has brought this from school to share with us! Enjoy!

These are bones of the dinosaurs. No wonder they died out.
Dinosaur and a turtle. They have a desert turtle in class now named Crush.

Chrispy and Christian went to a Daddy and student night and made a picture frame.

And for Valentine's Day!

PACKERS WON!

Warning: My husband is a Packers fan!

Chrispy, Christian and Nayeli went over to see the BIG game over at his brother's house. To watch on Joe's projection screen. The camera's flash drowned out the projection but Chrispy was impressed.
Yes, that's Nayeli in the Packers outfit since Christian doesn't fit in it anymore. :)

Christian's 4th!

Before the cake was dangerous!
It's officially dangerous! Run for your lives!

Don't you see the lava heading your way!

I wasn't there to take pictures so this is what you get.

Barely a view of the birthday boy. But I heard he was hard to catch on camera running everywhere.

Chloe

Ain't she cute!

Sunday Quote

I got this book- Painless Grammer -for the fact of writing better. Though I haven't been writing since I've been sick and busy, blah blah blah. In this book though they have some Just For Fun sections. This is the first one.

If this is right- one goose, two geese

Then why shouldn't we say- one moose, two meese

One of my favorite~

If this is right- one die, two dice

Then why shouldn't we say- one pie, two pice and one lie two lice.

Another favorite~

If this is right- one mouse, two mice

Then why shouldn't we say- one spouse, two spice

If this is right- one cherub, two cherubim

Then shy shouldn't we say- one bathtub, two bathtubim

If this is right- one foot, two feet

Then why shouldn't we say- one root, two reet and one boot, two beet

If this is right- one man, two men

Then shouldn't we say- one pan, two pen and one fan, two fen and one can, two cen

If this is right- one tooth, two teeth

Then shouldn't we say- one telephone booth, two telephone beeth

The American language is soooo confusing. No wonder Spanish speakers prefer their language. LOL Heck! I wish I could do sign language have the time but no one would get it in my family!

Sick, Sick, and Oh Yes, Sick!

This house has had it's fill of sicknesses lately and we're still not done.

Recently we had the stomach 24 hour flu. Now its one nasty cold and this time I had it before the kids. Yuck! I missed Christian's birthday because of it. We had the cake made and no one RSVP's anymore so I just had Topher get it done. Thankfully family helped out a lot and I thank them.

THANK YOU!!!!

I got a blessing, and finally went to Urgent Care in Gilbert where I got antibiotics, steroids (not the muscle-building kind), and a cough syrup for sleeping at night. I've slept great since then. *Sigh*

Now Christian has it like I had it. Nayeli doesn't really. She threw up, like Christian and I did but that's it. They are doing better today after sleeping most of yesterday off. And I'm serious when I say they slept most of the day yesterday. It was great!...So they could feel better today, ya know. Today it's like they weren't sick. I hate that they can bounce back like that. LOL

Chloe After Baths

First video was taken a couple weeks ago. Since I have been down with a nasty cold I hope you would forgive me for not setting it up till now. Forgive the Thomas the Train sounds in the background if you care. LOL



This video is the same night a few minutes after the first when I noticed Chris playing with her like a cat. Our cat-dog Chloe. Also I was avoiding Nayeli from being on video because she didn't have clothes on, a diaper yes, but no clothing.



This was taken a few days ago. I'm sorry for the coughing, I tried not to but laughing caught me off guard.

Two Rights...

Chrispy is home this week for Christian's birthday and he's getting a little frustrated with the stuff they pull. This particular moment the kids were bathing, splashing and all. He was about to pull the plug to drain the water but since he hadn't washed their hair yet I took over. I warned the kids sternly not to splash me. As I was putting the shampoo/conditioner in Christian's hair, Chrispy said the funniest thing-

"Do two rights make it wrong? No....Wait."

I busted up laughing. It may not be funny to you but I couldn't help myself- laughing myself to crying. He was going for the opposite and the situation totally reminds me of Bill Cosby saying how parents sound stupid. LOL

Ready For Church

I got this outfit for Christian before we got sick and he hasn't worn it until today. Had to show off the handsome-ness!

Nayeli got this dress from G-ma Jackie, she also hasn't been able to wear it until today. She's so cute!

And fyi- I was finally set apart after church to be the combined teacher with Chrispy for the 15 yr olds at church. Too much sickness going around in this house. Oi!

Sunday Quote

A BUMPER STICKER

said:

CONSIDER

Amateurs Built The Ark, Professionals Built The Titanic

Well this is a Sunday Quote, is it not? LOL

You're A Firework!

Katy Perry isn't one of my favorite singers, but I like a few of her songs. This one happens to be here best. And to be honest the video isn't too bad either. Especially compared to the weird videos people come up with these days. You don't have to watch the video, but I highly recommend you listen to the lyrics. But if you do watch the video I'll have to point out my favorites are the cancer patient and the magician.

Sunday Quote

Bill Cosby Himself

Singing- "Dad is great!...Give us chocolate cake!"

"We are dumb, but we are not so dumb. It takes great thinking and work to keep from working."

A Few Of My Favorite Pix

Do note that getting these kids to smile was somewhat difficult.

I love getting kisses from my Nayeli!

She's so adorable!

I love my handsome Christian.

Christian and Daddy!

So handsome!

Going down the track of life....together.

Daddy and Mommy!

Daddy-daughter time.Tickle time!

Nayeli

Christian's Eyes

Nayeli's Eyes

I don't know why but I love looking at close-ups of my kids eyes. They're so gorgeous are they not?

Thank you Ruth! http://elsagracephotography.blogspot.com/