Pebbles Clan

Andrea's Baptism

2010-08-11T07:43:00.001-07:00

Andrea's 8th Bday Party

2010-07-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

So, I told Andrea that this year we weren't doing a big party, just something simple...I don't know what happened along the way. Truth be told, the party is really for me to let my crafty side come out, but most often it takes over.......

Gift Table

Craft Table

The agenda was to decorate tshirts, flip flops, and headbands first for seven girls

Flip Flop station, curly ribbons and beads

Head band station, with jewels and flowers.

Fabric paint and markers for tshirts too

Home made goodness

The finished t-shirts and no casualties

Isabelle's T-shirt

Flip flops

Playing Wii Dance! So much fun! Strike a pose!

All done!

"ok girls, look at each other, don't look down or up so it doesn't block the camera. I am going to take a picture of your flip-flops" Carolyn obviously didnt hear. She is lucky she's cute.

Headbands

Gift time

Those two logs are ice cream cakes, homemade, but not as easy on the eyes as I thought. Oh well, plenty of sugar anyway!

Guess we should have gotten more swim rings.... It's like watching 10 clowns trying to get into a volkswagen bug...

So we got more swing rings

Andrea is in there somewhere....

Andrea's birthday outfit from Nana... on phone with Uncle Michael who's wishing her a Happy Bday.

TIME FOR MOMMY TO REST!

July 4th 2010

2010-07-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

Left to Right-Uncle Brian, Jordan, Dad, Andrea

Block Party, this is our lawn

Andrea! I love America and sparklers!

Back to Front - Uncle Craig, Carolyn, and Isabelle

Uncle Craig watching things blow up

Sparkly things....so pretty

Jordan lighting them and running

Jordan on the Trek

2010-07-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my son I have to share.

He went on a three day Handcart Trek with the youth in our Stake. It was from Thurs to Saturday, they dressed in pioneer clothes, slept under the stars (no tents) and pulled handcarts up hills, through streams and creeks and learned alot.

It was the most awesome thing I have EVER seen! I am so glad he went. He plays football for his High School and he and a friend were boasting that they would be able to eat a sandwich, text, and run with the handcart the whole time. Well, they weren't allowed to bring phones of course and I was a little skeptical but they did well! They do practice for football in 100 plus weather....soooo

They originally had the group Jordan was in as Group 1, but they literally were too fast and everyone else was way behind, so they moved them to the back and my studly son did pull the cart the whole time--so proud!

It was a great event, well organized with alot of amazing adults to accompany them!

So here is the first photo of a Puerto Rican pioneer :-)

Road I drove to get there!!

The group of 100 plus coming over the hill!!

First Group

Jordan's Group coming and ready to cross creek..

Jordan is second from left in white v-neck

MY SON! SO COOL!

My new routine

2010-07-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

So here is what has helped me LOSE 30 POUNDS (and counting), kick the constant issues with my mobility, and get a hold on the crippling daily fatigue and pain:

Daily EXERCISE !!!
A Gluten FREE DIET !!

I know it is hard if not near impossible to exercise everyday when you are in such pain and have no energy for daily functions let alone exercise, but it works! It took about 2-3 weeks to get through the added stiffness and pain AND to push myself to exercise even though I HAD NO ENERGY. Now granted, exercise for anyone with auto-immune issues is REALLY RESTRICTED because we cannot jog; walk on hard surfaces; use an elliptical machine, stair climber or treadmill; do any aerobics; no weight training; no jarring motions; and nothing too intense to cause damage to the muscles that causes an immune response. SO, what does that leave you with....breathing, walking to the bathroom, and oh yeah a stationary recumbent bike.

So, I do 20 minutes A DAY of exercise 4-6 times a week. I wake up early before everyone else and do my exercise. Sometimes I can only do 10 minutes and if I get really sick none, but that has been limited really. It makes me feel better, less stressed, more energized, and helping me to lose the prednisone weight!

Exercise videos for FREE or minimal cost:

Comcast "On-Demand", Sports and Fitness, Exercise TV, 10-20 minutes work outs. (WITH SERVICE)
www.exercisetv.tv (FREE !!!!-with 3-5 min workouts, 10 min, 20 min, more)
Netflix, "Watch Instantly", Fitness and Sports, type in "10 minute solutions" and pick one (WITH SUBSCRIPTION)

Here are some specific suggestions and my favorites:

Netflix or for purchase:

10 Minute Solution: Target Toning (MY FAVORITE)

Split into five 10 minute segments--Thighs, Buns, Abs, Arms, Power Stretch

10 Minute Solution: Pilates

Split into five 10 minute segments--Abs, Buns and Thighs, Sculpting, Burn, Flexibility

10 Minute Solution: Yoga

Split into five 10 minute segments--Basic, Buns and Thighs, Abs, Burn, Flexibility

10 Minute Solutions: Carb and Calorie Burner (work up to this one)

Split into five 10 minute segments--Slow and Steady Burn, Carb Killer, Power Blast, Interval Burn, Metabolism Booster

For Purchase:

Workout: One-On-One Training with Jackie

Split into three 20 minute workouts (that include cardio)--Abs, Upper Body, Lower Body (work up to this one too--I do this on a good day)

Windsor Pilates: 20 minutes

Exercisetv (my favorite trainers and videos):

Stephanie Vitorino:

Bootylicious Buns 1 (10 Minutes)--works really well to get your butt back after prednisone and to firm it up period!)
Natural Lift Workout: for arms/chest (10 minutes)

Nicole Stewart:

Pilate Abs (10 minutes)
Leg Slimmer Toner (10 Minutes)
Total Body Pilates (20 minutes)

Holly Perkins:

20 Minutes Sweat Workout (work up to this one)
Strength Training (10 minutes)

Jennifer Galardi

Standing Abs (10 minutes, no CRUNCHES)

Lizbeth Garcia

Less is More Pilates (20 minutes)

Tandy Guiterrez

Also most of the videos on exercisetv can be found on COMCAST too.

And lastly, the GLUTEN FREE DIET, so essential! My crazy nurse friend,whom I love, told me that she had read articles about studies showing significant improvement for people with autoimmune diseases (including Lupus) and it was worth a try for me. What did I have to lose? Well, I explained to her that I was a carb addict and didn't think I could live without bread, sweets, etc. I knew and saw the amazing results her autistic son had with the diet --so I tried.

It wasn't cold turkey at first, I admit, I had to slowly take stuff out of my diet...took about 2 months. She sent me some cook books (made for cooking for kids) and gave me some advice and websites and I was off. But HOLY CRUD what a difference! The crippling fatigue and pain was GREATLY DIMINISHED!!!! But, my abdominal bloating and pain was completely gone!!!! And guess what, it helped me lose 10 lbs in 2 weeks! That was over a year ago and I can't imagine any other way. If I eat anything with gluten I know within 5-10 minutes--first the stomach upset and then the pain and fatigue. It is amazing how quickly it happens. They think that people with autoimmune diseases have a leaky gut thing going on and when they eat gluten it leaks into their system and causes an immediate immune response.

So I eat rice, potatoes, meats, veggies, rice crackers, rice chips, etc.......and I bake my own sweets. Takes alot of fast food out of the picture--but how is that bad!

So there, it worked for me.

Memorial Day--BLOW THINGS UP!! God Bless America!

2010-06-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

This is what we did for Memorial Day--we honored America and our soldiers (my father being one) and blew stuff up!! That is how this great country was founded....."the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

Jordan is going to kill me, but here goes.....

2010-05-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

He went to Prom with a friend in a different school, beautiful girl and he looked so handsome I can't help but post these...I nearly cried..what a cornhopper I am

And at long last at 1:30 a.m. when I picked him up and asked how it went!!!

What a stud muffin! Love that kid!

Choir Concert for Girls

2010-05-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

They performed in front of Macy's at Downtown Plaza...so cute! Andrea is all smiles and Isabelle looks like she is in pain (I think she is cold). Isabelle on left front row, Andrea on right in purple half sweater and grey tank.

Dress-Up

2010-05-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

Girls dressed up in Mom's clothes and makeup! Cute, trying to get it out of their system now before Jr. High/Middle School!

Trip to San Francisco

2010-03-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

Paranoid New Yorker wouldn't hand over my camera to anyone to take a family photo....yeah, yeah....I'm working on it people.

Two tier carousel at Pier 39....girls loved it boys.....

Not so much...

Carolyn loved it!

Yaaaaay !!!!!!!

"Come Sister, Mother has said we can go and ride the Carousel. Mother has also promised us warm cider and candied plums..."

Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco

Jordan is ignoring me completely....but you can see his cool glasses so really that is good enough...

Any fountain makes them happy, they are like Mermaids coming home....

Mmmmmm, ice cream at Ghirardelli Ice Cream Parlor

Exploratorium....really cool place..our favorite!

Even Jordan liked it...they had really cool stuff

Jordan called this the iTunes wall...

Tornado that you can walk into....pretty awesome

This was the "Alice in Wonderland" room or at least that is what we called it...

Carolyn seems to be breakdancing and Jordan looks like he's doing the Robot....not sure what was going on here...

We stayed there for a week and did all the touristy stuff we could conjure up....it was fun, but only now that I can look back at it...then, not so much. We were tempted to put the kids on a ship bound oversees and walk away....

My baby turns 3 !!!!

2009-12-18T15:14:00.001-08:00

Isn't she cute ! We still call her baby!! She is so spoiled ! She was so excited

Her sisters frosted her cake for her.

Nolan wanted to help blow out the candles !!!! Bless his heart....

Ok, on three....

This is Andrea....so bored...waiting for her presents.

Misc Stuff - Halloween and Jord's Football Game

2009-12-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

Took this Ghetto style with my cell phone camera--classy ! He doesn't know....so shhhhh don't tell. Jordan is #66--he is in the game on the field. I went almost every Friday, just me and the girls to watch. Dad got off work at 6 p.m. and got there for the last 1/2 hour each time. Go Rosemont Wolverines!!

At the hay bale maze at a place on Apple Hill. Girls were excited, Jordan refused to be in the photo...once again too cool.

View from one of the places on Apple Hill......oooohhhh..... aahhh pretty!

Xmas Tree Search 2009

2009-12-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I've been bad and lazy...no posts....so here goes...

Jordan is soooo photogenic!!! Loves to be captured by the camera. Apparently, he's wanted or something or too cool now that he is a teenager to have his photo taken by his mom......whatever! Luv u 2 Jord!

Cheese!!!! That's Carolyn (L) and Isabelle (R). (Daddy was working, so we flew solo)

Isabelle and Andrea.....we were in car getting ready to go to Grandma's and Grandpa's to go get a Christmas Tree last Saturday at 7:30 a.m.! This was taken at about 6:45 a.m.!!! They were up at 6 a.m. on a Saturday! They were a little excited!

Ready to go guys?! Anybody, nobody....ok...

(L to R) Carolyn, Andrea, Nolan, Isabelle.
This is at the bottom of the hill waiting to get on the truck to go up the mountain.

How cute is she!!! My niece, Claire Riddle.

Uncle Brian on one side and Uncle Craig and some kids on the other.

This is our tree! Pretty huh! Picked it out myself...not bad huh! Anyhoo....Jordan cut it down....what a man!

Who wants to test the flammability of their jackets first kiddies!!??? They kept throwing stuff in the fire...obviously not pioneer material.... This was on the top of the mtn.

Yeah !!!!!! We are going down the mountain....off to pay for the tree and get our annual ornament, hot chocolate, and cookies.

Didn't get a photo of the scary ride down the mountain with the trees, had to hold Jordan's waist to make sure he didn't fall out because he was holding the 9 foot tree! He told me, "Don't worry Mom, if the tree falls out I will jump out with it.." Good plan, huh!

Temple Trip

2009-08-08T19:22:00.001-07:00

We took a trip to the Sacramento Temple for FHE and here are the shots we got (with our phone, cause we are ghetto and our regular one broke). Jordan is MIA cause he was in Colorado, with Nana and Papa, getting a baby sister vacation:

Safety First !!

2009-07-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Carolyn and Andrea ! Carolyn thinks her stuff doesn't stink cause she can swim in a tube now !!! Needless to say Mommy is right by her the whole time !!!! No one drowns on my watch !!

She is ok, hence the hand in the air "I'm ok Mom !"

Isabelle just loves to be safe....and goofy...

But Safety FIRST :-)

Our New Commercial Food Truck

2009-07-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

Who knew that a Dodge Durango can be used as a Commercial Food Delivery Truck too !!! This was from our Costco trip--the poor kids were a little squished!

And the vehicle that brought it all home:

Hide and Go Seek

2009-07-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

We were playing hide and go seek and I have to admit they picked a good spot! Except for Carolyn gave it away with her flashlight!

My Niece and Nephew in Colorado

2009-04-18T20:38:00.001-07:00

Here is a photo of Gavyn-my nephew after eating a blue Cookie Monster cupcake at his 1yr old Bday party!

He really gets into his food...

Gavyn -Poor kid, eating can be exhausting I guess....

Gavyn zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz............

Mischievous smile because someone learned how to climb!!

Someone really liked his Big Sister Taylor's sunglasses!

My beautiful Princess Taylor-who is now 3 yrs old!

AWWWWWWW, doesn't like being told now Mommy said...

Taylor and Gavyn

Carolyn in the WILD

2009-04-18T20:37:00.001-07:00

Carolyn and Simba.....rrrrrrrroooooaaarrrr

Family Preparedness Fair

2009-04-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

Here are the girls at the Family Preparedness fair (Jordan stayed home because he is now too cool to be seen with his parents):

Happy Birthday Jordy - 14 years old all ready!

2009-04-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

Go NUGGETS !!!!!!

Jordan and Taylor singing a tribute to his life and loves.....

Make a wish.......(no need to wish for awesome parents......all ready got those :-)

Awesome Aunt Tracy made this cake for him while he was in Colorado visiting Nana and Papa......

Just like Mom would have made!!! Poor Jordan is always surrounded by little ladies....

Olympic Xtreme Eating by Carolyn Pebbles

2009-04-18T12:05:00.001-07:00

That's right folks, that is an underhanded, upside down, fist bite...only here.

She is thinking about her next move...

Oh, the joy of the sport....

And the winner is----Carolyn Maria Pebbles, representing the US, Puerto Rico, Scotland, England, and Norway!

Ice Skating Trip with the Youth

2009-01-27T20:24:00.000-08:00

I love the youth in our WARD ! We are a small, but awesome group! I just got released from my calling as the Young Women's President of our Ward and I must say I all ready miss them. I love them like they are my own all 17 or 18 of them! This was an ice skating outing that we went to right before Christmas...I'll let the photos speak for themselves!

Xmas 2008

2008-12-25T17:05:00.001-08:00

Oh what peace and beauty.....

Carolyn woke up and chilled with Jordan until Momma got up...

The girls got umbrellas...it doesn't snow here it just RAINS in the winter, and RAINS, and RAINS.....did I mention that it rains for winter. So instead of being cooped up, we put our rain boots and jackets on and get out our umbrellas to go outside!

Liberace.....we got him an electric piano because he is taking piano lessons with a friend.....he's not giving up his day job just yet....

The chaos is ending..... Daddy lit a fire and as you can tell it is a little smoky...bless his heart. He was just trying to keep his woman war.

Carolyn's Bday

2008-12-25T15:47:00.001-08:00

She is TWO YEARS OLD! My baby!

Xmas Tree Search and Photo Shoot

2008-12-25T14:37:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought you could find such a big stinkin' pine cone!

Carolyn with Uncle Brian.

Nolan on a mission!

Carolyn with Daddy.

Up the mountain.

Carolyn taking a break amongst nature. Poor kid was winded.

Carolyn walking with Daddy again.

Jordan feeling manly with his saw.

Looks like he is taking a dump, but he is actually sizing up a tree-to see if it was good enough to take home.

It has taken 5 years to get her to sit on Santa's lap! So we got proof!

I had to put this in a slide show for you to appreciate how many photos it took to get a good one. Our camera has a shutter feature that takes 15 frames a second, so you can choose the best one. It is funny sometimes, because it is like watching a slow motion movie!

Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes

2008-12-25T14:27:00.000-08:00

This was a craft/activity we did with the kids after dinner-just to sugar them up one last time before bed.
Isabelle's

Jordan's

Carolyn loved it-to say the least!

Isabelle's BDAY

2008-12-25T14:03:00.000-08:00

She just turned 5 yrs old (well on Oct 31st). Time for a job! Just kidding...no really, maybe she needs more responsibility.

At School, in costume!

In the morning, opening presents!

This present was her father's idea! It is a giant dog! She has one that is smaller (on giganto scale that is) and she did love it-but it is not allowed outside of the bedroom because it sheds! NO?!

Yup, it can fit four kids!! Fabulous huh! AAHHHHHHHH !!!!! The poor girl can barely lift it off of her bed-because she sleeps with it (or under it) EVERY NIGHT!

It's a pillow, it's a chair, it's a sheep herder, and it's a friend! What a deal.

Gallbladder Surgery Photos !!!!!

2008-12-25T13:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have been slacking...so here is an update....

Here is photos from my surgery...(re-touched of course-to remove stretch marks of course!) I could be a supermodel after all!! God bless retouch technology!

AND NO, I AM NOT PREGNANT--even though it looks like it! Gotta love the swelling! Made me feel like a heffer!

Our week

2008-11-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

Today, Isabelle fell asleep while doing her FAVORITE THING-COLORING! We had to go out this afternoon to get Jordan some new shoes that he was paying for with MONEY HE EARNED! I'm so proud! And then there is that pesky daylight savings time.....poor kid. Carolyn was in bed all ready and I was helping Andrea with homework in the dining room while Jordan looked on. Dad caught her like this! So, of course we had to take pictures first....then put her to bed! She's so cute!

Coloring is hard work!

This is the little picnic area she made in the garage while she was playing with her sister and cousin Reis. She is really imaginative like that. She was wearing a Camp Rock shirt she got for her birthday and playing with her beauty box and umbrella she also got for her bday!

Carolyn and Daddy at Halloween Party at our Ward Building. She was a Princess too. Andrea was a bride and Isabelle was a Princess...but I have no photos--I know I am horrid! I'll just have to have them dress up again so I can take photos--they won't mind at all!

Isabelle at school in her Belle costume! She is such a ham!

Opening up bday presents for the BIG 5 YEAR OLD!!! Daddy went and got her donuts for breakfast! Special treat.

My precious Carolyn sleeping in her Brother's bed for naptime!

This is what happens when I go potty for 2 minutes! Hence the fast pee method I have mastered! This is the work of Carolyn!

And this is our Carolyn's crazy hair after a nap! Daddy thought it was funny and send it to me on my phone while I was out!

We are not alone! Yes on 8!

2008-11-03T07:26:00.000-08:00

I had my Yes on Prop 8 sticker on my desk and Carolyn decided to take action herself....it's her love of stickers that overtook her!

We actually drove by this on our way to, what else, Target on Saturday! I took some photos with my cell phone.......

Then here is a video of the "Yes on 8" crowd on Sunrise this Saturday...

Surgery over

2008-10-24T22:22:00.000-07:00

They took it out!!! WHOO HOOO!! I'm doing good. It took me a while to recover from the anesthesia and my throat was really sore and dry from the breathing tube they had to put down my throat during the surgery...but other than that..... :-)

My tummy was really swollen yesterday when I left the hospital--it looked like I was 6 months along. Now, it only looks like I am 4 months along! So I am still wearing baggy shorts and Matt's tshirts, but that is ok with me! The recovery pain is similar to the pain after childbirth....you know, hurts to cough or laugh and you have to go really slowly when sitting down or turning over in bed....blah, blah, blah.

The doctor did not do the tummy tuck, but man am I happy about that! Then the recovery would have been way worse!

GOODBYE GALLBLADDER!

2008-10-23T00:00:00.001-07:00

Yeah, finally saying goodbye to my gallbladder! GOOD RIDDANCE! Tomorrow is the surgery. It is supposed to be easy...so we'll see :-) I begged and pleaded for the surgeon to do a tummy tuck while he was at it, but he said no--how rude! Oh well, there goes my supermodel career...such high hopes vanishing!

Well, still have the Yes on Prop 8 sign in my yard and on my car...thinking of draping it across my body for Halloween?! Probably would cause a stir....but would give some publicity though.

The whole Prop 8 thing scares me. I can and cannot believe that the world has come to this. Crazy! I discussed it with my Mom, who lives in Colorado and we both were outraged at the fact that gays and lesbians all ready have all of the rights that married couples do under domestic partnership....but that doesn't seem to be good enough! WHY! Now I am going to be forced to accept something that I DO NOT BELIEVE. Better yet, they want to teach it to my children!

Last time I checked, I was the one who carried them for 10 months and then screamed, grunted, and suffered immense pain in labor to birth them! That makes it MY RIGHT to teach them about marriage, love, and life.....NOT THEM! It will be over my cold, dead, brown body when they do. I, along with minorities everywhere, have fought for equality throughout the ages and still fight for it every day.....how dare they ask for tolerance and equality in the same light as my own. Especially when it has all ready been afforded them. That makes me so angry. I am the last one to pull the race card, but not this time. I was born Brown, there is no way for me to hide that...though sometimes in my life I wish I could have. They wish to not only stand out, but be acknowledged, embraced, and counted whether I like it or not!

I have taught my children that everyone is a child of God and deserves to be treated as such. I have also taught them to treat others kindly no matter what they believe or how they choose to live their lives. I don't care who they love or choose to spend the rest of their lives with, but I will be darned if it is shoved down my throat! What I believe is my business and what they believe is theirs. And that should be that....right?! Seems like they are doing to me what they don't want done to them...I don't get it. Prayer is my hope now.

2008-10-18T14:39:00.001-07:00

This is a video regarding a family in Massachusetts (Same sex marriage is legal there) where their 5 year old was given a "Diversity Packet" in school which contained a book entitled "Who's in a Family". The book had pictures and text in it about Homosexuality and some of the text read "Clifford and her Dad's partner Henry".

The Dad and Mom went to the school to complain about it and not being notified. They were told that according to the law they did not have to be notified. The parents tried to fight it and they ARRESTED THE DAD!!!!!

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS!!! OH MY GOSH! That better not be us!

VIDEO

Yes on Prop 8--Recent Incident !!!

2008-10-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

We, in California, are now dealing with the re-introduction of a Proposition that is trying to legalize gay marriage and mandate teachers and educators to teach about alternative lifestyles in our schools to kids even as young as those in Kindergarten! The public, voted the same Proposition down in 2001, but it was added to the Family Code then instead of the State Constitution! So some judges in San Francisco over turned it....so here we are again!!!!!

I am calling around our precinct regarding the issue and asking neighbors to put up "Yes on Prop 8" signs in their front yards. I do not hate those with alternative lifestyles, nor do my family and I treat them differently--but I will not have my marriage mocked, nor will I have my children taught any values, morals, or lifestyle choices anywhere other than in MY HOME!

Also, recently, some friends of ours had a run-in with an opposer on Prop 8 (I am quoting his words, because I cannot tell it better)....

"Real stories of the marriage patrol...so my sign that got slashed was actually a 10 foot by 3 foot banner that was hanging on our wrought iron gate. It had 4 slices in it from our "tolerant" friends from the other side of the issue. So I had to hoist it 10 feet in the air over our driveway 15 feet inside of our gate. So as you drive onto our property now you drive under my Title of Liberty!"

AWESOME!!!!!!

The lines have been drawn, there are no more sidelines or fences to sit on.....

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 22nd to be GAY DAY in CALIFORNIA

2008-09-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

THIS IS REAL!!!! I CALLED AND VOTED MYSELF! IT IS AN AUTOMATED SYSTEM AND IT TAKES 2 SECONDS!!!! VOTE!!!!

Christine

Subject: May 22nd will become Gay Day in public schools by law

This is one we really need to speak up on. Just call the number below and push 1 then 2 then 1 and then 2 to vote no on AB 2567
Keith
AB 2567 has passed the California Assembly and the Senate and is awaiting Governor Schwarzenegger' s signature or veto. This bill will set aside May 22Nd as a special day to c elebrate the life of homosexual politician Harvey Milk in the public schools. Harvey Milk will be honored in the same manner as our Founding Fathers and Martin Luther King, although the only thing he is actually known for is being proud be be a homosexual! If you haven't heard about this bill it is because the liberal media is downplaying this bill so that it will pass.
PLEASE CALL GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER AND MAKE YOU VOICE HEARD.
The Number to call is : 1 916-445-2841, 1, 2, 1, 2
Please forward this to as many people as possible.
Legislature Passes Bill for 'Gay Day' Celebrations in California Public Schools
By Peter J. Smith
August 8, 2008, SACRAMENTO (LifeSiteNews. com) - California public schools soon will be planning 'gay day' celebrations every May 22 unless Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoes the legislation. Thursday the California Assembly approved AB 2567, which designates May 22 as 'Harvey Milk Day.' The 43 to 26 vote occurred on party lines with Democrats for, Republicans against. Earlier this week, AB 2567 passed the California State Senate on another party line vote 22-13 - Democrats for, Republicans against. The bill will require all public schools to 'conduct suitable commemorative exercises' in commemoration of the anti-religious, homosexualist agenda of the late San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk. According to a Senate analysis of the bill, 'This bill requires the Governor to proclaim May 22 as Harvey Milk Day…The designation of a day of significance triggers statutory encouragement for public schools to observe and conduct commemorative exercises suitable to the day.' 'This bad bill will teach impressionable schoolchildren the anti-religious, homosexual-bisexual -transsexual agenda of Harvey Milk,' warned Randy Thomasson, President of Campaign for Children and Families.

'If signed in to law, AB 2567 will mean an official day commemorating homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality in California government schools…This will harm children as young as children as young as kindergarten. ' 'The Democrats are so cocky, they have no qualms about pushing sexual indoctrination upon children in an election year.
For the love of God, parents and their children, we implore Governor Schwarzenegger to veto AB 2567' Thomasson said.

Isabelle's First of Day of School 2008

2008-09-04T21:50:00.001-07:00

Isabelle is usually a vivacious, happy, playful child....never really sad or down. Well, this, Tuesday, Sept 2nd, she was very sad and quiet! So unlike her! As we were at home waiting for her school to start (at 11:30), I asked her why she was so sad. She told me that she was scared and didn't know anybody and was afraid she wouldn't make any friends. Oh my gosh, I nearly cried! It broke my heart to see her like that! I told her that she was a wonderful girl who was funny, beautiful, and that she would make lots of friends. I had to remind her that everyone was new and so no one knew each other. So sad! So you can see in the pictures she looks very worried and sad! MY BABY!

In the car on the way to Kindergarten for Isabelle! Not too excited!

Andrea missed her first day because she woke up at 4:30 a.m. barfing! AAAAAHHHHH!!! Poor kid. She could barely sit up!

Carolyn is oblivious!

In her Camp Rock outfit and High School Musical backpack! She looked soooo cute!

Side shot!

Still oblivious....

Hopscotch can soothe the soul.....maybe.....

Still soothing....with Carolyn's help....

Brave face as she goes in.....

Oh no, nervous again....

My baby!

Maybe it won't be so bad...

Oh, I almost cried! She is so brave.

Big girl.

Not too shabby, one day down! She is much happier now!

For Janie

2008-09-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

Josh got up to get the door.

Brigham started fussing.

My mom went and picked up Brigham.

Josh followed close behind to get Janie.

I was still laying in bed, waiting for Josh to bring me Janie and a bottle.

I heard my mom scream my name.

I jumped up and ran down the hall.

I got there in time to see Josh lifting Janie out of her crib.

She was not breathing.

My life changed forever.

My memory is a bit blurry after that.

I know Josh started CPR, my mom called 911 and went next door to get our Bishop.

I don't know how long it took, but the ambulance team finally got there.

They came in, scooped Janie up off the floor, and ran out with her.

I ran after them and tried to get into the ambulance with them.

A fireman picked me up and put me in my front yard, and the ambulance drove away.

That's when I knew for sure,

I would not see her alive again.

The death certificate gave SIDS as cause of death.

There are over 400 theories as to what SIDS is, or what causes it.

They don't know for sure, and there are no signs or symptoms of it.

I think it is a merciful way for Heavenly Father to take these sweet babies home.

SIDS babies don't struggle or suffer, they just stop breathing.

My intent tonight was to post the photos of the kids' first day of school. I went to my friend Stacie's blog first to check out the photos of her daughter's first day that she told me about. I then read an older blog of hers about the day when her precious Janie died. Janie was a twin and was 8 weeks old when she went back to live with Heavenly Father. Stacie is my best friend here in California and I remember:

When she got pregnant,
When she was trying to tell me that she thought she was having twins
And I didn't believe her,
After her ultrasound, when she called me in tears because SHE WAS RIGHT!
When she kept growing,
When she vented about how huge she felt and how she couldn't walk anymore (at the end of the pregnancy),
When labor began (as we were talking on the phone and I told her she needed to hang up and go to the hospital),
In the Intensive Care Unit when she was trying to feed Janie (Janie was born twenty minutes after her twin Brigham and with the cord wrapped around her neck a couple of times),
When they were blessed at church,
On a normal day (if there is such a thing) with twins,
When I was lucky enough to give Janie a bath and stare into those older, knowing eyes,
A couple of days before she passed as I kissed her cute cheek as I picked her up,
In my jammies at the hospital when my beautiful friend Stacie had to let her go forever,
Many times after that day,
And at the funeral, when my beloved, wonderful friend tried to put on a strong face even though her heart was broken,
Sobbing, like I've never sobbed before (again) when I saw her in her casket,
Feeling like I lost a child of my own, but knowing it was nothing compared to the pain she felt,
Dying inside because I had to see my best friend broken and in pain, knowing there was nothing I could do for her but cry with her and pray for her--feeling so helpless,
Wishing I could take some of the pain for her,
Looking at her now and trying not to break down in tears, so she won't,

Because I love her and I love Janie, I bear my testimony to you all today. I break down in tears everytime I read that passage she wrote or when she talks about her. I have been to many funerals and deathbeds...but never, NEVER have I been so heart broken as I was when Janie died and a piece of my friend died with her. I knew she was an amazing, faithful, and valiant woman before then--but now I stand amazed again. I joke that when I go to heaven, I am going to use her name to get into the gates. It has been her faith, knowledge of the gospel, and testimony of our church--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that has kept her going each day. I am so grateful that I was able to spend time with Janie while she was on this earth and her death has changed my life and taught me so much. Everything seems so trivial and temporary since. Everything worldly, so unimportant. I had a testimony of the Plan of Salvation and of the Gospel before this, but now it has strengthened ten fold. I believe in the gospel, the scriptures, the Book of Mormon, the Plan of Salvation, Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, Eternal Families, baptism by immersion, and of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know it is the true church and that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and his saints on the continent, I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God called to bring us his truth in these latter days and I know without a doubt that I am nothing without it all. I used to be agnostic and did not want to believe in a God that could cause me so much pain and ignore my please for help and comfort. So, when these two young boys, Missionaries, came and taught me about the church, the Plan of Salvation, and prayer I was skeptical to say the least. When they challenged me to pray again, opening with "Dear Heavenly Father" and closing with "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen"--I thought I would try it to prove that I would not get an answer at all (as usual) or about their stupid church. I was surprised that I got the answer to that prayer and it was loud and clear and followed by tears....and the rest is history. After Jesus was crucified and after his disciples were killed, the true church and true, complete gospel ceased to exist on the earth..until Joseph Smith got an answer to his prayer about which church to join. He was told that none of them were true. He found out that they all were missing key truths and gospel. He was to restore the truth and the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth once again. If you doubt it too, do what I did....pray about it...ask...read the Book of Mormon and see for yourself. If not for me, for Janie and for all of those who come to this earth with a purpose and a mission....just trying to get your attention. Trying to lead you to the light which accompanied us all on the way down here and to the truth we were once taught. It seems right and familiar to us here, because we have heard it before...in the pre-existence/Heaven! Next Monday, we as a family, will be giving our neighbors a Book of Mormon with our testimonies in them and the story about Janie. I owe her that much-she gave me the courage to do so. Pray for us :-) I know that Stacie will see and hold her precious Janie again and that her family is Eternal. That was his promise, but we have to earn it....we have to learn how.

This poem was printed on the program of my husband's Grandmother, when she passed shortly after Janie. She knew too and she was so excited to go back home to her Father in Heaven and to be reunited with the four children she lost also (Carolyn, Marcia, Michael, and Jennifer) and the husband that went before her. She knew her family was eternal and she was more than ready.

"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me"

When tomorrow starts without me, and

I'm not there to see;

If the sun should rise and find your eyes,

All filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the

Way you did today,

While thinking of the many things, we

didn't get to say.

I know how you loved me, as much as I love you,

And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,

Please try and understand,

That an angel came and called my name,

And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready, in the heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave

Behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,

For my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for, so much yet to do

It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.

So when tomorrow starts without me,

Don't think we're far apart,

For every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

I am home in heaven, dear ones

Oh, so happy and so bright!

There is perfect joy and beauty

In this everlasting light

All the pain and grief is over

www.lds.org

http://rogers4sofar.blogspot.com

And We Call Her Socks !

2008-08-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

Matt took these pictures! He was not sure what the heck was going on or how she got into the sock drawer (I have a feeling she had two helpers)--but we thought if there was ever a Kodak moment! Quite an outfit, huh !

This much fashion is exhausting I guess!

I'm too sexy for my socks!

She finally let me put pony tails in her hair--which is harder than it looks, because her hair is stick straight and wispy thin! But, she looks fabulous!

Ice Cream

2008-08-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

OH, HOW THEY LOVE ICE CREAM!!!!!

Ronald McDonald

2008-08-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

I thought they would be creeped out by old Ronnie, but they were so excited to take a pic with him! This is Isabelle, made herself comfy!

They both look a little surprised in this one, but still cute.

Andrea and Ronnie.

Carolyn copying big sister Isabelle.

She is learning the words for facial features, so she pointed to his nose for us!

Trip to Lake Tahoe

2008-08-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Andrea and Isabelle in the water with Daddy

CAROLYN playing with the sand and the ghetto plastic cups Mom bought. We lost our sand toys and NO STORES in Lake Tahoe had any! Can you believe that! So I had to use the Puerto Rican ingenuity! Ha?!

Watching her crazy sisters! Isabelle is on the left and Andrea is on the right!

Daddy was so excited to be the lifeguard for the girls! Even from the back, you can see his excitement!

Mommy, Carolyn, and Andrea

Visit to Jelly Belly Factory

2008-08-08T18:39:00.001-07:00

Carolyn with Joy (my friend and wonderful neighbor). This was while we were waiting in line for the tour.

I am sure they were like "just hurry up and take the picture"! I have to torture this generation just like I was tortured or what is the point of procreating! This is Matthew (on top), (L to R) Isabelle, Maison, and Andrea.

I couldn't resist this photo opp! Carolyn, of course, is not sure what is going on....but got in the photo anyway!

One more time!

Gavyn in glasses

2008-08-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here is my adorable nephew Gavyn!!! Too cute!

Andrea's 6th Bday

2008-08-06T18:11:00.001-07:00

My first baby girl turned 6 on July 24th! She got to spend the morning with just me and she thought it was great! First we went to Target to use her giftcard and birthday money. She bought a Princess Bake Oven, Camp Rock clothes, Dress up clothes and hair accessories. Is she my daughter or what!!!!! She is sooooooo girlie! Then we went to Libby Liu in the mall to get her hair and makeup done! She was sooooo excited. She got to pick an accessory and they did her nails---complete with glitter! That was one of her birthday gifts! Then we got lunch. It was a special Mommy and Birthday girl morning. Then we had a small family birthday party with her grandparents, cake and presents (her other birthday party was Saturday with lots of friends).

Haircuts

2008-07-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

Isabelle is getting a haircut--finally!!!!!!! She got a little bob-it is so cute!

Andrea got her hair trimmed and styled straight--she was in heaven!

View from the back! Gorgeous!

Spa Night

2008-07-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

Carolyn got a hold of my lipstick! She needs to learn a little technique, but not bad!

Me and the girls ( I was not all dolled up, but Andrea (in the back) was!

Andrea was having such a good time, because she is totally my DIVA!

I am the Young Women's President in our Ward and last week we had a "Spa Night"! We got the girls all prettied up (not sure if that is even a word) and then we went to get Desserts at a special Dessert Diner! It was so much fun and MY GIRLS LOVED IT TOO!

Picking up Nana

2008-07-23T16:34:00.001-07:00

On the way to get Nana at the airport, at about 11:30 p.m. !

She came to visit and help us and we are SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!

Isabelle kept asking me if "it was time to get Nana yet" ALL NIGHT!

Where r we?

Happy Nana is here! In our driveway on their scooters.

Carolyn in her "ride"

Play Place

2008-07-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

We let them loose for just a bit......

Dress-Up

2008-07-14T22:58:00.000-07:00

This is Isabelle in her dress-up clothes and her jammies!

Then it was Carolyn's turn to play dress up with her Sister's stuff! So cute!

Just Hangin'

2008-07-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

The girls are such big helpers! They want to be big girls and dang'it I am willing to let them practice. Also Carolyn has now become a ham and poses and says cheese whenever anyone whips out a camera.

Visit from Uncle Michael and Aunt Tracy

2008-07-10T18:04:00.001-07:00

Andrea & Gavyn

Taylor

Carolyn trying to give Gavyn his "Bobo"

Are the girls still here.....? (

Triple Chins anyone?

Michael and Tracy suprised us last Sunday at church and brought the kids with them!!!! I was soooooooo excited to meet Gavyn for the first time! He is pretty darn cute, even though he looks just like my brother. He is two and a half months old now and really chubby! We got plenty of shots of his triple chins. The kids were all over the poor kid, especially Carolyn! Which was the first for her! Little Miss Taylor (2 yrs old) got to play with some other girls besides Michael. They stayed with us for the whole week and we finally let them escape on the Saturday after the fourth of July. So sad to see them go!

First Blog

2008-07-10T17:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, bear with me because this is my first attempt at a blog!!! It will probably be mighty sad for a while....so try to get the out-loud laughter and mocking out of your system before you respond or call me up.

So many of my friends have blogs, which I regularly check up on....but I seem to be the only lazy turd that does not have one. I have such a limited amount of time and energy with our four kids + Matt! But..........here goes.........nothing.............much................

Ok so, I am 32 and the love of my life--Matt--is 30! We have four beautiful kids, one of which is crying at this very moment. PAUSE. Ok I re-attached the limb...all is well for now. Anyhoo,

Jordan is the oldest (and loneliest boy in our family), he is 13 years old, soon to be 8th grader. He is smart and becoming funny even. He does not have a girlfriend as of yet, because I think he has had enough of annoying girls/women to last at least another 6 months. His grades were not so awesome last year, but once we threatened going to his school in break dance attire with a cardboard mat and boombox...he straightened up! He loves his beloved XBOX 360, but his Nazi mom does not let him play with it too much. he has chores and complains each time....oh what a joy.
Andrea is next, she is soon to be six (on July 24th) going on 16 if you know what I mean. She is going into 1st grade next year. She is a total Diva and is very girly! She loves fashion, hair, sneaking Mommy's makeup, sparkly things, posing for pictures and jewelry. She is very creative and smart....too smart for her own good. She is also very stubborn (from Matt I think) and crafty when she wants to be. She is also a drama queen, but a sweetie on most days.
Isabelle is the second girl and is four! She is going to Kindergarten and will be five on HALLOWEEN! Yup, born on Halloween like her uncle Brian. It was as magical as you can well imagine. Full of Kodak moments and anesthesia. She is a tom-boy, but girly at times too. So a good mix. Everyone knows she did not get the athletic ability from me! She is "energetic", but is such an amazing girl. She is really good at sharing and using her imagination. She is very smart as well (from me) and loves to dance and sing. She also LOVES to color for hours!!!!! She used to be able to cut and color until she tried to give herself a haircut! She ended up looking like Lloyd from Dumb and Dumber...poor kid. The day after that hair-catastrophe was "operation hair clip"--because we had to run out and buy lots of them so she looked somewhat sane. She has a huge, stuffed animal dog that is her best friend and seems to follow her around--his name is Tuggy!
Last, but definitely not least, is Carolyn who is 19 months old and such a cutie! All of our kids were blessed to be cute and she was no exception. She is such a good girl! Heavenly Father had mercy on me and blessed me with such an obedient, narcoleptic, happy baby for our LAST ONE! She really is great! So smart and chubby. She so wants to be a big girl and adores her big sisters! She is all ready trying to put jewelry and purses and sparkly shoes on. I bought her this pair of sparkly shoes last week and that is all she wants to wear. She brings them to us every time we are getting ready to leave. We are so excited to see her grow! She also thinks the sun rises and sets with Jordan and the feeling is mutual. He is going to be a great Dad one day!

I have recently discovered scrapbooking and genealogy...both of which I have been meaning to do forever! I still have eight thousand diseases, one of which is Lupus.........but I am trucking along. As I get older, it gets harder on me and the ailments pile up....but I am still wishing on a star for the Supermodeling Gig at 35. I've got some work to do yet though, like 3, 5 or 40 pounds to lose. Matt is still serving and protecting and we still actually like each other :-)

I will post the geneology info I have found soon. Ok, till later.....cyp