All Girl

Milli loves to carry a purse around all over the house. She will fight to get it on and its so cute (at least I think so :)). She likes me to do her hair and I am sure if I painted her nails she would love that as well. She also likes to grab a wipe and clean the cupboards or the floor and she loves to play in the play kitchen as well. She likes dolls and she likes to push them around in the play stroller. I guess she has been watching Leah and I... I just hope she only picks up all the good habits. She is a doll!

Its a Millacle!

Today Milli was scheduled to have her skin graft done to repair the 3rd degree burn she had on her right hand. Abuela took Leah and Mylo for a sleep over at her house since we had to leave our house at 6:30 am. We had a TERRIBLE night. Milli woke up and cried all night long. Because we couldn't give her anything to eat past midnight it made the night seem even worse! We got ready and headed to the hospital. After arriving and getting all checked in we got Milli in her O.R. getup, complete with gown, hat and tiny slippers, and waited some more. She was very very busy and restless. After about 30-40 minutes the anesthesiologist came down and told us that we shouldn't be worried, after all she has a higher risk of something bad happening to her on the ride up to the hospital than in surgery (that's comforting, right?). He gave her some 'relaxing' medicine and off we went to the Burn Unit O.R. There we were greeted by some of the nicest nurse and O.R. team and the burn unit staff. I had not met the Dr. who was going to be performing the surgery, but had heard good things of him. He met us in the hallway and as we talked the nurse unwrapped Milli's hand. This was the first time Dr. Morris would be seeing the wound. When the bandage was off the doctor and nurse were so pleasantly surprised. The Dr. said "that looks practically healed!", "really?!?!" That was the best thing we had heard all day. He said surgery was not necessary. The last time we had seen the doc's up there was five days prior to today. Her hand has changed so much. We walked back in to the Burn Unit Clinic to get our next set of instructions and got big hug from one of the nurses who has been seeing us the last two and a half weeks. We only have to changer her bandage once a day now and we don't' have to go in for another week. We really feel this is a miracle, Heavenly Father has answered our prayers! Although Milli is not out of the woods with this injury and the recovery is still not fully done she is doing great. She may or may not have a scar, she may or may not need the compression glove. She will soon be able to fully enjoy our summer.

YAY!!!

Pizazz!

First of all this picture was taken by Leah, of herself. I love it! I think its artistic, especially for a six year old.

On to the next thing. Mylo, Milli, Leah and I were drinking some Diet Coke (there was no Root Beer so the kids got DC as well), mine tasted a little funny. I asked Leah to taste it and then taste her own to see if there was a difference or if I was just going crazy. After she tasted mine and then hers, she took a couple of thinking seconds and said "I think yours has... um... more pizazz". I had to laugh. What a great description on our two different drinks. She is very fun... I can't wait for her to grow up and we get to hang out.

Not Enough Pink

We have been praying for pink, and we HAVE pink BUT its just not healing fast enough. Even though we have been planning on having the graft, knowing that she needs it makes me sad and scared. She needs to have surgery because she is not healing fast enough and the graft will help to protect her open wound, it will actually close it. I think this is a good thing. She obviously needs this done and I am glad to know that this will end soon (sort of). She will have a huge bandage for a couple of weeks and then a fitted glove (pressure bandage) that she will have to wear for about a year or so. They said that we can get some fun colors and we will! I will not be able to change her bandage but we will have to take her up to the Burn Unit for them to change it for us. I am still going to do all the things I have committed to do like Girls Camp. All the babysitting has been set and I am excited for the spiritual uplift that camp will bring to me. I am grateful for all the prayers that have been said in Milli's behalf, please keep them coming, especially Monday (day of surgery). Thanks!!!

Milli Moo Update

Milli is doing really well. She is moving her hand like normal, she gets upset when we change her bandage, she is climbing on everything that she can and is super smiley. We don't go in to the burn unit until Wednesday. And to be honest I can't wait! I can see some definite change on her wound and I see a lot more pink, as a matter of fact I think it looks more pink than white! HOWEVER, Dave and I are not jumping the gun, we are not sure if the healing is going as fast as they would like or if its even making enough of a change that surgery will not happen. Dave and Esteban gave her a blessing last week (as he was on his way home from work). I know that God is watching over her and that is why she is doing so well. We have felt the power of prayer in her behalf. It is amazing how strong the spirit has been the last 10 days as others have prayed for Milli. Thank you for all those that have been so concerned for her well being. I will update again on Wednesday...

In other matters... How is this sweet, angelic child mine!?!? I am starting to wonder if she was mixed up at birth. How can we be so different? Yet, our bond is so strong. How could I be so lucky to have her (and the other monkeys)?!?!

Father's Day

We had a lovely day on Father's Day, well at least Dave did :)

We started our day with making breakfast for Dave, this was Leah's idea. I had planned on making breakfast burritos but Leah said we should make dad his favorite bowl of cereal... hey, no problem! Cereal it is! We greeted Dave with some presents for Father's Day. We gave him a new shirt and tie for church AND a card, I know, we spoiled him (wink, wink)

Dave with Milli, Mylo and Leah early Father's day morning

We love Dave! He is a great father to our little kids. He is stern when he needs to be stern. He is a good listener. He is a good and hard worker. He is loving and caring. He is huggable. He is a good example. He is fun. He is encouraging with our goals. He is a great provider. He is just perfect for us! We love him and feel blessed to have him in our family and for all he does to help us live out our dreams. After these last (almost) seven years of seeing Dave with the kids, its still gives me butterflies to see him having a tender moment with the kids. There is nothing more precious than seeing a father care for his kids and teach them so many wonderful things... I am so glad when daddy (Dave) comes home, GLAD AS I CAN BE!!!

I would have loved breakfast for mother's day... or any day for that matter.
He really did enjoy it.

Abuelo with Gabi, Leah, Mylo and Mason

We don't get to see my dad very often so when we do I like to take a picture. This is a bitter sweet time for me. In one hand I love my dad and he was a great dad when i was young. He always provided and was always giving to us and those around him. He was a good example of being a worthy priesthood holder. He was always a gentleman to my mom... In the OTHER hand, his recent actions still hurt me, deeply. Life is so different, it will never be what it was supposed to be. He is missing out on so much! I hate to admit that I really don't know him. He came by on Friday to see Milli and we gave him gift. I didn't call him on Father's day, I just didn't want to cry... at times I still feel like I need to let the hurt out but its just easier not to talk about it. I still love my dad... I just really miss the person I knew to be him.

Grandpa Al with Mish

On a happier note, Al is very present in our lives. As of late I have been able to get to know him so much more. The man is busy and a social butterfly (Dave did not acquire this trait). He always has done so much for us. He is SO generous. I always laugh a lot when I am around him. He has taken the place of my dad when he hasn't been there. He is really fun and a good grandpa. He doesn't just give the kids everything they ask for to show them that he loves them, rather he shows them with affection. He deserves to be happy. It makes us happy to see him so happy. He is a great guy and deserves great things.

Happy Father's Day to three special fathers in our lives.
We love you!!!

MMMMM... Ribs Outside!

Yet, another reason we just LOVE summer.

I love setting the table outside and preparing these yummy ribs. It just makes me happy. As I set the table the other day, I reflected on how happy these things make me. There is just something special that comes from being with friends and family on a relaxing summer night, its just priceless!

(I really need to SERIOUSLY update my food blog. These ribs will be on it very soon)

Mueller Park Adventures

Last week we joined we tagged along with Maricela and her scouts for a night of fire building, hot dog roasting, marshmallow roasting, mountain exploring, adventure. For a long time we have been wanting to go up the canyon and build a fire and just hang out. We had a great time. It took Dave a very long time to build the fire because all the wood was wet from all the recent rain we have received, but once it was going it was so nice to have a fire roasted hot dog (bratworst for us). We had Mason with us that night as well and that was a lot of fun. I think the kids had a great time. Milli loved it too even though she was stuck in the back pack for most of the time. I love Mueller Park, its so beautiful up there. Leah and Mason saw a snake on the path, but it looked like just a garden snake to me. I am sure we will go back up very soon. We love doing something fun and out of the ordinary. Plus I think we all really needed the 'chill' time.

Update on Milli

* WARNING*
This is not for those who are queasy.... so beware.
The second picture might be a bit too graphic for some of you.

Milli is doing great. She is happy and eating and sleeping like she always does. She is playing like a normal one year old. She loves to climb on things and nothing will stop her, unless Dave, Leah or I physically put her down :) (Leah is a GREAT help with her). I went to the burn unit yesterday and they gave me instructions on how to change the bandage and how often. I have to do it twice a day. I cannot do it alone so Dave holds her hand while I change the dressing. She doesn't like it and cries when it gets washed. It doesn't seem to be making a lot of change but we keep praying something will happen as far as some pink spots. Milli has to be seen every two to three days up at the burn unit for them to see the progress. We have to keep a sock over her dressing so she won't pull on it. Poor thing can't grasp things very well, but she manages very well with her left hand.

Here's a picture of her after her nap, eating one of her favorites, grilled cheese!



This next picture is over her wound this morning after we cleaned it out.

We go back to the burn unit on Tuesday. Wish us luck!

POOR POOR POOR Milli!

Why Poor(x3) Milli?



That is why!
(The pictures aren't clear)

What happened?

Well, Milli and I were up at a church activity where we were learning some sewing skills. When you sew you often need to have your iron ready to press anything down. I was holding someones baby and talking about sewing with the other ladies while keeping my eye on Milli as she walked around when all of the sudden I heard this big "thud" and turned to see Milli was under one of the ironing boards and an iron on her hand! I rushed over, gave the baby to someone and grabbed Milli, who at this point was already crying in Maricela's arms. We quickly put her hand under cold water and then someone grabbed ice. Then Tiffany grabbed Milli so I could call and find out were to take her. InstaCare said I had to take her to Primary Children's. Abuela was at work and I had to have Dave come with me so sweet Sarah came home to watch my kids (God bless her!). We headed up to the Hospital were, after 4+ hours, they told us it looked like a third degree burn. That is the worst of all the burns. Sometimes the skin can look white but once removed the flesh is very bright and red, that would be a secon degree burn. However, once they removed the skin and revealed the flesh underneath it, it too was white! That is the worst case scenario.

What does this all mean now?

Milli is bandaged up. I have already called the Burn Unit at Primary Children's and we are waiting for a cancelation today, but we have an appointment tomorrow. If the flesh starts to show up with little red or pink spots that would be a good sign and it means that there is still live stuff under all of that. If it stays white then that means that they might have to do a skin graft, meaning they would take skin form her own body and replace that missing skin on her hand. I pray that some pink and red start to show up. I would hate for Milli to go through any more pain. Third degree burns take a very long time to heal. They often leave very bad scars and it also can restrict the movement to areas affected. The top of the hand doesn't have a lot of fatty tissue or even flesh so I worry about that as it heals. Now its just a waiting game.

I feel absolutely terrible. This could have been prevented. I cannot imagine the pain she must have felt! She is doing so good. She was a trooper through the whole thing. I know things like this can happen but I feel horrible that I wasn't watching her more closely. I love that little monkey more than I can say. She is resting and acting like herself.

We LOOOOVE Summer

Summer is the best time of the year for us....

We love to get our snow cones...

We loooove to go to Cherry Hill. All our Uboldi cousins have passes as well and its a big party when we go. Abuela comes as well and its a a great time for all of us to be together. There is nothing better than to have the kids enjoy the water, and I, the sun! I love it!!!

I feel so well planned out in the summer. I know that I have to get all my house work done before going to Cherry Hill so when we come home all is done! Plus I organize all my meals and I don't have to figure out what we are having an hour before dinner. I also love that the kids are so tired that they are very willing to get ready for bed and IN bed.

I am so thrilled for summer!!! Now I just hope all this is June rain will be gone during the day... let it rain at night!

End of School Celebration!!!

YAY! School is finally out! Leah's last day of school was last friday and we all celebrated by going to the movie theater to watch UP. It was such acute movie. It was our first time all going to the movie as a family and it was wonderful! Milli sat still for the first half of the movie the other half was spent roaming the isle. Yes, I am one of those parents :)

Leah, Dave and Milli looking happy and ready to watch the movie. We of course enjoyed butter loaded popcorn and some fountain drinks.

I just loved this end of school celebration and I think it should be a tradition from now on in our family.

Making me happy...

Why is it...?

Why is it that when we are in a bad mood we take it out on the ones we love the most?

Why is it that when we are feeling fat we eat all the things that have gotten us to that point?

Why is it that when we want to have a great day at church the kids seem to behave their very worst?

Why is it that dinner has to be ready at a certain time and that I always have to be the one to make dinner? (this is not a requirement from my husband, rather my own)

Why is it that when we are living our dream we are unhappy?

Why is it so hard to always do what is asked of us, when what is asked is so simple?

Why is it that our loved ones choices affect our lives so much?

Why is it that we want to have curly hair when God has given us straight hair?

Why is it that we want more kids when the responsibility of just one is HUGE?

Why is it that life is so hard at times?

Why is it that we feel so alone sometimes when we are surrounded by people who love us?

Why is it so hard to be a mom?

Why is it so hard to say "I'm sorry"?

Why is it so hard to have a clean and organized house?

Why is it so hard to break bad habits and create new habits?

Why is it so hard to say no to those Limon Chips when they are not good for you?

Why is it that our muscles still hurt after a week of no exercise?

Why is it that we don't have time to do all the things we want to do, even when those things will bring happiness to those we love?

Why is it that we choose to waste our time watching dumb shows on TV when there is so many other things that we could do, that would help us feel so much better about everything?

Why is it so hard to get our priorities straight?

Why is it that we want to run away or escape, when all we have ever wanted is right under our nose?

Why is it that my kids are so forgiving and God has been so immensely giving to let me borrow them for this short period in my existence? (I often feel unworthy of their sweet spirits, I know I am not the best mom they could have... but I love them more than I could ever say)

I have been feeling like this for a while. I have no idea why. I just want to be happy and content with what is now! I feel like Negative Nellie and I hate feeling that way. I guess I should just tell myself, "this too shall pass".

San Diego Re-Cap

San Diego was a blast! When we arrived we checked in to the Hard Rock Hotel in Down Town San Diego. I didn't get a picture of our room, but it was really nice. They gave us goody bags for our race that included water, vitawater, granola bars, band aids, chap stick, nuts and a salt bath thing. It was a nice surprise to feel like they were REALLY expecting us.

After checking in we went across the street to pick up our race packets and get loaded on the free goodies at the Expo. They had all sorts of great things and the Expo was really nice. After picking up our packets we met up with Maricela's family at a Mexican restaurant. They serve only a few items. I had to tacos and a rolled taco, they were really yummy! Best of all Maricela's family is ABSOLUTELY wonderful, so much fun and always a great laugh. After hangin' out for a while we went to _________ I can't remember the name of this place, but it was really cool. They had some cool sculptures and we posed for some pictures there. We also did some window shopping and enjoyed some yummy fudge, carmel apples and other chocolates, YUM! Heston took us back to the hotel and we went right to sleep... we were beat.

Day two was filled with activity. We took the trolley to meet with Heston. The trolley is a lot like trax but it was still fun to ride it. We were greeted with DELICIOUS breakfast burritos by Theresa, Maricela's mom. I cannot begin to describe these burritos, but I had THREE! I know where Maricela gets her cooking skills from. After breakfast we headed back to the Expo to get BIL packet, it was very crowded. We went to the beach over the Coronado Bridge, it was really nice. The weather was cloudy and a bit breezy all weekend, but the beach was still nice and relaxing. We went to In-n-Out Burger to enjoy some yummy lunch, then off to a pedicure to get all the sand off the toes. We also went to the mall and wasted our time with a hair lady and then had to walk 10 block to get to the restaurant. We ate at the Old Spaghetti Factory and it was packed! But still it was really nice.

Day three was the big day where we ran the race and at the end our husbands surprised us with a leg massage. The spa at the Hard Rock is really nice. After our vigorous massage we sat in the steam room for a while and it was so relaxing. We then went to the hut tub and that was fabulous. We were starving and we knew that Theresa and Veronica, Maricela's sister, were going to make some delicious food. Theresa made Birria, its a Mexican dish basically a stewed meat with lots of seasoning that is to die for, served with rice, onions and cilantro, SO SO SO YUM!, and we also had some freshly home made corn dogs, I didn't think a hot dog could be so tasty. We took a long nap and then ate some more. Went back to the hotel and fell asleep again! We were SO tired after our run.

Day four was very short. We had breakfast and then headed to the nicest Mexican store I have ever seen. They had all sorts of delicious looking sweet bread and the purpose of our trip there was to buy freshly made tortillas. Maricela always brings back several bags of these tortillas and she loves them, so I brought a bag back as well. These tortillas are SO SO SO good! Dave loved them and the kids have loved them too. Now I am wishing I would have brought more. After saying our good-bye to my new found friends we headed home.

I had really missed Dave and the kids. I came home to a walking baby with two new teeth!

I had a FANTASTIC time in San Diego, I sure hope I get to visit again!

I ROCKED 26.2 Miles!!!!

I can't believe I have accomplished this great task and goal! It has been so hard on my kids, husband and I. This would be difficult for anybody but when you add kids, husband, work, callings and other responsibilities to the mix it makes it that much more difficult to train. I have been blessed with great supportive people around me, I could not have done this on my own.

(Me, Maricela and Ben after the race)

Maricela and her BIL Ben also participated in the race and all of Maricela family was there to support us. (We had a fabulous weekend in San Diego... I will post about our adventures on a later post). I am not very familiar with San Diego, so that helped me not know how far I had to go or where I was. I was so nervous all morning, I was afraid that I wasn't going to be able to finish. There were several bands and lots of cheerleaders and LOADS of people handing out water, food, snacks, otter pops and Cytomax. It was overwhelming at times, to see complete strangers look at you and see that you needed that bit of a push and their encouraging words were wonderful to hear. There were lots of people dressed up in funny looking outfits. At one point as we were running through Down Town, I saw two people dressed up in Star Wars costumes. One was dressed up at Chewy (FYI- That is Leah's nickname) and the other one was dressed up in a Darth Vader costume, it made me think of my kids at home. I know that in the future they will be so proud of me and perhaps we will run a marathon together :)

(The course map)

There were several times where the run got hard. We had to run on the freeway for like 5 or 6 miles and the freeway was tilted to the left so it made it hard to run for that long on a non-straight road. We also had one mile of down hill that was killing my legs. I also had a hard time when I got to mile 22.5 because you go down one side of the road and back up on the other, I just wanted to run on that road once NOT down it and back up! I knew I only had a few more miles to go and I also knew it was possible. I had planned in my mind before the race that I was going to approach the race in segments. I focused on the first 13.1 miles, once I got there I told myself I could run six more and then three more and then the home stretch. Focusing on the smaller numbers made it easier on my mental strength. At mile 23ish a lady handed me water and I must have looked like I was about to loose it, she said "You got this! Way to go!" She was right, I got this! As we arrived at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (that is where the race finished), seeing those men in their uniforms was the best thing EVER. I knew the end was near!

(Me at mile 5ish. running through Down Town)

There were tons and tons of people there rooting for us! It was amazing! The journey has been long and hard, but so SO worth it. Just as our journey of life is. It is long and hard, but worth it! It is seriously indescribable how I felt and how I feel now. I really feel like I can accomplish ANYTHING!

I finished in 4hrs. 44mins. and 45sec. ..... I FINISHED!!!

I am incredibly thankful for my husband, kids, mom, running partners, and friends for helping me through this amazing journey. The encouraging words, the early mornings with the kids while I went on a training run, the free babysitting and most of all your support. I seriously could not have done this with out you. I am also thankful to my Father in Heaven for giving me this body, even these amazing chicken legs, so that I can run a marathon! THANK YOU ALL!!! My heart is so full!