Florida Trip: On the way back

We were not feeling well on the way back. Milli was still fighting her fever, Mylo was feeling sick and achy, I was feeling like crap and super tired. Needless to say it was a less than pleasant flight back. Both of the kids cried and Milli got soaked with a glass for water and she also soaked me. We were the ones people hat to fly close to. The lady with the two crying kids who kick you all the way to the final destination, that was us! :) It was so nice to see Dave and Leah and get back to some sort of a routine and being back at home was also really nice. Dave had the house all ready for us. He had cleaned the windows inside and out so that was a nice surprise :)

We found out later that Milli and Mylo both had strep and Milli also had an ear infection. We had some crazy virus that put my aunt in bed for a couple of days. Milli and Mylo are doing better and are on antibiotics... not sure if they are working, but Mylo sure sounds "sexy" :)

Florida Trip: Family

These pictures do not represent all the family we got to see, since all the boys are missing. But the best part of the trip is seeing the family. Marilu and Maggie, two of my mom's sisters live in Florida. We hung out on Friday all day. Went to the beach, then got all dolled up to go the mall let the kids play. It was fun to spend some time together. I love to see my mom and her siblings together. They all have so much love for each other and its a wonderful thing to have family close. I think my grandmother (Hilda) did a great job at keeping her family together. We are all friends and we can always continue right were we left off. We had some good laughs, but most of all my aunts are great examples, each in their own way :)

Florida Trip: Old Friends

First of all I sucked at taking pictures this day. I always love seeing old friends, and Wendy and I were inseparable prior to marriage. We always had a great time together. She is such a sweet girl!

Wendy picked us up Wednesday and we just hung out for the afternoon. We went to the mall to find the kids their Disney shirts and later to Checker's a fast food joint that has THE BEST fries. Then we hung out at her house. Its so nice to be able to just hang out with somebody you feel so comfortable with. I clearly remember getting ready for go out when we were 'young'. ... Oh the good ol' days... I miss them some times :)

Her kids are very nice and very cute and they called Mylo, "Michael". Not sure why but I thought it was funny. I would have loved to have been able to see her again but our time was so short in Florida I only got to see her that day.

Love ya, Wendy!!!

Florida Trip: Disney

We went to Disney's Magic Kingdom and it was so much fun!

Since we has booked the trip Mylo was not thrilled to go, but once there he had a fantastic time. When he saw the Disney sign he was so excited! Milli had no clue what was happening but once there she loved every minute of it. Above, we are in the car on our way there and on the train to the entrance. It was SO hot that day. We all looked good for about five minutes then it was over.

We waited in line to see some of the characters and it was really cute to see Mylo and Milli with them. Mylo gave Daisy a big kiss on the lips and it was really cute. Milli LOVED the characters and she waved at all of them.

We saw Buzz and he 'said' Mylo's hair was cool, that was funny, since I have been wanting to cut it and Mylo doesn't want me to. I love the Buzz ride, its fun and interactive. Mylo got to drive a car and I must say he has a lot of work to do. We also went through Minnie's house and that was a lot of fun as well. We also got to see Tiger and Pooh Bear and they were so nice! We saw two parades and the kids really enjoy that as well.

Although I didn't think the kids would have handled staying until the light parade at night we were able to stay and watch it. It was really neat. Mylo loved it and Milli really LOVED it. We also saw the fireworks and it was just a blast!

The not so good: We figured out that Milli had a fever and needed medicine. She fought that fever all day.
The good: We got free medicine (twice), free ice cream from a cute french worker boy, and free fries. Nothing is ever free at Disney, so that was a nice surprise.

We really LOVED it! It was fun to dress up in our Mickey Mouse shirts and do all the things we did when I was growing up. I would love to go just with Dave :) some day. It would be a blast to take all the kids when they are all a bit older as well. It was a great memory. I hope Mylo doesn't forget it.

Florida Trip: The Beach

We went to the beach two times while there. The weather was perfect! The water was perfect! The sand was so fine and soft. The kids LOVED it. They played on the waters edge the whole time. They gave me a sand scrub on my legs, we splashed water on each other. It was relaxing (or as relaxing as going to the beach with two little kids could be).

The second day we went my aunt Marilu came with her grand daughter Gabi. It was nice to see her as well and hang out. Gabi is such a cutie pie.

The kids were wonderful!

Florida Trip: The plane ride there

We left Monday (21st of Sep) on a non-stop flight to Tampa, FL. I always worry how our ride will be but I had two GREAT kids and my mom was a great help. My mom came with us and that was really fun. her b-day was a month prior and we have so many miles we decided to 'treat' her to a trip to FL.

My mom sat behind us, so Milli kept on going back to her every few minutes. Mylo was the BEST traveler ever. He was polite to the guy sitting next to him and he just played his DS.

Mylo was not sure about going on a trip without Leah. He really enjoy it though.

Long Live Mr. T

I got to meet "Mr. T" last friday at the Dew Tour. It was so surreal to see "him". One of Dave's buddies (Neff) met this guy on myspace or something like that and had him come to the Dew Tour. Needless to say he was taking pictures left and right with a bunch of people. Its amazing how much he looks like the real Mr. T, who is very old and ill. He was a good sport and super nice.

Letters to Dave and Leah

Hey Dave and Leah,

We miss you but we are having a great time in Florida. We have gone to the beach and had a wonderful time there. However, the Florida humidity is killing me! Mylo, misses you, Leah. But he is slowly adjusting to being the one in charge :) Milli had a terrible night sleep the first night but she is doing GREAT today. We are excited to go to Disney tomorrow. However, knowing that Mylo is not very adventurous like you (Leah) is making me a little nervous. I also remember the fun times we had when you and I came a few years back. This time we are all matching in Disney shirts so we will be a bit nerdy but that should make it really fun. Pray that no rain comes down on us.

I hope you are having lots of fun together!

LOVE YOU TONS!!!

Lau/mom, Mylo and Milli

Remembering Karen

Today marks one year since we said "good bye" to Karen......

This picture was taken at the last family get together with Karen.

We miss her so much!!!!

As Dave and I talked about Karen last night I realized how blessed I was to have such an amazing mother-in-law. She was also such a great mother to her 8 children. I wonder if she is raising the little boy she lost at 8 months of pregnancy or if she is actively doing genealogy work on the other side of the veil as she did here.

I have constant reminders of sweet Karen. When I run I often listen to Josh Groban's "To Where You Are" song. Every time I hear it I think of Karen.

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memory, so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be (?)
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday'
Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away not far
To where you are

I know you're there
A breath away not far
To where you are

She was always encouraging with my running. She would always ask me how my long runs had gone on Saturdays. I wish she would have seen me accomplish my marathon, even though she thought I was crazy for doing it :)

The short time I knew her I never understood why I made such an effort to see her almost weekly. And why we had formed such a bond. Now, I realize that I would cherish those moments with her forever!

She was such a great example of what a true friend is really like. She never forgot our birthdays, she would always change her recipes up to please us, she was a good listener, she was kind and always thoughtful.

Karen was not touchy feely kind of person and she never really said I love you to us. But, mother's day of 2008 (there was big fight, nothing more should be said about that day), she wrote Dave and I a letter. One we will always treasure and remember. In it she expressed her love to us. Later that day I called and we both cried on the phone knowing that we didn't like to see each other be hurt. She was so understanding and our bond grew closer than before.

She always showed interest in our kids (as any grandmother should). The kids all know grandma's signature phrase and we often repeat it at our house, "I suppose." It always made us smile. She was always so glad to see us come over for a visit. It was always so comforting to know we could come over unannounced and she would lend an ear, and listen to our latest gossip or gripe :)

We miss her tons! Words can't express the void in our hearts and in our lives. I know I will see Karen later, I know it!

..... We can't wait for that day!

Daddy Daughter Date: Ice Cream, Park and Pictures...

Dave took Leah on a date the other day. The date consisted of ice cream at Dairy Queen, Leah's choice and some park time at a new park. Dave always takes great pics of our little monster model and these are just a few of my favorites.

The classic pose....

Her real crazy self....

This is hard work, but with her tongue sticking out I am sure its a lot easier...

Cute and sweet and always her own 'posing'...

Praise the Heavens!!!

One of Dave's monthly clients put all of the projects on hold the last month. And being self employed we depend on those monthly clients, this was scary and VERY frustrating, to say the least. To add to that, the economy is scary and as he works in an industry where people are apt to cut budgets quickly on advertising (crazy thought), we were apprehensive about what to do next. BUT... Dave just got of the phone with them (the monthly client) and THEY ARE BACK ON TRACK!!! YAAAAYYYY!!!!!

Fat Boys and Cousins

Labor Day Sidney and her kiddos were driving back from ID. So we met them at the park and then had burgers at home. It was a lovely unexpected visit. The kids had a great time and Sid is just a fun girl. She has a great laugh! After dinner we had some Fat Boys and made sure all the cousins ate them outside. They were filthy when they were done. Still they enjoyed it.

I must say that Dave hates Milli's 'outfit'... it is a little trashy :), OH but she LOVED that day!

Legos

TONS of Legos have been invading our family room for a week now. The kids have spent hours building things and playing together. Its been great. These were all of Dave (and his brother Scott) Legos, so thank goodness Al and Karen saved them. Now I think they can be ours :)

Although Leah looks less than thrilled, she was.

FHE: The Zoo

Last week we went to the zoo for FHE. It was fun to go with Dave. The zoo was empty and it was very relaxing.

The orangutans seemed to be very friendly! When we walked up to see them, Milli and I just stood right up to the window. Eli, the one with the big huge cheeks, saw us eating some fishies and grabbed a stool and sat right in front of us. He was at eye level and just started at us with big brown monkey eyes. After a few minutes Eli, opened his big mouth and tried to get us to share with him and as much as we would of like that we couldn't. Still it was really cool. He was licking the glass and slurping his tongue all over it. It was a little gross but, still so neat to be that close to such an amazing animal. He needs a seriously long visit with the dentist :) His hands were so impressive and I think he looks like a very sweet orangutan. I certainly won't forget that 'connection'.

Dave is usually the photographer at our house, but I managed to get some got shots as well. I love this one of Milli and Dave walking together and the one below of some sloppy kisses for Dave and Leah and Mylo hugging in the background. I love it!

Milli, Mylo AND Leah all on the elephant truck. I love these monkeys... They seriously make me so happy, even when i am mad at them!
I also LOVE these two handsome and funny boys. How could I be so lucky?

One last picture... I love Leah and Mylo's expression, they look like siblings. Now Milli, I am still not sure.

Thank Goodness for Infomercials

The last week we had no cable (it was horrible :)) Dave got an atena so we could at least watch the local channels, while we waited for our new DVR to come it. The kids got hooked on Qubo, its a local channel for kids. Lots of cute cartoons and LOTS of infomercials. Mylo, our early bird, has been hooked on these infomercials. Its been really fun....


Early one morning Dave came upstairs and Mylo ran over to him and said, "Dad, mom really needs the instyler. Really she does!" I could hear Dave laugh and said "Oh really?" The instyler is a hair styler that combines a flat iron, curling iron, brush and who knows what else. But the infomercial says it doesn't damage your hair, rather it makes it shinny and healthy. Later that same day, I was at the fabric store with Mylo and Milli and Mylo says, "mom, you really need the instyler because the thing that you are using is damaging your hair and its not good!" All said with a very serious face.



Today, as I was making a snack for the kids Mylo says, "mom you need the perfect brownie pan, because it makes them all chewy and you can cut it really fast". I told him he can get it for me for Christmas :) The brownie pan has some sort a cutter that give you perfectly cut brownies and you can make other amazing treat in it.

Its funny to see and hear Mylo (and Leah at times) almost repeat word for word the infomercials or at least the very important parts. I also think its sad that he knows this stuff, they don't watch that much TV. Maybe 45 minutes in the mornings.

Flexible

or hungry...

Big Sister

When something happens to Milli she always cuddles until she is happy again. I must admit we all take advantage of her need to cuddle. I took this picture on one of those occasions. I love the sweet love these sisters hold for each other. It so cute to see Milli can also be comforted with her big sister. And Leah's motherly instinct and desire to help her feel better is just priceless to me.

A Challenge and Some Help Needed

So I was checking blogs when I found this picture ^ of Melissa and I. The picture was taken about two weeks ago and HOLY 'COW' that body looks way to big to fit my seemingly small head! Melissa was also griping about her weight and I have challenged her (and I, and whoever else wants to join) in loosing 25lbs by Christmas. I think its very doable for the both of us.

I need some motivation. I simply have NONE right now, NONE! Hopefully this will get my lazy rear up off the computer chair and back in gear. If you want to join let me know. We will go out to dinner around Christmas time to celebrate our success!

***********

I need your help!!!!!!

I have been thinking about cutting my hair, about chin length. What is YOUR opinion? Should I or Shouldn't I?

I have been tired of my hair and I feel like I need a change. Be honest. I won't be offended.