Alone... yet always surrounded

Disclosure: This is a "churchy", emotional, spiritual post.

I was in a quiet private place in my house the other day when I pulled out the Ensign. It just so happened to be the April 2009 issue. The page was turned to Elder Uchtdorf's, Sunday morning talk, "The Way of the Disciple". He is a great speaker and I love his talks, so I started reading it. Later on in the week I pulled out the same Ensign to thumb through it again, There was a paragraph that stuck out to me in that same talk.

"Let us remember..... that the restored gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has the power to fill any emptiness, heal any wound, and bridge any vale of sorrow. It is the way of hope, faith, and trust in the Lord".

I have felt empty and alone lately. No specific reason why, but I have. Reading that talk helped me remember how to fill that void. I hate feeling like I am not doing what I know I should be doing. Its hard to do everything we have to do in a day and then go beyond and serve others, especially when we feel alone and empty ourselves!

I am certainly not alone! And I know I am not "empty"... I have a growing acrobat inside me!!! :) Yet, the feelings of emptiness are still there. Like something is missing. The problem always starts with me. I am the only that can fix that empty, alone feeling. Nobody else can do it for me.

Perhaps I am over analyzing my life right now, my every move or the things that I don't feel I am doing just right. The feelings of inadequacy.... However, there is only one way to fill that void... and I know what it is!

The picture really has nothing to do with my feelings. But, I am surrounded by people that I love and they love me! Dave is always home and ready to hear my complaints, worries and annoyances. The kids are always there to remind me of this precious role of mother that I get to play. I am certainly not alone, I am surrounded by love, running noses, toys every where, laundry, smiles, slobbery kisses, tiny pats on my back and sweet voices calling me "mom", and a supportive husband who constantly encourages me to do what I love to do and puts up with my crappy pregnant cooking :)

Mylo Funnies...

The other night while I was in my craft area :) I heard one of the kids cough. It was late and I thought for sure they had to be sleeping. After a couple of minutes I heard what I thought was crying, but it was a weird cry. I went to investigate further. I found Mylo laughing SO hard in his sleep. I tried to wake him up to make sure that he was ok and not in some sort of pain. He wouldn't wake up. I called Dave down stairs, because Mylo was CRACKING UP! It was really funny! I could hardly contain myself. After a few minutes of watching him. Dave was able to some what wake Mylo up to take him to the bathroom, so much laughing can cause bed wetting and I was not about to deal with that. As Dave was taking Mylo to the bathroom Dave asked Mylo what was so funny... Mylo's reply

jijijijiiiiijjeeejjajajaa " Pequeno " jajaajejjejjiiiii

He laughed and said the spanish word for small. Not sure what was so funny about that but Mylo continued to laugh all the way to the bathroom and back to him bed. It was so cute and funny to watch him laugh so hard in his sleep. Now we call him "pequeno" just for fun :)

Spring Break: Day SEVEN

I stole this collage from my SIL, Maria :) Thx!

Our week came to an end.... boooo! All that was left to do was pack up and clean! It went by fairly quickly, untiiiiil.... We had some plumbing issues. The dispose-all got clogged and Drain-o didn't fix it... rather it made it MUCH MUCH worse. There was water coming from some random place in the hall way and there was water EVERY where in the kitchen. We were able to contain it and re-clean the floor. We called a plumber and the problem was quickly solved... However, we could have left two hours earlier. Abuela and I stayed home to see that the plumber fixed the issue (I felt partly responsible, since I was the one using the dispose-all at the time), while the others took the kids to the park and to get some lunch. Once everything was in order we took off, sadly!

The week was so wonderful! So many great memories where made and friendships strenghthened.

The trip back to Vegas was rough. There was tons of cars and some serious traffic, but once we got there it was nice to see the Vegas lights. We rode down the strip and looked at all the lights. Then we had dinner at the Cafe and enjoyed a great night at the Hilton.

The next morning we headed to St. George for a quick D.I. stop were we all scored some fun "new" things. Then on the road again for what seemed to be a VERY long ride back home. We had stand-still-traffic and it was so bad that we took Milli out of her carseat. We were all exhausted from the week that it was hard ride back.

The BEST part of the trip for me was when we had returned home. It was fun to reflect back on the wonderful people that make up our family. I felt that we were all closer. The kids are truly good kids and great friends for each other. I really hope we get to do it again next year and make it a new tradition :)

The only way this was possible was through Greg and Marty and their generosity to our family. They are awesome!!!

Spring Break: Day SIX

We had a two day pass at Sea World (it was the same as a one day pass). We only had a few things left to do and Milli was feeling like herself so it was nice to see her enjoy it, finally.

Sea World wouldn't let me ride the baby rides.. AT ALL! So Dave got to ride the Elmo Flying Fish ride two times! Lucky!!! Then the kids played in the kiddie land... Mylo was too short and not interrested in going on the big kid ride, so that worked out perfectly. We hardly saw Leah this day, she just wanted to hang out with Gabi and Mason and be a big kid. (Thanks Amy for taking her along).

I love these pictures of Milli having fun! So nice to see she was enjoying herself.

For a very long time Mylo has said that Bert is Dave and Ernie is him. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a picture with them. :) I think Dave looks funny inbetween those two... jajajaa

Then we headed to the beach for the rest of the day. It was BEAUTIFUL! The kids and Dave worked on digging a huge "hut tub" for the better part of our stay there. They put their Easter goodies to work! Built a "fort" so the water woulnd't destroy their "hot tub" and had a great time doing it. After that Dave, Leah and Gabi tackled the waves in VERY cold water. Dave took his go-pro camera that can get wet and it was really fun to get shots of the kids playing AND the "girls" (Maria, Amy and I) running into the ocean... that will never be posted on this blog, but its quite the sight :)

Maria and I are just a few weeks apart in our pregnancies. We dug out some holes in the sand for our protruding bellies and ever growing boobs. It was SO relaxing to lay on my belly again, but we got washed out by the ever rising tide. It was fun while it lasted and we had some good laughs during the process.

That night was my favorite. The kids ate then for the first time the adults all sat at the kitchen table, laughed and enjoyed eachother. It was fun to all get dinner ready together.

Spring Break: Day FIVE

Marcos, Maria, Esteban, Amy, Kids and Abuela all went to Disney. We chose to stay back and just hang out. It was a lovely day. Although it started out a little rough with a visit to the Clinic to see what had been plaguing Milli for the last few days. We found out that she had a double ear infection! Poor baby was miserable. All she wanted was me all the time. It was not easy... even though I secretly love that she wanted me and nobody else. She cuddled all the time and did what she never does, she slept with us! She just wanted to be close to mom ALL the time. After the clinic and getting her a one time dose antibiotic we headed home for lunch. We had to literally force Milli to take her nasty medicine and once she took it she fell fast asleep. Dave stayed home (to rest as well) while the kids and I spent time at the beach.

It was SO nice! The kids played in the sand and water and I just laid on my towel loving every minute of the scenery and peacefulness that only the beach can bring :). Plus the break from having Milli attached to my hip was VERY nice. Leah and Mylo built some sort of sand path that was very shallow but they were doing it together and didn't fight... that's all that matters.

We got ready to head home and Dave called saying Milli was almost 100% better. The miracle pill was working wonders on our sweet baby. We decided to celebrate her quick recovery and went to Cheesecake Factory. We got right in and that was a very nice thing. Milli got these sunglasses at Sea World on the first day and she LOVED to wear them ALL through dinner. We all enjoyed a delicious dinner and each other.

Then we just drove around and found a lovely place to watch the sunset. It was too cold to stick around to see it actually go down... plus it wasn't that impressive :)

It turned out to be a much better day than we thought it would have been. Thank goodness Milli's medicine kicked in so quickly.

Spring Break: Day FOUR

Sea World and the Beach

We all headed to Sea World after packing our lunches. Leah, Mylo and Milli have never been there and they were very excited to go. We had a great time and its really incredible to see these amazing animals! I got a little teary watching "Shamu". It was simply incredible to see them preform their stunts. The kids were very fascinated with the sharks, eels, whales, dolphins, rays and ALL the goodies that could be had as well.

The shows were enjoyable, for the most part. Milli was a handful for the better part of the week and waiting for the shows to start was not her cup of tea. However, she was sure able to put her best foot forward for some dippin' dots. :)

We had lunch out in the cars (you can't bring your lunch in to the park... lame) and then returned for more fun. After Sea World we headed home to get our swimsuits on... It was not very warm but the kids had a great GREAT time.

Milli and I stayed home (she was out!). I got dinner ready while everyone was out. Although it was cold the kids had a great time. It seems hard to find pictures with all of them together, but the kids were wonderful!

Spring Break: Day THREE

LEGOLAND!!!!

The dad's took the older kids to Legoland this day. It turned out to be very good timing as Amy got super sick and Milli too was not feeling awesome. Dave, Marcos and Esteban spent the day at the park and they came home with great pictures and some very happy kids. Although it was rainy day on and off they stayed until dinner time. No complaints, that I heard of anyway...

Leah and Mylo were in Heaven! They have been there before but never have they been into Lego's as they are now... So they loved it! Dave seemed to have a great time as well, which made it that much better for everyone :)

They each got a toy to bring home... right now I have no idea where those toys are :)

While they were at Legoland, I ran some errands with sick Milli, Abuela, Maria and Preston. Later we went to Fiji Yogurt with Gabi to get her out of the house. We had a great time there (no pics of that) but between the three of us (abuela, Gabi and I) we ate six BIG make yourself ice creams... they were SO good! Abuela treated us to these tasty treats... mmmm, my mouth waters just thinking about it.

29 Weeks

I can hardly believe that this baby will be here so soon. While on the trip Dave took this picture, so it not completely accurate :). This, for now, is my favorite pregnant picture I have ever taken. I absolutely love my growing belly... I LOVE IT!!! This little guy makes me cry just thinking of him. I love that I can feel him kick and squirm all the time and that he is growing so well. He has woken me up some mornings with his wiggles and it makes my day! He seems to be up SO high and sometimes I wonder where he will go from here.

I had an appointment this last Monday. I did my glucose test and I didn't pass the finger prick (not sure if that's how you say that). So, they drew my blood from my arm and I had to wait all day to see if I would have to do the long three hour test. I have never had high blood sugar with my other pregnancies, so I was a bit concerned. I was happy to get my dr. phone call later that day that everything was fine. Thank goodness! That is the last thing I wanted to deal with.

Now I will be going in every three weeks, which is crazy... this is really going to make things go by so much faster and it already seems to be going by so fast. There is so much to be done with rooms, closets and organization its starting to scare me a bit. I have never been good at waiting for new and fun things and this has proved to be hard... still I want him in there as long as he needs to get strong and grow.

AHHH! ONLY 11 weeks to gooooo!!!!

Spring Break: Day TWO: Part TWO

After our Easter festivities we all got dolled up and headed to the beach to get pictures taken. We didn't realize that everyone would be at the beach on that beautiful Easter Sunday... Still we got some great shots.

These kids were amazing the whole week. It was wonderful to see all these cousins play so wonderful together. They have created some great memories that will last a life time. These guys will be friends for life!

Abuela and all her grandkids (two more on the way!!!) This was no easy task... we were quite the entertainment at the beach, I am sure. All of us dressed some what matching and so nicely dressed for the beach :), we were crazy but oh so cute! :) We are all very lucky to have a wonderful Abuela that blesses our lives and treats our kids so wonderfully! We love you Abuela!!!

We also took the opportunity to get some family pictures taken. Although this picture doesn't seem complete with out our little man, I think it turned out super nice. Certainly one to blow up and hang on a wall :)

I love the picture with Dave and his girls. Although Milli is a momma's girl, both of these girlies are in love with their dad, and he with them! Looking at these fills my heart with joy and I feel so blessed to have each of them as mine.

This might just be my favorite picture of the entire trip. These two cuties are ten weeks apart and they play very nicely together (so long as they are both healthy :)) I love that they are holding hands, I love the reflection in the water, I love the horizon and I love that they are so stinkin' cute and SO different... Chocolate and Vanilla. PRECIOUS!!!!

Spring Break: Day TWO: Part ONE

While the kids slept... very close together :) ...


...The Easter Bunny went crazy with the kids Easter baskets. When I say crazy, I mean CRAZY! I mean look at that table!


The kids woke up early and where very excited for this fun holiday!

I am not sure why Mylo's face is a little weird looking in this picture... but I think its funny.


Milli was not feeling her best (we later found out she had a double ear infection, poor baby)

The egg hunt was fun for all the kids and there were so many eggs in such a small space that it didn't take very long. We all pigged out on Easter candy for the rest of the week.

Before the egg hunt we had a quick family home evening. We had the same lesson we have had for the last two Easter FHE's, with the true meaning of Easter. The spirit was of course strong and its wonderful to see that the kids all know so well, why we celebrate such a great occasion.

We had a very tasty "fancy" breakfast of Overnight French Toast. eggs. fruit, OJ and Milk :) It was a great start to a great week to come!

Spring Break: Day ONE

We are not dead... We have been on vacation in San Diego for the last week. I have a TON to catch up on, including phone calls, blogs and emails. I hope to get to it all very soon.

It was a great time away for all of us. Abuela's friends let us borrow their house for the week and it was wonderful! I am going to post day by day... We did lots of stuff and there are a gazillion pictures to share.

We left Friday (4/2) after school and headed to St. George. We met Abuela, Esteban, Amy and kids for dinner and continued to Las Vegas, where we stayed the night.

We packed like were going to be gone for a month! But the kids were happy watching a movie or playing their DS the whole way done. I love Milli's cheeser smile.

We stayed at the Hilton in Vegas (compliments of Al... THANK YOU!!!) The room as small but the kids didn't care. It was a rough night as Milli was not feeling so wonderful and needed to sleep with us. Still we enjoyed our stay and looked forward to getting to our final destination.

The next morning we had a delicious breakfast at the Hilton's Cafe and then headed on our way to San Diego.... The drive was long but we made good time and looked forward to some good weather.

Once we got to the house Esteban and I went grocery shopping on a VERY busy saturday. It seemed to take forever. It was fun to get back to the house and finally enjoy our first meal together as a family. We were all able to be there, Abuela, Marcos and his family, Esteban and his family and us. It was a great opportunity and we owe it all to Greg and Marty for letting us borrow the house.

The first day was long and uneventful... more fun was had as the week went on.