That's so Funny I Forgot to Laugh!

My (soon-to-be) 2 year old has decided he's quite the funny guy and will tell knock-knock jokes all day long. Problem is he tells the same joke over and over. Let me illustrate:

Noah: Cock-cock (This is probably the funniest part)

Me: Who's there?

Noah: Bana (meaning banana)

Me: Bana who?

Noah: HAHAHAHA!!! Funny!

It was hilarious the first couple of times. Now it just drives me insane.

Lola's jokes are a whole different story. She will make up her own knock-knock jokes and they ALL go something like this:

Lola: Knock-knock

Me: ...

Lola: Mom!! I said Knock-knock!

Me: ... (trying to ignore her--trust me, you get her started and it NEVER ends, and she gets offended if you don't laugh)

Lola: Argh! KNOCK-KNOCK!!

Me: Who is it? (Once again, trying to avoid the pain)

Lola: You're supposed to say "Who's there?"

Me: Quien es?

Lola: MOM!

Me: Who's there?!

Lola: Orange

Me: Orange who?

Lola: Orange-borange-lorange! HAHAHA!!!

And the others are pretty much the same. All she does is look around, find something that catches her eye and then make up words that rhyme. And honestly, she has stomped out of the room if her one-person audience (moi) does not pee her pants and fall to the floor in hysterics. Whoever said mothering was a piece of cake never had aspiring 2 and 4 year old comedians at home.

Year End Letter

The year-end letters have been coming in for a couple of weeks at the Mitchell abode. They are always fun to read, and I honestly feel touched that my friends have me on their Christmas card lists cause let's be honest, I am not the best at the whole "K.I.T" thing. I have infinitely good intentions on that front, but rarely do they amount to much--I guess that's why they're called "intentions" and not "deeds."

I caught this clip one night while the TV was on and it made me kinda chuckle. This by no means reflects my personal feelings, but in the sea of letters that come in every year (I said "sea" like I'm oh-so-popular, riiiiiight...maybe it's more of a river...or a stream.) I must admit that the general feelings portrayed here may have surfaced for a minute or two. I think mostly it must just be my envy of my friend's abilities to have their lives together enough to manage to not only write a year-end letter, but to print and mail out numerous copies of it to their loved ones. I think the idea is great, but then my laziness kicks in and I rationalize that it requires WAY more effort than I can justify. I guess I just figure that for those people who are genuinely interested in the affairs of the Mitchells I have a trusty blog (which fails to get updated regularly, but that's a story for another day). I also have a VERY active (maybe too active) Facebook profile that will pretty much even tell my friends and family what I had for breakfast today (2 cookies--hey it's Christmas time--totally acceptable to have cookies for breakfast), and how I felt about the last episode of Glee (awesome!!). I understand that there are people out there who may not have access to the internet and may not be able to keep up with us through all these technological tools. My parents would be "Blog? Que es eso?! Libro de Cara? De que diablos hablas?!" In such cases year-end letters are fantastic, but I find it much easier to call my mom every couple of days and fill her in on the wondrous adventure that is our life.

So, to summarize, I really do love the year-end letters. I think it's a great way to reflect back on the year as a whole. I think we sometimes fail to see our lives in terms of the "big picture" and thus ofttimes fail to see just how much we've accomplished and how much we've grown. The year-end letter remedies that--not to mention that it's a great way to sum up a whole year's worth of missed emails/phone calls without pointing out what a terrible friend I am for ignoring the people I love. So, please keep those letters coming. They will not be mocked in our household, but rather cherished for reminding me that despite my flaws my friends continue to remember me and love me. But if the number of cards/letters drops next year and I'm inexplicably "un-friended" on Facebook I guess I have only to come back to this post to realize why...

Admit it!

We've all pretended to know the words to a song on the radio and have sounded just like my little friend here!

P.S. He's got sweet ukulele skills!

That Mitchell Boy

Look at this face! Just look at it! What words come to mind? Cute? Adorable? Darling? Precious? All of the above? Yeah. I know! He's the cutest toddler you have ever laid eyes on. I believe it.

Well, this adorable, little package of sweetness has an evil, sinister, and ravenous side. He has picked up the awful habit of biting, and I am all out of ideas as to how to put an end to it! We have tried everything short of reaching for the tabasco sauce. His teeth may be few in numbers, but they are sharp and when he gets them on you he has an amazing sort of death grip.

Lately he's taken to sharing this talent with the kids in the Nursery at church, and as a Nursery worker and mother I'm a little embarrassed. I know, all kids go through this stage. Yaddah, yaddah. yaddah. In the last two weeks he has bitten 3 kids. Two of those within 30 minutes of each other. The last incident was with this adorable little girl, and boy did those little chompers leave a mark. I don't even know how to react anymore! I tried comforting the little girl, and then I tried to deal with Noah, but nothing works! I finally just took him to dad, and banned him from Nursery for the rest of church.

Well, I meant to talk to that little girl's mom, but somehow I just missed her (honestly, I wasn't avoiding her). I ran into her this morning at preschool, and she asked if I had found someone to babysit my kids during my doctor's appointment this week--which is a whole other story, but here is the short version:

I've had trouble finding anyone to watch my kids--for this appointment and a previous one. Like I was seriously freakin' out cause I just couldn't fathom the thought of lugging my (precious, well-behaved) children to the doctor's office. I got to the point that I posted it on a website--kinda like Craigslist, but for my city only and where the majority of the members are Mormon. I felt like I was auctioning my kids--and felt a little embarrassed that I had to resort to this just to find someone to watch my (sweet, and loving) children. I instantly got lots of offers (all from people who do not have kids in our nursery or do not know my Noah, by the way. Coincidence?) and I felt like my embarrassment was for naught.

Back to the biting incident and my conversation with this little girl's mom: So she asked if I had found someone to watch my kids. I told her "yes" rather quickly and proceeded to inquire about her daughter's arm. And she joked with me and said she couldn't watch my kids until the wound healed. Then she said something about how someone after church had told her that it was "that Mitchell boy" that bit her daughter. I laughed, and joked about how he had a bad rap in our nursery (totally deserved). And she wished me luck in the future with him.

I walked away with a smile on my face and then I was like "That Mitchell boy?" Really? Is he that bad? How many other people are calling him that? And then like getting hit in the face with a bucket of cold water it hit me! This boy--this adorable, innocent, little boy has a reputation in our ward! The word is out on that Mitchell boy! And NO ONE will sacrifice the well-being of their children by offering to babysit him! My emails for help have mostly been ignored. Some brave souls have responded and said they were busy and couldn't, but mostly ignored. I was beginning to think my Facebook emails were never delivered or there was some kind of error. BUT NO! Those emails WERE delivered! My friends have just been avoiding me--hoping that they could spare themselves (and their offspring) the punishment of babysitting my (precious) Noah.

Oh how I hope he grows out of this phase soon! But biter or not--that Mitchell boy is MY Mitchell boy!

Snowed In

We had a huge snow storm move in to Denver last week, and the kids thought Christmas had come early--literally. The first day of the storm Lola ran outside and threw herself into the snow to make a snow angel. It took her a few seconds for the shock to set it, and she lay there motionless--unsure of what to do. You see, this is the first time my kids have been in or around snow. She was not prepared for how cold it would feel.

And mom was not prepared to dress her kids appropriately. My kids went out in jeans and cowboy boots or tennis shoes, and we quickly learned that that was not such a bright idea. Problem was, I was forbidden by Curran to drive that first day--which was not a problem cause there was no way I was gonna even try to maneuver an automobile in weather like that. So the kids would go out for like 10-15 minutes at a time, run back indoors, undress by the fireplace and put dry, warm clothes on and then head back outside a while later when their little California-bred bones were warmed. Here are some shots of the kids in the snow. In this first one Noah does have snow bibs on and snow boots--I' m not that bad of a mother!We got a few feet of snow dumped on us, as is evidenced by my snow-covered midget of a son--yes, he is standing up in that pic, and he was quite content in this spot. He fought me when I tried to remove him.

Lola thought it would be fun to dunk her whole face in the snow to get a snow beard...until it started stinging her face, then she just screamed bloody murder. (Notice the lack of appropriate snow gloves and jacket)

If this is how the rest of the winter is going to be I am about ready to pack my things up and run home to my momma!

I have a new excuse for my laziness!

It's been entirely too long since I've posted, and rather than go back and try to fill you in on everything that has happened since we last met I will just start from where we are now:

I just found out from my doctor that I am anemic. I was completely surprised, and feel a little lost as to what to do--I actually got a call from the receptionist who helped me set up an appointment with the doc to discuss this "issue." I instantly went online after that phone call and read about anemia and then scared myself half to death cause I'm almost certain I have the deadly anemia. On a side note, my ob/gyn from my second pregnancy prohibited me from going online and googling illnesses cause I would immediately start to feel symptoms of anything new I discovered.

On the plus side, I did discover that fatigue is a major symptom, and that has given me some relief. I thought I was just being lazy. I had noticed a drastic difference in my sleeping routine and my motivation to do just about anything leaves a lot to be desired, but I thought that having 2 kids and a nursery calling (not to mention the elevation) was causing all this tiredness. Funny enough, now that I know that is a symptom I notice myself being MORE tired than usual. And I've tried using it with Curran as an excuse and it's just not flying. So what good is this illness if it's not going to win me some sympathy?!

So, as I sit and wait for Wednesday to arrive I have gone out and bought lots of fresh spinach and lots of beans--any other ideas?

Are You Serious?!!

It's been a while since I've posted anything. I think we've just been busy trying to find some kind of routine and normalcy out here. I think we've achieved it cause now I'm starting to find myself with some extra time and realizing how far away from home I really am. The few people I have shared these feelings with have been super supportive, and I know time will help. I've given myself lots of little pep talks, and I've been doing my very best at being at any social gathering and meeting new friends. And then...enter our first counselor in the bishopric...

We were at a ward new member social last night at the Bishop's house and things were lovely. We've had quite the influx of new families in the last few months. It was nice to be in a room with a lot of people that felt somewhat like we did. Towards the end we were approached by the first counselor and moved into a quieter area. Then the bomb was dropped...nursery workers?! What?! My first reaction was to scream and grab Curran by his shirt and say "I told you so!!!" Then the tears came. I was speechless.

I don't hate small children. I have two of my own and love them dearly. Thing is, we have a huge ward in a very small building. We have over 20 children in a nursery suitable for maybe half that number. Throw in a whole lot of toys and about 5-6 full-size adult bodies and you have a clausterphobic's worst nightmare!

We've been in the aforementioned nursery since our first week here cause we're having a tough time getting Noah to stay there--so he must be jumping for joy right about now. And now that I think about it the nursery leader must've ratted us out--figured we were gonna be stuck there anyway with a hysterical Noah, might as well make it official.

I usually last about 5 minutes before I feel like I'm gonna pull my hair out--sometimes even thinking it would be easier to just take Noah to class with me just to escape the confines of this room. These are the thoughts I have had as I have observed the workings in our massive nursery:

Dang, sure glad I don't have a nursery calling!
I don't ever want to work in the nursery!
What is that smell?!
Somebody shoot me now.
I gotta get out of here!
Please don't ever let me be called to nursery!

And now here we are. Nursery workers. I honestly am having a rough time coming to terms with this. Since the moment we were asked my head and heart have been in constant prayer. I'm gonna need serious spiritual guidance with this one. I feel a little betrayed to be honest. I feel like I do nursery at home 7 days a week with my own kids. I feel like sometimes my patience wears so thin with my own kids how in the world am I supposed to handle over 20? I know there are other nursery workers there, but since we're being honest...the guys in there walk in, find a spot to sit their behinds in and NEVER move. They're like bumps on a log! Or maybe they're human jungle gyms and do that sitting still bit for the entertainment of the little ones. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Besides, didn't Curran and I put in our time as nursery workers when we were first married? We're done! (We must've done an awful job cause here we are again)Side note: Back then we were ecstatic with the calling being newly married without children. Now we know better.

This morning I woke up thinking: "Come on, Carol. It's only 2 hours on Sundays. That's it! How awful can it really be?" And really, 2 hours isn't really a long time. My Sundays are just sacred. Relief Society has always been such an escape for me. I looked forward to Sundays and the ability to re-energize so I could face another week of being a mom and wife. I feel like this calling will just distance me even more from the sisters I'm trying to form friendships with. It's counter-productive. It goes against all my plans...and THAT is why I got this calling! I always get hit over the head (spiritually speaking) when I try to dig in my heels and do things MY way. I know callings are inspired. I know there is a purpose I do not yet understand. I just wish I could scatter some goldfish crackers on the floor, put out some bowls with water and lock the door as I run far, far away...

The Invasion Begins!

I am no longer a Californian...how does that make me feel? It's bittersweet, really. Our little family moved to Colorado 13 days ago, and I still have to stop and look around and remind myself that this is not California. The significantly less traffic and constant tornado warnings are kind of a giveaway, but it's hard to believe that we have a new place to call home. If things go the way we hope we will be here a long, long time. Maybe by then I'll start to feel like this is really home. Right now I am having a little bit of culture shock. I can count the number of people I have heard speaking Espanol on ONE hand--una mano! We have moved into an area that is rather nice--Highlands Ranch, and I seem to be the most ghetto one here. I constantly feel like people are looking at me funny and that little, old ladies grab hold of their expensive handbags just a little tighter when they see me approaching. It could all just be in my head, but something tells me it's not--and that something is my husband. I voiced my concerns to Curran a few days ago and he said: "No, it's not just you. I noticed it too." So, alls I gotta say to all these Coloradonites or Coloradians is--watch out! The Mexicans are coming!!

Sick Time Reflections

I wanted to record what has happened the last couple of days before I forget how grateful I am for all that I have. I've had a lot of time to reflect the last few days because I was practically bed-ridden with the nastiest case of the flu I have ever had--this was worse than when I had Pneumonia, or either one of my c-sections. I don't remember feeling so much pain before--ever--well, except for when I had my eyebrows threaded--that flippin' hurts!

I was in pain for 3 full days, and most of the hours of those said days were filled with either whining to my husband or in prayer to my Heavenly Father. It was during one of those moments of prayer that I began to think about all the things I am unhappy with as far as my physical appearance goes. I'm always complaining about one thing or another--my fatness, my eyebrows, plucking hairs from places I've never had to before, my skin--you get the picture, and I began to realize how petty I can be sometimes--how I can let something as insignificant as my hair bother me so much. All I kept thinking was how I had failed in being grateful for the body I do have--a body, that when all things are considered, is in pretty good shape--a body that has the ability to move--to chase after my kids and clean up after them.

Oh how grateful I am now for what Heavenly Father has blessed me with. Being sick is such a humbling experience--especially for someone like me who finds it extremely difficult to ask for help. I did find comfort from the Lord. I knew no one could offer that like He could. I'm thankful that Curran is a worthy priesthood holder, and for the blessing he gave me when I thought I couldn't take the pain anymore. He stepped in, and took over, and I know how tough this must have been having just come home from working in San Diego, but he did it and never complained.

Monday morning I woke up and felt significantly better, but still a bit weak. Curran took the day off to make sure we were okay, and I'm glad he did cause soon after waking the kids began to complain about not feeling well and within minutes we discovered we had two new flu patients to deal with.

Herein lies the other great lesson I learned--having to nurse your children back to health has got to be one of the most heart-wrenching things. In a lot of ways I felt helpless. I was doing all I could to comfort them, but I just knew it wasn't enough. I would see them in pain and wanted nothing more than to take their illness from them and make it mine. Once again I found my time spent in constant prayer. I know the pain that Jesus Christ felt in the garden of Gethsemane was a million times worse than what my kids were feeling, but I've got to imagine that my feelings were like that of Heavenly Father at that moment when his Son was in the most agonizing pain. What parent out there wouldn't trade places with their child when their child is hurting?

This morning they woke up and Noah couldn't hold still long enough for me to take his temperature. Lola came out of her room with her giant bag of art supplies and a clean stack of paper and instantly got to work making masterpieces for me. That was all I needed to know that they were feeling much better. I reflected on the sight before me and thanked God for the mess that was slowly beginning to accumulate around me.

I know I will forget this lesson soon--which is why I wanted to blog about it now. But after the last few days we have had I will gladly take a jam-packed day of activities and errands, messes and laundry, cooking and bath time over any of the sick days we have just lived through. And along those same lines, I would take my loud, messy, crazy, tornado-like children who scream and laugh and run through the house like banshees over the sick ones any day. So next time I'm getting ready to complain about the mess or the noise I will pause and think about just how grateful I am for the life I have. Take THAT stinkin' flu!!!

A Lesson in Coughing...Seriously!

My new and most excellent friend, Jessica posted this video on FB (that's Facebook for you non-social networking savvy friends of mine). This video was sent out at her work place at the peak of the Swine Flu hysteria--which, by the way, I was sure I had until the doctor assured me it was the boring old flu. And why did I get better treatment as a "cash only" patient than when I had an HMO? Coincidence? I don't think so! But that's a matter for another day. So Jessica assured me that this email was sent out in complete seriousness--making the video that much funnier. Please watch--and do it in your sleeves, people! For crying out loud!

Being a Leader is Overrated!

Dude, boost my ego a little bit and sign up as a follower of my sweet blog. See the little box just to the right of this post? That's the one! Now sign up! Love you!

Middle of the Night Stuff

Last night my eyes popped open at 2 am, and then my mind started to think about all kinds of stuff. I spent most of the time from 2-5am thinking about all my old roommates while I was at BYU. I don't know why--but I wanted to see of I could remember them all. Here is my feeble attempt. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong (last names will be withheld):

Copan Cabana:

My first roommate experience, and by far my most favorite. We never owned a TV and didn't need one cause we were each other's entertainment.

Trake, Rake, Heidi, Cheryl, Katie, and my next door neighbors mom who came to stay for a summer--made for lots of fun days, let me tell you!

Corner Down:

My first basement experience--and my last. Dumpiest house I ever lived in, but fun roommates. I once made a massive hole in the living room wall...with my BUTT! From then on it was known as Carol's butt hole. We slept on the massive lawn a lot during the summer months which was wonderful --except for when the automatic sprinklers would come on in the morning.

Smash, Sarah, Jodie, Courtney, Karrine, Amy, Janine, Lindsay, Jones, Cynthia, Jessie...

McKonkie:

This was the house where you had to know someone who knows someone who knows the prophet to get in. So glad I did.

Kristen, Laura, Cindy, Ginger, Helen, Mary, Naomi...there's got to be more...Karyn!...

Mexico:

Went to Mexico for Study Abroad during this time--it was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

Jaime, Carolina, Jeff, Seth and his crazy wife and kids.

Love Shack:

Also known as the porch swing house. This was a short stint.

Trake, Tiffany, and a dog...whose name escapes me at the moment.

West-something. I moved to some apartments on 5th West. Tiny space + 6 girls = no fun. I mostly just slept here cause I attended the Spanish ward at this time, but I met the bestest roommate ever!

Lisa, Becca, Megan, and two other girls I can't remember.

Last house:

This last house I lived in before getting hitched had no cool name, but I loved the location. It was like on 1220 West--right by the river.

Genel, Moneymaker, Lauren, Chari, Joni, Gina.

These are people I may have lived with--I can't remember if I did or if I just spent so much time with them that it felt like I did:

Mary S., Kirsten, Liz.

I loved my time at the Y. Overall my roommate experieces were awesome, and I've made the greatest friends. I was also quite the cupid. These are the people I take partial credit for hooking up:

Myriam & Geoff

Doug & Karen

Laura & Andy

Adam & Angelica

Then I started to think about my favorite places to eat while at the Y:

Stans, Malt Shoppe, Cafe Rio, Gandolfo's

Then Curran's alarm went off and I was finally able to fall back asleep with visions of Sweet pork salads, and urban cowboy sandwiches dancing in my head. mmmmmm......zzzzzzzzzzz.......

Wii! It's a party!

Wii (get it?!) had a little get-together at our house last month with a bunch of young married friends of ours. I've quickly learned that in the church there is the YSA, and when you get married you then get grouped in with the "young marrieds." This isn't a bad place to be. Once you have your first kid you're still a young married, but on the brink of being ousted--mostly cause young marrieds without kids think all married people with kids do is talk about their kids--which is true. Once you give birth to a second child you are OUT! You're not quite so cool anymore, and who really cares that much? Cause at this point, your idea of a fun night is being in bed by 9 pm.

Anyway, Curran and I decided to invite some "young marrieds" to our house for food and a Wii tournament. Maybe it was in an attempt to regain our "cool" status after having 2 kids, or maybe cause we wanted to show off our mad skills on the Wii. Whatever the reason, we had a blast!

This is Raul. His wife whooped him in boxing, and although he went home empty-handed he took home all my love for bringing the yummiest cheesecake dessert ever!

Jacob and Noah--two kids who are half Mexican, but couldn't look any more like gringos

Jessica and Andy--two of my favorite people. I had not seen Andy since 1997, so I had an absolute blast getting caught up and meeting his wife. They have since purchased their own Wii and have been training for a re-match.

Raul and Virginia--taking out their marital frustrations in the Wii boxing ring. Very therapeutic.

This is Jessica and Karla--two awesome girls I met not too long ago. This pic is of the the final two left standing in our boxing portion of the tournament. Jessica was our boxing champ and won a sweet puzzle of a monkey in a tutu.

This is Daniel--an accountant who moonlights as quite the gifted photographer. We learned this night that he is also quite the twinkle toes. He won our DDR battle and took home a do-it-yourself bedazzled water bottle.

This is Jesse. His wife, Karla is pictured above. His mad Spanish skills have nothing on his hula hooping! I thought all white guys were incapable of moving their hips. I now stand corrected.

Stacia and Layne showed up later in the evening and not even being "with child" stopped her from showing us her moves.

Baby Butt Crack!

Noah may be thinking of being a plumber when he grows up.

Mmmm...tasty!

Mother's Day was a rough day for me. I had just driven back from Vegas and got home with a fever and horrible body aches. My emotions were all over the place and I think the whole family could sense it. It was a pretty uneventful day--probably because everyone was tryingto steer clear of me. The next day, however, Lola presented me with a very nice lunch she prepared herself. I heard her hard at work in the kitchen, and since I wasn't hearing any screaming or smelling any smoke I let her be. When she told me lunch was served this is what I found:

My post-Mother's Day lunch included water in Lola's favorite cup, cheez-its, a banana and an apple she peeled herself.

Here is a closer look at the apple. This is the exact way it was presented to me. When I heard her with the potato peeler I was a little worried she might hurt her fingers, but I decided to leave her alone, and after about 10 arduous minutes she let out a huge sigh and proudly placed the apple alongside my other treats.

The banana had seen better days

Lola made me feel really loved. Now that she is growing up and is a lot more independent I constantly find myself wanting to hold her a little longer. Moments like this make every bead of sweat and tear of frustration and sadness so worth it. I don't need expensive gifts to make me happy. Over-ripe bananas, badly peeled apples, cheez-its and water is all it took to make my Mother's Day the best one yet.

A Day in the Life of Noah

Always start the day off with a little Wii--those are Curran's legs, not mine. I know I usually go a long time without shaving (especially in the winter) but I'm not that bad.

Then he takes some time to make cute faces--this is the fish face.

I made the mistake of leaving an opened container of chocolate pudding on the table. It didn't take long for Noah to climb up and enjoy.

Playing dress up

Usually I let the kids run around outside every day knowing full well that this is what I will encounter once I call them in for baths. Noah always suspiciously looks like he's been eating dirt.

Always room for ice cream

Another hard day at work in the backyard

Sweet ride

Noah's sense of adventure never ceases to amaze me. That boy is a bundle of energy all day long. He explores everything, and climbs anything that can be climbed. As a baby Curran and I were sure Noah would be the quiet, peaceful type--something we were grateful for after trying to keep up with Lola. Now we know he was simply revving up for what is now a fun-filled life. From the moment his eyes pop open in the morning till he falls over exhausted at night he is a wonder to behold. His head is a medley of bumps and bruises--evidence of how hard he plays, and we are so blessed (and exhausted) to be able to watch the world through his eyes every day!

Thanks Easter Bunny!!

Easter Sunday was absolutely beautiful in CA. We went to church and came home for an awesome egg hunt, and sweet baskets. I was afraid Lola would dominate the egg hunt so we got princess eggs for her and my sister found Noah's Ark eggs at Walmart for Noah. So each had their own respective eggs to find. It's not in the pics, but Noah wore a sweet, plaid sport coar over his polo shirt. He looked a little like a game show host. I'm sure he'll wear it again and we'll be sure to photograph it for posterity.

Our lawn was a little overdue for a mow, but that made hiding the eggs a little easier.

This is the "after" picture, but I couldn't get blogger to cooperate. See below to see the "before."

By far, his favorite treat in his basket was the Cheetos. He wasted no time getting into those.

Lazy, good-for-nothing...

So...I know I stink at this blog updating business. I just came upon a stash of pics from the last couple of months of stuff we've been doing. So bear with me as I slowly try to get to all of them for your viewing pleasure.

These are just of everyday stuff we do around the house. A day in the life of Lola and Noah, if you will.


OR NOT! My computer seems to have reverted back to dial-up mode, so my uploading was unsuccessful. I also had plenty of time to think of my reasons for not updating my blog more frequently, and I've come to the conclusion that Facebook is to blame. It's SO much easier to upload to whole group of pictures at once and then finish it off by putting little captions under them in a Facebook album than to group them by activity and date and tell you all about our adventures. So if you really want to know what we've been doing then just browse my Facebook albums.

For now, I give up on this post. I hate technology.

We're not all short, stubby wrestlers...wait, yes we are!

Have you heard/seen all the controversy behind the BK ads for this new "Texican Whopper"? It's pretty funny...or not. Apparently, there are a lot of Mexicans out there who are outraged at BK's portrayal of a Mexican. If you look closely at the ad you'll see a cowboy standing next to a stubby little man with a wrestler's mask on and wearing a poncho with the Mexican flag printed on it. Personally, I'm honored to be stereotyped as such. Lucha libre, or WWF (or WWE, depending on how old you are) is serious business, and an honored profession . Mexican wrestlers are tough little suckers, and we are super patriotic (thus the poncho). And if you ask any Mexican who grew up in the US they'll probably admit to having played WWF with his hermanos or primos in their youth. Wrestling wasn't just a pastime--it was a way of life. People who are offended by this ad need to find a new hobby. There are worse things we've been portrayed as. And if you disagree, I'll go Nacho Libre on you!

Sweet Moves!

Thanks to Smash for posting this on her blog!

Teapots, dogs and more busts!

Once again, being tagged in Facebook has given me some great ideas for updating the ol' blogaroo--enjoy!

1. Carol needs to be grounded in some very basic things.
2. Carol needs to be developed for future advancement and should seek mentoring.
3. Carol needs to be a serious teapot collector.(see also #8)
4. Carol needs our help cause she will be killing her dogs! (Thank goodness I don't have any)
5. Carol needs prayers. (and money)
6. Carol needs a big opening night. (and money, so be sure to buy tickets!)
7. Carol needs more busts.(I like the one I have--thank you very much)
8. Carol needs a 1995 retired Tony Carter teapot of a chaise lounge with the gramaphone on a small table-hmmm. (They weren't kidding about the teapots)
9.Carol needs to learn POP3 and SMTP.(What are those? Dance moves? Cause if they are then I'm all for it!)
10. Carol needs YOU!! (that's how it was written, and of course I do!)

Ketchup is the Best!

Lola and Noah had a combined birthday party a few weeks ago, and we had a jumper on the front lawn. Well, the kids got a little crazy and my cousin's little girl (Abby) was knocked in the face. She lost a tooth, and by "lost" I mean it fell off and have no idea where it ended up. We think she swallowed it.

So a couple of days ago I was talking to Lola about the Tooth Fairy--how you leave your tooth and you get money..yaddah, yaddah, yaddah. And I asked her how much money she thought she would get for her first tooth, whenever it falls out. She told me she wanted "Four monies." Four bucks isn't bad. I got $2 for my first tooth and that was a VERY long time ago. I also asked her what she was going to buy with her four monies and this is what she listed (I'm assuming in order of importance):

1. Ketchup!

2. A toy

3. A jar

4. A pillow

That girl must really like ketchup...

Take THAT Peer Pressure

So, anyone on Facebook knows there's this "25 Random things about me" tag-thing floating around and I've lost count as to how many people have tagged me.

I wasn't going to do it--I'm not caving under the peer pressure! I did that during high school and now I'm a Mormon with a Mormon husband and Mormon kids!!

And then I decided--okay fine, I'll do it--but I'll post it on my blog and then I'll quit feeling guilty for not updating in such a long time. So there--I win! (sort of...)

I'm not tagging anyone, so relax--and if you don't care to know 25 random things about me I wont hold it against you--and quit reading now cause here it comes:

1. As a kid I would sneek into the fridge, open up the tub of butter and grab a handful and eat it like candy...it grosses me out just to think about it now.

2. I've had grey hair since I was 15--a lot of it!

3. I can't stand the sight, and smell of mayo--never have--miracle whip is included in this category no matter what my mother-in-law says!

4. Both of my kids weighed over 10 pounds at birth.

5. I almost drowned in a lake when I was 8 yrs old--it was a 15 yr old boy that jumped in to save me.

6. I was immediately put into swim lessons after #5 and got all the way to sinchronized swimming and quit.

7. I got a really bad hair cut in the 7th grade from my cosmotologist student cousin and when I started school at West everyone thought I was a BOY! Hence my promise to never have short hair again.

8. I've been inside the BYU bell tower--upstairs where all the magic happens--wait, that sounds dirty--where they play the giant bells.

9. I've met Vlade Divac, and Anthony Edwards (Goose in Top Gun) at LAX.

10. My most pirzed possession while at BYU was my autographed poster of Michael McLean.

11. I've never broken a bone.

12. I didn't get my driver's license until I was 25.

13. I won the Homemaking award in middle school for my excellent skills in sewing and cooking.

14. My first time flying we went from Tijuana, Mexico to Los Angeles (45 minute flight) and I swear to this day that I saw the Hawaiian Islands.

15. I am constantly losing a) my keys b) my phone c) my ATM card d) my driver's license--I've come to believe that I need to lo-jack everything in my life--including my head.

16. I LOVE watching Golden Girls and I Love Lucy--can watch them all day without complaint.

17. I dislike one-syllable names--Chad, Sue, Steve, Fred--so one dimensional and blah (no offense to my one-syllable named friends)

18. I met my husband online and got engaged 2 weeks after our first date.

19. My first wedding band had to be sawed off in the ER after I got it stuck on my finger and it started turning blue--my supervisor at NuSkin had to drive me to the hospital and everyone in the ER came to see who fat girl with the wedding band stuck on her finger was--luckily that first band was purchased on eBay for minimal money...phew!

20. I once split my pants while at work (NuSkin, again) and had to have someone drive me home to change.

21. My dream job would be working in a library surrounded by books.

22. I love the smell of new books and often snuck into the stock room at Barnes and Noble (while employed there, of course) and I would just smell the pages of the new books waiting to be shelved.

23. I played the trombone for about 2 weeks before I realized I couldn't read music and hated the marching.

24. I NEVER snooze my alarm, and am bothered by people who do--just set the alarm for the time you want to get up and then GET UP!!

25. Although I don't drink coffee I love the smell of it and almost always sniff those dispensers in the supermarket aisles with the fresh beans--YUMMY!!!

Pookie Lives

So, I'm on this facebook thing. It all started out as some mistake, but one day I decided to get on there and see what it was all about. I was hooked, and then I kinda lost interest again, but recently I have found a friend of mine that is very near and dear to my heart. We've been friends for about 15 years now--that statement makes me feel really old. I first met him at Bellflower High where he was wearing tights and entirely too much stage make-up--we went on to have a lot of laughs and a lot of fun.

There are people that we sometimes think were meant to be in our lives but for a small moment. And sometimes we wish that were not the case--that they would remain in our lives a little longer because the thought of not having them in our lives seems ludicrous. Scott was one of these friends. I don't know how or when but we lost touch. Life just happened to both of us. He has, however, resurfaced and I cannot begin to tell you the joy I feel. He has always been a wonderful friend, despite our lack of communication. I am elated to be in touch with him, and thought I would share a couple of pics so you get a sense of the wonder that is Pookie!

On a ski trip we made to Salt Lake City

I don't know how this one ended up in my hands, but it's a gem!

This had to have been when he had been recently hired at the cookie shop--still wearing braces, and the beginning of that crazy mane of his.

Halloween

Picking up on the ladies at Knotts

Scott gazing longingly at the Woolworths girl

Scott and my little brother having fun--Scott, may you never run for office, and if you do may this picture never resurface.

I had questioned whether or not I should post these pics. I showed them to my husband and he said they were pretty innocent. "If anything they will just really embarrass him." Those were his words. And then he said--"Just call it retribution for not inviting you to his wedding." He said, and I thought--"YEAH!" Love you!

Not Fun

Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny day in California. I was inspired to wash my car. I figured 6 months was long enough for Angus to go without a bath. So I pulled out this bucket with all kinds of neat car washing things they gave us at the dealers when we bought the car. I soon realized I was in WAY over my head. There was car was concentrate stuff, tire cleaner, upholstery shampoo, vinyl polish. and some kind of car wax thing along with 2 sponges--one with white netting on it, and the other without. What is the difference in said sponges? Beats the heck out of me, but I'm sure there's got to be one.

I first vacuumed my car which was a chore in and of itself. Lola loves to collect twigs and dead leaves. She also loves to carry them into my car and then continues by crushing them into a million pieces and tosses them around like confetti. I think I may have accidently clogged the vaccum with all the stuff it sucked up--pennies, candy wrappers, sticks, and who knows what other things were living in that mess.

I filled up the bucket with water and threw in some super car wash soap, and because of the warm weather the suds were drying faster than I could lather them up on the car. Not to mention that the super soap was not that super. I quickly fizzled out and decided I would rather pay my Mexican cousins to do this for me. And then to think there was also the rinsing, tire polishing, car waxing, vinyl cleaning, upholstery shampooing left to do!! Who are they kidding? This isn't fun! How is it that guys can enjoy cleaning their cars so much that they will spend all day doing it? My neighbor, no joke, spends HOURS on his car. I can leave for church and when I get back 3 hours later he is still out there working on it, and loving it. I've not found the joy in car washing. I've also learned to respect my friends at all the neighborhood car washes who do this for a living. It stinks!

There's No Place Like Home

I've been racking my brain for something witty or funny to write about the last few days cause I know it's been a while since I've updated. Then I realized that I didn't need to be so dang witty all the time. Frankly, it gets a little tiring trying to be so full of wit and humor all the time. So, this one may not make you chuckle, but will serve as a "where is Carol now" type of entry.

We moved to San Diego June 1st of 2008. Curran had been layed off from his job at eHarmony in April and we (meaning Curran) were fortunate enough to be offered a consultant job in La Jolla for 6 months. So we moved. And we loved it. I would live in San Diego forever if I could. When December came around we had not been notified if his contract would be extended. I was starting to panic, and decided to start packing--you know, expect the best, but prepare for the worst.

Finally, on December 18th we were told that his contract would be extended six more months--not exactly what we were hoping for, but a huge blessing nonetheless. The company he had been working for had recently had major layoffs, and when I found out it's like I felt our dream of permanent San Diego residency was fizzling away. Luckily, they decided to keep him on a while longer. I remember praying fervently for us to stay, and for the faith to accept whatever the decision was. I wanted just 6 more months in San Diego so Lola could finish up her first year at preschool with a teacher she absolutely adores. And yet when I was told it was a 6 month renewal I instantly started thinking "Well, why couldn't it have been permanent? Or longer?" It's like I was failing to see the blessing that was offered to us. I think this is all too common in my life, and I need to work on this a little more. Many times I receive blessings that I overlook because I am always looking for more, or something better. I asked for 6 more months and when I received 6 more months instead of saying "thank you" I said "Dang it." How ungrateful I must seem to Heavenly Father!

That same weekend we found out about the contract extension I also found out my mom was having a hard time with her vision. She is legally blind, and her eyesight has progressively gotten worse. While hanging out at my parents that weekend in preparation for Christmas I realized that she needed a lot of extra help. She was feeling her way around the house and there wasn't much she could do with her limited eyesight. I then felt a pretty strong impression that we needed to come back to live with her. Not just for her benefit, but more for ours. I wanted to save just a little more money and finally be credit card free, and I wanted to my kids to build a stronger relationship with my parents.

Moving back wasn't easy--making the decision alone was tough. But I'm grateful Curran agreed with me, and that we are back. I was able to get Lola enrolled into preschool, and she starts tomorrow. Curran still has a job that he enjoys, and we're back in a ward we love. Now that things are starting to settle down maybe I can get back to this blogging thing!