The Bell Family

Kindergartner Craziness

2011-09-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it?! I still can't. I'm old enough to now have a child in school. Everyone told me that once the kiddos go into school, life all of a sudden becomes that much more crazy! Yup, it has. I find myself (yes me) waking up early (huh! I know, I can hear the gasps) to get my little guy off to school. My awesome hubby doesn't go into work until 12, so technically he could get him off to school, but I just need to see that he gets there okay and his hair is spiked perfectly :)

So the first day Dom woke up promptly and was so excited but when we got to his class room he wouldn't let my arm go, until finally the teacher came and directed him to his assigned seat. He sits right in front of his cousin Natalia and time will tell if that will be a good thing or bad. But the little guy came home so happy saying, "Mom this is such a fun day!"

Second day was a little harder to get him out of bed. Got to class and we had forgotten his folder that the teacher reminded me that he needed to bring everyday to school. Feeling like a failure mom at this point...how could I have forgotten his mandatory folder on the second day....thought soon faded when I remembered I packed him an awesome snack that day in cute spiderman lunch bags.

Third day observing the little guy in class as the teacher asks all students to take out their folders(still watching as Dom looks around the room oblivious to the teacher's request) JJ reminds the teacher that he is a late bloomer....

Well that is the start to our school years. We will see how the next 12 years go!

The Many Faces of My Children

2011-06-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

My goofy children occasionally will let me snap a good shot. As you can see they are few and far between....

Curly Sue

2011-05-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

I decided that because little girl's hair was growing in so hideously we had to do something about it. So I decided to make it curly! The girls at the shop looked at me crazy for doing this to my two year old, but after signing a waver, the girl did it, because I said that I wasn't leaving without it. Riah sat through it like a champ, and looked so adorable afterward.

Noah's Baby Blessing

2011-02-14T23:56:00.000-08:00

With all the family in town for the holidays we had baby Noah and Isaiah's blessings together. They were so sweet and powerful both of them. Noah was blessed to be a peacemaker. I already see it in our family. He calms contentious or angry feelings between his siblings with his sweet smiles. It is hard not to feel happy around our happy little man.

You can definitely tell whose baby is who's huh?

One month apart, we just know these two cousins are going to be the best of friends.

Some of the cousins

Twas Christmas

2011-02-14T23:20:00.001-08:00

Okay it's February, Valentine's Day to be exact and I'm blogging about Christmas and New Years, how sad is that? After reading my friend Alanna's blog I came to the realization that when you live by family it just becomes harder and maybe the incentive isn't there as much...I don't know. But since this is in place of my journaling(sad, but true) it must be done, and it's better late than never.

So Christmas was fabulous. Since the extended family is getting larger and larger as you read (probably literally considering it's Valentines Day ;) ) we decided to draw names. At the end of the night the kids acted out the nativity, which is our annual Christmas Eve tradition, and Dom and Riah sang a musical number, and I have to say, it was the best year ever. Who knew letting two and three year olds perform a skit would turn out more mature and spiritual than the adults like previous years?

We came home that night and let the kids open their one present on Christmas Eve.....you guessed it...Christmas jammies!!!

Even Baby No got some matching rein deer jammies

Everything was set out and ready for Christmas morn

This is my beautiful nativity that JJ got me for my birthday. Its the prettiest one I have ever seen, I just love the colors in it.

I don't know if you remember last Christmas my sweet little boy only asked for an apple, well this year he upped his request and asked for a flashlight

My Riah just got spoiled rotton by us and grandma with two trunk loads full of princess dress-ups.

New Years was fun too. We invited Adam and Stephanie and Adam's fun mom Olie over to celebrate, drink martinellis, and dance to....

good ole' MJ.
And finally here is a pic of my sweet baby No on New Years day. I have to say he is the sweetest, happiest baby I've ever seen. Sleeps through the night 11 hours and is non-stop smiles. We got lucky with this little guy.

Nightmare becomes Reality

2010-12-10T00:30:00.000-08:00

I have been reassured that this happens at least once in every family, and I'm not totally convinced. After about three hours of balling my eyes out, I came to the realization that maybe Heavenly Father is trying to teach me something. Everyone who really knows me well knows about my obsession with hair and maybe this experience is trying to teach me that there is more to life than hair. It was a blessing that my visiting teachers were there otherwise I probably would have killed the boy otherwise known as my son. They must have been playing barber shop and Dominic reassured Riah that he was making her look like a princess. If she only knew. She came down the stair looking like this....

After balling my eyes out with my visiting teachers right there, they laughed and told me to take photos and said that I would laugh about this one day. I sure hope so cause I'm pretty far from laughter even now as I write this at 1 in the morning. I went up stairs to find this horror....

EVERY ounce of her hair and femininity was lying there on my bathroom floor. One of my visiting teachers was very sweet and took her to the beauty shop to see if any of her hair could be salvageable or if a miracle could occur. She came home looking like this with lots of cute bows and headbands.

Look at her, happy as a lark with sucker in hand....if she only knew what she really looked like. I'm debating whether or not to call her a boy or a cancer survivor, what do you think? Hopefully she will be as mad as me when she looks back on pictures to see how her loving brother lied to her when he said she looked like a beautiful princess!!!! Forgive me I am trying to recover.... on a lighter note.... here is our sweet little stuffed turkey for Thanksgiving. These are for you Megg.

I'm almost in tears again as I see Riah with her pretty hair just days earlier...

A Late Halloweenie

2010-11-14T22:51:00.000-08:00

We went ward hoppin' this year to two different trunk-or-treats, and got way too much candy so we gave it out to our trick or treaters on Halloween day. I don't think we have ever had that many trick or treaters before and honestly I think that the kids had more fun giving out the candy than getting it. Dom was Peter Pan this year and Riah was none other than his side kid Tinkerbell. My plan was to be Tigerlilly and JJ Captain Hook, but my energy just wasn't there being 9 months prego so I resorted to being a pregnant hippy, that makes since right?

Don't mind the belly just hanging out everywhere...that's just not too cute, but made for a funny pic.

Noah Justin Bell Has Finally Arrived!!!

2010-11-06T20:12:00.001-07:00

It was a long day and night of contracting on and off on November 1st and 2nd. The Open House at the office was November 2nd and I was just praying and praying that I would make it. My prayers were answered because my contractions stayed 12 minutes apart until right after we left the open house. Everyone there thought I was absolutely crazy to still go. I would be in the middle of a conversation with someone and then I would stop, close my eyes, and breath through them. Yeah I would have thought that girl was a nut ball too! I brought my bag to the open house because I was pretty sure we would have to go straight from there. When the contractions got too intense I changed in the back massage room and we left for the hospital. It was a nice excuse to avoid the clean-up :)

Me smiling in between contractions.

I decided that I needed Steph there to rub my back while the hubby breathed and walked me through the contractions. They were a great labor team for me. Noah Justin Bell arrived at 1:21am just four hours after arriving at the hospital. The doc said he wasn't a small baby but he was my smallest weighing in at 8lbs 2oz and 20inches long. When he came out I couldn't see him and the nurse said, "okay dad, tell everyone what it is!" When JJ said "A BOY!!" I was so so happy. It was exactly what I wanted. He is such a sweet little boy and barely cries....so far. He is such a blessing to our family! Dom and Riah are so excited to do things for their little brother, especially shoving the binky down the back of his throat!

Noah Justin Bell
8lbs 2oz, 20inches long, born 1:21am November 3rd, 2010

First family photo

The Labor Team

No signs yet folks.......

2010-10-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

Well Dom came two days before his due date, Riah came a day after....I'm officially due tomorrow and so far no clear signs of labor anytime soon. Although I have heard things could happen rather fast with the third. Doc says I'm dilated to a 2 and this weekend would be a good weekend because he's on-call. Honestly I could really care less if he delivers me cause I'm not really a fan of him. I will keep you all posted as to any progression. Possibly my next post will read "He/She Has Arrived!" because I know you all are in such suspense as to the gender of our baby....even if your not I can pretend you all are.

Things with the business are picking up and we are having an Open House to welcome Dr. Bell to the community on November 2nd. Hopefully by then I will be slinging my newborn. JJ has decided to change the name of the practice. Kind of his own fresh start. He likes, "Muscle and Joint Chiropractic." I like, "Back-In Action Chiropractic." But we still can't decide. Which one do you like or please tell me a better name. We have to decide quick to get the business license stuff going. Any help in this area is greatly appreciated!

In Shock!

2010-10-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

Recently I came across this cute blog and I just happened to win this cute Halloween countdown!!! I have never won anything before! I am so excited for it!!

Hey, it's my birthday I can cry if I want to!!!

2010-10-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

Ever since joining the church I have had the pleasure of sharing my birthday with General Conference. Which don't get me wrong, I love general conference because your with family or friends typically eating good food, but I would like to just have that be a separate time and my birthday be a separate time. And since my birthday fell on a Saturday this year I had to give up my husband to go to priesthood. Okay....I love priesthood too, the guys always come back better, but honestly I was a little bummed. JJ knew how I felt and tried the whole day to make it special before he had to leave me. I woke up to a fresh cut pineapple boat in bed and donuts (he knows the way to my heart) and he got me the most beautiful nativity set for Christmas that I have ever seen. He knew that I wanted one, but not just any one, I was looking for the perfect one. He surprised me with the most beautiful one that I have ever seen in my life. I just love all the colors in it, and can't wait to display it for Christmas. And of course he gave me a full body massage. I just couldn't ask for more, but he says he still has more planned for this coming weekend, so we will see!

Had a doctors appointment today and I am actually almost 38 weeks. Doc said I could go anytime now and honestly, I am wanting it to stay in. I feel bad even saying that, but I haven't had much time to even anticipate this baby coming because both JJ and I have been so stressed, as we are in the process of buying a chiropractic business. So many things to consider...hiring accountants, lawyers...and so on and so forth. It has been two weeks now that JJ has worked there and he has loved every minute of it. He says he loves being "the big man" and the existing patients seem to love him and are rescheduling, which is a good sign. I am needing to train myself with the office stuff and insurance stuff and, with a new baby, I am wondering how I will find the time. Fortunately the front desk girl in there now is great and we will keep her, but I figure I need to know this stuff just in case.

I'm excited for the surprise of not knowing the gender, but now I'm feeling even more unprepared because I can't get all the clothes out yet or get too many things ready. Things are crazy for us right now and it doesn't help that Riah has had a fever the past few days and the fact that I feel like a 25 year old hag! Three kids at 25, I must be OUT.SIDE.MY.MIND!...pretty much....

Okay venting over....

September Happenings

2010-10-01T19:00:00.001-07:00

A couple of sweet girls in our ward offered to pick up my crazy children and drop them back off once a week for preschool. It's so nice to get a couple of hours to myself in the morning once a week! I am so grateful, but I think they are just starting to realize what they got themselves into! It's not a joy school curriculum, but rather focuses on the sounds of letters which has been said to work faster with learning to read then just learning the letters. Then they learn cute little actions or songs that go with that letter and draw pictures. The kids were so excited to finally go to school, and frankly so was I. This past Sunday was Dominic's first Primary performance in sacrament meeting. He had known his line for THREE weeks prior "I can follow the prophet by saying my prayers," which when he finally got up to the pulpit, came out like this, " I du da de da du da la la." Yup, he's my spiritual child! The neat thing was though, that my mom actually came to see it! This was quite a first, considering she didn't even go to his baby blessing. We loved having grandma there, and I think she enjoyed it too! The power of invitation from a child...that's all I gotta say.

Bust A Move

2010-08-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

Well for the past week I have been on strict bed rest due to an infection causing pre-term labor, so needless to say I have had plenty of time to get all our family photos organized, backed up on disks, and blog! I came across this cute video of the kids a couple of weeks ago when we went to a Micheal Jackson memorial concert in the park, followed by the movie "This is it." The kids had a blast dancing to the music while waiting for the movie to start. They got so carried away that they attracted a small audience, then of course Dom got shy and stopped showing off his moves as much. Sorry it's such a dark picture.

Summer Happenings

2010-08-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

This summer has been full of family, friends, and fun in the sun. We have spent most of our summer days relaxing by our pool with the cousins. Can I just say that being by cousins has been so much fun. The kids play all day and my sister in law and I just complain about our prego pains back and forth to each other and sit on our towels like beached whales eating watermelon. Seriously if that gave you a mental picture that exactly what we look like. She is due mid September and they just bumped up my due date to October 22 and said that my baby is measuring really big already....not really a fan of pushing out a twelve pounder so I'm trying to cut back on the late night ice cream socials.

We have managed to do a few things besides being lazy by our pool all summer. A few weeks ago just our little family took a trip to Pine Mountain Lake Resort and Yosemite. It was just what the doctor ordered. So relaxing...besides the contractions that started up as I began to hike. But the kids loved being in the mountains.

and this is the closest we will come to prego pics of myself.....

For one whole week grandma took just Dominic to the mountains and he had a blast just having his special time with grandma, meanwhile I was missing my baby horribly.

So Riah and I just swam to keep our minds off of it.

For 4th of July our friends The Owens came and stayed with us. We love their cute little family and their little daughter who barely makes a peep! Seriously we barely knew she was there( I keep praying for one of those). We know the Owens because Richard was JJ's favorite missionary companion on the mission and the only one we have stayed in contact with. It was fun getting together with them to watch fireworks and sneaking out with Lindsey to see a midnight showing of Eclipse. Thanks Lindsey for being my only friend that I have to go with....

Oh, and did I mention that we laid the big red banana boat to rest? Yes oh yes we finally said good bye to her and all the H.E. (double hokey sticks) that she has put us through.....

Goodbye! We won't miss you

and said hello to a big silver banana boat...Meet the dreadful Honda minivan...very ugly, yet very practical. Fits all our babies and all our junk.

Does having a minivan make me a REAL mom now?!....unfortunately I think so....

UPDATE!!!

2010-06-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking it is finally time to update the blog because I was beginning to feel like a blog stalker without any contributions. Well JJ made it!! he graduated chiropractic school!!! Just in time, my camera broke so pictures are to come after I go old school and get them developed. Then we made the long trek across the US to California with a big Budget truck. Dom still talks about the "big truck" with daddy. It was a very long exhausting trip. We were fortunate enough to be able to stay with my brother and sister in law in their big house until we found a place that we liked. JJ started his job a few days after we arrived and he LOVES IT!!! He comes home so happy every day from work. We feel very fortunate to have such a job in these hard economic times. JJ passed the state board a while back so we are waiting for his license to come any day now so he can get a big bust in pay and actually call himself a chiropractor. California is so slow on these things!!! We found ourselves a very nice townhouse four miles from the family with a swimming pool that we have been living at lately with this hot weather. I feel like I'm in a mansion compared to the trailer. We feel very fortunate to have found such a pretty place. It's so fun being close to family and having BBQs and get togethers, although the simple life of Missouri and all our great friends are so missed. I think my sister in law is sick of me saying, "oh its better in Missouri" because in so many ways...it is. We like our ward and already have a speaking assignment for fathers day (yikes) but is so missing the Rockwood ward. I'm about 18 weeks along and huge as a whale and this baby is so active already!!

Such a small update for so many things that have happened this past month and a half, but now that we have Internet in our new place I am hoping to have more updates and pictures to come!

Maria's Good Finds!!

2010-04-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well she has finally done it! My very good friend Maria who I have always said is the luckiest person in the world, because she somehow finds the best deals ALL THE TIME!!! and I well....never do, so she finally created a blog in which maybe she can pass some of her luck onto me, thanks Maria!! Besides selling my couches for the same amount I bought them for today, this was my second most favorite thing of the day!! From free music downloads, to free shirts, she finds it all, you should check out her blog HERE. Steph and I will be claiming our free shirts tomorrow from Aeropostale!

Exciting full month

2010-04-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

Things have been so crazy around here with all this packing/selling of furniture/ saying our goodbyes, that sadly my blogging has taken a hit, but a lot has happened. We celebrated two of my most favorite people's birthdays, sent out graduation pics, Easter, preparing for Auntie Steph to come in next week and found out that JJ's parents are coming in for the graduation which was such a wonderful surprise! Having people we love there to share such a big accomplishment means a lot to JJ and I.

JJ is such a good sport to have to share his birthday with Amariah. He told me that she was the greatest birthday gift I could give him....he's so sweet. So that night I made them a nice steak dinner because Riah and JJ both love their meat! Then I made her cupcakes and JJ got his very own German chocolate cake from SCRATCH!! I mean even down to the freshly grated coconut!! He got the whole cake to himself because the rest of us wont touch coconut with a ten foot pole! He was in heaven.

I'm so glad these two were born.

My handsome hubby is graduating in about two weeks, and these are the pics that my dear friend Meggan took of him and made into an invitation.

Easter was so great this year and falling on conference I think made it extra special. We woke up and had our annual Easter devotional outside, then the kids came inside and looked for their hidden Easter baskets.

So many sweet memories here in Missouri, we sure are going to miss it....

Free Udder Covers

2010-03-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

So I got lucky and ran across this website for free booby covers for nursing! All you pay is shipping of $9.95, originally $32.00. They only have a select few patterns, but all of them are pretty cute. If you have one already, it would make a cute gift. So all you do is go HERE and type in the promotional code of: choice2. Just did it and it worked! There is a back order until April, so I just gave them my mom's address to ship it to because we wont be living here, but I thought it was a good deal. Can't beat a cute gift for 10 bucks! Let me know if you do it!

Pinewood Derby

2010-03-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

The new Cubmaster Greg Bosshard in our ward was nice enough to give Dominic a derby car and let him race after the real scouts were done with their official races. Dom was so excited all week to race his car, that is all he would talk about. Him and JJ painted it silver, strapped silver dollars to it and even added a toy peacock to the driver's seat.

We couldn't believe it, his car actually won one of the races! It was an experience he is likely not to forget and will hopefully encourage him to want to be a cubscout.

creepy?------------------------------------------------------>

2010-03-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

So does anyone else think this is a little creepy? I thought it would be fun to track the pregnancy as I saw this little icon on Alanna's blog and stole it, but I'm finding it a little creepy to see the baby in these early stages each and every time I check my blog. I'm thinking it's the tail? What do you think?

Well on a different note, things are going good I suppose, because sickness is in full force. I'm planning to start my packing this week. Can't believe we only have 5 weeks left in this good ole' state of Missouri. We will truly miss it here.

Get Ready Stork

2010-03-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

Just wanting to let all my blogger buddies know that we are expecting NUMBER THREE!!! We are very excited and hoping for another boy but are going to keep the gender unknown until the birth. He or she will be due in mid November sometime. This baby will only be a month apart from its cousin. It will be fun to be prego with my sister-in-law! The only thing not too exciting will be the sickness I'm already feeling during the move....YIKES!

Trip to Cali

2010-03-04T21:46:00.000-08:00

We returned home from a great trip to California. We figured things out and JJ found a job!!! yipee! Besides family drama, JJ's youngest brother opened his mission call to France, got to see JJ's middle brother Matt who we haven't seen in like three years because he had been on a mission in Spain. Overall a great trip besides this which happened.....

Our little boy turned into a little girl. This is what two weeks with three girl cousins will do. A little worried about this being a long term thing.....YIKES!!

Round TWO

2010-02-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

Some of you may remember THIS POST not too long ago, well I guess with boys it's just what's to be expected. I means boys including JJ! I am ashamed at even saying how this happened as some weirdo might report us, I mean JJ, but what the hay, here it is.... so JJ was throwing Dom and flipping him in the air and having him land on the bed in our bedroom. JJ feels better about blaming it on the lowness of these trailer ceilings, but he went to flip him on the bed and hit his leg on the ceiling lamp, slicing Dom's knee almost to the bone. So we went in to have him stitched up, except this time wasn't as calm as the first. Took three nurses to hold him down. I think the only thing gettin' him through was the Popsicle at the end, that he somehow remembered.

Just when we thought we were in the clear, he hit his knee at church and two stitched busted open bleeding profusely. Back to urgent care we went. Thanks Cam for being so sweet and taking us.

WARNING: Graphic Photos

Not a happy camper

A boy after my own heart. All it takes is a little treat to cheer us up!

Amazing...thats all I can say

2010-01-26T19:42:00.001-08:00

I have got to say, JJ and I just finished this book last night and we can not stop talking about it. This book had me feeling every single emotion, sadness, inspiration, anger, pity, gratitude. JJ even teared up! (and I only have seen him cry three times in my whole life) I would recommend this book to anyone both spiritual or not, this book will make anyone want to be better. I will not say too much, because I don't want to give too much away, but it is a true story about a young girl who finds herself in the middle of the Rwandan Holocaust. Her only means of survival is a Hutu Pastor from the opposing tribe who takes her into hiding into a small bathroom for three months with seven other ladies. Her renewed faith in God, and ultimately her ability to find forgiveness for the Hutu killers who wiped out most of her whole village is truly inspirational. This book is a MUST READ!!

JJ's Chiropractic Story

2010-01-21T19:18:00.001-08:00

JJ has been setting up interviews with different docs in the places we are checking out and its interesting but some of the docs have asked JJ to send in his "Chiropractic Story" along with his resume. He wrote it today and I was rather impressed.....

My Story

I grew up in a family where exercise, healthy diet, and a balanced lifestyle was encouraged. Home remedies or giving the body time to heal itself were used commonly as opposed to going to the doctor for sicknesses. I guess you could say we lived the chiropractic lifestyle without having been exposed to chiropractic. I wasn't adjusted until I was a senior in high school because my back was hurting while playing football. I got adjusted but didn't know what was going on and only went once. I felt a little bit better but had no clue what chiropractic was.

A few years later I was in a career development class and looked into chiropractic and loved the fact that you could be a doctor and treat people without using drugs or surgery. Up to that point I was considering being a nutritionist or a physical therapist because I already knew the benefits of exercise and nutrition. I also loved sports and wanted to do something where I could work with athletes when I realized that my dream to play in the NFL was going to have to stay a dream or be lived through one of my kids. So I was also considering becoming a strength and conditioning coach or an athletic trainer. Another one of my passions is I love to learn, teach, and motivate, so teacher and motivational speaker were also on the list. The problem with each of these professions is their limitations. I did not feel settled helping somebody through nutrition or exercise alone when I knew that the cause of somebody's sickness would vary with the individual and could very well include many factors. After job shadowing a few chiropractors and doing some informational interviews, I gradually realized that this was a perfect fit where I could not only help sick people feel better, but I could help them to obtain their highest level of health possible and coach them through the process. I knew if I was a chiropractor I could teach people how to exercise properly and help athletes maximize their performance. I could teach people what foods to eat to enhance their health and motivate them to be their best self. I loved the profession without knowing any more than as a chiropractor I could use all these tools to help the body heal itself and somehow an adjustment played a role in that.

So I enrolled in Logan Chiropractic College and have loved the experience! I've been able to experience firsthand the power of an adjustment and its even more powerful influence when combined with rehabilitation and nutrition. I loved learning the physiology of the adjustment which inspired me to use that topic for my literature review. I've attended every club the campus has to offer multiple times and apply that knowledge in my treatments. I've attended multiple seminars of various topics but with a special emphasis on rehabilitation, pregnancy, and pediatrics. Because of my love for sports I participated in the Masters program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and worked on the sidelines at athletic events and developed and carried out workout programs for local colleges. I also loved going to seminars and learning how chiropractic can help people who have been to many other practitioners without success. I've experienced the benefits of chiropractic and have seen its influence in my wife and kids, as well as the patients I've treated in the clinic.

I know I can't be an expert at nutrition, exercise and every chiropractic technique out there at this time and have been warned against being a "jack of all trades". So I've focused mainly on mastering a combination of diversified, MPI, and gonstead adjusting and rehabilitation, stretching, and soft tissue work (ART) where appropriate. Having said that, it is my goal to be a lifelong learner and to continue the path I'm on to be the best doctor I can be.

American Idol

2010-01-12T17:36:00.001-08:00

I know I'm crazy. Some people like "Chuck," some people like "Grey's Anatomy," but here in this house we are loyal to American Idol. Got JJ hooked when we were dating, and we have watched every season together ever since. After like 8 seasons the hype has kinda worn down for many, but no not here. We are huge fans. It was exciting when we moved to St. Louis because we met Alanna and Brad who liked the show just as much as we do and we would have our American Idol nights....but sadly this season they are gone :( Well know that you guys are missed this season. I'm a little worried though, this is suppose to be Simon's last season...hummm hope the show stays exciting. Those will be big shoes to fill though. Season 9 premiers tonight!! Excitement has filled the Bell home!!!

Becoming a big little boy

2010-01-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

My little Dominic is getting way too big, I can hardly stand it! This Sunday was the second Sunday that he has moved on up from Nursery into being with the big kids in Primary. As I sit in the Primary with my cute little 8 year olds, it just has been so strange to look over and see my little guy sitting there with the sunbeams in primary. He is just growing up so fast right before my eyes. I'm excited to see him progress in the gospel, give his first primary talk, and bear his sweet little testimony. I'm so grateful for the privilege of being his mommy and teaching him about how much the Savior loves him.

Season Beloved of the Year

2010-01-07T20:07:00.001-08:00

This Christmas turned out to be such a special Christmas and one that we won't forget. It started out sad because it was our first Christmas without family, but ended so great. I think our friends felt bad for us because we were invited over a lot, which in part was what made it so great. Due to finances we weren't going to buy a tree this year, but low and behold a dear friend brought this lovely thing over to our house fully decorated and EVERYTHING!! Seriously brought tears to my eyes, and was one of the sweetest acts of kindness anyone has ever done for me and my family and I will never forget it.

Christmas eve we went to the Shelton's with the Ernstroms and ate some incredible dinner, had a Christmas devotional and opened "The Christmas Eve Present" aka pajamas. We had a great time, they are so fun to hang out with and it was just nice to be with good people on the holidays.

Christmas morning was actually very relaxing with just our little family. The only thing that Dom asked for this year was an apple. Santa granted his request, and he was as happy as a lark. Riah didn't quite get the whole thing, but loved the little doll stroller that Santa brought and that mom is regretting asking for because she strolls it up and down the hallway 10 billion times a day ramming into everybody and everything! Do you thing Santa makes exchanges?

New Years was so fun too. We spent it with the North's and their in-laws, stayed up playing games and eating good food till 4 in the morning. Now I'm addicted to the game Farkle....very fun!! We introduced them to our New Year's tradition of banging pots and pans outside while yelling, "Happy New Year!!!" over and over. No police were called...it's going to be a good year!!

Hope everyone had a great holiday season, and remembered the reason for the season!!!

Confusion!!

2010-01-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy past month, hence the lack in posting. JJ is now a tri 10(meaning no more classes just clinic) and we are still not completely sure about where we are going and what we are doing. I remember posting about this confusion...hmmmm....i don't know...maybe a year ago! But I never thought we would still be confused up to this point and this late in the game. Our trip to New Mexico was great and we did find a possible good opportunity there, but JJ is still unsettled and keeps thinking about California! I almost had California crossed off my list completely, but I guess it can't be if he's still thinking about it. So we are taking a trip to Cali in February which will be good because if we do end up going to New Mexico it will be a long time until we see family. Here is some pics of the beautiful NM temple with the pretty mountains that are your view from any part of the Albuquerque area. All I know is we better come to some conclusions FAST!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T23:59:00.000-08:00

Wanted to wish all my blogger buddies a Happy Thanksgiving! I was jealous as most of you probably sat around a large table with those you loved eating a scrumptious meal while we ate a Walmart chicken and gold fish crackers. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, of course, because it involves yummy food, one of my most favorite things in life. But this year we are in Albuquerque,NM (hope I spelt that right, I really need to learn how if I'm going to live here)searching out our new homestead. As of now, we like it a lot, quite different from anywhere else I have ever lived for sure. I was telling JJ that I finally feel like the majority and JJ with his blond hair stands out like a sore thumb! It's quite the culture shock, but from those we have talked to, the people are so so nice, laid back, and very friendly. The temple here is absolutely gorgeous with the beautiful Sandia mountains in the background (hopefully I will have pics soon). JJ meets with some docs on Monday, so hopefully all goes well. We will keep you posted, and hope all my shopping buddies...uh hum Maria... had fun on Black Friday!! Happy Thanksgiving to you all hope you all had a wonderful, turkey stuffin, sweet potato eatin, pie scarffin time!! :)

Leaves Leaves Leaves

2009-11-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

With this fall season coming to an end, and seeing as how it will be our last fall here in Missouri only to return somewhere in the west, I'm sure, I am most thankful for the beautiful leaves that the Mid West provides. Being from California, we most definitely do not get leaves like we do out here and so when we moved here we loved them so much we never wanted to rake them! Our complaining old neighbor is always telling us that somehow the wind magically blows all these leaves onto her beautiful lawn and is always on us to CLEAN UP YOUR LEAVES!! Well this year we just avoided her sadly but justified it by knowing that this will be the last year that she will have to put up with our "laziness" and thinking that this is the last year that my kids will get to live amongst such beauty. It's funny cause I can always tell a Missourian by looking at their yard in the fall and not seeing one leaf, constantly raking and blowing away especially if rain is about to hit. Well I guess you can tell a Californian who's living in Missouri by how big the pile of leaves are in the middle of their lawn with kids jumping in them!

Halloweenie

2009-11-14T14:09:00.000-08:00

I know I can be such a horrible blogger sometimes especially seeing as how it is now November and I am just now blogging about Halloween. Well, we had a great Halloween. Lots of parties! I think it is Dominic's favorite holiday because here we are in November and he still asks me if its Halloween yet. Poor kid has a long way to go, but I just say, "Not yet Honey." We had an awesome trunk or treat at the church, then we had a party at the North's house followed by some good ole' trick or treating with everyone. Riah was our cute little pink kitty cat.... and Dom was none other than SPIDER MAN!! The North's incredible Halloweenie festive food... The whole trick or treating clan.... and here is the Halloween song that they song at the Joy School Halloween party

Dom has already informed me that he wants to be Batman next year for Halloween. We will see how long that lasts.... Now on to things that we are grateful for.

Partying those socks off....or should I say hose!

2009-10-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Shelton's threw such a fun Halloween bash last weekend. We dropped those kiddos off at the babysitter and us old farts hit the road. We arrived kinda late because JJ drives like such an "old man" ;) but we finally got there.

Now I thought that I would try something new for Halloween this year instead of my normal scary self....

(three Halloweens ago)

And I thought we would coordinate a little more. So we put on about 60 years.....

and instantly became old people. JJ was too funny flailing around poking me and trying to lift up my skirt with his cane. We actually won....

Funniest! But all the costumes were so great and so creative. Here were the ladies....

and here were the gents of the Monster Bash.....

There was yummy treats also. Like this one that I made which no one wanted to touch....I didn't know why?

Still haven't figured that one out. It was overall such a fun night to hang out with good friends. Thanks to the Shelton's for all their hard work!

Family Fall Pictures!!

2009-10-25T20:09:00.001-07:00

So my friend Megg said she would do our family pics for us, and I was so excited! I think she did a fabulous job and I love them! (thank heavens for her marvelous work on photoshop). Tell me which one you think should be our Christmas card photo?

Click Here for more pics!

Birthday Surprise

2009-10-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

A week ago today, I celebrated my 24th birthday. And maybe to some that seems really young, but I feel really really old. My life is the life of most 30 to 35 year olds. Two young kids can really take a lot out of ya. Well with the depression of feeling really old, my very sweet hubby started my birthday a week early. One morning he woke me up to a beautiful crape breakfast in bed (with homemade nutella and bananas), which were so yummy, with continuous breakfasts on different days, then he took me out to PF Changs which I had never been to before and always wanted to. FYI: if you've never been, you won't be disappointed. Then the day of my birthday he and the kids baked me an incredible homemade berry pie....I think he finally has figured out the key to my heart :) That night we celebrated with a few friends at the last Cardinals game of the season.

Just when I thought that the night couldn't get better, JJ told me there was one more surprise. As we were driving he told me to close my eyes (this was extremely hard by the way). We show up at the airport, and who other than my very best friend pops out to surprise me and stay a few days! I was crying and in shock the whole way home, I had NO IDEA!!!

I thought my birthday was over, but then my friend Cambria brought me a homemade boston cream pie, which was so yummy, and my friend Megg threw a surprise party for me. I got coupons for free dinners, maid service, and babysitting....who can ask for more?
This birthday was truly a memorable one. It made getting older a little better.

Auntie with the kids. I love how much she loves them. We all miss her so much!

PT is Official!!!!

2009-09-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember this tiring post in which I was tired, frustrated, and just gave up. Well to my astonishment I think it was my giving up that actually paid off. I have waited a while to post about it because I didn't want to jinx it and just to make sure it was official, but Dominic is officially POTTY TRAINED!!! and the amazing thing about the whole process, was that he just did it all on his OWN!

One morning he woke up and had a poopy diaper. As I was changing him he said, "Mommy, I think I want to go on the big potty today and wear my big boy spider man underwear." I said okay and we took the diaper off and he wore his underwear. Then I said to him, "Dom, now you promise mommy that you won't go pee pee or poo poo in your big boy underwear?" and he said, "Yes, Mommy, I promise." Then the whole day he just kept going all on his own. During the course of the day I kept asking, "Dom, did you go potty in your pants?" and he kept saying, "No, mommy, I promised!" It was really cute.

Over the past couple of weeks we only had a couple of accidents and both of those were when we weren't home. So I am a very happy momma, and have learned a very important lesson. I will NEVER push my kids to potty train, I think they will just do it on their own. At least that is my hope. It just wasn't worth the fight.....

Past Few Weeks

2009-09-16T17:00:00.001-07:00

We have been pretty busy these past few weeks with JJ's break, getting adjusted to the new trimester, Dominic finally potty training himself, that I have neglected posting. We have done some fun things over the past few weeks.

We went to this Digging for Dinos with the Ernstrom boys which was so much fun. The kids loved interacting with the fake dinos, digging in the sand for "dino bones," and coloring dinosaurs pictures.

Also about a week ago we went to the new City Garden downtown which the kids absolutely LOVED!! It has many fountain to swim and play in. Waterfalls, big rocks to jump on, neat art statues, all in the middle of St. Louis. Here are some pretty pics that my friend Megg took of the experience.

Family Pics

2009-09-06T00:51:00.001-07:00

My friend Missy took some pictures of us when she was on vacation here in Missouri and since I haven't posted any pics of the family recently I thought I would post some. Thanks Miss, I appreciate it!

Crazy Hair

2009-09-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is a picture that a friend of mine took the other day at the park....so funny. I think this is honestly the best I have ever seen her hair look!

After a few inquiries

2009-08-26T22:59:00.000-07:00

So I mentioned this banana bread that I made on my facebook and I had a few respond that they wanted the recipe. I just thought the best way would be to post here.
While craving banana bread I called up my Aunt Mary, who makes the best, just to get her secret. The name of it is A-Z bread, not banana bread. She said that it's called this because you can put ANYTHING in it and it will turn out great. Just substitute the main ingredient. So you can make zucchini bread, carrot bread, or whatever your little heart desires with this same recipe and she says that it will turn out great. Well, I'm all about simplicity, so this was a recipe that I held on to. She says it does take some perfecting.....so I have a lot of work to do. Well, here it is to all those inquirers....

A-Z Bread

3 cup four
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3 tsp cinnamon (opt)
1/2 tsp baking powder
3 eggs
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups A-Z (whatever your little heart desires)
3 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts (opt)

Sift all dry ingredients
in another bowl beat eggs, add oil, and sugar, mix well
add A-Z
add vanilla
finally mix altogether
fold in nuts

bake 350, for 1 hr
makes 2 loafs
grease pans

side note: 6-7 bananas= 2 cups

and hua-la, there you have it. Let me know how it turns out for ya.

Today's part two conversation

2009-08-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

Dominic- Momma, you got married in the temple?
Me- Yeah, I got married to daddy in the temple.
Dominic- You look pretty momma.
Me- You mean when I got married?
Dominic- Yeah.... a lot!
Me- Oh thanks bud, your so sweet!
Dominic- your welcome momma.

I think that was my favorite conversation ever! What a sweetie I have.

A Funny Sunday Conversation

2009-08-16T20:19:00.001-07:00

Tonight we went to the temple to see it all lit up and sing the "I love to see the temple" song. We just parked and stared at the temple and this was our funny little conversation.

Dominic- "Who's that guy up there?"
JJ- "That's the angel Moroni, bud."

a few minutes later

JJ- "Okay guys, say bye bye to the angel Moroni."
Dominic- "But he don't talk daddy."

JJ and I laugh, and a few minutes later

JJ- "Dominic, did you know that mommy and daddy got married in the temple and that means that mommy, daddy, sister, and Dominic all get to be together forever?!"

Dominic- "How did you do that...guys?!"

Funny forward from my mom

2009-08-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

Life really boils down to 2 questions...

1. Should I get a dog....?

OR...

2. Should I have children...?

No matter what situations life throws at you...

No matter how long and treacherous your journey may seem..

Remember ~ ~~ there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

You're laughing aren't you?

That's good ~~ my job here is done!

Have a great day !!

5 Love Languages- an "Ah-huh" moment

2009-08-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

There is this book called, "The Five Love Languages," by Gary Chapman. I have never actually read this book, but have heard so much great stuff about it. My mother-in-law read it, loved it, and told me all about it. If you haven't read it, apparently there are 5 different ways that we respond to love. I guess you can kind of gravitate toward a few or all of them, but generally you respond to one in particular. So, the 5 languages of love are: physical touch, acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, and receiving gifts.

Now I'm sure that with different people in your life, it will vary a little. But interestingly, I took this facebook challenge to see what is my Love Language. So I thought for sure I would be "acts of service" because there is nothing I love more than to come home and have the house spic and span. But surprisingly I am "quality time."

So the "ah-huh" moment came when I asked JJ what his Love Language is. He told me it was "physical affection" at #1, and not too far behind was "quality time." So another catch to this whole Love Language thing is that we tend to do for others or our spouse what our OWN Love Language is.

So when JJ comes home from school and the house is spic and span, and he doesn't give the response that I would typically give to such an act, and to top it off, he throws his doctor's bag, jacket, and tie all over the house, I'm feeling a little sad at this point and feeling a little unappreciated, because in my head I'm thinking that he should appreciate it as much as me.

So the lesson to me is that it's not that he doesn't appreciate that act, but that it's just not as important to him as it is to me. I guess all he needs is a big hug when he comes in the door....wish I would have known that sooner, it sure is a lot easier! :)

Just thought I'd share, although it would have been more helpful to know in the beginning of our marriage. If you haven't already, learn your Love Language and your spouses' as well. You might come to some interesting realizations yourself.

Addiction

2009-08-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have no idea what it is, but ever since a good friend, Megg brought over a trunk load of strawberry shortcake the other night, which I was very grateful for, I have been craving the stuff non stop. And let me tell you, it's not the greatest weight loss program. So I will either blame my weight gain on Megg, or maybe just this time of year. The hot weather makes bright red, ripe delicious strawberries sound so cooling and refreshing, but that's just too healthy, so you have to add some nice cold whippi, and sweet angel food cake to complete the delightful treat. Have two nights in a row and you can become an addict just like me.

So tell me, whats your favorite summer treat?

My beautiful primary girls

2009-08-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday, I had the opportunity to witness a very special event. I guess I haven't talked about them on here before, but there are four young girls that have become very much a part of my life. At church I have the privilege of teaching four very distinguished, beautiful, smart, spiritual girls in primary. They are the 7-8 year old's, which in our faith is a very special number. At eight years of age a child gets baptized. So I have been prepping these girls and pumping them up all year for this very event as I'm sure their families are as well. These young ladies make going to church so fun and something that I always look forward to.

Saturday, two of my girls Jenna, and Jilian got baptized. The baptism was beautiful and spirit was strong there, especially when they both sang the song, "I Know When I Am Baptized," which was so beautiful and brought tears to my eyes as it brought me back to my very own baptism when I sang that same song. Both these girls have such an amazing knowledge of the gospel at their young age, that they often end up teaching me in our Sunday school lessons. I love these girls very much and I am so very proud of this beautiful life changing commitment that they have chosen to make.

Giving up the ghost

2009-07-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

So this past week, I have sacraficed my daily gym going, and jail bound to the house to focus on the big P.T.....aka the dreaded potty training. So to put it lightly this week has been a living H. E. double hocky sticks!!! I am about to bang my head on a wall! Meanwhile Dominic is getting so much pleasure....errr.

So the day after I ended school, we went out and bought a jar and Dominic got to pick out the "potty" candy that he wanted. So we placed that in the bathroom (I know not very appitizing) right in front of his potty so he can stare at it as he sits on the potty and tries to go. So that was our first step.

Second step. After talking to a few different people I thought I would try the timer method (so every 20 minutes just go sit on the potty) and if he happened to have an accident in his pants, well here is the part that I hope I dont get reported to child services, but you put your kid in a cold shower to get the pee pee off. Well, he obviously hated the cold showers, so you would think he would make the connection, right? NOPE!

It seems with each day, he is only getting more and more stubborn, humm, wonder where he gets that from? So, I am officially giving up the ghost. He will do it when he is ready. Patience Tori, patience. He will not be eight years old and still in diapers right?

Officially DONE DONE DONE!!

2009-07-20T22:37:00.001-07:00

As of this very second, I am officially done with school....maybe for forever!!! I just turned in my very last assignment. I know, I already showed grad pics, but the truth was that I was able to walk the stage with just 6 credits left....i know I'm such a sneak, but now I have finished my last two classes and I am DONE!! This past math class was rough too, the instructor actually told us to tell all of our friends and family that we would not have a life for the next five weeks, and it sure felt like that. So here's the next question, what should I do to celebrate? Besides go on a cruise...already did that ;)

First words

2009-07-10T19:50:00.001-07:00

So today, another big milestone for Riah. She said her very FIRST word. We were having one of our typical mornings, all three of us in mommy and daddy's bed, me going in and out of consciousness, Dominic saying, "I want to get up, Mommy," while pulling on my arm. A few minutes went by, I'm still going in and out of consciousness, and all of a sudden Riah points to the front door and says, "UP!!" So she understood what it meant!

I often wonder what to count as their first words because they copy cat so many words in the beginning, so I always count the one word that they say and know what it means. So I think we will count "up". Dominic's first word was "football," granted he didn't say his first word until he was two(yes, I was a little worried) but we knew he knew what it meant cause he was holding one. We were grateful he had some brain cells in there.

Then tonight Dominic kept saying his favorite word in the whole wide world.....b.u.t.t, not to mention his complete fascination with them. Talking about them, rubbing them, putting his face in them....you name it, and now Riah started saying b.u.t.t. See now why we have the rule for what to count as their first word?

My Sister's Keeper

2009-07-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

JJ and I went on a well needed date tonight and he was so kind as always to come to a chic flick that I really wanted to see. So in my opinion, this movie was an A-, but be prepared to cry A LOT. Just bring a whole box of tissues and you should be good. I do not think there was a dry eye in the audience. Great movie for a girl's night out or if your hubby likes chic flicks too.

Water up the crotch

2009-07-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

The other day I took the kids to Logan to cool off in the fountain and found out something pretty strange about my son. He likes the feeling of water up his crotch. He spent nearly an hour just sitting on the water and laughing because he was spraying everyone. Then I was feeding into it because he had me in hysterics as well because he liked the water up his crotch so much.

I love this picture because there is Dom spraying Riah with his crotch again and it is like Riah is saying, "eww, get away your gross." Typical boy and typical girl, I guess, but it was so so funny, you had to be there.

Horror turned to gratitude

2009-06-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the biggest scare of our whole life. Every parent's nightmare.

JJ got out of his ART seminar early today and we thought we would go to the fair down in Ballwin and check out the fireworks later that night. Despite the extremely hot/humid Missouri weather we were having a good time and let Dominic ride one of the motorcycle rides. We went and got a bite to eat, sat down and shared a sandwich. We get up to go and get something to drink and JJ and I turned away for ONLY 1 SECOND!!! and Dominic was GONE. No where to be found among so many crowds of people. I didn't quite go into panic mode yet thinking he would be just a few feet away as I circled around. JJ and I both began circling, and calling his name and he was still no where to be found. We both started running around like crazy asking everyone if they had seen a little blond boy about the age of three wearing a blue and orange shirt. No one had seen him.

JJ and I split up searching everywhere and meeting up every minute or so. I wanted so badly for JJ to come back with him in his arms, but he only came back with a more frightened look on his face. I really started panicking at this point and was starting to hyperventilate asking everyone I saw just sitting around the area, if they had seen him. Everything was racing through my mind, someone took him, maybe he's drowning in the lake nearby, what if he is long gone by now and I will never see my boy again. I started praying asking Heavenly Father to just please bring our little boy back to us, please, please, please.

JJ then told me that I needed to go to the police, while he kept looking. I was freaking out on the utter verge of tears and went to the police booth. I approached the police booth and said in a pretty loud alarming voice that I had lost my son, and NO ONE even paid attention to me! I started snapping my fingers and yelling a little louder that I HAD LOST MY SON!!! and finally they pointed to this other little boy about the age of five who had lost his parents and said, "Is that him?" I said, "NO!! That is not him, please go out and find him!!" All the police guys were just standing around me, not even seeming to budge, looking at me as though I was some psychopath! It seriously was like one of those nightmares where you are falling and you can't scream or do anything, because I felt completely helpless and out of control.

So then I started insulting them hoping that then they might do something. I said, "would you guys go out there and do your job! because if you don't then I need to leave and find him myself" The police officer gave me this look like I was the rudest lady on the planet and insulted him personally. Meanwhile the officer kept telling me that I had to stay there to keep giving them information about what my son looked like and was wearing, and assured me that the officers located around the area are now looking for him. I felt like I had told them his description for the hundredth time, and I wanted them to start looking too!

Finally I just said, "Look, would you guys just go out there and start looking?" Just as the guys left to find him, JJ came approaching the booth with Dominic in his arms. Panic soon turned to pure gratitude that me boy was safe and back with us again. 10 whole minutes, felt like an eternity.

JJ said he found Dominic a few yards away down this path where we had lost him just lying on the grass by himself. JJ grabbed him in his arms and told him to never leave mom and dad again. JJ said he was lying on the grass very melancholy, like he was scared but was not crying.

Together again, I grabbed him, squeezed him tight and we went up the hill to watch the fireworks. The whole time he sat in my lap squeezing my arms tight which were wrapped around him. I don't know if he felt the fear and gratitude from me and was reassuring me, or if he was scared of the loud fireworks.

Tonight I sit in such gratitude to my Heavenly Father for answering my plea and bringing my son safely back to us.

Challenge went belly up

2009-06-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

I just can't believe what people will do for money some times! Just a little side note about JJ. When he was 13 years old he got dared to swim across a pool that haden't been cleaned in 6 months filled with frogs, snakes, and mud all for $16!! Of course he did it and few of his friends actually paid up. Then he was dared to eat half an onion for $5, and of course did that too!!!You would think that he had learned. All these crazy stories you hear after you marry the guy ;)

So when JJ heard about this Pointers Pizza challenge in St. Louis he was all for it! JJ found another crazy friend like himself to do this thing! The deal is, you and one other person have to eat a 28" pizza in an hour and if you do, you get $500. JJ researched and researched and had been preparing for it as well as his friend Steve. He would eat one big meal around 3:00 each day and lots and lots of water. Unfortunatly he got a little sick the week of and couldn't quite train like he wanted, anyways with hesitation, he decided to give it a go anyway.

The funny thing is, he called the whole family to have them pray for him that he will win the money. I told him that if he won, that would be awesome because it could go toward his lasik eye surgery that he had been wanted since forever. Right before we left to go to the resturant, he was gettin' himself all pumped up watching Rocky and listening to "eye of tiger" swinging punches in our living room (I should have taken some photos of that cause that was hilarious).

So we get there and the pizza comes out lookin like this:

Talk about flippin HUGE!!!

The boys are lookin pretty confident kinda like this:

Timer starts and they start chowin kind of like this:

Their stratigies were set and their confidence was high. Five minutes later, they were already like this:

Steve started complaining that his jaw was hurting, and JJ was on the floor doing push ups to try and create more of an appitite. 40 minutes in, they surrendered with this much left to go:

Their surrendering attitudes with sickness starting to set in:

Dominic finishing up the aftermath:

The funniest thing about it was, we thought that there had been 17 people who finished the contest just since this year, but turns out its only been 17 people since they started the compitition 10 years ago. Needless to say JJ was sick the whole rest of the evening, but fortunately for me, you are only given one shot at this contest in your whole life. So Pointers Pizza wont be seeing us again, that is unless JJ gets another bee in his bonnet to do the milkshake contest which is 16, 16oz milkshakes in an hour! Ha, yeah right!

He's our little champ

2009-06-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

Today they called me out of a very intense cardio kick-boxing workout to tell me that my little crazy boy had somehow managed to take a huge chunck of skin out of his eyebrow. He was crying for a little bit but didn't seem to be in extreme pain or anything. I personally have never had anything like this happen to myself nor have I ever had to have stiches so I didn't know what kind of wounds require stiches. I got a few opinions from some of the girls there at the Y and they said that it looked too deep to heal on its own. After finally tracking down the hubby at school, we headed off to the ER.

This was JJ's idea to take off the bandage to show the puncture wound.

Poor little guy had to recieve two whole stiches. The only thing gettin him through this part was the "pink" (actually red) popsicle promised at the end of the procedure.

Overall he was a real champ through it all. The doc said that he will probably have a "V" shaped scar on his eyebrow from now on. JJ said we can't count on Dom making us any money now with stunning looks.... there went that dream ;)

A "high-class" time

2009-06-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

When you have "high-class" friends, you get to do "high-class" things. Everyone like myself who is not "high-class," needs a high class friend. My high class friend is Maria. She's sweet, talented, beautiful, and "high-class." Everything about her is put together, orderly, and sophisticated. Qualities, I only dream about, but have eternity to perfect, right?

I felt very honored a few weeks back, when she called me up and asked me if I wanted to go have breakfast with her at Tiffany's. Yes, you heard that right, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" Uh-Humm, how could I pass that up?

Despite the accidental sipping of alcohol, the breakfast was lovely and I got to look at jewelry that I will never have, and mistake cuff lings for belly button rings! Shows you how "high-class" I am :)
Thanks Maria for a fun, "high-class" morning. You are so much fun!

Can't leave him alone for ONE second!

2009-06-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

The other day, JJ had mentioned that he was going to cut his hair as he usually does because it was getting a tad scruffy. I step outside for ONE second, come back in, and I find, to my astonishment and dismay, this!....

I don't know what bee got in his little bonnet, call it male bonding, I have no idea. But I am NOT a fan of his new look, because there is nothing left for me to grab. My little boy is now a little man!

I guess one good thing is its more economical.

Four years ago....

2009-06-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Four years ago today, I knelt across the beautiful temple alter with this handsome hunk, the love of my life....

and proclaimed our undying love, commitment and dedication to each other.

walking out of that Holy place, making a sacred covenant to each other, an eternal covenant....

I knew our journey was just beginning and we weren't going to look back....

You smiled at me when the lyrics to the song sung at our wedding said the verse, "Lets go make a family"

and that's just what we did! Two kids and four years later, I am more in love with you now, although I thought it was impossible at the time. You are my everything, my "one and and only." As I gaze into our future....

I see us growing together as we teach our children to love the Lord. I see us leaning more and more on each other as times get tough. I see us old and grey not ever wanting to have to leave the other behind. And ultimately I see us being that eternal family that both of us desire. I am grateful to have such an amazing angel truly sent from heaven, that loves me too much more than I will ever know. I am grateful for the many ways daily that you show me this and the simple ways you let me know that you care.
Happy Anniversary Babe, I love you.

Its the Swine Flu...everybody hide!!!

2009-05-28T23:07:00.001-07:00

Okay I'm just going to come out and say it here and I know for some in particular they are going to be freaked out. Ever since our vaca, (hope you don't mind some gross details) things just haven't worked right in the plumbing department for all of us. Squirts are okay when released in the toilet, but not so cool when in a diaper. I think it was seeing those diapers alone that made Stephanie go from wanting a large family to saying, "Yeah, I'm thinking two sounds about good."

Four days ago Dom came down with a fever, then shortly after Riah got it. Both were accompanied with the constant squirts....oh the joys of motherhood.

Fever? nothing a little Basic chiropractic adjustment aka finger up the butt, can't cure. Dom's fever came down immediately and Riah's came down a little while after. I just love chiropractic! They both are good as new!

4 days ago....

The next day....

So for all those that have the Swine Flu, its nothin' a little chiropractic can't handle.

When Auntie Stephed Comes to Visit

2009-05-25T22:42:00.000-07:00

My bestie, pretty much sister, hence "Auntie," just left us after a 10 day stay....tear. It's so sad when she leaves us because she is so much fun. When auntie Stephed comes to town we get to.......

Have Cheesecake Factory night with just the girls to say "so-long" to Alanna who has now left us and moved on to Washington....miss you Alanna.

Have a fun birthday party for Dominic who turned THREE! with all his little buddies, a pinata, and icecream cone cupcakes (which were a hit with the kids, but not with me as they made the hugest mess of my kitchen and I was not a fan).

Get fun presents from Auntie

Play at the park

Go on a nature walk and actually get a family picture....imagine that?

Squeeze in a little romance.....and you thought we weren't affectionate Stephed? We just dont get the opportunity.

Find nasty long worms on the nature walk, then stop and analyze it for a year to try and sick me out....it worked.

Go to Grant's Farm and feed the goats and llamas

Go to the butterfly house

Stephed, thank you for all the fun talks, laughter, and most of all for all the love you show to my kids. A girl couldn't ask for a better bestie. Look forward to your next visit!

Vacad OUT!!!

2009-05-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

WOWZA!!! I have been gone for WAY TOO long and would like to welcome myself back to the blogging world. I do have a good excuse though I must say. We were gone for three whole weeks then a day after our arrival home, my bestie, aka auntie Stephed came and visited for another 10 days. Things were definately crazy around here but I vow to myself (cause no one else cares that much) to never be absent from my blogging duties for that long again. Steph can atest that each night I would say that I needed to blog but we would be up late watching movies or just talking away like we normally do.

Week 1:

Graduation!!! I am now offically A PHOENIX!!!

I love this picture because it was my expression when I first spotted my family. There were so many people there and my cousin and her family even came which meant a lot to me. This was a fun day. We went to the Olive Garden saying, "I am a phoenix" all the way there....so funny!

Week 2: Our cruise!!!

My mom paied for JJ and I to go on a cruise to Mexico for a graduation present, and his parents and sister were so kind to watch our kids for us. We just happened to pick the exact time when the swine flu broke out....yup thats our luck. So we were only able to make it into Cabo San Lucus and not Puerto Vierta, or Mazatlan. Yes, that was a little bit of a bummer especially because we headed back up to San Francisco instead. Big wipee, cause thats where we're from pretty much, so to save us a rental car charge we just got off the ship a day early. We made the most of our time on the ship though and happened to sit with some awesome people. Going to dinner was our favorite not just because of the incredable food, but because our table laughed so hard that everyone in the dinning room stared....they eventually got used to it :)

Our fun table friends

and Juan our crazy waitor

all the cute animal towels:

Although we didn't get to lay on the beach as much as we wanted, we still had a blast and met some really awesome people....and, a whole week without kids? who could complain. Oh yeah, and NO SWINE FLU!!!

Week 3

Hung out with the family and then heading up to Idaho for Angie (JJ's sister) and Ben's baby blessing. I do have to say, little Allie Mae is so prescious and it was so cute to see them be such good parents. We also got lucky enough to go up to their cabin near the Teton Mountains and go four-wheeling which was so much fun. Dominic kept saying, "I want to go on the big bike!" Yes, JJ and I already said that we will have some of those one day!

Cute little Allie Mae

Such a fun, fun trip by boy it was a lot. Feels good to be home, but we realize how much we miss family when we come back to Missouri :(

Singing debut vs. cruise....hummm, I'll take the cruise!

2009-04-22T23:41:00.000-07:00

We are preparing to go back to Cali on this break, drop the kids off and head on down to my graduation and finally our cruise, yes I said cruise!! My mom so lovingly and willingly paid for JJ and I to go on a cruise as a graduation present. We can hardly stand the wait, especially as finals week is heading to a close and we both just can't wait to BE DONE! My incredible in-laws and sweet sister and brother in-law were willing to watch our kids the whole time we are gone. Dominic can hardly wait to be with his cousins and play, play, play. Pretty much that's all he talks about, and even prays about. JJ and I are so grateful to them for doing this; it will really feel like another honey moon, except I think this one is more needed than the first.

The family informed us that while we are gone they and the kids are going to sing "families can be together forever" in church on Sunday, so Dominic has been practicing ever since. A piece of me is sad to not see my baby's first singing in front of an audience debut, but I have to say that is a very teeny tiny piece of me, cause we're gonna be livin' it up on a cruise! So sing your little heart out babe, make your mother proud all the way in Mexico ;)
This video was a while ago, he has gotten much better since. I don't have to help him as much.

Our Easter

2009-04-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

I have been such a big slacker with my blogging that I am just now getting around to posting Easter, but we really did have a great Easter. Sorry mom I didn't get the package with the cute outfits for the kids, but I still think they looked cute for church. This was Dominic's first year getting an Easter basket because I felt like it would be the first year that he could actually remember it. And the thing about having two kids is now I can't get away with that so we just had to get one for sister as well because we couldn't have any fighting on Easter morn. The Easter bunny hid their baskets in the living room so they had to first find them to get to their goodies. Easter was filled with a cute family, good friends, and good food....I can't complain.

My silly boys in their ties....

Hair, um I mean Hare in the Air

2009-04-22T23:06:00.000-07:00

Each year JJ's chiropractic school does this "Hare in the Air" community activity where the Easter bunny comes down from a helicopter and there is a massive Easter egg hunt for all the kids according to age. They also bring in animals for a petting zoo which was a big hit in our family because we all like to pet things with hair. The kids loved it and it kept them quite entertained as Dominic got to sit in a real fire truck with a real fireman and a real helicopter too.

Beautiful Message

2009-04-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

A Bust

2009-03-31T23:31:00.000-07:00

Last year JJ jokingly was a little bummed because he celebrated his birthday in the hospital with a recuperating hormonal wife that just gave birth to his beautiful daughter the day before. He didn't get his usual birthday breakfast (once a year only!!!), no party, or even a birthday cake. Well, I told him to quit his complaining because I gave him a daughter for pete's sake!! So this year I wanted to do something special for him to make up for last year (as if I really needed to... obligations of a wife I guess). So I was preparing to make him a very special birthday cake and it turned out that our oven descided to DIE two days before his birthday...okay that was out. My next idea was to plan something really elaborate for him. Possibly get a babysitter and just do something special him and I. So I ask him what his week looked like schedual wise so I could possibly plan this special event and he was literally booked up every single day!! and on his actual birth-DAY was one of the biggest scouting events of the year (He's the cub-master) which he was in charge of. So I thought well, okay I will wake up at the crack of dawn and make him a nice breakfast on his actual birthday. I set my alarm bright and early, when he hears me get up, he asks me why I am up so early (COMPLETELY out of character) and I told him I wanted to make him a big breakfast. Then he said, "Sorry honey, that is so sweet, but I'm still full from eating dinner so late last night." I was completely batting zero and running out of ideas at this point. That night as a family we went to that cub scouting event and in the back of my mind I wanted it to be a surprise and have all the scouts sing him Happy Birthday. Well, when we got home that night I realized that it had completely left my mind and I had forgotten (great wife I am). So his birthday came and went with no special horrah or ANYTHING.

Since Riah's birthday was the day before and we didn't make a big deal out of that one either too much I thought I would plan something over the weekend for the both of them or for the whole family rather. So the Circus was what I came up with. I hadn't been since I was a very little kid and any one who knows JJ knows that just being with his family is enough for him. So we had a lot of fun at the circus, but I would have to say that Dominic probably enjoyed it the most.

Well, I think I deserve a "A" for effort. Happy Birthday to two of my favorite people, I love you. There's always next year....

A little cheese

2009-03-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

Having not been raised in this incredibe church I was not blessed to grow up watching all the wonderfully cheesy commercials put out by the church (most created in the 80's or early 90's), and that's a good thing. Can't deny that they have a good message. This one seriously had me on edge....

I do have to say though that I love the church's new official Youtube channel called, Mormon Messages. Each week there is a cute little video explaining our beliefs.

Big bangs, florescent colors, crimped hair, and shoulder pads......yup, that's the 80's

2009-03-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to an 80's themed birthday party for our good friend Julie. Okay, I just gotta say, I haven't had that much fun at a party in years. We all just got to act like kids again(which is what we all were in the 80's anyways)except without our kids and without alcohol, how does that happen? I don't know, we even got Cambria to get up and dance, and that's just something Cam NEVER does. Our evening was filled with electric air guitar, lip singing to popular 80's tunes, talking about our favorite 80's movies,cheese wiz, and chicken crackers. We all had a lot of fun. Here are some high lights....
The boys of the 80's....

The 80's pop queens....
Air guitar contest for the guys.....

Farewell to the Batwoman mobile

2009-03-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

This past week we had to say goodbye to yet another dear thing in the Bell home. The beloved Batwoman mobile....(tear) This car was by baby, until I had babies and realized that I wasn't going to break my back getting them in and out of the little two door sports car, then JJ drove it until it's death. I saved up most every penny I earned after my high school graduation to get my dream car, a Mitsubishi eclipse. When I saw it for the first time, I knew that was my car despite the fact that it was a stick shift and I had no idea how to drive one, and despite the fact that the insurance on that thing was crazy ridiculous. It didn't matter, because I loved that car and so it was so sad to see it go, but it just was beginning to have too many problems than what the car was even worth. Batwoman mobile, you will be greatly missed....

A Miraculous Story

2009-03-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

A sorrowful inevitable

2009-03-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

Today a miraculous event, probably one that most never thought possible, happened in the Bell home. It took a lot of great courage on my part and still I almost want to cry thinking about it, but it was definitely time. The inevitable had to happen at some point. I always said that I would do it the second someone called my handsome boy a girl, but that time came and went a long time ago. I was thinking about it for a few weeks now, and so today I just went and DID IT. DOMINIC GOT HIS FIRST HAIRCUT!! It was pretty emotional for me, but Dom was a trooper. He just sat there and took it all like a champ while his baby-hood was cut away from him. Instantly he went from baby to boy and I think that was why it was emotional for me and the fact that (and this is where my weirdness comes in) this hair that was being chopped off like nothing, was the same little baby hairs that sat in my womb. That probably sounds weird to most, but to someone that may strike a cord. So for memory sake, I would like to have a picture memorial for Dominic's beloved hair because it took him so long to get to where he WAS today.

If you look closely you will see the few little nubs that he was born with.

This is the "wing" stage

This is the "mullet" stage

This is the stage that was borderline unmanageable

This was when he had the little flap that would occasionally cover his eyes

This is the complete rat's nest today right before he went in

Before:

After:

My new handsome little "boy"

At the moment I am still a little sad. This is sure going to take some getting used to, but I was sure to get every last bit in a baggy to save forever and show his posterity.

Truly an inspirational testimony

2009-03-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

Day of Faith: Personal Quests for a Purpose - 3. Rachel Esplin from Harvard Hillel on Vimeo.

How many kids do I have?

2009-03-04T21:49:00.000-08:00

These crazy boys make life so fun.

Inquiry?

2009-03-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

So how is it that they don't make swimming suits for girls who have had babies these days?! After my favorite swim suit basically snapped in half (probably a manufacturing mistake, there could be no other apparent reason why) I went out to search for a new swim suit for our upcoming cruise in a couple of months. After having two babies and nursing for the past three years, they would probably arrest me for coming out into public view in anything remotely close to this....Which was all I seemed to find everywhere! I am thinking something kinda like this might be a safe bet....
Which I found comes in a beautiful array of colors and designs. How could I go wrong?

but seriously, do they really expect every single woman to wear a bikini? Give me a break.
If any of you blogger buddies know where I can get some cheap, more modest swim wear, I could sure use the help, I'm sure my fellow cruisers will thank you too ;)

JJ's Graduation

2009-03-02T19:42:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday was JJ's graduation ceremony for his Bachelors degree. I didn't think that I would ever have to twist his arm so much for a celebration. I think that getting a Bachelors degree is an important milestone and is worth celebrating, but he said, "Its hard to celebrate a graduation when I have to just go right back the school the next week." True, but hey, it was a celebration and with that came some tasty free food. I would say it was worth it! Congrats Babe, you are one step closer to being a doctor.

I hate the delay on my camara, sorry about that.

I love this picture!

JJ's good friend Jason and his two cute kids.

"25 Random Things"

2009-02-21T13:02:00.000-08:00

I too like Alanna got this tag from facebook a million times and when I actually had written all my 25 things and was about to post, something messed up and everything was erased, I was just a little ticked so forget facebook, here is to my blogger buddies, and if you too are reading this tag, consider yourself tagged as well. All you do is write 25 random facts about yourself. Its fun to learn new things about your friends.
Okay, so here is goes:

1. I love being a stay at home mommy and feel really lucky to be able to stay home with my kids.
2. I absolutely love hair. Actually I should say I love RED HAIR and my dream would be to go to Ireland and be surrounded by it.
3. Because of #2 I am very anal about my kid's hair and will not cut it, this is why Dominic is called a girl almost everywhere we go.
4. I have been told that I ask way too many questions, but I get so much joy out of it!
5. I love writing and contemplated being an English major pretty seriously.
6. But I love psychoanalyzing people so much that I had to become a psych major.
7. The first thing I look at on a person is their teeth. I love a big white beautiful, straight smile.
8. Before I had Dominic I was a dental assistant, hence the response in #7.
9. I absolutely get so grossed out and disgusted by people's feet. Anyone and every one's feet just gross me out.
10. I have the best husband in the world, seriously, he comes home from school, cooks, cleans, and takes the kids for me if I let him. I'm really lucky.
11. I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when I was 18 and this decision was the best one that I have ever made in my whole life.
12. I would say that I'm pretty outspoken, probably a little too much sometimes.
13. One time I played the girl from "The Ring" in a haunted house and even scared JJ so much that he ran away, I love looking scary for Halloween.
14. I hope that I never HAVE to work, and I feel bad for women who have to.
15. I want to be a school psychologist after obtaining my masters degree and help kids.
16. I love meeting new interesting people and learning from their different experiences.
17. My biggest fear is death....but I am slowly getting over it.
18. I can't stand it when I can't read someone and I don't know what they are thinking, or you know that what they are saying doesn't match whats going on in their head.
19. I enjoy experimenting with cooking and using all different kinds of spices and flavors.
20. I gained 10 pounds when I joined the Mormon church (if you are a member, you know why).
21. I am obsessed with working out, if I miss a scheduled day to work out, my day doesn't go as good for sure.
22. As a little girl I seriously would read books to my pretend class as if I were a teacher and stop and show "my class" the pictures after each page. It probably looked so funny to watch me do this ;)
23. I have way too loud of a sneeze and laugh....its embarrassing. I get this from my mother.
24. When I was younger I hated kids and thought that I would never have any....guess that kinda changed.
25. I can not stand mustard, the smell makes me want to hurl.

Alright, I look forward to hearing all your 25 random things!!

Taggin' it

2009-02-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

Alright this will be my very first tag. I thought it was kinda cute so here it goes:

Rules:

1. go to the document/ my pictures site on your computer

2. go to your sixth file

3. go to your sixth picture

4. blog about it

5. tag 6 people

This is an newborn picture of Amariah on March 24, 2008, taken at Missouri Baptist Hospital. I had just given natural child birth and was in no obvious state to be taking pictures, so JJ became the photographer. Every single new born shot was out of focus, angled weird, and not centered (as you can tell from this photo) and being that this was such an important moment it was just a tad disappointing. Poor JJ had to hear about that one for a while until those crazy female prego hormones left me. But the weird thing was, and this picture captured it so well, was that she came out sticking her tongue out. The nurse even made a comment about it because it was kinda weird that she kept doing that. This picture brings me back to how sweet this little stage was. Thanks Alanna!

Lets see hummm.....I'll tag: Maria G, Meggan B, Owens, Suzie N, Breanna M, and Cambria E.

Our Love day

2009-02-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

JJ and I felt the love this past weekend when on Friday night we went to a Winter Ball for married adults and danced it up with some good friends as the kids had a blast thanks to the Bunderson girls who offered to babysit. Then on the actual love day after one failed attempt Dominic and I made Daddy a "Love Cake." Dom had more fun licking the bowel as most kids do. I woke up to a house that was cleaned spic and span with a note on the table that said, "I love you more! (than sleep)." You would have had to have seen the movie "Fireproof" to get it because apparently he woke up at 4:30am to clean everything to my liking. Then that night we enjoyed a nice family dinner at a great Italian restaurant....enjoyed until Riah spilt ice cold water on my lap and I was freezing the rest of the night, but their Spinach Pizza was so tasty.

Here is my handsome Valentine in his hot white doctor's coat at a health convention this past Friday.

And here is a pic for the family of my new hair cut before we went out to dinner.

Hope everyone else had a happy love day!

One proud mommy

2009-02-09T19:41:00.001-08:00

Tonight I am one very proud mommy. It was one of those very tender moments that happen to parents every now and again and they stay with you forever. Tonight after Family Home Evening, JJ told Dominic that he could pick who said that closing prayer and he chose himself. We knelt down and usually we have to say the prayer and he repeats what we say, but as JJ began to help him he said, "No Daddy, Domi do it!!" then he closed his little eyes, said some gibber jabber and closed with "Amen." I know you aren't suppose to do it, but JJ and I opened our eyes, looked at each other, and smiled. After it was finished, Dominic jumped up and down so excited that he did it all by himself! Just one of those tender little moments that make me proud to be Dominic's mommy, and the little rare thought, that maybe we are doing something right....

My Valentine Hunk

2009-02-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I am reminded of last year's pictures of my handsome hunk (sorry JJ I wasn't talking about you) Dominic. They are some of my absolute fav pics of him and my friend Li was so nice to do them. We sure do miss her talented self around here, she does such great work.

Happy, happy, joy, joy

2009-02-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

This past week was Dominic's second week of Joy School. He absolutely loves it so much and looks so forward to going to school, and quite frankly so do I. I get a two hour break, two days a week from him!!! Yipee! I love my son to death, but that little break has been really wonderful. But what I love the most about the Joy School program besides that fact that it is so cheap is that all of us moms take turns teaching the lessons and all the moms in our group are so amazing! We have quite a large group of kids and it hasn't been my turn to teach yet, so it might be interesting to see what kind of post I leave after that experience....but I am very hopeful and I think that this is giving Dominic the stimulation that he really needed.

Dominic's very first day of school

Just one of those moments....

2009-02-03T22:42:00.001-08:00

One Sunday we were driving home from church and caught this cute little action between bro and sis on camera. I had to be sly as to not let the Dom know we were filming because he can be a tad camera shy. When Dom isn't beatin' up on his poor sister they do show love from time to time, and it is so cute to see Riah get such a kick out of her brother. I think deep down there is some love there.

Christmas Trip...and eventful three weeks

2009-01-21T22:43:00.000-08:00

We have been home now for over two weeks but I have been avoiding this first post for a few reasons. First, I am getting over vacation mode, second, we did so much over this break that I knew it was going to be a rather large post, and third, I chopped all my hair off when I came home and went through a few days of shock/depression. We had a very awesome three weeks off in California and realized that we miss our families very much. It is funny how we miss things and people more after just being with them. This trip also made us realize that we could never, ever live with my mother!! I think she has been an empty nester for too long because we got on her last nerve, sorry mom, thanks for everything though.

JJ wanted to go for a brand new look and surprise his family (promise it wasn't my idea) so he decided to dye his hair red. I loved it but maybe I'm just a little partial like President Thomas S. Monson.

The plane ride there was absolutely awful and you can see that Riah was not a happy camper.

My mom took us to a cute little zoo light show that Dominic just loved. It had all the animals (fake animals) lit up and they flashed to different songs.

During the holiday season, JJ's family, every year, acts out the nativity as part of their Christmas eve traditions. Every year I think that they want it to be a spiritual thing, but it always turns into a comedy routine, because someone is always dressed in drag. The rules are, you pull a name out of a hat and that is your part (so you have men playing women's parts and vice versa) and then you have 5 minutes to run through the house and grab your costume. Hint for next year: If you want it to be a spiritual thing, assign roles. But I kinda like it how it is personally.

So last year my brother-in-law Teddy dressed in drag as a wise man. He must have always wanted to see himself in Merry's dress.

Last Year:But this year JJ took on the role as Mary with his big ole' pregnant belly.
This Year:

One of my favorite parts of the trip was going to see my aunt, uncle and cousins in Sacramento. I hadn't seen them in close to two years, so it was a nice treat and I had missed them a lot. Dominic had fun playing with his cousins (2nd cousins) Issac and Avery.

Aunt Kris made all the kids matching ponchos for Christmas even down to new born baby Bella and they were just the cutest things on them. The cutest part was on the inside had a picture of each one of the kids that it belonged to so we wouldn't get them confused. I wish I had some of her creativity.
It was so cute to see Angie (JJ's sister) prego for the first time, and I was happy that I got to go to her baby shower. We know that she will be just the best little mommy and we will try to make it up to Idaho for the blessing.

With every visit back home, we try to get in to see our very favorite dentist Dr. Schwartz because we are usually due for a cleaning anyways. So this time Dominic had his very first visit to the dentist. Lets just say, all doctor Schwartz was able to do was count his teeth, but he was so great with him at getting on his level and making sure he wasn't scared for future visits. Dominic left happy after raiding the toy bin and getting a new tooth brush.
Needless to say, we had a very wonderful, eventful trip. On the plane ride home, Dominic even managed to throw up all over JJ's lap (sorry no pics of that), but besides that I would say the ride home was much better than there. Dominic keeps saying Talia, Lina, Bella, it was so cute to see him play with his cousins and follow Talia around everywhere...he loved it. Although we miss everyone, it always feels rather good to be home.

Some kind of miracle

2008-12-22T22:47:00.000-08:00

We are so pleased to report that the grades are officially in and JJ has passed all his classes and is now officially in trimester 7 which means....clinic!! It was seriously by the skin of his teeth that he passed and truly some kind of miracle considering he was boarder line in quite a few of his classes. Next tri is clinic, which means that he gets to put on his white coat and actually see student patients "legally." We are very excited for this good news and so much enjoying our families out here in California, it has been way too long and I think we realized how much we missed them when we came back....if that makes sense? We got to meet our new little niece Isabella "Bella" and she is just the most beautiful little thing and looks just like her other two beautiful sisters. We hope everyone has a great holiday season, and a very Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Cuties

2008-12-15T23:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday for church, being our last Sunday before we leave on vacation, I thought we would all dress as a family as if we actually had Christmas spirit. I put the kids and myself in red outfits and we left for church early without JJ because I was singing in the choir. On my way out I told JJ to wear a red tie, and what do you know? He shows up in a blue sweater! I often wonder why I try? but I got some cute shots of the kids anyway.

First steps today, off to college tomorrow....

2008-12-08T23:26:00.000-08:00

Our little girl is growing up so fast and just took her first steps at eight months old!! She still isn't too confident yet, but she keeps trying. She wants to do everything her big brother is doing, so it doesn't surprise me that she is walking so soon. She is just such a delight in every way, we love having her in our family. She never fails to bring a smile to my face whenever I'm having a not so good day. Yes, she is my coping mechanism when dealing with our tyrant two year old. I just love these baby stages, they seem to be going by way too quick with her, but I am trying to treasure every moment.

Christmas what?!

2008-12-08T22:41:00.000-08:00

Seeing as how we are going home (California) for the holidays, we didn't even bother to put Christmas decor up in our house because we would only be able to enjoy it about a week or two. So in an attempt to try and bring some Christmas cheer into our home, we sang Christmas songs tonight for Family Night. Well, it brought something into our home, and I wouldn't call it cheer. Dominic was in his own little world, I didn't know the lyrics, and JJ was off key.... one of those truely eventful Family Nights....why do we do this again?

Attempt #1

I love how Dominic acts like he's really reading that hymn book.

Attempt #2...okay lets try a different song, maybe thats the problem.

Sorry JJ, had to show off your incredable pitch

We finally realized that the song wasn't the problem....

Do or not to do? this is the question.

2008-12-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

So I have been thinking for a while to take the plunge. To just dive in and do it.....but I'm scared. It has only been the last few years that I have had really long hair, but it seems like I can't go back now. I know that it will feel very liberating so I am highly considering just chopping everything off. Thanks to my good friend Shandra who introduced me to this free Mary Kay website where all you do is upload a picture and you can see how you would look in any hairstyle and color. I found out that I would never look good as a blond and that red hair looks pretty good. But this picture is kinda what I am going for. Let me know what you think?

Our Giving of Thanks

2008-11-29T11:03:00.000-08:00

I always get a little sad around Thanksgiving being far from family, but this year my sadness was patched up a bit when this wonderful, loving couple in our church, the Heidamens, invited us into their home with some other Logan students. She decorated her home beautifully and the kids even had their very own table. The food was so awesome and we had about eight pies to choose from! After our dinner the kids all watched Polar Express, while the girls chatted and the boys played pool in their awesome basement. My favorite part of the evening was when we all went around the table and talked about what we are all thankful for. I love this time of year when we all reflect upon what we are grateful for. I am so grateful for this time in my life. To have great friends around us, to be out here in beautiful Missouri, for my wonderful family, and of course for the gospel in my life. We all have so much to be grateful for when we really stop and reflect upon our many blessings. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

A New Life

2008-11-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday marked a very special five year anniversary that is near and dear to my heart. Inspired by and entitled after my husband's best friend's blog, I wanted to share my conversion story to our church. It is something that I love talking about because it was such a wonderful amazing time in which marked a complete change in myself, and the start of a brand new life. With the fall season and the brisk cold air around, it always brings me back to this very special time in my life.

I had just graduated high school, started up at our local junior college, and I was seriously contemplating life, its meaning and purpose, and just which direction I should be headed. Growing up, God wasn't talked about in my home and we never went to church not even on holidays. The only religion I was exposed to was through some relatives on occasion and mainly through my grandparents who are very religious. As a young girl and through the influence of my grandma, I had my first communion in the Lutheran church, but as I got older I never went to any church, although some of the teachings from the Bible stuck with me and I feel now that this time in my life laid a perfect foundation for what was in store. Throughout my childhood I went to different Christian churches and Catholic churches and none of them felt quite right to me. My grandmother convinced me one time around the age of 10 or 11 to go to a tent revival. This was notably one of the craziest experiences of my life! People were chanting, closing their eyes, waving their arms in the air, and speaking in tongues (this is weird gibberish that doesn't make any sense), and then they were claiming to be so filled with the "Holy Spirit" that they were falling backwards into chairs, meanwhile the music in the background was getting louder and louder. With people falling down left and right, the Pasteur was wondering why I was the only one who wasn't falling over, so they laid their hands on me and starting praying/speaking in gibberish on me to get me to fall over. Well, I felt something that night and I don't think that it was any spirit from God. Even as a 10 year old I was questioning why God would want someone to fall over into a chair and get hurt meanwhile speaking stuff that no one can understand? So needless to say, I went a long time with many questions unanswered.

Being in college and starting this new chapter of life, left me feeling empty. I just knew that something was missing and I wasn't quite exactly sure what it was. I had a feeling that it was religion or rather a yearning for a deeper knowledge of what I know now as "The Great Plan of Happiness." I had questions that I was wanting answered and emptiness that I needed filled. Like "Why are we really here on earth?" and "Is there more out there, than just living day to day going through these motions of life?" So I started going to different churches. I went to one Christian church where this girl that I worked with went and sang at in the band. During this time my brother, strangely enough, was searching for religion as well. He starting talking to some Jehovah's Witnesses, and him and I would talk about different doctrines together. Each church I went to or learned about still never felt quite right to me.

One day in my freshmen English class the teacher told us to get in groups of three and read to one another each other's essays without giving any criticism. I had noticed that a friendly looking boy who dressed really odd had starting sitting up in the front row next to me lately, which I found out later was because he couldn't hear in the back of the class. So I just formed a group with this young man and one other sitting by us and we introduced ourselves. This boy introduced himself as JJ and I don't know what the other boy's name was, doesn't matter. So we began reading our essays out load to one another. I have always loved writing papers and editing so I just couldn't contain myself and had to tell him a better way of writing this part in his paper....totally ignoring the teacher who said to not give any criticism. It was constructive anyway ;) I find out later that JJ was thinking "Who does girl girl think she is, when the teacher said not to give criticism!" Anyway he got over it, and after class JJ and I began talking. I asked him how old he was and he said 22, and I said, "Why are you so old in a freshman English class?" and he said, "Because I spent two years and served a mission for my church." I said, "Ahh really, what church is that?" and he said, "The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" and I said, "Is that Mormon?" and he said, "Yes it is." Well this initial conversation got me interested in his religion and why on earth someone would dedicate two whole years of their life to it. Week by week we started cultivating a friendship and after class we would spend hours just discussing his religion. I wanted to know every detail, so everyday I would come with a new question or some crazy thing that I had heard about the Mormons for him to answer. I began to really like and understand the things that I was learning, although with each new question I would bring up, I was convinced there was no way he could answer it in a way that was pleasing to me and then I could find a new religion to try. But he would show me in the scriptures and talk to me so that I really understood each doctrine. He gave me my own Book of Mormon to study and said that I could find out for myself if the things that he was saying were true, and that if I prayed with a sincere heart and real intent to want to know if the Book of Mormon was true and if Joseph Smith was truly a prophet, that Heavenly Father would answer my prayer and then I would know for a surety for myself. I loved how the church didn't just say, here are the true doctrines, now you should believe them, but they actually wanted me to find out for myself by asking and praying to God.

We starting spending more and more time together, and he introduced me to the singles ward and their activities as well as the LDS institute which was right across the street from our school. Probably wondering when the romantic feelings came into the picture? not for a little while. We were becoming great friends and I was still really trying to understand this new religion and see if it was right for me. I wanted to be sure that I made a life change for the right reasons. After many experiences together and talking about doctrines he asked me if I had read the Book of Mormon, I told him that I was reading it and that when I read it, it felt as though it is God's words that I was reading. When I would read the Book of Mormon I could feel good feelings, and that I felt that the book was true doctrine. When JJ heard this he was completely in shock that I had been reading it and even more amazed at the feelings I shared with him that I felt as I read from the book. He told me that those feelings were the Holy Ghost testifying to me of the book's truthfulness. It just felt right. The Holy Ghost would not be knocking me down into chairs, but rather give me good, peaceful feelings as I read God's word, this sounded and felt right to me.

Although I was gaining a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, I was scared to meet with the missionaries because I felt like all they would want to do is baptize me. I told JJ that I didn't need to meet with the missionaries and that he could be my missionary. I quickly found out that it doesn't work like that in this church and that you have to have the discussions in order to get baptised to be sure you really understand the commitment and doctrines. Reluctantly I met with the missionaries at JJ's sister and brother in law's house, and JJ would come of course. The missionaries that taught me were Elder Willingham and Elder Durrant. I was gaining a testimony of the church and knew that it was true, but was still hesitant to be baptised because I knew that this was going to be a life change for me. During my first discussion the spirit was strong, but it wasn't until the very end when Elder Willingham bore his testimony to me of the truthfulness of this church that the spirit hit me so strong and there was then no way that I could ever deny it. It was as if I could feel such a powerful feeling in my heart or my chest and it completely consumed me to the point where tears of joy were running down my face. I have yet to have felt the spirit that strongly testify to me. I knew what I had to do. I knew that God was telling me that I was on the right path, that this was His true church that He established on the earth. I knew that Joseph Smith was the humble boy that He chose to establish this church and become its first prophet, and I knew that Joseph Smith received revelation from God to do so.

So I entered the waters of baptism in the way that God has directed us and by the proper authority in His church, and I can honestly say that was the best decision that I have ever made in my entire life. Every ounce of joy that I feel to this day can be traced back to that very important choice I made on November 23, 2003. I feel very blessed to now say that my husband baptised me and brought me the greatest gift one person could ever bring to another in this life. I am eternally grateful to him for it.

My Bestie

2008-11-21T15:00:00.001-08:00

She would do anything for anyone even if it means being away from her hubby for a month to drive you across the country and get stuck in the ghetto in the middle of the worst blizzard, then trek two miles with snow up to her knees to carry your laundry to the laundry mat.

She would hold your hand through the worst, even if it is through a 14 hour labor and delivery. Then she would love your kids seriously as if they were her own, and buy a webcam just to see them.

She would deal with your raging hormones as they are leaving your system, meanwhile cleaning the house and taking care of your child so you could rest with your newborn.

She would understand your weirdness as you tell her things like her eyes are too close together or she has a neanderthal head. She would love you for your weirdness.

She would always tell the truth when you ask her if you look fat, and understand that she tells the truth out of love.

She would come over just to kill a very large strange looking bug that you couldn't dare get near.

She would jump in a freezing cold pool with her work clothes on just to save your cute little white poodle who fell into the pool and almost drowned while you sit there freaking out not knowing what to do.

She would drive you around everywhere in high school when you blow a gasket in your car for not putting water in it and fixing it would cost more than the 90' Honda Accord is even worth.

She would comfort you and assure you that life does go on when your heart is broken and assure you that you were too good for him anyway.

She would be sure to tell you when you found the right one and list all the reasons why.....all the time!

She would be excited for your big day and the best maid of honor one could ask for.

She is the first to know even before your hubby when you're prego (which, btw, is a good indicator if you were ever wondering where you are at on some one's friend list) just so she can help you find a clever way to tell him.

She would make you laugh with her morbid jokes about being buried next to each other.

She will comfort you when you start out watching a tear jerkier together, she falls asleep and wakes up to you crying.

She would make you feel super special on each birthday even embarrassing you with writing on her car window, "Honk for the birthday girl" as she drives you around doing special birthday activities.

She would remind you often of the reason why you and her won "best friends" in high school.

She is an incredible example of love and service.

"She" is my best friend Stephanie more like sister really, and I feel blessed to know her. Happy Birthday Stephed! It was fun reminiscing on our past 12 years of friendship, we have had some great memories, look forward to many more!

Twilight

2008-11-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

Last night a group of us girls got together and went to the Cheese Cake Factory followed by the midnight premiere of Twilight. It was a fun well needed night out with the girls. All of us were pretty pumped about seeing this movie as we have all loved the books. Well lets just say there were high expectations and on my end, the movie did not match up. Some of the girls really loved it, but I wasn't too impressed to be honest. I felt that with all the hype that the book got, that they would have at least tried to put some more money into the film. It just seemed like a low budget film with really bad acting to me. Okay, let me back up a bit. Bella was great in the film, but Edward just kinda creeped me out and I imagined him as being a little better looking with more sex appeal and confidence. So I don't know that I would watch this movie again, but I would see the sequel.

Mine, Mine, Mine

2008-11-17T23:32:00.000-08:00

Dominic is in this phase where he is SOOO possessive, but its not just of his stuff its even for others. Let me shed a little light. There is this one big yellow cup that JJ likes to use because it is the biggest cup we have, so Dominic has claimed it as Daddy's cup. So if mommy uses daddy's cup, boy I am going to hear about it! He will cry and say, "No, that is daddy's cup!" and just tonight Dominic pointed to our laptop and said, "Mommy's puter," and JJ said, "Daddy's puter," and Dominic said, "No Daddy!! that is Mommy's puter!" It is usually really cute until he starts crying and throwing a fit when the other person uses the other's claimed property. I didn't realize I needed to ask my two year old what my rights were in my own home?!

Maybe I am an evil mom, but I get so much joy out of pestering Dominic and using someone else's "claimed" property, or in this case claiming Dominic's property as "sister's property" and seeing his reaction.

Before I got this on tape, he starting labeling every one's towel in the family and it was so cute, and when I said that the yellow towel (which really is Dominic's lion towel) was sister's he was getting so mad, and it was so funny. I know, I am a mean mommy, but it was just too funny. He calmed down some for this video though.

New Found Hobby

2008-11-11T23:46:00.000-08:00

So I will take a break from all the proposition 8 stuff and talk about my new found hobby. Anyone who really knows me, knows how much I love hair so it seems rather fitting that my favorite thing to do nowadays has to do with hair. I am in love with making hair bows. The crazier the better, and the more I can be creative using different types of ribbon adding unique style and matching individual outfits. Having a daughter now makes it easier to have this type of hobby, but the problem is she doesn't have any hair! Boy would I have a hay day with my friend Maria's baby ;) (you can check out that baby's hair at the Gilbert's bloghttp://http//trevorandmaria.blogspot.com/ to see a real head of hair) so I have had to improvise on my baby girl.

This was right before going to our ward Fall Fest

And this, I thought, was just a cute one of the two of them together. And yes I use Dominic as my model when ever I make a new bow. His hair makes the perfect model and he looks so beautiful in my bows :)

I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!!

2008-11-06T22:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg25CnuBE0M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTpa12QyLKg

It Passed!!!!!

2008-11-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

I know the rest of the country hasn't been as in tune with the Proposition 8 campaign, but since we are from California, we were constantly hearing about this issue. If the Proposition 8 didn't pass, then Gay and Lesbian marriage would be placed on the same plane as regular traditional marriage. Both types of marriage would be taught in school systems to our kids, and all adoption agencies would have to adopt to same sex couples. So this was a big deal, especially because whatever California tends to do, eventually the rest of the country will follow. The prophets of our church encouraged everyone to get involved to protect traditional marriage. Thousands of volunteers made phone calls to inform people on this proposition, as well as private donations were made. Members of our church donated the most money to advertise this proposition, and well, every one's hard work and efforts have payed off because it passed!!!!!!

Any google search on this issue, will show and mention the Mormon church's involvement on this issue. I am absolutely sure that the Gay and Lesbian community pretty much hate us right now, in fact many of them picketed in front of our Oakland Temple to prove it. And that is okay because we had to protect what we know is right and true in the eyes of God. We do not hate them, but we do not want their views imposed on us and our children. I just find this pretty interesting how with such a crucial topic, and all the churches in California, that our church had the most involvement on this very important issue. What the prophets of our church say is coming to pass. As the world get more and more wicked, churches will become more as the world is, yet the true church will stand out among the rest. Each day my testimony grows and I know that I am in the true church which is Gods church here upon the earth as Jesus Christ, His son, set up upon the earth for us to follow. I love this gospel and how it teaches that the true importance rests upon the family unit and what it was defined as by God Himself in the Bible. I know that my true happiness comes from following His commandments and having joy in my prosperity as he directed us to do.

Our Hallos Eve

2008-11-04T18:00:00.000-08:00

Halloween was fun but a bit stressful. We had a few couples over for a pumpkin feast and I got a bee in my bonnet like I do every year around this time of year, and thought that I would make homemade pumpkin chili, homemade pumpkin spice bread, pot roast and mashed potatoes. Everything turned out okay, except that homemade bread. So basically I WILL NEVER make homemade bread AGAIN!! All that work, and the bread wasn't even good, so sorry JJ, its time for a bread maker because you wont get homemade bread from me ever again (yes, there is a bit of anger in my voice).

Looking at the pictures, it might take you back a few years, but I bet you can tell what Dominic was for Halloween. Yes he was the infamous Alfalfa from "The Little Rascals" except the one thing that Alfalfa is known for, seemed to not be working out too well when I was getting Dominic ready. So it was a little stressful as I was about to think of a plan B costume, but thankfully Cambria came through with the gel that she puts in her boy's hair which is basically like glue. It was the only thing that worked. So we ended up with an Alfalfa and a caterpillar. I was pretty proud of myself as I made that cute bow to match Amariah's caterpillar costume, but sad that we lost it while trick-or-treating :(

This was Dominic's first official year of trick-or-treating and he was lovin' every minute of it. So he was very adamite about dragging his own candy bag to each door. He looked so cute with this big ole' bag dragging behind him, except he must have lost his footing and went face first on a cement step. So we thought that would be a good time to end that eventful night. Oh by the way, as you will see JJ used the left over black spray on his hair, and I wasn't anything this year because I was personally boycotting the no trunk-or-treating that we had in this ward this year...yeah that was pretty disappointing.

This was the first house ever that Dominic went to.

Dominic's bruise on the middle of this forehead by the end of the night.

Umm Appitizing?

2008-11-04T17:47:00.000-08:00

These were the treats we made this year for Halloween, chocolate mice. Please take note of the shredded paper and chocolate sprinkles that were to resemble....well I'll let you figure that one out. We had fun making them :)

Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-04T16:56:00.000-08:00

We took our annual trip to the pumpkin patch before Halloween (sorry for my delayed post). It was a fun day at the pumpkin patch but pretty cold that day. Dominic liked the little Haunted House portion. Didn't buy a pumpkin there though because they are a little pricey, so we just went for the experience.

Bananas Yummy

2008-10-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

I have never been into the whole rice cereal thing, in fact I never got the point of it. I just skipped that whole step with Dominic and now with Riah as well. So we went straight to bananas for the first time a couple weeks ago. She has shown more interest in food then Dominic ever did (she must take after her mother), so as you can see she loved it so much that she wouldn't give me the spoon back. I just feel not ready for the whole food thing yet, cause Dominic didn't eat any foods until 12 months, but you can tell she is much quicker than Dominic in a lot of ways and she is definitely ready. My babies are growing up :(

The things that two year olds come up with....

2008-10-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

We have been getting these nice fall days here in St. Louis. The leaves are turning all these beautiful fall colors and its been pretty brisk outside, but I just love this weather. So yesterday for church I thought I would wear these tights that have a neat design on them with my skirt, a long sleeve shirt, and a scarf. When I came out of the room dressed in my Sunday best, Dominic came up to me, rubbed his hand up and down my leg and said, "WOW MOMMA!!!" with a real emphasis on the "wow" part. It was just too funny, wish I could have gotten that on film. It was so funny that he even noticed what I wore let alone made a comment like that. Sometimes those cute little comments just make up for his rascally self that he can be most of the time.

Then tonight when JJ asked him if he wanted to get in the shower with daddy, which he usually loves, he said, "No, I wonna playee withh sisterr" then he went over to Riah and tried to play ball with her. It was so precious, I hope they continue to be good friends.