Life in Livermore

Play Tryouts

2012-01-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

Well, it is this time of year again. The annual school play. Anna and Josh have been doing this for several years and love it. This year they opened it up to the 2nd graders so Claire and Eliza were thrilled to be able to try out. I say thrilled because after Claire and Eliza's tryouts, Claire came out to the car with her head in her hands and said she did "terrible" and how embarrassing it was. Anna's and Josh's tryouts were 1/2 hour later.

We found out after Claire and Eliza's tryouts that there was a one page script that they were supposed to be practicing with (it was online - and I missed it somehow. Bad Mom! :) So Claire and Eliza basically read the script for their tryout. Anna and Josh had a little time to practice before their tryout time. I said to them about 999 times to talk slower than they think they need to and try to ennunciate (something that doesn't really happen in this household). Most conversations are, "What? I can't understand you. Start over." (Bad Mom! I have not been a good example in ennuniating/ speaking. I talk way too fast and not very clearly.) I am NOT an actor, but I did tell them "funny" will get you noticed. Be "over- dramatic" and then we picked a few actions/body language (eye rolls, preening etc) type things for them to do at certain lines to emphasize the lines and I think they really got it. I heard them practicing later in the little room at school right before it was their time and they were doing great!

In anticipation of tryouts the kids had been practicing songs they knew and wanted to sing for tryouts, but then we found out the night before tryouts that they had to sing "My Country 'tis of Thee" or "Happy Birthday" or "Twinkle" the night before. Happy Birthday and Twinkle were "for babies". Unbeknownst to me (Bad Mom again!) my kids don't really know the tune to My Country Tis Of Thee. Well, I take that back - Eliza could sing it, but Claire butchered it completetely. We took a family vote and convinced Claire to stick with "Twinkle" even though she can't pronoune her r's :) Joshua seemed to think the notes went up and down with each word and Anna can't sing that high. Luckily, for Anna, she started out her singing portion one octave too high..........:) A little painful to listen to. It didn't help that right before it was her turn she was practicing in the car and she suddenly thought "sweet land" went down when it was supposed to go up. Then the tears came and we were in "high stress" mode. They stopped Joshua mid song (thankfully) and asked if he had another song he would enjoy singing (or was it "another song THEY would enjoy listening to"), but Joshua doesn't switch gears too quickly. Anna told him to sing "Old Yeller" (the song he had been practicing) but he didn't want to. He just started singing "Twinkle" in quite a high octave as well, but it did sound okay, kind of sweet, from what I could hear out in the hall. Anna told me later that Joshua's face got really red. Oh, the pain of this all!

Joshua came out of practice saying he never wanted to do that again. Anna said they did well with the speaking part, so at least that part turned out okay. I felt really bad like I hadn't prepared my children adequately. I know it was "good" for them, but it also would have been "good" for them to be prepared better and to have done their best. I know it is just the school play, but they put a lot of time into the practices (and I do a lot more driving) and it costs money to participate, so it is nice to have a part that makes it worthwhile. Last year Anna and Josh had fun parts. Josh was a chimney sweep and got to do some fun dances and group singing - I don't think he had any lines. Anna had a few lines and she was a horse and a chimney sweep. Anna was hoping this year since she was in 6th grade she would get a decent part. She is great at memorizing. Usually, you are lucky to get any lines if you aren't the lead because around 100 kids are in the play (including scenery/stage crew).

I think I am more in suspense than they are. I am honestly really disappointed that they didn't do better. I know I am their mom, but I know they could have done better if they didn't get nervous. And had had some voice lesson :) I suppose that is just part of life.

Disneyland 2011

2011-12-12T09:19:00.001-08:00

I really was dreading this trip. 6 kids at Disneyland? I pictured Porter and I standing around all day. Going back and forth to the hotel for naps. Tired, hungry kids. Motion Sick Dad............

First of all - the 6 hr drive was a breeze! We couldn't believe we actually were at our destination already :)

Second - we never once went back to the hotel until the park was closed each night. Yes, kids were tired, but they had so much fun! I had so much fun! There were so many rides that our whole family could go on together, plus it was so not crowded. We rarely had to wait more than 5 minutes for a ride and often could go on rides multiple times without waiting. One time we were in a long line (Peter Pan) and I was complaining. Brett explained that waiting 15 minutes is nothing. He's waited over an hour for rides when he came in college. I hadn't been since I was 6 or 7 yrs. so this was new for me.

Claire and Eliza had thought Disneyland was inside, "like in a church gym with lots of activities and games". We didn't tell them anything different. Luke thought Disneyland was the place were you play miniature golf in Livermore (to give it credit, that place does look pretty Disneylandish). Joshua had just complained that he was the only one in his school class who hadn't been to Disneyland. Anna was excited, but wasn't sure how much she would like it. She was way off - she loved it!

The best thing for me was seeing how much fun everyone had. Running from place to place. The first day at Disneyland we made it to 26 rides (not counting going on some of them more than once). Not bad! I wasn't expecting to have fun on rides, but they had some really great rides that I would do over again. Like the Flying Over California ride which you feel like you are hang gliding over the beach, mountains etc. Also, the Grizzly Rapids where you are on a big innertube going over falls. The kids were so afraid, but I thought it was great because I KNEW we wouldn't tip over (unlike some of the innertube/canoe rides I took as a youth in real rivers!) I could do that one over and over.

The kids also talked me into doing some haunted thing - the elevator that falls. I really didn't want to do that one but they begged and begged and so I went on it and it was actually fun.

Luke was a little overwhelmed with all the older kids trying to convince him to ride on some of the bigger rides. I finally took him to Bugs Land and he was in heaven. He just ran from ride to ride and thought he was the king of all bugs :) The funny caterpillar ride that basically makes a figure 8 and lasts about a minute - he thought it was SO FUN!!! :) I also took him on the Winnie the Pooh ride 3 times in a row cause he loved that (while the big kids did the water/canoe ride over and over!) He cried and cried about going on the Storybook Canal ride cause he saw the whale with the teeth. We were trying not to laugh and basically forced him on the ride. Of course, he then liked it.

We went on California Screaming (the roller coaster that goes upside down) several times and that was surprisingly fun. Then I talked the kids into going on the Ferris Wheel? (gondolas?). As soon as we get in and it starts (we chose the swinging one) Joshua, Claire and Luke (who were on the seat across from Anna, Eliza, Porter and I) fell off the seat onto the floor of the car! It was kind of funny, but they were pretty scared! Then Joshua started to get a little sick and when we got to the bottom Luke yells at the man, "I want to get off!!!!" but we still had one more loop to go :)

I had thought our family (because of age differences) would have to divide up and be split up most of the trip, but we only did that one day for about an hour. The only bad part was when Brett's phone died and I was walking all over trying to find the big kids and Brett. (Man! Could have gotten 4 more rides in that time!) But really I was very pleasantly surprised about how much fun it was. Yes, my calves were a little sore (but that is due to my own inactivity lately!) but we will definitely start saving for another trip.

Joshua's SURPRISE Birthday Party

2011-10-22T12:38:00.001-07:00

When doing a surprise party, it helps when you do the party 6 weeks after their birthday. Then they are REALLY not expecting a party! This was Joshua's first friend party (if you don't count the one he had when he was 4 and we combined it with Anna's party and none of his friends came). This time we invited 9 of his friends and they all came :) No girls this time, just boys. He went over to his friend's house to play after school and then was sidetracked by our neighbors, Jim & Charlotte, who invited him over for a minute. Joshua returned home to be greeted by a house full of friends. He was REALLY surprised!

The hardest part was trying to make the cake without any of the kids seeing me. Including Luke! I couldn't tell any of the kids (except Anna) about the party for fear of something slipping. Just when I would be on a roll (or cake - haha) it would be time to clean up before the kids got home. Finding time when Porter was "happy" on his home was a challenge. He spent some time in the bjorn reaching for mounds of cake, but never quite getting any :)

We made it a "Survivor" Theme so we could do challenge games and activities. It was kind of fun "setting the state". However, after it was all over it looked like a tornado had just blown through.

One of the favorite challeneges was melting an ice cube in your hands (without dropping it) until you could eat the "dead beetle" inside (aka - raisin). They also got to sew up a little camouflage bag to keep their treasures in. This was indeed a challenge for some, but you cannot survive on an island without being able to sew! Right?

One thing I realized is that I should have used a microphone when giving directions. BOY! These 9 - 10 year olds were NOISY! Super noisy and hyper! Good thing we fed them cake at 9:30 pm and sent them home. Haha. However, it was a lot of fun. And it is now over......

Porter's Blessing Weekend

2011-10-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

This was a really fun weekend that I am finally posting about. Thanks for everyone coming out! I'm planning on making a photobook with more details, but thought I would at least post this for now.

Luke's Preschool 2010/2011

2011-08-25T00:05:00.001-07:00

What a fun year we had. Luke, Gavin, Raquel & Kami. 4 perfect little 4 year olds. Seriously, I couldn't have hand-picked a better group. They LOVED each other. They had so much fun with each other and they were SUCH GOOD STUDENTS! They were great listeners and just soaked up whatever we were learning. We got through the 3 yr old, 4 yr old and Kindergarten Carden Math books, lots of learning the sounds of letters, starting to read simple words, French, Art Appreciation, music and lots of writing and coloring. I was continually amazed at how eagerly they would come back inside after recess to do more school work. Such great kids. Again, I am so amazed by what a great teacher Mae Carden was. I LOVE her books and workbooks. She really knew how to build a great foundation for learning and to build a love of learning for her students. After preschool ended I was surprised at how well Luke had learned certain concepts and was ready for more. I'm starting him now in the 1st grade Carden math book and he is in heaven. He loves Math (like I do) and colors perfectly (like his daddy!).

I debated doing preschool again this year, but I decided not to because of having a new baby. However, with the big kids back in school, I look forward to having more time during the day for just my little boys. Not sure I could devote several hours in a row to teaching at this point.

Luke really misses his school buddies - they are headed off to Kindergarten this year, while his December birthday keeps him home one more year. However, that hasn't stopped Luke. Daily he brings out his workbooks and begs me to do preschool with him. I seriously can't keep up with all his demands for school, but I'm trying. Porter doesn't allow us TOO much free time during the day, but that is okay.

A few days ago we were bemoaning the fact that summer was over and the kids were starting school tomorrow. Luke piped in and said, "FINALLY I will have some PEACE and quiet!" We just laughed - this coming from the noisiest kid we own! :) Oh, we love our Luke.

Don't know whether to laugh or cry :)

2011-08-24T20:21:00.000-07:00

Back in School

2011-08-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

Joshua's class (someone emailed this to me - I don't have the other kids)

Every morning the kids always want to be the first to hold Porter, or to get him up out of bed. It often ends up with them all on our bed. No wonder he sleeps through the night - he needs a BREAK!

Latest latest

2011-08-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

So much for my blog becoming a future scrapbook......I just can't seem to find the time to update it right and regularly.....a time for everything I suppose. Here are some of the recent "exciting" things around here:

Claire and Eliza turning 7! I don't know why but every year after their birthday I always feel like I really accomplished something. Is it because again it is a two for one deal? Is it because I feel slightly crazy trying to make two very different girls happy? They aren't that hard to please but I like to make them feel like they aren't just lumped into one. We had their first birthday party this year. They were very excited about having a "friend" party. My sister Beth and my friend Patty both came up/down to help out and it was very nice having some other adults around :) Brett told me to have it on a Friday instead of Saturday so he wouldn't have to be there! But then he did come for the last hour :)

I worked very long and hard (but enjoyed it) on their cakes. Aunt Beth made special birthday girl cupcakes for each of them which they loved! We had some fun relay games/races and then 2 1/2 hrs later it was over. Hurray. Check.

Joshua and Eliza qualified to compete in the Championship Swim Meet. Anna was very happy to not have to swim in it and she spent the day with her friend Lily. They watched Luke for us.

Surprisingly, (to us) Joshua's relay team came in first and broke a record! Wow! That was fun to watch. Brett told Josh right before the race that if they won, he would buy him ice cream. Josh said, "What if we get 2nd, can I still get ice cream?" Brett said no. Since Brett really doesn't like the kids to have ice cream period - this was quite a generous offer coming from dad. (Now, mom on the other hand........). Well, they came in 1st. The coaches were SO excited.

Joshua was more excited when the day before his drawing for the t-shirt competition got 2nd place. So they gave him his drawing back in a nice frame and put a picture on his drawing on all the award/certificates that they handed out. Dad's gene. Just before they made the announcement for the winner of the t-shirt competition, Joshua said to me that he really wished he could win. He already knew that he didn't win (because the t-shirts were already handed out) but he didn't know they were having a 2nd place winner. He just ran like a rabbit to the front to get his "award" and was bursting with joy. It is hanging in his room already.

It was just as fun to watch Eliza swim her butterfly race. I never was able to coordinate my body well enough to do this stroke, so it amazes me to watch it. I was watching her swim her race and I just couldn't believe how powerful she looked and she was so fast! I think she got 2nd. She loves swimming and never wanted to miss a practice. She must have inherited the swimming gene from the Bailey side. I'm really good at floating on my back and the side stroke.

Now I will just post some pictures - in no particular order.

Go Josh!!!

One more picture I found of the other cake.....

Congrats Carden & Kelly!

2011-06-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

Madison Marie Gambee

7 lbs 12 oz.

June 21, 2010

http://Cardenandkellygambee.blogspot.com

Porter James Bailey

2011-05-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

Our friend, Jim, called on Sunday to offer to come take some pictures of Porter. Brett hesitated because of Porter's pimples, but such is the life of the baby model - haha. These are some of my favorite ones. Nice to have some pictures of when he is little. I really like the last one. He was pretty sleepy.....

***********************************************************************************
These are just some snapshots we took over the past week........

Good News!

2011-05-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

I am kind of feeling like a train wreck, but I do have some good news: we have a name! Porter Jimmer Bailey. Did I say Jimmer? I mean Porter James Bailey. In honor of many - especially a certain stalker on our blog (Anna Rampton knows who I mean!) our awesome uncle Chip (he heavily campaigned for this), Marty Manning's uncle, neighbor Jim (our kids 3rd grandpa), James Madison (since Carden & Kelly stole Madison), Brett's bro Travis' middle name, and of course Brigham's big bad body guard. The other great news is that I've lost some weight!! :)

Baby Bailey - May 14, 2011

2011-05-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

"_______" finally made it - only two days late. Mom is home now and only slightly missing the quiet at the hospital :) Now to figure out a schedule that everyone is happy with regarding "My turn to hold the baby". I can't count how many times Brett and I have already said, "Don't fight over who's turn it is!" We had a preview of what it would be like last Thanksgiving at Aunt Amy's (with baby Annie) and then again at Aunt Buffy's (with bigger baby Micah).

"___________" arrived at 5:50 pm on Saturday, May 14th. Weighing in at 10 lbs 1/2 ounce. I quickly learned that "that was nothing" because cousin Eve bounced in at ten lbs and FOUR ounces last summer.

Anna came with us - she really wanted to see the delivery - despite my warnings of blood, gruesome, scarey, gross vs. staying at friends house POSSIBLY overnight! I heard her talking to her friend. Anna: "Lily, would you feel bad if I didn't come to your house and went with my mom and dad instead?" Lily: "Anna, you can come to my house anytime, but it is not often that you get to see your own baby brother born!" What a nice friend. So she came and she was awesome and she loved it. She told Brett, "There was only one time I was kind of scared." Oops.

But anyway - the delivery was very quick. Arrived at hospital at 4:30 pm - didn't do much for an hour. Dr came in and suggested pitocin, I asked if we could wait on that (heard it makes labor harder and faster and wasn't real excited about that) - got up to walk and immediately went into transition - and had the baby 10 minutes later. I thought it was more like 3 hrs of pure torture later......

Just very glad the pregnancy and delivery is OVER. OVER. OVER!

We are so happy to have the little guy with us. He is perfect so far and we are already his family in waiting.

Anyone want to sign up for Claire's Choreography School?

2011-03-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry, these are un-cut, un-edited. Maybe in my next life..................they took forever to download, which is one drawback to blogging for me.

The kids are having fun with the Karaoke machine Patty gave them. Claire is very decisive in her moves :)

Note Claire's guitar solo during the piano instrumental part........

If you have seen "Cloudy With Meatballs" think of the part where that big fat guy says, "Uh Oh!" in his diaper. Luke's favorite thing to do now.

Snow Trip

2011-03-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

What will we do now that soccer season is over?!

2010-11-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

Today is our first Saturday since June 15th that we are free of soccer games or swim meets. Because of this I was surprised to see Brett up at 6:30 am getting ready and dressed in his church clothes. (He had a stake priesthood meeting.) Then he and Josh will be passing out flier for the scouts food drive. So I guess ONE of us has a free Saturday :) The kids are actually kind of sad - "How come we don't have anymore soccer games?!!" I'm enjoying it. Also enjoying the fact that Halloween is another year away!

Here comes another one.............

2010-10-18T11:39:00.001-07:00

Around May 12, 2011 - a new little girl (according to the Chinese birthing calendar - and we all know that is flawless) will join our family. Our children are not excited because they don't know yet, but I will say that when baby Micah was here visiting for Joshua's baptism, the kids did NOT want him to go home. The kids kept saying how lucky they (Allan, Buffy, Jack) were that they got a baby. I think Buffy was a little tired of the kids waiting in line asking to hold him :)

Dad is still in shock, but is sure it is a boy.

Mom is still sick and sure it is a girl.

We will get excited sometime around April :) Does that sound bad? Not meant that way! We absolutely welcome this child. Hopefully, this child will recognize us as his/her parents and not his/her grandparents.

Joshua's Baptism

2010-10-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

Josh's big day - a few pictures. With the Grandpa's

With Grandma

Baptism needlepoints made by Grandma Claudia

It's All or Nothing

2010-09-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

Haven't been doing too well with blogging lately. Decided to do a post on Joshua's birthday and then I realized I hadn't done Claire and Eliza's and then I saw that I had saved many many old "drafts" of posts, but had never published them (like Claire and Eliza's). Back to to Spring Break. Not in any order, but at least they are up :)

Claire and Eliza's big adventure! May 2010

2010-09-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

It has been about a month, but they are still talking about their time at Grandma and Grandpa's house. They had so much fun being the big kids and just the fact that Anna and Josh and Luke did NOT get to go. It was also nice for them to have some time with Dad on the rainy days. Thanks to Grandma for entertaining them and for helping them with their school work. They didn't even seem to mind the drive. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Meanwhile Mom and Luke were were busy at home remodeling the bathroom. (And no, it's not done)

This is the "before" picture: what it doesn't show is the floor rotting around the toilet and in the entry way to the room. Linoleum is peeling back and the partical board is deteriorating.

This is the "in between" picture. Since this picture I have finished all the wallboards and the backy board is on the floor with a perfect circle cut around the toilet area.

Our next project:

Visitors from up North

2010-09-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

Bathtime!

Bead time! Even Siena has finger dexterity!

Eve's first ice cream cone - shhh! Don't tell Luke & Meghann!

Cruisin'

Beach time! The NEW Loon Lake!

Brrrrr!! I'll keep warm in my wet blanket!

Let's play soccer with Siena! Oh, nevermind, let's just fight.

Poor Siena exposed to so much trauma. What a trooper!

Hey Siena! Let's play soccer! Oh, nevermind, let's just steal the ball from you.
Poor Siena. Let's comfort her. "Hey, get your hands off me! "

Hey Siena! Let's play catch! Oh, nevermind, I have to go to the bathroom! Poor Siena looking for someone to catch the ball.

Claire & Eliza's Birthday - July 24, 2010

2010-09-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

We have Stake Pioneer Day every year (and Mom is usually helping so has to be there) so this year we celebrated Claire & Eliza's birthday at the Stake Center. They agreed to wait to have their family party the next day.

Anna made these really cute little doll babies for Claire and Eliza and also some doll blankets for their big dolls. She worked very hard and did them all by herself. Claire & Eliza loved them!

Progress on the Patio

2010-09-15T06:06:00.001-07:00

Joshua's Birthday! September 6, 2010

2010-09-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

The big 8 this year! His cake was shaped like an "8" last year so this year we did ice cream cake. Joshua is excited to get baptized. He has been reading his scriptures almost every night. He is hoping to finish the Book of Mormon before he is baptized. He was also very happy to lose some more teeth so he can stay ahead of Eliza.

His choice for dinner: Chinese and Italian - yes, they go well together :) Lasagna and spring rolls!

Luke cut his bangs - so lovely........

Spring Break

2010-09-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

Spring Break was made much more exciting due to the arrival of 4 chicks (on loan from Anna's school class). They did stink up the house (more) and were quite the messy little things - but the kids had so much fun with them. Sadly, two days into having them (on Easter of all days) one of the chicks died. We were very much paranoid the following week - trying to make sure no more died. It was kind of sad, but I'm over it. This week and 1/2 with chickens did change Brett's mind about getting chickens. It has been nice having this "other life" in our home/around. So he and Anna are drawing up plans (well, Anna is - Brett will have to approve) for a chicken coop/run. We'll move on to that after the garden is finished being put in. Note: You can kind of see in the above pictures how I moved my pantry from garage into the family room. Sounds crazy, but I love it. Just waiting for the wall to go up to make it "officially" my pantry off the kitchen :)

Truly sad was when our neighbor's (Jim & Charlotte) dog, Rusty died. They had him for 13 years and the kids used to go on walks with him and loved seeing Rusty. The kids made cards and we made cupcakes that were supposed to look like Rusty, but ended up looking more like Alf. But they tasted good :) (Thanks Beth for the top secret recipe :)

Can you see the resemblance??

Another fun even (pre-Spring Break) Aunt Courtenay/Uncle Jared and Cousin GLORY came to visit us. Anna and Glory had their little pack of students that followed them around. We didn't see them much except for when they got hungry. Glory taught all the little ones how to skate with "dignity".

Glory showed them some real style and how to skate (vs. marching/rolling!). Now they wear their skates more than their shoes. Thanks for the lessons, Glory! Anna is now in withdrawal with her buddy gone. Is Jared through his missing March Madness withdrawals?

Brett took a couple of days off and we camped in our yard (the original plan was to GO camping, but........) and went to the Aquarium in Monterey. As soon as you drive into Monterey you see this amazing, huge park and lake. We couldn't resist stopping there first. Ate lunch and then could have called it a day with just that. This park is huge and it was a beautiful day.

We did end up going on to the aquarium - here are some token pictures......

The sea horse exhibit was interesting:

Played on the beach for a short bit on our way out while Brett went to get the car which was about 2 miles away. We thought the aquarium was closer to the park than it actually was. So we thought we would walk. Kind of a mistake as after the park Luke was ready for a nap and we didn't bring the stroller. (That morning Brett had said when I brought the stroller out to the car, "He's 3! He doesn't need a stroller anymore!) I could have squeezed it in on top of the cooler, but didn't want to argue at that moment. Brett later said we will not leave without it again for something like this :)

Also did some spring sports camps:

(Playing football and baseball are Luke's top 2 right now.)

Cleaning up messes. Can you believe this was all under/behind Anna's bed?! That little packrat! Makes me crazy.

And this is a record: (Luke falling asleep reading books before Brett)

And now spring break is over.................

4th of July Wedding/Reunion

2010-07-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

It seems like we barely got back from Maren and Grey's wedding (Memorial Day Weekend in Portland (no pics causeI forgot my camera!) and then it was time to head up to Carden and Kelly's wedding (4th of July Weekend in the Seattle Temple). Gabe or McKenzie - anything happening on Labor Day Weekend?

15 hr drive in a rental van that took those mountains much better than Old Rusty would have. One missed turn when Brett was admiring condominiums in Portland - which took us back to the Portland Temple - where we decided to get out and have a break and take some pictures. And then promptly chase the spirit away by yelling when our kids started playing in the reflection pool. What a great memory of the temple our children will have.

All of my sibling were there except for Maren. 31 of 38 grandkids were there. This year Uncle Chip said it was a "record" year with 64 people staying at his home. He made room for everyone - from the garage with cots set up, to the storage room, to his own little bunk in the carport attic. I think he was trying to find some peace and quiet for himself :)

The first few days were reception mode - gearing up for the big day. Kelly's parents were not happy about the marriage and thus did not participate in the planning and we didn't even know if they were coming until the day before. That was stressful for Kelly, but it all turned out much better than we expected. Carden sang to Kelly at the reception and the day turned out beautiful - even the clouds and rain lifted and the sun came out. We only had to move on tikki torch that almost caught Kelly's hair on fire.

Sunday we went to church and filled the 3 back rows. Of all the testimonies shared that day, I think only 3 or 4 were not in our family. (Good thing we were there right? It might have been a very quiet meeting - haha.) Claire and Eliza bore their testimonies twice. (They were sitting with family members on the other side of the pews so don't blame me!)

Lots of fun hanging out with family, two new babies - Charly and Eve - who were also blessed on Sunday. Saw cousin Rachel/Zane and their four children (up from Texas), cousin Claire/Brad and their two kids (Seattle) and also cousin Michael . Aunt Gretchen and Uncle Jerry were also their along with their son Tom and his family.

It was a great trip - lots of catching up and playing. Even a soccer tournament, which I must say - America and I held our own very nicely. We defeated many defending champions with ease (Marty/Truman, Luke/Ethan, Carden/Olivia)

As we pulled out to go home Wednesday morning, Luke says, "Can we go back to Uncle Chip's house?" Sorry kid, you get to be in this van for a long drive home instead. We made it and they did fine. Even without a dvd player - unbelievable!

Chickens, End of School, Jessie's Visit

2010-07-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

We've noticed a lack of love by posters on this blog for our chickens. All we can say is, "How could you not love these chickens?!" They were the first thing the kids wanted to check on when we got back from Washington.

Next, Jessie Gambee came to visit around the end of the school year. That was a lot of fun and we hope she comes back again! She and Anna kept very busy and Jessica was every so popular - everyone wanted to have their fair share of time playing with
her!

The last pics are end of school - Josh with his best buddy Tony and Claire/Eliza at Kindergarten Graduation.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

Extra Extra - Read all about it! "City Boy Turns Country!"

2010-05-08T21:44:00.000-07:00

I never thought it would happen, but it has. Brett, the man whose dream home was a high rise looking over a thriving metropolis is now talking chickens. I even heard these words come out of his mouth, "If we ever have more land maybe we'd get a turkey." I know, crazy. Maybe it is the kids that have put him over the brink of sanity. Or me. Either way I love it.

We also just got our first batch of chickens. They aren't just ANY old chickens either (according to my source - who I won't name). Personally, I don't know what they are, but you can ask Brett if you are really interested. He will give you lots of details and even the personality traits that are inherent in each breed. He will inform you about his sadness at not getting a Delaware. Yes, sadness. You will find books about chickens in random crevices of our home. You will hear the chirp of our little friends when you enter our home. Brett even professes, "As for me, they stinketh not." (He did think the chicks that we took care of over spring break stunk, but not HIS babies!)

We also got a hamster on a loan - trial basis. Unbelievable.

Will it be Wranglers next?

Roller Skating

2010-04-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

Went roller skating in San Ramon a couple weeks ago. Anna had a birthday party and so we figured we'd make it a family outing since we had to drive clear out there to take her/pick her up. Didn't realize it was $9.00 just to get in! (Not including the skate rental.) $70 for an hour of skating? I guess we are just out of it.

They were nice enough to wave the skate rental since the session was half over. We decided to just get skates for Josh, Claire and Eliza (Luke was free). But they were very, very awkward out there alone. The manager saw us trying to help them from the "outside" and let Brett have some skates which he and I "shared". Hmmm, it was "really" fun skating in skates that are way too big :) This was quite an adventure. The pictures make it look like the kids were much better than they were! In fact, I don't even know how we got a picture of Luke in an upright position :) It was really 3 kids hanging on either Brett or I. (Maybe we should have forked out another $9!)
I got quite a work out and was sore from crouching over trying to help them. Luke tried SO hard to skate and really wanted to do it, but alas, it was not to be. Now he thinks he "can" and at home always wants to put my rollerblades on. Sorry kid - your a long ways off........ But they thought it was super fun!! (See future post on skating lessons by cousin Glory!)

"Geology Rocks"

2010-03-08T15:12:00.000-08:00

This was the cutest play I have ever seen. I'm so glad Anna has her own copy of it to keep. The music was entertaining and amusing. The minute Anna brought home the cd with the music to practice, it became a part of us all.

This was a play that Anna's class did for their Geology Unit about a month ago. It had tons of facts in it - cleverly inserted. Anna played the part of "Earth". I forgot to put the memory back in the camera for the real show. Anna made her own costume. I was gone the night it needed to be made, so I called home to see how it was progressing only to learn that "Dad isn't helping me." I was kind of irritated that Brett wasn't helping her, or should I say "worried". However, when I came home I learned that he HAD cut out the circles for the earth, but then had told her, "You will do it just fine." He was right - it turned out WAY better than if we would have helped her and then she was so proud of doing it herself. She just got a map out and eye-balled the continents. I guess it was one of those "learning to let go" moments :)

Notice :40

This next video is pretty much the same, but with some talking, and she "dances" a little more. Anna said it was kind of hard to dance holding onto the microphone and the "moon" :) but she does another great head shake at :58 :)

This is another of the songs that her class did. Lily is the girl in brown right next to Anna. (Her best friend)

My, how they've grown.......

2010-03-04T16:53:00.000-08:00

They're here.......................now what???!!

Okay, I've got one, you've got the other.........

No problem! This is easy!

Well, not so much...............

2 of everything - everywhere!

"Just like to feel your nose and know you are still there Eliza!"

Joshua is here to protect and defend his little girls!

Anna was the great "baby holder"!

"We're the best of friends - having so much fun together!"
(most of the time!)

Sometimes I would just let them play up in the window while I cooked - at least they weren't into something I could not see!

Claire, "Hmmm, something isn't right, but I'm not sure what it is."

Eliza is falling asleep on Claire - and yes, she has a silky and is sucking her thumb :)

Yep! Eliza has a bigger mouth!

"Hmmm.......her book looks more fun than mine......"

"I thought I saw the kitty cat!!!" Always out exploring in the yard/court.

"So you having fun Eliza? I'm a little cold. Wonder when the hotdogs are going to be done?"

SO glad we made it past this stage:

Now I can't believe they were ever babies. They get dressed all by themselves, they clean up their rooms, put their own shoes on, make me laugh with their silly jokes and are more fun than I every dreamed they would be (especially after that first month or two........!) I think the rest of the pictures really show their different personalities and typical expressions.

Cute Diaper Bags!

2010-02-24T10:49:00.001-08:00

My sis-in-law makes these cute little diaper totes. Great for when you have to always need to have a diaper/wipes with you. Carry those diapers in style! Keep in car etc. Small, compact even great to throw in a purse or bag (especially when you don't want to tote the big ol' diaper bag)

Long ago, but not forgotten visitors

2010-02-23T19:30:00.001-08:00

Had some visitors from Oregon.....

2010-02-22T00:31:00.000-08:00

Luke and the Kitty Cats (A while back.....)

2010-02-21T14:13:00.000-08:00

Cousin Jessie was so nice to "understand" what it was that Luke wanted. Look how when Luke comes over to her she just starts dancing with him, then he points/grunts toward cat and she so nicely helps him "hold" the cat. What a nice big sis/cousin she is!

I also love how Luke holds his chin down to his neck like he is imagining himself holding the cat. More video on Luke's own blog.

Junction City

2010-02-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

I just came across these pictures as we have been trying to put our computer back in order. I can't even remember when these pictures were taken, but they are evidence that we were in Oregon (and not just for Loon Lake). I was surprised at how short Anna's hair was and how long Claire's was. (I think their hair is so cute short.) The kids have so much fun with the kittens and the chickens when we go there- it almost makes me wish we could have one. But thank goodness for Brett's allergy. I think it was Anna who once said, "Mom can I get a different dad who isn't allergic to cats?" when she was 3 or 4 yrs. Haha. Chickens might be do-able.

The attic was recently "remodeled" to be useable instead of just a bunch of heating ducts and cobwebs. There is now a staircase that goes up to it (not just the pull down stairs.) I called it "home" at one point when I was teaching. I pieced together a bunch of remnant carpet scraps I salvaged from the shed for my carpet, put a mattress on the scaffolding that was up there and made it somewhat nice. I stayed until it got so hot that is was hard to breathe. (Plus the bats and ladybugs that came that summer were a deterrent.) I once fell down the attic stairs and then almost fell down another story because the attic stairs are close by the banister to another staircase. I landed on the banister and remember looking down at the next flight of stairs. Climbing up the ladder and then ducking between the ducts to get to my "room" got somewhat tiresome. Especially, when Dad would keep reminding me not to bump them. It was worth it because it was "my own space". I remember the younger kids thought it was so fun to come up there and "hang out".

Dad still says he can't believe I got my desk up there and how hard it was to finally get rid of (they smashed it just to remove it.) Patience was how, Dad. I took it apart, then carried it up piece by piece and then put it back together.

Well, that was quite the walk down "memory lane". Too bad "my space" wasn't painted pink and didn't look like a princess room. That is just for the YOUNGER kids :)

Ward Christmas Party

2009-12-18T12:37:00.001-08:00

Claire and Eliza as "wind-up dolls"

Anna and Mrs. Santa

Christmas Projects......

2009-12-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

For you ocd people, the numbers are actually the same color on each set, these are just messed up in picture.

Christmas Boxes

2009-12-18T12:21:00.000-08:00

2009-12-18T12:17:00.001-08:00

Christmas Countdown Blocks

2009-12-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

Cross a few 4 x 4s, some paper, mod podge, vinyl lettering, some hours, and acrylic coating - this is what you'll get:

Found this a few days ago :)

2009-12-07T10:33:00.000-08:00

Soccer is long over.....

2009-12-06T20:53:00.001-08:00

I just realized that we got through another soccer season and we have very few pictures. Did we finally just get smart and realize that we need not bother? It is not like they will look that different NEXT year in the same green/white/black uniforms!

This year was interesting - figuring out who "got Luke" while they coached and who would be taking/picking up Anna from her game. It was amazing how many weekends we had games scheduled for the SAME time or directly after another. I didn't get to see all of Anna's games and that was disappointing as last year I was so much more involved. Plus at her level the games are intense and fun to watch. (vs. watching 5 year olds!)

Brett coached Joshua again - for his 2nd un-defeated season. Joshua really loves the game and LOVES Brett as his coach. They had a "phe-nom" player on their team this year and between him and Josh we lost track of how many times they would score in a game. One coach was completely upset with Brett and telling him to hold the guys back. Brett was having them play in all sorts of odd positions, but wasn't going to tell them not to play.

Another coach was complaining to Brett that he always got the straggler kids who registered late, who couldn't speak English or play soccer. Then he saw Brett's team and changed his tune to, "I always get the kids from Smith (upperclass school) who just play video games!" It was funny as Brett's team was definitely the straggler team, the very last team to be put together and many of them did not speak English very well. Everyone was pretty average in abilities, but together (with Brett's coaching :)they were awesome! Plus, they were just the NICEST group of kids you could ever want to coach. Brett said that there wasn't one team that gave them real competition.

Here was at the end of year party. The picture only shows a few of the teammates/kids, but they had a blast playing soccer and football on the front lawn together. LIke I said, our team photographer was absent at the games and the parties!

I coached Claire and Eliza this year and we only lost our 1st two games. (Yes, I was thrilled about finally winning some as last year it was just the opposite!) This was Claire and Eliza's first year playing. Some girls their age were on their 3rd year playing. Once Eliza realized which way to go we were un-stoppable :) Claire was a little fireball and would steal the ball from the best of them. If she didn't get at least 2 goals she was pouting. We were definitely working on teaching her some sportsmanship on the field. "Don't lose the fire Claire - just don't start crying every time the other team scores!"

Eliza would consistently score 2-3 times a game. I seriously don't know how that happened. She has no sense of direction when she kicks. Sometimes she would fall over after kicking. She would skip past me smiling and saying, "Did you see me run?" She tended to get a little distracted when she would be playing a friend from school. "Focus Eliza! You've already said 'Hi' to her 3 times!"

Anna's team took a while to warm up. They lost all their games until the last 3. I was noticing that it was almost seeming like habit for them to not win and not score. Anna would have the ball, right next to the goal, and then let the goaly get it. Or she would kick it to someone else. All the girls on her team seemed to be playing "Miss Manners Soccer" - "Oh! did you want that ball, go ahead then!" It was really frustrating to see Anna get the ball and then just hand it off because she was afraid or didn't know what to do. So one day we practiced at home and I made her do 100 of the same thing to get her legs/brain realizing they could work together. The next game she scored 3 goals! She had never done that before. Her whole soccer life (2 years) she has only scored once. The thing that was so fun to see was the fact that SHE SAW that just changing her mental picture/attitude changed everything. I was SO happy that I was able to see her do that. That was a game I was late to and had to leave early from. So I was thrilled for her. It was her "aha" moment (and mine!).

At the end of the season, Anna got picked to play on the all-star team or "World Cup". Each team (once they hit 8 yrs) has 2 players nominated by the opposing team coaches who get to play at "World Cup". Another surprise for Anna (and us!) when she was picked. She was so thrilled and it was such a good experience. They get to work with expert coaches to get ready for this. With Anna, soccer has not come naturally. She started out looking like a newborn colt, but has learned so much. It has been such a joy for me to see her work hard and improve - even more rewarding seeing her grown than watching some of our other kids who haven't had to try so hard.

Soccer season - a very intense few months for us. I say "for us" as I have a sister who coaches 2 teams with 6 games each weekend between her kids and a brother-in-law who coaches all 5 of his girls! We are just the spring chicks in this area, I guess, so it is still hard for us :) I love it.

Life with Luke at church could use some improvement...

2009-12-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

Today in church:

Luke didn't want to go to nursery today for some reason, so he hung out with Brett for the 1st while (while I subbed in primary) and then me. I lost track of him at one point and couldn't find him. I found him in nursery. I guess he will go when he is good and ready. When it was all over and I was picking him up, he realized that he had missed snack. He starts blubbering about how he didn't get snack. His nursery leader was so nice and said she had some left for him. I have never seen Luke jump so high. He was like a puppy dog leaping for a bone over and over. I guess it is the little things in life. One reason why we still don't have a dog - we've already got our puppy.

During sacrament:
Luke wanted a second cup of water. I said, “No,” and kept the water going down the row. Luke starts jumping around crying and saying he wanted another one. So then when Brett got the water, he handed another one to Luke (to keep the peace). Luke immediately stopped crying and looks at me and smiles really big – like he knew he got away with it. I must have had a look on my face of some sorts because he says, “Dad said I could!” in such a loud, smug tone. Then he proceeds to just smash the cup on his mouth and let it all drip out. Guess he was SO thirsty, he didn’t really need to drink the water.

Later he kept asking me why the little girl behind us in the next row back got some gummy fruit (whatever you call those things) but I tried to just ignore him (he is so loud in sacrament meeting!) He persisted in asking me 4 more times.. Finally, I answered him and said, “Because she is lucky.” He said, “But I’m lucky and I don’t get any gummys.” So I whispered, “But you don’t want to get cavities.” He stood up and turned to the little girl and said, “You are going to get cavities if you eat dose gummys.” And he was SO loud. I was so embarrassed.

Then a little bit later he is SO thirsty (but we already knew this!), so he tells me he will be right back. I let him go because I knew he would come back and we’d all hear a little better if he had some agency at that moment. So he goes, and comes back. Then he goes again, and comes back. (Yes, I know, we are such an annoying family in sacrament!) The 3rd time he came back a lot sooner and says in a loud, clear, legible voice, “That lady back there is a big bully!” and points back to Sister Rushing who is sitting by the door. I was trying not to laugh. I thanked her later.

Now on the brighter side:
A few weeks ago our whole family had a part in the primary program "playing FHE" and doing a little script. Luke's part was pretty simple: "Me too, in nursery!" and "I love Jesus and Jesus loves me." In between playing with the microphone, he did manage to say his part. He is very much into keeping up with the kids. He insists on saying the prayer at every meal and is getting very good at saying his night time prayers.

He loves his friend Brandon in the ward. They just are so happy when they see each other. I cannot believe they will be moving on to primary in just a few weeks!

Thanksgiving Pictures

2009-12-06T19:44:00.001-08:00

As usual, after the event, we realize how few pictures we took. Sometimes taking pictures is too hard, and then other times we take way too many. We didn't get any pictures of: all the beautiful & delicious food we had for Thanksgiving Dinner, or the Thanksgiving Day 5K (which justified having 2nd's on Thanksgiving Dinner - and pie), and just people in general. Everyone in Brett's family was there except for his brother Travis/Nadine and their four girls. (We excuse them as they are in Indiana!) So Grandma and Grandpa Bailey, Molly, Becky (who drove up from Utah), Amy/Greg (Andrew and Ella) - up from Arizona, Allan/Buffy (Jack & sibling to be), & us. We ate, we chatted, we hiked, we ran, we slept. What more could you want for Thanksgiving? Thanks to our hosts for putting up with 5 noisy kids!

Luke......

2009-11-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

It is amazing what kids pick up on. This is currently Luke's favorite song. When he heard Uncle Greg sing part of it over Thanksgiving at Allan and Buffy's (pictures posted soon) , his eyes lit up and he said, "Hey that is my song." I love hearing him sing. ( I call it singing :) - others may not!)

Anna's Big Day.......

2009-11-05T00:56:00.001-08:00

Halloween Fun........

2009-11-05T00:52:00.000-08:00

Joshua's #7

2009-09-12T11:13:00.001-07:00

Our Garden Has Grown

2009-08-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

Garden Planters

http://garden-planters.com

I would like to tell you about our garden. Our garden started as grass and weeds. Then the hard work of weeding. Next Granpa Carl came over and helped us loosen the dirt. Dad made planter boxes. Now planting, a little funner ,but still hot and sweating. Finally sprouts of beans, peas, carrots,and beets. Bigger and bigger. Till now,they`re full of fruit and veggies and even more crops have grown and the same has happened with all.We enjoy eating what we`ve grown and so do spiders, grasshoppers and ants. I`m very glad we planted our garden. by Anna
Bailey.

American Idol Here We COME!

2009-08-20T01:27:00.001-07:00

The song you'll hear playing is an Elvis song that somebody emailed me a while back. I played it for the kids one day and now they play it over and over. For the longest time Anna was singing "Wonder Hands" - I finally told her it was "One Pair of Hands", but she refused to believe me until she saw it in writing on the video.

Brett HATES it when they start playing the song - mostly because they never play it just once. That comes in a close second to when the "Saturday's Warrior" CD comes on. However, I love it - it still can bring a tear to my eye! Anna said that she would probably sing a song from "Saturday's Warriors" to try out for American Idol. Great idea Anna! Perhaps another good choice would be, "Doe a Deer".

In this video clip special attention to Josh's part at around :40 seconds :)

Of course we wouldn't want to leave Luke out of the singing business

2009-08-20T01:26:00.000-07:00

Claire and Eliza get married - Prop 8 a failure?

2009-06-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Now you see why they never need playdates. They fully entertain themselves. I hope this wasn't inspired by the recent events in California.

"Daddy!!!!!"

2009-06-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

We were trying to get Luke on video singing his favorite song "I've got no strings to hold me down" (yes, I know, he is dressed more appropriately for singing a song from Beauty and the Beast, he'll do that as well by request) - when we were interrupted by Daddy coming home. You'll hear Brett say, "This is just not right......"

Luke sure loves his Daddy (as you will see on video). Brett reads to him every night and does their little bedtime routine. He also has his "5 minutes of fun" with each of the kids on "their" day. The kids look forward to that like you would not believe. "Today is MY day for 5 minutes of fun!!!!" and the others kids are all, "Awwww!" "Lucky!!" "Well, tomorrow is my day" etc. Of course the "5 minute" part is our "out" if time is short, but it usually is a lot longer than 5 minutes. Brett is a softy. They can choose anything they want - most choice are jumping on the tramp, playing a game, draw, whatever - they just love the time all alone with their dad.

Cartwheel fun

2009-06-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

Great Video

2009-05-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a great video - some other thoughts on the site this came from talk about how educating ourselves about the constitution is so important. Most days I don't feel like there is a lot I can do in the "fight for freedom", but I can at least study and learn and build my foundation.

Luke

2009-05-08T18:14:00.001-07:00

Happiest kid on our block! I posted a video on his blog for those interested :)

Hearing, Milk and Joshua

2009-05-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

(This is an old draft that I just found, while editing another post, from almost a year ago. )

MILK!!

About a two years ago Joshua was scheduled for minor surgery (tubes in ear). He had lost a major part of his hearing. The problem was that it wasn't constant. The doctors didn't have any other ideas. He would go days hearing well and then go more days hardly hearing at all. (Which is a surprise as we are not a quiet household!) For some reason I just felt really uneasy about doing the tubes. I realized that it was not major surgery and it would be done very quickly, but I just got this "pit" in my stomach thinking about it.

I talked to my dad about this who suggested I try taking him off milk, and give him his cod liver oil more regularly. He explained that you can take care of the symptom (loss of hearing) with surgery, but if there is an allergy it will eventually exhibit itself in another way down the road - whether it is headaches, stomach problems, even diabetes etc. What was important was finding the cause and eliminating or treating it.

Reluctantly (only because it is hard enough feeding our family with foods that everyone likes and milk was a part of our diet) I did this, half-heartedly. We then took him in to be tested again. His hearing had improved, but not to the standard that we wanted it to be. Then he got a cold and his hearing got even worse. So we scheduled the surgery. We had 2 or 3 weeks to go.

We decided to give it one more chance so we took him completely off milk, gave him his cod liver oil and Vit E daily, also some A/D. We had him tested the day before surgery and the dr couldn't believe it. She asked us what we had been doing and said "Keep doing it!" The hearing in his right ear had come back in full and the left was on it's way. We already knew it had gotten better just in our talking with Josh (and him responding!) but we didn't realize how much better he was. So, we cancelled the surgery :) I'm so happy we waited on the surgery because had the tubes cleared up his hearing we probably would have just been done with it and not worried about what was causing it. The dr did say that there was no infection and no damage was being done currently. I wanted to see if we could get to the root of the problem first - find the cause, and not just treat the symptom.

In the place of cow milk we had been buying Rice milk for Joshua. Rice milk is a little pricey, but it was worth it to have him hearing again. Then, like I said above, we started buying raw milk. Raw milk goes for $5.50 per half gallon - so pretty much the price of gold. I really wanted the raw milk for all of it's health benefits (See below.) Then I recently scrutinized more carefully the rice milk ingredients and realized that yes, it was better than soy milk (think hormone imbalance and overload) and better for at least Josh in some ways, but it also had canola oil, natural sweeteners (do we really need added sugar and oils in our milk?!) No wonder I was enjoying my cup a day as well :)

I decided to let Josh try the raw milk and see if it plugged up his ears again. It didn't. I was thrilled (think only having to buy one kind of milk now :). Mostly I was happy because I didn't want him to miss out on all of the health benefits that raw milk provides. Drinking pasteurized milk has no benefits. Everything is cooked out and then artificially added back. Your body doesn't need sythetic Vit A. In fact, it has been shown that putting sythetic vit A in your body actually decreases the amount of vitamin A that your body would have naturally produced on it's own.

I know there are a lot of people out there who will tell you that raw milk is dangerous, but if you look at the statistics, you are more likely to have long term problems from the over-the-counter drugs that are "acceptable" (think Tylenol, vaccines, statins, anti-biotics). The problems (people getting sick from it) with milk came when it got "industrialized" too quickly. The FDA (not that this should give you a lot of confidence) has stringent requirements on the raw milk dairy farmers and if a dairy is clean and the cows are allowed to live as nature intended you will only reap the benefits of milk the way God intended it to be for us. Also, raw milk dairies have to have extremely sanitary conditions as nothing will be "cooked" for safety.

And here he is - happy and doing great in 1st grade. His teacher says she has never noticed any problems with Joshua's hearing.

As of a few months ago we have joined a co-op to get raw milk here in Livermore. I have to order the milk online by Thursday and then I pick it up Monday morning at the co-op organizer's home. I don't always remember in time and then I have to buy regular milk. The milk comes from Fresno (near Allan and Buffy's new home) about 3-4 hours away. Not too long ago raw milk was "outlawed" here in California thanks to the lovely intervention of the government. (read Ezra Taft Benson's "Proper Role of Government" and the Constitution for more insight :) but it isn't "contraband" anymore.

Update: we didn't really stick with buying the raw milk for the above reasons - price, inconvenience and now as I write - it is up to $6 per half gallon. I'm going to start up again, maybe just 1 half gallon a week just so the kids can get those good minerals. (However, each child will only be allowed one Tablespoon per day! haha - well, not totally kidding!) My dad was telling me that his knee that gives him pain is 90% pain free after starting up again on raw milk. It is hard to find a convenient place to buy it. Growing up, in SLC it was a bit of a drive to get it, but then in Oregon for a while we could buy it at a nearby grocery store. Now, you can't do that anymore, but my dad recently found a small dairy farm to buy it from. He said that Ali loves to go with him and see the goats etc. How fun.

Some more fun reading if you are interested:

Abstracts on the Effect of Pasteurization on the Nutritional Value of Milk http://www.realmilk.com/abstractsmilk.html

More about Raw Milk http://www.realmilk.com/moreraw.html

Raw Milk vs. Pasteurized http://www.realmilk.com/rawvpasteur.html

Milk, It Does A Body Good? http://westonaprice.org/transition/dairy.html

Is Raw Milk Safe For Babies? http://ww.westonaprice.org/children/rawmilk.html

Another more "newsy" article:
http://americasfuture.org/doublethink/2008/08/some-like-it-raw/

Just in case you aren't sure if you have the swine flu.....

2009-05-06T10:30:00.001-07:00

Here is a cool website where you can find out for sure:

http://www.doihavetheswineflu.com/

Surprise!!!!

2009-04-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

Finally, the secret is out. Brett's letter with his results (PASS!) for his oral exam came. They came on March 27th - 11 days sooner than he was expecting. As he finished his testing (Feb 10th), his instructors told him he would get his results in 55 days (April 6th). I was very surprised to see the letter. I opened it to see the results and was so happy/relieved to see he had passed. It was OVER!!!! (It was hard to get excited about it all by myself - I realized that until Brett knew as well, my "excitement" was kind of on hold.) So the waiting was over, but the planning was just beginning......

I decided a long time ago that when Brett was finally done we were going to have a big party. Too bad I couldn't have just plannedthe party and had faith he would pass. I could have had at least a couple months to plan it. Oh well. Most of you already know the licensing process, but I'll spell it out here again. After you work professionally for 3 years with an architectural firm, you are then eligible to begin taking your written exams. There are 9 written exams that cover all the things that you are responsible for as an architect. And a lot of info you are NOT responsible for (engineers would actually be the ones "responsible" in real life, but you still have to know it for the tests) So back in 2003 Brett started the process. He'd study for a few months pretty rigorously, then take a test. Then we'd have a baby and things would slow down in the studying department, then he'd start on another exam. Then he'd have a huge deadline at work (always around holidays, of course!) and studying would be out the window.

Brett finished his 9th and last written exam exactly 5 years and 18 days after his 1st exam. Then he had to wait almost a year (10 months and 10 days, to be exact) to get an "appointment" for his oral exam. Then over 2 months longer to hear that he passed! (Okay, really 1 month and 3 weeks!)

So five years, and five kids later - he is done. Not too shabby, husband! Some of the principals at his office just barely became licensed themselves. He is definitely the envy of several of his workermates. If only they could understand that BK (before kids), heck even for some of them, BW (before wife) is a MUCH better time to study!! :)

Okay, back to the story - I checked with his boss, one of the principals (Glen) to find out if Dahlin Group would be informed of his passing/licensing - and if so, would they please not pass on that information to Brett. His boss was very excited/willing to be in on the planning. So were his workmates. His boss even arranged for one of the other principals to leave a message for Brett that the results were delayed and he wouldn't be hearing until the end of April. However, as I later found out, that didn't stop Brett from pestering the architect board. He can be SO nosey sometimes....... The funny thing is Brett would never even imagine/or be suspicious that I would be emailing his friends/bosses at work.

I finally rounded up the emails I needed for his work friends and then sent out the evite:

Come celebrate a day we never thought would actually arrive! Brett has just passed his 10th and final architectural exam! This has been a long 4 1/2 years, but it really is over now and we want to celebrate!

We will be celebrating with food (some of Brett's favorites), fun and friends.

Unfortunately, this MUST be kept a surprise. Please remember not to "congratulate" our man until the appropriate hour! Brett does NOT know that he passed. He has been successfully tricked into thinking the results won't come out until the end of April. (Thanks Glen!)

Brett will arrive after everyone is already here.

If you can make it, please respond to this invite or call me on my CELL phone only (925)784-7312 or email me at my Yahoo address liverbaileys@yahoo.com (not my liverbaileys@gmail.com address)

And try to remember - NO CONGRATS until the party! Our children don't even know as they cannot keep secrets!

Parking for this event will be in the courtyard just east of our court (it is an empty court at the end of El Dorado).

Hope you can come and sorry for the late notice! Please let me know the number of guests you will be bringing and whether they are an adult or child. Thanks!

P.S. - To out-of- towners and far-away-family, I just included you to put you in the loop. We'll miss you of course :)

I next started to try and make our yard presentable (without being TOO presentable and thus making Brett wonder why I was so concerned about the yard). I even edged it for the first time in my life. I asked our neighbor Jim to hint to Brett that our yard needed mowing (you know, embarrass him into action), and he was only too glad to do that, "Hey Brett, now that I am retired, I have more time on my hands. It looks like everyone else keeps up on their yards, so I thought you might want some help. I'll do your lawn for $5 a week. I could use some cash" or something like that. Brett did not take the hint, just said, "That's okay. I'm sure you have plenty to keep you busy. I'll get to it." Not the right response. I needed it mowed by Friday! Jim ended up mowing it for me Friday morning :) What a great neighbor! The funniest part was that Jim's story got more and more exaggerated every time it was told at the party. "I told him his yard was really bad and something needed to be done so I'd be happy to help for $5 a week and then Brett just stormed off!" (That sounds SO like Brett! haha!)

I never did so much weeding in my life - the whole garden area was covered with weeds along with the side yard and every other visible dirt area. There were tons of other odd things that needed to be taken care of as well so Brett wouldn't be totally embarrassed of our home when his work friends came over. Nothing major, but kind of hard to do along with 5 little ones who have no worries about making messes in every area that I have just cleaned up! I made my list of daily "to dos" -nail holes to fill in, menu planning (kids and adults), how to set up, what to use for his "architecture" display to embarrass him....... I actually forgot the best thing of all - his huge model that we have been storing for 9+ years in the garage because we can't throw it out because he worked so hard on it. It is broken in some places. THAT would have been hilarious to have on display...........

....ordering the cake and finding "architectural" decorations? (Long, fruitless hour in Michael's with my sister Courtenay on the phone giving me ideas. Why doesn't Michael's have a section of architectural doodads for cakes?)
.................ordering balloons (never have done that before - not sure why. It was easy! Just getting them into the car was a little troublesome. Joshua has become my official and eager balloon blower upper on birthdays!)

..............touch up painting, floor mopping, bathroom scrubbing head to toe (that chore I'd leave till Friday a.m. - then LOCK my kids out until the guests came!) couches to clean (just to be presentable and so people wouldn't be afraid to sit on them), just keeping the whole house clean at one given moment was very hard! Food to shop for and then hide at different friends homes, food to prepare without little ones mentioning to dad that "Mom made 2 huge bowls of coos coos today" or "We made 50 cupcakes today!" - and have dad respond, "Really? all that cooking and yet no dinner for me?" "Why so much coos coos, dear wife? and where is it?" Me: "Ummm.... in our neighbors fridge?" I digress. I also thought it was "important" to finish the bed skirt for Joshua's room (so you can't see the storage bins under his bed) - which did get done, I made it to match the wave on his wall :) and also "important" to make bedspreads for Claire and Eliza's beds (that one didn't get done!). I also wanted to do some hi-lites or something with my hair, but that got lost on my list.

Windows to clean at the last moment, fridge to clean out (less neighbors/friends see how we REALLY live), and most of all NOT talk to Brett about any of it. Not even complain to Brett about how my back was killing me from making 5 lbs of fallafels over the hot stove and so on! None of it was very hard - just hard to do with my kids around and secretly . I couldn't tell the kids anything because they would not be able to not say, "Oh, dad! I wish I could tell you something that is so exciting, but mom told me not to tell you!" Friday morning I finally told Anna and Josh on the way to school so they could be excited about it for at least one day. They were!

Thursday morning right after Brett left for work I got a call from the AIA (Architect Board) asking for Brett. I said he had left for work, and asked what this was about? I said, "Is there a problem with the results? Did he not pass now?" He said he was just calling because Brett had called him and emailed him wondering where the results were. I told him that we DID get the results, but could he please not tell Brett because we were having a party tomorrow night for him. He said he couldn't lie, but added that I was such a nice wife :), but said he would just not respond to Brett's calls. I thanked him. Then about 30 minutes later I get an email from Brett showing correspondence between Brett and the AIA. The part from the AIA said that Brett's results were returned in the mail because the numbers in his address were transposed and that they would be mailing them off again today and he should get them by Saturday. (I thought it was so funny about the "transposing" of our address numbers: 1101 - how many ways can you transpose 1101 and still get it right?!!! ) Brett had then asked them if they could just tell him if he passed or not (Back off Bailey!!!) and the man responded that it was against policy!

So he DID lie for me! I was so grateful. Shortly after I saw that, I got a call from the same guy telling me that he had just sent off an email to Brett "throwing him off!" It was great!

Anytime Brett emailed me something about this, I would forward it to his workmates who were getting a big kick out of tricking Brett. One of them emailed me back saying "no more emails" because he just had a close call. Brett had just been looking at his (Mario's)computer screen a second before and almost saw my email come up, but Mario said he was "as quick as a ninja and averted that disaster!" That is Mario 2nd from right below. Doesn't he look like a ninja?!

My friend Ann came over to help me figure out and set up the eating tables at 2:00

My friend Donna took my 3 youngest to her house at 3:00. That was a lifesaver. I forgot to pick them up at 5:30 I was so busy. Here come the kids! (Claire in green and Eliza on far right)

My friend Julie showed up at 5:00 to plant flowers in our planter box that never has flowers, cook food and help me spread last minute bark over some dirt patches! (I was about to fall over from exhaustion from carrying all the bags of bark!)

Then we moved into the kitchen for making the sausage wraps and stuffed mushrooms, frosting cupcakes, putting all the last minute things out. I realized I had left WAY too much stuff for the last minute. Ooops. But somehow, thanks to my friends we made it!

Brett called on his way home and I asked him to stop off at Costco and then pick up our babysitter, Emma, at her house. He thought we were going out that night. He called again when he got to Emma's house saying that she didn't know she was babysitting. (Oops! She was not supposed to be there - she was supposed to be at a track meet! Then Brett would call and I'd say, "Oh, her dad just dropped her off here. So come on home!") I was caught off guard for a moment, then I "cleverly" pulled through and said, "Oh! Sorry, her sister is already here. Her dad dropped her off."

So he came home. He slowly brought his groceries in (Come IN, already! Are you going to change the tire too?!) and then walked into the kitchen and saw where everyone was hiding (in family room and hallway). SURPRISE!!

Then Eliza and Claire ran up to him and said, "You passed! You passed!"

He then saw his boss and people from work, his brother Allan and wife Buffy, neighbors and friends so it started clicking for him. Then when Beth and her kids showed up, it was very clear indeed.

He later said he couldn't believe all these people were there(around 60 people!) just because he passed his final test. (But didn't they come for the cake?!) Somebody asked his boss what it means now that he has his license. Kind of funny as they have just finished with another round of lay-offs at work. Brett is lucky to have a job, let alone any kind of perk for getting licensed. I said it might mean that his boss thinks it is a good time for him to leave and start his own company (haha). His boss also said, "Congratulations! Now you can get sued!" Pretty funny indeed.

THE FOOD (choices based on some of Brett's current favorites))
Israeli Coos Coos salad (with pine nuts, shallots etc)
Fallafels w/ a yogurt cucumber sause in pita bread
Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms
Chips/Artichoke Dip
Crackers/Cheese/Fruit/Vegetables
Enchiladas/Vegetable (made by Charlotte, our neigbor,best I have ever tasted!)
Homemade pizza (super good! brought by Tamara and Glen, Brett's boss)
Sausage wraps (for the kids main fare)
Costco cake and homemade cupcakes (I couldn't get fancy with desserts - not enough practice!)

No nice tablecloth/dishes for the kids - they eat outside:

Brett was worried about people driving out so far, but later said that since the food was good maybe it made it worth it for them. He also later said he noticed all the "little repairs" that I had done around the house/yard that most people never would have noticed, but he did because he sees them every day. He also said the yard looked great (for us!) so I was happy that the labor was not wasted! He realized then why I was trying to get him to get the garden boxes done quickly (didn't get done, but oh well!) He said he also noticed that the "ducks were standing up for once" (instead of strewn all over the yard!)

So, the secret is out, (thank goodness!) Brett is happy (not mad at me for having a party) and now we move on. No more late night studying. It is over! (Wish I had more pics of people/party.......)

And here we were relaxed and poised at the end of the evening:

Actually, we ate so much it was more like this:

And who says I never post pictures of myself ?????

My cake - WOW

2009-03-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

I feel bad for my cake next year. No room for even one more candle.

This picture of my month-old-cake is now dedicated to my brother John. Happy Birthday Peder! Here is a picture of John and his 5 children for those of you who don't know him (I guess I'd have to be referring to all the complete strangers who follow my blog because everybody else knows John!)

Mermaidville - Peter Pan Play

2009-03-24T00:43:00.000-07:00

Anna was the perfect mermaid. She even said her parts perfectly (all two of her 2 word parts!)

Anna with her friend Claire.

Interesting - may do it

2009-02-27T11:29:00.000-08:00

http://www.redenvelopeday.com/

Not sure how much of a difference it would make, but I like the spirit of it.

First Death of Pet

2009-02-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

Anna's fish died. So sad............Here are pictures of her grave items. Paper flower to put on grave. White paper box for Pan to slide into. Wooden grave marker: "
"Pan got born: 25, 08 ( translation: Christmas)(crossed out born) Die: 19, 09 Died of starvacen".

Sadly, I'm not real sad. I just thought it was funny when I saw she wrote died of starvacen. We were at Stake Conference when we "got the text" from the babysitter Saturday night. "Anna's fish died and she needs some comfort." Brett asked her when she last fed it. She said she couldn't remember. So probably a week. Then he asked her when she last saw it. She couldn't remember. Mmmm. Sounds like she LOVED that fish :) Seems like she is really ready for a pet. Hey, but at least she had some fun crafting grave items.

I feel better already.........

2009-01-29T14:30:00.001-08:00

I read this and thought - all mom's should read this! One less thing we have to feel guilty about :) I've never been super concerned (other than choking hazards) about dirt, germs (I grew up hearing that too much protection from the world isn't always beneficial in a developing body) but in the back of my mind I also knew it was because I am somewhat lazy in this area (hence the guilt!) I just can't find it in myself to stress out about everything that goes in their mouths or on their hands. Too many other things to think about. I do like their hands clean AFTER dinner for sure. See? I'm not too lazy :) I do also like their hands washed after they hold slugs and snails as well. My,my,my - maybe I am a clean fanatic after all!! (haha)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/health/27brod.html?_r=1&ref=science

Princess Ball!

2009-01-26T11:37:00.001-08:00

This was the 2nd best day of Anna's life (maybe Brett's too). Her school had a princess ball for dad's and daughters. Brett gave her the option of going to the ball or going to dinner and a movie (hmmm, I wonder why?). Anna's first question after she stopped jumping up and down was, "Which one would give me more good time with dad?" I stayed neutral on this one.

I curled her hair with a curling iron and it took about 15 minutes. She was NOT thrilled about having to stand there for 15 minutes until she saw the final look in the mirror (see below) It was so cute seeing her so excited and happy.

Afterwards, Anna said they danced the whole time and that dad was swinging her up and over and all around! Brett told me that when they first got there he asked if she wanted to dance or get their pictures taken. She thought for a second and then said pictures so her hair wouldn't be messed up. Brett said it most definitely was a fundraiser based on the decorations and dessert :)

What to do on a cloudy, drizzly day with Brett at seminar in SF??

2009-01-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

Join the ZOO. Sweet! For $80 we can go all year long! They had a blast and mom was really tired when we got back. I think we made up half the population that day. It was a perfect, uncrowded day. Luke LOVED the elephants and monkeys. We put some videos up on his blog :)

This little girl followed Luke everywhere. He was mostly oblivious to her. Her parents were laughing. I was a little concerned (JK)................

You look like a monkey, and you act like one too!

No, I'm not their ballet teacher................

2009-01-26T11:19:00.000-08:00

.........but they sure think they are beautiful when they dance!

My new favorite song!

2009-01-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've had a favorite song, but I love this...........I just change a few words and it is perfect. It IS so nice to be married to my best friend.

Do you hear me? I’m talking to you.....
Across the kitchen, over our five, sweet children...
Under chaotic skies...Oh my! Baby, I’m trying!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-08T00:20:00.001-08:00

So I was just ready to see a new post at the top of my blog. Nothing to add at this point that will take less than a minute to do...........Happy Happy New Year!

Song they sang at Anna's Baptism

2008-12-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

Tooth Decay

2008-12-15T10:36:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most of you have great teeth, but I thought you might find this interesting. Ramiel Nagel (the guest speaker) had a 1 year old with multiple cavities and himself as well. He cured both his daughter and himself. We, like all of you, are very interested in keeping our kids teeth healthy and strong. So far our kids are cavity free (knock on wood) without any use of fluoride. I think it is a combination of Brett's genes (he has no cavities), my overall good health and REALLY limiting the junk food intake of our kids. I didn't have many cavities as a kid, but more in college (junk food, not flossing regularly, and never seeing a dentist). After Brett and I got married, I started going every six months for cleanings and after taking care of some previous problems from college, I have been lucky to have no more cavities. However, I wish I could say the same about orthodontics :) In the link it talks about foods to eat and which ones to avoid which I thought was interesting.

I'm also learning about how the glycerin in toothpaste actually coats the teeth making it harder for teeth to remineralize naturally. The naturally forming glycerin that is in toothsoaps is actually much better for the teeth.

http://www.curetoothdecay.com/

Joshua's Birthday

2008-12-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

It has come to my attention that I have been "unequal" in my blogging and forgot about Josh's birthday. Sorry for the videos, but that is what we mostly had. I also put some videos up on Luke's blog as well.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA!

This is Josh #25 (aka Skippy. Can you see why?)

"I've always wanted one of these!"

Josh, PLEASE throw the ball in NOW!!! Then he scores!

And.....another goal! He scored 6 on his 6th birthday on September 6th! Lucky day!

What color is your aura?

2008-12-14T21:10:00.001-08:00

http://www.quizilla.com/quizzes/500153/what-is-your-true-aura-colour

Sisterly Concern

2008-12-12T00:10:00.001-08:00

(The setting: Sunday morning, the day after Anna's baptism)

Eliza, "Mommmmmmm.....Anna is putting on her baptism dress!" (in a tattle tale sort of voice - not an informative type of voice)

Mom ignores comment as she is busy dressing Luke in the next room over and thinking to herself, "Who cares!"

Eliza 10 seconds later, "Mommmmmm! Anna is putting on her baptism dress!"

Mom, "She can wear it if she wants, Eliza. Just like you chose what dress you are wearing."

Eliza 20 seconds later, "Mommmmmm! Anna is wearing her baptism dress!"

Ignore.

Eliza 5 seconds later, "Mommmmmm! Anna is wearing her baptism dress!"

Mom, "It doesn't matter, Eliza!" (thinking, "Stop talking to me about this!!!")

Eliza, "But she is wearing her baptism dress!"

Mom, not using her most understanding voice, "Eliza, she can wear it. Don't worry about it!"

Eliza in a very loud, wailing, teeth gnashing voice, "But then she will be the pre....tttttt.....iestttttttt!"

Brett's comment: "She sounds like Cinderella's step-sister!"

More on Anna's baptism another day...................:)

Anna's "Survivor" Party

2008-11-26T12:51:00.000-08:00

The "Tribesmen" - The Dolphins vs. The Palm Trees

They had to first build a shelter for themselves - later they would search for and find wild animals to stand guard:

Kicking back and enjoying some much needed food/energy (hard kidney beans):

Bug eating contest:

The real food:

The cake (get it "the dolphins" and "palm trees"?!:

The cake with some writing on it finally:

Another "contest" of strength and agility:

WE were happy to report that everyone survived. The only thing that might still kill off our birthday girl is writing all her thank yous............we'll keep you posted on her recovery.

Keeping up with my sisters-in-laws....

2008-11-26T12:29:00.000-08:00

Well, since everyone else is blogging about the weather/cold/heat/Thanksgiving, I thought I'd chime in. It is pouring down rain right now as I write in Livermore (makes me think we might as well be in Oregon.)

We have not yet turned our heat on this season as we are afraid to. Even though gas is relatively cheaper now, it never seems to show that in our heating bills. Plus we are also "boycotting" Pacific Gas & Electric for donating $250,000 to the "No on H8" campaign. Well, that is what we are pretending we are doing until we cannot stand the cold any longer.

I don't know how cold we are but it is cold enought that all day long it makes me grouchy. The kids still have to be directed to not wear tank tops and shorts and then say, "I'm cold!" (no sympathy here!) In fact, I finally just removed Claire and Eliza's tank tops from their drawer. No more pretending that it is still summer. However, Nadine, we have not had the pleasure of wearing our winter coats for breakfast! Now that would be a treat. You are nicer than I am - I would be thinking of it as just more laundry to do.

Buffy, I'm a little disturbed that you are aimlessly walking around at Target when you should be home getting started on that rotkohl, cranberry chutney, fig pie, roasted green beans, sweet potatoes and the Thanksgiving decor. You know, we will be there sooner than you think!

At least I have been THINKING about what store we will stop by on the way to get the Turkey and bag of potatoes. I ALREADY know where I will be picking up the pumpkin pie. Oh and the dough is ALREADY in the bread machine rising. Come on Buffy, get with it!

Just in time for the winter flu season!

2008-11-19T16:13:00.001-08:00

Almost 9 Years...................

2008-11-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

Anna was born November 2, 2000. That was 306 days after we got married and after about 8 months of morning sickness. Since that wonderful day when Anna joined us, several more sweet children have joined our family. Everyone knows what that translates to - lots of love and even more chaos and the time going by very quickly. At other times the time doesn't exactly seem to fly - mostly those nights of no sleep or the nights you might just as well not even TRIED to sleep. I still look back at Claire and Eliza's first few months as awesome and at the same time incredibly hard.

Perhaps because of the chaos, a few months back I was thinking that I really was missing that 1st night in the hospital when a baby is born and it is only me and the new baby. That sweet first few days of a newborn and so on..... Only 10 little fingers and toes, room service, a good book and a phone I could mute. Then after my nap, on the phone would go and I could talk uninterrupted for the most part! Those few occasions were kind of a "forced" vacation in a sense. At least it felt like a vacation to me. I think part of me was just wanting really bad to just not be needed for 24 hours straight.

Over the years we have always said that we would "get away one of these days", but I've either been pregnant or nursing for the last 3,148 days of our 3,207 days of marriage. Translation: not able/easy to leave kids for 8.22 years out of 8.78 years. Not to say we never left home or anything - we have gotten away for lots of things, but it has always included our kids. Brett has had his scouting/YM campouts or he has left town for work or whatever and I have so envied his being able to sleep straight through the night and go to bed when he felt like it, not only after teeth were all brushed, stories read, excuses heard - you know the routine. If you don't relate just quit reading right now!

Recently I had felt ALMOST mentally/physically ready to leave our kids behind as Luke is almost 2 years and I'm not pregnant. (Yes, amazing, I know!) Brett secretly asked his mom if she would come out so we could get away(I think the part about me missing that hospital stay spurred him to come up with an alternate plan!) He surprised me with his idea and then the next step was to figure out when it would work. (Thank you Grandma for being so willing to work us into your busy schedule despite our confusion and procrastination on picking a time!)

The biggest question was Luke: Was I really ready to stop nursing Luke (my favorite child?! The one we never say no to?!) and could I leave him behind? The more I thought about it the sadder I felt even though I knew in my heart he would be just fine. A few days before the trip Brett even said that we could bring Luke if I wanted. That was VERY sweet of him. I was tempted because then I wouldn't have to worry or miss him. That was when it finally clicked. We had this great opportunity in front of us - stop thinking about the kids and start planning. I was wishing that I had lost those extra pounds too...........oh well.

Well, we never really got around to planning what we'd do except for packing and getting a map "thinger" for the car so you can find places. When Claudia got here we still didn't know where we were going, but I was very excited to leave! I was learning to block out my thoughts of Luke....Tuesday afternoon till Saturday aftenoon! The options were endless and a little bit overwhelming. I decided to rule out doing anything that we could do with the kids normally. We drove away not knowing if we were heading north or south. We chose south.

The first bag I packed was full of books that I had been wanting to read or finish reading. You know the kind - the ones you need to concentrate on when you read? Underline? Cross reference? It was a really heavy bag and Brett was a good sport about lugging it into every hotel. It reminded me of the dreaded "box" that mom would bring on EVERY family vacation and/or day trip. She would be the last one in the car - we'd have all been crammed in the car sweating for 1/2 hour waiting, and then out comes mom with a huge box that took up a whole seat or had to go under our feet or between us - papers spilling out of it. (Yes, I understand better now, Mom!) I think I got about as much reading done as mom got stuff sorted out of that box on our vacations. But it made me happy to have the "options" that were in my bag available!

Our first day was a little frustrating in that we didn't know where we were going! (but we sure could find any place we wanted thanks to the map thing) The great thing was we could do anything we wanted without diapers, without potty stops, without any whining (well, almost) and without strollers. No faces to wash, hair to comb, shoes to put on except our own and that was SO EASY! It was hard, however, to not be "getting anything done" now that we were finally free. That mindset changed and we easily settled into "vacation mode".

It was SO MUCH FUN! I could have stayed another day at least, but the nice thing was that I also couldn't wait to get home and see the kids. I actually even got tired of eating out. One thing I gained from this was that we really need to do this more often - even short day trips. I know as the kids get older (we are already seeing this) it will be easier to have conversations with each other (Brett and I), going to the grocery store won't be a 3-ring-circus or something I dread/fear - haha, and the kids will all be able to dress themselves and so on and then we might not feel so desperate. However, it sure was fun to have a little freedom now and start to remember who we were married to.

We spent most of our time at Pismo Beach. Found a great hotel overlooking the ocean. Brett got us a great deal on it just by saying how much he wanted to pay for it. (Thanks for that tip years ago, mom!) It was perfect.

The high-lights of the trip were for me:

Kayaking in the ocean: I was really afraid at first, but then realized how much fun and relatively safe it was. Brett, alas, did not enjoy it as much - he threw up 5 times. He'd feel good as soon as he threw-up. Then he'd feel sick, drink some more water, throw-up, feel good for a while more. He was a good sport. We were trying to catch these dolphins we saw, but couldn't.

Hearst Castle: I still can't believe how much money it costs just to maintain that place......but Brett pointed out the historical value.......okay, whatever. It was still amazing to see.

Eating Alone with Brett: Need I say more?!

We even went horseback riding (just because we COULD!) but Brett hated it. First thing is that he is allergic (he made sure he never touched the actual horse - so it didn't bother him this time) and he couldn't help but compare it to when he rode horses as the sun rose in Egypt with the great pyramids next to him. (Sorry! Can't compete with that one!) But the funniest part was that they wouldn't let us do more than a trot -so Brett was going crazy. I still thought it was fun. Hey, no kids - it was GREAT!!! :)

What WE did:

We came home to very happy children who were excited to tell us all about their week. There were even pumpkin, halloween decorations on the window that Claudia had made with the kids! (Not my favorite thing to do, so I was really happy to see those!) Now it is already time for Thanksgiving ones.........Claudia?
I really think they didn't even care that we were gone - just as long as we had a treat for them.

While we were gone.....

However...............the moment I know you are all waiting for. Luke first saw me when he was sitting in the car in his carseat. He saw me and his arms and legs all stuck out and were flailing/kicking and he said, "Mama!!!!!" That was the best part of all. Then I had to rush out to coach Anna's soccer game but it was great - everyone was happy.

Thanks Claudia/Grandma/Mom for a wonderful vacation!!!!!! Wish we could return the favor somehow....it sure was easy to not miss the bedtime routine!

I could eat this daily but it takes too long to make.......

2008-11-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

Isn't it pretty? My VT partner and I made lunch for "our people" and I wanted to do something new and also pretty. Grapefruit, avocado, prosciutto (sp?) , spinach, grapefruit rind (boiled/sliced) and poppy seed dressing. It was really good. Maybe a once every 3 year kind of thing due to prep time :) I even made the dressing from scratch. It was fun trying something new, but pre-peeling the grapefruits was VERY time consuming......

Where do I draw the line?????

2008-11-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

"They" say to pick your battles.............and so I really try not to let clothing choices be one of them. Sometimes it is hard.

Good Advice That I Read

2008-11-06T11:00:00.000-08:00

I thought this first one was funny. I like the simplicity of it.

1. always eat food that remembers where it came from (the minute it
visits a factory, food gets amnesia);

2. don't eat anything that won't spoil, and eat it before it does

3. there is a good reason why whole eggs, raw milk, fresh cream, butter, and fresh vegetables are called "wholesome" food. Don't eat man-made "food." And, as much as you can, grow your own.

Halloween - Ugh

2008-11-01T03:51:00.000-07:00

I know I shouldn't be bugged about Halloween but I AM! I guess I'm the grinch of Halloween.......

I got some email on Halloween with a WARNING sign saying that candy from China could contain Melamine or something like that - I didn't even know what that was but it obviously was something bad!

showed that to Anna and Josh and they ran and got their goodie bag from school (thanks school!) and went through the treats and got rid of any that they couldn't tell where it was from. I was helpful at "deciphering" some of it for them. For example, if a candy had THC in fine print I decided that it meant "The House of China". I know, deceitful, but I didn't care!

This year we decided to just watch a movie at home with the younger ones (Brett got carmel to make carmel apples after Luke went to bed.) I took Anna to HSM movie (date night for her!). The kids were excited about it, but everyone who heard we weren't trick or treating thought we were psycho! "That is just wrong!!"

At the last minute we decided to let them go trick or treating to a few neighbors - they were seeing other kids out trick or treating (here comes the pressure!) We also remembered that one of our neighbors make personalized stuff for the kids and might feel bad if we didn't go there. After just a few homes, they came home with way too much candy! We let them eat about 5-6 pieces that night.

I am bugged because I feel so much PRESSURE to let them trick or treat. I think about all the other things we feel pressure to do with the kids and DON'T do and then we cave to trick or treating because "everyone else is doing it". I don't know why I am so anti-trick-or-treating, but it isn't like I should feel any loyalty to a witch or jack-o-lantern, right?! We try all year long to give them good things, and you all know that is not cheap, and then to blow if for my least favorite holiday Halloween???

I asked Anna on the way to the movie if she thought we were too strict about Halloween and she said she knows it is because we want them to be healthy and even though sometimes she doesn't like it she knows why we do it. So I think we are doing okay so far........so far.

It isn't like I chop their fingers off before they have desserts or occasional treats, but just eating a huge bag of candy seems so wrong. So far they are cavity free(knock on wood) but that hasn't come easy.

The rest of their candy they used at our "Candy Store" yesterday to buy trinkets (dollar store watches etc.). They LOVED the store and even Eliza, who was crying at the top of her lungs, about wanting to "buy" stuff (but not wanting to not have any candy left) ended up buying stuff with every last piece. We told her she could "choose to keep the candy if you wanted or buy stuff" about 6 times but she was hard of hearing (we were too) with all that heartfelt shrieking! Of course, we were hoping she would choose to buy and not stash. (Phew! No having to sneak it away on my part!)

I was so happy that they were willing to get rid of it all that I then offered them each one piece. Anna declined saying, "I want to keep my temple healthy." I could have died with happiness. I told her how impressed I was with her choice. Josh then put his piece back and said the same thing! So I told him how impressed I was with him also. Then Claire and Eliza did it too!!!! I could have fainted. I put it all in a ziplock and threw it away. Luckily, Brett took the trash out for trash day tomorrow or I might have been tempted to retrieve the bag and pick out the good stuff.....!

Tucking Josh in at night he said that he liked eating candy "while he eats it" because it tastes good, but he doesn't want to get sick.

So that is what we did for Halloween and next year I am not caving. We will do something fun, and we will have treats, but something at least half-way decent! :)

Now, if any of you read all the way through this "rant" - do YOU think we are a little overboard? I'd love to hear your input. Just be kind of nice.

Recycled costumes from years past.......the best kind!

Pioneer girl Anna

Robin Hood (and his trusty yellow silky blanket) and Belle

Belle, an immodest Maid Marian & Robin Hood

AWWWWWWW - he's not hitting them! (Maybe he just discovered that their dresses are silky!)

Prop 8 from a child's perspective.....

2008-10-26T01:05:00.000-07:00

Anna told me that a girl at school and her were talking about Prop 8 (marriage defined as between a man and a woman. She said that the girl's thought was that it should be equal for everyone to get married so it is fair. I asked her how old this girl was (surprised that she would have that kind of response. I was curious now about how this came up. (In my mind I was thinking “WHAT? Are they teaching you about this already in school???!!!!!)

(Side Note: Yesterday Brett overheard Josh talking to his friend about how some people think boys should marry boys and girls should marry girls. Then both boys just cracked up! That's the way it should be!)

I then asked Anna how this subject came up. Anna said that she'd asked thegirl if she knew about it…:) Trying not to smile, I asked Anna what she told the girl. These were here exact words, “Well, mom, to make it simple, I just said that I thought that the children needed a mom and a dad because if you have two dads than the child would never know about a mom’s love and if you had two moms then you wouldn’t know about how proud your dad gets of you.” Those really were her own words – whatever she has gleaned/overheard and churned around in her little mind – I’m glad this is her perspective.

……and even though I am the mom, I was so proud of her!

Luke - one of my all time favorite videos

2008-10-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

High Fructose Corn Syrup - Funny

2008-10-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

NOTE: If you hate reading paragraphs on blogs, skip these and go directly down to the videos. They are great! (and no, they aren't videos of our kids!)

Anna was thumbing through a magazine that we get (Family Fun) and commented that she didn't "get" what the ad was saying. It was an ad (part of the new campaign to convince everyone that high fructose corn syrup is okay) that was cleverly drawn up(thus attracting her eye)that said something about how your hairdresser shouldn't be advising you about HFCS.......(in other words your DOCTOR will reassure you that HFCS in moderation is good.) Personally, I wouldn't have immediately "gotten" the ad if I hadn't seen a commercial with a similar slant recently. (I hear desperation in this recent ad campaign - "Don't stop buying 3/4 of what you normally buy just because it has HFCS which is cheap and makes you like what you are eating and it also makes you want more and more and more and more and then we can keep using this waste product and making money on it!!!!")

The day that I actually saw one of these ads on tv I was pretty shocked at how uninformed and unintelligent "they" must think we all are. These commercials might sway my 7 year old who can't believe that anything published or on tv is not the absolute truth. ("But why would they lie? How come the tv people let them lie?" Let's chat for a bit, my sweet innocent daughter.............)

I'll admit, we don't avoid it completely - we try. Brett is better at checking labels than I am (maybe because he can THINK when he grocery shops, sans little children.) Maybe because he doesn't have as many addictions as his wife..... However, it is one of the things we do TRY to avoid - especially for the kids. HFCS, MSG/Veg Protein, white flour/rice, low-fat foods (usually loaded with sweeteners and artifical junk) and blatant junk food on a regular basis.

But don't let all this serious talk sway you from watching these videos. They are pure entertainment - especially the last two. And they are short - only 30 secs to a minute. I say put the kids to bed, grab a HFCS-free snack and enjoy! If you don't think they are funny - tell me. I will set you straight!

P.S. - there are more videos that actually explain in great detail the problems with HFCS, (also on Weston A Price) but since blogs are supposed to be fun, I'll let you find those yourself on youtube! :)

Pathetic but funny: (especially at the end, "Oh! glug glug, yum yum gallon of fruit punch!" Especially notice the expressions on the "paranoid, health nut freaky lady" who is absolutely frightened of HFCS! Okay, please! The other lady is so "hip, cool, calm and collected!"

So lame it is funny: ("I thought you loved me!")

Now for some real funny: (There is so much funny in here I can watch this one over and over!)

And some more real laughs: (Makes you want to make your own video! It looks so easy!)
THE FUNNIEST ONE OF ALL!!! Please pay attention to the popsicle!!!!

Prop 8

2008-10-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

I think this is the best video/link I've seen so far....

Happy Birthday Meghannnnnnnn!

2008-09-24T21:45:00.003-07:00

Youngest Loon Laker so far.....................!

"I don't even remember meeting you Luke!"

"But I inspire you to write songs............"

Swim Team

2008-09-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

Swim Team was one of the best choices we have made in a long time. (Yes, it has been over for 2 months now, but I am slowly getting caught up. ) Anna and Josh had a great time and we are so happy that they became such great swimmers. They worked hard and got tons of ribbons (which were great motivators because every single race you competed in you got a ribbon!). We are not too sad to not have the 5 hour swim meets every Saturday, or the daily "chase Luke around the pool area" for 2 hours, but I'm sure we'll do it again next year.

Anna wanted to make sure I added that she had one other blue ribbon. :)

Josh isn't happy with the number of pink ribbons he got - wah, wah!

Loon Lake 2008

2008-09-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

Another fun year at Loon Lake. A week of camping,swimming, babies, bocci ball, baseball and even skits this year! (No, I kid you not!) This was one of the more meagerly attended years, but definitely not meager on the fun. After 2 days of waiting to get the field sites, we all settled in nicely. The weather was great (only one light rain shower one afternoon - I was actually napping with Luke, so the sound of rain on tent was quite delightful - I only briefly wondered how those at the beach were faring.) This year we extended our stay by heading up to Grandma and Grandpa's for a couple of days. Played with a new batch of kittens, did laundry, went to church, toured Johnny and Brenda's new castle, and stayed up way too late playing games and laughing at eachother. We also trekked up to Philomath to see Mannings in their new neighborhood. We tried surprising them at their ward building, but it didn't quite work. Just a great week of fun,staying up late around the camp fire, eating too many smores and more.....

You know, I've been thinking about how some of us are more faithful than others in attending our family reunions........it makes me wonder, does that extend over into other areas in your lives??

Baileys have the record for most consecutive years attended (2nd generation) and also most pregnant when attended. I think Brett now holds record for most salamander caught (with Kaleb, Scotty, Josh probably close behind). Luke and Meghann now have record for bringing youngest baby ever (Siena - 2 weeks). Carden has the record for bringing the most girlfriends to Loon lake (with Kenzie and Gabe tying for 2nd). Mannings have the record for the most injuries. G & G have record for actually driving to Loon Lake now over 100 times. Johnny and Brenda have the record for sneaking away and going to bed early with excuse of settling a baby. Ellison's have the record for bailing the most times at the last minute (with great excuses, however). Of course, Seth and Lynae top the charts for the most absenses (Hawaii vs. Loon Lake - I just don't get it). Walburgers have their 2 cute little excuses, but if I recall, I think their record was having the most new-fangled camping gadgets each year. Any records I've forgotten about?

Loon Lake Videos

2008-09-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

Claire contends with Kaleb!

Charter School............

2008-08-21T00:11:00.001-07:00

Anna finally did get in to the charter school, just 2 days before school started.....they are enjoying it thus far. Especially the fact that it is too far for them to walk anymore.

Birthday Videos

2008-08-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

Lots of videos - couldn't decide which ones not to post :)
Do you detect any differences in Eliza and Claire?

Claire Elaine and Eliza Paige's Birthday....

2008-08-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

..........but now "We aren't twins anymore, we're four!" ???

Double YOLKS in the chocolate cake batter (for Paiger) and then AGAIN double yolks for Claire's vanilla cake. We thought that was so funny. What are the chances - one set of twin eggs for each of their cakes?!! We ended up "swirling" the chocolate and vanilla to make a swirl cake (Grandma B's idea) - they thought that was pretty "amazing!" :)

Luke was a big helper testing out the frosting. I don't think he had ever tasted anything like this before...........he thought it was just amazing - the best homemade frosting ever! (and no, I won't give you my recipe)

Claire was just happy to be here................

Can we just stop taking pictures and let me eat my cake???!!! Notice my recently shorn bangs and sideburns? (Eliza did her own haircut so her hair would stay out of her face. I guess it was her turn since Claire did it last year.)

We just love hugging eachother..........

Nice to have a little help with the card reading from big brother and sis

She doesn't even notice that one of her candles isn't a candle or that her balloon doesn't have a string, or that her cake is just slopped onto a cookie sheet with cake crumbs lightly sprinkled throughout the frosting........ Ahhh, the joy of an easily pleased child! (Notice I said "child"?)

Puppet Shows by ASB

2008-08-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

Anna had fun entertaining her younger siblings - for literally hours on end. They took turns making up puppet shows. Anna was the "most able/favored" puppeteer - as far as keeping the rest entertained. Josh was the critic - giving his "thumbs down" on the Little Miss Muppet puppet show. "Don't do that one again." However, he was laughing louder than the rest for the majority of the shows.

So "wild and crazy"

2008-08-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

Edible Crafts that did NOT taste good :)

2008-08-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

Joshua's porcupine

Anna's mini food......

Claire and Eliza's blobs and Mom's "little bits of nature" . My little cute kitty cat is missing! Who ate it? Let me guess...................E_iz_???

What's for dinner tonight!?

2008-08-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

2 of the ugly witches

the 3rd witch (bottom left of picture)

This picture is also before our lawn really died :)

I just cut down these three really ugly bushes in our front yard ( I call them the 3 witches because that is what they look like). I've tried trimming, but they are just a place where all the snails hide out, plus they are so woody underneath. I just got tired of them. You might be wondering why I worry about 3 bushes when we have a playhouse and tent in our front yard........ (Good thing we don't have a home owners association. )

I happened to mention it to my brother Luke. He got after me for cutting down the rosemary bush because of all the uses it has in cooking (yes he is a herbologist). So he convinced me to salvage a few branches from the driveway where I had dumped it. Trying it out for dinner tonight - fresh garlic, olive oil, chicken, potatoes and fresh rosemary. He and his wife, Meghann said to wrap the branches around the chicken. Sounded fun. It looks pretty, at least. (Notice Claire's little fingers trying to sneak a piece of dinner!) I guess we will see if I regret cutting at least the rosemary bush down. Well, actually - even if dinner is really good, I have no regrets because they were such an eyesore. (Of coures, now the dirt section that is left behind is quite attractive.) I'm really missing our basil plants..................they were small and pretty.

We love soccer!!!

2008-07-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

Postitive thinking...........yes, trying not to lose sleep (Claudia reminded us that wouldn't be good because then we wouldn't be on our toes for coaching! ). Brett came home last week and said they are changing YM to Wednesdays. So now we "get" to inform all the parents that we will be changing practice days...........hope they are good sports. We went to a 9 hour (yes 9 hrs!) coaching seminar/practice. 3 hrs Friday night and 6 hours on the field on a blazing hot Saturday. Not to mention getting A & J to swim meet (where Josh got 1st in the freestyle! Go Josh!) and C, E & L to babysitter for 3 hrs and then transferred to our home for the last 3. Phew. Glad that is over. Kids had fun - we didn't have so much fun. But we did learn a lot. Watch out opposing teams - haha. You can now call us Coach Bailey - officially. We are F Class Coaches (that is the 2nd to lowest level of coaching in soccer - the only thing lower is the Pre-F and only because that course doesn't include the 6 hour field day. So now that we have only coached 2 practices and 0 games, we can officially be called "coach". Titles...............