Giving Thanks, Italian Style

We had a very non-traditional Thanksgiving this year. Since we had a Thanksgiving dinner with Grandma when she was here a few weeks ago with all of the trimmings, David and I decided not to put on the whole shindig again. Therefore, I opted for homemade pizza instead of turkey. Now, I know it isn't the regular on the greatest of pigging out days, but it suited us just fine. I also realize some of you are appalled, but I had already made two turkey pot pies in one week with the left overs (not to mention turkey sandwiches, turkey turkey, and much more)... I was all turkey-ed out. I did make a pie so it at least had the feel of Thanksgiving. David watched football (poor Lions. Sorry guys, you stink), the girls played, and I was able to bake and make the pizza. I used good old Mitch's recipe (I don't know who he is, but I love his dough) for the crust. It was a wonderful day chalked full of fun and relaxation. It even rained... crazy! I hope everyone's day was as enjoyable as ours.

Early morning mustache! I never knew cereal could do that to someone's face.

Happy to be up and wearing her HSM nightgown (thanks, Steph).

I bet Snow White had clothes on when she took her little nap... not our kids. She is wearing her underwear and some pearls. Sassy and classy!

Boo helping me with the pizza-- such a good, good girl! If you look close enough you can see my pie at the end of the counter.

Adding a bit more meat to not make this a vegetarian pizza.

Pre-bake.

Post-bake.

I made it a stuffed crust pizza. I have never done that before, but it was actually quite good.

Boo

Daddy

Mommy and Bo (notice our "faux classy" glasses, as I like to call them)? They are from Arby's. Don't tell David I told you that. He would be humiliated.

Baby girl

Once again, a necked Bo.

I was trying to take some pictures of the girls for our Christmas card, but they weren't cooperating very well. They are still kind of cute pictures, even though David says iLyn looks like Bill Hater from SNL in this picture.

I thought I would send this one because it is a pretty good representation of our family ;)

Best of friends.

Daddy playing "roar" with the girls.

More roar and more almost nudity. What can I do other than be thankful for my hubby and our girls??

If you listen hard enough you can hear Bo say, "Shake your booty and snap."

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our family and friends. We are grateful for you all!

Are You Even Kidding Me??? Or Getting To Know the Neighbors

And I was just thinking today that there wasn't much interesting in my life to blog about... wont' think that again!!

Today has been a terrible day. And by terrible, I mean horrible. And by horrible, I mean excruciating. And by excruciating... well you get the picture. It was bad from the start. Some not very wonderful things happened. I was woken up with a phone call from GE. I had called them the other day to have a repair person (I am so P.C.) come out and look at my fridge because it was making funny noises. Well, I was tired, the fridge hadn't made another strange peep, and I didn't want anyone in my house today. So anyway, they called and after being on hold waiting for an operator to cancel my appointment for about 20 minutes, the telephone company hung up for me. Thanks! I kept trying to hang up previous to that, but since they were still on the line it wouldn't let me. I don't think that is fair. I had to call them back and cancel-- which took about two minutes.

Like I said, without getting into too many details, it was rough from the start. There were a lot of tears and sadness and more tears and it has ended with someone very close to me hurting. To this sweet person, I pray you know that I love you dearly and would NEVER purposely hurt you. I hope that you can forgive me and that we can somehow make things right. I know we will make it through this, just like we always do. Please know that I love you!

Then, when everything looked it's bleakest, something else happened that made me question why I even bothered to get up this morning... my lovely five year old daughter played with the door knob on our way out to get our shoes on in the garage and ended up locking us out of the house... AGAIN! This is the SECOND time in three months she has done this to me!!! Of course, as soon as I realized what she had done I asked her why she would do that (as if this method ever works or helps). When it hit her that we were locked out, the panic screams started, which then set off her sister, which only upset me more. The last time I was locked out, it was only me stuck outside. It was about 110 degrees, but I was able to get a maintenance guy to climb up the wall and let me in. This time there was no maintenance guy. And this time, to make it even sweeter... the baby was in the house alone. Awesome! For the longest time I thought she was just pulling herself around the floor... fortunately she had been put in her carrier. Thank goodness for tender mercies. We were headed out the door to go pick up Daddy from work and I walked out into the garage to help them get their shoes. If I had only known...

Thankfully we were able to get out of the garage and over to the neighbor's house. My new neighbor was so kind as to let me borrow her phone, phone book, and child watching abilities. I called the first locksmith and told him to hurry because my baby was in the house alone. He started flipping out telling me I needed to call the police, that's what any locksmith would tell you to do. I realized, of course, that this would end up with them kicking in my door, which wasn't on my list of options. I ended up calling another guy, who cost more, but after forty plus minutes of toying with the doors, and the third door later, he was able to get me back inside to my baby and my keys. I just kept praying he could get in without having to replace the lock completely. I don't even think the culprit (after her initial reaction) understood the severity of what she had done because she was off playing and having sugar cookies. Sometimes being an adult really stinks!

Fortunately for me, the locksmith told me his dog locked him out of his truck once, tools and all. The locksmith couldn't unlock his own doors. That made me feel a little better.

Sometimes I feel at a loss as to what I am supposed to learn from these lessons in life. I felt like I was getting kicked from all sides and it was only Monday. There are times when I really feel alone in the world, but I think it's because I allow myself to feel that way. I am never alone, even when I am in my darkest hours (these were not them, I know), it is a comfort to know that the Savior is near. Sometimes he allows us to go through these trials that life throws our way to allow us to grow and grow closer to him. I will admit that sometimes it is difficult to keep my head afloat, but I know he will never let me go, if I will but turn to him and allow him to lift me up. It was a rough day, but I will kneel down tonight and thank him that I had this day and that I have my children to make me frustrated from time to time and I have a dear one, who loves me even though sometimes it is difficult to do so. I am grateful for the comfort of my faith and the healing power it can bring. And, I am grateful for Tylenol and my bed.

Random Rantings

What ever happened to predictability?

The milkman, the paperboy, evening TV...

If you didn't recognize it, these are the opening lines to the Full House theme song (remember that one? I can taste the Velveeta now... ). What did happen to predictability? Where is that milkman and do they even exist anymore? Why would I want my milk delivered on my doorstep (especially not here in the heat. Yuck)? The paperboy? I still owe mine two dollars. Evening TV? It's loaded with half naked women and men doing deplorable things to one another and that is just in the commercials. You don't even have to wait for the show to come on before you have to cover up your kids', or your husband's, eyes. Whatever happened to Dallas when the love scenes were never believable because, I mean come on, who would really be in love with Larry Hagman or Patrick Duffy?? They have enough hair on their chest to make toupées for a small pack of llamas-- or at least how I felt as a child (I did have a secret crush on Bobby, I admit it... with his clothes on! He was a very close second to my HUGE crush on The Hoff. What?? He was hot as Knight Rider). How our society has changed over the years. There are so many days I want to use this thing and go back to the 80s. I know there were tons of people that were doing cocaine, we were still in the cold war, flourescent colors were like, totally awesome, Mr. Belvedere wasn't creepy, the internet didn't exist, I still had really awful hair, and my age was in the single digits, but it was a simpler time to me. The music was radical, Kirk Cameron was fine, people knew Toto wasn't just the name of Dorothy's dog, there were 3D movies on tv, and Michael Jackson had a nose. I also remember the teen celebrities back then. First of all, most of them wore clothes. They drank soda at parties and didn't swear, or at least I don't remember them swearing, on Entertainment Tonight. Of course, they did do all of this stuff and more (seen Corey Haim lately? Enough said). My point is, I didn't know about it because the media, in my opinion, and the stars themselves did an excellent job covering this stuff up OR they just didn't get involved in what I see today (or I was really young and just looking at the picures).

Last week I was reading something and somehow came across the fact that Hilary Duff, little Lizzie McGuire, has a SENSORED video out. Really? This little gal has been sensored? What could she possibly do to have her video not played in it's entirety on MTV? Seriously? MTV is one step away from Sodom and Gommorah, as far as I am concerned, and even they won't play her little video without editing? Gross stuff, that's what. I don't get it. Wasn't she some little kid teen sensation? Now she is being too sensual for the people that brought us The Real World Las Vegas. Wow.


And this girl. Isn't she adorable? Doesn't she just scream princess and pony tails? Don't you just want to pinch her cheeks and show her to your grandma? Could her parents and society have messed this little muffin up so much that she was in rehab before she was even legal to drink? What does our society demand of our youth that makes them turn to drugs and alcohol? Do they just offer cocaine on the side of your caviar in Hollywood?

Young Celebrity: "What is your soup du jour?"

Server: "It's a meth based broth with roasted ecstacy and aged crack."

Young Celebrity: "That sounds good, I think I will have that."

Is this how life really is for these people? And to think I wanted to be on Star Search as a kid...

And what list of downfallen stars could be complete without this gal. I have to admit, I have been one of her strongest opponents. I honestly never thought she could sing. I CANNOT believe how sexual her parents allowed her to be at such a young age and how they exploited her. I also cannot believe they allowed this young mother go to on as long as she did without some sort of help. I found myself, in the middle of all of her shennanegans, feeling dreadfully sorry for her and realizing that money truly cannot buy happiness. I cannot believe how much the media picked on her. I felt sorry for her because ALL of her mistakes were caught on camera with the whole world watching. I can't begin to imagine what it is like to have to go through all of this with ten million flash bulbs in your face. I know she brought a lot (ok most) of it on herself, but she seems to be a very sick woman. I hope she is able to get it together for her sons' sake. Oh, and as I always hope for all of these ladies, that they put more clothes on.


The girls that are famous today scare the craziness out of me. They have so much power over the younglings. Hannah Montana is frightening. She is everywhere. We didn't have the Disney channel up in Alaska so I found out about her and HSM from a visit with my cousins. I had never even heard her name two years ago and now she is everywhere. There are t-shirts, HM underwear, probably HM waffles, etc. She looks all cute and sweet, but then she goes and does stuff like posing practically naked for a photo shoot, dating a MAN, and posting pictures of herself in her bra all over the place. Why? WHAT ARE HER PARENTS DOING OTHER THAN ENJOYING THE FRUITS OF HER LABORS? Why don't they step in??? Oh wait, because she is their meal ticket. Oh wait, I forgot. Billy Ray Cyrus has had tons of number ones other than that one he had. Which would be...???

I guess I am ranting, but I am concerned as a mother and has a woman. The whole Hilary Duff thing set me off the other day. I have so much hope for these Disney and Nickelodeon girls to be good, only to have my hopes squashed like the scorpions in my garage. I know they grow up to become adults and so I should lay off a bit, but it sickens me that they sell themselves out to make more money and to have more weirdos with cameras follow their every move. Mostly, I am nervous because I have three very impressionable daughters. These precious angels have been trusted to us and it is difficult to grocery shop or go to the movies without seeing the effects of Hollywood all over the place. How do I express to them that their body is a temple when these girls are treating their bodies like a 24 hour drive-thru? I am starting to think M. Night Shymalan might have had a good thing with The Village... minus the creepy monster thing.

Home is Where the ♥ Is

I feel extremely grateful this month, which is very fitting. I have so much for which to be thankful. I am grateful for my beautiful children, our good health, our family and friends, our country, and our Savior. This post, however, is dedicated to my husband, a man for whom I am indeed grateful.

Today something small happened in our home. I wasn't an amazing thing, but it brought tears to my eyes to think about it. It may even seem very silly to anyone else but me. I am crying as I am typing this (weirdo). The girls and I were up before the baby this morning and went down to have breakfast (this is Bo's morning demand. No "good morning mommy," just "fix me breakfast!"). I opened up the blinds and we had some yogurt and cereal. After we finished and cleaned up our mess, the girls and I started running around the kitchen and dining room. We ran and ran and ran. We screamed and ran and laughed and ran and screamed and laughed some more. We probably ran at least a half a mile chasing each other around the kitchen. We changed directions a couple of times, had a few spills (nothing major... no tears), but we had tons of laughs. We sang the songs my mom taught the girls while she was here, the songs my grandma used to sing to her. The house was alive with the songs of Teddy Bear's Picnic and Two Little Boys. This might seem like something cute or fun, or even insignificant, but to me this was something incredible, almost magical.

When David and I got married, we decided the two major things we wanted most out of this life was a family and a house. For seven years we have lived in places belonging to other people (apartments). And, even though it was a place of our own (except when our parents were so kind to let us stay with them), it didn't belong to us. I have spent my oldest daughters entire childhood telling her to be quiet. She has never been able to skip across the floor or run indoors or sing at the top of her lungs without David or I telling her to be quiet or to keep it down. For the first four years of her life, she will remember us being very frustrated at every little noise, every cough, every cry, every whinny, every song, every single sound she has made because it might bother our neighbors. Especially after last year, when our next door neighbor basically lost her mind because, from time to time, I would let my girls run around in our living room at seven o'clock at night. We ended up having to call the cops on her because she would blast Nine Inch Nails and slam dance in her living room to let us know we were being too loud (and scaring the heck out of my kids and making them think she was going to come into our house to get them). It has been wonderful having our own house, a place to put everything, but mostly it has been magical allowing my children to do what they do best... be children. I have been happier and freer in the last three weeks than I have ever been in my entire motherhood experience because I am more relaxed. I enjoy my children more and all of their little sounds. I enjoy watching the oldest girls wrestle with each other and chase one another around the house. I enjoy Boo being a pony and sliding herself across the floor and sing. I love watching Bo do somersaults and join in song with her sister. I smile when I listen to iLyn thump on the floor with her legs. I find myself loving being a mother more than ever because I can let my girls do so much more and not caring if it is loud. It is quite amazing to me.

This all would not have happened without the hard work and dedication of my love, my husband. The life of a provider (may it be man or woman) is extremely difficult and stressful. It's full of anxiety, concern, and a ton of exhaustion. David has been a shining example to me throughout the years. He is the one who makes me laugh harder than I thought possible, who has allowed me to think better of myself, has put up with the good and the bad, and has been my best friend throughout it all. I just want to take this opportunity to thank you, David. My life would never be this wonderful without you. I, quite literally, would not be where I am today without you. You bring joy to my heart and tears to my eyes... in a great way. Thank you for this beautiful home (and for the awesome upgraded gas stove!) that has truly become a sanctuary for me and, I believe, will allow me to be a better mother to our girls. Thank you for your persistence and dedication in finding this place. I gave up, but you endured. Thank you for the happiness and thank you, most of all, for your love and allowing me to love you. You are my beacon, my hope, and my heart. Grazie, il mio amore. Ti voglio bene ♥

P.S. I hope this doesn't come across as bratty or ungrateful for the first seven years of my marriage. I have always been grateful for you, David. I also hope this doesn't offend anyone. I have been a TERRIBLE mom the last four years in that I have lived on edge and yelled at my kids over every single noise. When your neighbors flip out or give you dirty looks, it is more than slightly unnerving. My girls are good girls and have never been over the top with their noise level... just kids. Plus, if you lived in UAF family housing you might understand that you can hear conversations from two apartments away. I spend this morning hoping this didn't offend anyone. I am just so grateful for the hard work of my husband and for finally living in a free standing building!

Smiles and Sunsets

We are at home, once again, due to illness. David and I both have pretty nasty coughs that seem to be coming from the toes. It's ugly folks. Anyway, I thought I would take this opportunity to post some new ones of the baby. She is changing so much everyday. She brings so much joy into our home and we are so grateful and blessed to have our little iLyn. We love you darling girl!

She finally started to gain weight and now that she is moving so much it's like she never gained at all. What can you do?

Gal Smiley

Taking a rest from being on the go...

Our littlest angel

The sunset from one of our upstairs windows. Beautiful.

Gratitude

Yesterday the girls and I accompanied my mom to the Air Force Base where we live. I have been frequenting bases for years. My dad was in the military and, to give you an idea of our age difference, had retired BEFORE I was born. Yeah, we were 48 years apart (you read that right). My dad was born during the depression. I bet not too many people my age can say that... except for maybe Hugh Hefner's kids, but then we might be talking 1800s. Anyway, we went to the base to grocery shop because they tend to have lower prices on food. It always makes my jaw drop when I see such awesome deals, but I am so grateful that the military people are getting these deals. They work hard for their money.

I just want to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude for all of our current soldiers and veterans. What an amazing group of people. As we walked around the store, so many of the people said hello to my girls and made them feel special. I adore these people. I am amazed by their dedication to our country and to freedom. I admire their strength and fortitude. I don't know how hard they work, what horrors they see or have seen, or the sacrifices they have made to continue to allow the red, white, and blue fly boldly in the sky, but I salute them.

I see these older veterans and I wonder what they have witnessed and experienced over the years. They served their country well. They fought off genocide and tyranny. They fought for justice and honor. They watched their friends and family die for the lives of others. They have seen our world change and they have lived through it all. I see our current soldiers and wonder how life has been for them. The wars they are fighting are unlike any wars before. I wonder what it must be like to be deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan again and again. I ache for them and their families as they are separated for months and years. I pray for them and their safe return.

My dad was proud of his country and proud to serve his country. He used to wear a hat that said, "These colors don't run or burn!" I thought it was cheesy at the time (and a little embarrassing), but I don't any more. There are many decisions that have been made in our country that I do not agree with, or cannot imagine were ever a good idea, but I am proud of what our country stands for at the core: Freedom. And even though, God willing, we may never have to see the price of it, I want people to know that I am sincerely grateful to the men and women who have given all for our freedom. I may not necessarily agree with our leaders or their decisions, but I support the faith and the dedication of our troops one hundred percent. May God bless every single of them and allow them to come home safe and sound to their family and friends. And, may God bless them with the ability to see past the terror and see the benefits we reap because of the service and sacrifices they give. Thank you.

Things Heard in Our Home

Children say the funniest things, or at least they say that on tv. My kids say some of the strangest things for sure. Bo especially says bizarre things. I don't know if it is because she is two and has a lisp or if she really knows what she is saying (scary). Here are a few of her delights:

Shake your bum-bum and snap! (This is said at least 50 times a day. Where she got this is beyond me.)

I like to move it, move it. (This is from Madagascar 2. We saw that today and it was pretty funny).

Mommy, you're the best hooker in the whole world! (This is in response to Boo tell me that I was the best COOKER in the whole world. She has a problem with a few letters, if you can't tell).

I am sweating to the deaf!

Sissy is Slipping Booty! (Obviously, as in my earlier post, this means Sleeping Beauty).

Don't read this one if you are squimish... After going to the bathroom one day, she turned around, looked in, and told me, "Mommy it's a castle!" Please don't let me EVER visit that Fairy Tale!

And, Barrack Obama and Sarah Palin make several appearances in their play, as of late. They sing about these two on a regular basis. In between their songs about their husbands, dying, and boyfriends. Loads of fun.

I was talking to Boo today and said that Daddy was going to get mad at me about something (I don't even remember what it was and I think I was joking). She told me Daddy wouldn't get mad at me. I told her I would love to live in her world. She proceeded to tell me that I am now living in her world and in her world she is the boss and I can't yell or get mad at her. Awesome. That made me feel like a jerk. What kind of mom am I? Of course, any time I got upset with her today (I don't know what was going on... she was little Ms. Attitude today) , she told me I was living in her world now. Oh to go back to youth when all I had to worry about was the scab on my knee healing and what time The Smurfs came on. Ah, the joys of childhood. At least I have comfort in knowing I have grown up to be the best hooker in the whole world!

Halloween-- Late Style

Some craziness was happening around Halloween time so, unlike all of my up-to-date family and friends, I am posting these pictures a week late. Halloween was definitely different for us this year. This is the first year my girls were able to trick or treat outside. It was funny going out and them not knowing what to do. We always treated (we never trick, do we?) in the dorms on campus (and I prayed the students would be wearing clothes and not offer my kids beer or something equally bad, candy I don't like). This year, however, we were outside... because it was warm. About 75 degrees, to be exact. It was pure heaven. My mom made the girls' costumes this year. My contribution, other than getting the pattern on sale for 99 cents, was the moral support over the phone as she sewed together the 18 pieces that made up just the skirt of Boo's Sleeping Beauty costume. I am so glad I didn't even try to do that. I would probably be less one sewing machine. Thanks mom!

We first headed over to a church party and then over to my dear friend Stephanie's house. We took the girls around her neighborhood for some WONDERFUL candy. These people were awesome. David and I were singing their praises as we were chopping on some wonderful full sized candy bars. Thank you! After the treating, we went back to her house and waited for the rest of the treaters and listened to Fox news. It was a fun time. I can't wait for next year! I think I will use some of this candy I got for 70 percent off. I don't think anyone will notice, do you? (I actually think we got a piece or two of last years candy. We shall see if I survive the week!)

P.S. In the time it has taken me to complete this blog, I have killed two scorpions. Yikes!!

Snow White and, as Bo called her, "Slipping Booty." Oh dear.

Two of our three beauties.

Sometimes Boo has her daddy's fake smile.

Staring contest...

Awww...

Ready to get their candy on. I love this picture.

Cinderella (I didn't have time to get her a blue onesie... use your imagination)

The Royal Court

Our little sweethearts.

During the deed.

This is what happens when you have shrink wrap left over-- your daughters create wedding dresses. Bo is the pant less groom. I am sure this isn't the first time this has happened. It has probably been on America's Funniest Home Videos a time or two.

Another bridal shot.

Happy to not be wrapped up like a left over.

Bride-to-be-Bo (let this not happen for QUITE some time)

Little iLyn eating some Cheerios today.

I don't know about these things...

I am going to give them the old college try...

Wait, wait where are you going little o that is so cheery?

A-ha! I've got you now!