Our New Arrival!

Ezra Juan Escalante was born Friday, October 1, 2010 at 10:43 p.m. after a quick delivery.  He weighed 8 pounds even and was 19 1/2 inches long.  We are so excited and blessed to have him with us.

Before:

Ezra's debut:

With Proud Papa and Big Sister Luz:

We are famous!

We made in Robyn's blog!!! 
http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com/blog/2010/09/29/a-cute-green-smoothie-mustache-on-luz/

39 Weeks!

Today I went to the doctor again.  He offered to strip my membranes, induce, etc.  But I decided to see what my body wants to do on its own.  So, here's hoping the rest of the week is full of lots of contractions and some big news!  He did have me schedule another appt. for Friday morning just in case.  Hopefully I will have had a baby by then. :)

38 Weeks!

Well, today I went to the doctor.  He was very surprised that I am still pregnant.  I am dilated to 3.5 and, according to the doctor, could have a baby at any moment.  I'm still contracting a lot, but not much more than I have been for the past month or so.  The waiting game...

Bye Tia! :(

Today Tia Stephanie left for Maryland.  We are very sad that she won't be around for Luz to cuddle with in the mornings, paint toenails, make cookies, read stories, and the many other fun things that we have done together this summer.  On the other hand, we are excited for her to experience new and exciting things such as rooming with Mom again, going back to school, dating, etc.  Good luck Tia!

36 Weeks!

 

36 Weeks!  Obviously BAD hair day.  Other points of interest are the swollen upper lip, big zit on my face, shirt that no longer covers my belly, and hugely swollen feet that you can't see.

Happy Birthday to me (cont'd)

And now for the official birthday post:
Saturday - What I really wanted this year for my birthday was to spend some time together and for Juan to work on a list of small things around the house that I've been saving up for him.  He was thrilled, of course, with the idea.  So Saturday, he and Luz played together.
Sunday - Sunday morning my counselors popped in, surprising me with some original mango cupcakes (of which I did not get a picture unfortunately), a book, and a cute card.  Thanks!  Then we got to go to Diego's baby blessing and hang out with our friends Antonio and Veronica.  So fun!  We got home and Samuel cooked dinner.  Thanks Samuel!

 Baby Diego and Mama Veronica

Monday - Juan and Luz played, hung out, and did some errands together.  I got to go to Sam's Club with my friend Tepoe.  Then Juan barbecued hamburgers for me (and the rest of the family).  We had some great ice cream sundaes and I got to open some fabulous gifts.  Thanks to all!

Me, Samuel, and Victoria...all ready to blow out our candles!

Bye Tio! :(

Today Tio Matthew left for Rexburg.  We are very sad that he won't be around to help Luz go potty, play purses and babies, eat paletas after nap, help us start the car, and the many other fun things that we have done together this summer.  On the other hand, my baby brother has grown up and is off to live with roommates, study, buy his own food, clean his own apartment, and all of the other exciting adventures that come with being a FRESHMAN in college!

The anatomy of peace : resolving the heart of conflict by The Arbinger Institute (Non-fiction)

My Rating: I really, really enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it!
Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
My very favorite parts of this book are in the 2nd and 23rd chapters where it talks about "helping things go right!"  I realized as I first read that, that that is innate in me.  I don't want to just fix problems, I want to make every effort to help things go right.  I thought this book was very well written, well explained, and good advice for everyone.

No More Newspapers!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, after 11 months of newspaper delivery between the hours of 1am and 6am without any sort of sleeping in or break or anything, that chapter of our life is over!  Juan's last day was yesterday.  He claims to have almost cried himself to sleep last night over the thought of not waking up at 3am, but I know better. :)  I'll be so happy for him to sleep through the night for a couple of weeks...until Baby Boy is born.

Happy Birthday to me! :)

Today I am grateful for a wonderful family...Mom, brothers, sisters, husband, daughter, aunts, uncles, grandparents...all who have taught me how to love. Thank you!

Book Review: Tower of Strength by Annette Lyon (LDS Fiction)

My Rating: Great!  Loved the plot, fairly revolutionary for the time period.
Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
From the back cover: Weaving themes of loss and renewal, this poignant tale explores a vital choice each of us must make: to seek safety in isolation or to embrace the painful yet beautiful complexities of life and love.  I enjoyed this book because of the strength of character each of the people displayed in the face of great affliction and trials.  It was inspiring to me to read of their hope and faith.

1 Year Anniversary

I have the immense privilege of serving with 3 amazing women in my calling right now.  I am grateful to Natalie, Michelle, and Tepoe for their dedicated service and for teaching me so much.  It's hard to believe that we were sustained on August 30, 2009...and that it's been a whole year already.  Thanks ladies!  I love you!

Book Review: Have a little faith: a true story by Mitch Albom

My Rating: Very well thought-out and inspiring to read

Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
From the book jacket: Have a Little Faith is a book about life's purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all.  It is one man's journey, but it is everyone's story.  From the author of Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom brings us yet another opportunity to look inside ourselves and feel the desire to be a little better and do a little more.  I enjoyed this book for just that reason.

Pregnancy update - 34 weeks

I will post a photo soon.  Well, today I went for my 34 week check-up.  Good news: blood sugar is good, blood pressure is also good.  Bad news: Dilated to 1.  Dr. says I need to take it very easy and behave myself the next 2 weeks and he will take the cerclage out at 36 weeks.

On a different note, Baby Boy is beating me up from the inside out!  I do not remember feeling this much movement with Luz.  We are in for a wild ride with him, I am certain.  Also, I have decided on a name for him.  Juan is not quite on board yet, but I am still working on him. :)

Dinner tonight

FINALLY a healthy meal!  Cafe Rio style salad (tortilla on the bottom, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden, beans fresh out of the pot) and Green smoothies!!!  Yeah!

Book Review: Women of the Book of Mormon by Heather B. Moore (LDS Non fiction)

My Rating: Very good, insightful, would recommend it.
Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
Heather Moore describes in detail the history and culture surrounding many of the Book of Mormon scenes featuring women.  She also expresses appreciation and empathy for their difficult lives.  I enjoyed learning more and gaining additional insight while reading this book.  I absolutely loved the artwork!

Wedding reception adventure!

Carolyn and I, along with 3 little girls, took a drive up to Ogden for a high school friend's wedding reception.  Well, it turned into a much bigger adventure than we had bargained for.  While exiting the freeway, my car decided not to work anymore.  Here's me parked on the side of the road.  After figuring out that the car could drive in reverse but not forward, I was finally able to get to the side. 

We had to have it towed. (sad) But met so many wonderful people in Ogden. (happy) We did make it to the reception, just as it was ending. (sad)  But had a chance to visit with the family in a less crowded environment. (happy) It was so fun to see the Young family after so many years - the last time being at my wedding 5 1/2 years ago!!!  Congrats Eric and Trish!

Book Review: Divinely Designed by Rachael Renee Anderson (LDS Fiction)

My Rating: I LOVED this book!  I loved the characters!  I couldn't put it down!

Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
From the back cover: This delightful tale by Rachael Renee Anderson combines wit and romance with the reality that change is difficult, but it can bring about some of life's greatest adventures.  Divinely Designed is a sure antidote for gloom and a light-hearted reminder that even the darkest forks in the road can lead somewhere brilliant.  I enjoyed this book because it was so well-written and I felt like I was part of the story.  I seriously couldn't put it down and didn't get much sleep last night finishing it.

Dinner - Wednesday

Mexican Soup...some people call it taco soup.  Other members of my family make it with ground beef, and chips.  I have it down to only 3 ingredients, which is perfect for me!  I ladle some of those Crockpot beans into a pot, along with some of the juice/liquid (whatever variety I have cooked - sometimes pinto, black, or red), along with a can or two of corn and a can or two of diced tomatoes Mexican style.  That's it.  Plenty of flavor and those beans add the carbs and protein your body needs.  Heat through and serve in big bowls with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top.  No chips.  I sometimes add zucchini also. :)

Book Review: Turning Hearts by Deanne Blackhurst (LDS Fiction)

My Rating: Uplifting, intriguing, true to life story

Appropriate for: Adults, Young adults
From the back cover: Amanda knows there's a certain family out there that needs the gospel--and she also knows she's the one who's supposed to bring it to them.  I enjoyed this book because of Amanda's struggles and what she learns in the process.  We're all in different stages of the process.

New Recipe: Stuffed Mini Peppers

Monday dinner: Pinto beans cooked in the Crockpot, corn tortillas heated, a little bit of grated cheese and sour cream, lettuce, carrots, and stuffed mini peppers.

The beans and tortillas along with a salad is a pretty standard meal for us.  My brother Samuel has recently come to live with us and he eats a lot.  I decided the meal was missing something.  I looked in my empty fridge and saw the rest of the bag of mini peppers that I bought last week to go in the stir-fry.  I then had used them in a great salad, and still quite a few left.  There was a recipe on the bag that went something like this, but I modified it with what I had.

Recipe:
1 package cream cheese, softened
Herbs (I used a little bit of thyme, a little bit of basil, and a little bit of dill)
I cut open the tops of the peppers most of the way, leaving the tops attached, took out the seeds and stuffed the mixture inside.  I sprayed a cookie sheet with non-stick spray and put them all on it.  I think I baked them on 400 for about 15 minutes.
My Rating:  Yummy, pretty easy

Book Review: How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez (Fiction)

My Rating: I read someone else's review and thought this book might be a good fit for me, but sadly, I was very disappointed.  I did not think it was very well-written, very entertaining, and it was somewhat vulgar.

Appropriate for: Adults
From the back cover: When their father's part in a plot against a cruel dictator forces them to flee the Dominican Republic, the Garcia sisters--Carla, Sandra, Yolanda, and Sofia--come to America.  In America, the Garcia girls try to assimilate into the mainstream.  Through it all, they remain caught between the old world and the new.  Julia Alvarez is also an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, so I wondered if some of this was biographical.  She says that it is fiction.  What I did enjoy about this book was that it started in the present and went backward.  I thought that was an interesting way to write and gave more understanding as time went back.

What do you eat?

People ask me, "If you don't eat as much meat, what, exactly, do you eat?"  I have decided to post what we eat for dinner for a week or two for my own benefit.  We eat more meat than is ideal, in my opinion, but we generally use it as a condiment.  We are not a "raw" family.  That means that my husband is a little resistant to things going too far, so I do what I can.  One more disclaimer is that I'm pregnant and don't have much energy.  So, we'll see how my posts go...

Sunday dinner:  A casserole with almost all of the veggies in my fridge.  Potatoes (scrubbed with skin on), carrots, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, green onions.  I diced the potatoes and boiled them with the carrots until they were tender crisp.  Then I cut everything else up and mixed it together with a can of cream of mushroom soup (completely unhealthy) and a can of cream of celery soup (also bad for you).  Sprayed a casserole dish with non-stick spray, put the mixture in the pan and sprinkled cheese on top.  I cooked it on 400 for about 25 minutes and we enjoyed a tasty dinner.  Pretty good for no dinner plan. :)

Happy Birthday Mom!

It's my mom's birthday today!  She is an amazing woman!  I love her dearly.  And I think this song describes her very well.  She continues to watch over me.

Green Smoothies

As a follow-up to my previous post regarding a healthier lifestyle, I wanted to post a cute picture of Luz and her smoothie face.   Juan got me a Blend-tec for Christmas and I have tried to put it to very good use.  My normal recipe is 2 bananas for sweetness and creaminess, a lot of spinach (stuff the blender full of spinach, blend it up, stuff it full again), 1 cup water, 3 handfuls of frozen fruit.  I find that when we are all drinking our green smoothies regularly we are healthy and happy!

More Meatless Meals

About a year ago I embarked on a journey of a healthier lifestyle.  It all started when I began running every evening as part of my Personal Progress project.  Exercising has always had a certain effect on me...that is, when I am working hard to get fit, I naturally tend to watch what I am putting into my body very closely.  About the same time, I read several books on nutrition and decided to start phasing out the meat.  I had to start slowly and gradually I have achieved about a twice per week meal plan that includes meat.  The other days we simply have plant strong meals.  Luckily we love beans around here, so that covers it most nights.  Since Matthew and Stephanie have been living with us, they each take a turn to cook and their nights pretty much cover us meat-wise.  Tonight I made an amazing stir fry in my new-to-me wok.  (Thanks Grandma!)  It was very exciting!  I told Luz it was my new toy, and she gave me a funny look. :)  One thing I love about this meal are the colors!  Green onions, green beans, broccoli, celery, red peppers, orange peppers, yellow peppers, carrots, mushrooms.  Another thing I love is that everything was fresh.  I served it over brown rice.

Some may laugh at my endeavors, but I lost 30 pounds beyond the pregnancy with Luz weight-gain.  So far I do not have gestational diabetes this time around.  And although I am large and pregnant and unable to exercise right now, I am not on complete bedrest yet.  All of those things make it very "worth it" to me to have a healthier lifestyle.  Not to mention any future benefits for my family.

Book Review: Take Four by Karen Kingsbury (Christian Fiction) - Part 4 of 4

My Rating: Amazing!  Karen is one of my very favorite authors and has never disappointed me yet!

Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
Wrapping up the "Above the Line" series, Take Four is another fabulous novel about how everyone has an opportunity to change their life.  I enjoyed this book because of the amazing people in the story.  I feel like they are part of my family because I have come to know them so well.  If you have never read a book by Karen Kingsbury, I highly recommend doing so!

Baptism

One of Luz' favorite things do to is attend baptisms.  She talks about them for weeks!  She loves looking at pictures of Jesus being baptized and talks about the future when she can be baptized too.  Seriously.  It's cute.  I happen to be in charge of monthly baptisms for the Primary children, but she only gets to go with me when Papa is working.  Today we all got to go to a friend's baptism, Dylan.  It was a great day!  Thanks for inviting us!

Jenny Phillips Concert

Thanks to a reminder phone call from my lovely sis about 6:00 tonight, Juan, Luz and I were able to make it to a free concert featuring Jenny Phillips.  She was great!  Her music really reaches out to all.  I am very impressed with her as a person.  She just had her fourth baby earlier this year and it doesn't seem to have slowed her down.  But I think I know why.  Toward the end of her performance tonight, she shared an experience she had that changed her life.  She was driving on the freeway and a railroad tie was about to be flung into her windshield.  She just knew that she was going to die and quickly reflected on whether she had done all she should while on the Earth.  She didn't feel quite ready and prayed for more time.  Talk about making the most of each and every day!  Am I doing what Heavenly Father expects of me each and every day of my lives?  What more can I do to make the most of my unknown time on Earth?

Book Review: Spires of Stone by Annette Lyon (LDS Fiction) - Part 3 of 4

My Rating: A little slower than House on the Hill and At the Journey's End...or maybe I was just way more tired.  Also, this book did not have the same characters as the previous two...I was expecting more connections.  All in all, still a very good book.
Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
From the back cover: When Ben and his two brothers come home after more than two years of serving a mission to the Eastern states, Bethany's feelings of heartache and anger also return--fiercer than ever.  And so do Ben's feelings for her.  What follows is a charming historical romance complete with wonderful characters and witty dialogue that explores the redemption and power of finding--and rediscovering--true love.  I enjoyed this book because it had a more complex plot and I felt like I came to know the characters.

Panty Update

Luz woke up today and said she wanted a diaper on instead of panties.  Ok fine.  Then about 11:30 she brought me the panties and said she was ready.  Not sure what to think of this.  Maybe all the activities this weekend have her tired and wanting less stress in her life?

Stalker Mom

I saw this as someone's Facebook post and really liked it.
PROMISE TO MY CHILDREN: I will stalk you, freak out on you, lecture you, drive you crazy, be your worst nightmare, embarrass you in front of your friends, and hunt you down like a bloodhound until the day you understand why I do it. Then I will know you are a responsible adult. It's all because I love you! You will never find someone who loves & cares about you more than your Mom! :)

Pioneer Day Fun

Here in Utah, Pioneer Day (July 24th) is a big deal.  I haven't really been "into" it before, but after all the fun we had over the 4th of July weekend, I thought we should give it an honest-to-goodness try.   I have come to appreciate the fact that children need to be taught gratitude more now than in years past.  One thing I firmly believe in is that if you appreciate the past, you will be even more grateful for what you have today.  And that is the basis for our historical celebrations this year.

Today I am thinking of the pioneer women and appreciating the pregnant ones.  If I had been a pioneer, I would not have been able to carry my babies to term.  I am in awe of their hardships and sacrifices and grateful for modern medicine.

1. We got up, got ready, and went over to a family breakfast at the Jensen's about 9:30.  Thanks Jensens!  They had pancakes, eggs, sausage, scones with honey butter, fruit, and much more.  They are really awesome.  Thanks for inviting us over!!!

Here is our little pioneer daughter.  I did not make the bonnet, but I did make the skirt!

2. We went over to North Park where there is a Pioneer village.  There were also about a million Pioneer games and crafts.  I am very, very impressed with how well-done everything was.  Provo really knows how to put an event together, even a free one!

 Luz got to ride a live pony carousel.  Fun!

We met up with cousins Victoria and Julianna.  Here are the Pioneer girls in front of the quilt display.

The 3 of us.

Luz and Papa playing a game.

3. We left a little before 2:00 and came home for a nap.

4. Benjamin, Tami & fam came over about 4:30 to play in the water!

 Juan and Luz playing in our newly acquired bigger pool.

5. And then we had a carne asada and played inside for a bit.

6. Later that night, Uncle Sal and Uncle Samuel came into town en route from Rexburg to Burbank.  We had a nice visit.

A Sad Day

You know how some experiences that other people have make you think about your own life?  Today that happened to me.  I got a call this morning from my sister-in-law, who told me that her sister's baby had passed away and she was going to have to deliver her at 18 1/2 weeks.  I got off the phone in tears.  During the entire day I just thought of her and how sad I am for her.  I wish no one had to go through that.  Losing a baby is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do and I don't think there are many other experiences that feel quite like it.

Tonight I needed a good cry, so Juan and I watched Love Takes Wing (#7 from this series on DVD) and ate Mexican sweet bread.  It was nice to spend a few moments together and get out some tears.

By the way, I absolutely love this series and highly recommend it!  Every movie makes me cry, but sometimes that's a good thing.

Sewing Project #3 - pillowcase

In preparation for my next project, Tami suggested I make a pillowcase...without a pattern.  I managed to figure it out mostly on my own (which was the point of the exercise).  I chose this adorable fabric for Luz because she sings "Twinkle, twinkle little star," every night as she is putting herself to sleep.  I have plans to make a coordinating one in blue. 

Book Review: At the Water's Edge by Annette Lyon (LDS Fiction)

My Rating: A heart-warming, not-so-predictable novel.

Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
From the back cover: At the Water's Edge is the story of a young woman who desperately wants to put her past behind her, and through the power of prayer finds the strength to move forward.  I enjoyed this book because of the emotions involved.  It was very compelling to read and I couldn't put it down.  Annette Lyon is one of my new favorite authors!

Panty Post #8

One week since the fun began.  I will no longer be posting daily about potty-training.  Only the really eventful moments will show up now.  

Today we (Luz, Tio Matthew, Tia Stephanie, and I) had a few things to do.  As it turns out, I think Luz checked out the bathrooms in each and every place.  The Quilted Bear, JoAnn's, and Old Navy.  Old Navy was very frustrating so I'll write about that one.  Luz turns to me amidst looking at clothes and says that she has to go.  I grab her hand and run to the bathroom, which is occupied.  Well, the lady took a little too long and sadly, Luz didn't quite hold it long enough.  Then the auto-flush toilet in Old Navy really ticked me off! There Luz was just sitting there trying to go to the bathroom and it kept flushing, scaring her half to death. Then when I wanted it to flush...nothing!  Tia Stephanie came to the rescue and brought our supplies from the car.  Luz changed panties and everything turned out fine.

29 weeks!

Ok, I'm not exactly sure why I keep posting unflattering pictures of myself.  But I just want you all to know what I look like at 29 weeks.  Yeah, I know, some women are just barely showing about now.

Book Review: Imprints by Rachel Ann Nunes (Fiction) - Part 2 of 2

My Rating: This book will exercise power over you.  You will be unable to put it down!

Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
Autumn can "see" images that are imprinted on objects.  Her desire to help others leads her to risk her own life in order to find a couple of missing people.  Author Rachel Ann Nunes calls this genre, "Paranormal."  It isn't sci-fi or weird, in fact while reading it seems like something that could really happen.  I enjoyed this book because I couldn't put it down.

Llama Fest!

As I mentioned, Juan, Luz, Tio Matthew, and I went to the Llama Fest at the Hare Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork on Saturday.  Other than extreme heat, it was a very enjoyable afternoon.  We will definitely go back (although maybe a little later in the day when it is cooler)!

Outside, there were plenty of llamas to see and touch, as well as performances on 3 different stages.  Inside, we could go upstairs and see a singing/dancing ritual or go downstairs and enjoy a meal.  Check out the info.

We enjoyed the vegetarian meal and some mango lemonade.

Luz was a bit timid to touch the llamas, although she found a little 3 week old baby llama that she absolutely loved.

Us, in front of some miniature Zebus.

On the way home we stopped by the Hawaiian Shave Ice place in downtown Spanish Fork and enjoyed a cool treat.

Panty Post #7

Church in panties today...went WELL!  I actually had to go to a meeting in another building, so Juan and Luz were off to church together and she was fine.  Once I got over there, I took her out of Nursery to go to the bathroom and talked to her teacher who said that she had told her she had to go once before also.  I was surprised that she had told her teacher and let her take her.  I guess when you gotta go, you gotta go! :)

A Little Bit of Heaven

This week we have been talking about getting a little wading pool for the backyard.  I was hesitant because it seemed like a rip-off to pay $15 for a little plastic thing to put water in.  Last night Juan decided that he was going to surprise Luz.  His plan was to deliver the papers in the morning and then go by and get one, bring it home and fill it with water so that the water would be warm by the time Luz was ready to play.  Well, she spotted the pool while looking out the back window after breakfast.  I told her that Papa had brought it home and that she could change into her maya.  She got all ready and then went to excitedly wake Papa up.  They were so cute playing together for quite a while.  Juan, you're a great dad!!!

Panty Post #6

Luz doesn't even care about treats.  She loves going potty in the toilet.  We went to the Llama Fest in Spanish Fork today in panties!!!  (First time out of the house without a diaper on.)  Upon our arrival we scoped out the bathrooms and found port-a-potties outside.  At first she wanted to check them out.  One step in, however, she decided she was above using them and wanted to wait.  Who can blame the girl?  Thankfully, she really was able to wait.  Later on we found some indoor bathrooms and she made it every single time.  I am a proud mom today!

Panty Post #5

This morning we switched the treat of choice from sugared liquid to a fruit snack.  Not a package, but a single one, in a bowl on the counter.  We magically ran out of juice.  I also decided that we should play upstairs all morning.  Amazingly, Luz has eaten normally again and been her pleasant and happy self.  She is also going to the bathroom much more normally, you know once every 30 to 45 minutes instead of every 2 or 3 minutes.  She recognizes when she needs to go in advance.  We are making LOTS of progress today!

Panty Posts #3 & #4

Yesterday we ran up and down the stairs all day long!  (The bathroom is upstairs.)  Luz is doing great at letting me know that she needs to go.  I feel like we ran a marathon, however, and I started contracting like crazy in the evening.  I laid down for a few hours and they stopped. 

Today I recruited an awesome team to help with potty learning.  Tia, Tio, and Victoria & Julianna were all on board with running up and down so that I didn't have to.  Thanks a million guys!  Luz did great today!

Panty Post #2

Today we went through 6 pair of panties by 6:30pm.  We are all tuckered out!  The good news is that by the end of the day Luz was saying, "Pee pee," before she actually went.  We didn't quite make it to the toilet, but very close.  Her treat of choice: Capri Suns.  She went in the toilet about million times as well. :)

Starting off the day with a clean pair of PINK panties!

Busy with some reading/singing material.

Panty Post #1

Today, Luz and I went shopping for Big Girl Panties.  Tomorrow she will get to start wearing them.  Tia Stephanie also painted her Big Girl toenails pink!

New Recipe: Chocolate Trifle

My Rating: Very yummy!

I woke up this morning thinking about dessert.  (Surprise!)  I had dreamed about several options, but came downstairs to find that we did not have any butter, a key ingredient in several of my dreams.  I discussed the dilemma with Stephanie over breakfast and asked her to please bake a treat for me today.  This is what we came up with.

Recipe:
1 Triple Chocolate Fudge cake, baked
2 packages of Chocolate instant pudding, 3 oz each
Cool Whip
Walnuts, chopped
She baked the cake as directed and then let it cool for a couple of hours.  She then cubed it and layered cake, pudding mixed with walnuts, and Cool Whip in a trifle dish.  On top she spread Cool Whip and sprinkled with cake crumbs.  Enjoy!

Movie Review: Just Wright

My Rating: Cute, Worth seeing

Rated: PG
Yesterday afternoon, Juan and I went on a real date.  Thanks to Tia Stephanie and Tio Matthew we had a few much-needed minutes out of the house.  I think we were gone for a total of 3 hours, including a brief stop at Costco afterwards.

Real date definition: A period of time without any children, at least one hour, that does not involve anything church or work related.  May or may not involve food.  Always involves fun.

We went to Movies 8 (cheap theater in our area) and saw Just Wright with Queen Latifah.  Love her!  We really enjoyed the movie, which amazingly had a very good portrayal of women as the moral of the story.  Be yourself and things will work out!  It will probably be available to rent soon, so be sure to make an evening of it and have your own date night!

Book Review: At the Journey's End by Annette Lyon (LDS Fiction) - Part 2 of 4

My Rating: A fabulous next in the series
Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
The saga continues with Abe and we get to find out what happens with him.  Again, history, love, faith, struggle, and a temple are intertwined to provide a compelling story.  I enjoyed this book because of all of the above and am anxiously awaiting the next volume in the saga, Spires of Stone.

A great lady: Cheryl Feland

I attended a funeral today and wanted to write a little bit about Cheryl.  Cheryl is married to George, who was my dad's best friend growing up.  I think they met in 3rd grade.  I grew up hearing stories about Dad and George from my dad, grandparents, aunt, and uncle.  Everyone had lots of stories about Dad and George.  When my parents were dating and newly married, they all lived in Provo and my Mom started her own collection of "George stories."  I don't actually recall the first time I met Cheryl, but I remember my parents talking about how perfect she was for George.

Today I learned some things about Cheryl that I didn't know before.  She served as Young Women President for 11 years in a row.  It takes a VERY special lady to do that!  She was very musical.  I already knew that she was an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother.  And that she was a teacher for many years and later became a school administrator.

What I will most remember about Cheryl is how openly she loved people.  During a conversation, she always made me feel like I was the most important person.  Here is her obituary.

Book Review: House on the Hill by Annette Lyon (LDS Fiction) - Part 1 of 4

My Rating: If you pick it up, you won't put it down
Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
A great mix of history, faith, romance, struggle, and temple-building, this book draws readers in and invites them to live the life of a pioneer young woman trying to find her way.  I enjoyed this book because of all of these elements carefully presented in a very well-written manner.

Book Review: Dangerous Connections by Julie Coulter Bellon (LDS Fiction)

My Rating: Great read!  Suspenseful roller-coaster ride.

Appropriate for: Young adults, Adults
From the back cover: Having just finished a tour of duty in Iraq, Dr. Tyler Winthrop is ready to join his father, Craig, for a little downtime in Paris.  But when Craig disappears, Tyler is yanked back into the brutal realm of danger and the unknown, and his fate quickly becomes entwined with French counterintelligence agent Isabella Floret as he looks for his missing father.  I enjoyed this book because of the thorough character development and the interesting twists and turns it takes.

27 Weeks

I feel huge!  So far, so good though.  Having 2-3 contractions per day, so we'll see what the doctor says next week.  Only 13 weeks until my due date...YEAH!

Cute Prayer

This morning Luz was saying the prayer at breakfast.  I started her off with "Gracias por..." and then she continued with a list of everyone we know, including Mama, Papa, Luz, Tio, Tia, Justin, and Che (the cute little boys next door who are 2 and 4).