All I want for Christmas! Oh My Gosh! I have got to get my hands on this. I am such a fan of The Pioneer Woman....she is funny, witty, talented, and has such good taste! Check out her bolg, I bet you will get hooked. http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Hilary Weeks

Hilary Weeks
Christmas Once Again
on sale now at Deseret Books

Ok, if you know me, then you know that I am a huge, I am talking Godzilla huge, fan of Hilary Weeks! Don't believe me? Ask my children, or better yet just take a look at the picture on the very bottom of my blog. It never changes.

I first was introduced to Hilary about 10 years ago, give or take. She came to my ward and gave a wonderful talk and even preformed. I of course was mesmerized by her wonderful talent, both in music and in the way she spoke. I can't tell you how much I admire this woman. I have had several chance to meet her face to face, thanks to Time Out for Women.

Now the real reason for this post. I have all of Hilary's CD's as you can imagine. But she has once again blessed us with another. I encourage everyone to run, don't walk, to your nearest Deseret Book and pick one up, or use the link at the top of this post and order one or two or ten! They make wonderful Christmas gifts, and no better way to ring in the season, than listening to Hilary singing about Christmas!

(I don't know why this is in such large print! Honestly, it looks fine in my edit window but as soon as I publish the post...boom, super large text. So I guess you will have to just take it as, I am very excited to announce Hilary's new CD! giggle giggle)

A little piece of Heaven

This morning I couldn't sleep. I have a cough that is coming on and everything was cold, from my nose to my toes. So, instead of laying there in bed coughing my head off, I got up and took some cold pills (because you can't get me to take cough syrup unless you sit on me and poke my eyes out with hot needles...not a pretty sight) and started to catch up on some of the blogs I try to follow.

One of my most favorite blogs is The Farm Chicks. She just gets me. I love everything about her blog. She lives the life I have always dreamed of. Well today she posted the most awesome, wonderful, perfect blog. Jump on over and look at the beautiful pictures she has, and her comments are so uplifting and inspiring. In a comment I left for her I let her know that "today is cloudy and rainy in Portland" but she brought sunshine to my day with her blog.

I can't get enough of Autumn colors and old country barns. Pure heaven if you ask me.

Time Flies

So, what has happened?
Kids are all doing well in school.
All of them are getting A's and B's! Yippee
Sheri is still in Nursing school.
Sometimes it gets overwhelming but she powers through.
I am in my last quarter of getting my
Administrative Medical Assistant Diploma!
Caleb is in Kindergarten but has missed a lot of school
because he has been sick. He's on the way to recovery though!
Halloween was a blast, even though we didn't go at it whole heatedly.
Went to the ward party, had tons of fun,
kids went trick-or-treating around our neighborhood,
not as many people passed out candy this year.
Houses were few and far between.

Welcoming in the Holidays!
I am getting in the mood!

Love to all.

Yippee!!!! Yippee!!!! Yippee!!!!

My Blackberry has had about 2 weeks to dry out and guess what?

Yep....It works again!

Can you believe that?

I have my Blackberry back!

Unfortunately, I already upgraded my phone with T-Mobile in the mean time....

but that's okay, I can always sell the new phone on E-bay.

Sometimes, we need to learn to just sit back and have some patience.

Sad Sad Sad Sad

~Plus~

~Equals~



Yep, that's right! I dropped my Blackberry into a pot of boiling water!
My BLACKBERRY!
My life ~ My soul ~ My everything
I can't live without my BLACKBERRY
I also can afford to buy another one!!!!
So for now I am forced to use a ghetto phone!
Ghetto, as in, how can I ever survive with this phone?
It's not a BLACKBERRY!
No bells ~ No whistles ~ No nothing
Poor Poor Poor ME
All together now......
Awww Poor Poor Brenda

Yolanda

Happy Birthday Yolanda Maria Mendez

Okay, I am a few weeks late on posting this, but its summer and I have 3 kids and am going back to school. There is only so much a girl can do. ;0)
Yolanda turned 15 on August 8th. 15! Wow, that number just keeps on growing, and so does she. What a special young lady she is turning out to be. Yolanda is learning who she is and where she fits in. Yolanda enjoys reading (especially Twilight!), jewelry making, photography (oh my gosh, she has such a good eye), and cooking (if it is her idea and I am not asking her to do it). It is so exciting to see her develop new friendships and enjoy old ones. This year she had an old friend from Yakima come and stay with us her whole birthday week. Athena and Yolanda are very beautiful, intelligent, exciting young ladies. They had a blast together.
Yolanda, I love you so very much and am so very thankful that Heavenly Father trusted me to be the one to raise you and take care of you while you grow. You know how much you mean to me (I sure hope you do) I try to tell you on a daily basis. What more can I say except.....
I LOVE YOU!

Things that make me smile

Just a few things that make me smile..........

SERIOUSLY? 104 degrees!
come on....this is the Portland/Vancouver area!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
MONICA SHEALYN MENDEZ

Yesterday was Monica's 11th birthday. It is hard to believe that it has been 11 years. Monica has grown so much. She is very smart, and has discovered a love of poetry. She LOVES the color orange - therefore requested everything orange for her birthday, and she got it! She got an orange iPod, orange clothes, orange bed sheets and blanket, orange clothes hangers, orange backpack....you get the idea. She was very pleased with her birthday. We had the Sister Missionaries over for dinner and her dad bbq'd for us all. Everyone had a great time. I love you Monica! You are a very special little girl and I am thankful that I am your Mommy!

Well, I am back in school! I am beginning to wonder if I am going to be a professional student! Can I afford that? LOL

I just graduated last Oct with my Associate Degree in Accounting. I have decided to go back and get my diploma for the Medical Administrative Assistant. Most of my credits from before transferred, so I only have to go a couple of terms and I will be done! This will help me get into a Dr. Office, Clinic or even the Hospitals! Jobs are hard to get any more and I need all the help I can get these days.

Not much else has happened to us lately. We have been pretty much staying around Vancouver the past month. Summer is finally getting here. It has been in the high 80's to mid 90's the past couple of weeks. Hopefully we will get a few beach trips in here soon. Nothing like going to the beach!

Hope all is well with all of my family and friends! We love you all.

Happy Birthday Grandma Lucille!

Happy Birthday Aunt Jimmi Lyn!

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.

Women have vital things to say

and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Happy 4th

Happy 4th of July to all our friends and family!

Cannon Beach 06-13-09

Mom and Dad came to Vancouver for their Vacation. We were able to tag along with them as they explored the wonderful Portland/Vancouver area. On this day we went to Cannon Beach and watched the sandcastle competition. It was such a blast. There were many, many, many good entries. A lot of time and talent is put into these sculptures, and then by the end of the day, the tide comes in and washes it away.

Chante made dinner for a
school project!
This was restaurant worthy.
Good job Chante.

Well, its been awhile since I have blogged! No news is good news right? Not much has changed. We are still alive, have no money, need new a job.....what else is there to say?

Summer is coming and we are getting ready to enjoy ourselves this summer. I have been getting ideas of different things to do with the kids that wont cost me much money....(good thing because I don't have any). I hope this summer will be one of our best. The last few summers have pretty much sucked because we stayed home due to not having any money.

Anything new with any of our friends or family? Drop us a line.....love to hear from you!

Grandpa Tom

I sure love this man!

Monica

So, I have not really posted anything much lately, just some quick, easy, no commitment to writing entries. But today.....today.....I have a real blog entry.

I have been so frustrated with parenting lately. I know raising teenagers is hard, we have all heard people tell stories. For the most part my girls have followed suit. Parenting teenagers is HARD. They are moody, angry, rebellious, and frustrating. But they can be fun, loving, interesting, and hilarious, too. My real problem is my pre-teen!

Monica is at that age where she is too old to play with "toys" but too young to hang out with the older girls. She is also the baby, so she has been spoiled and pampered. She now thinks the world revolves around her and that she does not have to do real chores,she has sisters to serve her.

I am afraid I have done this child a great disservice. I am now in the process of re-training her. Basically I have to start over. Boy have I got my work cut out for me. She definitely takes after her fathers, hot headed Hispanic nationality!

Tonight she informed me that she can do a better job raising herself than I could possibly do. (Not those words exactly, but pretty close). See what I have to work with? With faith and prayer I am sure we will make it through. So, does anyone want to come help me re-train a Pre-Teen?

In spite of all this, I still love her with all my heart. She is smart and funny and beautiful. She just needs to humble herself and learn that we are all in this together.....no matter what. I have no doubt that we will be able to fix this problem, it just may take a few years....LOL.

I love you Monica, even if you give me gray hair!

Happy Birthday Lynn

Happy Birthday Lynn. Through thick and thin, I will always be your sister first. Hope you have a lovely birthday.

Mother's Day

What better gift for a mother.........I sure hope my children take note! See's Candy is the BEST!

Happy Birthday Amy!

I just wanted to wish a very dear friend of mine a very Happy Birthday today! Amy and I go way back to Jr. High School. We were even roommates after High School. Thanks for all the good times my friend. Hope your birthday is full of joy and happiness.

Taxes

At first I thought this was funny....then I
realized the awful truth of it.



Be sure to read all the way
to the end.



Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table
At which he's fed.




Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.



Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts
Anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,

Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.



Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.




Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.



Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.



Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.



Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.




When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.



Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid.



Put these words
Upon his tomb,
Taxes drove me
to my doom...'

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.




Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.

75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge T ax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Ser vice Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge=2 0Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago,
and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.





We had
absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.




What in the hell happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'

And I still have to 'press 1' for English!?

I hope this goes around THE USA at least 100
times!!! YOU can help it get there!!!

GO AHEAD - - - BE AN AMERICAN!!!

Advice from Uncle Jeff's MySpace Blog

Snagged from Uncle Jeff's MySpace Blog:



Remember this and never forget it.

You will be lucky and I mean truly lucky to make more than 3 true friends other than immediate family in your entire lifetime. Blood is a bond that is hard to break but watch out because it can be broken.

Try to surround yourself with like minded people when ever possible. It will energize the positive within you.

Be friendly, social, caring and a person of character. This will make you a person people can count on no matter what, especially you when times are bad.
Never surrender your emotions or friendship to anyone unless you are willing to die for them. Expect nothing less in return.

You are your own person and no one elses. You are what you make of yourself - no one else matters or has control of the real you. If you are a winner, you made yourself a winner. If you are a loser, then you made yourself a loser. This is what free will is all about.

Do your job to the best of your abilities always. You work for them and they pay you to do the job so do it and be grateful. If you do not like your job, don't show it, just get one you do like. If you need training, get it.

Always learn something. A stagnant mind is a wasted mind. Knowledge is power that can not be taken from you.

There is no obstacle you can not get through, over or around given time, knowledge and motive.

Stay alert and stay alive. Let nothing go unnoticed and unchecked. Defend yourself and those in your charge at all costs.

?????

Pictures by Brittany

Here is another awesome picture taken by my niece Brittany. She has a good eye for photography don't ya think? She said her secret is.........she takes tons of pictures because she figures, out of all those photos your are bound to get a few good ones! (Out of the mouth of babes) Regardless of whether this was taken intentionally or unintentionally, it is still an awesome picture. Besides I didn't get any copies of Lynn's photos she took on Easter (we were at her house for Easter) and really have nothing else to blog about.

Hope everyone is doing well and had a great Easter.

I LOVE the Easter Bunny

All I need to know

I learned from the Easter Bunny!

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.

There's no such thing as too much candy.

All work and no play can make you a basket case.

A cute tail attracts a lot of attention.

Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.

Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.

Some body parts should be floppy.

Keep your paws off of other people's jelly beans.

Good things come in small, sugar coated packages.

The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.

To show your true colors, you have to come out of the shell.

The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.

Happy Easter!

Jelly Beans!

Just a MOM???

JUST A MOM?
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'
'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.
'I'm a Mom.'
'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'
'What is your occupation?' she probed..
What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'
Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and HumanRelations'
And great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
'Associate Research Assistants.'

May your troubles be less,
Your blessing be more,
And nothing but happiness come through your door!

Picture time

Out taking pictures on a beautiful spring day! What better way to spend a weekend? Lynn got a new camera for Christmas and she wanted to try it out....looks to me like she did a pretty good job with her new toy. We took 180 pictures today, and boy were the kids tired, but they were still good sports.