It is always how it goes but does not make it any easier

What another busy, filled week! There seems to be a lot of those lately, and I am fine with that. I think I don't like to be NOT busy. I sit around the house and get very little done. I like to have things to do and to go places. Thanks Hilary for getting me out of the shell I hide in... Now that *you're* busy with other things I am restless to do something or go somewhere.. hehe! It is all good. I applied for a very cool job and if I get it, I will be plenty busy.

So, last week was busy with normal things. Karen and I went to Hobby Lobby and I held her hostage for about 3 hours! It was a great time and I really enjoyed it. She is a great person and always a joy to be with. I believe this was Monday... Tuesday was a steering committee meeting. We talked about an upcoming "Stryker Day" where the families can come out and learn about the new vehicles, and climb in them and such. We were also discussing a range as well and have a bus that would take some people out to the range so they can shoot a stryker. Way cool stuff. Wednesday was craft day and a birthday party. Basically all of us have no more crafts but we still get together for lunch and gab! It is a lot of fun and I enjoy these ladies very much. We are calling it quits since summer is coming and there will be kids home, so that is a bummer. We are just going to have to come up with other ways to hang out! Not too sure what Thursday and Friday were about. I really should blog more often so I know what I do! lol.  I do remember Saturday!! Joseph and I were going to the bishops store house to help stock food and such and we were dropping the kids off at the Nouhan's... well, we were almost to the store house when a little baby puppy ran to our car. Ok, so I did  make noises and talk all high pitched to it. I scooped it up and was going to bring it to the humane society so it would not get run over or something else tragic. Joseph thought I would bring it home to live with us, but honestly I am not ready to love another puppy at this time. Scout really messed me up with it, and I just can't seem to get past it. So anyway, the humane society was closed until 11am and this was at 7am.. so I told Hilary I was coming over with a puppy. She got excited and the kids were excited too. They even gave it a name, Dakota. Had something to do with Paul's work changing a name or something... Well, I left the puppy with them for the day. After discussing, they decided not to keep it, and I went to pick it up to take to the humane society because it was my responsibility since I found it! But the humane society was closed and so I brought it home with us for the night. She pee'd everywhere! LOL At least the poop was outside! I forgot how hard it can be to have a little puppy around... Sunday we went to church, and Joseph offered to take it since he knew how hard it was for me, emotionally. He is a sweetheart, and I love him! (just thought I'd throw that in here!)

Unfortunately he had the hardest time with the humane society and so I told him, I will NOT be picking up any puppy's anymore.. I just can't get involved and then drag my family into it. He dealt with the rude people at the humane society, and the kids were super sad to see her go.. Savannah came in crying! Poor kid.

Oh! On Saturday we went to the carnival that the young women were having as a fundraiser for camp. It looked like it went well and everyone had a good time. Poor Hilary got super sun burnt... I hope she feels better soon! It sucks to have burns.. I had plenty of them growing up and I still remember the really bad ones... Ouch!

Today is craft day again. It is our last one. We are losing some to moving this summer too so it is a bitter sweet time. Those who are moving on will be missed and thought of often. This is the hard stuff with military.. you finally get friends who you can trust and love and then they are called to go elsewhere. It is always how it goes but does not make it any easier.

Joseph is gone for the night as well. He has a spur ride he is doing and will be back tomorrow. It is very interesting how things have changed from even 10 years ago in the military. It is so much more calm, meaning no more yelling, name calling or hazing with things. I know they will still have a good time, but it is so different than when Joseph had to earn his spurs.

With that, I am off to get ready for my day. See ya!

Am I on, or off the fence...

This week is over and a new week is starting.. Same 'ol, same 'ol! I left off from last week at craft day.. It was a good day! I did not bring over a craft, but I did bring my pictures to go through and sort. I got rid of a lot of duplicates or some that were not worth keeping. I think "craft day" has turned into "eat and gab" day. hehe! Which is fine with me! This Wednesday though is a birthday party too! I am attempting to make a southwestern egg roll with an avocado dipping sauce... from scratch!!! Eek!

Thursday was a home day as well. With all of us broke and such, we have not been getting together as much.. I was itching to go out all week, then towards the end of the week I was content with staying in! Friday was going to be our "BIG DAY OUT"... ya, Hilary and I pretty much got 5+ days worth of mischief into about 10 minutes! After about 2 hours we were ready to go home and rest! hehe. It was fun getting out with my homies, even if it was short lived!

Saturday Joseph had to go into work to open something so I brought his framed accomplishments and we *finally* decorated his office.... he has only been in there since January! hehe. I will have to remember to be faster with that for him. It looks good but there is still more to add. I am going to bring him some family pictures and maybe a hat tree for his stetson. After that we headed to village inn for some breakfast. We *CANNOT* take the kids out like that often as prices just continue to rise! For 5 of us, it is just too much to go out. It was a nice treat though, and we have not been out like that in a while. We came home and were about to rest and get us some warcraft time when his phone went off. Someone needed a blessing so off he went! He got Paul Nouhan to join him (thanks Paul and Hilary) for doing that. It is nice to have people you can call on for things like that! I don't know what I did while he was gone.. I think I worked on the Enrichment Night stuff for this week.. which reminds me, I need to e-mail the chair lady!! -- Don't let me forget! ha! I also baked some chocolate chip cookies and some homemade soft pretzels. I was finishing that up when Joseph walked in the door. He changed into his pj's and helped start dinner while I finished with the pretzels. Finally after dinner we sat down to play warcraft.

Today was a great day at church. It was just "one of those days" where you feel the spirit with such gusto. :) Joseph and I got our temple recommends renewed today and we are planning a trip to the temple in June! I am just so excited! We have not been in *SO* long! We have had our recommends, but been too far away or just never made the effort to go. So now we are and it feels incredible. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful worthy husband! Yesterday when he went to give a blessing to someone, all I could think of was how lucky and happy I was to be married to someone who can be able to do that! How fortunate I am to have a worthy priesthood holder in my home.

I love how Heavenly Father is always watching over us too. Lately I have been on the fence about modesty.. I will try to explain but it may come out not right, so bear with me. I got put in charge of the fashion show the young women are going to be doing on Thursday for enrichment night. So as a person in charge I needed to research and prepare not only for me, but for the young women. As I was reading about modesty, I kept feeling like I was being told *You cannot and WILL NOT wear this or that* and the rebellious side of me was thinking, "Ya right, then I *WILL* wear this and I *WILL* wear that"... It is sometimes hard to explain but being brought up not in the church and "Californian" I grew up not paying much attention to that area so sometimes the way I was brought up and the way I live my life now conflict and then I struggle. So anyway, I tried to talk to Joseph about it a couple days ago and fumbled over myself and it did not get very far.. then today, not once but twice it came up. Joseph brought it up first in Sunday school and we discussed it for almost the whole class. He finally said, "get off the fence, either you want to be modest or you don't" There was more to it, but I can't remember right now. So I thought about it, and what I wanted to do. Then during my interview, the Bishop read a paragraph on garments and why we wear them.. All I could do was cry and think that my Heavenly Father knows me and is showing me the way.. I know it sounds corny to some who are reading this, but it is how I feel.

So now we are home, Joseph is still at church because he had a big audit to take care of. I hope it goes well and it is easy, and they go through everything quickly. He will be home later and I believe we are going to start reading the scriptures as a family tonight! I look forward to that and all the discussions it will involve!

Hope everyone has had a great weekend, and has a fabulous week!

Planning.... while in the military..????!!!! That's just silly!

Time sure does like to move quickly when no one is watching! Half the week is almost over! I don't know if that is a good thing or not..

Mother's Day was a nice relaxing day. Joseph did not have ward counsel in the a.m. so we slept in a bit. We made it to church rather early still, and secured us a pew... which rarely happens! After Sacrament, Bishop had the young men go into his office and bring out roses for the lady's in the ward. It was very sweet. Our classes were good, and the lessons taught always remind me of things we need to work on! Which I am sure is the reason for the lesson in the first place! hehe. Joseph d id have to stay after church because he is still the ward financial clerk. He made it home a couple hours after we did and he just hung out with me. We watched movies and he made dinner.

Monday I had a ton of energy.. from my relaxing mother's day perhaps!?! So I did a LOT of cleaning and tidying up. I worked from when I got up to when I went to bed.. I forgot to eat during the day because I was not hungry, so dinner was my only meal.. weird... lol. So that was uneventful.. Then today was not too eventful as well. I got up, got the kids/husband taken care of, went grocery shopping, and have been home ever since. I wanted to go to Chili's for dinner tonight, but that was a last minute plan and Joseph is still not home from work yet and it is 1930! So much for that idea! I made dinner and it was a little late, but it smells good. Crispy ranch chicken, baked beans and rice. YUM!

Tomorrow is craft day and we should have a more eventfull day! We are also getting our temple recommends done! WOOT. Haven't been current since 2008, so a little bit of time! Maybe we will get to go to the temple again?! Have not been since we were sealed in 2001! Way too long ago!

Alright, Joseph should be home soon, I hope. Off to eat my dinner. TTFN

Same 'ol, Same 'ol

It is time for SAME THING DIFFERENT DAY! Although, I do LOVE hanging out with my friends and getting outta the house, no matter what it is!

This weekend was pretty busy. I had to get some things ready for Sunday and it took pretty much all day Saturday. In the morning I did head over to the Porter's house to rummage through some of their girl clothes they were selling/getting rid of and I walked away with almost all of it! Savannah is set on clothes for a long, long time! Yay!

Sunday was interesting. It was our first day with Joseph heading in early for his meetings. I got up around normal time, jumped in the shower and got ready. I got the kids moving when I got out of the shower and we were all pretty much done about 8:40. Just in time for church! We found Joseph and sat down. I enjoy fast and testimony meetings. It is nice to hear of people's faith and what stands out most for them. Sunday school and relief society was good and the kids and I made our way home. Joseph is still helping out with finances, and is not released from that calling so he is involved with that after church.

I got home made lunch and got into my pj's. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, Joseph was kissing my forehead.. I did not hear him come in. I don't remember what we did the rest of the day, played Warcraft maybe.. watched some movies.. I don't really recall.

Monday was, well, yesterday. Let's see.. ah yes.. I was not really doing much and was really lagging in the morning, until I got a text from Hilary asking what I was up to... Karen and she were heading to hobby lobby after 11, and wanted to know if I would join them. I said I would love to meet them, so that meant I had to hurry and get ready so I could go to the bank, and post office before I dropped off Aaron at school. All this happened in less than an hour! I had to stop at the commissary as well because I did not make the poor little guy a lunch, and he ate it on the way to school. I dropped him off at about 11:15 (15 minutes later than I usually do) and headed out to hobby lobby. Whew I was a mess. I do not do well with rushing and it was my own fault because I did not plan my day better. Hobby lobby was fun, as always. I love that place and wish I had more cash-ola! We stopped at chick-fil-a for lunch and then Wal-mart so I could get hangers for all of Savannah's new clothes. (Thanks Tiffany and Jessica!)

Last night I made beef stir fry and rice and we watched Bounty Hunter with Jennifer Aniston. It was a cute movie and we enjoyed it. Joseph has been really tired lately, so we have been heading to bed between 9 and 10pm. I guess I have been tired too as I pass right out!

Today I knew I was going to hang with my homies because I texted last night to make sure! So I was prepared with my day! Although I did not have to do anything pre-outing. We did not do as much as we normally do. We headed to the west-Sieed to see a man about his avocado's, had lunch at Rudy's and walked around the Jewelry box at the outlet mall. It was nice because Karen's oldest daughter watched Justin for me, and I got to have a break! He is easy to have around, but sometimes I just need *alone time*. Ya know!?!

So after we were done I picked up Aaron and headed to the px to get some cream for Joseph and I wanted to get something to send Melissa and Tyler (and the kids) in their box. It is full, but I wanted to make sure I got everyone something. I think I have to go back one more time though just to make sure I got everyone something special! So tomorrow I am mailing it off to you guys, and I will let you know for sure after I done it! hehe. I know, I take my sweet time! :P My mom likes to joke that she gets Christmas stuff from us in February...

Since I have been home I have been glued to this darn computer! Well, I did take a boy scout of America quiz because I need the certificate to give to the scoutmaster dude. So it was somewhat productive. :) Now I need to get ready to take Savannah and the boys to school for an art show they are having.

DEUCES! :)
(I am seriously diggin this farewell, thanks Ariell! hehe I feel hip and young! haha!)

Not much to report

There is not much to report on right now. This kids got sick with a flu bug that started last Thursday and 'ended' on Monday... but Savannah is complaining of a tummy ache, which is how the boys started with their sickness... ugh. No more barf, Please! She did go to school anyway because there is no fever... yet.. so we will see. I hope it is gone. I had a couple of sleepless nights last week and spent enough time cleaning puke. I am done.

Joseph had a four day weekend which was nice. We did not do too much because of the kids not feeling well, but staying home and relaxing was great. We did have to go in on Sunday because we were giving a talk in Sacrament. Justin was the only one that did not speak (even though he wanted to). So, I told Joseph that I did not think we should go to church because Justin and I had been up all night with him being sick. We were tired and he was puking. But we had an obligation, and he decided we needed to be there. So off to church we went. When we got there, I was afraid Justin would throw up on the pulpit... I was close, he threw up on the floor next to the pulpit! Great! lol. Made for a fun time! I'm glad we could share our "love" to everyone at church! hehe
Our talks went well, and apparently people liked my talk because a lot of people commented to me that it was good. I am glad because I do not remember what I said! I get so scared I "forget" my speech! hehe. I am glad it went so well though. We all did good together and it was fun having all of us talk.

Oh, Joseph got called as the elder quorum president. He was surprised, but accepted the calling. I know he will do fantastic in his calling and I know he will find the balance between work/calling/home. He does keep saying he can "do anything" and he sure is being handed a lot right now to prove that statement true. It is at times overwhelming for him, but I know I will be a supportive and strong wife just as I always have been and hope that it makes it easier for him to do his important jobs.

So, we did nothing on Monday. Tuesday was back to work/school. It was also Hilary's birthday and we totally celebrated ALL DAY! hehe. She is a good sport for letting us kidnap her twice. It was a ton of fun.

Alright, I was going to take a nap this morning since it was a late night, but I have spent my nap time on facebook and blogging and used up all of my time. Oh well. Time to get ready for the day.

I {Heart} netflix

Ahhh this week has been like the others. It seems like there is not much to do, then *BAM* there are not enough hours in the day! Yesterday was actually a lazy day. I did nothing. I was still feeling like poop and did not want to move around too much and I didn't. Hilary text'd she was going to watch a movie, and invited me on over. We watched "Enchanted". I really like that movie too. It is cute with a nice story to it. I stayed until about 1:30~ish and headed out. Justin and I stopped at home real quick, and then off to pick up Aaron from school. I was suppose to pick up Savannah because she was going to have her hair cut by a friend, but my friend got busy and so I just came home. Savannah called me from her friends phone and wanted to know where I was. She was happy to walk home anyway. She said it has been nice to walk and talk with her friends without having her brother around! hehe.

Oh! While with Hilary, she gave me something for my allergies and it totally made me feel funky! I mean, my mouth was tingly and numb, and I felt like I was floating! Super weird but thank you for the pill! It helped the allergies and today I have not had any issues!!! :)

I made dinner while the kids watched some Inspector Gadget! Hehe. I {Heart} netflix! I introduced them to that cartoon the other day and they LOVED it! hehe. I made some baked chicken with ranch and herbs, mashed potato's and corn. It was yummy! Joseph made it home very late.. almost 7pm. He is busy with training and this week he has a few "long" days. Tonight isn't as long but there is a meeting at 6pm we both have to be at! By the time Joseph made it home we were watching "Problem Child 2". It is super funny and makes me giggle. The kids liked it and Joseph had not seen it before either. I'm not sure he liked it but it's all good.

After the kids went to bed we started up on Battlestar Galactica. O.M.G. we LOVE that show. It was 4 seasons in the early 2000's. We missed it because we were in Germany at the time, but we are catching it now. Again, I {heart} netflix! We are in season 3 and watched 2 episodes last night. It is a great dramatic and suspenseful show.

I think we made it to bed about 11:30 or so. As soon as our heads hit the pillows we were both out! I had some dreams that apparently scared me and I woke up to my alarm clock all sweaty and freaked out... Not sure what all I dreamt about, but I got in the shower to start my day. I got the kids up and had breakfast, made their lunches and then it was time to drop Savannah off. I came home and Joseph pulled in the same time as I did. I got Justin some homework printed off and chatted with Joseph before he left for the day. I was not planning on doing much, other than the laundry, and picking up a bit but Hilary text'd about going to Hobby Lobby later and it reminded me I needed to get some things from the commissary and px. She too, was heading that direction so we said we would meet up. The boys took their sweet time and we finally made it over there. I got some things from the commissary and decided to forgo the px until a later time. Ariell called Hilary and asked to be picked up, so we said our good-byes (we would see each other again in an hour anyway!) and headed in our separate directions. I went to get gas... sigh.... then dropped off groceries and took Aaron to school. We went to the hobby lobby on the west si-eed this time. I met everyone there and I got there first! Justin and I walked around for a bit admiring all the fun things that this store has. I wanted to buy it all! hehe. I picked up what I needed and the other's came in for their items. The kids were hungry and so we walked to the McDonald's that was right there. The kids loved it because they got to play in the play yard thing. Justin told me it was his greatest day! hehe. (insert eye roll) Once we were done there, we headed to the outlet mall and peeked around the jewelry box, but nothing jumped out at me. By that time it was 2pm and time to head back to pick up Aaron.

So we are home now. The boys are playing the wii and I decided to blog. I need to start dinner early tonight since we have a meeting at 6. Another friend of mine has a Tupperware party tonight too, and I said I would go, but now I am not sure I can make it, but I'll try.

And I'm off again.....

Alright Hilary, thanks for the "shout-out"

Ya, Ya, Ya...... I know it has been a L-O-N-G time since I wrote on here. But at the DEMANDING nudge from Hilary on her blog I am posting today! hehe. Not too sure what has all happened since I last wrote... I guess that means I should write more so I know what is going on in my own life! hehe. To start off with, Hilary so *nicely* asked if I could post the recipe for the Mexicali chicken I made yesterday. It turned out really yummy this time.

Mexicali Chicken


3 good sized chicken breasts (depending on the size of your family/friends you can add more or less)
2 containers of Salsa (I use Rojo's fresh cut restaurant style)
1 can of corn 1 can of black beans
1-2 cans of chopped green chilies
2 packets of taco seasoning


 Pour one container of salsa into the bottom of the crock pot and spread evenly. Next put the chicken breast on top of that layer. Pour in corn, beans, chilies and 2nd container of salsa on top of chicken breast. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. I usually start it around 9 or 10 in the morning for a 6pm dinner. When cooked, shred chicken. (it will be tender and fall apart easy for you) pour in the 2 packets of taco seasoning adding 1 packet full of water if desired. Stir. Serve over rice, tortilla chips or in a tortilla like a burrito.

 It is pretty good all by itself, but I do like to put some shredded cheese on it with sour cream. And yesterday I had some with Hilary's super yummy guac!

Well, it is time for me to start my day. I will do my best to sit down tonight and keep you all up to speed on what is happening over here!

***Melissa, I do have your box ALMOST ready to ship. I am sorry it has taken so long. I hope to have it out by the beginning of next week at the latest! So if there is anything else you need from the states you can't get there, let me know and I'll run out this weekend and pick it up!