The In-laws talents and ice storm

I have the best in-laws. My mother-in-law knows it is important to have fun in life and every once in awhile sends us gifts to brighten our day. We received one of those packages yesterday. Daniel knew it was on its way and could hardly wait. Packed inside were hand puppets for the children to make along with two other very special items.

My father-in-law wrote a Dr. Seuss type story for my children about how cats got their tails. It is an amazing tale with humor and rhyming. I had heard it before when Grandpa Steve read it to Daniel about a year ago, but reading it to my children and seeing the delight in their eyes . . .

My mother-in-law truly brought the smiles to their faces and the dancing to their toes. She wrote a children's song about counting cloud friends just for my kids! Along with an illustrated book is a cd with her singing and playing the guitar for them. Oh how my chldren loved to hear grandma singing while they laughed and danced. Her voice is amazing. The cd sounded professional.

I never knew my in-laws had such talent. I was going to call them today and let them know how much we loved the gifts, but my father-in-law beat me to it. . . to let me know they were fine.

What?! I don't watch the news or else I would have known they have been without phone service, power and water since Tuesday. Boy do I feel horrible. On the other hand, at least I wasn't worrying for four days. So, both my in-laws and sister-in-law have been living through a horrible crisis this past week in Arkansas. I'm just grateful they are okay and can laugh about it. This is the one quality I admire about Carlo's family- they can find humor in anything. What a great quality.

Here is a link to a news story I just pulled today. Sorry you can't just click on it. I've never been able to get my links to work in blogger.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hxyhhC1qV6qWnOdkwks6C1HpYtPAD961MBBG0

Ponderings of a Mother

I often wonder what is going on in the minds of others. I only know for sure about mine, so here is a peak into a thought I had the other day:

Since becoming a mother, my life is filled with bodily fluids, such as pee and poop.

Coral hasn't gone poop today. I need to watch that and make sure she's not constipated. Daniel just went poop on his own. When I give him a bath later, we need to wash that area good- not too sure about his wiping skills. Oops, Coral just went pee pee on the floor. Daniel got pee on the toilet seat. Let's clean this up. Wow, that sure is one wet diaper.

I think more about bodily fluids since becoming a mother than I ever have before. Just one joy of motherhood.

Daniel was in time out the other day when I asked him what was in his hands. He sweetly smiled and replied, "I'm holding lots of love for you." Of course I commented on how sweet that was and then he asked, "Can I get out of time out to give it to you?" How could I resist?

If you can't find Coral, there is one place to look- our bathtub. She climbs in and hangs out til I get her. Hmm. . . her own little play pen!


Coral and Daniel have been trying to con Mom and Dad into letting them sleep together. We conceded one night, but it only lasted five minutes before they were both out of bed and playing. But they are oh so cute. Now they try at least twice a week and I keep asking Carlo, "Are you sure we can't get bunk beds?"



At the beginning of the month, my sister asked us to go and hike the Las Vegas Wash with her. It was nice to get out in nature, but really? (Read the sign in the picture) I was excited to see the river until I saw the sign!

I have become a gaming nerd. For Christmas, one of Daniel's presents from my parents was "Animal Crossings: City Folk." Let's just say, I'd be embarrassed to admit how many hours I have logged on that baby. I'm obssessed with taking care of my town, upgrading my house, shopping for clothes and making MONEY (referred to as bells in the game). I basically do all those things I really wish I could do if I only had the money. I suppose this is why they call them "virtual reality" games.

I was successfully able to convince my parents and some close friends in Cali to purchase the game- because the best part about it is Wii Speak! We are able to visit one another in our towns and speak to each other. I know you have all seen the commercial. We also have some other friends in Cali who received AC for Christmas and it has helped to reconnect us. Yes, a game has brought us together with friends and family. If you too have this game, let me know and we can shop, fish and do many other things together (online that is).