Green Power

I just read a letter from Elder Krebs, and it totally touched me! Don't you just love letters from missionaries! He is doing great and has the spirit of love. He talked about being patient in trials and recognizing the daily miracles we are blessed with. He quoted his mission president saying "we must overcome to become". I really liked that. I'm overcoming my "natural man" and fall victim to the earthly perspective and "when will we be out of debt?" or "when will we own a home" and other things that totally seem petty compared to the eternal questions I should be asking myself, "Am I prepared?" etc. (see Alma 5 for a refresher. :) One of my favorite quotes is, "Don't be afraid to trust an unknown future to an all knowing God". So in this Chirstmas season, it is my goal to truly come closer to Christ, and not just fret about making/buying gifts for everyone on my list. In fact, I think I'm going to try to read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as a treat to myself. I love those books of the New Testament and what better season than now to refocuse my thoughts on the Savoir.

PS In Christmas spirit, I let a lady get in front of me after I had waited a LONG time in 5:00 traffic, I almost didn't, but koodos for myself for letting her in. :) Aren't I awesome! :) (JK..don't answer that!)

PPS I call new missionaires "greenies" and they come from the MTC with Green Power...even though Chuck is sort-of still green, he is already training...big surprise. :) Go CHUCK! He's in Fiji.

Happy Birthday Sean. Happy Thanksgiving, & Christmas Tree

Okay, blog catch up. Where to start? We've had Sean's birthday, a trip to Georgia and 6 day stay with my mission companion and her sweet family for Thanksgiving, put up the Christmas tree, "spring" cleaned my house, and Stake Conference today! :)

Sean is officially 27 and for a sweet 3 months we will only be 2 years apart in age (yes, I'm the older and wiser one) instead of 3 years apart. I always enjoy these months! :) His b-day actually landed this year on turkey day! :) We had great food and presents! We were in GA with Macarena, Juan Pablo, Analia, and Clarissa and they were kind enough to let us invade their home for 6 days. That sounds like a long time but it FLEW!! It was such a blast. I was most excited to just see Sean without him having to go to one of his 3 jobs! The kids loved it too!!

When we got home I was anxious to put up the Christmas tree and it was so fun to see Sarah and Jacob get so excited to put on the ornaments. I had to rearrange my living room because I wanted the tree in the window. And with moving furniture comes cleaning. Yesterday alone I: did the dishes, folded at least 8 loads of laundry, dusted, vacuumed, moped, cleaned the bathroom and even got all the grime on the floor at the base of the toilet...yuck, wiped down all the walls where there were MANY sticky finger prints, cleaned off the top of the fridge and wiped down the front, gave Sean a haircut, and the best part of the day...took a nap with Joshua sleeping in my arms. On my to do list of cleaning still: wash windows and mini blinds, wipe down baseboards, clean light fixtures, wipe down cuppboards. I get insane like this only a few times a year, so I really have to take advantage of the drive. It won't last long and my house will be back to a tornado. So I took pictures of it clean and all rearranged with the tree up. Yes, I am boasting of my hard work! :) It's not much, but it's the best I can do! :)

In other news, stake conference was awesome today. Well, the squiggley kids could have been perfect angels and not moved...but they did better than expected. We had a good seat even since Sean got there early to sing in the choir...great number by the way. I especailly enjoyed Jaime Bloods talk and it really hit home! I was so proud of her teaching the doctrine of preparing to be mothers. My whole life my parents told me I'd be a great lawyer or surgeon one day. It never really occured to me that I could be a mother. I hated cleaning growing up because in my home nothing got cleaned until everything was so dirty that we'd get yelled at to clean the house. I remember eating cereal out of jars or tupperware since all the dishes were dirty. I know my parents tried very hard, but with both working, the housework fell on us. I grew very independent and confident in my abilities to take care of myself, but never really thought I should clean up others messes. However, now I am a mother, and the most important thing for me is to teach Sarah to be a nurturer and make her home a haven and to enjoy keeping the house clean. A clean home is a service to our family members and can bring the spirit. It doesn't have to be drugery. I always tell Sean I'm domestically challenged becasue cleaning really brings up negative feelings from my childhood. But, I'm learning to overcome that and try to be a better mother than I am. Many times I wished my Mom could have been at home teaching me how to clean things or just to watch her cooking. I eventually learned, with the help of siblings, college, a misison, and marriage. I did learn many other valuable things from my mother like hard work, sacrifice, and diligence.

Now. as a mother, I want to get on the floor and play with my kids and teach them so many things. Every day I tell myself I'm going to haul off the TV and teach and play with my kids more. But, then I'm up with the baby and so tired, that I resort to turning on a movie so I can catch a nap. So, I know I have a lot of goals and much room for improvement, but I just hope that I can make the best decisions for my family, as Jaime taught today in conference.

Tagged

Okay, let's see, 6 things others may not know about me:




1. I leave my make-up in the car. I like to think of myself as a low-maintenance gal and thus, only bother with make-up when I'm going somewhere. I love to multi-task but usually leave the applying of for during red lights. :) However, Jacob now loves to grab my make-up and put it on! Yikes!!


2. I'm a total push over when it comes to crying babies. Thus, my babies never learn to sleep through the night till they are weened, which was a full year of me nursing every 2-3 hours. I know it isn't good for any of us, but when it's 3;00am, and they are screaming, I just give in. I've been super tired for a few years now, but nursing won't last forever. :)

3. I love the 80's. I loved watching Oliva sing "Let's Get Physical" and I think it would be so funny to go to the gym all decked out in 80's gear: head band, off the shoulder shirt, leg warmers, etc. :) I guess, whatever will motivate me to get to the gym is worth it! :)

4. I would love to live in Argentina again and have my children be bi-lingual. We are all for a move to another country. I just don't want to give birth anywhere but America...I've seen the hospitals. No offense.




5. My biggest fear is drowning...yet I want to live by the beach. I hate ice-skating becasue I'm afraid I'll fall and someone will skate over my fingers and slice them off. But, I want to sky-dive and bungi-jump. I love rollar coasters and parasailing, but hate scary movies; I get nightmares. I amaze myself at how complex and messed up I can be! :)




6. One of my many embarrasing moments happened when I worked at Blockbuster (a job my mom got me so I'd pay my own late fees for "The Three Amigos" a movie well worth keeping late, I know). Anyway, so I'm the newbie, and had put away all the movies and asked, "so what should I do now" and the boss said, "walk around the store and try to help the customers". So I approached a man and noticed he was in the "Action/Adventure" section and in my most polite grown up voice say, "So, you looking for some action tonight?" Well, he looked surprised and then started laughing...and I still didn't get it. I thought "Zipper down? Booger? Something in my teeth? Why is he laughing?" Then he made a suggestive comment and my dizy brain finally put 2 and 2 together. Youzers!! That was embarrasing. Then my "friends" would always call and say, "Yeah, I heard I could get some action here." It was only one story from the blockbuster era. :) I should write them all down someday. I am a true blonde!



Rules: Write 6 things about yourself that others might not know. Then tag 6 people and leave a comment to let them know they have been tagged.

I now tag: Ashlee K., Shalae, Adreinne, Brianne, Jaime and Andrea G.

Happy Birthday Sarah!!

Grandma Rayburn made cute cupcakes for the party and a princess cake for our Sunday party. Thanks! Grandma Krebs held Joshua and made an awesome Sunday dinner for us! Thank you too!!

We had 15 little princess and Jacob, Caleb, and Seth were our honorary princes! :)

We played "kiss the frog prince", like pin the tail on the donkey style. They got to put on lipstick and blindfolded and then smack the frog :) Thanks for the idea Shalae, and the frog, Lisa! :)

My house was too small for an inside treasure hunt, so we took the party outside with a package of leftover easter eggs; they loved it so much we did it twice! :)

Yeah for presents!! Sarah got great gifts...thanks for all who came and helped out and gave! We appreciate all you do for our family!

Santa Baby!

Sarah's ballet class practicing for their Christmas concert. :) SO CUTE!!

Happy Halloween!

We scored! It's great getting all this candy! :) I get to pull the "let me
eat half of each piece to make sure it's not poisened" routine dad always gave us! :) It even worked on me, I remember! Sarah was Ariel...and Belle, and Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, and a ballerina, it depended on which party we had that day...no joke! Jacob was Elmo and then Spider Man and actually loved wearing the mask! It was too cute. Joshua was tigger...tail and all. He had a squishy tummy.

They trick and treated themselves out...cold in the car!

Josh has the hiccups

This is from May when Joshua was born, but wanted to post it in my blog since he is such a cute baby. Love those hiccups!

Jacob turns 2!!!

Jacob turns 2!! Sarah is the helpful big sister...as always. :)

Camping and Broccoli

Well, today I heard the best thing a mom who isn't a natural chef can hear, "can I have some more broccoli?" I was so happy to hear those cute words and know I'm helping her make right choices. She is my fruit nut...she loves apples, grapes, strawberries, oranges, pears, and bananas. We go through that stuff so quick. She also loves dairy; she'll request milk over juice and loves cheese and yogurt. Jacob, on the other hand, can smell candy a mile a way! He loves french fries and spits out basically anything of nutrictional value! He is loving Halloween and caught on real quick to the whole trick or treat thing. He must have had 8 mini candy bars today! (I probably did too) and I have chocolate handprints on my furniture! :) Anyway, he loves soda and cookies and well, "does it have sugar in it? then yes, he likes it!" :) Any sugusstions on how to help my picky eater?





In other news, a few weeks ago, Dad took the kids camping...in our back yard. He went on a scout 40 mile bike overnighter, and Sarah loves camping, so when he got back he continued to camp two more nights with the kids. I stayed indoors with the baby...but went to eat smores with them and got some fun pics. What a fun dad!! (Yes, that is a laptop, they watched "Sinbad"...real roughin it, I know! :)) Dad said they kicked, tossed, turned, and even punched him in their sleep. Ha!

It's OFFICIAL!!

Sean was sworn in on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007 as an official lawyer! YEAH!! Dad, you can officially begin all the lawyer jokes! :) It was an awesome feeling to see him take this huge step. We are all so proud of this enormous accomplishment. It was also a free-for-all day for swearing at Sean (thanks to Tammy's example...she instituted it with Greg)...that was fun too. :) If you missed the "swearing in" party, feel free to call Sean and swear at...I mean, congratulate him. :)

Bowling

After seeing Beau and Shalea's blog about bowling, I thought we ought to give it a try. Good thing the bumpers were up, for all of us! It had been a long while since we'd been, since I was pregnant with Sarah to be exact. They were so cute cheering each time, and of course Jacob loved it...it was a ball! :) All the senior citizens got a kick out of our little family. It's fun to have others goo and goggle (is that a word) over your kids. :) What are some other fun activities you've all tried with your little ones? Send ideas!

Tagged

I was tagged a while ago by Marissa...sorry it's taken me so long to write this.

How did I meet my husband?

It's actually a great story. Officially we met in March of 2000 in Neuquen, Argentina...yes, we met on our missions. However, we didn't really remember each other until we met up again 3 years later at a mission reunion. That was Oct. 4, 2002. We were all mingling in the foyer waiting for the reunion to start, I hadn't gone to one since I first got home, but this was the first time my mission presidents, President and Sister George were going to be there. I was SO EXCITED to see them, little did I know that this night would forever change my life.

I was politely chatting with 2 Elders whom I didn't know and looked up at the door just as this tall red head in a green suit walked through the door. I literally caught my breath at his hotness. He didn't stop walking and was walking straight for me. My pulse quickened. I wanted him to stop and talk to me but wasn't sure if he was walking past me, so I stopped him by asking, "what's your name", he chuckled, (since we don't really know anyone's names as missionaries, thus, a retarded question) but said, well it's Sean, but I was Elder Marcum. I said, "humm, I don't think I know you" and nervously turned to finish my conversation. He stopped me by noticing my name on my scripture case and said in amazment, "you're Hermana Isbell?" I was like, yeah, (I know I was a fat sister but you don't have to make it so obvious :)...by this time I was not looking like the pony tail chubby sister missionary he remembered. Then he said, I do remember you. You shared a scripture with my group of greenies when we got to the office. You shared-and this is the really impressive part- you shared Jacob 7:26, and talked about how his life passed like a dream and how the mission would too, so to aprovechar el dia!

WOW, okay, my jaw is hitting the ground. He remembered the verse and everything I said, which is also more impressive because I was speaking in Spanish and he had just come from the MTC, so to understand all that, his spanish was pretty dang good. I was like, yeah, I did do that. I remember, but I couldn't ever remember meeting him in particular.

So, we all go into the chapel for the meeting, and he is sitting front and center with his scriptures open and pen in hand to take notes...I've always been a sucker for obedient boys. :) He scored points in my book for that. I sat a few people from him but on the same row. I asked to borrow a pen from him, just to talk to him again. During the talks, I kept staring at him, over and over. There was a chapel full of Elders behind us and I thought "stop staring, everyone can see you drooling, pay attention to the President". Then during one stare, I audibly heard a voice calmy and plainly say, "you will marry him."

What! Who is this guy! What do you mean? I don't even know him! At least he's the hottest guy here...but seriously, how is this going to happen? I was arguing with the spirit. What was I supposed to do, go up to him and say, "I know we just met, but I've received revelation that we're going to get married". PSYCO! So, after the meeting, I tried to position myself close enough to him so he'd approach me and get my number. He says he wanted to get my number but I was too busy talking with everyone. So I left and went home and told my roomate SaraLyn that I'd met the man I was going to marry.

Eventually, my MPA group convinced me to email him. I was pretty snotty. I never saught after the guy. I let them come to me. So emailing and making the first move was huge for me. I didn't want to do it, but I wanted to see him, so I did, he emailed back and asked me out! Score! It worked! We didn't go out until Oct. 28, but quickly...and I mean quickly fell in love. We told each other we loved each other after 4 days and were engaged after one week, married in two months to the date of our first date. Dec. 28, 2002 we were sealed in the Las Vegas Temple. I always made fun of those girls that got engaged and married quick. I envisioned at least a year of dating and 6 months engagement...but wow, the Lord's ways are not our ways. He confirmed over and over that Sean was to be mine and I was to be his. I am so happy! I only wish we'd had more courtship time. Our first picture together is our engagement pictures. But, we've made up for that since. We are celebrating our 5 year anniversary this December and have 3 beautiful children (we don't mess around...every thing happens fast in our lives :)) to keep us laughing.

It really only feels like yesterday that all this happened, and whosh, it all has passed us by like it were a dream. We have Jacob to remind us of that...that life is precious, cease the day, tell the ones you love you love them, don't put off forgiveness or apologizing, hold those babies close and love every moment, it is all passing by too fast!

Looking back, the real reason we were able to pull it off was becasue we knew what the spirit felt like and were worthy to recieve it's promptings. I know that if I hadn't been fulfilling my calling as RS Pres, or going to the temple regularly, or praying daily, this miracle would have never happened. Sean, you are my miracle. I love you.

Who's so cute?!!

Okay, where did he get those eyes!! Isn't he so cute!! Sorry, just have to brag a little. :)

He sticks his tongue out like this when he's happy. It's so funny!

Pumpkin Patch

Today we went to Bi-water Farm where they had a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, haunted house, corn maze, hay ride on tractor, etc. It was so fun to see the kids feed the animals. Sarah announced to everyone, "it's stinky, what's that smell?" :) It was a hot day, but fun.

best chocolate chip cookies

i got this recipe from our neighbor. it is the best chocolate chip recipe i have ever used! i took some in to work the other day and everyone loved them. a friend there asked me to post the recipe. you have to try it.

CREAM:
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup shortening

ADD:
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3 1/2 cups flour (1 cup at a time)

ADD:
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Bake at 375 for 11 minutes, cool on tray.

Jacob turns 2!!!

Speaking of milestones...Jacob has now entered the scary world of the "terrible twos". He's still pretty mellow and happy. But, more and more we see his frustration when he can't say a word or doesn't get what he wants. Wouldn't it be funny if adults threw tantrums and kicked on the ground and wailed when we don't get what we want? Anyway, that's for another blogging.

He had a curious george birthday party and it was a hit! We also had an Elmo pinata and Sponge bob party hats...(we try not to discriminate :)). He got great gifts and thanks to all those who were the gift givers and also for all the friends that came to party with us. He is still my little monkey...loves bananas and favorite word is "ohhhhhhh". :) We can't wait to see what year 3 holds in store!

Sarah Milestones...

Today Sarah went to her first ballet/tap class. She was SO excited...then cried the whole time because I wasn't in the room. :( But, she is so cute in her outfit and has a great high kick. :) Do I see a future cheerleader? :) She also got a new bike...with training wheels. She advanced from the tricycle...only because the seat fell off. We got the barbie bike for only $10 at a yard sale and sells for $140 on Amazon. Yeah, great deal! And the helmet/knee pads cost $20. Twice the bike. :) (We got those new...there are some things (not many) I don't get at yard sales :))

Anyway...she is more and more grown up. I sometimes she flashes of a grown woman when she looks or smiles a certain way, and it catches me off guard...it really won't be long before she really is all grown up. Jacob pretty much adores her and does whatever she does. Hopefully, he won't punch the washer machine like I did just because Troy did it...then found out he faked me out by pretending to hit it with his fist but really kicked it. Boy, did my knuckles hurt. Anyway, this is about Sarah, not me! While Sarah cried, Jacob took advantage of the class and had a ball doing pleats, turns, jumps, etc. Sean flat out just said, "fag", when I told him about Jacob's enjoyment. :) Hey, at least someone is getting the money's worth.

Sad Day

Yesterday was a very sad day. My mother was violently attacked, as she sat on her own front porch. She was waiting for my sister to pick her up and a black man approached her asking if she wanted to subscribe to the newspaper. She said she already did, and as he lingered she realized he was "stalling". She told him he'd better get going and reached for her purse to go inside, and he hit her so hard in the face that he shattered her two front teeth knocking them out.

Talk about senseless violence!!! He could have stolen her purse without knocking out her teeth!! The police said there is a group going around targeting older women and hitting them to steal.

Who knew your own front porch was no longer safe. My dad told me today they are putting in a gated porch. It is just SO SAD!! I grew up jogging at night with mace and always locking up. If it was that way for me, how will it be for my kids!!!!

I know she is in a lot of pain, so if you wouldn't mind keeping her in your prayers... It makes me so mad at that man...I hope they catch him soon!

On a lighter side, now we really know what she wants for Christmas. :)

Make sure to be safe and careful of suspicious people, and always call your mother! :)

Since 1999....

Yes, that's right! The last time I saw Macarena (then Hermana Balboa) was in 1999 in Trelew, Argentina!! It has been so long and finally I was reunited with a dear friend. We were only companions for one month but became best friends immediately! Isn't it amazing how you can go clear across the world to find someone so much like you...even though they speak a different language and grew up in a totally different culture!:) I was SO HAPPY to take my family to meet my dear friend and her family. Her husband just completed his MBA in Georgia and their cutest girls, Analia and Clarissa, were so adorable playing with my kids. They are all from Chile, but their English is so awesome!!

Seeing her was like picking up right where we left off..laughing together, and learning from each other. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to serve as a missionary. I can't begin to number how many blessings I've received from my mission. But one thing I know, there is a special bond that happens when you have a great missionary companion. I experienced that bond and in only one month had a closer friend than with those I called my "best friends" for years. The spirit and the struggles of missionary life brought us so close. I am just SO HAPPY I was able to see her again...because when we said goodbye that day at the bus station in Argentina...I thought for sure I'd never get the chance to ever see her again, in this life, at least. SO, thank you for coming to the US Macarena!!! Now, I hope to one day return and see the rest!

Happy Baby

So I complain all day and fret all night about how much weight I've gained. It's pathetic. I weigh myself sometimes 2 or 3 times a day, hoping to loose an ounce. Then, I have moments like this when I see sweet Joshua smile and coo and I realize every pound was worth it. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat to have his little hand hold my finger and see his big eyes look into mine. I love being a mom and will have the rest of my life to get my figure back. It'll happen (hopefully by Christmas...that's the goal anyway) but if not, I at least forever have my baby. Isn't he adorable!!!

It Snowed in July!!

Nursing is a wonderful thing. It gives mommy and baby a special time to bond...and it gives rambunctious kids time to "make it snow". At least that is what they told me had happened when I came in the kitchen after nursing Joshua.

off to slay the dragon

i'm off to take the ky bar exam the next to two days. i wish i at least had a wand or a broom like harry potter did when he faced his dragon. oh well, i guess the barbri review course will have to do. wish me luck!

Two's Company...and Three's a Crowd :)

1408 - classic chiller

click on image to see a trailer

last weekend, Amber and I went to see 1408.if you all know amber, you should be very surprised that we went to see this movie. i really enjoyed the movie. it keeps you on the edge of your seat and john cusack acting is superb. we actually had our newborn with us and amber made me hold him for most of the movie because she was afraid she would jump while she was holding him. it is very intense and keeps you guessing about how it all will end for Mike Enslin (Cusack). Also, Samuel L. Jackson does a great job in his cameo appearance as the manager of the Dolphin hotel. if you are into "chillers" this one is for you. you'll never feel the same about a hotel room again! 3 1/2 out 4 stars.