Crayons melt in the dryer!

Why can't my little boy keep frogs and snakes in his pockets? I guess because we live in the city. He does like to keep toy ones in his pockets. A crayon from my mom's birthday lobster dinner on Thursday at the Keg was still in Marvin's pocket. It ruined everything in that load of laundry. My dryer is BLUE! I already tried scrubbing the dryer and got extremely frustrated. It's not really coming off. He will get a turn trying too. I hope someone out there has a solution for me. Anastasia is into everything, crawling faster and faster each day. The cat food and garbage are no longer safe. Luckily outlet protectors are on sale at Ikea. It's 49 cents for a dozen! Gotta count my blessings here. Today we cleaned and organized Marvin's room. Lucky for me Daddy got it going. I just didn't know where to start. We chose toys to donate or give to little sister. One time the Chinese ward left their nursery cupboard unlocked. Marvin discovered this and we found they are really lacking in the toy department. Tomorrow will be their lucky day! Marvin really enjoyed the BC Lions game on Friday night with his dad. Sounds like they got a little wild. His dad bought him a really long orange horn, not exactly a horn. It's more like a keyless trumpet. It doesn't make noise on its own but he was thrilled that he was allowed to blow it as much as he liked. It reminds me of the Ricola commercial's horn.

What do you need more of in your life?

Some of the things women need more of in their lives. This week I have committed to setting goals to get more of TWO things on this list. At times we all need more of the following, contributing factors vary. Remember we have to take GOOD care of ourselves to take care of the others in our charge and continue to spread our positive energies. Take a few moments to determine what it is that YOU need more of. I am thinking of ways to get practical help achieving my goals through socialization, arts, spiritual experiences, brainstorming, and some encouragement as well. I am drilling into my head: Ask for help when you need it!I'll try two more next week. How many weeks will this go on? As women and especially as mothers we sometimes give and give and give. What is left to nuture our souls? How many times do you leave yourself last. Once in a while we need to take stock and increase our inventories. Go to it!

Praise
Appreciation
Love
Fun
Simplification
Freedom
Knowledge
Confidence
Recognition
Self-love
Self-esteem
Education
Affection
encouragement
Self-control
Flexibility
Organization
Time
Sleep
Sex
Good Food
Comfort
Relaxation
Increased Concentration
Cuddling
Relaxation
Fitness and Health
Safety
Trust
Money
Variety
Success
Imagination
Exercise
Work
Music
Laughter
Romance
Music
Purpose
Approval
Friendship
Play
Beauty
Gentleness
Kindness
Patience
Compassion
Understanding
Benevolence
Service
Creative Juices
Silence
Respect
Happiness
Faith
Mercy
Forgiveness
Insight
Commitment
Honesty
Joy
Control

Happy to be a Mommy...

What an exciting Mother's Day.I am so grateful for all the encouragement and love I get from my mother and my mother-in-law.They are so good to me.I find them both strong, inspiring women, tirelessly trying to help their children.I only hope I can live up to their reputations as mothers.We don't always agree.We don't always like each other.We aren't always kind to each other.But we always try to love each other.Their love for my children and theirs is AMAZING.They aren't June Cleavers.They don't bake cookies.They just try their best everyday at all they do. I'm not sure why I can't keep my house immaculate, provide balanced, nutritious, delicious meals, bake continuously, exercise on a regular basis, iron, have my hair and make up and nails done, dinner on the table promptly on the table at six o'clock, be unconditionally patient and compassionate with my children, sew all our clothes and make everything from scratch, spend appropriate amounts of time teaching at the table and playing on the floor, wear a dress, get us all to bed on time every night, have more realistic expectations of myself, but I am working on it.I am not sure wear we get all these ideas of a perfect mother or why our standards are so high.Perhaps from the media or our dreams of what it would be like to be a mother.I have learned that parenting is the most challenging thing I have ever done.After be coming a Mama I have learned multi-tasking is the only way to go.My mom says if you can't do one thing perfectly, just do everything as good as you can.That must be where I learned to do too much, or try to. The good thing is some days it is easy to forget the piles of clean laundry to wash or put away leave the dirt on the floor a little longer than I want to.Neglect the dishes, go through the drive thru, grab a pizza, give myself a break for not getting up before my children to read, to pray, to clean, to cook.Some days I can put it all on the back burner to go to the park or play on the floor with trains,or hit Granville Island,kids in tow.Those are the days they will remember.I don't remember if my mom kept the house tidy and clean.I don't remember if the ironing was done or the car was washed. I remember she once baked a whole mess of heart shaped cookies for me to take to school. I remember her unshaved, prickly legs in bed.I remember the banana seat bicycle she got me and encouraged me to ride.I can still hear her saying, "I never had any training wheels so you don't need any either."I remember the wading pool on the porch, the chess set she made for me, the swing set she cemented in the yard, the roller skating on the seawall at Stanley Park, the friends she let me have over, the bunk beds, the fish tank I never cleaned, the garden, the sandwiches, the cat she got me when we moved, her being a girl guide leader, our baptism, getting my ears pierced at swingin' Surrey Place mall, rootbeer floats, green milk, Shakee's Pizza, food storage, going to the hairdresser,her working so hard to provide for our tiny family.The list goes on.She wasn't perfect but she was my mom.I hope I am making good memories with my children too.Mom I appreciate everything you sacrificed to make me into the woman I am.I am so grateful for your faith, your perseverence, your patience and your support.Thank-you to all the mothers I know because you all are good examples to me.I am lucky to know so many mommies who inspire me to try harder and who listen to me when I just need to connect to a grown up woman.I am lucky to have a husband who sees my value and helps me to stay positive even when I am insanely sleep deprived and unreasonable.I am also very lucky to get the breaks I do when I just can't give of myself for one more minute.Life is good,even though it's hard.We learn so much from our challenges.

WeeklyWalkingClub

Weekly Walking Club
Bring yourself!
Bring your children!
Bring your dogs!
Everyone Welcome!
Queen's Park in New Westminster
Let's meet on Tuesdays at 12:30pm
*weather permitting*
12:30-12:45 meet in front of Arena, between First Street
and McBride Blvd, across from the tennis courts and stadium
Parking is free and abundant.
Inside are telephones, washrooms, vending machines, etc...
We'll follow the Millennium Trail back to the Arena and continue
walking through the Rose Garden to the Playground and Picnic Area.
Also the park offers a petting farm, spray park, concessions,
an art gallery and more.
We hope you can join us!
For more information just call
Betty-Ann Manghi 6045239839 or Brooke Jenkins 6042992940
Queen's Park is located between McBride Blvd. and First Street
from Royal Avenue to Sixth Avenue

MiSs AimEe MauSsiOn

You can check out my niece Aimee's new website if you have a penchant for horses or black guys or just want to slag linsey lohan. It was fun to be THIRTEEN was it not?! Life was good. It was 1983. There wasn't too much responsibility. Just had to do a few dishes, babysit a little (I can't believe those people trusted ME with their children), hang out with friends, drive your mother absolutely crazy, ride bikes, think about and be terrified of boys, learn about make up, get interested in movies, and books. I had lots of fun as a beehive in the young women's programme and loved going to the temple. I always made time to write in my journal. I think I even had a fiction one. I learned how to set goals and really achieve them. I started to wear nylons to church and was kind of embarassed about it. The bra thing and ovulation happen way before that I think. I remember really fun times with Seminary, Sloppy Joes and baking cinnamon buns at the church but we 4got the cinnamon. I could never keep my room clean. That was the last thing I wanted to spend time doing. I liked cutting up magazines and sewing and reading Sweet Valley High books. I too liked horses but didn't have too much opportunity to be around them. When I did it was the best even if your butt or legs hurt from all that riding and using those muscles that were so rarely exercised. We had an Atari game. I liked Space Invaders. I started watching All My Children and still haven't stopped. That's not true I am an off and on viewer. Hard to find the time. I liked Little House on the Praire and Stoned Wheat Thins. The only thing my mom could get me to make in the kitchen was Orange Juice from Frozen Concentrate and I had to use the blender! You know the one you take out of the can and add three cups of water, Minute Maid, takes a genius to make. I still didn't know there was anything to listen to besides country music and Elvis. Everyone in my class laughed at me because I didn't know the song 'Jack and Diane' by John Cougar Mellancamp. There were sock hops and intermural sports at school. I liked the floor hockey at lunch time. I worked as a patrol person at the intersections before and after school plus at lunch time. We got to wear a hard hat and a bright orange vest and carry a B I G flag that said S T O P ! Cool, huh. I had dark rimmed glasses and short hair. My mom was very patient with me. I was pretty annoying at that age. www.lovey-dovey101.piczo.com for more about Aimee and you can enjoy this photo of her with my chubby little baby in her diaper only. Guess who just changed her diaper. You got it-Aimeegirl.

Happy Easter

Easter is good. I like Easter. To me Spring is really here once it's Easter. I like Spring! I signifies so much to me. Rebirth. Growth. Who doesn't like to get closer to summer. I don't even mind all the rain that comes to us in April because I know what it's doing. It's growing things. Daddy planted some tomatoes on the balcony yesterday. Little tomatoe plants, smell so good. The little boy did an egg hunt this morning with his cousins Jessica and Aimee. He is on cloud 9. He has a basket full of chocolate and candy and plastic eggs. Life is good! when you're 4. Baby is happy too. So far the best thing about this Easter weekend has been having the whole family, all 4 of us, all together for 5 days in a row, with no pressing obligations. Manghi family celebration happens Sunday after Fayth's baptism. Will post pics. Included a picture of a little cousin-Sydney Martin Apelocruz in Mexico last month. So cute. Don't you agree?

You really do need both feet...

You really do need both feet to walk. I am in shock. Thank-you Nathalie for the pictures.

just a sprain and pulled ligaments or was it tendons, we'll see

I am a goon. I fell (CRUNCH) down on my ankle in the carpark last night. One minute we were playing soccer with the 4L milk jug and the next minute I was on the ground. Marvin went to M and used the intercom to get help from Daddy. I crawled and wiggled to the door. It's F A T ! Painful.
Just a baby blog. Jessica's on her way home! Thank goodness for Lola and co. I do miss my children. Actually slept through the night. Imagine that. Six straight hours. My breast are going to explode. Milk bath anyone? Gotta pump. My cat is liking having all my attention and company. I am liking him, not licking, would get a mouthful of furs. i cant' believe how much you need your foot/ankle, ithought oh well i have two. ehlers danlos may have contributed

Fun with Fungus

I have a fungus on my breasts&Anasia has it on her bumbum.Eoww we are fussy.I'm pumping milk so i feel even more like a cow now.The crevasses near my nipples are red and sore. Don't worry I have cream. Sorry I could not include a picture of that.Yesterday Marvin got his chickenpox shot.He was so brave. He didn't even cry. Anasia got 3 needles.She did cry.He was given a snoopy bandaid.After we went to Build-A-Bear.Now we need to remorgage our home.Luckily I convinced Marvin to bring him home naked.Not marvin he was wearing head to toe green.His new monkey,Marvelous Containo Monkey.That is the name he chose.It was a very elaborate set up.He was able to participate in the making of the monkey.Even he put it's heart inside and made a with, 'that he would always be as happy as he was today'.So sweet.My granny fell down and bumped her head and hurt her rump. She can't get out of bed now, she said.I am quite concerned about her.I tried to call my dad but I couln't find him so I called her other son and one of his other daughters.She's 96 and Uncle Harry said she'll probably die on the kitchen floor one day.She said that is what she would want for herself.She is extremely independent.Also a bit stubborn about accepting help with anything.She is lying on the couch, listening to the radio and reading her large print Reader's Digest.She has a high pain threshold too so I think she should get herself checked out.Nature will take care of her if she rests, she says.I phoned my 1/2 sister Debbie to let her know and see if she could tell the Dad.Marvin was shocked to learn I have a sister, he yelled, "You don't have any sisters."He is so funny.It was so nice to talk to her!I haven't talked to her in a long time. Goforit!Debbie.She's thinking of becoming a student again.She has a grown up son named Jeff who is studying sound at Vancouver Fim School.Way to go Jeff.Good Luck! This morning I went to the historic Galbraith house.It's so old and beautiful inside. Thanks to my favorite Stampin'Up demonstrator, Lillian I made a lovely magnet. Actually it was fun and easy too.I made some new friends too.Must lay down before I collapse now.

Beware the ides of March....Photos for you

We went2Walmart2day, over2theDeCapite's home, looking4birdhouses&2Lola's. That was the afternoon. Morning was laundry,dishes,sweeping,scrubbing,crying,screaming, etc...could i be more tired

SunnySunday and some FoodForThought

It's a sunny sunny sunny Sunday. I've been2church&Anastasia is finally asleep. Why aren't I? Marvin has his tricycle&went with his Daddy2the Football field. What a life! I am almost alone. How exciting! I even got a good dose of Amma2day. Peanutbutter sandwiches are a lifesaver on days like today. All week I have been contemplating why people are so terrified of death. Perhaps it is the unknown factor involved. That was my first decision. They must all fear what comes next. The unknown next step, not for our bodies but probably our spirits or our souls. Everyone has an idea of where they would like their body to go or what would happen to it. Assuming it is only a vessel for our hearts and minds. I like to think our spirit is a combination of what is in our brains combined with what is in our hearts.As I watch a few2many graphic television programs this week(like scarface/csi)I noticed the characters did not want to die. Some of them begged for their lives even ones with lives that didn't look like much fun. I began to think and think about what others think comes NEXT. Maybe some people are afraid of what comes next, perhaps they are not looking forward to some perceived judgement of some kind. Many film suggest there are gates of which we may or may not be let into. I read in the ReadersDigest about neardeath experiences of little children. Many people testify to seeing their own body when being dead.I think I would go with the 'Do Not Resusitate' on my chart. If I am almost dead just let me go.Previously I would have said I would prefer to die instead of be subjected2the invasive procedures that might keep me alive. Now I could do it.1/2way through the week I decided the reason many people might not like to die would be the other people they would miss. Their hearts would perhaps long for their loved ones, their family&friends. I thought about my FatherInLaw. He's had some recent battles with cancer but he is not afraid to die. He figures if his time is up, his time is up. Time's Up, sounds like a gameshow quiz to me. He feels at peace with the idea that his life could be ending. He has since been feeling better and has been declared cancer free for now but could we all face the prospect of death with such courage? Being a member of the LDS church I have a stong testimony of the plan of salvation and a concrete idea of what comes next. I believe I chose with some excitement the opportunity2come2earth,2get a body,2be tested,2live&2learn&2experience joy, pain, to be in a family all that stuff. I am not sure we had a detailed knowledge of our coming situations and the trials we would face. I'm sure we had an idea of the types of things we could be subjected2 pain, sickness, brokenhearts, poverty, crime and the such as well as some of the good stuff. I'm fairly sure I liked the sound of it but really didn't have a clue to how it would really pan out. No clue. We probably thought we'd all have it so good it would just be a breeze. The blue fairy told Pinocchio that in order to become a realboy he would have to be brave, truthful, selfless. We all know how that turned out didn't we. Jessica was feeling a bit nervous about her coming trip to France and I asked her, 'What is the very worst thing that could happen?' I wanted to know what exactly she felt so scared about. She replied, "The plane could crash." It occured to me that if that happened the easiest thing could be dying. A plane crash wouldn't top my ten things to live thru. I considered the prospects of being 17 and dying. I think at that age I was pretty fearless. So many of us seem to have no real clue as to what to expect when we die. My mother's mother anticipated a really good nap, a very restful place in contrast to her time on earth. I have a feeling we'll be busy then too. She's dead now so I hope she didn't have too big of a surprise. Marvin asked me what happens to buses when they die. Do they come back? Are they ressurected he said. I guess the busgraveyard answer won't do it for that little boy. Many talk of tunnels, relations,and light after death, but that would only be the immediate consequence or perhaps the start of the journey away from our bodies toward something new. I came to the conclusion that it has to be much better than this. We probably would not be on a planet ravaged by man. We probably wouldn't have the temporal worries and aches and pains of a body. In many ways it will be something easier, but I am sure there is work for us to do and new things and people to experience and learn about. No doubt there will be more learning. I decided if we all knew how great it was going to be we would all be dying to get there. We would all be anxious to get on with it especially if we could tune into what is going on here with our loved ones. Would we miss the smiles and hugs of our little children or older family members? It could be hard to see the ones we love making mistakes if we were not permitted to stop them, if we could forsee the consequences. More soon on Life After Life....

Clap your hands, one, two, three, clean little hands are good to see...

Anastasia claps her hands! Quick alert the media! Feverish but still smiling. I don't think she's trying to catch flies. Lola and Lola are thrilled too. Marvin and I have been barfing and sweating a lot. More sweating than barfing for me. Sorry I can't let you know how it looks I was at the toilet in the dark. Pat holding my hair back, so glad he doesn't have it. Chills, nightmares, fevers, nausea, all the good stuff over here. Our baby is growing up. I wanted this one to stay small forever. I find her so adorable. Goodnight Moon.

Fever...you give me fever

Marvin's got fevers. He is so tired and listless. It scares me, but oh so relaxing, good to know something slows him down. Was so cute to see him and anastasia napping on our bed together, with Lucky. Made two big pots of soup. Marvin wants everyone to know he is 4 3/4. He's bouncing on my lap and just got his appetite back. He just ate some chicken, rice, 3 eggs, part of an apple, juice, popsicle, and now says he's still hungry. That's more than my bony boy eats in one day. He's playing now so he must feel a bit better. Not so warm. Thank goodness. Anastasia has her own toothbrush now for her two little sharp teeth. I am not liking the teeth! As you can see I have the cutest baby in the universe! According to my mom I was cuter. According to the pictures I am not so sure. Marvin wants everyone to know he is good at doing puzzles with 100 pieces. Marvin get your own blog. His butt is bubbly and he needs to take it to air care he says. Good night Moon and Venus too.

overturned 18 wheeler outside on sidewalk

Just finished this good book, quick read. It really reminded me how much our Heavenly Father and Savior loves us and are waiting to bless us. It brought back all the times of difficulties when he truly did embrace me with his love. -What is there about a hug, about being held close by one whose affection we crave, that means so much to us? An embrace can erase fear, overcome anger, heal hearts, and foster love. And while we generally think of a hug as being a physical gesture of affection, the author points out that a true embrace encompasses much more. Just Hold Me! offers a unique look at an age-old custom and discusses some of the ways we experience “hugs” in both a physical and spiritual sense. With wonderful insights and practical applications, this little book reminds us that when times are difficult we can turn to the Savior’s embrace.

what for?

What an exciting day! Marvin was putting his tongue through a hole on his train engine with real smoke with leaking batteries. Now he's screaming like a banshee. Not sure if he got a shock, a burn or is just scared by my reaction. Little boy...Anastasia definitly said mama today. Imagine Marvin didn't say it until he was 1 1/2. Still only wants to kiss her daddy. How nice a daddy's girl...

Anonymous

Always remember to be happy because you never know who's falling in love with your smile.

A day in the life of me...

Little boy is eating a gigantic bowl of muligrain cheerios. We're watching Rescue Heroes. Billy Blazes has a broken foot, due to some heroic act I suppose. "Mommy, can you put the words for the deaf people on the screen please, I know where the remote is."-marvin Lucky and Blue asleep on big bed. Daddy gone to work after he ate and played with baby. Unfortunately while playing with baby he left her unattended on the big bed. Guess what happened?! Her face is a bit bashed up. I hope she wakes up later. Jess came over last night so we could go on a date, but it didn't work. Anyway we had fun with her and she helped me fold clean laundry of which I still have a mountain of. After kids asleep drove Jessica home. Was telling her about this cool book I remembered reading about a reporter who disguised herself as a teen and went back to high school. Then she wrote a book about it. In the 50's I think, found it in my Nan's basement, maybe belonged to Aunty Sherry. I told Jess then we could do grade 12 together, would be so fun. HighSchool was so exciting! This time I could study my brains out and learn learn learn and excel in between changing diapers, making baby food, going to preschool, cooking, singing, grocery shopping, washing dishes, wait I just don't have time for studying. I'll just sleep in class and make new friends and wear strange clothes. Maybe I could write a book too. Better take English again then. Wait there are editors, right? Poor Nano had her wisdom teeth out, visiting from Kelowna until the weekend, reading break. Hope I get to see her again before she leaves. Aimee turns 13 this weekend. Scary, she's a teenager now. Cool. I really needed to ESCAPE last night. I finished making dinner after a long, exhausing, fufilling, and challenging day with children and then ran out the door. Dropped by my mom's to see her in her pajamas then went to library to p/u Dr.miseri's book. Suddenly remembered my wallet was still at 7-11. Memory is mush. Ran into a strange beatle freak from church named Roger, loves the beatles. Is in love with his married optician. Has no phone, neighbors doing crack, feeling psychic, and out of place in this world, compounded by knee problems....Marvin do you really need to sit on my lap right now? Oh you want to push the space bar. Aching left neck, wasn't it cold last night, beautiful day today, must get dressed and fed. Blue's two teeth are really poking up now. "Momma what are the words at the end of shows that say everything when the show is done?"-marvin Credits, I tell him, telling who made the show. "Showing who peed and pooed on the show?" -marvin He's obsessed with his bodily functions. What is that about? Maybe I can do some more laundry. Seriously thinking of becoming Vegan. Still wearing yesterday's underwear under my pajamas, need to brush my teeth. Blue's new shoes are on the way. So exciting, wish I was a baby! Glad it' s Friday, didn't get much sleep. Some day. Might try to make ganache torte today or take a train ride. We'll see or I could do more laundry that may Never get put away. Must work on watercolour Brotherhargreaves dropped off for me to Copy by Monday. Good luck, need to work on my drawing. That Tower of Babel is pretty fascinating. After I came home from driving Jess home Pat was still up. We had a few laughs and kisses and shared a peanut butter bar. He gave me a drawing he made at work of 3 dead roses in a glass wine caraffe. It was so sweet. It said: I wanted to let you know I appreciate the time you spend so we can live our life in harmony. And even though we're both needing a little more energy, I can still look at you with a smile in my heart. Love Pat. Incredible. I am very blessed. The baby monitor broke and he went to Chevron to buy a 9volt battery. When he came back I was surprised they had it. I figured it would've cost about $5, highway robbery, it was $6.99 plus tax. Brutal. We watched CSI and went to bed. "Everyone in that world is a bunny, right mom? And they can talk. Isn't that funny?"-marv Must surgically remove my son from being glued to the babysitter/treehouse, why do children like to sit so close to the screen? I remember trying to look inside the screen to see more of their world, but it never worked.
Do you like my blog? I guess I don't need so many details, my life isn't THAT exciting but pretty close. I'll keep it shorter next time and wait until I really have something to say.

Love is learned mostly in the home
mum, how do you spell chair
bye