The Dancings!: 2008

Ear Plugs, Magnets and True Love...

Before I blog on our Christmas festivities, I have to tell you about something WONDERFUL that has happened in the past couple of days.

Let me preface this with the fact that I have been VERY patient the last few (years) with the snoring. Up until about 3 months ago, I very rarely kicked Bradley out of the bed. But, lately, it's just gotten to the point where I can't be nice anymore. My poor husband has slept out on the couch more in the last few weeks than in our entire 10 years of marriage, and not because he is in the "dog house." His snorning can
peel.
paint.
off.
the.
walls!!

So, last night on my way to a drive-thru dinner of I know, I know, NOT nutritious, but OH, so yummy!!!

I stopped by the CVS pharmacy to get some earplugs and look for something to help the snoring! After much looking, I found this:
Evidently, you put this nose ring in your septum, and the magnets attached magically make you stop snoring.

I also picked up some of these fabulous earplugs, and an US weekly (I'm a sucker for trashy magazines)

So, I took it all home. When it was time for bed, Bradley and I began our normal nighttime ritual, and then we began the new one: Nose ring for Bradley, yellow and pink earplugs for Lauren. We looked at each other and started cracking up! Nothing like true love to keep you both in the bed together...we'll try anything!

Okay, so let me just say...in the midst of a sick 21 month old who was up all night, that nose ring WORKS! Hallelujah! For all those wives out there who are at their wits end, go to CVS and get this contraption...it helps A LOT. If your husband has sleep apnea, you might be out of luck, and if you can figure out how to get him to the doctor, and to wear the sleep machine, you are a better wife than I, and you need to blog about how you have that kind of control...

Anyway, check it out. I am sooooooooo excited! Life is good!

Merry Christmas!!

We are soooo excited about this Christmas! We made a pact to avoid the normal craziness, and we are now to the 22nd of December, and I think we might just pull it off! Very small focus on the material "stuff", very large focus on our sweet little family, and the true meaning of Christmas. I am looking forward to it all. We went to church on Sunday, and Braelin sang with her Primary and I sang in the ward choir. It was nice. After church, we attempted some "we have perfect children" photos in their red dresses...note to self: don't try and take pictures after church. Everyone is tired and hungry, and they pretty much hate that you are doing this to them before they eat.

Bradley threatened Braelin within an inch of her life, and we got a couple of decent ones. I really should put her sour faces on here for posterity, but I really do want everyone to "think" I have perfect children.

Tonight we are making the rounds to deliver our Christmas gift. I spent some time recording 5 Christmas Carols at a studio to send to friends and family. It was so fun to be recording again. But, it's also expensive. I gave myself 2 hours of studio time to record 5 songs. Not nearly enough time to get it all perfect, but other than a couple of notes here and there that make me go "hmmmm", it turned out to be a really fun project, even if I can hear myself breathing way too much. I need to spend some time getting my voice back into shape...not to mention many other areas of my body. I practiced in the car while commuting to work, and by the time I was ready to record, my voice was tapped out! I used to be able to sing for hours with no strain at all, this time I was really feelin' it. But, nevertheless, it ended up serving the correct purpose. Mom cried today when she got the CD...she hasn't heard me sing for a couple years now, and really, the CD was more for her and Dad than anyone else. Did I mention how much I love my mom and dad?

They are so great, and such a support to me and my family and all we do! It's so nice to know that I can still call my mom whenever I want to and she will support me and love me no matter what.

Anyway, I will blog after Christmas and let you know how everything goes. I am wishing for all those that I love a very merry Christmas and the best new year YET!

Scuba Diving

I am going through withdrawls....why did I have to fall in love with such an expensive hobby? I want to see that water again...the color of which there are NO words!

I love everything about Scuba Diving.
I love the fact that it is the one thing that Bradley and I both enjoy doing together, that we are both really good at!
I love getting up early (yes, that's right) to meet the boat...
I love all the different type people you meet.
I love the preparation and the boat ride out to the dive site.
I love speaking Spanish to all the dive masters and boat help.
I love hearing about all of the different experiences people have had.
I love the smell and taste of the salty air.
I love the weight of the oxygen tank on my back.
I love free falling backwards into the water.

But mostly....

I LOVE being under the water! It is so peaceful and serene. The gurgling sounds of the water and your breathing are hypnotic. The colors of the fish and coral is astounding. It's like another life that exists that you never knew about, except that for 30 minutes, you get to be privy to everything that is going on in it. Other than the fact that sometimes you get stuck on a boat with some old guy in a speedo (eewww!), there really isn't anywhere else I'd rather be.

I can't wait until my girls are old enough to go with us. They are both already fish, so it's pretty much a slam dunk that they are going to love it as much as we do.

I am secretly hoping that things kind of go to pot here with this "new" administration, and that I might have to go all ex-patriot and end up in Cozumel or Roatan. Absolutely fine by me!

Christmas Cards in Photoshop

So, I decided that I'm not that thrilled with Costco Christmas Photo Cards. I mean, they are alright, but I really wanted to do something fun this year. So, I decided that I was going to design my own in Photo shop. Then I went overboard and designed like 5 different cards, and now I don't know which one to use. I plunked pictures in them, but obviously want to put family pictures in place...that is if we ever take one I like (or that makes me look like I'm still a size 6).

This is the only way I keep in contact with some of my dearest friends...ironic, I know, but it's true. Once December hits, every day at the mailbox is like a gift. I get pictures of friends and their families, and I get to read all about their exciting lives.

I. CAN'T. WAIT.

Anyway, back to my debacle. Now I don't know which one to pick, so I need your help. Vote for your favorite!

Your votes will count! And, once I've decided which one to use, the rest are up for grabs, so if you want the file, I can send it to you, you plunk your picture in, and presto....Christmas cards!

Family Visit

We said goodbye on Sunday to Mom, Dad, Sara, Zealin and Ian. Mom and Dad came down for 9 days, and it felt like 9 minutes. Why do the weeks go by so fast when people you love come to visit? We took some pictures, and it's good to have a pic of them together again.

While mom and dad were here, we painted and wallpapered my kitchen. It was a serious project, one I never would've been able to accomplish on my own. We wallpapered over ugly wood paneling...which worked surprisingly well after we filled in the grooves, and we painted the rest of the kitchen a beige color. All the trim was painted black, and it looks awesome....so much better than the old way. Now I just have to refinish all 54 cabinets, and redo the backsplash and get new countertops and it will be good as new. (makes me feel like taking a nap just typing it) Dad also fixed the ballisters on our gazebo which became very loose when the 80 year old oak tree fell on them. They look great...thanks, Dad!

So, Thursday night we went and picked Ian and Sara up at the airport. Sara came down with Zealin...so cute! And busy! She is only two months older than Devrie, but talks like a mad-woman, and is quite a bit larger, although Devrie most certainly held her own. The arrival of the three of them made the house feel smaller, and the chaos that is so often associated with the Bates Family began. Sara decided that she should cut hair while down here to pay for her ticket. Over the next two days, she cut and/or colored: Brenda, Melissa, Catherine, Erin, Carmen, Juslin, Ian, Bradley, Caryn, Cristina, Lauren, Bradley and Devrie.

Now to the best part of my post: Devrie's first haircut! Did I mention we did this in the middle of a Carne Asada BBQ with all my family, my nanny, her husband and daughter, and one of Ian's friends from Austin? It was hilarious. I didn't think she would sit still, but I guess the little bugger actually knows how, if there is a sharp object near her head. She got a little pixie bob, and it is pretty hilarious. Here are some pics:

I also took some pictures of Sara, Zealin and Ian. Here are some of my favorites:

I cried real hard when everybody left. The whole way back home. Then I took a nap and I felt a little better.

That's what sucks about living so far away from family. When they come to visit, you are so excited you can't hardly stand it. Then they leave and you can't hardly stand it.

Thanks for coming to visit...We loved having you!

Devrie Doo

So, from the time Devrie was a little 6 pound screaming ball of fun, we have always called her "Devrie Doo". I even have little songs for her that go along with the "Winnie the Pooh" theme song, and Scooby Doo..."Devrie, Devrie Doo, stinky poo..." (this song usually comes out of my mouth during diaper changes).

Well, her name isn't Devrie Doo anymore. It's Devrie Don't. As in, "Devrie, don't climb up on the table" or "Devrie, don't put your toothbrush in the toilet!" or "Devrie, don't shampoo your hair with fruit cocktail!" or "Devrie, don't throw all your socks in your diaper pail" or "Devrie, don't hide mommy's glasses inside a toy purse under the wet bar" or "Devrie, don't pull mommies feminine products out of her purse during church!"

Not that she listens anyway. She just looks at me like I'm some sort of lunatic and then continues on her merry way. The other day she was wimpering in her room, and I went in there to find her UNDERNEATH her toppled over dresser! It takes A LOT to get this child to cry. Oh, did I mention her favorite thing to do when I take something away from her that she wants...mostly markers that Braelin leaves all over the house. She screams and then bonks her head on the hard floor. As hard as she can. Sometimes two or three times. It's lovely. She has a constant yellowish mark on her forehead from hurting herself. I don't know what we are going to "doo."

Meanwhile, Braelin had an eventful week at school getting in trouble nearly every day. She is talking too much....hmmmm....wonder who she gets that from? Well, she got a yellow letter, which is really, really, really bad. It said on it that she had received a time out in PE for being disrespectful and calling names. A far cry from the day she kicked a boy in the face with her winter boot in Kindergarten, but nevertheless, a big deal.

I asked her what happened. She said, "I don't want to tell you." I said, "You can tell me anything." She said, "I can't tell you this...it's really bad." As my mind wandered much farther than it needed to, I said, "It doesn't matter what you said, I still want to know." She said, "I called Adrian a name."

"What did you call him?" I asked.

"Buck-tooth China." she replied.

HUH?

I said, "Is Adrian Asian?"

She said, "No."

I said, "Does he have teeth that stick out?"

She got more and more frustrated, "NO!"

"Then why did you call him that?" I asked.

"I DON'T KNOW!" she wailed.

Well, that was the end of that. She doesn't even know what she's talking about. So after a stern reprimand, and a reminder to apologize to Adrian, I dropped it. But not before I Googled "Buck tooth China". 5 entries. My daughter uttered a phrase that only exists on 5 websites. I think that's pretty genius if you ask me!

WalMart

You know those days where you really want to say something, but when you finally have the time, you can't think of what to say? Okay, so that is me right now. Hopefully if I keep typing it will get better. I had this goal that I would blog at least once a week, and that lasted like one week...Nice...

My mom and dad are coming to visit in a couple of weeks! I am sooooo excited! My dad has never been to Dallas, and the last time my mom came down was when I had Devrie. I am hoping to have some time to re-decorate my kitchen, or at least get started before they come. We'll see (translation: Never gonna happen).

I've also decided that WalMart pharmacies are sucky! Yea, they have $4 prescriptions, but you pay for it in the end.

Speaking of WalMart, I am so proud to say that I walked out of the WalMart last night with ONLY my prescription...I didn't buy anything else! Braelin decided that fake nails were totally worth spending her allowance on, so we did have to stand in line, but I was still proud of myself that I didn't spend anything. This AHA moment of course was brought to me by Oprah's show on Tuesday, with Suze Orman telling all of us that we are living a lie and should sell our homes and stop spending money that we don't have! I have money, but I spend too much of it on crap I don't need, so I am really going to try to reel it in (Translation: If it's not a GOOD deal, I won't buy it, but if it's a good deal, I'll probably justify buying it)

We walked out of the store, and I was so thrilled with myself! Only to look down and realize that Devrie was missing one of her shoes. Which means we had to go back in there and retrace our steps....all the way to the back of the store in the craft section (you know where I'm talking), find the shoe, and then try not to look at anything on the way out the door. I have a serious problem.

This Weekend!

Let's see, what did we do this weeking? Well, for starters, I finally cracked open the book, "Twilight", so I'm sure I'll be MIA for the next few days, much to Bradley's dismay. When he saw me with it last night, he just rolled his eyes in the back of his head. I know, I know, I'm a junkie for a great book.
Braelin decided she would invite the "love of her life" and his family over for a BBQ on Saturday. We are so glad that she keeps us social, we are losers otherwise. Anyway, the Christofferson's came over in the afternoon. We enjoyed an hour or so in the pool with all the kids, (Peter and Bradley were having more fun than our children!)and then

we stuffed our faces with yummy hamburgers and hot dogs a la chef Bradley. I don't know what he puts on those burgers and hot dogs, but they were goooood! It was a really fun afternoon.
Sunday we relaxed as always. Devrie got hold of a candy bar and

smeared that everywhere, then took her diaper off during her nap and smeared THAT! everywhere, so into the shower she went. A small victory for Devrie who would be in the water 24/7 if we would let her. We watched a bit of the Olympics...I still can't get over Michael Phelps...the guy is NOT human! All in all it was a great weekend. Hoping that the next one comes really fast!

All About Braelin

Things about Braelin you should know:
She cried for an hour when Chelsea Hightower got voted off So You Think You Can Dance.
She says the best prayers ever.
She gives hugs to everyone.
She hates wearing her glasses.
She swims like a fish.

She would swim outside all day if she could.
She loves broccoli.
She loves balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
She is in love with Ben Christofferson.
She snorts when she laughs.
She can do a mean cartwheel.
She sings off key at the top of her lungs when she listens to the IPOD.
She asks if Jesus can hear her thoughts.

She plays with mommy's hair.
She loves her weekly allowance.
She has decorated her bedroom, and wants it all painted pink.
She is in love with the Jonas Brothers.

We're Finally Blogging!

So, I've given into peer pressure, and finally decided that it's time to start blogging. I am horrible about writing in a journal, so maybe a web chronicle of our lives will earn me some extra points.
Bradley and I have been married for 10 years. We live in Duncanville, TX and we will have been here for 2 years come December. Our sweet little Devrie was born here, so Texas will always be close to our hearts, whether we stay here or not. During our marriage, I felt most at home in Logan, and maybe (hopefully) someday we will get back there.
Braelin will be 7 at the end of August. I can't believe how big she is getting. She is such an amazing little girl...so loving, and such a great big sister! We worried that there would be too large a gap between the two, but she loves playing with Devrie and they have a blast together. Devrie is our little spitfire. She is way too smart for us! And she has all of the hard-headed qualities that Braelin somehow steered clear of. With Braelin, you could say, "No, No" and she would walk away. With Devrie, you say "No, No" then she says, "No, No" then proceeds to throw her daddy's t-shirt into the toilet. But, we love her bunches nonetheless.
Bradley is working himself into oblivion as the Director of Sports and Aquatics at the YMCA in Irving. I am enjoying my days as an Executive Assistant for student housing. It is stress free, and so much fun. I love who I work with, we have a blast. As for the girls, they are taken care of by our Nanny from Nicaragua, Carmen. She has helped all of us keep our Spanish on the up and up, and of course Devrie's first word was "Hola", not "Hi", but we don't mind one bit. Carmen is a blessing from heaven since both of us are required to work right now. I do have plans to be in the house if and when another child joins our family. Cross your fingers...