Moving Weekend!

This blog is temporarily out of service due to our Move!
More details to follow later this week.
To be continued...

"Sleeping Lizards" (The saga contiues!)

Rob and I were very busy cleaning and packing the garage to notice what Payton was doing. All we knew was that she was quietly playing with the cat in the front yard. Then she called, "Mommy, Daddy come see my lizard collection!" Zack struck again and brought her more "Lizard Presents"! But, this time they didn't jump and crawl all over her and make her scream bloody murder! Payton said, " SHHHH, these lizards are tired, don't wake them up!" We don't have the heart to tell her that her nice lizards that "don't run around" are actually dead! She so sweetly named her new friends, Jackson and Dylan (after two brothers in our ward). By the way she says, "They are twins!" Maybe this will help her with her Lizard Phobia! Poor Lizards! Don't worry she only touched them with a stick and I made her wash her hands really good after she played with them. Hey, at least it kept her busy for a long time while we packed! I don't think she's scared of lizards anymore. (here's Your Post Mortem Pics. Celia!)

"The Perfect Husband, and He's All Mine!"

This is a big Thank you to my Sweet, Strong, Handsome, Smart, Sexy husband Rob! I know it's not easy pleasing me all the time, but somehow you always do! I am kind of compulsive at times and want things done "My way on My time schedule", but you make me feel like it is one of my quirks that you adore! I know you do have a job and you need to work but, you make me feel like you just want to be next to me packing all day just to be close. Thanks for all your help with the Move! I do appreciate your hard work, we make a great team! I know cleaning and packing the garage was not fun, especially those dang upper storage units! But, don't worry- for all hard work there is always a "Reward", and you will be getting yours!!!

Love you Babe, Rach

"Buddy Pictures"

Okay, Okay, the real reason why our family plays soccer is for the uniforms and Soccer Picture Day. I have been waiting for a long time to finally get a family picture with all my children in the same sport with uniforms. Do you realize how rare this photo is? Who is to say that next year or any other year they will all play at once? From the way Pay's going she may be retiring after her first rookie season. But, at least I got proof that she played an organized team sport! They call this picture the "Buddy Picture". Laugh and roll your eyes if you will but, I live for this stuff!

"R.I.P. Rockwell"

Rockwell, R.J.'s sweet hamster passed away this morning. It was a good thing though. Rockwell was very old and struggling to move around. He was starting to get too fat to climb in his tubes and climb to the top of his cage. He couldn't see or hear any more. Even playing in his plastic run-around ball was not fun for him. We'd find him in the corner asleep. These were Rockwell and R.J.'s last pictures together. We had a hunch it was time to start saying our goodbyes. My sweet boy loved his friend till the end and was glad he had these last few days with him to let him know how happy he made him. Rockwell will be missed!

How Much Does "Your " Tooth Fairy Pay?

Just a little side note- My Children do read this Blog!

Madison just lost her 12th tooth! It was ready to come out and hanging by a thread, but she had to wait till school to pull it out. Her teacher gives the students who loose their teeth a cute little treasure chest container to put them in for safe keeping. She had to have that treasure chest! R.J. made sure to tell her to wait to pull the tooth out when they were learning about the subject she hated, therefore she could go to the nurse's office for her tooth and miss the studying all together. No wonder most kids teeth "Fall Out" at school! So this brings me to my point- "How much does your Tooth Fairy pay your children?" or "How much did you get from the Tooth Fairy when you were younger?" Is my fairy getting ripped off? I remember getting a very shinny quarter and being very satisfied because I could buy two "Watermelon Jolly Ranchers", and have 5 cents left over. Boy, has the Tooth Fairy changed! Oh to be young again, I'd love to find a prize under my pillow when I woke up, but I'll skip the teeth pulling part!

"Payton's Beauty Salon"

Welcome to Payton's Salon! My sweet girl is trying to stay busy during this move. All her toys, games and books have been packed. There was no way we could pack her Babies, "They would get scared in the boxes!" Payton has promised to hand carry all her Dollys to the new house all by herself. So in the mean time with no activities, what is a girl to do but,

Play Beauty Shop!

Mani and Pedis are her specialty!
She made sure all the babies got two coats.
" Betty's Nails", eat you your heart out!
Just don't look too close. Payton is also fully "Trained" to create any of the latest hair-styles!
Each baby was able to choose a beautiful accessory that complimented her hair.
Payton also works as a "Stylist" for the stars,
and was very willing to throw together a few fashionable outfits for the girls.
At the end of the day all her clients were very satisfied with their make-over results! For Payton it was all in a days work.
(Lucky for her Momma she was able to get a lot of work done too!)

"Is There A Plumber In The House?"

I just could not resist! I know I am a "Bad Momma"! How could I do this to my own Darling Daughter? I could not help it. But, you will be pleased to know I did ask her permission before I wrote this post. Here she was just innocently helping me pack! I saw the opportunity and I took it! I just look at it as big time black-mail to show her future husband someday. You know you all have them. Those embarrassing photos your parents broke out when your significant other came over. (I hope I'm not alone, your parents did it to you too, right?). Thank you Maddie for being such a great sport and for being the "butt of my joke" (hahaha, no pun intended). One day you will look back on this picture with fondness and wish your bottom was still that tiny!

"Games with Goodwill"

I have learned to enjoy my trips to Goodwill. Not only does it de-clutter our house, I can always count on a little fun with the workers. Let's be honest. A majority of the stuff that is taken to Goodwill/Salvation Army/D.I. is stuff that would be in the blue or brown bin in front of the house on Thursday morning if the blue or brown bins weren't already full. The games usually begin as I pull up and they look over the contents in the back of my truck. The worker goes into quality control mode and tells me what they will and won't accept. In the past I have found out that they don't accept computers, car seats, shoes, large furniture and pretty much anything that you would think to give to Goodwill. My last trip to Goodwill, I learned that they don't accept cribs, car seats and strollers because they may be unsafe. I always find it humorous that these safety items are now unsafe. When we were kids, our moms were able to drive with their hands in the 10 and 2 position, have a kid latched on all while maneuvering the station wagon down the road.

So here are some tips to unload illegal contraband at Goodwill. When they look in the bag of clothes, they tell me that they don't accept shoes. (Of course I know that, hence the shoes buried in the bottom of the bag). I give them a couple of bags to unload and while they are organizing them in the trailer, I have unloaded a car seat by the back wheel of my truck. By the time they have unloaded the other boxes, the crib, car seat and other illegal Goodwill items have been dropped in various areas of their other trailer. Asking for a receipt will usually buy some more valuable time to clean things out. The best is when they realize that illegal donations have been donated. I mysteriously am unable to hear them or I must take that urgent phone call as I hop back in the car and drive away. It may not be skydiving but it sure is a rush!

"I Love Moving!"

Some may say I am crazy, but I love to move! We are never in a house for very long. I have come to figure out why- This is my form of "Spring Cleaning". When my house starts to get a little cluttery I say, "get the moving van ready, it's time to re-locate, I am ready to purge!!!" I have to admit I am sort of a Pack-Rat, I like to call it being very "sentimental". It drives Rob crazy! He's still trying to get rid of my very cute, shabby-chic Porch Swing that I bought 5 years ago at an antique shop and have never put up. But, some day I know I will. It's hard to let go of anything that was my children's: cribs, cradles, clothes, school work/projects, you name it! I always think, one day they may want it for their child. I know, I know, I think it is a sickness. And Yes, it's that time again! Circle the wagons, we are moving up the hill! Same everything though- School, Ward, Community. But for this move I will be better about "Letting GO", If I have not used it in a year- it's gone! See Rob, aren't you proud of me? Only one exception , the Porch Swing is coming with us!

"Flushing $ down the drain-Soccer Style"

Guest blogger "Bears eat beets" here. I am subbing because the rewards for posting are too great to pass up. Payton is doing a great job building my case on why I hate soccer. These pictures explain what we go through on a Saturday with her. Her coach (bless her heart) is trying to teach her to kick the ball on the laces of her shoes. I am happy if she runs in the right direction.

Payton: I don't want to play with those yellow shirt girls. (Opposing team)
Payton: Why is there only one ball? I want to play with my own ball.
Payton: I want to play at the park where we practice not here.

Payton: I don't want to play soccer anymore.
Dad: What do you mean?
Payton: I want to go home and not play soccer anymore.
Dad: If we leave right now. We are not coming back next week.
Payton: Good
Dad: If we leave and don't come back next week, you must give your uniform back to your coach right now.
Payton: I don't want to drive home naked.


Dad: All the girls have shin guards. If you kick in the crowd 10 times and get the ball, I will take you to Chevron after the game.

By the way...who gets to keep the banner that I chipped in $20 to make?

"Notes from the Baby-Sitter"

Don't you love coming home from a date to see a note the baby-sitter left on your counter for you? It usually says, "We were so good tonight, can we get a prize?!" or "So and So did this or So and So did that." Well, our babysitter is R.J. He does do a good job with his sisters. (Actually, I think Madison does most of the work.) At least they are still alive when we get home. The house is clean, dishes in dishwasher, kids asleep in bed. That's all that we expect out of a sitter. So far so good. Until last night. We got this note: "We are asleep in YOUR BED!" They looked so cute sleeping all together. R.J.- still in his Soccer Uniform (I guess he forgot the shower that I told him to take.) poor thing hanging half on and off the bed. Madison- Obviously the most comfortable of the bunch, taking up more than half the bed (takes after her Momma). I hope she could breath with all that hair covering her face. And Little Payton- I bet she was in heaven being able to sleep with her big sister and big brother. Looks like she pieced together different P.J.s to appease her "Ever-Changing Style". I guess I shouldn't complain, they looked so peaceful, there is evidence of bed time story reading and they were really asleep (with no T.V. on!!) and they did not wake up when we disposed each child into his or her right bed! You know what they say, "You never wake a sleeping baby!" Even if it is the Baby-Sitter! (Be sure to click on pictures, they are even better zoomed in!)

"I Love To See The Temple!"

Yesterday was my sister Michele's and my first day to volunteer at the temple! The whole shift we spent "Training". We were able to go on a long tour of the whole temple. I can now tell you where all the emergency exits are in case of fire or disaster! It was so cool getting to see all the "behind the scene" aspects of the temple. Honestly the Temple holds a new kind of reverence for me. I am in total awe of my experience. The whole day was wonderful! One of the great parts of serving at the temple is that you are starving after your shift. So, you must go have lunch with your fellow volunteer friends. My friend Allison said, "Heavenly Father makes sure that "After Temple Lunch Calories" don't count because you have served so willingly!" I totally believe her and made sure to have dessert! Going to the temple so early in the morning made me a little nervous. I had to leave everything in Rob's hands. I have complete trust in him that everything will run smoothly but, I have control issues. I did leave a "Morning Check List", laid the kids clothes out the night before and made sure homework & reading log was checked, signed and ready to go! The only thing that got me worried was the girl's hair! As you can see from the picture, there are no bows, ribbons, clips or flowers in their hair! The Horror!!!! I'm sure Madison begged daddy to let her wear it straight! In the past she'd be wearing a baseball cap. At least Payton's hair was attempted! Rob told me he put it in a Pony-Tail, but it was too "Bumpy" for Payton's taste so they did it again and again. She even wanted to call mom to see if it was okay to wear a "Bumpy Pony-tail"! When I came home, everything was fine! Rob is wonderful and I am lucky to have him. He even told me to go take a nap because I got up soooo early! I think I am really going to like "Sacrificing" in the Temple (hehehe)!!

And No Celia, I don't talk too much to work in the temple. I can be reverent at times! My Pretty Girls with their "Pretty Hair"!

"Tag, I'm It!"

Gotcha!!! HaHaHa to all the girls who got tagged!

You better do it! Here goes mine!

(Picture: Ms. Tulip)

The Terrible Twos

Two Names You Go By:

1. Rach

2. Momma

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:

1. Victoria Secret...don’t' get too excited it's only their PINK Sweats!

2. a Smile (Rob will be here soon after a long meeting!)

Two Things You Want in a Relationship:

1. Laughter

2. never-ending attraction

Two of Your Favorite Things to do:

1. Blog

2. work out (I promise)

Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment:

1. Something Sweet

2. To go to BED!

Two pets you had/have:

1. Colby, our sweet beagle

2. Zack, our new kitty

Two people who will fill this out first:

1. My sisters

2. Does Allison count since she sent it to me?

Two things you did last night:

1. Blogged

2. Snuggled with Rob

Two People that live in your house (home):

1. The maid

2. The Cook

Two people you talked to last:

1. Allison

2. Rob

Two things you are doing tomorrow:

1. Temple Shift, for the first time!

2. Eating Lunch after!!

Two of the Longest Vehicle Rides:

1. Provo, Utah to Tucson, Arizona- First time Rob met the Parents!

2. So.Ca. to Lindon, Utah -For a "White Christmas"

Two Favorite Holidays:

1. Christmas

2. Valentine's day

Two favorite beverages:

1. Red Bull

2. Pinadas (that's a Virgin Pina Colada) in Cabo!!! (You stole mine Allison!)

"The Lost Sheep"

Rob has been such a good daddy by walking the kids and Colby (the dog) to school every morning this week. Now take note, this "walk" is on a trail off our cul-de-sac. It is a very easy walk to school because it's down hill all the way. But, walking home is a different story- It's a pretty steep climb (ask Anne, she's done it). It's bad enough trying to make Payton hike up the hill but, the Dog too! For those of you who have never seen Colby may not understand, why a dog can't walk up the hill? Poor Colby has a weight problem! Like many other Beagles he can't stop eating. (he's on a diet, but Payton sneaks him food!) He doesn't know his limit. People have often confused him with a Basset Hound because his belly reaches the ground. So, this morning Rob decided to leave Colby home. The kids would not have it! Rob told the kids he couldn't drag the dog up the trail one more day! Maddie had a brilliant idea, "I know dad, you can carry Colby around your shoulders, just like Jesus did with the Lost Sheep!" (You know the picture!) Needless to say Colby is starting the "Big Booty Doggie Workout" Tomorrow! He's tired of being called a smelly, old, Basset Hound!

"Blast from the Past"

We just got a visit from the Lowe family out of the blue! J.J. was Rob's close friend growing up and both our friend in college. He was even in an Usher in our Wedding! We haven't seen them in about 10 years. We all have changed since then. And added a lot of kids (they have 5). Don't you love the picture of the kids? It was so hard to get all the babes to sit still long enough to take it, let alone smile! I don't think "Ruby's Diner", liked us very much. Just imagine 8 very excited children eating a very "Sugary Breakfast"! We love J.J., Heather and the kids! We can't wait for another visit.

"The Results Are In!"

The votes are in and the results are.... Drum Roll Please! I get to keep my long hair! Wahoo!!!! Thank you all who voted for my long hair. And the people who didn't, Sorry! Love, RJ

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Originally uploaded by koda_komi263

So I guess this is the hair style R.J. really wants! Meet Zac Ephron, heart throb to many young girls! He's the Star of the "Hairspray" & "High School Musical" movies and very popular in our house. I guess R.J.'s choice could have been worse! Not too long or out of control- I could live with it. R.J. has promised though to cut his hair by the time he is 12 (don't worry Grandma Rozzie & Pooie)! No scruffy hair to pass the Sacrament! My friend Allisons right, I do have to pick my battles. Just remember R.J., I let you have this one! I'm saving up for a doozy!

"The last Chick flew the coop!"

Today was Payton's first day of Kinder-Readiness Class. She was sooooo ready to go. We had the countdown going, everyday she'd ask, " How many more days till I get to go!" She was a little disappointed when her Best-friend/ cousin Summer started Kindergarten this year without her! She has that dreaded December birthday which holds her back till next year. But, that did not stop the excitement for starting school, any school! Payton made sure to pick out her own outfit for her first day. School shopping with her was hard! I am so used to "helping" the other kids pick out their clothes. She definitely has her own mind and tastes. Everything I suggested she hated. But, she made sure to let me know, "I want just as much clothes as Maddie got!" Hello she's 4 1/2! She really pays attention. I really got to watch this one. She is smarter than her own good.

"Words of Wisdom From Grandpa"

Today was a great day! We were able to see Grandpa Melendez speak in Sacrament. His topic to speak on was: "What Grandparents need to teach their grandchildren to prepare them for the future." Since he is the grandfather of 16, he has given a lot of advice, counsel, words of encouragement and support and examples of life lessons to each of our kids.

Grandma helped him out with his talk by surveying each grandchild and asked them, "What has Grandpa taught you?" Here is what my children answered:

R.J.- He taught me how to play Baseball, Marbles and Chess. He helps me build up my vocabulary. He tells me to never procrastinate and to be a good example. Most importantly-Be a leader, not a follower!

Madison- He taught me how to forgive others, no matter how tempting it is to get mad!

Payton- Grandpa taught me how to eat ice-cream! He taught me the "Bag Trick" (a trick he taught me when I was her age! I love my Daddy) .

I feel so blessed my children have you as their Grampi!
I love you Dad, thanks for being The best Dad and Grandfather!
Love, Rachel

"Short Hair Verses Long Hair, R.J. needs your vote!"

We want your total HONESTY! And which ever wins I promised R.J. we would abide by your vote!

Do you prefer:

"Prep~School, all-American boy hair"

or

"Surfer, Slacker boy hair"?

(Keep in mind, he wants to keep it growing longer!)

He says, now that he is older he should be able to pick his own hair~style. But, we both agreed on this Vote, so choose wisely! His hair is in your hands, the style is up to you!

"Am I Old School?"

Am I the only mom on the planet that still uses Sponge Rollers? Well, what's wrong with them? So you have to wear them over night, so they make it hard to lay your head on the pillow and you don't get much sleep, so you look like Shirley Temple when you first take them out! But, it's "Picture Day" at school and she needs "Beauty Queen Hair". My mom used to put them in my hair and I had the same complaints that my girls have. (we only use the rollers on picture days and special occasions.) If my mom had it her way the girls and I would be wearing them every night. So I really do feel my daughter's pain. But, look at the out come of all this suffering. I think she's beautiful. And I am only preparing her how to sacrifice comfort for beauty. The only problem, we have to wear the rollers again on Sunday night! Rob informed me this morning, Picture Day is on Monday, I got the dates wrong. Sorry Madison but, beauty comes with a price!

"Oh my G_ _ !"

We just had the talk that I've had to give to all my children. I guess it's inevitable. Do they learn it at school or from other children? I know they did not learn this phrase at home. Have you ever tried to explain to a 4 year old (in 4 year old terms) why we do not say, "Oh my G_ _!"? I wish she could simply understand, "We shouldn't take the Lord's name in vain".
Payton's response was," Why can't I say that? I love God, I like to say his name!" Does every child go through this phase or just mine? I remember growing up and saying, "Oh my gosh!" in a very "Valley Girl" way, I guess it sounded a little too close to the other phrase and my parents would ask all wide eyed, "What did you just say?" "GOSH!!!!" The apple does not fall far from the tree, because I just said the same thing. I guess I should count my lucky stars, she could have said something far worse!

"I've been Pinned"

"I've been pinned!" Haven't you always wanted to say that? I wish I lived back in the olden days when the boys "Pinned" the girls. I guess it was supposed to mean they were going steady or a symbol of his affection or that the girl belonged to that boy. Well, I was lucky enough to receive this boy's (Boy Scout) pin! But you know what, he already had me since day one! He did not need a pin to claim my heart. But, I am proud that he did. He worked hard for that pin and I am the lucky one who gets to wear it. Way to go R.J.!!!!

(Don't you love his tongue sticking out in the picture?)

"Swimming Lessons 101"

Payton's first day of Swim Lessons

Swim lessons are almost over! They were worth every penny. Payton has done so well! She can now swim the length of the pool with no help at all, float like a star fish, do the back stroke, turn over from back to belly in mid swim, dive for swim rings in the deep end and jump into the deep end and swim to the far end of the pool . Boy, we've come a long way baby. We started out with her constantly telling the teacher, "No, I don't want to do that." In her very "serious man" voice. She finally learned to trust the teacher and has become a star pupil. The only down fall is all the money we now have to spend on the ENT, (ear, nose & throat specialist) her ears are acting up due to being in the water so much. She can't hear but, at least she can swim!

"Buenos Dias!!!"

Hola, We made it back to the states in one piece!

We had such a good time with the sisters, brothers and cousins in Mexico.

Put us all together in one beach house and the laughter does not end!

Here are some Hi-lights from the trip!Madison the "Sugar Cookie"
We had enough Fish and Carne Asada Tacos

to satisfy our craving till next year.
Talk about "Having your head in the sand!"
"Ghetto Jacuzzi"
Who's the pasty white guy with all those tan Mexicans?

Phase 10 Marathons
R.J. with no hands,
perfect time to do anything I want to him!
Payton and Daddy Boogie-Boarding!
She's so Brave.
Colby helping the kids with the digging.
Riding the Donkeys er Horses in Mexico!

We love the beach!

"Mi Ninos"

"Puerto Nuevo"

Lobster Village

All you can eat:

Tortilla soup, lobster, rice, beans

and fresh warm tortillas.

Try eating that in the states for under $14.00!

We want some more "Smores!"

Cousins watching the sunset

After waiting at the border for 2 hours,

we now know why Mexicans would rather

run across instead of waiting in line.

Till next year, "Viva Mexico!!"