dishes

About 6 weeks ago our dishwasher went out. When you make 3+ meals for 8+ people per day dirty dishes add up pretty quick. I bought paper products thinking it would get fixed in no time but was shocked to find the repair cost almost as much as a new machine. So we waited til we had time to go shop for a new one or fix the old one. While we kept deciding on which route to take in no particular hurry, April turned into May and we kinda got use to the ole' washing by hand routine.

At first I dreaded the mountainous task at hand, but after a while as I repeatedly soaked my hands in the warm soapy water that accompanied the dishes after nourishing the people I love, it didn't seem so arduous after all. It quickly became a time for contemplation and prayer. And when invited, helpers willingly joined me at the sink full of bubbles. I found that it became a time to talk through the events of the day, problems and victories. I understood in a small way, why even though my own mother had a nice dishwasher in perfect working condition, she still chose to do them by hand.

Tomorrow will be the end to the stacks and stacks of flipped over piles of drying cups, plates, pots and pans. And while I'll miss that one on one time accomplishing and finishing a task in the company of my family, I will be happy to hear the hum of the dishwasher again. Guess we'll have to transfer the one on one, working together time out to the yard.

A chick named Katherine

Being the youngest of three girls has it's perks. Your parents have been "broken in" for the most part. Your sense of fashion, hair and make-up do's and don't s are leap years ahead of those without sisters who aren't afraid to tell you like it is. And if you're lucky enough to share a room with them, you get to stay up late chit chatting about life and boys and dreams about what it will be like when you get your turn to experience things you've seen them do.

Such a day came today on the stage of Wasatch Jr. High. Twice, miss Kate sat in the audience as her sisters put it all out there by running for student body officer. First step was deciding what to run for. Second was coming up with a theme and poster/picture. Having my dear friend Michelle around the block came in extra handy for that one! When we went over for a photo, all we knew was that she was running for historian. Within minutes Michelle and her trusty assistant Hans, whipped out a giant History of the World book, a beautiful backdrop and a real live chick for added cute factor. The rest as they say, is History. Ha!

This is the dance routine she choreographed with a little help from big sis Analisa and her Aunt Lindsay. The song, Who's that Chick? seemed most fitting for the occasion.



Results are announce at the WOW assembly next Friday. Either way, she's forever a winner in my book.

A Satisfied Customer

I know I'd want to buy Big O tires after watching that! Wouldn't you? :)

I love being their Mom

“To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help, to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home – which is society’s basic and most noble institution. Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storms and strife.” Pres. Spencer W. Kimball

guitar man

After a good two years of off and on lessons and practice our little charmer, Joseph, finally passed off Book 1. Being the 5th child in a musically enriched family he could hardly wait for his turn to be in the spotlight! He was nervous and giddy but still managed to strum out a few tunes. It was so hard for his excited 9 year old mind to stay totally focused with a room full of people smiling and staring at him. His nervous energy turned into a little comedy routine in a few instances. It was delightful nonetheless. Hopefully, this will motivate him to charge through Book 2 a little bit quicker.

chiquita

Say hello to my darling niece, Analea. In hopes of transplanting their little family to Utah, my sister, Cristina thought it best to introduce Rolando to life with countless cousins and snow covered mountains. After less than 24 hours here he secured a job, threw his first snow ball and accepted the fact that Mormon folk really aren't quite as scary as he'd seen in the movies.

Wait til he really gets to know us...;)

My dear friend and photographer extraordinaire Michelle, took some photos of this beautiful little angel even while she took her very first steps. Can't wait to see what the magic of her lens captured. For now we'll have to settle for my amateur point and shoot pics, darling nonetheless, given my subject matter.