Lessons My Daddy has Taught me

1."Don't forget to say your prayers." My Dad would always remind us at bed time. Often those words come to my mind still.

2. How to be humble. My dad has been very blesses in his life with work, home, health, and family but does not show pride in his blessings from Heavenly Father.

3. Take care of your things.

4. Recycle. My dad always sorts out the recycling sometimes even after it is in the grabage,and loves to keep boxes that he can use later.

5. By example My Dad taught me to love your spouse. Care for them, make him happy, put their desires above your oven and you will both be happy.

6. Read your scriptures.

7. Set goals.

8. Become a Zion People, a Zion family, a Zion person. My Dad has given us more then 150 awsome pages of FHE lessons on establishing Zion.

9. My Dad has taught us how to Choose the Right. Brian Said that Daddy has been the most perfect example of Christ like love he knows.

10. From my Dad's love he has taught me of my Heavenly Fathers Love for me, and that Heavenly Father loves me more then I can understand.

11. My dad has taught me to assume and see the best in others.

12. Share. My dad loves to be generous.

13. My dad has a great sense of Humor. and doesnt get embarrassed, even on stage at girls camp doing the "tootie-tot" (really getting into it) in front of 50 laughing girls and leaders. He is always the star of the show.

14. My Dad has taught me I can have whatever I want. He did not spoil me bu taught me to be happy with what I have been blessed with. To always be grateful and thank the Lord. He taught me that any righteous desire that is the lords will is possible.

Glow Stick Fight, Hike to Scott's Toilet, falling down and The Plague

Our next family outing was a Camp out to Palomar Mountain State Park. On Tuesday we drove about an hour and half away. The camp site was nice, not too overrun with nature and not too established with concrete and paved roads. Every once in a while we felt all alone. Then a car would circle our camp and reminded us where we where.

Its not easy to do outings with the kids. At first it was hard for Brian and I to just be alone with them. It was boring, we did not know what to do with them. As the kids have gotten older that got better. We can play with them and enjoy their different stages Brian is so full of curiosity and wanting to try new things. Susan always makes us laugh and Katie teaches us a lot.

We still have the getting along problems, I don't think Brian and Katie will ever grow out of, the constant name calling, fighting, arguing.. "He called me Cake-ie!" or "She looked at me funny!". I really hope (and so does Brian sr.) that I will get over my constant nagging occasionally yelling at the kids, "Stop looking at her, don't call names, don't throw that, stop hitting, don't...No!...Stop!...Now!..AAhhhhhh!...etc..." Our outings are not perfect but we are trying, and as we do, the good times have outweighed the bad. So now let me highlight the good and bad of our camp out. The kids finally fell asleep after I told them (maybe even yelled) a dozen times. After I washed there hands and faces with warm water from a pot on the stove; And after we decided they need to sleep in our tent. Once they were asleep Brian and I could be alone by the fire. Very romantic, except that Brian was feeling home sick for camping with the Scouts and other rowdy boys. Camping reminded him too much of, jumping over the fire, getting all dirty, eating all the unhealthy food so the chance for romance was shot...for a while

That went on until the glow stick I was swinging over the fire (after I read that is was not flammable) melted a hole and sprayed glowing liquid on the rocks by the fire. Brian thought that looked fun so the took the glow stick and swung it around. We had fun playing with the glowing liquid throwing it all over each other and the ground. Covering everything with glowing dots. That satisfied both being a little rowdy and flirty he was so fun after that!

In the morning we went for some nature walks. First was Scott's Cabin, and Doane Pond. (Brian's younger brother is named Scott and the kids liked the idea of finding a cabbing for Uncle Scott) From the Pond "Scott's Cabin" was 1.2 miles. We took Susan along in the stroller. When it got to hard to push her Brian lifted the front and I held the back. After thinking we should turn around about 3 times we finally did. The path was covered with ferns and some other kind of green plant and not being botanists and the possibility of poison ivy we thought we should turn around. (After we got home we looked up poison Ivy and as it turns out, it does not grow in CA). As we walked to the car we passed the bathrooms and decided that was Scott's Cabin.

The pond was neat, we talked to a man who said he comes every 2 weeks to fish in the small lake. He said they keep the lake stocked with trout every few weeks. The fisherman pulled the fish he caught out of the water and let the kids touch them. Brian (Jr) has been begging to go fishing we told he he can only go if he will eat some fish. He has not tried any yet so it was good to show him how alive the fish are and what it would look like to catch one. At the lake there was a loud moaning sound, I thought it might be a cow but lower pitched, Brian thought it was a locus. The trail led us next to the lake and closer to the loud moaning. We were cautious as we walked pass, but could not see any animal. Then we saw in the lake there were huge frogs! The moaning was the big frogs in the lake.

Our next hike was a much easier stroll or nature walk to an open meadow. This time we left the stroller. Susan loved the freedom and ran most of the way. She did not want to hold anybody's hand and often tripped and fell. She never fell hard but every time she fell she would land on her chest and put her hands up trying not to get them dirty or touch the ground. While she waited for Brian or I to pick her up. Every time she fell we laughed, she was so tough not to hold our hand and not slow down. When she wanted to run faster she raised her shoulders like a football line backer ready to charge, but if she fell she was too dainty to let her hands get dirty! She caught on that falling down was making us laugh so she started falling it on purpose. Once we got to the open meadow we could see a fog coming through the trees quickly. We walked back to the car to end our outing.

As we drove through the mountain and out of the camping site it was foggy everywhere! Brian had to drive extra slow because he could not see more than a few car lengths ahead.
The kids all fell asleep in the back of the car as we drove home. At the campsite there were signs posted warning that squirrels might have the plague. On the drive home I had a bad head ache that lead to nausea shortly later Brian pulled over to let me throw up. He got me a blanket and my pillow and I eventually fell asleep. When I woke up I felt better and decided it was not the plague.

On the way home we stopped for lupper (lunch-supper) at KFC. This is blog-worthy because of Brian jr's reaction to Brian Sr's order of a "Buffalo Snacker" he laughed hard and looked so cute!

When we got home it was cloudy and rainy, for some reason all my memories of camping as a kid we come home to a thunder storm so the clouds and rain felt right.

Sweet Water, The Shores, and Exploring San Diego

The Team Jones just wont stop! As we drove home from Arizona we planned out next outing...camping. Somewhere close by, simple and with just the kids, but before we went camping we did some more exploring San Diego.

We decided to go when the kids were telling us how cool the babysitters were while we were cruisin' because they took them to Chucky-Cheese. Brian wasn't about to be out done by the baby sitters, and didn't want to spoil the kids that way. So instead we got them exited for exploring, campfires, cooking over a fire, hiking etc...and set off.
As usual Brian got out the map, foud a new spot called Sweet water, North of Choula Vista south of Bonita. looked up some new place, we packed the car and stopped by the store then we were off. The weather was nice, the spot wasn't too far but still felt far enough away from the city. The kids had fun exploring and tried out their mini camping chairs. In the photo Katie is holding one on her back, like a bcak pack. Brian and I got the chairs as a wedding gift that were way too small for us but just right for the kids. After dinner we went for a little nature hike.

When we got back to the car we saw 7 missed calls from Kace Wenger. He missed us a lot while we were in Arizona and he wanted to play with Brian badly. We told him they could come over, and spend the rest of the evening hanging out with Mardell and the kids, while Kaimi finished grading finals.

The next day, Saturday, (now a week ago) Brian and I took advantage of the free baby sitting and went to the Temple first thing in the morning. That was such a nice way to start the day! It set then mood for the rest of the day. We have been lucky to have the chance to go 2 times in 2 weeks! and free babysitters!

On the way home from the Temple Kace called and wanted us to go to the beach with him and his family. Brian's school doesn't start for a week so our schedule has been pretty open. We said sure, picked up the kids, changed and met at "The Shores." (Local talk for La Jolla Shores Beach)

For a Saturday is was pretty open. Parking was usual, but the beach was pleasant.

Brian, Brian and Kace ran for the water as soon as we got there. Those 3 boys are so much a like! They played hard, pushing themselves for as long as they could enjoying the water and caching waves. After they wore themselves out they curled up with a towel and rested under our small tent.

The girls stayed closer to the shore, splashing in the pools, and digging with sturdy shovels. Mardell watched the girls for a while so I could go out and play. She is always so helpful!

Susan was so fun to watch in the pools. Sullivan noticed the tide was rising and we might need to move away from the waves. He decided to dig a trench a few feet away from us to catch the water and give us time to move. Susan loves Sullivan because he is so helpful with her, he gets her what she wants, she follows him around and talks to him. After he dug the long trench she walked in in then crawled in it. Mardell and I thought she was so funny when she would crawl she was on her knees and arms, army crawling but keeping her hands up out of the sand.
Sullivans trench worked. As the tide came up everybody next to us scrampled to jump out of the water. As we clamly watched to water stop and fill up then move after the wave went out. After the beach the Wenger came over again for dinner and cooking over a fire. at the end of the day Brian (Sr) Said what a nice day it had been.

Good Ol' Arizona Again

As soon as Brian and I stopped feeling the boat rock from the cruise, and before I had time to unpack we had another trip to take. Brian had a job interview in Az and let me tell you now he did not get the job, but we don't feel too bad, he is gonna do summer school, we get to stay in our wonderful house in Sd another summer and lots of other good reasons. So while we were waiting to hear back from the interview we enjoyed some great Arizona and Family stuff.

The weather was so nice last week there. It was unseasonably cold, we almost needed sweaters, In May! My Grandpa said this was the coldest May in 30 years! I always love Arizona storms! the air smells before it rains, Brian told me it was desert plants coating their leaves with a weatherproofing. We enjoyed a little thunder storm a few days after we got there, and all week the weather was beautiful.

My Sister Pregnant Charmaine, her Husband Randal and there 3 year old boy, Israel are moving to Iowa for him to work on his PHD so we got to say good bye again, and of course help her pack and clean house. Its fun to hang out with the girls we always have lots of fun even if we are working. While packing for somebody its always a good time to take stuff! I scored 3 purses! 2 new with tags! and a funky suede triangle shape article of clothing thing.

We went to the Temple with my sister Jenny her hubby Shawn and my parents. The Temple is always a wonderful experience. This trip was no different except my parents were both working the session we went to so it was a little extra special. The First Presidency of the Church just announced 3 new temples in Arizona! 1. Phoenix, 2, Gilbert and 3. Stafford area! That made everything kinda exiting. 3 new temples all in Arizona!

Jenny was so good at getting a willing babysitter to watch all 5 kids (hers and mine) for the night that we went out to dinner afterwards. We were just ordering dinner when my youngest sister, Clarissa, called my parents asking where they were, and why they were not home yet. She was upset because my Mom forgot she was supposed to meet Clarissa and Logan (her hubba man) after the temple for a late mothers day gift. My mom could not figure out why Clarissa was so sad on the phone and felt bad for her. We all tried to tell them to come to the restaurant where we were and we can still hang out together. They finally decided to come. When they got there we gave them a hero's welcome (Fullers tradition) as they come in. Clarissa and Logan came in and gave my Mom her gift in a Brighton gift bag. My Mom loves Brighton and most of my sisters love Brighton! She carefully opened the heart shaped tin thinking she knew just what it was and as she peeked in, then quickly shut it. We could tell she was touched, she held her breath, and looked again, then said, " Really Clarissa?... are you sure?.... I'm gonna cry"

It was very sweet as she showed us all the positive pregnancy test placed in the heart shaped jewelry case. It was also nice to know why Clarissa was so emo. She has been very sick ever since, poor girl. Its nice to know she has a great husband to take care of her. he is so sweet and loving.

While we were at the Temple we ran into My Dads Mom, or Grammy. She works in the temple also. She was exited to hear we were in town and wanted to get together Sunday night to see everybody and say bye to Charmaine and her family before they leave for Iowa. We were glad to go and stay a few more days for the getogether.

On Memorial day Brian couldn't resist the chance to go with Jenny and Shawn to Sycamore Creek and try out the 4 wheel drive. Jenny and Shawn, are always such fun to go off roading with! They love day trips and adventures like we do. We went to upper Sycamore Creek and went driving after a while we found a perfect spot to get out an splash in the creek. In that spot of the creek the water was warm and clear. The kids wanted to play and didn't waste any time before they were wet. I kept nagging my kids, "Katie don't lay down in the water!" "Brian stop splashing!" " Honey hold Susan she getting all wet!" etc...

Then Jenny says to Lacy, her very energetic 3 year old, "Here, Lacy, give me your clothes, play in the water, in your undies, and get as wet, and splash as much as you want."

Jenny is so sweet to NOT to tell me, "Clam down Chantal, they are acting like kids! Just let them play, and be kids!"

So I followed Jenny and told my kids to get undressed and play in the water. After that I felt better, stopped nagging, and had a fun time. (pretty good pictures for a camera phone!)

Jenny is so good at letting Lacy be who she wants to be, She lets Lacy dress herself. That might sound like a little thing but it gives Lacy so much freedom to try out new things and express herself. Lacy is so creative! One day when we went over there Lacy had a cute hair-do with lots of little pony tails all leading to one big one. Jenny said when she was doing her hair, Lacy asked for 10 pony tails, so Jenny thought it out and made 10 pony tails! Lacy always sings, she makes up cute little songs and sometimes dances. When we were all hanging out Lacy was making lots of noise in the other room and jenny called to her, "Lacy, If you want to Yodel go out side!" I called Jenny when we were there and talked to lacy quickly on the phone she told me, "Come over now, Mommy is starving me like crazy!" Every day Jenny has a funny story about something new Lacy told her or asked her. Lacy is such a smart, and creative girl, just like her mama!

While in Arizona we got to visit with Grandma and Grandpa Jones. The kids made cookies, picked vegetables from the garden, played hide-and seek, and got to play with their Uncles Scott, Louis and Samuel. They had a great time at both Grandparents house, swimming, watching movies, playing and getting the extra attention from family. We are so blessed to have a loving family!

A final treat in Arizona is the guest room. Decorated to reflect my Mothers love for Mexican art and decor. It is beautiful! I love the bright colors in Mexico and in the room. My mother painted the mural on the wall with the help of my sisters. they are so talented! We feel so welcome when we come. Except the bed is so hard! I tease her that I think she planned that so we wont want to get too comfortable and stay too long. The room is so clean, it makes me want to take extra care to keep it clean and not let the kids brake the fragile ornaments in the room. I think it is good to teach them to care for things and that we play in one room and enjoy nice things in another.

Brian and I really love Arizona! We are also loving our time here in San Diego, especially the friends and family here, but Arizona is still home.

Cruise to Cabo! pretty much the best trip EVER!

Brian and I with my family went on the best trip ever! Our 5 day Cruise to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada was awesome. here are some highlights:

• First of all losing 11 pounds to prepare for the cruise!
• Parasailing in Cabo, getting my feet dipped in the Warm ocean, enjoying the exiting boat ride close up to Los Arcos, the seals and the fake window at the tip of Baja Mexico.
• Spending time with Brian especially dancing with him! He is such a good dancer and loves to to it! (On the next cruise we are gonna dance more)
• Enjoyed family and 2 well prepared FHE lessons.
• Went shopping, got beautiful Mexican dresses , serving platters bowls and more.
• Had a cannon ball Contest with the family until we were asked to stop!
• Played like kids on the slide.
• Got a TAN! for the first time in years!
• Dresses up for Dinner every day with new shoes and jewelry!
• Played games, laughed hard, met new friends.
• Stayed up late and woke up early. (By choice!)
• Enjoyed entertainment every night.
• Laid out with my sisters (and Mom who is more like on of the sisters)
• Bonded with family and Brian.
• Loved the service making the bed, turning down the bed, leaving mints and towel animals, room service, cleaning up the room, waiting on us at dinner.
• Lobster, ribs, Bree cheese, midnight buffets, 24 hour pizza, and ice cream, chocolate melting cake, warm souffle, mango tilapia, Samoan, crab, fresh fruits, gazpacho, So much more yum yumm!
• taking pictures and making memories.
• Enjoying the best Family ever! Thanks Mommy and Daddy for taking us, teaching us to get along and introducing us to the hobby of cruising!

The Last night on the Boat I told jenny that Brian and I wanted to go out and enjoy the midnight buffet, dancing and play games on more time. When she came back into my room 20 min later I was too asleep to wake up. When we got home from the cruise Brian let me sleep for 2 house then ate lunch and slept for a few more hours! On the trip I didn't feel sleepy just crashed when we got home.

The Kids enjoyed the babysitters and I never worried about them after we left. Everybody in the family had a great time! Brian and I are already Planning our next cruise! This can get addicting!

Just as soon as the sea sickness wore off we had to jump up and run off to Az for a job interview so we are still busy, busy busy!

The only bad thing, I lost my camera! :( Luckily Brian and I had lots of family with us to Take pictures. ..pictures will come soon!

16 Virtues My Mommy Taught Me (1st draft) (Yes Mommy)

1. A clean home is a happy home

2. Your sisters are your best friends.

3. You never need to apologize for a dirty house.

4. Work hard.

5. Always looking nice is a talent.

6. Love, respect, and care for your parents.

7. Share.

8. Enjoy being a Mommy.

9. You do not need to be perfect in everything right now.

10. Save your money.

11. Good taste is a talent.

12. Plant a garden, and watch it grow.

13. Treasure hunting at thrift stores and a talent and a virtue.

14. You can still look beautiful after yard work, sweat, and dirt. While in your dirty work clothes, sweaty hair and no make-up.

15. Read your scriptures daily.

16. Support and love your husband he is your best friend.

( ok 18 virtues my mommy taught me)

17. Pray often.

18. Attend the temple often

Kaite Lady, Katie

Little Katie says the cutest things. The kind of cute that is so cutesie it becomes obnoxious, after a while, but I have noticed as I was preparing for this post. The cuteness comes through more then the obnoxious. When you can look back and laugh and remember she innocence and sweetness.

So here are her most recent cute, cuttie, bootie, tootie-ness...

These are actually what she said. I did not change then and this is a very small part of her daily language that I was able to capture, because if I do not write them down I forget exactly what she said.

Yuck-Yuck-Suckie

Poopie-woopie-spupie

Pottie-wottie-sottie

Hair-Clip-Clippy-Pip-Sippy

Chalk-alet ( refering to sidewalk chalk)

Mr. potato ( what we eat with dinner)

Susie Pusie (what she always call's her sister)

Susie Pusie Oousie Goosie Wuusie

As Well as her cute words she has 2 cute stories about she words. Every time I do her hair I lift her up and she sits on the edge of the sink looking into the mirror as she is just the right height for doing her hair. I often turn on the water to wet the brush so I can begin to tame her curly hair. One time as I was going through this routine. turning on the sink water, She kept saying, "Mommy, watch out for the cloudie, the cloudie is getting all wet! Mom stop the water the cloudie!"

As I looked into the sink I saw a little soaked, cotton ball. It was a good laugh as I finished her hair, and tossed the cloud into the toilet.

Next little story was this morning. Brian was telling me about something going on in Arcada, California. Then he aid, "You know I don't even know where Arcada is,"

and she quickly responded, "I'm right here daddy!"

We love our Katie, she sure is a fun, funny, sum, summy, girl!