Don't Feed Stray Cats.

You know how you should never feed stray cats?

Because, they will never go away and keep coming back.

Well, my neighbors are having to learn this the hard way.

The other day, around dusk, my kids were out riding their bikes and they happened to go down the sidewalk a few houses down where some people were out watering their lawn. The girl was super nice to them and the next thing I know, here they come with Popsicles in their hands that she had given them. I don't really even know these people, besides the fact that they are renters of ours, or really my sister-in laws. It was a really sweet gesture, but I don't think she knew what she was doing. She's a newlywed with no kids.

Last night, my kids were out in the front yard riding their bikes again, and I was inside making dinner. Next thing I know, in they walk with Popsicles in hand again. Oh no. I'm so embarrassed. Yes, my kids went down there again and asked if they could have a Popsicle.

How do you explain the fact that the lady is not their new best friend, and that it is proper etiquette to not ask for food. I'm sure in my kids brain, it seems like the sensible thing to do.

Like I said before...don't feed stray cats!

Naked?!

You would never know she was paying attention during sacrament meeting, but apparently she is. She was busy coloring when the speaker today was reading a scripture from Matthew  25 that talks about the parable of the sheep and the goats. He was reading verse 36 that says "Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." Julianne's head pops up,  she grins, and says really loud:

"Naked?!"

And laughs.

Like why on earth are they talking about naked in church.

The families in the pews in front of us and behind us got a good laugh at least.

The Big Sister

Sophia is quite the big sister. She takes good care of little Max and always wants to hold him. I think they will have a special bond. Besides, they are the two kids who look most alike. Grandpa actually calls Max "Sophio." I had to snap this picture this morning of the two of them before church because she was being so sweet with him. She sure loves that little brother of hers.

Preschool

After a failed attempt to get a Joy School group together, I finally decided to put the girls in preschool, which I'm really happy about now. It would have been impossible to do with the baby and way more stress than I want to add to my life right now. The girls alternate days and we go in the afternoon which is different for us. They were super excited about it, especially Julianne. Now she is in the big girl club and goes to school just like her big sisters. I'm happy for her. They each got their father's blessings before they started as well.

Here is Sophia on her first day.

 Her teacher Mrs. Cami (she calls her Sister Henrie because she also leads the music in our primary)

 Sophia is like her mother in the sense that she has a little trepidation over meeting new people. But she warmed up and met a couple of new friends on the first day.

 I can't believe how fast she's growing up!

 And here is our little Miss. Julianne. The big 3 year old!

 Max came along, while we did the first day scavenger hunt together.

 And here she is with her teacher Mrs. Rebecca!

It's going to be a great year!

What is your image?

While spending too much time blog surfing this morning (it was a long night with the baby and I'm having a slow start) I came across this post by a lady I have never met, but it really made me think.

My favorite part is a quote she gave by the philosopher Meister Eckhard who said, "When the soul wishes to experience something, she throws an image of the experience out before her and enters into her own image."

This immediately brought these pictures to my mind.

I did not like them in any shape, form, or fashion when they were taken, but now they are treasures of mine.

These images are what I want to enter into.

This looks like the mother that I want to be.

I want to experience that kind of joy that is on my face.

I love these little babies of mine and they are growing up far too fast.

It also made me think of this post I wrote a while ago.

What is your image?

Go read the article.

Post your picture on your blog.

Leave me a comment with the link!

Would you look at that!

I remember a while back when Gabriela first learned to write her name. She thought she would graffiti my whole house with it. Here is one example that is still lingering in my home as we speak.

I love how they incriminate themselves!

Well look who knows how to write their name now.

 And once again, in case you didn't catch it the first time!

(not sure what that other stuff is. maybe she has a "beautiful mind.")

(that's the rollershade in her bedroom if you couldn't tell)

(and speaking of incrimination...I think I might need to dust my bookshelf and clean my baseboards!)

The Experiment

A little over a week ago, I decided to make a goal. Miguel has committed to some pretty serious goals between now and Christmas and I wanted him to feel like he wasn't the only one sacrificing so much, so I decided to join him and do something hard. I committed to no sugar until Christmas.

I'm 12 days in, and it is so hard! I'm amazed at the amount of junk I could have consumed over the last week and how much sugar is apart of our diet. From birthday parties, book group, work bbq, and game nights, all of which had multiple treats. Doing this is very lonely, but I think it will be so good for me.

You may remember that a couple of weeks ago I was having trouble with antibiotics again. The doctors office told me that I had one more left to try before I would have to start doing home IVs. I don't really know what that is all about, but it sure doesn't sound fun. I do have concerns for my health in the future and feel like I need to try to do things to prevent myself from getting sick. I figure diet has a lot to do with it, so this is my first experiment. I also would like to have more energy, ease my seasonal allergies, and up my immune system.

Yesterday I was teaching the Primary at church about the Word of Wisdom. As we were going over the commandments and promises that it entails, I was touched by the spirit, and I felt like I was making the right choices. I had been contemplating trying the 12 Steps to Whole Foods program, written by the Green Smoothie girl. As I was reading in the scriptures, they specifically talk about how our Heavenly Father gave us grain and fruits of the vine for us to eat and that if we live by these principles, we were promised that we will have protection, knowledge, energy, strength, and good health. It was inspiration I believe.

I know I won't be able to make the change overnight, but I'm willing to try my best and am anxious to see what the results will be. If you would like to join me, let me know. I think it would be fun and encouraging to have a support group and people we can shop with and share whole foods recipes with.

Oh and I'm going to a Green Smoothie Girl class on Sept. 6th. Let me know if you want to come with me.