Peppermint Ice cream

I have been craving peppermint ice cream this whole season so I decided to go on a mission to find some. Off to the commissary I go nope none there lets try the air force base nope they don't have any either. I got Baskin 31 flavors robin will have some nope. Brilliant idea I will buy a ice cream maker and make some oh wait no one sells peppermint flavoring. So if you can get your hands on a bowl of peppermint ice cream eat some for me. 

P.S. Katie if they have some in Seoul let me know and I might be coming for a visit.

snow

The boys have been praying for snow and here is the answer. A snow day. We had so much fun playing outside throwing snow balls and making angles.

santa

We went to see Santa everyone was excited but Christina who won't go near him. She hides and says no Santa. I think it's cute that she talks about him all the time but won't go any where near him when we see him. What can you do.

Korean Market Day

We went to Market day with my friend Lindsey. The boys loved looking at the whole fish. We accidently left Kray behind after I bought my oranges and started walking I was in the front I turned around to see make sure we had everyone and Kray wasn't behind us. Lindsey went back to find him and there he was looking at the fish. He had noticed that we were gone but decided to stay put as he knew we would come and get him. I am glade that he didn't try to find us.  I bought a ton of fruit, a pair of work out pants and leg warmers for Christina. When Dillon was pushing the stroller a Korean women came up and was talking to Christina, they have a thing about touching the kid while the women put her hand in Christina's face and my daughter bite her. I felt bad, but had the hardest time not laughing. One of the stores we walked by the owner came out and gave us some Korean candy. My kids thought it was nasty. LOL Then we went to the bakery. We bought bread, rolls and donuts. 

Thanksgiving

I'm a little late in posting as Thanksgiving was yesterday. I want to express gratitude to my dear husband. I am know that I can be a little trying at times but he loves me in spite of it all. I am thankful for my wonderful children Dillon was trying to find his Nintendo DS and couldn't find it so he decided that he was going to fast and pray to find. He did find it and was able to express gratitude for a loving and helping Heavenly Father. I am awed and amazed by my children and the love that they have for our Savior and those around us.

We had a pretty relaxed Thanksgiving we stayed home and enjoyed each others company. A couple of friends came by and spent some time with us. I am grateful that my family was able to spend this time together.

We bought a real christmas tree this year I am excited to see how it turns out. We had to drive around to find a stand for it but we did. Tomorrow we are going to decorate it the kids are so excited. (So am I) I love Christmas. I am sad that we won't have extended family around to share in the holidays.

We had a ward Thanksgiving dinner with all the missionaries in our area. We had around 20 missionaries. It was wonderful to be around them and to feel of their spirt. One area sung a song for us and another area did a dance. 

We got there around 12:30 thinking we were late but ended up being 30 min. early. We hurried to warm up our sweet potatoes and haul out our pies and cranberries.  On the drive over Spencer turned a corner  and the sweet potatoes on my lamp dumbed over. We tried to catch them but the pan was hot just out of the oven. We did manage to save half of them so we served them up.  During dinner Christina dropped her plate with desert on it, I caught half of it in my hand and the other ended up on the floor. Then she spilled her drink on me. By the time dinner was over I was ready to go home and shower.  It was one of the best Thanksgiving dinners I have been to in a long time. I love the sprit that the missionaries bring everywhere they go.

Tonight Spencer and I went out with the Cox's we went to the new James Bond movie. (all movies at Camp Humpreys is free) Then we went and got Spencer 5 piece suit pictures coming soon.  Then we went to dinner.  Thankfully Bro. Cox speaks korean and was able to order for us. When we left the restaurant the Server/Owner told us that she was Christian and was glade to see that we had prayed over the meal. I am loving Korea and the experience's it has to offer and the friendships that I am building. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving..

home sweet home

Here is a picture of the rice fields that are all around where I live. I love the open fields when I am surrounded by so many people.
                              The Koreans have started to bail their fields at the end of the season instead of burning them. They wrap them up in white plastic. The kids have taken to calling them marshmallows and pretending to eat them. Every time I see them I think this is what all farmers should do with their hay so that it won't get wet.  We have seem them wrapped up in stripped and black plastic. 

                         Christina wanted in on the action to.  She is my little sweet heart. I just couldn't resist taking her picture when she asked. 
                          The nice and open field. 

My Life

I did it I passed my Korean driving test. It seems that all we have been doing in getting things set up I have to get physicals for the kids attend a new spouses brief, LEARN TO DRIVE, and Spencer leaves this weekend for 8-10 days. We just get here and he has to leave again. 

Korea

We left Bakersfield at 5:00 in the morning. We made it to LAX with time to spare.  They were going to let both my parents go through security with us but my Mom didn't bring her purse 

 in so my Dad went with us through security, she waited for him at the check in counter. It was very hard to say good bye to my parents. I am going to miss my family so much. We made it on the plane with out any problems. I had a layover in San Francisco we made it there 15 min early. That's great I thought I only had an hour lay over I could use the extra 15 min. To bad we weren't able to land because of weather. We ended up landing  30 min. late we circled the airport for 45 min. The kids and I ran our hearts out to catch our next flight. We made it to the counter 25 min before departure but they had already shut the gates and wouldn't open them. We missed our flight. I got mad, I cried and then I decided that we weren't suppose to be on that flight for a reason. We tried to get onto a latter flight with out any luck. The airline did comp us a hotel stay and they wouldn't for the other travelers who were stuck with us. The manager said she comped mine because Spencer is military and I was flying with my children.

They put us up in the Embassy Suites. It was a really nice hotel on the bay. The weather was hazy so we didn't go out and enjoy the bay but they did have fish ponds inside and we had fun walking around. The boys wanted to go swimming but wouldn't you know it the swim trunks where 20 a pair. I said sorry I can't afford that and the boys were great and didn't throw a fit about not swimming. We ordered in pizza for dinner. Then I read in there brochure that they not only had a breakfast in the morning but a mangers reception in the evening so we decided to see what goodies they would put it. The place was packed with the mangers reception and there was a wedding reception in one of the big rooms that you can rent. We walked around and found the refreshment table pretzles and gold fish crackers. They had a open bar so we filled up our little bowls and headed back to our room for some more TV. We were all a sleep by 8:30 and ready for our flight in the morning. For breakfast they cooked omelets to order. They also had  pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, muffins, cold cereal and tons of fruit. It was the best hotel breakfast I have ever had. The other people staying at the hotel were awesome, one lady helped me find a table and carry my plates of food over and then she went and filled up cups with apple juice for my kids. Then another lady came over to comment our our family and said I see that you finally got your girl I have a friend with 7 boys and 1 girl. She is a sweet Mormon girl I said so am I and then she got her friends and brought her over so I could meet her. it  was nice to see how many wonderful people around. We each took  a box of cereal and a piece of fruit for in the airport.  Then we headed over to the airport 2 1/2 hours before our flight. We got our tickets and headed over to security we waited in line and when it was our turn the people behind us in line waited until we got all of our stuff up on the belt and went through it takes a while when we have to take out our Nintendo DS and my laptop. We found where we waited to board and then the boys had to use the bathroom so back up the stairs we headed. 30 min. later we were back and waiting to board our plane they ended up boarding early and then we sat on the plane and waited. On the plane they feed us 2 meals and brought around drinks and snacks. The kids did great and enjoyed watching movies and being the boss of what they ate and drank.  Christina took a 4 hour nap which was great. I couldn't seem to relax enough to sleep on the plane. We landed a hour early which was great. We had to wait to taxi in because a plane was at the gate we needed. We finally made it after waking up the kids we were ready to head to custom's. A long walk through the plane. I am so thankful for moving walk ways and escalator's. We had to take a train while on the train we had our picture taken with some Korean women they couldn't believe Dillon's bright red hair and everyone else blond hair and how many kids I had. We made it and customs was a breeze after waiting in line. It seemed that my kids where so tired that every line we got into they all laided down on the floor. We got to baggage claim and sat down to wait for Spencer (remember we landed an hour early) and then I realized that I had to go through another security point so to the gate we headed thankfully there was no line and we were able to go right through. There was Spencer and everything fell in to place he had made us a welcome sign and everything (later I found out that they had all the supplies at the airport to make signs) The kids ran and hugged their Daddy and even Christina would go to him. Then came the drive home the kids all fell asleep in the car and we made ok time. We did see one accident where a bus has side swiped a car. The bigger you are the more right of way people have to give you. We arrived at our house and put the kids to bed thankfully Spencer had those all set up and ready to go. 

We Made It

We made it to Korea safe and sound. Everyone has been nice. I will post more latter. I am very tired from the traveling and the time change. 

Korea

We are going to Korea on the 8th of Nov. I can't wait to be with Spencer and have my family together again. 

Stamp in' Up

I sell Stampin' Up and was wondering if any one would like something. I am offering free shipping through the end of the month. I thought I wouldn't be able to sell in Korea and I can to military and Dod employees. If you are interested just leave me a note and I'll e-mail you and we can work it out. If you have friends that would like to order a 150.00 makes a party. For collecting $150.00 in sales you receive a level 1 stamp set and $15.00 worth of free merchandise and I will through in a free ink pad. You can view the full catalog at www.stampinup.com

our apartment

here is my apartment. Spencer did a pretty good job chosing  a place for us to live. 

Our new car

Here is the car that Spencer bought us to use in Korea.

Life

Spencer found us an apartment in Korea this week. He is going to move in on the 7th of Nov. We have to pay for the first month up front because he didn't get all the paper signed in time for the Army to start paying for it in Nov. So I need to pay his rent and mine next month good thing my Dad is my land lord. I think he might be willing to work with me a little. He also found us a car that will sit 6 I think he is paying about 1500 for it. They are still working on it so we'll see if he gets. 

I was stressing out about our command sponsor ship and moving to Korea so I decided to fast about it and I had such peace come into my heart and soul. I am grateful for the a Heavenly Father who gives us the peace we are looking for. Know we are planing on going to Korea about the 10th of Oct. if they get our paper work finished for the 2nd time. They finished it once with the wrong number on it so we are doing it again. I know that everything will work out the way the Lord wants them too and that is will be the best thing for my family. 

Tagged Crazy Eights

Eight TV Shows I love to watch

1. CSI

2. Army Wives

3. The Unit 

4. Law and Order ( haven't really watched it since I have been here though)

5. I really don't watch that much tv. I haven't had it for the past 4 years. I have local channels know.

6.

7.

8.

Eight things that happened yesterday

1. Took the kids to enrichment

2. Christina and I went shopping

3. Watched Dillon's puppet show at school

4. Took the kids to lunch with Karen

5. Went to Leslie's and went through her dress up clothes for Halloween costumes. Thanks for the great outfits

6. Played UNO with Kray and Joe

7. BBQ

8. Waited up for Dillon to get home from Scouts

Eight Favorite Places to eat

1. Mom's house

2. Karen's house

3. Angela's house

4 Any where the food is free

5 Cracker Barrel

6. Taco Bell

7. Little Ceasers (that's what I buy for my kids)

8. Good Mexican Food

Eight things I'm looking forward to

1. History camp (almost a whole week to me and Christina what will we do with the time?)

2. Joe's birthday party 

3. Halloween I love to watch the excitement on the kids faces

4. Going to Korea 

5 Being with Spencer

6. Riding with my Dad and Karen in the mornings

7. Hopefully going to Sea World 

8. Christmas

Eight Things on my wish list

1. To have Spencer never go on a trip for work again 

2.To lose 20 lbs.

3. For my kids to listen the first time

4. To have my scrap books all current

5. To run as fast as Karen

6. Lots of new clothes

7. A convertible

8. for my kids to stay little forever and for me to be their favorite person 

I tag

Leslie

Aunt Darlene

Tracey

Peggy

Amber

Stephanie

Autum

Holly

Enjoy Ladies

Freeze Tag

6 Quirks of Maria

1. When I sleep in a bed I can't have the sheet tucked in on any of the sides or the back. I am always pulling the sheet out. If they are tucked in I can't sleep.

2. I have to have my toilet paper roll form the top. I always feel the need to change it no matter where I am at. I know this makes it easier for little children to pull it out and make a mess but who cares I have to have it that way.

3. I love to scrapbook, have people over to scrapbook, teach people how to scrapbook, but I hate scrap booking other peoples pictures.

4.  I hate to be late which is hard with four little kids.

5. I have to be in control of the money.  It works out great for Spencer and I. I am happy with how it is spent and he is happy that the bills get paid.

6. I love having children but have no patients. I feel like I am a chicken running around with my head cut off.  I am sure that all mom's feel that way at some point. Maybe it's worse because I am home-schooling and Spencer is gone. 

           Here are the rules

Link the person who tagged you

Tell about 6 quirks of yours

Tell 6 fellow bloggers to do the same

Leave a comment to let them know

I tag the following

Cindy 

Suzie

Twylla

Sara

Alicia

Andrea

 

Mamma Mia

I have to tell you about this great movie I watched Saturday night and then again this afternoon with my Mom. It's Mamma Mia and the music is wonderful. I love musicals and catchy songs so this movie was for me and it has a happy ending. If you get a chance I would go and watch it. It's a broad way play  and has been around for every. ( I think)

sleeping girl

So I have started a bad habit of letting Christina sleep in my bed. At first it was when she woke up in the middle of the night and then when the boys would sleep over at my sisters or when she would fall asleep at 4 and sleep till 6. The problem is know when ever I tell her to go to bed she runs to my bed. I figure when I go to Korea Spencer can solve the problem or maybe I  will just have to start being strong (mean) and putting her in her bed. 

Anniversary

As I begin my day I am drawn to the fact that I am celebrating another anniversary on my own, it seems since we have been in the army that Spencer has been gone for more anniversaries then he is home for them. And yet today I would say that I have a stronger, happier marriage and that each and every year it gets better. I am lucky to have married my best friend. Spencer complaments me in every aspect. He will laugh with me and cry with me. Mostly he laughs at how totaly stupid I can be, he loves me and puts up with me. I can't imagine what my life would be like without him. He is truly my better half, so on this day of celebration that we are spending apart I want to let the world know how grateful I am for my  husband. I want to share with you my testimony of an eternal family. I was privillaged to be born to parents who taught my the gospel and when the time came I knew what I was looking for in a spouse. The day I meet Spencer I knew that I would marry him, he helped me move a dresser from his house to my apartment. He was living with his brother at the time. That night we went out and he was everything that I had been looking for. My parents have the perfect marriage and Spencer looked at me the way my Dad looks at my Mom and he still does today.  Spencer and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. I know that with the blessings of the temple and living the gospel that we will be together forever with our children. I know that Jesus of our Savior and that he died for each of us and if we will except his gift then we can live with him and our Heavenly Father for ever. I love this gospel and my family. 

Happy anniversary babe I love you.

sick

Today was our second enrichment plan and I had big plans to go shopping. As the cookie crumbles Dillon got sick in the middle of the night. Kray woke up sick.  Joe went to enrichment with Karen and then when he got home he got sick too. Christina and I got hit this afternoon. I felt like the walking dead. I am glade that Christina and I got sick around the same time and then we took a nap together. My Mom and Dad brought over ginger ale, apple juice and crackers. I am hoping that everyone wakes up feeling better. 

first day of school

The Charter school that my kids go to has enrichment classes every Wednesday. The boys had a great time and learned lots. Kray and Joe saw a live owl, and got to have a pretend fire. Dillon made a bowl in his ceramic class and is the mother pig in the three little pigs in his puppet class. One of the girls wanted to be one of the boy pigs so he traded her spots. I am glade that he is such a sweet heart. I am glade that they had a great time and are excited to go back next week.

nail

here is the giant nail!!

Dillons second belly button

Today we went apple picking for a field trip with our home school. Just as I was walking out the door I heard Dillon crying I turned to see what was wrong and he looked like he had blood coming out his belly button. It turns out that he was using a giant nail as a walking stick and showing Kray a trick when he feel on it and cut his stomach. Karen cleaned it while I called and talked to the nurse in AL. He is current on all his shots so I decided not to take him in. He is excited that he can have two belly buttons like Uncle Michael but wishes that it would quit hurting.

We did go on to pick apples and have a great time. We said a prayer before we left at Dillon's request that he wouldn't have to go to the doctor and that we would have a fun day. I am glade that he has the faith in me and in prayer to have me offer a prayer on his behalf. My testimony was strengthen by his request.  I am so proud of my family. Kray was really worried for Dillon, I think he was having some flash backs to when he got hurt. I love watching my boys take care of each other. Joe got Dillon a pillow so he would be more comfortable in the van on the drive to pick apples.

Dillons Birthday

I can hardly believe that Dillon turned 8 today I don't feel old enough to have an 8 year old. I realized that Spencer has missed 4 of Dillon's birthdays. I feel sorry for Spencer and the kids when he has to miss out on so many important things. In Oct he will be baptized by my Dad part of my wants him to wait tell we see Spencer so he can do it but that would be a little selfish. Dillon is so excited to baptized and my Dad is the next best thing. 

We had a great day celebrating Dillon's birthday. We had Popeye waffles for breakfast, pizza for lunch and a shrimp dinner with my parents and David. Afterwards we went over to my parents house and had homemade ice cream. On Saturday we are going to have a family wiener roast and a pinjatia. So here's to my boy Happy Birthday Dillon I love you.

My Life

Have you ever had one of those nights when you have 2 crying kids and no idea why. It seems that Kray is having bad dreams and Christina keeps waking up every time she hears him crying. I guess I know why but nothing I do seems to help.

Can I say I love living by family but we are having a rough go of it. I was drying my hair and my power went out. I went and checked the the breaker box and flipped all the switces no luck. My Dad said maybe it needs to cool off and then it will work. You would hope but no go. So know I have no power to my cooler, washer or bed room kitchen plugs, fridge or where my computer is. Thankfully the rest of my house has power so we were able to run extension cords. Cody came over and ran a plug to my washer and cooler thanks Cody. My Dad came over to fix the breaker and there is nothing wrong with it.  The next step is to open all the plugs and follow them to see if we can find were the problem is. It can be from a good plug or a bad plug so it sounds like a lot of work and my Dad has lots of projects of his own to work on. The pump has gone out on one of the wells so this weekend he is going to fix it. Maybe next weekend we can start taking apart plugs. Then my fridge went out and we had to haul all my food over to the extra fridge outside. My fridge seems to be working so tomorrow I am going to bring all my food back over. My oven has not been working since I moved in we ordered the part and it finally came in my Brother and Dad came over to fix it and spent an hour but where unable to figure it out. It was natural gas and we switched it to propane. I am getting good practice in for Korea since they don't use ovens. The good thing is I can bake at my parents, my sisters or the outside stove. That is all that has been going, we are playing hard all day and love being around family.

fun in cali

we have been having a great time riding and playing on the farm. my sister has a buddy saddle where the kids can sit. i was surprised how good christina does on a horse. she wants to go out and pet the horses everyday.

argh

So Spencer was suppose to get his pinpoint orders yesterday. The guy that was suppose to get them knew nothing. He told them maybe today and he came back today and told him that he could either go to Camp Eagle or Camp Humphreys we knew that before he left. Oh well maybe latter on we'll know where he's going. Like when they tell him to get off the bus.

Aztec NM

Crawbad fishing with cousins.


Riding dirt bikes


 Riding pony's is so fun.

 Cousins are my best friends. We had a great time playing with our cousins. 

Working hard on the farm.  The boys had fun playing with their cousins. Christina loved Harlie she would follow her around.  Thanks guys for a great time. We had fun playing with you.