When The Park Calls. . .We Come Running

Since there is a small park across the street from our house, we find that it beckons to our children--a lot. Luca is always asking to go ride his bike at the park, and Acacia has gotten to where she begs to go outside.

Luca is a speed demon on his bike. He loves to show off and ride really fast. What a stud!

Acacia loves the swing. It brings lots of grins and giggles.

Luca has gotten to be quite good at riding his scooter. It used to make me nervous when he'd ride it, but now he just has a blast, and zips around the corners at super speed. He's such a boy.

This is one of Acacia's newest things. She loves to push herself on this little tricycle. She's obviously way too small for it, but it doesn't keep her from trying to ride it. She loves her helmet and will sit on the bike and scoot herself forward. Nothing makes her happier than being outside playing with Luca on the bikes and his truck.

There she goes--kind of.

So Long Soccer

Luca's soccer season ended last weekend. Luca was kind of bummed, but was ecstatic when he got his soccer medal from his coach. He had a little party the day of his last game. The team had a great time, ate a lot of pizza and then went and kicked some tooshie in their last game. Luca played really well and the team one their final game. Yeah!!

We are so proud of our little rugrat. He's awesome. I love you Stinker Bug!

OOOH LA LA!!

Okay, this little lady is seriously out of control. One morning I came out of the shower and found that my lovely, darling, sweet, innocent daughter had gotten into one of my drawers and pulled out a pair of flamed g-string underwear and put it over her head. The first thing I did, after laughing of course, was grab the camera. So, here is my sweet precious darling with a g-string around her neck. Silly girl!

Thanksgiving for Tiny Tots

The Thanksgiving party

at Luca's preschool was

loads of fun for all the

tiny tots. There was

a lot of yummy food and

cool art projects. Luca

and I made turkey

cupcakes to share.

(Thanks Alice!) Luca

really enjoyed making

a beaded necklace and

his Indian hat. His

Indian name was

Stinker Bug. I made

a hat for Acacia too and

she loved it. She was

my little Stinker Beetle.

She wore the hat a lot

and boy was she

adorable. Luca and his

friends made shakers

out of old water bottles

and they made music

with them. Acacia

thought that was fun

too, and she got a

shaker of her own to

play with. These

two children are so

adorable together.

I love the way they

interact and how much

fun they have together.

Our Superstar

Luca is our little go getter. He's nearing the end of his first soccer season and even though he knows it's ending, it is going to be a tough day for him when he realizes there are no more practices or games for a while.

He loves soccer. He

isn't nearly as

aggressive as I would

have imagined him

to be, but he sure

does enjoy playing,

and he has a lot of fun

with his teammates.

Luca has really

improved over the

season. He has

become quite an

awesome little

defender. He is the

first to volunteer to be

on defense. He has

become pretty good

at keeping the ball

out of the goal when

he's playing defense.

At this young age,

there is only one

defender and it's usually

Luca.

Luca enjoys sharing his half time snack with Acacia. Today they had grapes, and Luca tore off half of each of his grapes to give them to his baby sister. Luca really is such an awesome big brother.

HEAD ON!

Seriously, Acacia puts everything she can on her head. It's quite hilarious sometimes, but most of all it is so dang cute and brings a smile to our faces all the time.

This morning when Luca got dressed he left his pj's on the floor. Acacia quickly picked up his pj shorts and put them on her head. She does this anytime Luca leaves things on the floor. She's even done it with his underwear. After she puts it on her head, she proceeds to playing with her toys and her brother. It doesn't seem to bother her one bit that something is on her head. I think she's got a strange head thing goin' on.

Acacia got so excited about putting this hat on her head that she started dancing and singing. This is one of the cutest parts of her personality. She dances a lot and she's always trying to tell us something.

When Luca came home from soccer practice one cold night this week, he threw his beanie on the floor and Acacia scooped it up, put it on her head and went to scrounging around the bathroom cupboards. Cute. Cute. Cute.

Acacia loves to put Luca's hats on. She usually puts them on backwards and then walks and crawls around the house smiling and singing. Maybe she thinks she's a hat model or something, because she sure does get excited to have hats on her head. (Yes, if you haven't noticed, my daughter drools a lot. She's had a super leaky mouth since the day she was born. The perpetual drooling ruins a lot of outfits!)

Water Rat

Luca has been going to swimming lessons for a few months now. He takes lessons at the YMCA. We absolutely love the YMCA, it's a great family place and his teacher is awesome. Luca is becoming very comfortable in the water and has a lot of fun when it's time for swimming. He loves the water and has turned into quite the little water rat. He is pretty much always the first to volunteer for everything. Right now they are working on freestyle and the back stroke. He is getting a lot better at holding his breath and now loves to dive to the bottom of the pool. I'm so glad that Luca enjoys swimming; it really isn't work for him at all, it's playtime.

My Soap Box (you may not like this)

All these protests and rallies against the passing of California's Prop 8 has really impacted my tiny little mind. I have had a difficult time with this issue since it was first brought up in a Sacrament Meeting months and months ago. I was confused to why the church leadership would get involved politically when my understanding was that the church didn't get involved with political issues. Since that time, there has been clarity as to why the church leadership made the decision to encourage church members in California to dig into their pockets and contribute money and of course oodles of time in behalf of Prop 8. As a member of a very active and motivated ward/stake, I saw hundreds of people, including many friends and even my own husband donate time money and a lot of energy into the passing of this bill. All the while, I was struggling with my own thoughts about the rights and/or privileges we are entitled to as citizens of this great nation. Tony and I had countless discussions because I was trying desperately to understand why this was such a huge issue. I guess I have always felt that people have the right to choose what they will, and then they will be subject to the consequences of those decisions. I read the articles put out by the first presidency, listened to many talks, had countless conversations and received countless emails regarding the subject of same sex marriage, but I still felt confused.
One Sunday a friend of ours, who happens to be a high council speaker, spoke about this subject and finally shed a different light and perspective on the issue. Basically, in short he was talking about how we may not understand all the reasons or consequences of this proposition at this time, but we must trust the Lord and His Prophets--that they would never lead us astray. Okay, that means we need to be obedient--that I get.
Bear with me for a moment while I expand on a particular weakness/strength (I'm not sure which one it is at this time) I have. I have this drive toward tolerance of views, beliefs and opinions. This is not to be mistaken for a tolerance of unruly, disruptive and violent behavior. We live in a wicked world where morals and virtue are not held in high standard. We also live in a very diverse country where people are entitled to their own ideas and opinions--about everything. I am a very opinionated person--who knew--but agree or disagree, I respect the right of others to have opinions as well. I respect and thrive on differences. I respect that people have their own ideas of what marriage, morals, faithfulness, etc. is. It doesn't bother me in the least that people are passionate about what they believe. My faith is unbreakable. I know what is right and I know the Holy Ghost is my companion and that He gives me strength when I am weak. Even though I do not doubt what I know to be true, I have this strange sense of walking the fence sometimes because I have such a compassion that compels me to be empathetic with those who believe differently than I do. It makes for difficult times for me because there is so much of a clash between what the Lord and the world says is appropriate behavior. I understand the worldly view all to well. Maybe it's because I lived in the world for a while, or maybe it's because the Lord has blessed me with a keen sense of understanding. Like I said, I don't know if it's a strength or a weakness.
My thoughts on the passage of Prop 8: I think it's absolutely amazing, incredible and somewhat shocking that the state of California voted to restore the morality of marriage. I never thought I'd see the day. I think the Lords will pour out abundant blessings on those who worked so diligently in their efforts to restore the sanctity of marriage. My personal opinion is that marriage is defined by God. There are many laws of God that are not upheld in the laws of man. Regardless of how man, or the human law defines marriage, morals or life, we are held to a higher degree of standard by our Heavenly Father. He does not live by the laws of the people, but by His own laws, which in the end is what we are compelled to live by for our eternal well being. Ultimately, I believe this issue boils down to one thing: Is marriage a RIGHT, or is it a PRIVILEGE? Who decides? In the laws of our Heavenly Father, marriage is indeed a privilege that we regard in the most sacred manner. However, in America--the land of free speech, choice and the American Dream, I feel it will inevitably be deemed a human right--entitled to all men. As for now, at least the sanctity of marriage has been defended--even if it is for a short time. My hope and prayer is that those who are in despair regarding their "rights" being taken away, will find a more effective and less harmful way of conveying their opinions, anger and outrage without causing such distress to others. I do believe with all my heart that people need to fight for what they believe to be right. Prop 8 was a tough battle for both sides, but we put this issue to a vote of the people and the verdict is in. Can we really put our faith in the American way and the justice system, but then rebel when things don't work out our way. After all folks, this is America, and even if you don't agree with it, "We the People. . ." have spoken.

Three's A Crowd

I think as Acacia gets older we may end up with some problems when it comes to Hercules, the cat. Hercules has always been Luca's "buddy" and has kept him company since he was a newborn. We have three cats, and Hercules was the only one that didn't go into hiding when Luca was born. The other cats were afraid of baby Luca, but Hercules was always right there. Well, now Hercules has taken to Acacia.















Acacia has been chasing the cats around since she became mobile. She would even play with the cats as she was nursing, if one of them happened to hop on my lap. Luca has been pretty good about not getting jealous with Acacia, but that might change if Hercules becomes her buddy and not his.

Baby Blues

Okay, seriously, my baby with blue eyes? I would have never imagined I'd have a child with the brightest blue eyes. The day Acacia was born I remember just staring at her for a really long time. I told my mom there was something about her that reminded me of my Grandma (dad's mom). My mom didn't see it, and I think she thought I was crazy. It wasn't until a few days later that I figured it out. She has my Grandma's eyes. Actually, Acacia looks a lot like my Grandma. I love it that there are times when I look at her and am reminded of my Grandma. What a special little girl. People comment all the time about her eyes and then they look at me and ask if my husband has blue eyes. When I say "no" they look at me a bit funny. Only in Montana do they actually have the guts to accuse me of mating with the mail/milk man. It's amazing some people actually believe two brown eyed people cannot possibly have a blue eyed child. I guess if I was with the mail/milk man it must not have been that great, because I certainly don't remember it!

Where Is It. . .There it is!

We have a fun new game to play with Acacia.

(I love this stage of life. It's so cute!)

Where's your lips?

She actively takes her finger and strums her lips to make a fun noise.

Where's Luca's ears?

Where's Luca's hair?

Where's Acacia's hair?

Where's Luca's nose?

This one is her favorite. She loves to grab peoples' noses!

Where's Acacia's nose?

This will at times involve her sticking her finger in her nose.

She thinks it's hilarious when she does it.

Where's Luca's belly button?

Acacia loves to find our belly buttons,

but she doesn't like us to find hers. Go figure.

Old Mother Hubbard Lived in A Cupboard

I came home from conference this morning to find Daddy asleep on the chair and the kids playing in the living room together. Apparently they were having so much fun playing that Tony thought it was the perfect time to catch up on some shut eye. How come I don't ever seem to get those opportunities. Naps don't exist for me, unless it's a very rare occasion.
Anyway, Acacia has recently discovered what Luca discovered years ago. . .the fish tank cabinets. She loves to crawl inside the cabinets, shut the door and hide. This morning, both Acacia and Luca were hiding in the cabinet when I got home. They were having the time of their lives just crawling in and out, opening and shutting the doors. Although, Luca is only 4 1/2, he is rediscovering his early childhood by playing with Acacia. I secretly think he loves the opportunity to be one all over again. This lucky little boy loves his baby sister so much. It is so much fun to see the interaction between the two of them. It makes this mommy very happy!

Can you tell they were having fun? Look at the mess. . . and by this time it was 12:30 in the afternoon and they were still in their PJ's. What the heck Daddy??

Riding Around In My Automobile

Luca and Acacia took a ride

in the hummer the other

day.It has been a while

since they got to drive

around together and

they had a blast.

Acacia is a great

passenger because she

just smiles ear to ear as

Luca drives her around the

neighborhood. Luca got this

as a Christmas present

a few years ago from

Grandma Jo & Grandpa Gary

and it has been

a big hit for both of the kids.

They are so lucky.

I never got to have anything like this

when I was a child. Boo Hoo!

Halloween Hoopla

Fancy little jack-o-lanterns,
happy little children, fun
and cooky costumes, smiles,
giggles and lots of candy.
What a marvelous holiday.
Luca and Acacia had a
lot of fun. We started
our night off by going
to the church
for an evening of chili,
cornbread and
trick -or-treating.
We hurried home
so that I could take
the kids out around
the neighborhood,
while Mr. handicap
Daddy stayed home
and passed out candy.
Although it's
an awesome holiday,
I'm grateful it comes
around only once a year!

Holy Sweetness

How in the world could I have ever thought I'd only want boys. Girls are such drama, and they have such attitudes. Boy, I couldn't have been more wrong. Of course there will always be drama and attitudes, but I have never seen anything as sweet, precious and cute as my baby girl. Her sweet spirit amazes me. This little darling has completely changed my life, in many ways. I love you my precious darlin'.

Acacia has sticky fingers and likes to get into everything she shouldn't. She loves to get into the recycle bin (you could include trash cans, toilets, drawers, cupboards, laundry, etc.) and pull out the pop cans and pretend she's drinking them. How little does she know that she won't be trying pop for a really long time. Luca is four and a half and we've never given him a pop. We'll hold off as long as we can. I might as well control what goes into their mouths while I can, because I know I won't have control forever. I'm such a mean mom huh?
This little miss loves to hang out at Luca's school. She can play with so many toys.

Acacia lights up when she sees the camera. She's definitely a photogenic baby.

I tried to put a bow in her hair, but it lasted a matter of about 10 seconds. This is the only half way decent picture I could get. I wish she'd wear bows more often because then she would be mistaken for a boy all the time.

Howdy darling. She loves this hat, but we have to be careful because she gets the strings wrapped all around her neck. She loves hats and puts them all on her head.

Poor Poor Baby

Poor Tony, he's in dire need of some sympathy. According to him he doesn't get any at home, so maybe some of you out there will feel sorry for him! He's still recovering and it appears it is going to be an extremely LOOOOONG recovery. It's already been a dreadful two and a half weeks, but I'm hopeful he'll get to feeling a bit better soon. He feels pretty useless, which I have to admit--he kind of is, but what's to be expected after the second reconstructive surgery on in the same joint. He's pretty proud of his war wound and would like all to see it--if you can stomach it. We don't have squeamish stomachs at this house, so we all think Dad's pretty cool. The picture of Tony passed out in the chair is is usual position for the past few weeks. He really does just pass out in the chair--all the time! Hopefully he'll get some energy and motivation back soon.