so this is what I'm talking about

Luke likes Normal Rockwell paintings - so do I.  One morning he left this on the computer screen.  It brought a smile to my face.  Even though it is a parody, it is a perfect example of the point I was trying to make when I blogged about the term "ideal" - yeah, the second picture is a little different than the first, but you can see that the family is trying.  I love it!  In fact, I love it so much that I hear a new theme calling me!  I think I want to blog a different Normal Rockwell painting every day - or maybe at least once a week.

p.s.  I can't wait for Thanksgiving!

Samantha's Turn

It's Samantha's turn for a trip - her school ended in late July and it looks like she will be starting some more online classes soon - so when she heard that her cousins and aunt were taking a road trip back to Utah she wanted to go.  She's been having fun with family, and getting a little taste of college life with friends.  Hopefully she'll be an out of town, on campus student as well someday, in the near future.  In the mean time, I am missing her, just for these few days she's been gone.  So here is a "what I like about you" post regarding Samantha:

1.  She helps around the house - you never really appreciate how much someone does until they go away for a few days.  In between classes Samantha does a lot of little jobs that add up to a lot of help.  I appreciate that more than ever.

2.  Samantha is good with kids - and getting more experience all the time.  Besides being a wonderful aunt she is now working in the nursery at church every Sunday.  She is thinking of taking some child development classes which it think will be wonderful.

3.  She can keep the conversation going - have you ever experienced an awkward silence, trying to figure out something interesting to talk about?  Well Samantha is a great one to have around - there is no awkward silence with her.

4.  She takes pleasure in simple things - I think Samantha is like me in this fact - and I think there is no shame in it - she still likes old, family t.v. shows and children's novels.  Some of the best books out there are children's novels.

5.  She is a really good writer.  Some of the papers she wrote this last semester were very impressive.

So travel home safely Samantha.  It's just not the same around here without you.

Who stole our toaster?

How weird is it that no one in this house can find the toaster?  Yes, it is missing.  If any of us had used it and moved it you'd think we'd remember.  Or if someone put it away, in the wrong place, they still would know where it is, right?  Everyone is now looking for it - in the bedrooms, in the toy box, etc.  So, the only possible explanation is that someone broke into our house and stole nothing but our toaster!  We are now offering a reward - and will pay THREE TIMES what it is worth!

REWARD FOR MISSING TOASTER!  75 cents!

Or maybe it is just feeling unappreciated and ran away.

the Sergio Sunday special

Several years ago I called my sister to wish her a happy mothers day, and asked what her husband had done to spoil her. She said that he had made dinner  . . . . . popcorn and carrots.  HA! HA,! that just cracked me up.  And she wasn't disappointed - the fact that she didn't have to cook, and that the kitchen had been kept pretty clean made for a happy mothers day.  Personally I am very happy with the mothers day cafe that Reggie does, but throughout the year, on Sundays like today where no one wants to cook or even have a big meal, we have what we now call the Sergio Sunday Special.  Although because none of us are fond of raw carrots, we have Popcorn and grapes, or blueberries, or something like that. So thanks for the idea Sergio!

Happy Sunday!

Sorry Julia, I beat you - but you get all the credit!

Julia showed me a video today - I told her that I liked it so much I wanted to post it.  She said she was going to first.  But she is out today, and so I am not waiting - I am beating her.  But I will give her the full credit - thank you for showing me this Julia - I love it!

of good report

Even without t.v. reception I find that the news, gossip, etc. is very accessible.  I wake up in the morning and look at Yahoo news, and at times get too bogged down with it.  Often I spend way too much time reading the details about stories that I know are going to depress me.  I also have realized that one thing I like about Netflix is also something that I hate about Netflix - being able to immerse myself in one episode after another of any show, because they have all of the seasons available now.  This means that I am truly entering the show's world, or atmosphere.  Although this is nice, because it's fun to have things on in the background while I am doing monotonous cleaning or while I am doing fun scrapbooking, I've also noticed that many of the shows I am choosing are just making me sad/bringing me down.  At the end of the day I have often wondered why I am feeling so blue.  Then I realize it's because of the media choices I've made.  And I know that some shows or stories may affect me differently than others.  One of my favorite shows is MONK, but I have a relative who won't watch it because it brings her down.  She is not making a judgement about me for enjoying the show - it is just something that affects her negatively.

So, this has me thinking about a certain "Article of Faith" from our church:  "if there is anything virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy we seek after these things".  I am now challenging myself to more often seek after the things that make me feel good - things that are virtuous or lovely, news that is of good report and praiseworthy.  I also realize that I need to know about the world - especially because I need to keep up on things that are out there that are part of my kids world.  For example, Samantha has always loved 19 Kids and Counting, and I have admired them for many things.  But seeing the most recent reports (the oldest sons infidelity) has wanted me to 1. soften the blow for Samantha before she reads about it and 2. encourage her and myself to not go seeking for the unanswerable questions of "why?" - there are just too many disgusting and depressing details that we don't need to have in our lives.

 I've been thinking about the word "ideal" a lot, and wondering if looking to the "ideal" does more harm than good.  I think there is a consensus out there that looking to the ideal is harmful, because no-one is every going to reach that goal - have the ideal house, family, job, etc.  But I think that shooting for the ideal means that you get closer to it than if you weren't working for it at all.
And I think I've said this before, but I want to say it again:  Rest assured, I am aware - we are all aware that our family and lives are not perfect.  Reggie and I certainly do our share of fighting; we all do our share of fighting in this house, and make plenty of mistakes.  But, as far as blog posting or Facebook posting, I need to write about the good times - not because I am trying to look like something that isn't true, but because  I need to go back and look at these good times to get me through the hard times.  And the good times are true and real too, and for that I am grateful.

So, to sum up and remind myself:

"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, of good report

or praiseworthy, we seek after these things".

1st year

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MARIAH AND ROSS!  They've had a great first year - an adventurous first year!  They bought an annual National Parks pass and have put it to good use so far, going to Zions, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon.

 So, what better way to celebrate their anniversary than spending the night in a tree house?  They told Samantha that that is what they were doing - some kind of resort whose accommodations are in tree houses.  I can't wait to hear all about it!

Lion King

Yes, we are still doing the Disney marathon, and today was Lion King.  This is one of the Pineda's favorite.  It is not my favorite, I guess because of the sad parts, but in watching it I remembered how much I enjoy the not-sad parts.  And the music is amazing.  And there are some good lessons, and points of wisdom in it.

We have had the opportunity to see Lion King on Broadway, in San Francisco, and loved that as well.    There are a couple of songs in the play that were not in the original movie - I'm glad they have added them.  For example, "He Lives In You" - what a great message.  I love how Rafiki tells Simba that Mufasa is still alive, and then shows him, in Simba's reflection.  And right before that, I love the song of hope, called Endless Night.  So here are those songs.  Happy Lion King week, from our house to yours!  (p.s. "He Lives In You" actually opens the movie Lion King 2, and Lion King 1 & 1/2 is one of our favorites - very funny!)


(Here is a fun memory, not as inspiring as the real song, but cracks me up: the intro of this song is full of words that we don't understand - Hillary always thought it sounded like "pink pajamas, penguins on my bottom" - especially because, if I remember right, she had pink pajamas with penguins on.")

Again, I just love the song below!

my last week

Well, this is my last week of summer and I feel a sort of pressure, that whatever I choose to do with my time is very important.  The reason it is important is because next week, after getting up and while getting ready I will be thinking "oh, if I could just . . . " whatever it is.  For example, I will be looking at my bed longingly thinking "I wish I could just climb back in there", or I wish I could go for a morning walk, or be the one to greet Addy when she wakes up, or go shopping during the day - which is so less crowded and more pleasant than in the after-work hours.  But I know I have been lucky to have a month off to do those things, and to get the house more organized, etc. And I know that I love my job - that is one important thing about blogging for me: that I can look back on past posts and remember.

But it's still summer, and this morning I got to watch Lion King with Addy and Isla while working on a Christmas project.  Yes, Christmas!  I have so many ideas for homemade Christmas presents! That's one thing I enjoy about the coming fall - that I get to start working on Christmas!

walking vs. hiking

Well, I realized today that I am a walker, not a hiker.  In fact, I need to take more advantage of the beautiful autumn weather coming our way and find more interesting trails to walk in this wonderful Bay Area of ours.  But today there was a youth activity where I was technically a chaperone.  It was a hike, up and down dirt trails - and I did my best - lasted at least 1/2 mile.  Problem was, the hike went on for 2 miles, each way!  Luckily there were plenty of chaperones determined and fit enough to make it the whole way with the kids.  I went back to the church and helped set up the lunch.  It was a beautiful afternoon, either way.

Happy birthday Audrey & Andrew!

It is Audrey's birthday month - the big 2!  And it occurs to me that I forgot to blog a Happy Birthday to Andrew in June.  I will blame it on the math - and here is a perfect picture, from their visit in July:

We are so blessed to have Andrew in our family, for so many reasons.

And we are so happy to say Happy Birthday to Audrey this month!  It's been quite a while now that, when you ask her how old she is she says "al - most - two".  We are sure she will enjoy this next year as much as she enjoyed the last.  She is a happy, loud, vivacious toddler, and we just can't get enough of her!

I love how you can see her little curls in this picture!

what I've liked about you, this summer

As Luke's summer is soon coming to a close, I've been reflective.  I can't believe he's going to high school!  With each of my kids the middle school years have been the worst in so many ways - actually, I take that back.  I guess I'm just telling on Julia, Hillary and Mariah - I hope they don't mind me saying so, but for them the middle school years were the worst as far as their self confidence, grades, friend issues, getting along with family, etc.  But they each snapped out of it in high school and became such pleasant people!  So far with Luke there have been some of those struggles, but not as severe.  Or, maybe I'm just getting older and have overlooked them more - I guess we should ask his sisters what their view of the Jr. high Luke vs. his parent's has been!  I know he's not a perfect kid, and we are not perfect parents - people who know us might say "they are a great example of . . . ." or "Wow, they are the worst - don't follow their example!"  I don't know.  But anyway, I digress.  As Luke's summer is coming to a close I wan't to do the "what I like about you" post more as a "what I've liked about you this summer".

1.  Again, Luke has been an amazing Uncle.  He's a very patient extra set of hands with the babies.  With our preschoolers he has enjoyed their verbal capabilities so much that it has sometimes led to teasing.  For example, Audrey likes to say "it's my . . . "  which Luke really enjoyed.  When getting in the car one day he noticed that she needed a diaper change.  Pretty soon he was cracking up to her telling him  "no, it's my poop!"

Luke and his cousin's baby

2.  Luke has been a fun traveling partner - who knew his teenage years would be filled with so much flying?  But whether it's being in a car for hours at a time or being in the airport for hours at a time I have enjoyed the time with him.

3.  I love that Luke like's to play games - like most kids his age, he has had his face stuck in his phone far too much.  But he also likes to play card games and board games with the family.

4.  Luke is a great cook.  He has mastered the cookie recipe, but also likes to try new recipes - like yesterday it was homemade ice cream.  He also will offer to help out with the cooking of dinners, which I appreciate.

5.  Luke's sense of humor - he keeps us laughing.  He's had a few sayings this summer and again, we can't help but laugh when we hear Audrey copying him.  So my apologies to the Dobbins side of the family -  if Audrey says to you "Thanks for the update" - it's all Luke's fault!

This is Luke's "thanks for the update"
and "are you a prodigy?" face

6.  Luke tolerates, or humors his mother.  I don't know if those are the right words, but I so appreciate that Luke will still give Reggie and I hugs, that he will watch I Love Lucy with me, that he will listen to my stories, etc.  And speaking of my stories - I mean when I tell stories about my childhood, but also when I get into scripture stories.  We try to do scripture reading every night, and sometimes I just love to get stuck on one or two verses and delve into them and make sure we are understanding them.  I love the fascinating and faith promoting stories in the scriptures.  But I know this often requires patience on everyone's part, especially a teenager's.  I appreciate Luke's participation and patience in this.

Hunting Wabbits

Although we were armed with a camera instead of a gun - we saw a lot but still didn't "catch" any.
Last week we found a trail a couple of towns away that is home to dozens of wild rabbits.  They were fun to look at, but I guess they heard us coming and never stuck around long enough for us to get pictures.  We'll just have to stick to taking pictures of family.  So glad that our nieces came along with us.

Oh I take it back, Luke did get a picture!

Reggie came home

for the week.  We sure do miss him and appreciate all he does for us.  I know he is getting pretty tired of airline seats, but he just keeps on keeping on.  He's gotten me another companion pass and one of these days I'm just going to take off with him for a trip or two!  As far as the kids go, as soon as he got home they wanted him to do this or that with them.  Our witty Luke started singing "The Cats in the Cradle".  Reggie certainly had the desire, and after a decent night's rest he was able to spend some quality time with all of us - took Luke back to school shopping, Samantha to a movie, we had a day at the beach in Santa Cruz with extended family, etc. etc.  Sure do love that man.

Getting a refreshing "drink" of sand and sea water from a grand-niece

And a foot rub from another grand-niece.  Her mom put the
following caption, which cracks me up:
"This is what it cost us to hang out at the Hanaike House"

a new friend

I just discovered a new friend named "Pandora", or in other words, internet radio.  We had it on all day Saturday while cleaning, doing dishes, etc.  So far my radio "stations" are Disney, Alison Krauss, Michael Jackson and George Strait.  I fell in love with this song:

Happy Saturday everybody!

What I like about you, #2

Last night I finally got Mariah & Ross' wedding pictures up on the wall.  It has made me reflective, and I would like to skip around birth order wise and take this opportunity to mention some things that I really like about Mariah (as I did about Julia a few weeks ago - cause every so often our children need to know that not only do we love them, but we also like them).

1.  Mariah is very passionate - she gets so excited about the things that interest her. She likes to learn new things.  She likes her job.  She likes her calling in church (Primary President).  She likes to tell people about the things she is passionate about.  She is not scared of new experiences - this is certainly something I admire in her.

2.  Mariah is complementary - if Mariah thinks you are doing a good job at something she doesn't mind telling you so.  Now that she is past the teenage years, and I am still in them as a parent, she has become a source of strength to me.  She is able to look at things from the other side and encourage me to persevere, telling me that not only am I doing a good job with Luke, but that I was a good Mom to her in her teenage years.  I cling to this information!

3.  Mariah is a wonderful Auntie! - I have watched her come right in and play with her nieces and help out her sisters any way she can.  Everyone loves Auntie Mariah, not to mention her other half - Uncle Ross.  When we named her Mariah, I had no idea that her name would be pronounced "My Iah" by her nieces some day.  But it is, and it is adorable.

4.  Mariah is a great photographer - she is always grabbing our camera and taking loads of pictures at family functions.  I was looking at pictures from the recent wedding and was wondering where in the heck they were taken.  Turns out Hillary was given special permission to feed her baby in a more exclusive part of the venue, and Mariah, Luke and Samantha snuck in there as well.  Mariah left behind the photographic evidence which makes me laugh.

5.  There is a scripture that says that God will show unto people their weaknesses and then make their weak things become strong.  I think that, with God's help, and with some amazing inner strength, Mariah went from a head-strong teenager to an amazingly strong woman who can handle very difficult teenage girls.  She works with girls who have some severe behavioral issues and you can just hear the love and determination in her heart as she talks about her job.  I'm just so proud of her for that.

6.  Lastly for today, I'll mention that Mariah is a good sport.  She comes from a family of teasers and she laughs right along.

3rd one, same beach

Yesterday morning the kids and I took a drive past some cliffs and I thought I saw a whale lying on on the beach.  We really didn't have time to go investigate.  But now the news has confirmed it.  Third whale, same beach, since the spring.  This is crazy!

p.s. We did go back today.  Should have gotten a closer picture, but oh well.

Note to self - I've always felt regretful that my kids never get a "real" summer.  You know, summer is our foggiest season; we aren't floating down a river or jumping in a swimming hole or hanging out at the ranch, etc.  But we have always been able to explore beaches - not the kind where you lay out on your towel and soak up the sun, but the type where you where a sweatshirt and dig in the sand and get  messy and dip your feet in the cold water and this year, touch whales. That is summer too - and it's wonderful.

preschool and pioneer day

One of my favorite memories of this summer will be doing preschool with my granddaughters.  Last Christmas I got in touch with my creative side and made them a box of preschool "curriculum" - file folder games, file folder music posters, visual aids and a CD of preschool songs.  It was so fun to see them, in person, enjoying these together.  Of course Hannah is not ready for this yet, but it was good for Addy and Audrey to have each other - it meant having to take turns, etc.  And even though we thought Isla was not ready for it yet, she had the biggest smile on her face and did her best to clap along with the song B I N G O.

We also had an art day.  None of them were shy about getting their hands messy.  We ended up doing fingerpainting, paint brushes, paint with scrub brushes and paint with marbles.

As I've stated before, I was determined to celebrate pioneer day this year, which included making a quilt.  I am not that great a sewer, and I've never made a quilt.  But I did cut the girls art work into paper quilt squares, added some pictures and connected them all by lamination (is that a real word?).
It is now hanging on our front door reminding me that sometimes, in the middle of life's practicality, it's important to sing silly songs, get your hands covered in paint, and just enjoy the chaos of life.

(also, for pioneer day we made bread, honey butter and did sparklers in the backyard)

Happy August!

Well, I can't believe August is here already.  I've been feeling a bit of a panic because there are so many things that I wanted to get done around the house before school starts again.  But in the last few  days we've accomplished some, so I'm sure it will be okay.  Sometimes I wonder how I ever have time for a job outside the home; I can imagine staying busy forever just with things to do around the house.  But somehow it all works out - and let's face it, one thing I always seem to make time for is blogging!