Once Upon a Time ...

... a long time ago, I was getting ready during my final semester at SDSU. I remember feeling so strongly that there was no reason for us to put off having kids and we should start our family. Brian was reading in the living room when I told him what I was feeling. I could see him gulp a bit, but then a peace came over us both and we knew it was the right time.

The joy and love that has entered our lives since that decision was made couldn't have come any other way. Brandon Joshua has always been a light in our family.

At 2 years old, always trying to learn and explain how things work.

Brandon at 4, he broke his wrist jumping off the bunk bed.
He's always had a fun sense of humor!Brandon is such a good big brother.
He's a great example and loves playing with his siblings.At 8, loving the buzz cut!

Now he's 12 years old! He's almost as tall as I am,
in middle school, and making choices of his own.

I'm so proud of this boy. His Grandpa Wetzker was in town this weekend to help ordain him a Deacon in the Priesthood. Brandon took this passage with reverence and extreme excitement. Not having grown up in the church, it was something wonderful to see. Three generations of strong, worthy men.

Not to say this boy isn't a typical 12 year old kid. He is silly and together we're learning what it's like having a pre-teen in the house! He makes life fun! Happy Birthday "B"! We love you!!!

Little Milestone

So, some of you know that I've been doing the Weight Watchers thing since New Year. I made a pretty significant (in my own mind) milestone this weekend and am very happy. My kids are so encouraging and that really boosts me. Now I get to share a dark side of my brain.
Ready for true confessions?

I happen to have many very pretty friends. No, I'm not kidding. They all have several children and still have great bodies and terrific attitudes. One friend in particular will tell you straight out how hard she works to get her body to look and work the way she wants it to. It doesn't come easy and she puts the time and energy into it. She inspires me!!! However, when I hear all these beautiful women sit together and gab about all they are doing and all they are not eating, I have found myself defeated. Knowing I'll never run a marathon (and, to be honest, don't ever want to), and will never look as toned as they.
Here's where fate smiles brightly.

Very many of them are pregnant now. (Can you hear the sinister little cackle?) Seriously, the water is crazy in this area and the baby boom has hit once again. So, my dirty confession is that while they are lamenting on the few pounds they are gaining each week, I am inside feeling like a champion because I continue to knock off a couple of pounds a week. Pathetic???? Why, yes, yes I am! I'm not particularly proud of that fact, but I am just a little bit proud of my accomplishment tonight!

And just between you and me, these same amazingly beautiful women look soooo pretty prego! They don't think so, and they have aches and pains, but they do the baby baking thing with such style!!!

California Dreamin'

We have been having unseasonably warm weather for the last 2 months. Beautiful beach days in January are a real treat when we're reading about some places in the country. Today we got a bit of unusual weather. Check out this white stuff.

Our front yard flower bed blanketed with hail!

Brandon is my boy that wears shorts no matter the weather. Can you see how white the street is? That's all hail. He was dared to run across the street and back. He was freezing when he finally came in!

Cast Laughs

I have been writing more about this dog than I have my kids, lately. Let's face it, there are times when animals are much cuter than our pre-teen children! Lately that has been the case! I'll save that for a different post ... maybe, if it doesn't depress me too much.

Comet came back to us after 2 days of sedation with this lovely cast! It's HUGE! I guess that's what you get when you go to the vet in Mexico! Ha! Oh, the silver part on the bottom is Duct tape. They put it on to try to keep it dry and protected on the bottom. See, anything can be fixed with Duct Tape. Doesn't he look like he has a raquetball raquet on his leg? Poor guy! Is it okay to have family and friends sign the cast? Wouldn't that be funny!? (Just like my kids, I use this poor animal for my own entertainment! It's an illness I tell you!)

He doesn't even seem to notice it. He runs all over, goes on walks, and jumps on Chance as if he were 100%. Dogs are very adaptable. He's still a sweet, loving little puppy. He crawled right in my lap when I was sitting down on the floor.