If you give a Lolo a camera...

If you give a Lolo a camera, you will get to see things through her eyes! You will get to see Kody sneaking candy and her bright shiney face smiling back at you!

If you give a Lolo a camera you will see whatever she is watching on TV, you will also see that she is watching TV in her parents room and that she just told on herself. You will also see that her dad threw a fit and broke his drawer when it stuck that morning! hahahaha

If you give a Lolo a camera, you will see that she was drinking a Sprite at Matt and Jackie's wedding. You will also get to see that she found her little brother's shoe!

She will also try to take a close up of the Easter Egg dye kit that her mother bought. What you will not see is that the egg dye kit did not work well! So much for the cheap kit!

You will get to see more of her bright and shiney face! If you give a Lolo a camera, you will see that she is a beautiful and happy girl. You will see what she loves and cares about today.

If you give a Lolo a camera, you will see her goofy father, who likes to make her smile.

If you give a Lolo a camera, she will take some very random pics. You will get to see the back side of Mommy, because it's close to bedtime and she doesn't want to show off her sweet pajamas.

You will get to see a smiley sister, because she thinks it's funny that mom is hiding her face!

If you give a Lolo a camera, you will get to see how much her brothers enjoy each other!

You will see how they hang out and that Sammy likes to put the flashlight in his mouth so his whole face lights up.

If you give a Lolo a camera, the very first shot she will take is of the lens, because she forgot that it sticks shut and you have to open it with your finger.

If you give a Lolo a camera, she will show that we are a happy family and that she loves each one of us that she herself is enjoying her time here. If you give a Lolo a camera, you will get to see what is near and dear to her. You will get to see what is important to a 9 year old at this time in her life. If you give a Lolo a camera, you will get to see life through her eyes.

These pics were taken a few at a time when Lolo could get her hands on the camera, after squealing, "Can I take a few pictures, please, please, PLEASE!!!!" Or even without permission when I have left camera in her reach! It's so funny to go to upload my own pics and see all these random shots that she feels is so necesary!

I hope she will always sneak the camera a little so I can enjoy a little more of life through her eyes.

SAMMYLAND!

A few weeks ago, we had a booth at the Litchfield Fine Arts and Wine show. Danny also a motorcycle event for the bike shop so I got to take Sammy with me! I packed the play pen knowing we would need to keep him contained, but it did not want to set up. (Partially to operator error, but thats a different story!) Well, I was a little flustered not knowing how we would contain this little monster, but leave it to Great-Aunt Shelley to come up with an ingenious idea!

Welcome to SAMMYLAND! We arranged the cartons we keep the gourds in, in a semi circle added our chairs into the mix. Then I made a quick run to Walmart for some "Fresh" toys and snacks. This turned out to be a much better plan because he had plenty of room to crawl and play. Even nap! The first nap of the day I left him in the stroller and it didn't last long. The next nap I pulled him out and layed him on his "Nana-blankey" and he slep for an hour and a half!

Stoller nap!

SAMMYLAND came complete with 2 "caves"
to crawl in. He was a little unsure at first but after I threw some toys in there, he went right after them! That Aunt Shelley in sure smart! He played all day and didn't discover that there was one hole to get out into our booth untill aroung 3:30!

Here are some pics of SAMMYLAND. I tried to get all angles so you could see the glorious wonderland we built. What I was afraidwould turn out to be a disasterous day ended up great! Sammy had a fantastic day, the show wasn't as good as it normally is, but we had fun watching Sammy all day!

He really did enjoy his caves! He sat in them most of the day.

SPRING FEET!

I love this time of year! It means flip flops and pedicures! My favorite paint job is the french manicure look, with just the tips done. Usually they use white polish, but is that really me? No, I always have to have color in my life! So, I pick out a bright color and the Vietnemese people always ask "You want just tips done? With this color?" Yes, I do! I usually spring for the airbrushing of flowers and things on my big toes, but I had to beg for the money for just the pedicure this time, so I didn't push it. I think I jumped the gun a little bit, because I have only had 2 occasions to wear flip flops or open toed shoes since I got them done 2 weeks ago. The darn weather won't make up it's cold or warm. But I am ready! Bring on the warmness so my beautiful toes can SHINE!

The wind up, the pitch...

Lolo decided to play softball this year! Wow, what a plan! Here she is as the starting pitcher for The Chino Valley Rattlers. Never having played before she has only sat and watched Danny and I play season after season. She has observed Danny coaching the Jrs Baseball team year after year and in an attempt to get her Dad's attention she decided to jump in this year. Well, it worked. We have on h-e-double hockey sticks of a player on our hands. She made up her mind that she wanted to be a pitcher, I didn't try to

discourage her, but I just told her that having never played, she might just want to learn the basics first. I am so glad that she did not listen to me. Two practices ago I noticed her practicing with one of the assistant coaches, he didn't really look like he knew what he was doing, so I asked Danny if we knew anyone who could help her, since she really wanted to pitch. Sure enough he did, our friend Rocky, has coached his daughter's team the last few years. So, he said he would show her a few things. THANK YOU ROCKY! She started and pitched three out four innings. Now, for the girls minor league teams the girls pitch the first few batters until it's clear that they can not throw a strike then the coach takes over, Lolo's coach did not have to do that until the last 2 or 3 batters of each inning.

Now, thats not all, she has a surprising batting ability too. Personally, I think it comes from watching her mother play! Have you seen my profile pic??? HAhahaha. I am so proud of her for picking her own sport and playing with all her heart. Of course her team won 15-14. Another little rule for the minors is that after 5 runs the inning is over, instead of waiting for 3 outs. (Because if we had to wait for 3 outs, we might get 2 innings in each game:) So, it is hard to tell who was winning, because I thought each team always got 5 runs in. Apparently in the last inning the Rattlers pulled off 3 outs! These girls are so cute and are giving their all. It is clear that they truely enjoy this game.

Lolo usually ends up getting stuck playing or participating in whatever Danielle and Kody are involved in. This is the first time she picked her own sport. I am so glad she did. She was so proud of herself and had so much fun. As we were leaving, she said "I don't want to play soccer anymore! I only want to play SOFTBALL!" I think we have a future all star on our hands. She did get 2 strike outs in this game, so Rocky did a good job! I am also excited to see her so happy and pleased with herself. Lolo does not have the self-esteem that the older 2 have. I know that this is partially my fault for making so many jokes about her being our "walking birth control" for so many years. Danny and I have tried to calm down our teasing of her and seeing the glow on her face tonight means so much to me. I love that she has found her niche, (for now). I'm sure something else might come along but for now she is our STAR. Here we go Rattlers, here we GO!

My Birthday!

Today is my birthday! When I got to work, this morning there was a familiar car parked in front of the office. However, this car should've still been in Chino at the cycle shop. Danny decided to surprise me by beating me to work and putting flowers on my desk. Unfortunately I was on time and the only person who gets there before me had the day off. He was a little bummed that he didn't get them inside before I say them, but I was just as thrilled. I love flowers! This bouquet is beautiful because is a mix of roses and white daisies. What a fabulous mix of love and spring! They sat on the sign in counter all day and everyone who came in to see Dr Bryan commented on them and wished me a Happy Birthday. What a sweet man to try and surprise me like this and bring such a fantastic bunch of flowers.

In honor of my birthday, I decided to do the quiz that everyone is doing with their little kids. I discovered it also works with big kids and husbands.

What is something Mommy always says to you?

Dan- I love you

Nelly-Take Sammy! (Poor Danielle, I guess I need to work on that a little...)

Kody-Thou shalt not touch thy mother's Dr Pepper! (This is actually the 13th commandment!)

Lolo-I love you

What makes Mommy happy?
D-When I don't go to work.
N-Peanut M&M's
K-Dr Pepper
L-When her children listen to her.(Even though this is true, it sounds a little too much like my mom...)

What makes Mommy sad?
D-When I go to work.
N-Me eating her Peanut M&M's!(Most definately! Maybe we need another commandment!)
K-Daddy sometimes. (Maybe we had a fight recently:(
L-When children don't listen. (Can you tell what we've been working on?)

What does Mommy do to make you laugh?
D-Making fun of your sister. (uh oh)
N-She asks me stupid questions!
K-By talking!
L-Tickles me!

What was Mommy like as a child?
D-P.I.A (You'll figure it out)
N-She was a whiner.
K-I'm gonna go with spoiled little brat!
L-A clogger.

How old is your Mommy?
D-33
N-Actual age or how old she wants to be? (Good girl!)
K- About to be 33.
L-33 (I actually asked these questions about a week ago! )

How tall is Mommy?
D-5 ft 4 1/2in
N-Short
K-5ft 3in
L-5 ft 2in

What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?
D-Go dancing!
N-Eat Peanut M&M's
K-was scrapbook...spend time with us!
L-Scrapbook, um no, be with her children.

What does Mommy do when you're not around?
D-Nothing, blog.
N-Blog
K-How am I supposed to know that? (Already answering like a man!)
L-Play with Sammy

If Mommy becomes famous, what would it be for?
D-Writing
N-Winning the lottery! (Too bad I don't play)
K-World's greatest decorated gourd.
L-Being MY Mommy!

What is Mommy really good at?
D-Being a mom
N-Writing stories and stuff.
K-Yelling (Ouch)
L-Being a mommy

What is Mommy NOT good at?
D-Making a plan and sticking to it.
N-Singing
K-Keeping control (of what I don't know)
L-Tap dancing

What is my job?
D-Being a mother
N-To be my mommy, and front desk at a Doctor's office
K-Receptionist
L-Doctor's office

What is my favorite food?
D-Mexican
N-Peanut M&M's (I think when I asked these questions, I had a small bag and would not share with Nelly)
K-I don't know...chicken? (What a man, that is his fave, not mine!)
L-Salad

What makes you proud of Mommy?
D-Being such a great mom and wife (not sure what he wants, but he's playing this thing up!)
N-Because she's not afraid of teenagers
K-Everything
L-She married my daddy.

What do we do together?
D-Softball
N-alot of stuff
K-Go to parks
L-love each other!

If Mommy was a cartoon character, who would she be?
D-Babs Bunny
N-Idk! Bugs Bunny, you're always outsmarting people, or the pink Snorkel
K-Kristi Oquist-Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (I'm not sure about this boy!)
L-Underwater sea creature

How are we the same?
D-Both lazy
N-both make funny faces
K-Temper
L-looks

How are we different?
D-I'm not as lazy and I can be on time!
N-I'm athletic
K-I'm a dude you're a chick (Really?)
L-Don;t do the same things

How do you know I love you?
D-By your actions
N-Cause you tell me every day...a couple of times
K-respect
L-You discipline me (that is bittersweet)

What do I like most about Daddy?
D-My willingness to help others
N-He cooks
K-He's awesome!
L-He's your husband!

Where is my favorite place to go?
D-old barns
N-OLD NAVY and the internet
K-not in a twisty slide...OLD NAVY
L-Sea World

Danny is my husband, Nelly is 14 yrs, Kody is 12 yrs, Lolo is 9yrs.
So all in all I think my fam knows me well! What a lucky person I am to have all these people who love me!

We like to look EVIL in the eye...

Mom and Walt drove up today, while they were here they drove out to our place and Danny, Kody and Walt went to the Priesthood session of General Conferance at our building. I know that this sounds normal, but it would be Kody's first time going to Priesthood session. We had already had a long day with Little League Opening Ceremonies and an all day school carnival and motorcycle show. We were home resting and cleaning (which is hard to do both, but we always manage to squeeze both in) because we only had an hour and a half between being home and Mom coming over. We tell Kody that he is going with the guys to watch Confererance at the church and he immediately starts his pouting. Then he learns that it is church dress and the puting gets worse, someday I'd love to capture this on camara, but it will make matters worse when Kody is already in "my life sucks more than anyone elses" mode. Danny is trying to remember how long it is and thinks it is only an hour. This helps a little, then Danielle tells him that the rest of the YM will be there, which we think will help. However, Kody responds with,"Yea, but they will all be paying attention!" Well no duh they will be paying attention, that is why you go! :)
Mom and Walt get there even earlier than expected and this only worsens Kody's mood because he knows he will have to start getting ready soon. When he comes out after getting church dress on, he hears us discussing dinner plans. While this is a funny conversation between mom and Walt, mainly because Walt can't hear anything I'll save it for later. When Kody walks out is right when Mom asks how long it will go. Walt replies with 2 hours, if I had not been so upset with Kody already for behaving like he is his face would have been hillarious. His eyes are already red with uncried tears of frustration, they almost leak out with this bit of news.
Meanwhile, they leave, and the real veging begins, the girls and I on the big couch and Mom on the loveseat. We decide to get cheese crisps at our favorite Mexican food place here in Chino and if we leave at 6:45 and order right away we will be ready to eat as soon as the guys are done! (The restaurant happens to be one street over from the church) At a little after 7:00 Kody comes in, already changed out of church clothes. "Did you go home?" I ask "Yes" Kody replies as the guys didn't get our texts about dinner till they were 2 houses away from ours. hehehehehehehehe. Kody breaks into a big grin and tells us how much he loved going. He told us how they cracked jokes and that one of President Uchtdorf's talks was his favorite, he sat by one of the YM and enjoyed his first grown up Priesthood Sessions. My heart warms. I love knowing that the Priesthood and Holy Ghost work, especially in my little man.
Mom then asks Danny what the main topic was, "Preparedness, Get out of debt?" "No," Danny replies, "the basics, if we just Pray, read the scriptures and Hold FHE, everything will be ok. That those three things are the most important and that all will be well, if you do them.
Walt then asks, "If it's that easy, why would you not do them?" Danielle is so quick, not even in the middle of a 24 hour fast, while sitting in a Mexican Restaurant (our fave) and watching all of shovel down food, slows her down, she knows we are good at praying together and lack badly in the other two responds with "Because we like to look EVIL, in the eye!"
So, is it finally time for the Oquists to quit living on the edge? Can we heed to the Prophet's counsel? I think it is time, because I am tired of fighting the forces of evil on my own. If it really is that easy, why do we fight it? Obviously, Kody found out that it was not worth pouting over, when asked what his low was for the evening he said, throwing a fit before leaving. So remember, what the best defense is and then you won't have to fight on your own!
>>> Pray, read the scriptures and hold Family Home Evening!!!!!<<<