Happy with a dash of sad.

My dad has been unemployed for two years. And meanwhile my mom has been working her bum off while trying to keep her head up high and not lose hope. I'd been praying and praying for the Lord to bless them not to lose their home. They've worked so hard all their lives to take care of us kids, and it has been hard to watch them struggle with the bad economy. My dad is a computer programmer and has actually not been in his field of work for almost 10 years, because all his type of work was sent over seas for cheaper labor. (Sooo not fair to Americans!) Anyhow, my dad had reconnected to a former co-worker he worked with in Carson City, Nevada long ago (when I was a little kiddo) and sent him his resume. The company did a phone interview with him a few months ago. But then he never heard back. And he figured it was because of his age or something. So he continued to look again for work. Then as my dad's unemployment benefits were about to end and my parents began to lose hope. The same company called him and wanted to do another phone interview with him. Miraculously my dad was able to spruce up and remember all his knowledge and skills. They must've been impressed because they offered him the job last Friday! Even though they don't even know what he looks like!

I had faith and knew the Lord would help them. I'm so grateful that He heard and answered our prayers. I'm so happy my parents won't lose their home. They plan to rent out their home, while renting a home there while he works. And my mom will be able to just work part-time. My dad also hopes to play his violin again with a symphony there that he used to be in.

I've never lived far from my parents, and we're all a little sad we won't live close anymore. But we are all just so happy for this blessing. My parents deserve it, they've given and sacrificed so much for me and my siblings. I will miss my mom terribly. We have so much fun shopping and browsing in stores together, laughing at things together, watching sappy movies together, cooking and finding fun healthy recipes and desserts to try. And occasionally abolishing our healthy eating habits for a not so healthy dreamy dessert. (carbs and sweets are the devil for women. But so much fun to enjoy with each other! haha!)

They both hoped he could've gotten a job here, so my mom could spend more time with her nine grand-kids. But this job will hopefully afford them to visit often. And we will enjoy going to visit them. Especially for holidays. Besides they'll only be a couple hours from my hometown Sacramento, and so hopefully I'll have the chance to visit there too, since I've been buggin' my husband ever since we got married to take me back there so I can show him where I lived and go to my favorite spots in Old Sac. (I hope it hasn't changed much from this bad economy :( sigh, I miss that place.)

Anyhow, my parents had their 35th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday! So getting the job offer was the greatest blessing and gift ever. They were able to be stress-free for the first time in years. They invited my girl and I to go up to Sedona with them. We had fun walking around Cottonwood and Sedona, browsed around at shops. Found a fun park for Keira to let out all her energy at. Enjoyed fufu sandwiches for lunch at Red Rooster Cafe. And dinner at Picazzo Pizza. (Quatro Formagio with anjou pear! ~droool~ you have to request it, since it's not on the menu anymore. But it's to die for! Fufu pizza's will rock your taste buds! ...except for my hubby's...haha! and he says I have a boring palette, oh well, more for me !)

Well, on a random side note, I was ever so thrilled to try my new Okabashi (USA-made) flip flops, which I had basked about in one of my posts. But to my dismay they were not that great in quality or comfort! So I returned them. I've been trying to restock and revamp my flip flop gallery, since all my pairs just had to be tossed. Because A)they were thrashed and B) they were never really that supportive. (But that doesn't mean I won't give into the cute ones still, haha! I still need to get me some fun gladiator sandals!)

Anyhow I've ALWAYS wanted to get me a pair of Fit Flops. Which are highly supportive and supposedly are like a super workout when you walk in them. But I've never gotten myself (or the hubster) to cough up the money, they're like $60 bucks. Anyhow I was giddy to try the Skechers Tone-ups instead. Similarly designed to strengthen calf, thigh and booty muscles, while also supportive. And they cost a little bit less. When I got them I did the ultimate test and walked around in them while in Sedona. And let me say, I'm quite impressed so far. They are so comfy and very supportive. These are awesome for everyday wear and while shopping. After walking all day in them I didn't have any foot or back pain. So these are definitely winners. All flip-flop lovers must have these! ;) Oh, and a nifty tip on cleaning them is to use a Scotch-Brite Easy Eraser (or Mr. Clean Eraser should work too!)

Welp, this week I'm looking forward to some quality time with my sexy beast. We're way over due for a date night. Haven't been on one since our anniversary. Lame-o!

Good N' some Bad Stuff...but mostly Good :)

Let's get rid of the kinda-good and some bad stuff first.

May is just flying by isn't it? it's insane. First, of course to start the month off, our amazing SEALS raided the hideout of Usama Bin Laden and were able to kill him. My husband was watching sports and they announced it, the crowds cheered. And I looked at my husband and we both were stunned. I prayed later with gratitude for our military and for those that lost their lives in this long war in Iraq. But sadly, as we know ultimately, it is not the end to terrorism. Our country isn't secure and is growing unstable in so many areas. Actually, the entire world is. And I feel so sad for those affected by the recent tornados in the Eastern states. They've lost their homes, possessions, or loved ones. It's hard to carry on in life while others have their world upside down. There are so many things we need to pray for right now.

I admit that I have the hardest time not reading or watching news everyday. But I really try not to let it ever consume me, or distract me from what I need to be to be doing. Which is to focus on being the happy delightful mommy and wifey that I should be. I just don't like to be in la-la-land. I didn't care about politics really ever. But it's kinda hard not to care, considering the moral destruction and unsettling instability happening in our country.



Okay, now to the good stuff. For Mother's Day I took my wonderful mom and sister-in-law Kate to a play called, "The Mystery of Irma Vep" it was so much fun! It's been a long time since I've been out on the town and seen a play. It was a fun witty comedy with two actors that play eight roles and do constant costume changes throughout it. It was quite amusing! (thanks again to another snazzy Groupon deal!)

Well, I didn't get to sit in Sacrament meeting on Mother's Day. I was taking turns with Taylor chasing my crazy girl in the halls. Oh well, that's part of the joys of motherhood! hehe! Taylor gave me an MP3 player, that he knew I wanted. He's been enjoying using it too!

I am grateful for my sweet mother and all that she has taught me in life. Her amazing strength and faith, never ceases to amaze me. She will always be my hero, my best friend, and my role model. I'm grateful for my mother-in-law Janna, who has been so kind and generous in all that she's done for me and my family. I admire her amazing strength and faith as well, for all that she's done to raise such great honorable sons. I'm grateful for the women that embrace the role of motherhood with all it's various stress factors and the chaos that it brings, but yet strive to conquer it without losing yourself or your identity. And I pray for those that have had to endure the pains of losing a child or trying to have a child. May the Lord bless you always.

I'm so grateful for the things I have learned as a Mother. Everyday brings new perspective of how I want to be as a mother. At the end of the day I think about what I can do differently and what I want to do to be the best mom I can be. I honestly have never once missed working my old jobs, I know that some moms hate being home and miss the job force. But I only miss the social aspect of meeting new people constantly, but I've met and made some new great mommy friends and I've also gotten to finally get to know some great women in my church too. But I absolutely love being a stay-home-mom. Enjoying the time I have to teach and build a relationship with my child is the most important thing to me. I strive to not let any petty thing get the best of me. I think every mom's goal is to sustain patience and stay in control. Which I think I've done well. Probably because Keira hasn't tried my patience yet, she's still quite the little angel! (And I know you moms are saying, wait til' ya have more than one! yeah, I'm a teeny bit scared...haha! I've seen my sisters go mad!) Awhile ago I read the highly acclaimed Love and Logic Magic (Practical Parenting from birth to six years) book, because I really wanted to know as much as I could before Keira turned two. I want to love disciplining and guiding her in the most positive way. (Every parent should read it, it's awesome!) Now I need make my hubby read the book with me to ensure it works! (wish me luck! haha!) Okay, lastly, the really good stuff....

My brother became a father a week ago!!! Congratulations Gerrit & Shawntae on your new baby boy Brett! I can't believe you're a dad now! I'm so happy for you both!