News Flash

For the last two weeks, during bath time, I've been sitting Claire on the toilet, just so she can get used to the feel and I tell her what she is doing and supposed to be doing. She's been watching Azure as well. Today, she actually peed on the toilet for the first time. That may not mean much to anyone, but I had to write down this moment so I wouldn't forget. One step closer to a diaper free kid!!!

Carving pumpkins

On Halloween morning, I took the girls out in the backyard to carve their pumpkins. Azure was really excited, but Claire didn't care. I cut open the first pumpkin and showed Azure what was inside. I explained to her that we had to clean it all out before we made the face on the pumpkin. She was excited to help.
I gave her a spoon and she was able to get a handlful of seeds out before she told me, "This is gross, mom. Really disgusting!" And she gave up.
So I got to finish cleaning and then carving the faces. But Azure was so happy when she saw the finished product.

Halloween celebrations

Here are some of the pictures from our fun weekend. Azure celebrated Halloween at school with a big party and singing for the parents. We made cookies to take in for her classmates. She was very sweet to let Claire sit with her during singing time even though the other kids didn't want to. Later on, she was lucky enough to spend a few minutes playing with her best boy friend Elijah!







On Friday afternoon, we went to Mamie's work to trick or treat. We met new friends and got lots of candy. Even Allie dressed up for the festivities. She made such a cute fairy!

We tried to get a good photo of Mamie and the girls, but no one cooperated. This is the best we got.

Azure corrects her Teacher

On the first day of school, I noticed when I picked Azure up from class that her teacher called her Ay-zure. She used a long "A" instead of a short one, like the A in Apple. On the way home, I asked her if her teacher had gotten her name wrong. She said "Yes, but my name isn't Ay-zure."
I told her, " Well you need to tell your teacher that your name is Azure. But say it nicely." I didn't think about it again until I dropped her off. I reminded her that it was okay to tell the teacher how to say her name in case the teacher got it wrong. She nodded, but didn't say anything.
When I picked her up from class today, I hear the teacher say, "Your mom is here, Azure. Have a good day!" As soon as we got to the car, I asked her what she had told her teacher. She said, " She said Ay-zure and I said, no that's not my name. My name is Azure."
I asked her if her teacher said anything else and she said, "No, but my name is Azure now."
I am so proud of her to have the courage to step up and say something to her teacher. Usually, I am the one who does the talking for her and telling people how her name is pronounced, but this time I wanted her to do it herself. I don't want her to be afraid to speak up or to always depend on me to do things for her. So far, school has been a learning experience for both of us, and I'm really noticing how grown up she really is!

Azure's first day of Pre-school

Today Azure went to her first day of preschool. I had gone to the store the night before to buy her a fisrt day of school outfit. It was something my parents had always done and I wanted her to feel special with a new outfit. Tania met me at Target and we settled on a cute dress.Azure was awake at 5 am. She couldn't sleep so I let her lay with me in bed and hoped that she would fall asleep. She tossed and turned for about an hour before falling asleep. I had to go and wake her at 8 am so she wouldn't be late for school. She was so excited to see her pretty new dress and only ate about half of her breakfast before she wanted to put it on and get ready. She told me she wanted her hair pulled back and wear a pink hair clip.When we got to the school, I let her out of her seat and she immediately said "Bye Mom!" and started to walk away. I had to tell her that I needed to walk her to the door. She was a big help and held Claire's hand and her emergency kit. We were a little early and we were able to watch other kids come around. On the table next to her class there were name tag necklaces with all the kids names on it. We found hers, and she was happy to wear it.





The teacher, Miss Jackey, came to open the door and smiled really big. Azure was the first to walk right in without hesitating. She handed over her emergency kit and I gave the snack and picture to her teacher and followed her straight to a little play castle. She had seen it at orientation the week before and wanted to play with it so badly. It was on a table so she went straight to play with it. She saw me still standing there and she said, " Bye Mom, get out!" I was so surprised that she just wanted me to leave her so quickly. I told her to give me and Claire a kiss which she did. And then she said "You have to leave now." And she went back to playing. A little saddened by her actions, I turned and walked out. The teacher told me it was a good thing, that at least she wasn't crying. I had to agree.
As I drove home, I shed a few tears, not because my child was in school, but because I was a little sad that she dismissed me so quickly. But I was over it when I got home and noticed how quiet it was.

Claire had a hard morning. She walked from room to room looking for Azure and sometimes crying. She didn't have anyone to play with and she missed her sister. She was really happy when it was time to pick her up. We had gotten there a few minutes early and she cried because they wouldn't open the door fast enough for her to get to her sister.

Azure made a new friend named Sophia. Miss Jackey said that they became friends fast and played with each other all morning. They were even able to sit next to each other at the table when it was time to be picked up. She was excited to show me her calendar and can't wait until she goes back on Thursday.

I'm so proud of her. She really was ready for school and I'm glad that she is able to go. She has looked forward to this day for a long time. It saddens me that she is even old enough for this. It seems like it passed too quickly for me. I can't wait to see what she learns this year at school!

Skype

I am having a lot of fun with Skype. It's is the best invention ever for keeping in touch with those of my friends across the universe. I'm really excited that I'll be able to keep in touch with Katie and MAry since I'm stuck here in Cali without them. Miss you already.

4th of July

I was looking back at my blog and realized that I never shared about our 4th of July. Even though we did the same old thing, we had a lot of fun doing it. It was Allison's first 4th of July so it was special.
We went to the Dye's house for breakfast before the parade started. They live right on the parade route and were kind to invite us to their home to watch the parade after breakfast. Azure and Claire were really excited because they got the chance to ride on Papa and Mamie's wagon to the house. They love to sit in it and many people we passed thought they were so cute in their matching red white and blue outfits. They looked so patriotic! After a nice quiche breakfast we waited and listened for the sirens that start the parade. They were soft at first, but they got louder. When they got close to us, the fire trucks let off a big sound and it made Allison cry and Claire started to cry. They had such sad little faces!
After all the loud trucks and cars and motorcycles went by, we were able to settle down and watch the rest of the parade. We were waiting for Mamie to walk by so we could cheer her on. She was in the parade representing her work- The University of La Verne. She held on to some special candy for the girls. Azure was able to get some candy and she was happy. Azure's favorite was the horses. She always loves the horses. I'm pretty sure Claire didn't care about anything. She was pretty tired and close to her nap time by the end. After the parade, we pulled the girls back on the wagon.
Later that night, we took Azure and Claire to the local park and watched the fireworks. Fernando and I each took a child and covered her ears. Claire loved the bright lights and clapped. Azure wouldn't even open her eyes to look, she was so scared. I was disappointed because she loved them the year before. But she has a fear of loud sounds.
The 4th of July is one of my favorite Holidays. It is a special day to recognize the freedom in this country and the people who are fighting for it. I have many friends who are in the Military Service and I tear up knowing that they are putting their lives on the line for me and my kids. Just because of them I know that my kids will have a better life in a free country that they will be able to voice their opinions and not be punished, that they can take a stand in their beliefs and morals, that they can get an education wherever they want and whatever they want. I am proud to be an American. And from the bottom of my heart I thank all those who dedicate their lives to this country so that I can have that freedom.

My Girls

Today I set up the backdrop and took pictures of the girls in their tutu's. At first they weren't interested in taking pictures, they just wanted to play. After a while I was able to get a few good pictures of them being happy together. It is a rare moment to see them loving each other and it always melts my heart when I get the chance to see them as friends.

Cranky Pants

I've learned that three year olds are good at not listening and talking back... a lot. But sometimes, they say something that is a bit humorous and you just have to laugh. And that is why Azureisms were created. Here is Azure's latest one.

Today Claire was being super whiny. I said to her " Claire are you being a cranky pants?" And after a moment, Azure said, " No she's being a cranky in your pants!"

Things that happened at comic-con I've learned from

I had a great time at Comic-con. It was a last minute trip since we had to buy tickets off Ebay the day before and it turned into an expensive event. But I'm very glad that mom and I went. We took Azure and Claire also which was a pain, but we survived. here are some of the hi lights.

My Dad is a saint. He drove out with us wednesday night so that we could register in the morning. He had to register for my mom because the badge was in his name because it was his pay pal account that paid for the ticket and it was too late to make the change to my mom's name. No exceptions. So he drove with us two hours, stood in the line, registered, gave mom the badge, and drove back two hours to go to work. I love you dad. seriously. best dad ever.

Comic-con is all about lines. You wait in a line to register. You wait in a line to get into the panels. You wait in lines to get to participate in certain exhibits. You wait in lines to win a chance to get autographs. And if you win that chance, you wait in a line to get that autograph. It's all about the lines.

If there is a panel that involves the cast of Twilight, be prepared to not get a seat unless you are there two panels before hand. And if you are wearing anything twilight you will get nasty comments by geeks who think you don't belong there and neither does twilight. Also, if you are a woman, forget about making a trip to the bathroom inside Hall H because the line is just as long to get in it as it was outside to get in the hall.
And if you are a in the New Moon panel be forewarned that you will be deaf and hoarse the rest of the day from all the screaming you will do as well as the other 6,000 people in there.

The panels in the order we saw them.
Disney 3-d showcase: A Christmas Carol, Alice in Wonderland, Tron ( all in 3-d)
We were shown clips of each and the directors and some of the cast from each were there. Yes, Johnny Depp was there. Unfortunately, I stepped out with the girls for two minutes in which he appeared and left.
Another 3-d showcase: Cloudy with a chance of meatballs, The Hole, Final Destination. Let me just say that the last two were spent covering the ears and eyes of my kids as they were freaky and scary and I didn't like them. Also, cast and directors were present for a brief introduction.
Summit Panel: Astro Boy, Sorority Row, New Moon. Astro Boy looks really cool. I will NOT see Sorority Row.
If anyone questions whether New Moon is going to be better that Twilight, it will be. Hands down, a bajillion times better. I'm serious. And I LIKED the first one. If the clips are still out, find them on youtube. There are two. The first scene is of Bella and Jacob and the motorcycles and the second scene is Alice and Bella in Italy. In this movie Jacob and Edward both take of their shirts and they have both been working out. OMG.
The director Chris Weitz is a goofball. He is just like a kid. And he enjoyed giving us one extra scene. It was like watching a kids open a present on Christmas morning. His face was lit up and he relished the screaming. I heard he walked around the con unprotected too. The cast, Rob, Taylor, Kristen, and Ashley. AWESOME!

Geeks are apparently not cool enough to wear deodorant. I'm serious. A lot of them smell. And the ones in costumes( the geeky kids that dress up, not the professional ones- there is a difference) smell and sweat even worse. And in crowds like that- whoa.

I-honest to goodness- saw a guy that was probably mid thirties, total geek, dragging his mom around and having an argument with her. Okay, I realize that I was with my mom at Comic-con so I was probably just as bad, but he was seriously arguing with her about the lines. And she was just letting him talk to her like that. weird. Some people just have no life. He looked like he didn't have one either.

If Batman were real I think he'd be just like the one we met at Comic-con. We met him the first day and I took a picture with him while holding Claire. He asked me what her name was and said that she had such a pretty smile and that she must be a good baby. Thinking it was kinda weird coming from a man in a bat suit, I didn't think anything of it. Day two we ran into him again only this time it was mom and Azure who needed a picture. And while the crowd was pushing to get into a picture with him, he put his hands up and stopped them all, walked over and picked up Azure and gave her a hug. Catwoman( who was posing with him) got a kick out of it. He just held onto her and Azure( surprisingly) held on real tight and didn't let go. Just put her head on his shoulder and held on tight. It was really sweet. Batman asked mom if Azure was hers and mom pointed me out. He came and told me that my daughter was precious and that she had a good heart. He really liked her. Azure loves Batman. She is still saying it. Then he asked if he had to give her back. Azure was kinda sad about it, but we left him to greet the crowds. I think maybe 100 people have a picture of Azure hugging Batman.

Food at Comic-con is expensive and crap. It was $2.75 for a can of soda. I'm not kidding you. A small pizza was 8.50. And it was terrible and lukewarm and tasteless. Bring your own food and water. the fountains aren't any better.

We met Charlaine Harris. She is the author of the True Blood Series. She is nice and has a southern accent. She said that we were brave for bringing kids with us. Maybe we are just crazy. We had to win a drawing to see her, but mom had to go through the line 3 times before drawing a winning ticket. I got it the first time because Azure picked for me and she looked in the bag. It was cheating, but I took it anyway.

If you want to see a lifesize lego version of Spongebob or Buzz lightyear go to comic con.

If you want to get vouchers for the Summit Booth without standing in line, make the guy thats holding the "Line is closed" sign feel really stupid and have your mom give him a sob story about how frustrating it is to always be told that they don't know anything and to come back later and while we are dragging around two small children. You'll get passes real quick. I probably should have apologized after that but he was kinda ignorant and stupid until I made him feel stupid and mom saved the day.

Know that your kids will not get naps and will get cranky after snacking on goldfish crackers all day.

People who ride bikes with trailers on the back will escort you to and from your car- for a fee. And the later in the day, the more it will cost. It beats walking like ten blocks. But if you don't get to Comic-con early enough for decent parking, you will pay 25 dollars to park half a mile away. And don't trust anyone to know directions to where you want to go. You will get lost.

Anyway, that was Comic-con for me. I'll post pics soon!

resting after the New Moon Panel( apples were $2.50)

Practicing Manual Mode

On Monday I was fortunate enough to have two members of the ward, who are very talented photographers, give me a lesson on using the manual mode on the camera. I never use it because I can't think fast when I'm trying to take pictures of kids and I can never remember the settings and how to get the exposure right. They were able to, not only give me tips, but to show me that manual mode is not as scary as I thought it is. It takes a lot of practice and a lot of mistakes to become good at manual mode, just like anything else in this life. And so, in order for me to become a better photographer, I am stepping away from the automatic settings and reaching for manual mode. Here are two pictures I have taken in manual mode that I actually think are really cool!

Our House

YES! We have finally closed escrow and moved into our new house. It has been a long journey and we are glad it is finally over. We moved on the 15th of June and were warmly welcomed by the new neighbors. Our house is still in the same ward, for which we are grateful because we have an awesome ward. The Elders quorum did a fabulous job of moving us in and a special shout out to my friends, especially Meg for watching the kids late into the evening and Aimee Nolte for helping me out with putting the house together and taking such good care of our family! It makes me feel good to know I have such caring friends. It has been a crazy couple of weeks trying to get settled into the home, unpacking, and keeping up with the many chores that come with the house, AND taking care of two kids that love to explore their backyard and play in the dirt. We have fruit trees, especially the apple tree that are well on their way to giving us a good harvest this fall. I am looking forward to many happy years here. And when I can get the house looking a little less cluttered, I will post more pictures!

Azure's Dance Recital

Since we have moved, I am behind on posts. BUT I will try to catch up with everything.

On June 5th Azure had her first dance recital. She was so excited! Mommy even let her wear a little makeup for the big event. It was fun to watch her on stage- scared at first- and then she broke out of her shell and started to dance. It was very cute. She was very proud of herself and I am very proud of her. For a three year old to get up on a stage in front of a huge audience is quite scary! But she did it and now loves to watch her video. Here are a few pictures and the video of her performance!

Little miss Smarty Pants

Today, as we were getting ready for church, Azure decided to step on the scale and weigh herself. I think she finds the digital numbers entertaining. But today, she looked down at the numbers as it registered and she told me, " mom it's 26."
I got up to look and sure enough, she weighed 26 lbs! How she knew that I'm not sure. But it was surprising to me that she recognized it! I've only worked on 1-10 with her. I have to watch out for this girl. She is way too smart for me!

Pony Rides

On Saturday, Fernando took us to Griffith Park in Los Angeles so the girls could ride the train and the ponies. It is one of Azure’s favorite activities and she was excited to go. It was a long line for the train, but we were able to get on right away. Even Claire is starting to understand the fun in riding trains. Unfortunately, since we all rode the train, I have no pics to show for it. After the train, Azure dragged us to the pony rides. I noticed the sign said ages 1 and up to ride the slow ponies or the caged ones that go in a circle. So I thought for sure that Claire would love to ride. The sign also said ages 3 and up for the medium ponies that happen to go faster and a little further than the slow ones. I thought for sure Azure would love that. And she did. The pony ran up the track and Azure’s little head was bobbing up and down. She laughed about it. There were other kids that were not as excited and screamed while riding.

After her two (yes, two) rides on the pony, we took Claire to the caged ponies that walk in a circle. I didn’t feel comfortable putting her on the track for the first time. Of course, Fernando had to run a buy another ticket so Azure could ride with her sister. Claire was so excited; she banged and shook the fence. She screamed and tried to climb out of my arms to get to the ponies. But when it was her turn and she handed the ticket over to the guy and I put her on top of the pony, she wanted to get down and started to whine and cry and hold onto my hands for dear life. I am a mean mom and made the guy buckle her in anyway and then I put her sucky in her mouth. She quieted down, but threw angry looks in my direction. By the end of the pony ride, I could tell she enjoyed it as much as her sister.

We ate some lunch and Daddy was nice enough to buy the girls pinwheels as a souvenir. The whole family had a great time and we were excited for the rest of the weekend.

Another conversation about male anatomy

I've had this conversation with Azure many times. She is so curious and inqusitive. It took me by surprise the first time. But she never seems to remember what I tell her.
Today I was changing a boy's diaper at daycare. Azure, of course, had to watch.
Azure( pointing): what is that?
Me( of course, trying to change the diaper): what is it?
She gets a thoughtful look on her face. "It's uh....um....um..."
Me: "What do boys have that girls don't?"
Azure( after a pause of thinking): "stinky poop?"
Oh the thinking that goes on in her head!

Azureisms

Azure says a lot of things that make me laugh. I call them Azureisms. I think Tama actually created that word. he would read all the things that she would say and shake his head. She is really smart to say things like this because I didn't even know that 3 yr olds were smart enough to make comments. here is an Azureism from yesterday.

I was talking to my mom about something and I said, "holy crap". Azure has repeated that phrase before and I told her not to say it and that it was not nice. If she said it again, she would get hot sauce on her tongue. I then have been trying to watch my mouth. But it slipped out this time.
She told me, "mom that was not nice, you need hot sauce." I said, "You are right Azure, that was not a nice thing to say. I do need a hot sauce." We were out and about, so I put her in her carseat and drove home.
When we got home, she brought me the little bottle of hot sauce. "here is the hot sauce mom."
If I was a good mom, I would have taken it. And probably next time, I will to prove a point. But I just smiled and said thanks and asked her to go potty so we could put on her pajamas and get her ready for bed.

here are some previous Azureisms that I have saved because they make me laugh.

10-5- 08

I gave Azure raisins in a bowl. They were stuck together in big clumps.
"Mommy- it's poop"
" They're raisins"
"It's poop!"
"No, Azure it's raisins"
"Poopy raisins!"
Later I found them in her little potty chair.

4-11-09
This morning Azure came to me and gave me a hug and said, " I love you mom."
I said, "I love you too. But I really love you when you are obedient. Are you being obedient?"
She smiled and said, "no, I be awesome!" and then she laughed like it was the funniest joke ever.

At the church Easter breakfast she was hiding on the other side of the church outside with Omar her friend. I said, "Azure, you don't go hiding alone with a boy!" then Gage came running out. I said, "Gage too??" and she smiled and said very sassy like, "Yeeeeesss!"

Later that day....
Fernando asked her a few times to put on a shirt and she ignored him or walked away. Then he said, "I told you ten times to put a shirt on!" and she said, "no, only two times!"

4-16-09
I told Azure "you are pushing my buttons" to which she replied, "well you are pushing MY buttons"

I made a stir fry for dinner to which Azure replied, "no thanks, mom, I'll just be hungry."

4-18-09
I listened to Fernando ask Azure, " How old are you going to be on your birthday?" to which she replied, "seventeen." seventeen? she's watched too much twilight I think.

My Mom

My mom has to be the greatest mom in the world. Literally.

My mom is the mom who stays up till two in the morning putting the finishing touches on a project you were supposed to start two weeks ago.

My mom is the mom who will drive to the school to drop off your lunch that you either forgot or just didn’t make.

My mom is the mom who will ride her bike with you and your friends, just to make sure you get to school safely.

My mom is the mom who will let you take the car so you can hang out with your friends, even though she had a long list of errands.

My mom is the mom who will spend every minute of free time and every last dime to make sure her daughters wedding is the very best. ( and still look good the day of!)

My mom is the mom who cleans my house whenever she stops by.

My mom is the mom who will walk home from work and play in the sprinklers in her work clothes because the grandkids are happy to see her.

My mom is the mom that never says no to watching my kids, no matter how busy her schedule is.

My mom is the mom that says “I’ll find a way,” instead of “I can’t,” when people need help.

And even though my mom never had a formal education, she is one of the smartest people I know. She taught me that people are important and it’s not what you know, but who you know in life. She has shown me that I should take time to know people and to help them, no matter how busy my schedule. She has shown me that unconditional love and service can be the more rewarding than millions of dollars and a top spot in a high company.

I have watched my mom love and serve and sacrifice over the years. I’ve seen her strength and wisdom, even at the toughest of times. And even though we didn’t have a lot growing up, my mom made sure to give us the best life she could. And I am grateful for that.

So, here’s to you mom. You are my hero. You are my confidant, my best friend. You are mine.

And I love you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

My most memorable mothers day

I don't remember what year it was, but I was coming home from my cousins wedding in Utah on Mother's day. My Aunt was driving and my granny, mom, cousin, her daughter were with us. My Aunt was speeding on the freeway and didn't notice. It wasn't that much. We were passing through Nephi, or Lehi, or some town from the book of mormon, when a police officer stopped her. He wasn't very nice pulling over a car full of women on Mother's day and he was a bit rude. When he gave my Aunt the ticket and walked back to the car, she yelled out, " Happy Mother's Day to you too!" I'm surprised that he didn't come back after that comment. Maybe he was feeling guilty about it.

Hula Dancers in training

On Monday, we went with mom to the University of La Verne luau they were hosting. We had some good food and watched the dancers. Azure loved the dancers and she danced along with them and tried to copy their movements. Even Claire sat and stared. I'm sure that they will be great hula dancers someday.

Azure's 3 yr stats and Claire's 1 yr stats

okay first off, I think its amazing that my girls are complete opposites. They really are. I like it that way because it reminds me that they are unique individuals and not just "kids".
I took the girls to their wellness appointments last Tuesday morning. I knew ahead of time that Claire would get shots and that Azure wouldn't. Azure, of course, loves Dr. Scheibe. He is a really fun Dr. He has a lot of energy and tries to focus on the kids to ask the questions. He is very patient, which came in handy that day.
As soon as we got out of the waiting room and into an exam room, Azure became more excited and Claire's grip on my shirt got tighter. I undressed them both for measurements. Azure was a good girl and held still. Claire screamed. It wasn't really just a baby cry of discomfort. It was a full on, "mom they are going to torture me, come get me now, why did you let me go, what is happening?" scream, loud and high pitched. I never knew that she could scream like that.
When the nurses left, Claire gave me a pleading look and asked, "All done? All done?" I felt really horrible because I knew the worst was coming. But how do you explain that to a one year old who is afraid of the doctor?
When Dr Scheibe came in, the screaming started. We had to speak loudly to hear over Claire. Azure had her hands over her ears, but volunteered to go first. Claire watched semi quietly. When it was her turn, I put her on the table and she screamed. When he laid her down, she started thrashing and kicking and got even louder if that was possible. He checked her teeth while her mouth was open and he made her walk to me, which she almost did because she was so stiff and angry at him. He said both kids looked really healthy. Then the nurse came with the shots.
I had to practically sit on Claire because she was thrashing around so hard. I thought for sure she would have no voice by now, but she got even louder. She has two shots in her arm and one in each leg. Poor Azure was so scared from watching, she almost cried.
We made it out alive. But the Dr had asked for a urine sample from Azure. I'll just tell you that juggling a crying baby in one arm and trying to get a three yr old to pee in a cup even if she doesn't want to, is more challenging than it sounds. But I made it through.
Azure is 28 lbs and 37 1/2 inches. 50th in height and 20th in weigh. Dr Scheibe says that although he wants her to eat more, she is not in any danger, wight wise. Just small.
Claire is 16lbs 12oz and 29 inches. he wasn't worried about her at all because she eats a lot and eats healthy.
So I have two healthy kids on my hands.

My first post

This is my first post in my blog. I've thought about making a blog forever, but never did it cause I'm lazy. And then I figured out that since I have a gmail account I never use, I already have the blogging option. cool.
Plus, I figured this is the best and fastest way for family and friends to see the crazy, spontaneous, and sweet moments that go on in the Pineda family. And it helps me with my writing. :)