"I'll tell you the tale of Sweeney Todd..."

Sunday April 20, 2008
Sunday was a fabulous day for me. I got to be Sarah for a little while instead of just Baily or Joaquin's mom, or Robert's wife, or something else. I got to be me. I got to enjoy adult conversation without being pulled on, whined at, yelled at, asked to do something for someone, changing diapers, wiping noses. Ok... you get the picture. And just a note here... I really, really do LOVE being a mom and the blessing I have to be at home with my kids. I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world. I was just long overdo for some me time. Anyway, in case you hadn't guessed already, I went to see the Broadway revival play of Sweeney Todd at Gammage on Sunday. I went with my very favorite brother Alex and a bunch of his amigas. A while ago Alex asked if he and his friends could crash at my house on Saturday night since they were going to see this play and I of course said yes. I love my little bro so much. He's so much fun and so talented and I love that he has such a passion for the fine arts- for drama and Broadway (thanks mom for getting him into that). Anyway, when he told me they had an extra ticket and asked if I wanted to go I was a little hesitant at first since I was worried it would be really gory and dark. But I eventually agreed and got more and more excited as the day approached. Alex and his posse didn't show up until like 2 or 3 Sunday morning and they were already showered and dressed by the time I even got up. Crazy kids! I knew one of them and she's always been a lot of fun. The other 3 I barely met on Sunday and they were all lots of fun too. So we spent the morning chatting and getting all gussied up and stuff. They left earlier than me (good thing because as much as I love my bro, he's not the best with directions and getting around down here in the valley). Anway after I got ready, I dropped off my fam at church (I really did feel guilty about ditching out on church to go see something that wasn't exactly spiritually uplifting but I rarely get to spend time like this with my brother which is very important to me) and then headed out to meet them on Mill Ave. We got a quick bite at Jack In The Box and then went to Gammage to hike up to our seats. Then... the time finally came. Two words- A-MAZING!! Loved it! Seriously, I'm so glad I went. The music was awesome and the effects and the whole cast playing the music while on stage... just amazing. I could go on and on. I am definitely a Sweeney Todd fan. After the fabulous show we got some

pics with a few of the cast members, waited around to talk to a few more and then we went to P.F. Chang's for dinner. Oh my goodness- it was to die for. Not only was the food GRRReat, but it was so nice to have adult conversation and to discuss thoughts and ideas and opinions. I felt like a grown-up with a tad bit of intelligence for the first time in a long time. The rule they have is everyone orders something different and then we all get to try a little bit of everything. What an ingenious idea. It was seriously so good. And of course we had the lettuce wraps to ourselves becase they're just too good to share (except with your brother of course). We even had dessert which I never do because it's too expensive. And here's my fortune from my fortune cookie. I thought it was pretty awesome- especially considering the fortune cookie rule (you know... put "in bed" at the end of the fortune- lol). I was truly treated on Sunday and it was much needed. And I just want to give the biggest thanks to my bro and to Robert for being so supportive, willing to take the kids and pushing me to take a little time to myself. I was wary about leaving them for so long but they did fine and Joaquin even took a bottle. And as much fun and excitement as I had, I was very anxious to get home on my drive back. I know they're hard too handle at times but I sure do love my angels... all 3 of them! What a fabulous day indeed!

366 Blessings:

#111- Going to see Sweeney Todd with Alex

Overwhelmed!

** Prepare yourselves for some venting. Ok... so I am so overwhelmed at this point in my life right now. I know it sounds lame, and I've realized through my feeling this way that I'm major OCD, but I'm going crazy with how far behind my blog is. It's seriously making me mental. And it's not just my blog. I'm behind on my house cleaning, my planner and goals, having my house unpacked and organized and decorated, most important of all- my mom's cards and letters and who knows what else. I seriously just need one day off, from my kids whom I adore but they won't let me have 2 minutes to myself, to just get things caught up and feel sane again. I'm frustrated that I don't live close to any of my family because I know they would help me out and give me some sane time. I'm gonna ask Robert to see if his mom can watch my kids for just one day while he's at work so that would give me a full day to get things done without having to start something and having to stop 3 minutes later to get a snack, wipe a nose, change a diaper, nurse, wash hands, hold and entertain... you know how it is. Even at night time when I think I'll have some me time, some quiet time- yeah, not so much. I'll just be getting into a blog post or updating my planner when my son needs to be nursed or Baily decides to wake up and demands that I lie down with her or she won't sleep. I love my blessing of being a stay at home mom- I do. But can a sister please just get ONE DAY OFF?! Just one day... that's all I'm asking. But here's how much of a freak I am. I know if I get this chance, Robert's mom watching my kids for a day, I will be getting things done all the time feeling guilty about not spending every second of my life with my kids and worrying that Joaquin won't take a bottle or Baily will be naughty and get in trouble (why is it that I can be mad at her and discipline her [which I do still feel a little guilty about] but when someone else does it it kills me?) or if they get hurt and I'm not there to help them. Can you say anxiety and someone get me some Prozac?! Ho hum... Even though I would be anxious I still think it would be worth it for my mental health and the overall vibe of my household for me to get a day off and just get caught up. When I feel caught up I feel great. I can keep on top of things, I feel motivated and I'm super successful and productive. But if I'm behind on something I just get overwhelmed and frustrated and crabby. It's not good I tell you. So really, I just need to get caught up on the things that are eating at me the most (ie. my blog and my unpacking) and I will be a whole new woman. I don't understand why I can't just let things go and not stress about them and pick up where I left off and not have the constant feelings of guilt, inadequacy and failure instead of being such a dang perfectionist. Oh yeah, that's right... I'm a woman. Ok. I think I'm done now. Thank you for "listening" to the ramblings of an overwhelmed, lunatic mom. That felt good.

Disney's Enchanted -

I need to sing this song so my housework can be more "happy."

Enchanted "That's How You Know"

Can I just tell you how much I LOVE this?!

For Reals This Time

So I started my BFL challenge yesterday and I really do have my blog up and running. **Caution- It does contain humiliating and shameful pictures of me in a bikini which I know is not desirable to see, so if you don't wanna see that either don't look when you're on the blog or don't go to the blog;) I'm doing this to chart my journey and progress and hopefully to inspire and support others who are trying to lose weight and be healthy and also to gain inspiration from others. Thanks! Here's the link:
http://smilingsarahbearbfl.blogspot.com

The time finally came...

Thursday April 17, 2008
Today was a little rough since not only me and Joaquin, but now all 4 of us, are suffering from allergies. Uhh... it really sucks. It's no fun trying to take care of kids that aren't feeling well in the first place and then being sick yourself on top of that and then on top of that again, having a sick hubby. Dang this wind and pollen! We managed to get through it though. We just didn't get much of anything done and were quite the lazy bunch. After Robert got home from work I got to go Visiting Teaching which I was pretty excited about. I got my new assignments and partner this past Sunday and was able to get our first appointment today. My partner seems like a sweetheart. She's married with no children but has the biggest heart and I'm sure kids just love her. The sister we taught is married with 3 little boys that are so cute. They both live really close which was cool. It was good to be able to get to know them and finally know some people from our ward. We were even able to set up a certain time to come each month which makes it easier to stick to the routine. After that Baily and I went and picked up some Taco Bell for dinner. I know I need to cook, (I've only cooked like 1 day this whole week- shame on me!) but I just don't have the energy or desire to. I'm so tired and feel like poop. So Taco Bell it was. After we ate we had family scriptures and prayer. I'm so grateful that we've been sticking to this. The Spirit in our home has increased so much this past week- it's totally obvious. After that I finally consented to Robert cutting Joaquin's hair. But it was with a very heavy heart. I loved his wild and crazy hair! That was his trademark and everyone always complimented it :(:(:( The haircut is cute enough but it's just not the same. I'm still in denial about his first haircut. At least it will grow. After we were done with that whole ordeal Robert had to cut his hair and Baily decided to take her daddy's shoes for a stroll. She's so stinking cute! Oh I love this girl!! She's so much fun. After Robert cut his hair he and Joaquin took a shower to get all the hair off and then Robert and I watched the first episode of our new tv venture, Prison Break. It's only the first episode but I'm already hooked. I'm anxious to ask my mom about some of the stuff in there. Then after I finally got my kids to sleep I was able to grab a little computer time even though I'm super tired. I want so badly for my blog to completely caught up but I just don't have the time. It's irritating. Oh well- I guess I just need to be patient. At least I got today's post done!

366 Blessings:

#108- Fast Food

Tagged!

Karen tagged me to do this. Wahoo!
What I've done in my 25 years of life:
( ) Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
( ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
(X) Been to Florida
(X) Been lost
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country
(X) Gone to Washington , DC
(X) Swam in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Played cops and robber
(X) Recently colored with crayons
(X) Sang Karaoke
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only?
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(X) Made prank phone calls
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating
(X) Been skinny dipping outdoors
(X) Gone to the movies
1. Any nickname? Sarbear, Babe, Sarahlee, Sis... lots
2. Mother's name? Kerri
3. Favorite drink? Caffeine Free Pepsi
4. Tattoo? Nada
5. Body Piercings? Ears
6. Birthplace? Phoenix, AZ
7. Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere as long as I'm with family... Chicago was fun!
8. Ever been to Africa? No but I sooo want to!
9. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Possibly
10. Ever been on TV? Yup
11. Ever steal any traffic sign? Uh huh
12. Ever been in a car accident? Nope
13. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? Mini-van
14. Favorite salad dressing? Ranch baby!
15. Favorite pie? Chocolate creme or Razzleberry hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
16. Favorite number? 9
17. Favorite movie? Last of the Mohicans
18. Favorite holiday? Christmas
19. Favorite dessert? Cake
20. Favorite Food? Texas Roadhose sirloin steak with baked potatoe and ceasar salad
21. Favorite day of the week? Sunday
22. Favorite brand of body wash? Caress
23. Favorite smell? My babies after their bath
25. What do you do to relax? Sleep or take a bath
26. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Smokin' hot with 5 or 6 kiddos
27. Furthest place away this will be read? ??

That was fun... now you do it!

Hmmm... do you agree?

What Sarah Means

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

This is a little scary...

"Dearest Children God Is Near You"

Sunday April 13, 2008
Sunday was a pretty good day. Joaquin turned 4 months old. Crazy! Seriously... it's going by way too fast. This picture was actually taken yesterday when he was 4 months and a day old but it's close enough. Isn't he so cute you just wanna squeeze him?! Anyway, I know my blog is all out of order but since it'll take a long time for me to catch up you'll just have to bare with me. I figure I might as well keep up daily with what I can and backtrack when I get the chance. So there will still be new posts under the daily posts and hopefully soon it will be all in order. Anywho Sunday was a good day and there were steps taken to relieve a lot of stress and trials I'm going through at this time in my life. My niece and 4 nephews had spent the night the previous night so we were up pretty late the night before. So I woke up on Sunday pretty tired. I had an appointment with my Bishop and this was really the first time I got to talk to him and get to know him since we've moved out here. He's awesome. He's younger than other Bishops I've had but he's great. He's super knowledgeable and intelligent and I can tell he's very genuine and wants to help in any way he can. Anyway it was good to talk to him about a lot of things that needed to be discussed and he offered a lot of great advice and encouragement and said a lot of things I needed to hear. At the end of our discussion and my interview for my temple recommend (it got misplaced while I was up in Utah so I needed a new one) he asked if I wanted a blessing and I eagerly said yes. It was a beautiful blessing and exactly what I needed to hear. I know it came straight from my Heavenly Father and it confirmed to me what I wanted to know and gave me assurance and peace and comfort with a lot of things I've been worried about. How grateful I am for that blessing. After that I came home to a house filled with the smell of breakfast. My sweet nephew Isaac made some delicious chocolate chip pancakes. He is really interested in learning how to cook and I've agreed to give him and my niece Emely cooking lessons but I have to say he needed no help with these pancakes. They were sooo good. After I ate I got my kids ready for church and us and Robert went to church. It was good to be back to my home ward, even though it's so new to me, after being gone for over a month and then General Conference. I got my new Visiting Teaching partner and assignments and I'm so excited about that. I've really missed Visiting Teaching. I even met 2 of the 3 sisters I get to VT and saw who my partner is. So that's exciting. Sunday School was good with good discussion and Relief Society was good as well. But I'd have to say the highlight was the closing song, "Dearest Children God Is Near You" (#96 LDS Hymn Book). The words were exactly what I needed to hear and I just felt an outpouring of love from my Heavenly Father and another reassurance that He's mindful of my trials and that He will help us get through the hard times. I could not keep back the tears while we sang it. Here's the words:

"Dearest children, God is near you,

Watching o'er you day and night,

And delights to own and bless you,

If you strive to do what's right.

He will bless you,

He will bless you,

If you put your trust in Him.

Dearest children, holy angels

Watch your actions night and day,

And they keep a faithful record

Of the good and bad you say.

Cherish virtue!

Cherish virtue!

God will bless the pure in heart.

Children, God delights to teach you

By His Holy Spirit's voice.

Quickly heed its holy promptings.

Day by day you'll then rejoice.

Oh, prove faithful

Oh, prove faithful

To your God and Zion's cause."

Isn't that so awesome?! I loved it. After church we came home to a house cleaned by all our visitors. How sweet is that? I was thankful for that. We all got ready and then headed over to my SIL Loren and her husband Thomas's house for dinner- our combined FHE with Robert's family. They made chicken chimichangas, rice and banana splits for dinner. It was great. After we ate we just hung out, visited and then we all played the DVD game Scene It the Harry Potter version. It was pretty fun. Then we left, took Andre home and Emely came with us back home. After we got home Robert, Baily and I had family scriptures and prayer. It has been way too long since we've done this and it's way overdue to get back on the bandwagon. Our family cannot function without the blessings of the Spirit that these simple practices of family scripture reading and prayer provide. We know that for a fact unfortunately. So it felt so good to do these things and get that spiritual boost we so badly need in our home. After this we all watched the movie Facing The Giants. This is an awesome movie. It's a football movie but it's got the best message and Christian values in it- a perfect Sunday family movie. I highly recommend it even though I actually didn't see the end because I fell asleep. I was pooped. It was a very great Sabbath day though and I really needed that.

366 Blessings:

#104- The hymn "Dearest Children God Is Near You" (#96 LDS Hymn Book) ttp://www.lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=1&searchseqstart=96&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=96&searchsubseqend=ZZZ

David Archuleta Angels American Idol Top 8

FAN-tastic!

Jason Castro - Somewhere Over The Rainbow (HQ) Xtreme Audio

Loved it!!

So... yeah.

Ok... I've actually started updating. Sorry for the hiatus. Stuff's been crazy and I've been going through things. Anyway- it's gonna take a while to get all caught up but at least I'm getting there. Please be patient with me... there's a lot to update. And hopefully I'll be able to check everyone else's blogs and comment soon. I love all you devoted readers though. And oh... the pregnancy announcement? That was an April Fool's! But thanks for all the well wishes. Sorry for not posting the April Fool's part- I'm so behind on everything!

**You have to scroll down below and in between videos to see the updated posts.

Tale of Two Brains

My cousin Amy showed this to me while I was in Utah and I loved it. Sooo true!

The Miniature Earth

This was a real eye opener for me. How grateful I should be! Wow...

Um... yeah.

So obviously I have a lot of catching up to do and a lot of backtracking. I will be working on this for a while I'm sure since I have a ridiculous amount of pictures so check back regularly and I'm sure you'll have plenty of reading material. Thanks for your patience!

Big News!

I was gonna wait to tell everyone but I can't hold it in any more. I'm pregnant again! I know... crazy, crazy- especially since Joaquin is only 3 months old, but we're excited and we're gonna make the best out of it. And sorry if I don't update much lately. The sickness is starting to already hit!

Baily and Joaquin1

Baily had so much fun doing "Uncle" Clint's hair with Kaily!

Baily and Joaquin

Joaquin at my cousin Clint and Karen's house in Utah.