Little update...

I am officially an absent blogger.

I know.

My life and a stay at home mom is great! And very, very busy!

I still don't have a perfectly clean house. (Will I ever?) But, I love that I'm able to do so many thing that for years have been put on the back burner.

Take yesterday for example... My top priority? Tea party with little miss Cecelia. She is such the perfect hostess. Grandma Sandy would be so proud!

That's not to say that's all I did. I eventually finished the mountain of laundry and attempted to straighten up. But, then I had about six neighborhood children in and out of my house. So you can imagine the disaster Dan came home to.

Really, I do try...

I promise.

On the baby front...

I finally went to the doctor.

As I had guessed, I've got PCOS. Now I know, and now I don't have to stress. It's going to take a little bit to get pregnant. But, it's not impossible.

So, I think I'm going back to school! I have just about a year left to get my bachelors and now is the perfect time. Celia is starting Kindergarten this fall. So hopefully I can get some grants and work my schedule around Little Missy's.

What do you think?

Am I nuts?

Disney, Disney Everywhere...

I guess I'm a little slow on the Disney recap...

Can I just say, I have to absolute best parents ever?!?
Disneyland was so much fun!

I love Disneyland, but to experience it with all the kids on their first time was absolutely priceless. Everything was exciting. Every was "the best". And to the little guy's credit, they were angels.
Even my little one!

Celia, we've discovered, is quite the little adrenaline junkie, dare devil.
(Were we actually surprised??)

She went on just about everything. Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion.

The only big rides she missed were The Matterhorn, which was closed, Indiana Jones because she was a little too short, and Space Mountain, because we ran out of time. Not bad for a first timer!

At the end of every ride she would squeal, "Again! Again!"
That's my girl!

We will defiantely go back!

Bill and Mom, thank you, thank you, thank you!

We love you!

A Tiny Little Lie...

We're heading to Disneyland in just a few short days!

The whole family.

Five little guys and the ten adults responsible for them.

Celia is beyond excited.

She's wanted to pack for a least a month now. She's planning on wearing her favorite Snow White dress and meeting each and every princess.

I did tell her a little lie though.

We've been battling a bit of a bad attitude in the munchkin for the last week or so. So I told her Disneyland was the happiest place on earth.

You can't disobey, whine, or be naughty there, or they'll kick you out.

You know.

It's actually worked. I just remind her when she's starting to get naughty that she needs to practice for Disneyland and it works.

So I lied.

I think I'll be forgiven.

Final Count

38 quarts of food all neatly stored under my bed.
(Don't laugh... space is a premium here.)
Pork, beef, pinto beans, black beans and potatoes.

Next week.
Chicken, ground beef and apple sauce.

Oh, and I made bread that was actually edible.

Yay me!

My prayer requests for this week...
My cousin Amber and her husband Brett are in Nevada to adopt their son Jence's baby brother. Good luck Amber and Brett! Many prayers and thoughts are headed your way.

My Teeny Grandma is in the hospital again. At 95, her tiny body just isn't doing well. Winters are hard. Hopefully, we can make it for a visit very soon.

My Grandpa Terry. The transition of not having my Grandmother at home is so hard for him. Add to that, he still isn't back to 100% health wise.

My brother in law Casey and sister Tawny. Casey's grandfather suffered a stroke yesterday. We love you both very much and are here for whatever you need!!

Much love to my family!

We have a lot going on right now. But, I love so much that we are all close. We bear each other's burdens as much as we can.

It truly makes my load seem lighter.

Report Card

Staying home being a full time mom- Love it! Love it! Love it!

Our house full of sickness- we're getting there. Cel's up and going. Me and Dan are a little behind. Stuffy and coughy. Breathing is so overrated.

The mess that I affectionately call my house- also, getting there. I tackled laundry yesterday. Today, the living room will livable.

My grandparents- Things are good. Thank you for all the prayers and concern. Grandpa is home and on the mend. Albeit a little slower than I'm sure he'd prefer. Grandma is in a wonderful nursing home in a Alzheimer's unit. Mom says it's perfect. We'd love to have her home, but that can't happen. So, now she's in a safe, secure and happy place. As soon as I can stop coughing, Cel and I definitely going out and about for some much needed visits.


And finally. My New Years Resolutions...

1) Read the Book of Mormon again. And this time, really study it.
2) Go to the temple at least twice a month with my hubby.
3) Learn to do my family history.
4) Do the temple work for Dan's grandparents.
5) Expand our food storage.
6) Teach Celia to read before she starts Kindergarten.
7) Get off my lazy rump and exercise more.

Happy Wednesday all!

Saturday On the Couch

Happy, Happy New Year to all!

More blogging to come... but for now my little family is in quarentine.

Sick again.

All three of us.

Fun times at the Soliz household.

I'm trying to muster up enough strength and inspiration to finish my Relief Society lesson for tomorrow. Unfortunately, my brain is stuck in a Dayquil/Nighquil haze...

Wish me luck!

And if you could, send a few prayers my family's way.

My grandpa has been hospitalized. There are some very difficult decisions to be made soon.

I wish I could her there for my mom right now. She's got the weight of the world on her shoulders and then some.

Making Money

This is what Celia instructed Dan to do after morning prayer today...

Dan- "I love you Celia."

Celia- "I love you too. Go make real money. Not fake money. Ok?"

Last night she successfully faked sleep for a good ten minutes. Just enough time for me to carry her in from the car, help her potty and declare that since she was so sound asleep she didn't have to brush her teeth.

It surprised both Dan and I when she burst from her room triumphantly a few minutes latter and announced,

"Got ya!"

That's when I laughed and said, "Now you do get to brush your teeth!"

Later we asked her if she really had been faking the whole time.

"Yep! Fakin not stirred!"

I think she meant "Shaken not stirred" as in James Bond, or her favorite way to make chocolate milk.

Still, it was very funny.

Where does she get her ideas??

Dan and I are very happy to have our sweet Celia home again.

Without her little spark our house just isn't our home.

To My Sister...

Kayt, you are fabulous!

Move over Lady Gaga!

Check her out here.

We're back. And a belated, Happy Thanksgiving all!

Twenty four hours driving in the car with Little Miss Wiggles.

Four full days in sunny Cali.

Two Thanksgivings dinners.

One trip to the LA Zoo.

We survived! We had fun!

Celia was an angel. Considering we drove for pretty much forever and she was surrounded by adults the whole weekend and without a single decent nap.

What a trooper, I love that kid!

I also love my hubby. He drove the entire time!

What a saint!

I'm glad to be back though. It's hard to travel so far for the holidays. I guess that it's just par for the course having in-laws in another state.

Hopefully they will reciprocate the visit next time?

Since I'm a little late... this year among many, many other things, I am thankful for audiobooks. Don't mock. They kept me sane in the car.

So, I just had to laugh when I heard this article during my NPR fix this morning.

Good geeky fun!

Happy Monday everyone!

My Great News!

I'm going to be a stay at home mom after the first of the year!!!

Thank you to my amazing husband!

We haven't quite gotten our finances all the way figured out just yet. But, we're taking this on faith. We both feel that being a full time mom is crucial to the family life we want. We're on a tight budget and we've cut out everything that's not essential.

The rest we're putting in the Lord's hands.

It's a huge leap of faith.

But, it's going to be well worth it!

A Heritage Proudly Worn

Today, I honor the veterans I proudly call my own.

My father, Grandpa Terry and Grandpa Bennett.

My father, Clint Bennett is a veteran of the Iraqi War. He left our family to serve when my daughter was just an infant. I remember reading his emails where he assured us that everything was just fine. The food was great and he was keeping busy. He missed us all and would be home soon. It wasn't until after he came home that he revealed just how much danger he faced every day. His camp underwent daily shell firings. It was dangerous, it was hot and he felt fortunate to safely return home to us when so many men did not.

My grandfather, Howard Terry is a veteran of World War II. He rarely speaks about the war and the atrocities he witnessed, but the few memories he shares, I treasure. He served aboard a Navy vessel after the bombings in Japan. He was tasked to retrieve the Japanese woman and children exiled to the outer islands for their protection. In my imagination, I am unable to comprehend what he must have witnessed. To spare our delicate feelings he will mostly recount the humorous stories from the war. Like the time he and his shipmates stashed an enormous can of pineapple and latter devoured the whole thing only to be sick for days after. Or the 'truth' on just how he got that darkened tooth.

My grandfather, Richard Bennett is a veteran of the Korean War. He honorably chose to serve our country in the Army during a very unpopular war. He's thrilled me with stories of the pontoon bridges he helped construct and the Korean children that followed their camp begging for scraps. One small boy, nicknamed Buckshot, is fondly remembered by my grandpa. I've seen pictures of the little guy. They are kept in a worn suitcase hidden at my grandpa's house. Again, my imagination can't begin to touch the ugly truth about war. Behind his laughing eyes and raucous baseball stories, I can see the atrocities that he can't forget.

I honor these men today.

Their service is a heritage I proudly wear.

Punkin Guts! Oh My!

Celia is now an expert 'Punkin Gutter'.

I'm so proud!

She was covered in pumpkin innards up to her armpits and loving every gooey, slimy minute of it. I really just shouldn't be surprised by her anymore!

Our annual Pumpkin Carving Night is just about my favorite time of year.

Bummer though... My camera decided to abruptly quit on me. So I just have the one fuzzy picture from my phone.

Oh well! Great memories anyway!!

Weaver family- It was so much fun to see you all again! Celia's talked about Wyatt non stop since Sunday. Too funny!

Could I Get About 10 More Hours In the Day Please??

Welcome Friday.

I could have sworn it was still Wednesday. Busy week!

Our new little townhouse is still a maze of boxes. I'm pretty much living out of my suitcase since I can't quite find any of my cold weather clothes. Oh well.

I have my kitchen and bathroom unpacked and useable. Yay me! This weekend's task... find the other three rooms. That, and finish decorating for Halloween. It's all about priorities. I mean, we only have our door and windows decorated. It's October 9th people and I haven't put up my Halloween trees! I know what you're thinking. Cut me some slack alright? I've had a few things on my plate lately.

Here are a few fun highlights from the week...

Baby Chace is finally here!

She is gorgeous! I can't wait to snuggle her. I just need to get over this sicky thing and loose the cough.

Court again yesterday.

The Juvenile case is closed. Which means beastly Laina, the guardian ad litem, and annoying Chris, the caseworker, are out of our lives. Joy!! Celia's dad has actually been pretty decent about things lately. I chalk it up to nothing short of a miracle. He's still pressing for more time with Celia and wants it formalized when we enter our agreement into district court. As it is, he's not taking her the full amount as it is. I'm not worried. Things actually are settling quite nicely. Now, I may be jinxing things by writing that. But, I can still hope, right?

I supervised my first Enrichment Night last night.

Randee was obviously a little indisposed, so I filled in. It went well. But, Randee was missed. She is so much better at these things than me! I called my brother in a panic about 20 minutes before it started because I realized I couldn't set up all the tables and chairs alone. Thank you Chace! You are a lifesaver.

Celia is sleeping quite contentedly in her own bed!

It's been a little bit of a struggle. I've spoiled her the past few years and out of pure laziness let her sleep with me. Heck, it's been just her and I for so long it was always much easier just to plop her in with me and snooze. Things are a bit different now. She's given us a little resistance, but not much. And aside from sneaking in with us in the wee hours of the morning after a bad dream, she's pretty much sleeping in her own bed all night.

And last but not least... married life in WONDERFUL!!!

Dan takes care of Celia and I in the most tender of ways. Take Wednesday night. We had my little nephew over while the baby was being born and he and Celia were running a muck. Then my neighbors came over for a visit with their three kids and I'm running around trying to coordinate last minute enrichment details. Plus the phone is ringing off the hook. Dan's worked a long day, but comes home and instantly pitches in without me having to ask. Thursday night too. While I was at the church he finished my grocery shopping and cleaned up my mess in the kitchen. Then he joined me at the church latter to help me clean up, even though the playoffs were on. I could go on. And on. And on. My husband is a saint!! He is always thinking of our needs first. I love that man!

Mrs Soliz

p.s. I'm posting pictures and our little travel log soon. Promise!

Blessed Day

Last night Dan and I took out our Endowments.

I will never forget that night. I feel so at peace and so blessed. It's been a long journey to bring me to this opportunity. Many, many years of mistakes and sadness.

Now, I am so fortunate that Dan could be there to share this new and exciting experience with me. I was so nervous as I entered the temple, but that feeling soon left me. I was surrounded by loving attendants and so many family and friends.

I now have a better testimony of temple work and look forward to my next visit. Dan and I have committed to regular visits to the temple. We're even looking forward to doing the work for his grandparents. I can't wait for that day to share the blessings for those that could never do the work for themselves.

Last night I also received the permission letter from Celia's father to allow her to be sealed to Dan and I. Until the letter was physically in my hands I was still nervous that it wouldn't happen.

While we were at the temple, her father took the time to explain to Celia his decision and what to expect when she goes to the temple. He even wrote her a very touching letter for her to keep and read. She calls it her 'ticket'. In a way it is. He urged her to marry in the temple and confirmed his believe that families are forever.

I pray that this is a new start for not only Dan and I, but for our relationship with Celia's father. For Celia's sake, she deserves peace with the people she loves the most. I can do that.

For her, I will do anything.

LA for the Weekend...

Dan and I flew to LA this past weekend for Nana's funeral. It was a sad, solemn occasion, but also a time to celebrate Nana's life and the family and friends she so loved. I was so touched by the numerous stories about her.

Over and over I kept hearing similar stories- Families that were her neighbors decades ago and still were close friends, even down three generations.

I loved hearing about how she loved to dance and how she and Tata were always the first on the dance floor.

And how she was always worrying about everyone else. "Have you eaten yet?", she would always ask. Even if the answer was yes, she'd still make sure you had something to eat.

When I would stay with her she would ask me the same thing. Even though she was so frail and in so much pain, she worried about my comfort more than her own. I always had fresh towels and linens on my bed and she always wanted to know how I had slept.

One of my most treasured memories was her teaching me how to make rice on her old stove in her tiny kitchen. I may not make it with exactly the same touch, but when I make rice, I think of her.

I was so honored that Aunt Linda asked me to read a short poem after the funeral mass. I may not have know Nana the decades that others had, but it didn't matter to her. She welcomed me whole heartedly into her family as one of her own. And what touches me even more, is her love for Celia. In the short time they knew each other, they developed a very special bond. Celia's name was read as one of her great grandchildren at the mass. I was so touched that they included her. But, after this weekend I understood even more, that's just the way Nana was. It didn't matter if you were a true relation or not. Her love extended far outside the reaches of her immediate family. I hope to follow in her example!

We are blessed to have her as our beloved Nana! She will be missed, but I am so grateful I was able to be there for her funeral. I am so grateful to know that we will be with her someday and I know she'll be with Dan and I as we are sealed this next weekend.

Also this weekend I got to meet more of Dan's family and their family friends.

Good times!!

In Nana's example, they too welcomed me whole heartedly into the family. I don't think I've been kissed, hugged and congratulated so much in my entire life!

And the food! Plates and plates of scrumptious, homemade Mexican food!

I was in heaven!

I am so grateful to be marrying into the Soliz family!

Five days and counting...

9 Days and Counting...

Wow... could we pack any more into the next few weeks??

I'm swamped and that's an understatement!!

I just want to tell my mom and sisters thank you!! They are working so hard to put all the finishing touched on the wedding preparations. I'm going to have to be gone this weekend for the funeral and they have completely taken over. And if doing all my wedding preparations and watching Celia wasn't enough, they even planned a surprise girls night out a few nights ago. I got completely spoiled and was so surprised they had made time just so I felt special.

I really have the best support system ever!!

Mom, Randee and Tawny, thank you so very much!!

I love you!!

Dan and I got our temple recommends last night. We had our bishop's interview Tuesday and met with the Stake President last night. I can't describe what a joyous experience it was. President Jensen gave us the most inspired and beautiful advice and his testimony only added to my excitement to go to the temple.

It's been a long road in coming. But, now that I'm ready, I'm celebrating!

My Heavy Heart

Eleven days and counting. Eleven days until I marry my soul mate. Eleven days until I marry my very best friend.

I have nothing but the highest expectations for the perfect day! My family and closest friends will be there to witness our sealing. Everyone I love.

Everyone, with one little exception.

My sweet Celia.

Celia's father and I were never sealed in the temple. As a consequence, my daughter is sealed to neither of us. I have tried to obtain his permission to allow Celia to be sealed to Dan and I. He, out of spite, has refused. I really would like to trash him and his selfish choice right now. But, I am choosing not to. Instead, I am choosing instead to forgive him and his selfish decision.

In my struggles to understand, I've had the thought. "This is it. This is my issue." What I mean is that this could be my reason for doubting the gospel and leaving my faith. People have left the church over lesser issues than this.

After all, why should I have to seek Celia's father's permission to be sealed to my daughter? Why should he have to right to have her sealed without my permission? These are the thoughts that have been placed in my head while I lay awake at night and these are the thoughts that plague me throughout my day.

Because my heart is heavy, I have prayed for peace and strength. I may not understand the reasons why. It may be that on this earth I will never have the opportunity to be sealed to my daughter.

In my moments of despair I have received a solemn peace. It may not happen here.

But it will happen!

Elder Holland has a beautiful quote. I'd like to share it. "Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come."

As long as I raise Celia in righteousness and honor my sacred covenants, she will be mine in the eternities. I believe that our Heavenly Father is just. I believe that he will never allow us to be separated if we live righteous lives.

I believe this to my soul.

And this belief gives me hope.

Nana

Today we morn the loss of our beloved Nana, Dan's grandmother. I am so honored to be so warmly welcomed in to her family and to have known her the short time I did. She adored Celia and they share a special bond that I hope Celia always remembers.

I am very sad right now. I am sad that she will not be able to see Dan and I be married or the children we will raise. But, I am also so happy for her. I am happy that she is no longer in such horrible pain and that she is with her loved ones. I am so blessed to know that we will see her again. I take comfort knowing that she is with our Savior and I like to think she's with the spirits of the children meant to belong to Dan and I.

We love you Nana! We will miss you until we can be with you again!

Little Miss Defiant

I watched Celia from the green room last night as she was playing with my brother Chace on the swing set. I could see her getting madder and madder and guessed that she wanted the swing Chace was swinging. Pretty soon she turned to tattle mode and ran to the house.

"Mom!" she burst out, "Uncle Chace won't let me swing!"
"Did you ask him nicely?"
"No! I told him, 'get off the swing' and he won't!"
"Well," I explained, "Try giving him your sweetest puppy dog eyes, sit on his lap and tell him you love him and ask if you can please ride the swing."
"He'll say no."
"Just try it."

So, she opens the back door and yells, "Uncle Chace! My mom said get off the swing right now!" Not quite what I said. So I called her back in for a little chat. I explained the whole ask nicely thing again.
"Ok" she replied. "Can I take a piece of cheese outside?"

I agreed and sent her on her way. The next time I looked out the window she was swinging happily on Chace's swing. "Cool," I thought. "She did it."

Not so. Chace came in a few minutes later and I asked how the puppy dog eyes worked. He just laughed and told me she bribed him with cheese. No "please may I". It was more like "Uncle Chace, I'll give you a piece of cheese if you get off the swing."

Ugh!

She is the most independent, defiant child ever! The whole 'please' thing would have worked, but since it wasn't her little idea there was no way imaginable that she was going to try it.

Heaven help me!

Vacation Day!!!

Yellowstone here we come!!!

This is my all time favorite vacation!

And Dan's never been before!!