ooohhh Mexico!

para sailing

giving my Spanish a shot with the locals

sweaty and hot searching for the chapel on Sunday

snorkeling

touring around

Of course the last time we went to Puerto Vallerta we were on our honeymoon. No children. We didn't take them but we didn't' anticipate how much they would affect our trip. We had such a hard time leaving them. We left them with my amazing sister Carrie and niece. My sister has three children of her own. My niece is the oldest of nine, but I am not sure she know what she as in for! They were both so great!

But after the first couple days of talking about how much fun they would have if they had come, we really had a blast. We relaxed and played all week. We snorkeled, para sailed, hiked around, ate and, relaxed on the beach and played in the ocean.

When we reurned at 11:30, but I coud'nt resist bring the kids in bed with us. It was so good to see them!

visiting my grandmother, she is 100 years old and such a strong woman.

When we picked up the boys, my brother was visiting from India so we had a chance to see him

It is can't believe eight years have come and gone. It was so fun to visit the same place and stay in the same condo. It made me realize how happy I am to have many more years ahead.

Visit tomorrow to participate in an auction benefiting Nie and her family. I will be aucitoning three prints. See you tomorrow.

prayers for nie

I went to high school with a girl named Stephanie Nielson, then Clark. I didn't know her well but I did know her brother Jessie and her cousins Nick and Jayne that were my age. Jayne is a friend of mine. And a few years ago I stumbled on to Nie's website, www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com. I loved reading it because even though she was two years younger than me, she has had 4 kids and she is an example of a loving mother and wife that is truly happy. She is creative and sweet.

Recently I emailed her and she we emailed a bit. She was going to do a spread on my art and I was so excited but held back when I had computer problems and recently even had to order a new printer. But I was excited to finally be featured on nie as I recently took my Etsy Site off hold. Anyway, I am writing today from beautiful Puerto Vallarta to ask for prayers for this dear person and her beautiful family. She and her husband were in a private plane crash and she is in critical condition. Find out how you can help on www.cjanerun.com. I will write more when I return.

Love, Jen

failed resolutions

Why- why do I do this to myself? I just had a frightening experience. It is a reoccurring one. I was missing library books. Now one reason I blog is so that I don't feel alone in my stupidity. So please, help me out here.

I finally found the blessed books and I was so thrilled. They are always in really strange places that my kids have put them. One was in between the guest room mattress and box spring. Why would I look there? I had to pay a hefty fine. A fine which I can not put into print for fear that my husband will read this. Anyway- I paid the fine and told my children, "just look today and we will read here". Because, of course, I was recommitted to no longer checking out any books. Of course moderation is not the answer, no. I can't just check out 4-5 books. Not even 10-12. So I just ban myself, (and my children), from getting any. Well I start to wander the library with my three little ones in tow. They, like me, pick up anything that strikes their fancy. Soon I have gathered up all I, the stroller and my six year old can carry. I move to check them out when my oldest reminds me of my resolution. I quickly talk my way out of it. He, of course, lets me. Why do I do this to myself? Why, why? I have that syndrome that people that survived the great depression have. You know where they hoard food because of their survival instinct? Of course I was never deprived of books. My dad was a professor. My house was lined with bookshelves brimming with them.

I guess the more appropriate example is those people that go to receptions or all-you-can-eat events and they feel compelled, because they can and its available, take a napkin with a few of the snacks to go. Why? They are full? You can only eat so many mint and chocolate brownies? I have a loved one who does this. But she shall remain nameless because she raised me so I don't want to give her up. I hope I didn't give anything away there.

I get into that library and there are no limits! I feel the need to check out any and every children's book I see. I try to tell myself, like I do my children, I can get it next time. But like my children, I pretend not to hear me. Unfortunately, I am a very slow learner. I better start saving my change.

hmmmm.....

This morning as my oldest drank his protein, peach and banana smoothie, he observed in dismay that a smoothie can never be a milk shlakie. Shlakie is my husband's word for milkshake, I have no idea why we have an alternate name for everything. I agreed with him. Indeed a smoothie never can be a milk shlakie, just as I can never be 5'9, our outside cat can never be an inside dog, and our pond can not, despite our best efforts, be a hot tub. "hmmm," he pondered for a moment, "well there is something we can do about the smoothie."

Happy Birthday Carrie

Carrie(top left), Katie, (top right), me, (bottom right), Mitch, (bottom left)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARRIE! Today is my amazing sister's birthday. I actually have 5 amazing sisters, this is the one just older than me. I always aspired to be like her. Carrie- sings like a diva, cooks and bakes like a pro, plays the guitar and piano beautifully, has a solution for everything. She is a person that would and does anything for the people she knows,(twice has driven 6-7 hours to pick up my kids when I was desperate). She is a patient and gentle mother to 3 children 3 years old and under. Carrie- I love you!

We just got home from a 4 great family reunions. One for my husband's family, mine, my father's family and my mother's. It was so much fun. My sister Carrie, http://www.cwelton.blogspot.com, took so many darling pictures so I am waiting for her to send more my way! My battery died so I have to use hers. Which is fine by me since she is an amazing photographer! We had so much fun riding trains and water slides, taking hikes, swimming, visiting a petting zoo, visiting family graves, learning about ancestor's and just visiting. Being around family is so refreshing. It is amazing to be around people who really know you and that make you feel like you are home. We miss you all!

BACK IN BUSINESS

I am almost back in business!  My computer problems are almost solved thanks to my generous sister Carrie and her husband James! (cwelton@blogspot.com)  Because I haven't been able to print anything, I've been able to spend my time creating new pieces.  I have two new prints all ready to be put on the computer!  Having lived in California, summer to me means the beach and of course 4th of July parades--can't wait to publish these two new prints!  I have been reluctant to do any advertising because I am still acquiring the right software and working out my constant hardware problems--thanks for being patient with me!