Oaktown

I thought I better finish writing about my visit to Oakland last week. Here I am in front of the mission home. It was gorgeous with all the flowers blooming and green grass. My stomach got butterflies as I recalled standing in this very spot on my first day in the mission field. I am glad that I served a mission but I am especially glad that this time around I was only there for a visit.

Here is Smith walking to our old apartments. Notice the sign that says Luxury Apartments. I guess if you consider ant invasions, cockroaches, old carpet and furniture, drug dealings under you windows and muggings in the parking lot, luxury, then I don't want to know the flip side.





Here we are eating our Super Burritos at Taqueria San Jose. It was a favorite place to go as missionaries because it was like going to another country. Not only that, for five dollars you can't beat the price for the amount of yummy food you get.

While we were there, two Hispanic men came up and sang to us while playing their guitars. We were quite flattered until they asked for money (I guess we are getting old).

After lunch we visited a Latin tienda to buy fun candy and treats to take back to our kids. Roger wasn't a big fan of the stuff, but my kids thought they were pretty neat.

Here is the wonderful Padilla family at the reception. There is Mariana and Luis, Angeles and David, Smith, and Ariela and Mario. We sure love those guys and feel thankful they have kept us involved in their lives.

Here is the stake center all gussied up for the reception. They were expecting over 500 people and sure enough that many came and stayed. They sure now how to have a party. I enjoyed helping decorate with the Padillas and David's family.

Here is Pepe Cid, a guy that I taught and was baptized with his family. He came to the reception and it was great to see him. He graduate from BYU Hawaii (he remembered me talking about it and decided to go there himself). He also served a mission to New York and is now an accountant. I am so proud of him.

This is beautiful Flor and her family. Flor was just 14 when we taught her and she was baptized. Later she taught her future husband and he ended up baptizing his whole family. She has 2 beautiful girls and is expecting another baby. I haven't seen her in 15 years and it made my heart swell to know that she is still so strong and faithful in the gospel. In fact she was a YW president at 22 and is now the Primary president. I am sure I could learn a lot from her.

Yolanda and Evelio. Yolanda is Flor's Aunt and they are from Honduras. We taught them together. She also was baptized. Later, the rest of her family, Evelio her husband and her four kids were also baptized. They have a beautiful home now in San Leandro and are doing well. In fact they insisted we come by for breakfast the morning after the reception.

So here I am the next morning at Yolanda's house. I had forgotten what it meant to be invited to eat with my dear Hispanic friends. She made us steak, eggs, frijoles, pan (bread), taquitos, plantain fritadas (fried bananas), queso, juice, and hot chocolate. Wow. Everything was so good and I was bien llena (very full) after that.

It was great fun to be in her home and catch up after all these years. We were also reminded of the many cultural things we learned during the mission and my Spanish got a good work out.

Smith and I searched out an investigator family that we taught.

They never got baptized but we also never forgot them. They were so neat and the circumstances just weren't right. Brenda, was a 14 year old girl that was extra special. Well, we found them and they were shocked. Here is Graciela, Brenda and her cute 6 month old daughter Maria Estrella. They have never forgotten us or the church so we will see if our new found contact will lead anywhere.

Here is part of the dear Soberanis Family. They were an important part of my mission and many miracles surrounded them and their conversion story. I loved them so much. Unfortunately, they eventually left the church and I don't know why. We lost contact and this trip a good member helped us find them. They were quite surprised to see us and kept saying it was a miracle. I still don't know what happened but I hope to get to the bottom of it now that I have their contact information.

This is Lorena Soberanis all grown up. She came to my wedding and was one of my bridesmaids. She was so special to me. She is now married and has 3 children of her own. I hope and pray that she will return to the church and receive all the blessings that are just waiting for her. I will do my best to do my part.

Isn't her little boy cute? He has such a head of hair on him. It was unbelievable.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

It almost felt like spring today so we attempted to fly some kites. The kids always have more fun than mom, because I seem to spend most of my time untangling lines, retrieving downed kites and pleading for the wind to return.

We finally had some success and got them in the air. It was beautiful with the blue sky and snow covered mountains in the background.

Ryan's friend Tyler joined us for the fun.

Roger was testing out the swings after a long winter. They seemed to be just fine.

Shots

It doesn't matter if you are 4 or 12, you still feel the same way about getting shots. Yesterday both of my girls had to have their school physicals. One for Junior High and one for Kindergarten. I think mom had the most fun that day trying to pursuade, motivate, explain, force and console both girls before and after the event. I love those days (Haha).

Here is Brianna right before we headed out into the blizzard like conditions. Our normal 15 minute journey took 50 minutes and we saw numerous cars slide off the rode. But I was bound and determined to get there. There was no way we were going to go through the whole dreaded anticipation again.

When I was explaining to Brianna why we get shots and that they are usually done in the arm, she informed me that she would be leaving her arm at home that day. Unfortunately for her, she got the shots in both of her legs.

Here she is after all was said and done (and of course icecream). She is much happier now.

How did my Alyssa get so big? She wasn't happy about going to a "pediatrician" but I made her go anyway. Don't believe the false smile she is putting on. She is a good actress when she wants to be.

Smith & Felix (Before and After)

Here is my companion Hermana Smith and I in the spring of 1993 as missionaries. We are in the Temple Visitor Center where we spent many hours giving tours to visitors and even teaching discussions there in one of it's many rooms. Usually it was a nice escape to go to the V.C. after hard days in Oakland. You could always feel the spirit strongly and some of my best mission experiences happened there.







Now here we are 16 years later, with a few more wrinkles, children (8 between the two of us) and hopefully a little more life experience. We were able to walk through the Visitor Center once again and see all the changes. While we were there, a young Hispanic family came in and they played the recording of Christ in Spanish. It was amazing because after all these years, the words came back to me.

Angeles' Wedding

Recently I had an amazing opportunity to return to Oakland, California to my mission to be a part of the wedding of Maria de Angeles Padilla to David Masura Yamashita. Angela was just a young girl of 12 when I was able to teach her and her family. Both of her brothers, Mario and Jose Luis, were able to serve missions and were sealed in the temple to their spouses. It was finally Angela's turn and I was fortunate to be able to go.

The temple ceremony was absolutely beautiful and the spirit that was present was incredibly strong. I cried and cried and felt so lucky to have been a small part in the story of these incredible people.

They were married in the Oakland temple and it was so beautiful. David is Japanese and Angela is Hispanic of course, so it made for an interesting cross cultural experience. But everyone was so happy for the couple.

This is Isabella the beautiful daughter of Luis and Mariana. They let us (Andrea Smith Sheets, one of my dear mission companions) stay at their apartment with them. Isabella and I became fast friends and I wanted to bring her home with me.

Here is Margarita (mother of the bride), Bunker (another mission companion) Mario (brother of Angela), Smith and the Encisos ( a wonderful member family that helped us a lot in the mission). These were just a few of the many people that came and mean so much to me.

Here we are at the Celas' house with the Encisos. They were kind enough to help us track down some of our former converts and investigators while we were there. These people are the strength of the church in there Latin communities.

Mario and Smith. My heart can't express how much love I have for both of them. Smith was a dear companion and it was so neat to be together again and reminisce about our time there. Mario is the strongest convert I ever met. He is the reason his family is still strong. It was my priviledge to share to gospel with someone that was so receptive and with so much faith. He has kept me involved in his family's life and I will forever be grateful.

Siberian Tigers

When I was at the zoo, the other day I was reminded about an experience that Roger and I shared when we were living in Ohio. Since my journal skills have been somewhat lacking over the years, I am going to attempt to write about past memories when it strikes my fancy.

So back to the tigers. There was this place in Ohio, some sort of refuge for Siberian tigers. Now tigers are Roger's favorite animals, so when I heard that you could actually get up close and personal with the tigers, I couldn't pass it up.

So for his 28th birthday (holy cow that was forever ago), we went to this place. There were these massive Tigers in a huge cage. After some briefing about what to do and not to do when playing with tigers, we were allowed in with these amazing creatures. It was somewhat intimidating, they were huge. The owners were with us and snapped many a picture as proof that we pet and played with animals.

At one point, one of the tigers opened his mouth and gently bit down on my knee. I must admit it was kind of terrifying. Even though it wasn't too hard, I could feel the power in his jaws and knew in a moments notice he could break my knee right in half. The owner said to give him a smack on the nose to get him to let go, but I just couldn't do it. So the owner did, and he let go immediately. I actually had bruises the next day and you could see where his teeth held on to me.

After playing with the big tigers, we were able to play with a cub. It was so cute. He would chase a rope that you dangled in front of him. He acted just like any other kitty but on a much larger scale. Roger especially liked the cub.

It was a great day. I am glad that we were able to do something so unique. Whenever I look at the photos, I still marvel at the fact that we were actually face to face with tigers. I believe that the foundation was eventually shut down due to some unfortunate accident where someone was injured. I am glad it wasn't us.

Sittin in the Sun

There hasn't been anything of monumental importance to write about these last few days. Right now I am sitting outside, fighting off an ocular migraine and soaking up the sun as fast as it will let me. The last few days have been beautiful with temperatures in the upper 60's. We have all loved it. The kids have played outside non-stop and are so exhausted by the end of the day that they just drop into their beds.

The other day, the kids helped me with our first yard work of the new year. It felt so great to get out in the dirt, and pull weeds and prepare the garden for early plantings. It just lifts my spirits to see the new growth on the plants. To see life again after such a long winter is so refreshing. I have always loved the fall, it has been my favorite season forever. But as I grow older, spring is starting to take it's place. I love what it represents . . new life and fresh starts. And as a mother is means that the kids are no longer on top of each other in the house. They can get fresh air, stretch their legs and play until the sun sets. It is wonderful!!

Brianna and I went sandal shopping the other day. I love sandals. I am not a huge shoe fan (kind of weird for a girl) but I adore sandals. I love the freedom that sandals bring. I also love that when my kids wear them, I don't have to wash as many socks or constantly have to help them put them on. Brianna picked out some fancy gold sandals with jewels. Perfect for a princess.

Mr. Goodman

I got back awhile ago from volunteering in Ryan's class. Every time I leave there, I just love his teacher more and more (and by love I mean in a non-creepy you are amazing sort of way). He is probably one of the most qualified, talented, and organized teachers I have ever met. He truly has a passion for teaching and it shows in his classroom. I feel really lucky that Ryan got him this year, it is as if we won the lottery. It is only too bad that there aren't more of him to go around.

Actually, Alyssa got a great teacher as well in Mrs. Gurr. She relates so well to those 6 graders and has taught them many life skills in addition to regular school material. Plus she has a real wry sense of humor which Alyssa totally gets and loves. This had been a great year for us all when it comes to school.

Frankie the Tadpole

Today was a sad day for us. Ryan's tadpole Frankie died. It was quite upsetting. Ryan has always had a love for creatures, especially of the reptile and amphibian nature. So we decided to try our hand at raising a tadpole into a frog. He got the tadpole for his 8th birthday in April 2008 but had to wait 6 months before they shipped him. He was born on Halloween thus the name Frankie (short for Frankenstein). Ryan has loved him and took care of him everyday. We believe that we got a little ambitious in our feeding of him thus his demise. It was hard to see my son so upset. I guess it is a hard lesson to learn no matter how old you are or why it happened.

We have decided to give it another try and ordered another tadpole from Ribbets Galore just today. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long until this next one arrives. In the meantime, it is almost horny toad lizard hunting season!! One of Ryan's all-time loves.

Basketball and Stitches

Today was Ryan's last basketball game of the season. It has been a somewhat challenging year for him since the 3rd and 4th graders are together. Being younger and shorter (I know, he is actually shorter than many of the players this year, hard to believe) made it more difficult to play like he has in the past. But that has been a good thing because he has had to become tougher and play harder.

So this was a great last game. We beat the other team 32 to 18. Normally I don't focus on the score a whole lot but today it was such a boost for our team. Ryan scored 6 points and had numerous rebounds. One of his other strengths is defense. He does an excellent job guarding his man. He looks like he has potential to be a decent future basketball player which will make his mother quite happy.

Right now he is at a team pizza party at his coach's house (Bart Gardiner who is also our neighbor and dentist). There he will get his medal for the year. It is sad to see the season end and yet we now have soccer and baseball right around the corner to look forward to . .

So yesterday was an exciting and frustrating day all wrapped into one. I took Brianna in to see Dr. Pack (next to Daddy's office) to have her stitches removed. She was looking forward to being rid of them once and for all. However, her tune soon changed as the Dr. brought out the scissors. She let me know that she changed her mind and didn't want them out after all.



I tried every trick of persuasion in the book to no avail. Everytime he got close she started screaming at the top of her lungs. I called Roger and asked him to come as reinforcement. Being a daddy's girl I figured she would cooperate for him. Nope. She would not be convinced. Finally after much talk and no action we had to take matters into our own hand. We both physically had to hold her down (I on the legs and Roger on her upper half). By now, she is irate, kicking and screaming and hitting Roger. The doctor wasn't even touching her. I would post a picture but I couldn't get my hands free to take one. She is one strong 4 year old.



Needless to say, we got them all out . . almost. There are still a few more in but we just couldn't get to them. I didn't know whether to feel sorry for her or just laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. She insisted that it hurt worse than actually squashing her finger in the first place (whatever). And she later apologized for hitting daddy, but assured me that he stilled loved her anyway. (Which is true seeing how he still bought her icecream inspite of her non-cooperation). In her prayers last night she said "Thank you for letting me get my stitches out even though I screamed the whole time". Well I am thankful it is pretty much over. I am also grateful to patient doctors that know what they are doing. Hopefully (knock on wood) we will avoid this kind of thing for a long awhile.

Junior High Registration

Yes, the time has finally come when my firstborn is ready to venture out and start the big world of junior high (ahhh).

This week was registration and it was quite exciting. The kids have so many choices of class to pick from now days. It was a tough decision for Alyssa. She of course already had the 4 advanced learning classes she tested into (English, Algerbra, History and Science). In the end she chose Creative Writing, Intro to Dance, Intro to Drama, and Peer Tutor. As a mother I worry that it is too much but she loves to learn and can hardly wait.

We turned in our registration and afterwards were given a tour of the school. Alyssa's friend Sadie was there too so we went on it together. The girls were all giggles and smiles. The mothers were full of nerves and uncomfortable flash backs. I am sure it will be much better for our girls.

After the tour the girls were given t-shirts for their new alma-mater (at least for one year until the new junior high is done in Saratoga Springs).

Hogle Zoo

So here is the story. For quite awhile now my dear friend Megan has been trying to talk me into starting a blog. I have resisted, I must admit, although I don't know why. After much prodding, insisting and convincing me of the many reasons why blogs are so amazing, here I am. (Not to mention the fact that she actually came to my house and physically set this up right in front of me :)). I would hate to hurt her feelings so I will give it a shot (hehe). Actually I think this will be kind of fun and a great record of the many adventures we enjoy in our family.

So inspite of the 35 degree weather, Megan and I took our girls, Jocelyn and Brianna to the zoo. It turned out to be a wonderful day. There weren't too many people there so we had front and center views of all the animals. The sun was out so it wasn't too cold and even the animals seemed to enjoy it.

The girls had a great time seeing all of their favorite animals. The "grownup" girls enjoyed socializing as we meandered through the exhibits. Brianna kept us on the right track by reading the map and instructing us where to go next. In the end we enjoyed a nice picnic lunch at the Discovery park in the zoo. It gave us a small taste of warmer days to come having picnics at playgrounds. I can't wait for summer.

As we wandered through the zoo it reminded me of when Alyssa was young. When we were in Ohio for Optometry school, we splurged (literally) and bought a season pass to the Columbus zoo. It saved my life. I took Alyssa there so often, sometimes to just play on the playgrounds. The Columbus zoo is incredible thanks to the fact that Jungle Jack Hannah is from that area and had a major hand in the operation of the zoo. We spent hours there and still could never cover it all. Maybe that is why Alyssa has such a love for animals now. We made some wonderful memories.

One of the highlights of the day was riding the new carousel. There were animals of every kind to choose from. Brianna rode an eagle and Jocelyn and elephant. As for myself, I chose a giant praying mantis while Megan rode a kangaroo that even was carrying a joey. The whole thing was so cute.

We were a little snap happy with the camara, maybe in anticpation of putting them all on the blog. The girls were troupers, but by the end they had had enough.

If a picture tells a 1000 words then you can see how fun we had!

I especially love my "favorite" praire dogs peaking up from their holes.