Arguement against real trees...

So, we decided to get a real tree this year. We have never had one and we thought it would be fun for the kids to experience a real tree at least once. We went to the tree lot for family home evening a few weeks ago and picked one out. The kids had fun. We decorated it and have been maintaining it by making sure it has sufficient water. Last night I was having a hard time sleeping. In the middle of the night I hear a crash. I go to investigate and find out the tree has fallen and water is now all over our wood laminate floor and the presents that are under the tree, and the ornaments are scattered everywhere. I woke up Carlos to come and help me because I couldn't get the tree to stay up on my own. I grabbed several towels to clean up the mess, and I had to quickly unwrap the presents and dry them off. Most of the presents under the tree were from family in Colorado and I could tell some of them were books. One of the books got damaged, but I was able to dry off everything else in time. I had an early Christmas, since my present was wet. Now I have to re-wrap all of the presents, and re-decorate the tree. I am not very happy about this! Will I ever get a real tree again? What do you think....
Tyffanie

I've been tagged...

So both Lori-ann and Donna tagged me and I am supposed to write 6 quirky things about myself. Here goes....

1-I hate being alone! When I'm alone at home I tend distract myself by reading, calling my Mom, sister, Carlos, Donna or other friends, getting online and watching movies or TV shows, checking my e-mail, etc.---generally unproductive activities. When Carlos is home I follow him around and don't get as much done as I should unless he is helping me, or in the same room talking to me while I work. When Carlos is out of town the kids rotate sleeping with me. I exercise better in a group setting. I could go on and on. I am really amazed sometimes that I am able to be a stay-at-home mom.

2-I ferment tomato seeds to save and trade, especially Heirloom tomatoes---I'm told this is quirky.

3-I have many nice recipe books and I love to look through them and study them, yet I rarely use recipes when I am cooking.

4-I get excited when a seed catalog arrives in the mail.

5-I love to read books, but I rarely do because I have to read and read until the book is finished. When I am into a good book things don't get done around the house, and I don't get much sleep.

6-I always talk myself out of doing something for myself, especially if it involves spending money.

This is for Lori-ann:
7-I can touch the tip of my tongue to my nose.

8-I can curl my tongue and drink out of it like a straw.

This is for my sisters, husband, and even a few friends:
9-I am the oldest child and grew up in a single parent home so I had a lot of responsibility---I am bossy. I have even "Should ed" people on occasion. There I said it! I am trying to work on this.

And number 10 to make it even:
I have 3 beautiful children and my youngest Lizzie will start Kindergarten next year and I want another baby. Am I crazy!?!

I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving.

It seems like October flew by and November is in a hurry too. We went to Goblin Valley and Capital Reef the first part of October and it already seems like ages ago. Then Halloween came and went. We had a lot of fun this year. Joseph was Indiana Jones and Jason wanted to be R2-D2 from Star Wars. I couldn't see how I could come up with a costume like that with out tons of work and planning and so he chose to dress up and Indiana Jones too---much to Joseph's chagrin. So, we had an older rugged Indiana Jones, and a young clean shaven version. Lizzie wanted to be Princess Leia from Star Wars and I was able to make a simple white dress and a belt. I had fun doing her hair and of course Lizzie had to wear lots of make-up and have sparkles in her hair. The kids had fun painting their own pumpkins and we carved one as a family.

There are some other important things that happened this fall. Near the end of September we went to Idaho for my Grandparents 60th wedding Anniversary. My Mom went also and was re-united with her parents and siblings, after 15+ years. I got to see my Uncle and Aunt that live in Alaska---I haven't seen them in ages. We put together a family cook book---I was in charge of most of it so I was glad to be done with that. In October my Mom was baptized and all of my sisters and brother and their families came out for that. We had a good time together. It was a special day for all of us. The kids love to see their cousins, Reyna and Christopher, that live in Colorado. We had a lot going on, so I guess that is why Fall is flying by. Hopefully I'll get the hang of blogging and learn how to post photos regularly and I will post something before Christmas!

And we're off...

I guess it is time to jump on the band wagon and start the Perez family blog. Our family is Carlos, me (Tyffanie), and our children: Joseph, Jason and Elizabeth(Lizzie). We love spending time together, especially when we are out doors admiring God's beautiful world. Carlos and I met in Puerto Rico, and now live in Utah, so our little world is not so little. We absolutely cherish every family memory we've made exploring the rain forests, beaches, mountains, lakes, Old Spanish Forteleza's and spending time with our family on the tropical island of Puerto Rico. We also love our surroundings and family in Utah, the scenic mountains, valleys, forests, lakes, desserts and rock formations that beckon to people from all over the world. We have visited many National Park's and Monuments. Each time we do we agree we have to return, so rather than crossing them off of a list we add to a every growing list. When we are at home we like to watch movies together, play games, read stories, sing, dance---we don't do this enough, wrestle---well...I enjoy watching the kids wrestle with Carlos. You'll have to ask him if he enjoys it, but I know the kids do. It has been some of the simple things we have done that one of the kids will say, "Mom, this is the best day of my whole life!" I don't know any other words that make me feel so good. Maybe I'm doing Okay as a Mom. I have other days when it is a struggle, as life is with everyone. That's why I appreciate those special family moments so much, without them life wouldn't be the same, and trying so hard to do what is right would almost not be worth it. I look forward to posting more about our family and keeping you up to date on all of our adventures and milestones.

Love,
Tyffanie Perez