Crazy Kids on Quilts

The last post demonstrated the kids posing nicely and looking cute. On another occasion however, I wanted to take a picture of the twins with the quilts Grandma Yrungaray made them. They would not sit still, they were jumping all over the place. After each picture I would run over and line then all up, then jump out of the shot so Ben could take the picture. But in two seconds flat they would look like this.





On an unrelated note - Adam's favorite word is "why?" It cracks me up, since he doesn't speak in full sentences yet but clearly understands the concept of asking why. He always asks at the right moment and truly listens to your answer. Adam, don't put your dirty hand on the wall. "Why?" Adam, put your shoes on. "Why?" Adam, don't ride your trucks on the couch. "Why?" He just seems too young for the why stage, and makes me laugh every time he says it.

My Babies

They are growing up, but they are still my babies. Here we are on Mother's Day - I got a fantastic steak and shrimp dinner cooked by Ben, and a gift certificate for the spa. I can't wait to use it.




And here are the three trouble makers watching a snail. They are playing together more and more, and snail watching is a favorite activity.

Outside of my Bubble

Yesterday I was reading the news, and I came across this article about the famine in Ethiopia. I've heard it a million times. But this time, I read the whole article instead of skipping past it. I looked at the picture of the little girl, and it just got me. Here I am sitting at home with everything I need, eating way more than I should, and this little girl is under 10 pounds at age three.

I have three children who are happy and healthy, but she is stunted in her growth and can't even speak because of starvation. It just gets me all over again typing it now.

We give money through our church, which is then distributed for humanitarian aid around the world. So whenever I'm asked to donate to a specific charity, I usually decline. But yesterday, I couldn't look into that little girls eyes without doing something.

So I found the UNICEF site, and instead of donating money, I donated food. I always worry money will end up going to administrative costs or something, but through their site you can purchase a very specific type of food - I chose milk for the young children.

I know, I'm being way too serious for a regular Thursday morning - I just wanted to share something that affected me, and made me so grateful for what we have.

Sick of being sick

I've been sick all winter long, and now it is Spring and I am sick again. We have had more colds, flus, coughs and sore throats go through this house than I could ever imagine. Maybe its because Anna started preschool, or because the twins are in nursery, or because we have to get used to the California germs.

Every time we go through a sickness I try to wash all of the sheets more, wash everyone's hands more, and spray Lysol a whole bunch. I think after this round, we are all going to start taking vitamins. Maybe even some of those herbs everyone says keep you healthy.

So, what do you do to keep your family healthy? I need some tips because I feel like a horrible mother - we've been sick for months!!

Buying a House in Good Old Riverside

So, we've looked at tons of houses and watched the market since we got here six months ago. And just when I thought it was safe to buy a house, just when it was starting to seem like the market was stabilizing here, I see this:

Riverside is #8 on the 10 markets set to experience steep losses. Not the 10 markets in California - the 10 markets in the whole United States. And Riverside is #8.

The 12-month forecast is that Riverside will go down 16 more percent. That is a lot of money! I mean, I don't care if we buy a house to live in and the market goes down a bit more, but 16 percent is a lot. Were talking 60 to 80 thousand dollars lost in our first year if the prediction is true and we bought a house now.

So, I think it might be time to start thinking about renting for a year. This article proposes that April to June 2009 will be rock bottom - i.e., the best time to buy. Of course no one knows for sure, but it is interesting information anyway.

Still Alive

I think this might be the longest we've gone without updating our blog. Just wanted to say I'm still here! We've just been busy. I have some things to post, so I'm crossing my fingers I'll get to it tonight.

On a side note,

Kobe is the MVP!!

Here is a throw back picture to celebrate - Ben with Anna in her Lakers jersey way back in 2004.