Isn't this what Christmas is all about?

Laying on the floor covered in all the remains of what's just occurred moments before, exhausted and elated to just swim in the sea of tissue, wrap, and boxes!

Commencement Benediction

20 years ago I graduated from high school. There were some rough moments that almost kept that moment from happening. But I was fortunate enough to have a terribly mean and ugly English teacher that forced me to stay at school to finish my missing assignments the week that all my friends were out on Senior Ditch Week (I had already had my ditch week...or month...or year). While that week was miserable, it was worth it, my high school diploma was an important step to achieving all that I have accomplished today.
I was so excited the year I graduated from Mesa State with my Bachelor's Degree in Education. I couldn't wait to walk across that stage. I literally felt like a young child with so much enthusiasm and anticipation for that awaited day. Many family members were there to celebrate with me. I have the pictures to prove it! I still smile today thinking about how proud and happy I felt. One of my best memories. So, I have to share with you in contrast my feelings today.
Today, I am pleased to say that this chapter of education has finally come to an end. I don't feel the giddiness that I felt eight years ago; when I vowed to get my masters. I feel a sense of relief and peace. I feel gratitude to my Father in Heaven for carrying me this far. I know I couldn't have done any of it without Him. That's the only reason I can come up with for why I was asked to give the benediction at my commencement.

I did not want to walk or participate in the commencement ceremony this time. I was happy to celebrate this end quietly and privately (which if you know me, is much more my style). That decision changed when I received a phone call from a professor asking if she, "could change my mind about attending commencement, they would like to invite me to represent the program and give the benediction." I actually did not respond with a yes right away. I told her I needed to think about it. Danny kept telling me what a great honor it was. I knew he was right, but I really didn't want the honor. After I prayed about it and talked more with Danny, I agreed to do it.

The road to commencement wasn't easy. I wanted to back out of it a hundred times. It felt like it was just adding to my already hectic life and time of year. But, my sense of responsibility did not allow me to back out.So, as you can see, I did it! Yes, I gave the benediction at my commencement from Regis Universtiy on Dec. 17, 2011 with a Masters in Arts in Education with an emphasis in teaching the Linguistically Diverse Learner.

I can't lie, much of my relief is just because it's over. And I may never know why I was asked to participate in today's ceremony. I have thought a lot about it, and I hope it was for my childrens, friends', or family's benefit. I hope it was to show that I was willing to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all places. I had to stand up for what I believe to be true about how we pray. Heavenly Father blessed me to be able to do it the way that I know honors Him best. I stood in front of many, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and offered a prayer in our behalf and thanked Him publicly for His hand in my life, for helping me reach this goal. For that I am thankful, because I truly feel that this degree should be the Lord's. I couldn't have done it alone. So, I am grateful for the opportunity I had to share that with many.

Our future graduates await!

2 Events in 1 Night!

Now that Isaac is at the middle school and in band, we ended having Marina's choir concert and Isaac's band conference both in the same night. Thank heavens Marina's was at 6pm and Isaac's at 7pm. Between Grandma Layne, Papa Joe, G'ma Chris and Danny & I we were able to make it all work and get to both. We sat so far in the back at Marina's...there are no pictures. But she looked beautiful and sang better than ever. She learned a lot of new songs in different languages. She has a talent for learning language. Her favorite was a Japanese snow song called, Yuki.
Isaac's first band concert was quite good. He played, Hard Rock Blues in a trio group. Yes, he plays the saxaphone. He is very good at learning to read music. He stills plays the piano also, but we're taking a break from piano lessons for a bit.

Aren't they getting big??

CHEESE!

My baby is 18 months old. My favorite age. He is such a "ham" or should I say "cheese." I love this age. I love how they start to become their own little person. The wanting to walk everywhere on his own is pretty comical. Trying to keep him out everything at the store is interesting too. Of course, it's an exhausting age, but fun nonetheless. I am looking forward to him talking. The "eh eh eh"...and screaming for everything he wants, I could pass on.
Say the word, "bath" and Esaias is quick to undress and climb in the bathtub. Actually I should say he gets in the bathtub and then gets undressed. He swims, puts his full face in...it's just now that he's finally not choking every time. Mind you, the choking did not stop him from putting his face in the water. Danny and I end up just as wet as Esaias.

Little People are one of Esaias' favorite toys. This is the stable; he and Marina set up all the animals to watch baby Jesus.

I love you, cute boy! Cheese!

A Common Past Time!

I could take a thousand pictures just like these. My boys read all the time, yes all the boys; Danny, Isaac & Esaias. Marina will read, but it is usually forced. And I would love to read, but finding down time for me is not as easy...maybe someday.

Below is an interview Danny did for work. It is up on You Tube. Feel free to check it out.

Thanksgiving Over?

It all just goes by too quickly. I know that the saying is, "time flies when your having fun," but I think time flies no matter what. (I try not to think about how time flies the older you get) Anyway, I do think we have been having fun, and the last few days are gone in a wink.

Wednesday was our preparation day with lots of cleaning. And Thanksgiving came right on schedule. We had it at our house again, with Mara and Ryan bringing their friends John and Kate from Utah. Chris, Joe, and Ben completed the Sandoval's this year, and then Marisa and I with our families, accompanied by Mom, Grandpa & Grandma Mortensen covered the Martin/Mortensen side of the family. We all filled the house.

After eating and relaxing for a bit, we are on to the Black Friday planning. With many of the stores opening at midnight our Thanksgiving just runs rights into Friday shopping. I suppose lack of sleep for 24 hours will do that to you. You loose sight of when one day ends and the other begins. Upon the end of Friday...almost all our Christmas shopping done, we were happy to find our beds early and SLEEP!

Saturday breakfast for Papa Joe's birthday was delicious and carried us right past lunch. A few small shopping stops to promote "Small Business Day" wraps up Saturday's light. A babysitter gave way to all but Esaias going to see the sneak preview of "We Bought a Zoo." This feel good movie was a great way to end the holiday weekend. We again were happy to find our beds and sleep.

Happy Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday...maybe that's why it goes too fast) and into the Christmas season just like that!

Oh yeah, and lots of pictures were taken this weekend, just not by me...oh well?!?!

Happy Halloween!

The kids just love our friends Chad & Jen, so when they invited us to come by for trick or treating we couldn't pass up the fun. They always set the ambiance with spooky music, strobe lights, black lights and spooky decorations. Chad likes to dress up for handing out candy. He was frustrated this year when he couldn't come up with something unique. But when he put on his sombrero and sarape he thought how perfect, "I'll be a Sandoval."
Esaias loves their dogs, and we tried getting a shot of all the puppies, but of course they didn't want to pose. He did enjoy carrying his bag up to the doors to get candy. It only took about 2 houses before he figured out how it all worked. And of course, although it was late and past his bedtime, we were outside taking a walk, riding in the wagon, he was a happy little boy.

The 5th Grade Three Mouseketeers
(aka Jen, Heidi, & Vycci or Padgett, Obermaier & Sandoval)

Fall Festival Brings out the Coolest People

Last night was the Ward Fall Festival, and somehow every year, even when I think we're not dressing up, we decide to pull a costume together last minute. Danny couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy an 80's wig that resembles what he might have looked like, had he lived as an adult in the 80's. We were serenaded in the car to the song Now and Forever, by Richard Marx. And while many people at the party thought he was Michael Jackson (no glove, no bling...) there were a few old enough to remember the stylin' eighties. I am sure glad I met him in the late 90's. I think I just might have resisted that jerry curl. This authentic "Members Only" jacket really made the costume (thanks to Jen & Chad for loaning it to him), along with the raised collar on the pink polo, and the pegged legged pants with the sockless loafers all contributed to him winning the "coolest" costume award.
While we were a decade apart from Danny, Marina and I also won part 2 & 3 of the "coolest" costume. When I was preparing to answer the what or who am I question. I thought I should just answer, "my mom." It's truly scary when you look in the mirror and can see a picture of your own mom in your head.

Lookin' pretty groovy Marina!

It was the year for winning...Isaac won for the most original costume. Yes, he's a garden gnome. Where does he come up with these ideas? Who knows? He reads too much!

Esaias not pictured...got shots on Thursday, and was not feeling up to the party. We forced it upon him anyway. He did wear his doggy costume, but not as happily as he did on his own terms. As usual!

Monday will bring Marina getting to wear her costume all day, while Isaac has to wait until trick or treating to wear his costume again. I will happily be sporting a Mickey Mouse Halloween shirt and some Minnie Mouse ears with my fellow teacher friends to form the 3 Mouseketeers. Much easier costume for embracing a day full of 5th graders wearing costumes. Probably not a whole lot of learning will occur that day. Oh well, I don't make the calendar. Happy Halloween everyone!

Unusual or Not?

Fall break brings us 80 degrees one day and 5 inches of snow another. I'd like to say that's unusual but looking back, it's definitely not unusual for Colorado.

The kids and I were outside raking pine needles and leaves on Monday's 80 degree day. We couldn't keep Esaias inside, so we just went outside and worked. He is always an easy child when we are outside. Happy to play all day.

He was not so happy to be locked in on Wednesday, when it decided to snow all day. He was especially unhappy when Isaac and Marina got to go out and shovel and shake the snow off the trees. I even let him walk outside in his socks, hoping he would get cold and want to come in...Nope that didn't work.
Eventually, I tried bringing the snow into him. That didn't work very well either, as he tried to eat it. I guess I am going to have to buy some boots and snow clothes before Christmas, or I will have one very unhappy child.
During our fall break, we still have the normal gymnastics, soccer, piano practices, and church meetings to keep us busy in the evenings. Throw in a doctor visit, shots, finding Halloween costumes, a trip to Grandma's, Primary Pizza Party, and haircuts... I would say it's been plenty full. That's why I gave myself permission to not have to go anywhere extra this week. I really decided to just be home.We are in the middle of preparing to move, and thought we'd be packing, but since we are still waiting on a closing date, and this makes it challenging to decide when to pack. So, we've just done some organizing, and cleaning. But mostly just a whole lot of just being together.

Isaac teaching Esaias how to play softly...or something like that.

Fall break also brings my schooling to a close. Last week I officially finished my master's program. I am still soaking in the idea that I don't have any school work hanging over my head. However, because I am such a "do-er" it's so hard for me to slow down and really notice the difference. I tend to trade in one job for another...being that report cards are due when I get back to work. I do have to admit that it feels pretty good to know that I am really done!

With Halloween around the corner, I know that we are fast approaching a crazy time of year... Wait a minute! Is there a time of year that isn't crazy? Is crazy the unusual? No, I think not!

Here's to having a great fall break to help me cope with the usual crazy :)

Marina's Special Day

Marina's baptism was this weekend. She was very excited to have so many of her family and friends attend. All of the Sandoval's were present, as well as, the Martin's that live here in Denver, and her Great Grandpa and Grandma Mortensen. Her friends the Gomez' and the Easton's from church, and Mrs. Padgett and Ms. Obermaier from school were all there on Saturday. No one let the first snowfall of the season get in their way. Marina was happy that it snowed saying, "it's white like my baptism." She looked beautiful in her new white dress, and was very happy to have made this choice. I am amazed at how spiritually smart she is. She understands the importance of this choice, and has been waiting all year for this day to come. We love her very much and know that her Father in Heaven is very proud of her too!

It was a very special day for Marina and our family as Danny was able to baptize her.

Esaias would be in this family picture, but of all days to fall asleep at church, he chose today???

Marina's Great Grandpa & Grandma Mortensen

Marina with her auntie's and her Mom. Auntie Marisa gave the talk on baptism, and Auntie Mara played the piano, and gave the closing prayer. Her Uncle Ryan and Marcus were witnesses and stood in the circle, along with Grandpa Mortensen.

Lots of cousins came for the fun, but Leilani got to stay the night for a special sleepover. What a fun day.

Like Father Like Son

Never ceases to amaze me...how much my son's love to be like their Dad. Good thing, I think he's a pretty good influence!

My Doggie!

"I love my dog, Gandalf so much! He let's me sit on him and pretend I am riding him. He let's me look in his nose, and ears without complaint. He even let's me bang on him like a drum. I love how he barks, and how I know he is outside even when I can't see him. I wait for him to come inside to play. What a great friend. I want to be just like him.....

I think I will be like him, for Halloween!" says big E (Esaias)

Too good too pass up, the dog costume that looks like Gandalf. We brought it home, tried it on...and couldn't get it off of him. Esaias kept looking in the mirror at himself...and then "wooof, woof" he so perfectly sounded out. Too fun!

T-Rex

Last night we went to the T-Rex exhibit at the museum. As you can tell from the photo. We got in a little squabble with one of the dinosaurs. Fortunately we all made it home safely and enjoyed a fun family night out together. Esaias was still growling when he woke up this morning. Vycci and the kids insist that the Pirate exhibit was soooooo much better, but in all we had a good time seeing life size dinosaurs that responded to what the humans around them were doing. It was also fun to learn about the T-Rex named Sue and we all got to hold and touch a real fossil. Pretty fun stuff!

Lasts and Firsts!

We are crazy busy with the changes from summer to fall. Here are some pictures to recap some of the last days of the summer and first days of the school year.

We didn't get to do much camping this year between all those gymnastics meets, but we had one last hurrah at the ward camp out. Lots of fun!

Hey Jeannie, lookin' cute and ready for camping! The girls (big girls: Jeannie, Jenni & I) set up this tent all by ourselves. Who said girls can't camp?

Peek-a-boo Porter- We love you!

Martin's raccoon eyes from crying and dirt, with the bag of Doritos to help console his frustration is priceless!

Mason & Esaias all boys!

Marina & Alex
Hanging with my best buds, building forts...now that's a great summer!

and Becca too!

First Day of School...Are we ready???

First Member Night at The Museum...Can you find the leprechaun?

Gotta love Mr. Bones at the DMNS

The stars of the Antioxidant Super Heros @ the Exhibition Health.
Never to old to act crazy and be a super hero?

The Denver Zoo Carousel...never to old for that either!

E's first ride on the carousel..not sure how he felt about it??

Getting down and dirty, that's the way E likes it!

Esaias at the Ward Camp Out

Marina's summer hip hop class...showin' off her moves!

Gotta love washing the dog. That's a definite summer family activity. Maybe that's why we love Gandalf...he's so big there is enough room for everyone to help out!

Well, all in all it's been a good summer. Glad to welcome in the fall. Lots of new changes coming. Stay tuned...we'll keep you posted.