My Volleyball dilemna....

Hey everyone! It's been over two weeks since I've posted or even look at anyone's blogs! I guess I've been busy, but I don't really know why! It's been fun to catch up on all your blogs again.
I am posting with a little issue I have right now...maybe you can give me some ideas on what to do. I heard from a lady at church about volleyball at the local rec center on tues/thurs morning. I thought it'd be fun to brush up on my volleyball skills--I love to play. I heard that they divide the women into A and B teams, A being better than B. So the first day, it was a mix because there weren't enough women. The ages range from 20 to 90, no joke! There is an unspoken leader of the group who kind of tells people what to do. How she got this job, I don't know. She doesn't work for the rec center, she just comes to play. But that's what she does, and everyone listens. So I thought I played well on Tuesday and expected to be on the A team on Thursday. Well, yesterday, once there were enough people to divide into two courts, the "leader" said, okay, A team people on this side, B stay here. So some women walked to the other court. Since it was my first time, I thought the "leader" would call me over--I'm young, I can play, why wouldn't she? But she never did. So I was stuck playing with the older ladies the rest of the time. And even when there were openings on the A side, and new people showed up, she'd never ask me to come. So here's my question: should I just walk over to the A side next week, even if I'm not asked to? Or should I wait for this "leader" to ask me over? I mean, she's not really in charge at all! What do you think I should do? I don't want to offend anyone or start contention. But I want to be able to play a good game, you know?

We are going to Sea World tomorrow--I'll try to post Sunday.

Julianna rides a horse!

We had a lot of fun today--we got to go to a farm and see the animals and ride a horse! My friend in the ward, Mandie, keeps a horse named "S'mores" at a farm in Hemet. While we were there, the goat (see above picture) actually gave birth to two kids, so you are seeing brand new baby goats! And the hogs were huge! But the big event was riding a horse. I haven't ridden since I was about 12, so it was a little scary for me. I got on first, and then, after a lot of convincing, and tears, Julianna got on with me. We went around the circle pen a few times before she said she was done. But she did it! A big step for her. It's actually a form of therapy for kids to ride horses, called hippotherapy. Don't ask me why they don't call it horsetherapy! But anyway, it was a great experience and Mandie said we can come back any time we like. By the way, Blake loved the farm! He had lots to hear and see and touch, and he got dirty! It was a fun time for all.

Gluten-free graham crackers

As I mentioned before, I've been doing a lot of baking now with this diet. We found out that Julianna can have dairy again, but no wheat or soy. I found a great recipe for graham crackers--a staple in most homes with kids, since of course I can't buy them at the store anymore. So here's a shot before and after. They were fun to make and both Julianna and Blake love them! But I never thought I'd ever be making my own graham crackers for my children! Not as pretty as ones you'd get in a box, but they were made with love! Next week I'm going to try regular crackers. And today I also made a gluten-free chocolate pudding. Julianna didn't like the texture, so she didn't eat much. More for me--I thought it was good!

"Me in another life"

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Millie Town&Country
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Mint Chocolate Newton
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) K-Was
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Purple Cat
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Maxwell Livermore (funny!)
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)WasKe
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Blue Diet Coke
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
Arlo Thomas
9.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names)
Melinda Arlo
10. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (name of 5th grade teacher and town of same letter)
Gibson Georgetown (I almost majored in Broadcast Journalism at BYU, then changed to English) 11. SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: (favorite season/flower)
Autumn Roses
12. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Apple Jeans
13. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Cheerios Ficus
14.YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + tour)
The Editing Earthquake Tour (not my fave element, but the alliteration sounds good!)

I tag anyone who wants to do it!

Blake the Tazmanian Devil

I was inspired by my friend Alexis' blog to post this one--a look inside my house once Blake sweeps through like a tornado just hit! Because I am trying the gluten-free casein-free (gfcf) diet with Julianna, I have been doing a lot more cooking from scratch, which means I don't have as much time to chase Blake around as he's making messes. So one night, while I was making a gfcf spaghetti, he really went to town in the kitchen. Here is what he accomplished:

What, Mom? Aren't I allowed to play in here?

He had to make sure everything was out of there.And here's the damage. At least he found some paper cups I forgot I had!

Not to mention the living room disaster...
All in a day's (or 20 minutes) work, Mom! Julianna, the older and wiser one, made sure to pick up the cups (only because she likes stacking cups together.)

And that's what it can be like most days for me! I'm sure all you moms can relate. Overall, it was fun watching him work so intently on making those messes. He is so curious about everything and when he wants to do something, there is no stopping him. He is such a determined little boy.

My Cute Kids!

Blake showing off his skittles face. Julianna was nice to share her skittles with him.

Julianna giving a great smile for the camera. She's getting better at it!

I love this picture of Blake, even though he has food on his face!

A cute shot of Julianna after a bath one night. Her bangs looked so cute after I brushed her hair!

I have found the secret to keeping both Blake and Julianna on the couch when I need a few minutes to do something--just put in "The Wiggles!"

They like to take all the toys out (as you can see in our living room) and climb inside, then Joel pushes them around. I think Julianna didn't want Blake to get out!