More Table Talk

We just sat down for an early dinner.... After Prayer I handed the plates out and Kayla began to eat.

Heidi-Mom, Kayla's eating already!
Me-That's perfectly fine because we already had prayer.
Heidi-What?!? I didn't hear it.
Cannon-I just said it Heidi.
Me-We all bowed our heads and we all said amen when it was over.
Heidi-(I see the light bulb in her eyes as she remembers the prayer) Oh ya. I was just testing you Mom. (giggle giggle)

Something funny happens every dinner time with out fail. I LOVE watching my kids develop their personalities and grow.

Andes Mint Cookies

I got this recipe off of Kirsten Rasmussen's blog. I made them and brought them to a Christmas Party. Several people have asked me for the recipe, so thanks to Kirsten, here you go.

Andes Mint (or Peppermint) Cookies

3/4 c. butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 T. water
2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
Andes Mints (or the peppermint ones for the holidays)

Melt butter, brown sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and then add the chocolate chips, stirring until completely melted. Cool for 10 minutes. Pour this in a mixing bowl and beat in 2 eggs. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix together and chill for about 45 minutes. Spoon onto cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. When cookies come out of oven, place an Andes mint on top of each cookie and allow to melt for a few minutes. Swirl the melted chocolate like icing. Allow to cool. Eat immediately!

I LOVE to See the Temple

This is the first time I have seen a nativity seen at the Fresno Temple. I took a pic for you all to see.
One of "my girls" Auriel Brunsvick just went through the temple for the first time. She is leaving to serve a mission at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is my first young women to go on a mission. Several of "my girls" are now married and/or in college and all grown up but she is my first to serve a mission. I LOVE Aureil and am very excited for her. I hope I can bring my family to Temple Square while she is serving there.
The Friday aftet Thanksgiving Paul and I were able to attend the temple with most of his family. It was a very sweet experience! I hope we can do that more often!

The Dress

I'm not usually surprised by Paul's likes and dislikes. One of the biggest surprises I have had in that regard is that Paul's favorite color is purple. Paul is such a mans man that I was super surprised by that. When I wear purple I'm sure to get compliments from him. He seriously LOVES the color purple. Now on to his DISlikes..... Paul and I went to the temple last night and I wore my FAVORITE dress. Paul HATES this dress.... I LOVE it. I don't wear it very often...probably because I know how Paul feels about it. I remember the day I bought this dress. I found it at Ross and was SO excited that I called Paul at work to tell him I have found the coolest dress and couldn't wait to show it to him when he gets home. He got home and I got the dress out to show him. He looked at it with a very surprised expression then said"You're going to wear that around the house right?" We now tenderly refer to this dress as my house dress. Lucky for him it's, a little to big for me right now. I bought it when I was still nursing Jet ...probably about 10ish lbs ago. I can still wear it but it isn't a perfect fit....but I have not been able to part with it. I think I am the only one that can truly appreciate the dress. I seriously LOVE it. I think Paul is CRAZY to hate it but he is entitled to his wrong opinion. He likes the silk but doesn't care for the print. I was attracted to it from the moment I saw it on the rack. I have never been the type of girl that needs somebody else's opinion to help me form an opinion of my own..........my feelings on the dress stand firm. It's gorgeous!






notice the shoes......oh ya!

For a Good Laugh!

BIG GUNS!

I went to Tony's house tonight to document both my Dad's and Tony's MACHO MUSCLES!!! Their arms are almost as big and strong as their hearts.....which is impressive!





Buffest Grandpa in town!
I wish I had taken a pic of Tony's right arm. I bet it's even bigger. All I know is Tony's arms are to big for me to get both hands wrapped abound them. His guns and chest are rock hard and huge! His heart on the other hand is soft and sweet....but that's just between you and me.
Me bench pressing an impressive 45lbs. I could do more but why....I like being a girl... I can almost hear Paul saying "How cute" right now. Over the summer Lisa, Amy and I focused on lifting heavy weights. I think we were bench pressing 90lbs. It'll be fun to get back into lifting next summer.

Look at his neck!!! Paul told me on Saturday night he helped Tony pop his back. Tony's shoulders and chest are so big that Paul found it difficult to get a good grip on him. Paul is 6'3". His has a pretty big wingspan...Tony is buff!
Tony with his muscles at rest.
The boy has wings too...he can fly!
Tony benching 280lbs.......WOOO HOO! That's my baby brother!

Cannon's Broken Toe

Last night Cannon was getting down off his bunk bed to go to the bathroom. Jet was sleeping in an unusual place on the bottom bunk. Somehow Cannon ended up stepping on Jet and wound up with a broken pinky toe on his left foot. We spent the evening in the ER getting it X-rayed and making sure it was not dislocated or as Cannon called it "disconnected". Thankfully we had just gotten December's issue of the "Friend" magazine. When we were at home he went into shock...quivering lip and all. "The Friend" magazine is so wonderful! He seemed to even forget he was hurt as he read it at the hospital.

SO COOL!

I went to my Dad's house Sat evening for dinner with my Aunts that were visiting. I saw some teenage girls riding these elliptical like things. I thought they were so cool I had to stop them and ask about them. They told me their mother is a personal trainer and had some sort of connection....these are a prototype and the girls are testing them out. They said they were going to be featured on "Biggest Loser" next season. They look so fun to me. I will be watching for them to come out in the main market. A great workout with out harming my knees....just like the elliptical...but on the road. So sweet!

Ladies Night

Last Sat Night I met some girlfriends at the movies. Finding any parking space was difficult let alone a good one. When the movie was over I gave them a ride to their car because they were much further out then I was. I was driving Paul's Lexus. It has 4 seat belts but really ...it's a two seater. Lisa and Jen decided to use the lap method. I thought it was funny and took a pic. thanks for a fun night girls! You're a blast!

A MUST SEE!

You all NEED to looks at J. Master Photography and look at the family pics he just took of the Mark and Miranda Roberts. The are INCREDIBLE!!!! Seriously go look at them. These are the random samples too. They will get even better with editing. Jasen Master is the MAN of photography! I hope you all will take the opportunity to have him capture your family, wedding, engagement, ANYTHING on film! Jasen you better be around for many years...long enough to do the engagements and weddings of my four children!



http://jasen.bigfolioblog.com

This has been a day of Funnies!

Kids are done eating lunch. Cannon takes jet down the hall and put him to bed. Then Cannon goes into our living room for quite time. Paul and I are sitting at the table talking. A few seconds later Jet starts crying (he never cries when we put him to bed) and Kayla runs down the hall toward the living room.

Me-Kayla why is Jet crying?
Kayla-Because he thinks we're going to sell him.


Here's a little shout out to Tim Sr. and Judy Ryan...you can't be with them and not laugh...these experiences are from today at church.

As I was walking down the hall I hear Tim Sr. was telling somebody something along the lines of.."I have to make mistakes for myself and learn the hard way....I guess it's the Irish in me" In passing I say "Some call it Irish, others call it stupid....whatever your preference." If you don't know Bro. Ryan don't worry he's the type that is very safe to joke with.

Judy Ryan asked Paul if he knew where I was. Paul said I walk the halls often times. She said something like "Great I've been wanting to grab her." Paul said "Me too."

Cannon Is Going to be the BEST Husband!

On Sunday's we often go to family dinners. My kids go to bed really early so most of the time I have them get dressed into pajamas before we go. I usually don't bathe my kids on Sunday night....It's my day of rest...and the kids don't play in the dirt on Sunday either. Today we got home from church and I was getting the boys to change before lunch (helps keep white shirts white). I told Cannon to go ahead and get some pajamas on. Often times he'll wear mismatched things to bed. Usually I don't care but since I know we are going to Paul's parents house for dinner I asked him to wear one of his nicer, long sleeves, long pants pajamas today....and to make sure it was a matching set. Cannon said "I don't see what the difference is, but if it makes you happy that's fine." Then he politely got dressed. SUCH a GOOD young man! Following right in his fathers footsteps!

The Jenny Jordan Frogley Concert

Blaine Thomas and Jenny Jordan Frogley

For those of you that don't know Blaine and Jan Thomas you're missing out. They are played a HUGE part in my having the gospel in my life today. They are the funnest people. When ever I'm with them good time and big laughs are part of the experience. They treat everybody like one of their dearest friends...no matter how old or young you are. To sum it up, I LOVE THEM! Jenny Jordan Frogley and the other artist are staying in their home tonight and had an opportunity to get to know them. I think Jenny is friends with their daughter Becky. During the performance Jenny surprised Blaine and called him up on the stage. He was all for it! What a smile he had! It was the highlight of the concert for me. See the clips below.
Gwen, JENNY JORDAN FROGLEY, Me and Linda

I am a HUGE fan of Jenny Jordan Frogley. Every time I'm on the elliptical or treadmill I listen to her music. It is so fun, upbeat and positive! I've seen her perform live at Womens Conference, Time Out for Women, and now at the concert tonight. Unfortunately, the advertising wasn't good... so word didn't get out. The concert was poorly attended. In a way that was good for me because it gave me an opportunity to meet her and have my pic taken with her. Her music is motivating and inspiring. I hope you check it out if you haven't been exposed to it before. You'll be glad you did...especially if you have youth in your home!
Linda, Me, Gweno


In the last video be sure to tune in for Blaine's singing. I can't help smiling when I watch this! The Thomas' have always been and will always be on my heart's list of favorite people!

Family Picture Sample Courtesy of J. Master Photography

Paul is one tall dude. I am wearing very high heals and he still towers over me. I love my tall, dark, and handsome beefcake of a husband! Plus, he gave me beautiful babies!





Do colors get any prettier? I think NOT!




I have never seen a better picture of my son Cannon. Jason posed him, laid himself on the ground and took the shots. We were so lucky to have a real smile captured. I think we were talking about tooting to make Cannon laugh. It worked. Yeah!!!
Heidi Monkey.
Cool Kayla Joyce
Jet Bear Love

http://jasen.bigfolioblog.com
Go to above link to see a sample of our family pics. Jasen randomly picks a few out and puts them on his business blog. In a few days I'll be able to see more. He took over two hundred pictures tonight. I can not recommend him enough. I love his style! He does incredible camera work and has such a great eye for the art! I'll be able to pick the best faces and put them all on the same picture. I am EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Madsen's let us take pictures in their orchards. (Thank you Nicole!!!) It was beautiful. I love that we were able to have nature and fall in the background with out doing the typical Woodward park. All my kids were excited to see Nugget (the Madsen's horse we've ridden a couple times) again. At dinner all the kids said their favorite part of the day was seeing Nugget at the Madsen's farm.

A little side story....,.As soon as I told Paul to load up the babies in the van...it started to RAIN!=( I was on the brink of tears. I got in the car and we all said a family prayer together. I told Heavenly Father I was thankful for the rain and that I know we need it. Then I asked if it be his will to bless us that it might clear up for our pictures. I has just read in the Ensign yesterday about the Pres. Monson dedicating temples. I can't remember which celebration it was.....but it was a big deal and outdoors. Pres. Monson said a prayer that the rain would cease long enough for everybody to do the celebration activity...the rain cleared up...then rained heavily during the night time. Anyway I totally didn't think we were going to be able to avoid bad picture weather...but the answer to my prayer was yes! There was a clearing right over the Madsen's property. I actually think the rain made the leaves brighter and the orchard more beautiful for the pics. I am going to bed feeling blessed tonight!

Little Moments

Last night my friend Tracy shared a little story with me. She was helping in the Kindergarten Halloween party when Kayla came up to her and said "I know who Brocky is...Mosio!" Brocky was Mario from the Nintendo game. Kayla mixed Mosiah's name with Mario. LOVE IT! About a year or two ago Kayla asked if she could read a story to me. She went and got her Cinderella book. She opened it and started to "read". She said "And it came to pass..." I thought that was so smart. I think she was between age 3 and 4. If you think about it "Once apon a time" and "And it came to pass" have the same meaning. She is a smart little cookie.

On a different note....Cannon has started a wrestling. He is the only one in the group that has never wrestled before. He came home with Paul. As he was walking down the hall he said..."Mom, I can't believe I am still alive!" He had a great time and still loves going. I'm glad he enjoys it and wants to keep trying even though he isn't the best. Hard work and practice pay off. I'm excited for him to learn that concept.

Pick-Up Lines

I have always LOVED funny Pick-Up lines. Yesterday I emailed Paul..

Me: Baby, you're like the fruit of the Tree of Life.....Most sweet and desirable to make me happy!
Paul's reply: Who are you calling fruit? I do want you to partake.

I've laughed a few times thinking back on the email conversation. (It happened yesterday.) I'm putting this on my blog for a couple reasons. First being I want to remember it and I want my kids to know that Paul and I love eachother and still flirt all the time....even though we've been married for almost 11 years. I also thought I'd ask you guys what your favorite pick-up lines are. Stupid, funny, serious...doesn't matter. Like I said LOVE pick-up lines! Here's one of my favorite songs filled with good clean pick up lines!

Heidi's Baptism

Heidi just received the "Character Award" at her school. When her teacher was telling me she was getting this award she said "Heidi is SO good. She really KNOWS right from wrong and always makes good choices." That comment made me feel so good as a parent. I thanked Mrs. Howard for the BEST compliment ever and told her that's what Paul and I care about MOST!!! If Heidi is valedictorian or an MVP someday......that would be great but nothing would please us more then if she knows right from wrong and chooses the right! Heidi I am so lucky to have you as my daughter! We LOVE YOU!!! You're such a GOOD girl!!! This story leads me right into Heidi's good choice to be baptized.
Heidi's dress. I didn't realizer until I uploaded the pics that I didn't get any of her actually wearing the dress.
Heidi all dressed in her baptism jumpsuit.
I love these pictures. In the above pic I can see how much Kayla looks up to Heidi. I am the youngest of the girls in my family. I was so lucky to have my older sister Jen growing up. As a little girl I wanted to BE Jenifer...not just be like her. She played a MAJOR role in who I am today! Even still, as adults, she treats my like I am this practically perfect person that she looks up to. She is still a BIG TIME cheerleader in my life! The coolest thing about our relationship is that she KNOWS me, flaws and all, yet she still treats me the way she does. I love you Jen!!! I hope someday I can be as good a person as you tell me I am. Now as far as it goes for my other sister Gwen.....growing up she didn't like me so much...to say the least.....BUT, she and I are very close as adults. I am so grateful for sisters! They are my best friends! They are my support! To me, they are the ones that give me unconditional love and understanding! I am blessed to be a Z!!!

Heidi's baptism hair do.
Heidi and her big, buff Dad. Can you tell he will always consider Heidi as one of his baby girls? To me there is nothing more attractive then a loving father! Let's just say.........Paul's HOT!

The only pic I made it into for the event.

Heidi is SO naturally sweet. She has a very special connection with Jet. I think they are going to be very close all their lives. Nobody asked Heidi to read to Jet. I just came down the hall and saw them together on the big chair waiting for family to come.
As people arrived I took some pics. Above, my parents, Don and Nedra Zambrana.
Below, Jason and Corbin Reider.

Above-Kayla and Amalie (my bro Aaron's daughter) they are both in kindergarten this year.
Below-Cannon, Matt, and Ammon (Aaron's sons)

Above-Marie, Aaron, and Zoie Zambrana(aka noie, because they have to tell her NO all day)
Below-Garth and Barbara Zambrana
It was pretty loaded with all the kids in the primary room waiting for the baptism to begin. DeAnn Brunsvick suggested to have Cannon go up and be a "reverence child" Jet, looking up to his older brother Cannon, copied him. If older siblings only knew how big their impact is on their younger brothers and sisters......... I am so thankful to have been blessed to start out my family with Cannon and Heidi. I could NOT ask for better examples for my younger children.
Below- Heidi right after she was baptized.
All this talk about looking to our older siblings as examples I have to express my gratitude for our only PERFECT example and older brother, Jesus Christ. It's because of his sacrifice that we can return to our father in heaven. Through his atonement we receive strength to get through the trials of life and receive forgiveness of our wrong doings. He did know how important his role was as our older brother and savior. He loved us so much he willingly gave his life. My feelings are summed up by the lyrics to the song "I feel my Saviors Love" .......I WILL FOLLOW HIM, GIVE ALL MY LIFE TO HIM.

I have to say that I am so sad I didn't get pics of everybody that was able to come!!! I just took some early before the baptism started. I guess I lost my mind and forgot to get more of everybody when it was over. After the baptism many family members came over to have dinner at our house...I didn't take a single picture during that time either. If any of you took pictures that night please email them to me so I can add them to this post and the memory book. Thank you!