Earthquakes and hurricanes and mister rodgers oh my!

I had my first earthquake on Tuesday and it scared me. I thought one of the kids was shaking my chair and had turned around to see who wanted my attention. Then I saw the lights swinging and my balance felt off. It was weird to say the least. I called some people and then grabbed some things and the kids and we went to the yard for awhile. I was nervous that an aftershock might for some reason be stronger. But that was it. Nothing fell down and everyone was fine. Looks like Hurricane Irene will hit NY though. We'll see. We're making sure we have supplies on hand. I haven't seen a flashlight in awhile....

Cliffton has been introduced to Mr. Rodgers and he really likes it. Gotta go!

VIOLET & Co.

I feel like I'm "at my wit's end," "crazy," etc. with my three children. When Azure is crying I often don't pick her up. Sometimes its purposeful because I want her to cry and get some energy out and because I don't want to be in the habit of shushing every cry. Usually though, I'm trying, trying to get stuff done around the home. I might get 4 dishes cleaned before she starts crying which means I may have a good 1/2 hour - an hour of her crying while I get the kitchen cleaned if I don't pick her up at all. I feel depressed when, for example, "yea! I've cleaned the bathroom." 'Course its been 2 weeks since I last did it, and other than take a shower its the only 'accomplishment' I have for the day. Hmmmm. Maybe not-so-yea."

Violet has used permanent marker on the tv, wall and entertainment center. She has put train tracks in the toilet (THANK GOODNESS I had cleaned the bathroom the same day), put Richard's magic cards in the shredder, eaten chalk and candles and she has cut her tongue with my razor. Most of these are just in the last few days. I think I repress earlier memories! Potty training is not happening very well, at all, and it is out-and-out mortal combat when it comes to brushing her teeth.

Well, on the other end of the scale, she is soooo excited when either Richard or I come home. She is generous with her kisses and hugs. She is sooo trying but so wonderful and very pretty and cute. I love how much she loves her little baby sister. I just wish she wouldn't beat up on her big brother. Sigh. At least she doesn't beat up on Azure too.

A week after her blessing...

These pictures were taken on July 24. Since Richard had not planned to bless Azure on Sunday July 17 I didn't have my camera that day nor did I put her in a white blessing dress. However, her cute little purple dress was nice. When Richard was asked to come up to the front at church, we thought it was just to show her off real quick to everyone. Richard realized that the branch president thought she would be blessed as he was asked who he wanted to have join him in blessing her. It just so happened that Br. Chirinos was there speaking to our branch (church unit). We lived with him and his family for a few weeks before we moved into our home. We've been pretty close to their family ever since. I'm glad he got be with Richard, Pres. Castillo, Br. Pace and Br. Sammartino to bless our sweet lil' sky blue princess. I remember she was blessed to have a cheerful disposition and love her brothers and sisters. My friend and I both immediately noticed the brotherS and sisterS part.