An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ

On this Easter Sunday, my heart is full of gratitude to the Savior of mankind who did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He is my light, my example, my friend; and although I'm still a long ways off, each day I am striving to become more like Him.

Happy Easter to us all!

Easter Weekend Part 1

I had a blog post all planned for tonight, but it's getting late and I still have some things I need to get done, so instead of the writing a bunch tonight I will just leave you with some pictures of my cute little angel. She has been so much fun lately. I bought her a little doll and a stroller. She couldn't care less about the doll, but she LOVES the stroller. We have to go for several walks a day so she can push it around outside. We also had our first experience at Kangaroo Zoo. Antalya was in heaven. For those of you aren't familiar with it, it a huge place with tons of bounce houses. And then of course, we have had Easter egg hunts.

Blog Award

I received this blog award from a good friend awhile back, and just haven't had the chance to pass it on. Thanks Strawberry Girl! I enjoy reading your thoughtful posts.



To keep the good vibes going the award is passed from blogger to blogger. You link with the person who sent the award and then pass it to 3 other bloggers...

Plus you must list 5 of your fabulous addictions...

I really only have one thing I can say is truly an addiction, the others are just things I enjoy doing.

1. My true addiction is sugar. My mom will attest that I have always had a sweet tooth. When I was little I would dip my fingers in the sugar bowl. My sugar cravings get even worse when I'm pregnant, sigh. It doesn't matter what it is - candy, chocolate, ice cream, cakes, cookies, punch - I've even resorted to eating something I didn't necessarily enjoy just because it was there and I needed a sugar fix.

2. Exercise. Since as early as I can remember I have always enjoyed physical activity over watching TV. Although, pregnancy seems to put a halt to my aerobic activities, most days I still choose to walk to the grocery store rather than drive if the weather permits.

3. Being outside. But really, can anyone resist a beautiful spring day? I absolutely love it. When I was little I thought that because my name was 'Sunny' it meant that I had to have the sun recharge me everyday. I still that way - the sun rejuvenates me, puts a smile on my face, and fills me with happiness.

4. Dreaming of the future. Where we will live? How many kids will we have? Will we have a forest and stream running through our backyard? Will I have a big garden?

5. My children. I know I only have one right now, but I already am starting to say "my girls". I can't wait for our new little girl to be born. I'm so excited to meet her, and for her and Antalya to become great friends. I love the way Antalya always puts a smile on my face. I love spending my days with her.

Now the fun part, passing the award on to some of my most favorite people.

1. Christine over at The Adventures of Bunsy and her Tumbleweeds. I love reading about her adventures as she follows her husband wherever his schooling takes them. Currently she is raising her three boys in Turkey.

2. Laura over at The Munck's Quiver. I love reading about all that goes on in her busy home, plus she has an adorable boy with Ds.

3. Tara at Living out Loud. Tara is one of my former running buddies. Now she's experiencing live in Hong Kong.

Spread the Word to Stop the "R" Word

Even when used in a joking matter, the word "retard" is so hurtful. It makes me cringe to think Antalya will ever hear that word spoken. Let's all stop saying it, and more importantly teach our kids why having that word in their vocabulary can be so hurtful to so many people.

Actor John C McGinley did a great job of talking about why it is so hurtful and why we should stop using it everyday conversation.

I realized the other day that it has been too long since I have pulled out the camera and taken some pictures of my little angel. Here's a few we took yesterday to try to entertain ourselves. Antalya has been out with the croup and a ruptured ear drum/ear infection since Thursday. She's doing a lot better today, but it has been a long weekend stuck at home. We can't wait to get out and play soon.

The Supremes

A couple friends and I did a lip-sync to the Supremes this weekend for a talent show. It was a lot of fun. I didn't get any pictures of the three of us on my camera, but here's a couple Jason took when I got home. Antalya was so fascinated by the eyelashes:)

World Down Syndrome Day

Today is World Down Syndrome Day! Today (3/21) was chosen because people with Down syndrome are born with a third copy of the 21st chromosome. For me, today is a day to celebrate Antalya for who she is. While others may look at her and see stereotypes, prejudices, and disabilities, when I look at her I see her beautiful blue eyes, her radiant smile with the cute little dimple, her cute curly hair, her passion for life, her energy and enthusiasm for discovering new things, her bubbly personality, and the immense love she has to share with all around her. She is my beautiful daughter, who, in my eyes is perfect.

She has taught me to see others in a new light, to see the beauty we all possess. She has taught me how to love without holding back. She has taught me to have patience with others who are different than me or who do things differently than I do. She has taught me to have hope in the future, and to not put limits on people's abilities.

Today I am grateful that my life has been touched by Down syndrome, as a result, I hope I am a better person, and a better mother than I would have been.

Tornados

Antalya always answers every question with "NO!". Or at least she did until last night. Here's the conversation I had with her when I returned from being gone for about an hour and found the house torn apart.

Me: Wow! It looks like you were a little tornado while I was gone.
Antalya: No.
Me: Oh. So did a real tornado come through the house?
Antalya: Ya. (with a huge grin because she knew she was giving an unusual response)
Me: Was it really scary?
Antalya: Ya.
Me: Did Daddy protect you?
Antalya: Ya. Daddy. (as she points to Daddy)

Thursday Thirteen (I'm just a little late)

You've probably noticed that blogging has taken a very back seat in my life lately. I keep meaning to set aside time and write a post and catch up with the going-ons of all my blogging friends, but I just keep forgetting to set the time to do it:) So, less you think I have fallen into a black hole, here's thirteen things that have been occupying our time these last several weeks.

1. With baby #2 on her way, we have decided it might be time to move out of our 1 bedroom apartment. We have begun the search for a house we can call our own. This is both exciting and nerve racking at the same time. We have been here nearly four years (all but a few months of my married life). We have been house hunting for two months now, and I'm starting to wonder why no one has ever mentioned how difficult it is. I guess I thought it would be like car shopping. You know, you look at a few, decide which one feels like "your car", sign some papers, and drive it off the lot. Maybe it doesn't help that what I want in a house is: enough room to not feel crowded, but not so much room that I feel like I live in a big house, 2 acres of land, lots of neighbors nearby, a grocery store two blocks away, a big master suite with jetted tub and shower, a house built in the early 1900's but yet doesn't need a lot of work, all the bedrooms on the same level, remodeled kitchen, fenced yard for the dog and the kids, and a five minute drive both to the freeway and to the mountains. And I want it all for $200,000. Is that being unreasonable:)

2. I'm not a big fan of TV, but I must admit I have several series I really enjoy watching. It just so happens that they all start in January. So when faced with the option to watch an episode of 24, Lost, American Idol, or to sit down to the computer, my shows always win out.

3. We have enjoyed some beautiful weather these past couple weeks, that means we have been going for lots of walks. Antalya loves being outside - especially when I let her walk and stop to explore everything that catches her attention. I am amazed at how quickly she is growing up.

4. February and March are full of doctor's appointments with the pediatrician, optometrist, dentist, and then my appointments with the midwife. Antalya's pediatrician is amazed at how healthy she is, how quickly she is growing, and how well her development is. I give thanks everyday that she is doing so well.

5. Our book group has started up again. I am reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho for about my third or fourth time, yet everytime I read it I enjoy it even more.

6. To appease some of my pregnancy cravings I have been discovering new addictions. My latest is Dreyer's Slow Churned Yogurt Blends. Tart Mango and Tart Honey are my favorites!

7. With the possibility of moving into a house I have been looking at furniture and trying to learn how to decorate. I think the only things I have bought to put on walls since we have been married are two frames to display our college diplomas. I'm going to need some serious help in the interior design department in the upcoming months.

8. With tax season upon us I have been trying to figure out the books for our little business. Somehow I was under the impression that if we just bought Quickbooks and installed it on our computer it would do it all for me. Well, I don't think it works quite like that. Anyone out there want to train me on how to use Quickbooks?

9. The worst of the pregnancy nausea is behind me, that being said, I no longer have an excuse to not cook dinner. I didn't realize taking a four month vacation from cooking would make it so difficult to start fixing dinner every night. I've been looking for new recipe ideas. Anyone have any great ones?

10. Well, I am only to ten, but I am out of things to say. Maybe I should rename this post "Friday Nine".

Wordless Wednesday - American Idol Fan