Bathroom Update

Ten months later...we are finally finished with the bathroom details and fixings. For the before and during post go here.

Before (ick!!)

After (apparently my photo editing skills are lacking today because I really just want to crawl into my new bed and sleep!)

Lovely, no?

And just for fun here is a little peek at my newly decorated room (yes, this is the third time in three years!)

Who knew I would use that interior design class I was required to take at BYU?

What to do about bullying

I found out last week that one of my children is being bullied at school. Yes, my heart is breaking! But I decided to refresh my study on bullying and repost a section of an older post. For the whole post go here.

What to do if your child is being bullied

Help your child avoid interaction of any sort with the bully. Interaction with a bully only leads to more insecurity and fear. The following steps are provided by kidshealth.org:

• Don't give the bully a chance. As much as you can, avoid the bully.
• Stand tall and be brave. Sometimes just acting brave is enough to stop a bully.
• Feel good about you. Nobody's perfect, but what can you do to look and feel your best?
• Get a buddy (and be a buddy). Two is better than one if you're trying to avoid being bullied.
• Ignore the bully. Pretend you don't hear them and walk away quickly to a place of safety. Bullies want a big reaction to their teasing and meanness.
• Stand up for yourself. Pretend to feel really brave and confident. Tell the bully "No! Stop it!" in a loud voice. Then walk away, or run if you have to.
• Don't bully back. Don't hit, kick, or push back to deal with someone bullying you or your friends. It's best to stay with others, stay safe, and get help from an adult.
• Don't show your feelings. Try distracting yourself (counting backwards from 100, spelling the word 'turtle' backwards, etc.) to keep your mind occupied until you are out of the situation and somewhere safe where you can show your feelings.
• Tell an adult. If you are being bullied, it's very important to tell an adult. Find someone you trust and go and tell them what is happening to you.

Fun in the Sun...in Mexico

I so wanted to give you all a recap of our trip to Hacienda Tres Rios. Unfortunately, you aren't getting one because I leave for Guate in three days and still have about 5 dances to work through and some packing to do.

So...you get a few pictures. I know! So nice of me. ;o)

The day before we left I got my hair cut and Jaden decided it was time for a photo shoot (haha! I'll spare you the details of a 7 year old's photo skills, but here's a sneak peak):

Back to MEXICO...

As you all know, I planned on doing nothing more than just kayaking and laying in the sun. That's why I came up with the "game" (which wasn't a huge success, because a strip dance doesn't work with a wet swim suit!).

But anyway, here are some pictures of Jesse and I doing just what we went down there to do...RELAX!!

kayaking...

laying in the sun...

trying to get coconuts...

enjoying the salt air and a lush green view...

So there you have it.

Now I must go get ready for my trip to Guate which will include ruins and water parks with the kids (and our sweet friend Grandma Carla). I already miss my Jesse... :o( So, if you live in Grace you'd better give him a big hug when you see him!

Ta Ta!

In the Garden

Grandma Sally's funeral service is tomorrow and we are going to sing "In the Garden", but I hadn't heard it until this morning. I have been avoiding the flood of emotions. I miss her.

She was the first grandma I ever really knew. She was also the most perfect grandma, never missing a birthday or family gathering. Ever so easy to visit with. Best of all, she always had a smile for us even through cancer and the many other pains she suffered these past few years.

I am happy for her. Her sweet spirit is finally free from the pains of her aging body. I can't help but wonder what I would do without the gospel of Jesus Christ. What hope is there if not for our resurrection and reunion with our loved ones?

Here is my favorite arrangement of her song.

Akumal- swimming with turtles

We were staying at Hacienda Tres Rios, which is midway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. About 20 minutes south of Playa is Akumal, Mexico. (Click for an aerial view)

We rented a car and drove down there for the day. Akumal is beautiful. It has clean beaches and clear water, but best of all...there are big turtles resting in the grassy underwater-world.

We snorkeled around the reef and saw lots of fish and sea urchins.

As we headed back to land we saw two huge turtles and got to follow them around for a while.

Jesse calls this "Nemo's Home"

It was a lovely day away from the resort!