quick!

I have until Mack finishes his breakfast to finish this post...

• We went to Ikea on Friday and bought 3 lamps. In case you aren't as Ikea obsessed as I am (and few people are), they recently came out with their 2008 catalog and everything in it is AWESOME! Alright, maybe I'm exaggerating, a little. But we did decide that the Trofast system with drawers (new) is the perfect dresser to graduate Mack to, after his new sibling comes along and takes over his current dresser.

PLUS

• So far, we think our new ward is great. There are a bunch of young couples in it that actually like kids! Imagine that! Our last ward didn't feel quite the same. I think they saw it as a sign of weakness or something. (Mack just finished breakfast)
• I went to Fred Myer for the 1st time on Monday and we got lost on the way home.
• We got library cards yesterday! The last time I had a library card we lived in Provo, so its been a while. Mack LOVES it there. He was running down the aisles screaming like a little girl. Tyler was wonderful and took him outside so I could finish up. But why wouldn't he be screaming? I mean seriously, there are books everywhere! BOOKS! Only his favorite thing in the entire world. Well, that and apparently the small wire whisk he has brought me 3 times since I let him down from breakfast.
• I have a doctor's appointment with a real doctor today. NOT at the most dangerous clinic this side of the Mississippi.
  

Almost Weekend Update

I realized I haven't given a solid update on here for a while so here goes. We stayed in Oakland just long enough to enjoy the Gilroy Garlic Festival and then high tailed it out of town. I flew down to San Diego, Jim (Ty's Dad) flew down to Oakland and Jim and Tyler drove up to Seattle, where they put all of our stuff in storage. Then Tyler flew down to San Diego and we all went to Kerin's wedding, which was amazing! I wish I had some pictures of it, but even if I did I wouldn't be able to post them because the camera charger has yet to be located...again. Her reception was on The Berkley, which is docked in downtown. My parents did a GREAT job putting everything together for it. Amazing food, great dancing, basically everything you could ever ask for. Plus, it was for Kerin and we all know she likes to do things BIG (including her hair and her dress). It was probably the most spectacular wedding I'll ever attend, until Kloe gets married, because let's face it, she's the baby. My mom knows how to throw a party and nothing makes my Dad happier (really any dad happier) than spoiling their little girl.
After the wedding, we stuck around for a few days so my Dad wouldn't be lonely. Kerin and Corey left on their cruise, and the rest of the family went up to Utah to live(Kassey and Will)/go to EFY(Karly, Ambrea and Kody)/drop off others at EFY(my Mom and Kloe). Ambrea is Becky's daughter. Becky is my second mom. We all lived in Germany at the same time and when we moved back to the states, they moved to Alaska, where they've been for the last 10 years. Ambrea came down for a couple weeks to visit in July/August and has promised to send me fish. Also, she's captain of her school dog sled team.
Now we're here in the great northwest, 20 minutes north of Seattle. Tyler loves his new job, especially the hours. He's gone from 5:30am to 3:00pm. I love eating dinner together, all three and a half of us, at the table. We were able to find an apartment in less then a week and now are officially almost finished moving in. Although, it doesn't seem like it since we don't have a couch anymore (sold it on craigslist before we moved). We love our new apartment! There's a fireplace, a washer and dryer, a pool, a garbage disposal, a patio and a dishwasher. I LOVE OUR DISHWASHER! I love loading it and unloading it. I love how insanely loud it is. It almost brings me to tears. I don't think I have ever been so sincerely grateful for an appliance. On a different note, we learned something this move. Don't ever buy scented garbage bags, even if they are the only ones they have in the size you need. They're disgusting. Tyler put it kindly when he said it now smells like "Vanilla ice cream with poop in it." Trust me, it's much worse.
That would bring us to the present. Mack and I have been sick the last couple of days, but I think this morning marks a turning point. Yesterday we made the short drive down to the Edmonds/Kingston Ferry dock to take a look around. This place is gorgeous! This afternoon I think we'll head to Ikea in Kent and pick up some lamps (our apartment has no overhead lighting, but it does have fans). I'm really hoping this is the beginning of things starting to settle down for us. For us that means living somewhere for at least a year. It's looking good so far. We've subscribed to the Economist and the Ensign so I think we're on the right track.
Don't forget we love visitors!

P.S. How amazing was the last Harry Potter book? Splendid!

This one goes out to all the Grandmas

Activity of choice this morning: Mack got into the bottom drawer (wonder where he learned that one from?) and got out an old bottle and a 1/tbsp measuring spoon. Now he's walking around the apartment eating something imaginary from the bottle with the spoon. I love this kid.

Eating for Two: YES!

Pregnant. Baby number two. I get to demand, I mean request, food and pass it off as a craving. Gotta love that. What's not to love? I'll tell you what: The incredible pain I get down my leg at all hours for no descent reason. I'm about 18 weeks pregnant with 21 weeks to go. I think I'm pretty good at keeping secrets. If you happen to disagree...well just keep it to yourself because I'm pregnant which means I'm allowed to be cranky.

4.2

After experiencing my first earthquake this morning, I now consider myself an expert in the field. Fern and I woke up at 4:42am to a 4.2 earthquake. After the shaking stopped my mind was cleared and I began explaining to Fern the importance of the little quakes that relieves the tectonic pressure to prevent larger quakes. It's science. In the end, all is well despite our apartment sitting directly on the epicenter. So please.....stop the flood of calls to make sure we are alive.

We're moving!

That's right. In about 12 days we'll be loading up a truck and moving to the great northwest. Tyler reached his full potential at his current job pretty quickly and decided to stick the old resume out there to see if anything bit. He's been offered a job in Seattle that has everything we're looking for. My favorite part are the fabulous new hours. While I can't wait to improve our standard of living (no more mice or bridge tolls), part of me wishes we could have just a little more time here. I love San Francisco, and there are so many things we haven't had a chance to do, though not for lack of trying. But please don't misunderstand me, I am VERY EXCITED to head up north. I love Seattle too!

By the Way...

• I made a HUGE scene at Church yesterday. I've made big scenes before, but trust me, this was the biggest. Several women in Relief Society commented that most people who get married young, end up divorced due to the age at which they married. One woman remarked that her daughter waited to get married until after she'd received a Master's degree, concluding that girls who get married young must not have any plans for their lives and get married because (they're stupid) and don't know what else to do (except like twirl their pigtails I guess). After listening to woman after woman insult me, I had to speak up. I told them they were being mean (yep!) and explained my side of the story. I may not have a Master's or teach inner city kids in Chicago, but I have an eternal family, which is why I'm here. Simply put, it is WHO not WHEN. Etc, etc. A LOT of women came up to me after church. Some to apologize, some to agree and some to defend themselves. Luckily, Tyler showed up and saved the day by getting me out of there. I am scared to death to go back next week.

• Danna and David's wedding was stupendous. But honestly, how could it be anything else? I'm so excited for them to FINALLY start their new life together! My parents drove up from San Diego, and then shuttled Tyler, Mack and me out to Sacramento for the festivities. My mom took Mack to hang out with an old friend, while my Dad and Tyler managed to squeeze in a movie (Transformers) between the sealing and the reception.
• Mack is CRAZY lately. It's very cute when I'm in a good mood and infuriating when I am stressed or need to get something done. Busy busy busy. He gets into and climbs onto everything. Mack loves riding his little tricycle around the living room, waving or yelling to people outside the window and spilling cups of milk. For all his mischief, I have to say that in some strange way he is very well behaved. Mack travels extremely well. Sits good through most of church and follows a few simple instructions. Most recently he learned to sit down when I tell him "Sit down on your BUM." I think it's very cute. He still loves to "read", and his favorite book has to be Tyler's old Spanish-English dictionary from his mission. His vocabulary now includes the words:

Hot
Bye
Lello (Hello)
Hi
Ball
Zoo
Nanana (Banana)
Ma Ma
Da Da
Zzhoes (shoes)
Uh-Oh
Dee (Tree)
Dickle (Tickle)
Boom Boom
**I forgot to mention that he also says dog, ruff, sky and hot. Just this morning he said poop, but he says it "bo".**

• For the last day and a half, a bunch of people that live in our building have been out on the front lawn arguing very loudly. We have no idea what it is about because the whole things in Turkish. But it must be serious because the women always leave crying. I just hope it doesn't get violent.
• I'm looking forward to the next two weeks WITHOUT travel leading up to Kerin's wedding. Hopefully we can get our hands on some boxes and I can start packing--again.

Fourth of July at Embarcadero

Is this thing on?

FIRST! We want to wish you all a happy Fourth of July, especially our brothers in arms. This Thompson family celebrated by eating at Ikea for lunch, then taking BART to Embarcadero and walking around buying some produce for our Fourth of July Feast. Later that night we put Mack to bed then ate yummy food and mostly just listened to fireworks as we watched a Globe Trekker marathon of our own making. In my opinion, it was perfect.

Obviously it's been a while since I did this.
Hold on a second, I've got the news on in the background, and the on site weatherman just gave a little update holding a water bottle and a banana. Couldn't he get someone to hold his banana and water for him? Or just set it on the ground? odd.
A lot has happened over the last couple of months. Tyler and I must be addicted to danger because we moved to East Oakland. Now, after a several "incidents" including our car being broken into (yes, the Honda--people must be really desperate) and catching 4 mice in the period of 2 weeks in our apartment, we're hoping to move to Hayward which should cut down a little on Tyler's hour commute.

Back on Memorial day weekend Tyler had his official graduation ceremony from USD. The President of Qualcomm spoke and officially became the richest person I will ever see in my life. This guy practically invented "wireless" and life as we know it. That same weekend, Kyle gave his "Farewell Talk" at church. He entered the MTC two weeks later and just left for Pittsburgh on Monday. Good Luck Kyle!

Later that week, Mack took his second trip to Disneyland. It was a HUGE hit the second time around. His favorite by far was the Carousel, but it sure was funny watching his face on the Haunted Mansion.

In June, Tyler's Mom came to visit for a long weekend and we loved having her. She spoiled Mack, made us dinner and best of all- BABYSAT! Frankly, I don't think any responsible mother in our ward would allow her teenage daughter to come babysit in our neighborhood. We loved showing her around San Francisco and probably set some sort of record for the most attractions seen in one day.

Kassey married Will King last Saturday in Midway, UT. Don't be offended if you didn't get an invite. It was a small family wedding, at least as small as our family gets. Mack and I flew up to Utah for a couple days to help. It was crazy and I'm so glad to be back where I can "relax". Congrats to Kass and Will!
I guess those are the highlights of our summer so far. We've been trying our best to take advantage of life here in the Bay area in lots of little ways. We went down to Gilroy to check our the outlets (which I can't recommend enough), and thanks to Kassey (I had to find a yellow or gray dress to wear to her wedding) I think I may have been to every major shopping center in the area, which is both a blessing and a curse.

Over Father's Day, Mack and Tyler shared their first real tide pool experience down in Monterey. Mack loved the rocks and birds and other funny things. Tyler was a little bit nervous about sticking his fingers in the weird sea creatures. We can't wait to go back.
I can't forget to mention that back in April Mack had his first boating experience. Grandpa can't wait to get him on the tube. I think it might be a while (grin).

Last but not least, Mack celebrated his first birthday back in May with cake, presents, and ribs from Legoland. Of course he got what every little boy dreams of for their birthday, a pony! About a month later, he started walking. He gets better and better every day, mastering moves such as turning and stopping without falling over. He does it all with his hands in the air, up by his head. Talent indeed.

**If you actually want to look at any of these pictures, just click to make them bigger.**

The following is an email that I just got. Don't feel obligated to read the whole thing. Like I even need to tell you that, you'll read what you want anyway. I went ahead and bolded the locations that would have pertained specifically to us so you can skim to that if you want. I am so glad to be done with that chapter of my life. In Mexico you can never be too careful. I can't believe some of the stupid stuff I've heard Americans try lately. (Hopefully) You only get kidnapped or shot once, SO BE CAREFUL! It is NOT the 51st state.

Dear friends,
Please read the following public announcement and forward it to other Americans
abroad as you are able.
Thank you,
American Citizen Services Section
U.S. Consulate
Monterrey, Mexico.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
Mexico
April 19, 2007
This Public Announcement advises U.S. citizens on security situations in Mexico
that may affect their activities while in that country. This Public
Announcement supersedes previous Public Announcements for Mexico dated January
18, 2007 and September 15, 2006. This Public Announcement expires on October
16, 2007.
Narcotics-Related Violence - U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Mexico
should exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their
surroundings at all times. Violence by criminal elements affects many parts of
the country, urban and rural, including border areas. In recent months there
have been execution-style murders of Mexican officials in Tamaulipas
(particularly Nuevo Laredo), Michoacan, Baja California, Guerrero (particularly
Acapulco), Nuevo Leon (especially in and around Monterrey) and other states.
Though there is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted,
Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violent
attacks demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. In its effort to
combat violence, the Government of Mexico has deployed military troops in
various parts of the country. U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with
official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.
In recent years dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in Nuevo Laredo with
more than two dozen cases still unresolved and new cases of kidnap for ransom
continue to be reported. No one can be considered immune from kidnapping on the
basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. Drug cartel members have
been known to follow and harass U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles,
particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros. U.S.
citizens who believe they are being followed should notify officials as soon as
possible. U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads
during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which are
generally more secure. It is preferable for U.S. citizens to stay in well-known
tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate
security, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling
with them. U.S. citizens should refrain from displaying expensive-looking
jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.
Oaxaca City - U.S. citizens traveling to Oaxaca City should be aware that from
May to November 2006, protests in Oaxaca City became increasingly violent
resulting in at least nine deaths. On October 27, 2006, a U.S. citizen was shot
and killed in Oaxaca City as a result of the violence and disorder caused by
ongoing civil unrest in the city. Many of the issues that were the basis for
the protests remain unresolved. U.S. Citizens planning to travel to Oaxaca City
should check on current conditions before beginning their travel.

Demonstrations - Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and are
usually peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn
confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly. During violent
demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are reminded to
remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and
surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and
demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local
media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the
vicinity of any protests. The State Department reminds U.S. citizens to avoid
participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed
political by Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political
activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or
deportation.
For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico
Consular Information Sheet at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. For the latest
security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor
the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements
can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers from Mexico, a
regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to
register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State
Department's travel registration website at
https://travelregistration.state.gov.
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the
closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at
Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States:
011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long
distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by
e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's Internet address is
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.
Consulates:
Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-N, telephone (52)(656) 611-3000.
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100.
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500.
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402.
Merida: Calle 60 No. 338 K, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700
Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 345-2120.
Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150.
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512.
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400.

I know this sounds like a lame opening to a talk or something...but I don't know where to start, things have been so busy lately. Tyler is gone to North Carolina for training. Work is fine but he mostly just misses Mack and me (is it still sweet if I type it myself?) Mack has no idea what is going on but gets very confused in the morning when there is no Daddy around to play with. I miss Tyler a TON.
Last weekend Kerin came up with Mack and I to the Bay area to look for an apartment. We stayed with my Aunt Gail and Uncle Butch (Grandma Cope's brother). They were a hoot I say, a real riot. Both have lived in San Francisco their entire lives, but Gail cannot for the life of her give directions. Problem solved: she got in the car and told us how to get there as we went. She also told us about her 97 year old mother who lives by herself in the Marina district of San Francisco. She is sick of her window and has a pretend boyfriend named Mario who drives a convertible Mercedes. Gail always has to set a place for him at dinner. His car should be parked across the street, but he's going to be a little late.
After searching South San Francisco, San Francisco, Alameda and Oakland, I found a place. It's in Oakland and yes it's safe, so please stop asking me that. It's also 900 sq ft, which blows my mind, and $200 less than I was willing to pay. Prayers ARE answered. If everything goes well, we'll be moving in around the 5th of May.
I'm sure you all know a certain someone (Mack) has very important birthday coming up on the 3rd. It'll be his first in fact. I have a goal to find a Cozy Coupe off craigslist and turn it into something inspired by this from Rookiemoms in time for the big day. As far as projects go in general I'm working on a few other things as usual, but I don't want to spoil any surprises so I'll have to keep my mouth shut.
Sorry there are no pictures this time. I don't have a cord to hook up the camera. OH--and we had a great Easter, in Utah with the whole family. Really it was great, but just so long ago I'd feel silly writing about it now. Maybe I'll put up some pictures from it it a couple of weeks. But know this: Mack ate his first (half of a) peep. That a'boy!

Yes, I cut off all my hair.
Yes, I am a big dork.

Happy St. Patrick's Day...sorta

These pictures are a little late. Busy little bees are we, with the move and all. I'm going to try my best to put these in order, but I make no promises.A week (or so) ago we went to Saltillo. It's a smallish city west of Monterrey with a very old cathedral among other things. They're famous for their serapes. We picked one up at the local government-run market. On our way there we noticed a military checkpoint across the hwy headed back toward Monterrey (across the state lines). We got nervous thinking they might be checking visas. Thankfully--since we'd forgotten ours--the checkpoint was closed (or open, depending on how you look at it, anyway they weren't 'checking' anymore) by the time we headed back.What would St. Patrick's Day be without an entire coordinating wardrobe for the entire day? Yeah, right. I wish I had things that together. As a complete coincidence, I finished all these projects earlier in the week and just happened to have Mack wear them for St. Patrick's. Everything except the shorts, which are way too big and just for Sundays. I made them out of a pair of Tyler's old slacks. Pretty thrifty if I do say so myself.

It's the little man himself! A willing model as usual. Oh gosh, he's cute!
I don't really know what to say about this picture, it seems fairly obvious. Baseball shoes. I made them to test out a new pattern before I made some leather ones with it. You can find the link to the pattern in the sidebar. What I like most about this pattern is that it comes in different sizes, from 0 all the way up to a children's 13.

This picture is from earlier this evening. Tyler put Mack in his old bouncy seat for kicks and Mack LOVED it. Silly guy. He would grab the bar and bounce himself around.For the past two days he's been sticking his tongue out more than usual. I think he probably means he's a genius. He thinks looking out the window is the greatest thing ever. Frankly, I get a little nervous that someone might see him and try to kidnap our gorgeous little blond baby.Last one I swear. Remember when Tyler was gone and I said I was going to make Mack some sandals? Well, I did it. They're the brown ones. I still get frustrated just looking at them. They're absolutely perfect in every way, but they're too big. I'm selling them for $20 if anyone is interested. I make things too big all the time and it doesn't bug me at all, but for some reason these shoes are driving me nuts. I made the khaki/green ones tonight after Mack went to sleep. I tried them on him and they fit! Hooray!

How totally awesome is this! Free Land! If today were two years from now Tyler and I would do this in a heart beat. That's the kind of spontaneous, crazy people we are (although I don't think anything involving real estate should have those adjectives attached to it. No matter how impulsive it is, land just doesn't seem crazy now does it. Maybe the fact that I think it's crazy shows how unspontaneous I'm becoming?? tangent done). I would fly out tomorrow, no joke! Stand in line all night and maybe even purchase a "baked good" or two from the "student government students". But sadly, the timing couldn't be worse. We're still in Mexico and in the midst of a yet another transition, ie: move and becoming legitimate tax paying citizens. Grr. There is an article about it on CNN.com (sorry no link: too lazy), and ever since we read it we've been thinking about the many ways we would/could take advantage of this situation. But don't you worry, I'm going to keep my eye on this little town just in case they decide to do anything like this in the future.

MTY to SFO

Well the system actually works...you go to school and you get a job. That is my past 5 years in a nutshell. I was offered a position in San Francisco with a company called Sageworks Inc. Of all the jobs I sought recently, this was definitely at the top of the list. The company is based in Raleigh, NC so I will be traveling back and forth as I go through the training period. Last week the company flew me out to SF to see the office and have an in-person interview. Apparently they liked what they saw and offered me the position the next day. As the countdown indicates below, I graduate in two weeks . I begin work on April 16th. Until then Fern and I will be looking for a place to live. We have set up various criteria for the location and apartment features we desire. We'll keep you posted. I think Fern deserves a lot a credit for putting up with my crazy ideas, like moving to Mexico with a newborn baby. Thanks Ferny, I luv ya. Well enough of that..............As the wise Notorious B.I.G. once declared, "we're goin back to Cali!"

Oh yeah.....CONGRATS to Kyle (Fern's brother)----he's going to Pittsburgh, PA on his mission! Atta kid.

deep breath

I don't know where to start, so forgive me if this is a bit choppy. Tyler's birthday was wonderful on Friday. Thanks for all the text messages (you know who you are). It's the thought that counts, right? Just so no one gets confused, we can't get texts in south of the border. The next day, I came down with Mack's stomach virus. Not fun. Yesterday, I was officially stamped "healthy"...just in time for poor Ty to get sick. He was in a bad way last night, poor guy, and is on the road right now headed for Laredo. He left about 2 hours ago and Mack and I are still here. We decided to stick in out in Monterrey this time. Ty will fly to San Francisco early tomorrow morning, have an interview in the afternoon, and fly back Thursday. So he should be back sometime around 7 slash 8ish.

BIG NEWS: Kerin is engaged! Corey popped the question a weekish ago. The date is set for August 3rd (changed from July 13 because the reception venue was booked! sad.). I'm very, very excited for her to begin this new chapter in her life! Husbands rock (I miss Tyler)!

BAD NEWS: Last Tuesday we were on our way to Saltillo and we got in a car accident. Living in Monterrey this long I'm frankly surprised we didn't get in one earlier. No one was hurt and now our bumper is tied onto the car with zipper ties. bummer. I don't want to say anything else about it.

My mom sent me some pictures today from when we went to Disneyland back in January. Pictures of all three of us together are so rare! And I had to include a pic of mack with his mouse ears on over his hat in front of It's a Small World.


ON A DIFFERENT NOTE:
I've got sewing on the brain. I even dream about it. I can't wait to start my next project, but at the same time I get so overwhelmed thinking about where to begin. I want to do it all! But I'm going to say it right here so it has to come true: Tomorrow I'm going to make Mack some sandals. Really. I am so excited about the things I've already made. It's so satisfying to make practical things. Things we're actually using, and save us tangible money. Maybe it sounds boring, but that's only because I'm not good at writing about what it is I do. It is not boring. My poor mother as to listen to me toot my horn every time I finish something. Thanks for putting up with all my calls! Here's are pictures of a few of the things I've called about. Now you can finally put a "face" with my projects.


*In case you can't tell, the middle pictures are of a bib with sleeves. I made it using a PJ pattern and an old hand towel. But my favorite part was using up all those bright scraps of ribbon and rick rack. You don't get to use much trim when you're sewing for a little boy. The last one is a pair of bear shoes. And since I'm explaining the others--The first ones are Mack's "Monster Outfit". Gotta love the turned up cuffs (Ty's idea) and perfect pocket placement. I have a bit of an obsession with cute monsters. I blame my parents for raising me (thankfully) on Sesame Street. *

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER

Talk about one year older and wiser too! 27 years old and soon he will be graduating with his second mater's degree. Way to go Tyler! Last year was amazing, but this year will be great too. Happy Birthday!

Love, Mack and Fern

Our Baby is Sick

Yesterday afternoon Mack simply would not calm down. Getting out of the house usually cheers him right up, so around six we decided to take him to H-E-B to get some bread. While we were there, I noticed he wasn't waving at of the other kids or clapping his hands for the little old ladies. Strange. On the way home he threw-up. It was not pretty. For dinner he'd eaten chicken and broccoli, and now our car and laundry room smell like chicken and broccoli vomit. His car seat was absolutely disgusting. As I went to unbuckle him I kept repeating under my breath, "You're the Mom. You're the Mom." I am the Mom. I need to be able to unbuckle my son from his chicken and broccoli vomit soaked car seat! But I couldn't do it (deep breath). I can't tell you how glad I am that Tyler was there. Have I mentioned lately what an amazing husband I snatched? Well, we eventually got Mack undressed and inside (in that order) and into his tub. Then just as we were about to put him down for the night in his fresh PJ's, vomit struck again. Of course it did! The rest of our night followed about the same pattern. Poor little guy can't seem to keep anything down. He just lies in our arms or on the floor and moans. He hasn't been able to stay asleep in his crib, but that's OK. There are basically two times he gets whatever he wants: airplane trips and sick days.

I should be getting ready to go to Texas. I am eating generic chocolate pop-tarts and dinking around on the internet.
Why Texas?
A couple weeks ago Tyler realized he had amassed enough frequent flyer miles for a free domestic ticket. Amazing. The system works! He managed to get all these miles simply from taking other flights. Other flights that were paid for. We didn't get any miles for all the trips we took during Tyler's internship for Skywest. Maybe all this is obvious, but I'm still so glad/thankful that he has free flight saved up. Tyler has to drive up to McAllen, TX to fly out and it really just isn't wise for Mack and I to stay here without him. I've struggled with this decision all week. Does going to to TX make me a wimp? Wouldn't we be just fine (and save a ton of money) if Mack and I stayed here? What it basically comes down to
**Mack just woke up from his nap is now eying my generic chocolate pop-tart. Don't even THINK about it kid. What a good boy he is. Mack is now sitting on the floor behind me, trapped in the front room by his playpen and a series of strategically placed baskets, playing with an empty cup.**
What it basically comes down to is the car. I won't have it unless I follow it to TX. I can't drive it back from TX because
**Mack just crawled over and tried to start chewing on my big toe. I told him it probably wouldn't do any real harm, but it's just not a good idea all the same.**
Right. So. In Mexico, if you want to drive your car some arbitrary number of miles south of the border or outside of Baja, you must register your vehicle and only the vehicle owner is then allowed to drive said vehicle. Stupid rule if you ask me. If Mack and I tried to drive back home after dropping Tyler off at the airport, we would be stopped about 45min into our trip at the Nuevo Leon state border. There, the customs agents (backed by military armored vehicles and automatic weapons pointed at us the entire time) would confiscate our visas, any cash we might have on us (about 400 pesos for tolls), and anything else they thought looked interesting- I mean suspicious -from our car, before turning us around and sending us back to TX. If Mack and I simply stayed put for 5 or 6 days while Tyler was gone we would be here without a car or any reliable way to contact anyone for help in case of an emergency.
**Had to stop typing to change Mack's diaper, nurse him, play with him (darn!) and feed him lunch. Have now packed all of Mack's things and mine. I've also double checked Tyler's bag. He is notorious for forgetting whatever it is that happens to be important to bring, but I do love him all the same.**
All I have left to do now is shower. I hate our shower, and this is no overstatement, but that is a story for another time. Wish us luck!

Right now there is a truck outside our place selling brooms and mops for 25 pesos a pair. Good deal. This guy comes around every week or so and yells from a loud speaker about all the wonderful deals he has to offer us. A mop and a broom. A mop and a mop. A broom and a broom. A broom and a mop. Or maybe you'd just like a mop. And get this, they also sell BROOMS individually! Amazing! Anyway it's funny to Tyler and me. I took a picture with our non-digital (bad word) camera, as our fancy dancy one is still in Washington. Sad. At least the lady across the street came out to buy a broom. After the sale the guy with the truck was pleased as punch and did a little victory chant. Good for him.

A man just came to our door and offered to sell us little tables, like the ones you use to eat dinner in front of the TV. Sorry buddy, no thanks. We actually have one we bought a while ago for Tyler to use as a desk when we lived with my parents. But it looks like our upstairs neighbor (Claudia) is going to pick one up. Good for her. This sort of thing just doesn't happen in other places. Que viva Mexico!