Home.

This past weekend, I flew home to California and visited my parents. I don't come home very often, but each time I do, I'm reminded why I loved living in this little town. And boy, do I mean little. Like, as in, my graduating class was 54 students. Gustine is a small but beautiful Portuguese dairy town with tree-lined streets, historic old houses with well-manicured yards. The people are friendly, and life is simple. I miss simple. Well, maybe not totally. I don't think there's an eyelash lady within close proximity, the closest mall is 45 minutes away (no Nordstrom either), and I don't think there's even 1 Sonic in the whole entire state of California. But a visit every now and then? That, I think I can manage.

**I need to thank this lovely lady for taking these pictures below for me. It's no secret how much I suck at taking pictures, I needed a little help in that department.**

It was also a very bittersweet weekend. We got word that our dear friend, Ben had finally been found after having been missing for almost 4 years. It wasn't quite the outcome we were hoping for because he is no longer with us, but finally some closure. And for that, we are very, very grateful.

Meeting Barbosa...

A few nights ago, Tag and his basketball buddies had a special treat when Leandro Barbosa came to practice. Tag's coach trained Barbosa in Brazil this past summer, and Barbosa's 2 nephews practice under Coach Joe. Barbosa was so nice to give autographs and took pictures with the boys. I think Tag brought just about everything but the kitchen sink to have him sign. I'm so bummed I missed him, I was having such good hair that day too.

Oh Boy....

It seems as though Tag has a not-so-secret admirer. You'll have to click on the picture below to enlarge the card below. Pretty hilarious. I'm scared for the teenage years.

Happy Wife/Happy Life.

I know it may seem like I'm always making suggestions, but to all the husbands out there that insist on paying the monthly bills, let me be really firm in saying that paying the utility bill ON TIME is quite crucial in the Stapes' household. Our bills tend to get thrown on the dining room table and unnoticed until, let's say, the power gets shut off. Maybe I should be embarrassed to say that this has happend not 1, not 2, but 3 times! And not because we can't afford to pay it. We're not broke. Yet. It just tends to get neglected. On a monthly basis.

Anyhoo, I got one of these pretty little pink papers from a very nice, older gentleman on my door the other day. Might I add, getting these on my door does not promote a happy, healthy marriage, especially while I'm in the middle of putting my makeup on. I'm also not one who was blessed with hair that air dries well. I was not a happy camper.

I certainly don't want to come across as being a nagging wife. I'm not. Tommy's a lucky little booger to have me around, but COME ON!! Enough's enough! Please... I'm begging, AUTOPAY HONEY!! So.....

Payback can be a real beast. In the future, I will be making a shoe purchase for every unpaid electricity bill, water bill (yes, the water was turned off once while I was showering, mid conditioner application in my hair) and speeding ticket.

Eleven.

My boy is eleven. Wowzers. Time flies by. My sister-in-law asked me the other day if I was sad they're growing up so fast. I said, "Not really." I've really enjoyed seeing this boy grow. How did I get SO lucky to be his mom? I figure it's because Heavenly Father was planning on sending me 2 very strong-willed daughters next.

Tag's been saving his money for a go kart and wanted one for his birthday, but Tommy, being the cheapskate (as always), said he'd have to pay for the majority of the go kart and we'd pitch in the rest. My BRILLIANT solution for earning some quick cash?? A birthday party, of course! We had a last-minute party at the lake with a bunch of his buddies. 14 to be exact. I figured it would be great father/son bonding time, so I loaded them up with drinks and snacks and sent Tommy and Craig off. You wouldn't believe the crusties I got from those two. Tommy's words (almost) exactly. "You've GOT to be (synonym of pooping) me!"

The best group of buddies, EVER!

What's a lake trip with the Stapes' family without anyone getting hurt? Maybe we should've had each kid sign a waiver prior.

Cliff jumping.

Tag has the greatest (and in Tag's opinion, one of the hottest) Primary teachers.

The naughty girls blowing out his candles. We had to re-light 3 times.

The Shmamily.

This CanNOT Be Good...

The other day, Keagan had a friend over and they were playing on my computer, listening to music. Somehow, they got onto my gym playlist and the next thing I hear is all 3 girls singing (in perfect tune, I might add), "It's gettin' hot in here - so take off all your clothes. I am gettin' too hot, I wanna take my clothes off!" (good 'ol Nelly). I mean, for real, how did they memorize this song in like 3.2 seconds? I took me 4 months! Luckily, knock on wood, I haven't gotten a phone call from the neighbor mommy, which might or might not be the Primary President. Sheesh! But just in case, I'm trying to think of a way to pin this one on Tommy.

I Love A Good Blackmail Every Now And Then.

No, I'm not talking about the David Letterman scandal. Since my dad's surgery, he hasn't been able to wash his hair or shave for 2 weeks until he had his staples removed, which, by the way, I'm hoping my mom saved. I'd love to whip up some necklace or something with those staples. Kidding. Anyhoo, my dad was quite anxious to get shaved and his hair did. These lovely ladies below apparently make house calls (my dad aka, Ricardo has always been quite the ladykiller and can always talk them into anything).

Pre cut and shave.

Call me weird, but I would LOVE to be a guy for an hour and have my face shaved. I said ONE HOUR. Guys don't get to wear makeup and sexy shoes. Or get to have a period once a month. That's the awesomest part. Again, kidding. Every time I take Tag to the barber, I'm always a teensy bit jealous of the old buzzers that get the hot shave.

I recall a certain "someone" (pictured above), making a stink about me dating a guy with a goatee.

The flavor saver, Tommy's personal fave.

Seriously, could he be more handsome?? (I love the cute little puke bucket in the background).