You ask for pictures, you got it!  We went to Warm Springs last night and WOW! what a great place.  As it turns out, it IS owned by the church.  There is an older missionary couple that lives there and runs it.  That is my kind of mission.  There are 2 giant pools with diving boards, cliffs and loooong slides.  There are palm and other trees everywhere, grass, picnic areas, and all free.  Paradise.  Oh, to be 10 again.  It is open to church members on Mondays and reserved the rest of the week to wards.    I only dreamt about places like this as a child.  Apparently, the kids of the church love this place so much that when it is their wards turn again, even in the winter, they still make their parents take them.  It’s about an hour out of Vegas and well worth the drive.  We plan on going on Mondays when we can.  It is really one of the first times we have had a fun family outing this summer.  It was Brian’s first swim with Serra~V~. We brought a picnic and swam in the tepid water and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. 

Would you look at those chubby legs!

Here are some other pictures from earlier in the day.  Serra’s bald spot is noticeable on the profile.

     I wish I could get her to smile like this at the studio.  The next ones are what we took 2 weeks ago at JCPenny.

Yes, she has her tongue out.

Notice a resemblance?

Well, that should satisfy you all for a few days.  We have copies for all of you that want them.

For those of you who wondered why I don’t just do a comb over on the bambino, believe me, I have tried it.  She only has two hats that fit right now and so we use those on occasion. 

Today Brian is getting off early, like 1:00 early.  We are going to a place called Warm Springs.  It used to be owned by the church, but not anymore.  They are hot springs that have been turned into a bit of a recreation area.  I’ll tell all about it tomorrow.  Anyway, here is Serra~V~ on Sunday last getting a bath.  We call these “Tubby” & “Towelhead“.

Well, our little one is shedding.  She has a big ole bald spot on the left side of her head where she sleeps.  It rubs off more than falls out.  It is very sad but fortunately does not show up in pictures.  (That’s all that really matters anyway, right?) 

This past week I became the proud owner of  the Pride and Predjudice DVD.  I joined Columbia House and got it for 49¢.  Brian was mad because I asked for it for my birthday and then went out and bought it myself.  Anything to save a buck.  Now I just need 6 uninterupted hours to watch it. 

By the way, I have been trying to post pictures but there is a problem with traffic or something on Xanga.  So pictures will come later. 

Note to Serra A – I sent you a thankyou not for Tarrik but it came back saying you moved.  Inside was a picture for both you and mom.  I don’t want to send it again cause I don’t know when you are leaving for Utah.  I will most likely see you in Utah anyway.  If you will be in California for at least another week let me know and I will send it via mom and pop.

We don’t have much to say but lot’s of pictures.  We did all of these this weekend.  First of all, Serra~V~ got a new swim suit for the bargain where house price of $3.  This is why I still go to work 2 hours every month or so.  The discount is great.  We also have a new Sunday dress and booties.  Pretty Cute!   Our little Serra puts herself to sleep as mentioned before and this is an illustration of how.  One thumb in the mouth and one hanging onto the ear.  I have been getting warnings from all corners that I need to unencourage this habit now.  However, she is learning to pacify herself and she doesn’t ever get overly upset when she gets that thumb.  It’s a sign to me that she is tired or hungry and so we take care of those needs and she doesn’t do it anymore.  If she is still thumb sucking at 2 or 3 all the time we will address the issue then, I just don’t think you can reason with a 3 month old.

I know, 2 entries in one day.  It’s been a little slow around here.  I got some great patterns for Christmas projects and I started one today.  STOCKINGS!  They will take months to complete so I am starting now.  Should I make a few extras in hopes of using them?  We’ll see. 

I forgot to mention that Serra~V~ is officially sleeping through the night.  She has been for 2 weeks.  I thought it was a fluke thing at first, but with her new found ability to suck her thumb whenever she wants, she is able to pacify herself.  She even puts herself to sleep most nights.  I am totally willing and ready for midnight feedings and long boughts of grouchiness, but our little baby is just too self sufficient. 

I am working for 2 hours in the morning and Amy Jo is babysitting.  I got my vacation hours reinstated and am days from getting my benefits fixed so the hospital bills are covered.  Then I wont feel the need to work occasionally.  I am still making $12 an hour so even a few hours is worth the $25.  My favorite thing is still staying home though.  ‘Til next week.

                         Here is our adorable little Princess.  We went and took pictures at the Picture People yesterday and, or course, Serra~V~ was the best sitting they had all day.  This was my free 8×10 and I got 1 sheet of wallets to send to all her fans.  They cropped it badly but it was the cutest of all.  The other ones are her ready for bed last night.

After we did pictures we went out to Brian’s work to visit and take him away for lunch.  While we were there a customer came in and was being very rude.  She was yelling obsenities at Brian and his co-workers and calling them very rude names which I cannot repeat.  She didn’t want to leave a deposit for a $30,000 vehicle.  She got on the phone with her insurance and was yelling at them, saying, “I spent all my money at the emergency room last night for them to tell me I have strep throat and I am not giving any money to these @#!%&^@!”  Anyway, I guess she didn’t like what the person on the phone said cause she slammed it down and stormed off.  As she left she said “I hope your baby gets strep throat.”  How much hate does a person have to have to say something like that.  I had just been sitting there as an innocent bystander, holding my sweet little baby, watching her act like a fool.  And what did my baby ever do to her.  I was kind of upset for awhile.

HAPPY THREE MONTHS SERRA~V~ 

Well, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. This was just a test picture.  She just happened to be sleeping.   It took me all of 2 minutes to post it.  Viewers, let me know if it comes through ok.  I have spent the last few days copying all the videos we have from several sources on to one tape.  Surprise!  We already have about 2 hours of baby Serra~V~  People think we are nuts, and we are – about a cute little girl. 

Brian had Monday off and so we took that opportunity to take Serra’s 3 month pictures and family pictures as well .  We will post those at the end of the month when they are available.  We got lots of copies for everyone as well since we know you all want as many pictures as we do. 

We are going to a different studio today to take advantage of a free offer as well.  I will contain myself and not spend anything. 

We had a nice downpour yesterday.  It’s the first measureable rain Vegas has seen in 113 days.  It hasn’t really rained in two years.  We enjoyed the slight respite from the heat. 

Notice the bracelet Serra has on.  It was a gift from Aunt Teresa.  I have a matching one.  Pretty cute huh.  It wont fit that chubby wrist much longer.  It is silver beads with my birthstone. 

Now that I have this camera and video thing figured out I will send more soon.  Probably more than you all want to see.  Is it my imagination or have those cheek shrunk a little.  TTFN

Friday has come and Brian is working today but has the next three days off.  Yeah!  Finally some much needed rest for him.  Serra~V~ and I tried swimming again yesterday and she enjoyed it more this time.  We smothered her in sunblock, put on the hat, and covered the eyes with cute jeweled sunglasses.  She is very relaxed in the water and floats like a pro.  She doesn’t like getting her hair wet though. 

Shayla, Teresa, Brett and Shayla’s three left just moments ago.  They visited for about 45 minutes.  I really enjoyed that.  I haven’t talked to Shayla in years.  Her kids are really cute.  They are really looking forward to seeing Garynliesl’s family.  They asked if I had any other kids to play with besides a little baby.  Sorry, you’ll have to talk to cousins Gary and Liesl about that.  Teresa mentioned as well how much they love Aunt Jan and Julie and Serra too.  I think they will have a good time in California. (As long as a certain someone doesn’t know they are there) 

 I sure am looking forward to this weekend with Brian home.  He is going to play Bingo tonight with work friends and won’t be home til late so maybe Serra~V~ and I will catch a movie or something else fun.

We are staying in and working on scrapbooks and laundry.  If it’s possible, we are actually in what Vegas likes to call a heat wave.  I thought that was June through September.  But it is “unseasonably” roasting and not safe to take the bambino out.  117 yesterday and the day before, and no end in sight.  Uhgg!

We have borrowed the digital camera from Brian’s Dad so we should have pictures forthcoming.  I need to get Brian’s help on working it. 

I forgot to mention that I chopped my hair off  again and boy does it feel good.  Things are pretty humdrum around here.  I have officially started food storage and am going to try to add bits to it little by little.  I always said that when I had a home with storage area I would do that and so it begins.  Brian is starting a basketball league with the YMCA and some guys in the ward.  This  means he will get to play 2 times a week, one of them being a game.  Serra V and I will get to go watch him play on Thursday nights.  It should be fun. 

Congratulations to Julie and Jared.  I know the only people that get on here already know so it’s ok to say stuff here.