Los Findlays

Private-O

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 06:33:00 +0000

So-- going private.
For all 10 of you out there who read this to keep up on the Findlays, send me your email and I'll send you an invite.

Peace out.

Findlay Style

So I don't forget

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:02:00 +0000

This morning Lucy said, " Linda, let's just go ahead and put that here for safe keeping."

And Linda said today in the car, " Mommy, let's just compromise."

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:18:00 +0000

Soccer Phenoms

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:19:00 +0000

My parents arrived today at 3pm. Just 3 hours later, the girls were decked out in their soccer gear, ready to impress.

And did they ever!!

Check out #10 (lucy Findlay) in 12 seconds of pure adrenalin. Note that Linda (#12) was right there beside her, blocking out any potential threats.

I have never been prouder.

And in the spirit of the Women's US World Cup Champions of 1997 (or 98?), Lucy proceeded to do what all true soccer heroines do, and that is, try to take off her shirt??

Might I add that although I don't have video documenting this, Linda was a phenomenal keeper, blocking shots left and right. After one particular save, she went up and kicked the ball out to the field, and well, just kept on going (instead of going back to her keeper's box). She dribbled the ball across the field (and picked up the ball about 5 feet before the goal-- put it right where she wanted it--) and kicked it for a goal too! Sure, maybe the ref blew the whistle to announce the end of the match about 5 seconds before, but for all intents and purposes, there were two super soccer goals today, and two super happy Findlay twinners.

My Ballerinas

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:25:00 +0000

Have I mentioned the twins' love of the arts? They have a soft spot in their hearts for Tchaikovsky-- The Nutcracker and Swan Lake are their absolute favorite--- they will take watching Baryshnikov in tights over Dora the Explorer any day. (They also watched nearly all 4 hours of Mozart's The Magic Flute last year when they were still 2.) They love classical music and dance. LOVE IT. On the way up to Yellowstone they actually had a complete melt down when the battery died on the laptop and they were only half way through Swan Lake, the ballet. AND the other day when I was flipping through the stations on the radio, they were going absolutely BONKERS until I passed the classical music station and then they both yelped and begged me to go back and Linda said, "This is MY music mommy. It's beautiful." It was pretty sweet.

So, to foster this love for all things classical and lovely, we signed them up for ballet. This is their second attempt at dance classes (in Guatemala we signed them up for what ended up being a Salsa class....interesting...). Anyway, here they are all dressed up and ready to prance and curtsy and spin and pliet and be dainty little girls. It was very entertaining and they are just so happy. We are going to be signing them up for another class I think.

LindaLulu
Both terribly excited-- and they are actually the same height-- Lucy is just on her "tippy toes" here. They love that word.

Yellowstone 2009

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:33:00 +0000

Great times were had by all this weekend. Casey and Christina Richards graciously invited us to their cabin in Island Park, Idaho, which may have seemed innocuous enough, except that we brought the twins, which definitely spiced things up a bit.

The twins were always trying to escape outside to literally frolick in the meadows, pick wild flowers, (pretending) to fish in the river, throw rocks, hunt for moose... they had the time of their lives. We made some very special memories and really enjoyed ourselves.

We went up to West Yellowstone and visited Grizzly/Wolf (woof) World and the twins faced their darkest fear right in the eyes as they faced a (big bad) wolf just inches away from them. We then gave the Richards some space and went to see off to see the much anticipated geysers, paint pots, and wild wilderness that is Yellowstone. To be frank, the geysers were a flop. The twins were exhausted by the time we reached the paint pots and geysers that were a warm of Old Faithful-- which meant I got to carry Linda for 2 miles around the pathway (she weighs 45lbs) while she adamantly proclaimed, "I am never coming here, ever again, because it smells like scrambled eggs."

By the time we got to Old Faithful, the twins were both asleep in the backseat. Priceless.

The next day we went on another family adventure and rented a canoe and drifted down the Snake River right past Casey's cabin. It was a 3 hour tour. We almost tipped over on several different occasions and it probably wouldn't have taken so long if Lucy or Linda didn't both insist on "peddling" the whole way. Regardless, it was a great time. We took some great pictures and really enjoyed some quality time with the twins in a 6x 2.5" enclosed (and unstable) space

Determination.

Dave is a master canoer. He has a scout badge.

They were just a titch excited about the boat ride.

Our gracious hosts.
Linda and the buffalo.

We were playing I-spy and she does this goggle thing with her hands EVERY time we play.

The lovely Christina taking care of the twins so they don't jump in the lake (which they did later on under my guard, not hers).
Maybe my favorite all time , all time picture of Lulu.

Summer 2009

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:44:00 +0000

One might think, perhaps, that not much has happened to the Findlays this summer.

Au contraire mon frere.

EVERYTHING has happened.

1. We moved to America.

2. We moved to America.

3. Yes, we moved to America, and did I mention we bought a house?

It's hard to grasp this, I know. After living in Guatemala for 3 years, we decided to go on a trip back to the States, and in a move, somewhat reminiscent of something you'd hear from a Cuban defector, we just didn't go back.

The housing market was right, the weather was so nice, and the joy of driving on freeways was too much for us to turn our backs on, so we stayed. Casey Richards, realtor extraordinaire, found us an awesome house. The heavens smiled upon us and somehow we got a loan (which is actually pretty tricky when you've been living out of the country for 3 years, and have no W-2s, mind you). We are now in SLC, just a stone's throw from family and friends of old.

I"ll post some pics of the house later, but for now, I will write a big ***SIGH*** of relief, and confess, this all feels pretty darned good. We Findlays are doing all right.

Here are SOME pics of the summer so far, in no particular order, as most of my pics are at Grandma and Grandpa Findlay's house (where we invaded their home and lives for 3 months!!!).

I like this pic, because it's Lucy's face, and Linda's hand holding the contraband: NERDS.

Our ride for Summer 2009. When I look back at this picture, I will remember that we bought it for $700, that it didn't pass safety or emissions for a couple months (while I cursed Dave's name for buying this piece), and then once it finally did pass inspection, how I kissed my sweet David's cheeks and told him he was a genius, because this little ride has given us miles and miles of endless good times this summer, through town and even through our "killer-loop" drive of days of old through East Canyon and Parley's. I will have to post later some pics of the twins in the back seat. It's a sight to see those girls in the back with her hair all flowy and their smiles from one ear to the other-- it's a crowd pleaser.

Grandma Holmes came to visit for a month as soon as we bought the house. It's going to be tough (especially for the twinners) to see her go on Tuesday.

A one-scoop ice-cream cone at This is the Place. One scoop means GINORMOUS icecream serving my friends. But not too big for Linda or Lucy.

Fun at this the Place with cousins Jacob, little Tyler, Naomi and Ian, and of course, the ever-popular Peter Lloyd (the twinkle of the twins' eyes this summer). The squeals that escape their mouths when this kid walks through the door is deafening, yet absolutely priceless.

Is this not adorable?

Ian and Jacob tickling Lucy. She really liked it for about 5 seconds...

Twins during a moment of sweet repose in our front yard. They love this book called "Wacky Wednesday." "Wacky" is now one of their favorite words and it sounds especially cute coming from Lucy's raspy voice.

Our first petting zoo experience. Also at This is the Place. Here Linda and Naomi are sharing a moment with a wee little goat.

Becca is having a baby! That tummy was calling my name.

Dave and I at Albion Basin. Lots of great memories here for us. We first came here together 10 (TEN, DIEZ, DIX) years ago when we FIRST starting hanging out (and I was madly in love him, and he really liked me... as a friend).

Summer of Barbies-- my cousin Suzie magnanimously donated their assorted collection of these dolls girls apparently like to play with. I never played with these little ladies, just chopped off their hair and flushed them down toiletts whenever someone gave me one. But since the twins love them, I have been learning to play with them myself.

See?

Photo taken by Linda. I like this pic because she did a great job of capturing her father's stunning blue eyes, while also catching her sister getting on a chair to reach an off-limits valuable twin magnet off Grandma's shelf.

Twins with Grandma Lucy Laycock.

Twins at Albion.

Look at these little hands. They are deliciously chubby still. I love how soft they are. I love watching them manipulate objects as they practice their dexterity. I love how they fit all smushy in my hand.

Grandpa Findlay...these girls have him wrapped around their fingers. He carted them around for 15 minutes in this wheel barrow and the twins were in heaven.

Reading time during Grandma's school with Pete and the twins. Mondays and Thursdays are the BEST!

Me and the twinners at Gateway after running through the water fountains.

A great new (old) friend-- Michael Nance. Kate and Greg's kid-- what a ham. I love this kid. So darn cute and such a boy.

Dave cruisin'.

For our anniversary we ditched the twinners and went up to Park City for a night. We went up the Alpine Slide and went on a hike and took cheesy pictures and had a grand time.

Ooohh... color coordinating and everything!

Findlays out.

update

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Mon, 04 May 2009 23:14:00 +0000

So we are still in Utah, everyone. Yes, I can hardly believe it myself.

We are wrestling with the decision to go back to Guatemala or stay here and try to buy a house. How's that for an easy choice? I swear Dave and I find ourselves in this predicament every 6 months or so-- having to make a ridiculously difficult decision that will affect our lives FOREVER.

Anyway, the twins are doing well. They talk about Guatemala incessantly. Linda just put on her back pack and and a nice skirt and waltzed in the room explaining, she "is certainly ready to go back to Guatemala now." Yes, she said "certainly."

To which I replied, "Linda, you crack me up."

" Yes, I certainly do crack you up."

Just what I needed

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 06:11:00 +0000

We're still at the Findlay's in Utah and the twins are getting a bit restless for their beds in Guatemala, I think (despite some really great accommodations).

Anyway, Lucy had ants in her pants tonight. The little lady would not go to sleep. For some reason, I didn't mind that 50 minutes had passed by while I tried to get this kid to sleep. Actually, there is a reason: She was grabbing my face with both hands, kissing me, rubbing noses with me, rubbing her cheeks against mine, holding my hands within her chubby soft little hands, and giggling and being so sweet and funny.

I started getting a bit sentimental there next to her. I started thinking about her growing up and Linda growing up, and how lucky I am to have these girls in my life and to have them be ours. Then she said, "Mommy, I love so much." I looked at her with tears in my eyes (and running down my cheeks) and said to her, "Why do you love me so much, Lucy?"-- because really, I wanted to know. I was just thinking today about how little quality time I feel I get to spend with them considering how busy our lives are with the business, and the fact that there have always been 2 of them, and her saying that, just really struck a chord.

Do you know what she said? I wish I had it recorded. In her classic, Lucy raspy-mischievously sweet voice she said:

Because I am not afraid of slippery snakes, or spiders, or monsters, or ghosts. Because you are here. That's why I love you.

Anyone have a tissue?

Another one for the books

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 03:57:00 +0000

We made it out to DC to visit the Riches (again-- first trip post still pending). I had to upload these pics and post right away to avoid a repeat.

Needless to say, the trip was fantastic.

Here is just a glimpse of what we got to see and do while there:

1. We arrived just at the peak of the Cherry Blossom season. We all enjoyed it together for a picnic during a stroll of the FDR Memorial, and then Megan and I got to go again for a long run one morning while the men watched the kiddies.

2. Air and Space Museum (would have been great if twins had lasted more than 20 minutes).

3. Went to Great Fall park and saw a lovely waterfall. Oh and yes, this is where Lucy learned at the ripe age of 3 to not touch things that are brown on the side of a path.

4. Went to Philadelphia! Wow! Saw the birthplace of our nation, the Liberty Bell, saw money being printed at the US Mint, visited U Penn (with Cookie Monster's "C is for Cookie" blasting out of our opened windows), ate some Philly Cheese-Steaks, ate some authentic Polish food served by a disgruntled Eastern Blocker whom I bravely went up to and asked for extra plates, visited a beautiful Rodin Collection, witnessed Dave and Mike climbing Rocky's Stairs, and almost went to a baseball game.

5. Went to the National Gallery of Art (wow-- and for free!! I love DC!) and played "I Spy" with the twins. They are now officially lovers of Degas, and Dave was also delighted to see his favorite painting, "The Death of the Torreador." The twins especially enjoyed the look on my face every time they walked up to a priceless piece of art and exclaimed they were "just pretending" to touch them.

6. Ate THE BEST burger in the WORLD at Ray's Burgers-- the place is so good they don't even have a sign in the front of the building.

7. Watched Mike work tirelessly to entertain the children.

8. Listened to Linda say "Oh Henry" and "you little rascal" to her new love, Henry Rich. And really in general, thoroughly enjoyed watching and listening to the kids all play so nicely together.

9. Enjoyed one great Easter Egg Hunt and watched the children run around the house half a dozen times until they were ready to go to bed at 6:30pm.

10. Played cards and reminisced about the old days when we all lived in San Diego just a block away from each other in what can only be explained as a surreal existence of doing anything and everything we wanted, whenever we wanted. Those were the days...

But here we are now, 6 years later, with our 4 kids and loving life and making the best of our time together. We are so lucky to have such great friends.

Tough love

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Oh boy, it's been a while. So much to update and the thought of it all is a bit overwhelming.

For now, a little twin story:

I put the twinnies to bed tonight and left the room introducing them to the Good Girl Jar. We've been struggling getting un-interrupted sleep these days due to the twins' new found absolute and utter HORROR and TERROR of being left alone in the dark (or light, actually). We are going on a trip to DC to visit the Riches on April 1st and then off to Utah again and when I announced the great news to the twins, they could not, for the life of them, understand why on earth we were not getting on a plane that very instant if I had already purchased the tickets. All I could think of after 3 days of incessant complaining was to explain that we had to wait for the mailman to come and drop them off (note: there is no such thing as mailmen in Guatemala so this worked great for the mythic proportions I would be attributing to him).

There was a catch, of course: the mailman would only come after Lucy and Linda had been EXTREMELY good, that is at sharing, being kind/generous, cleaning-up, etc. This was also the perfect opportunity to throw in how utterly important it was that they sleep through the night and not bother Mommy, as well, because of course, there was no way the mail man could come other wise.

Well, after a week of continuous sleepless nights (and me being just a titch frustrated at telling Dave I woke up 5 times last night, only to hear him say, "Whatever, you got up maybe once"), I decided to bust out the Good Girl Jar, recommended by a couple different wise mothers I know. So now, IF the twins stay in bed ALL NIGHT LONG, I will put a skittle in the jar and once it's full, the mailman will come, and we will be off on our trip! Genius.

As I began outlining different things they could do to earn a candy, one twin would immediately do it. It was pretty funny. Honestly, I started with:

So, you will earn a candy if you SHARE.. and then seconds later, Lucy looked over at Linda (and the toy in her hand) and said, "Linda, will you please share with me??" I tried not to laugh out loud at Lucy's ability to see how she could personally capitalize from this situation. Sweet Linda considered the question/demand, and then somewhat begrudgingly handed it over. LUCY then asked me if I was going to put the skittle in the jar. I did as I was told.

Next on the list of candy-worthy behavior was KISSING and HUGGING each other. This time both turned to one another and gave each other a fierce embrace and kissed each other smack on the lips, and then simultaneously looked over at me with a twinkle in their eye, and another candy was dropped in the jar.

Anyway, I eventually left the room after our little bedtime routine and left the door open. A few minutes later I heard some muffled yells develop into some serious screeching. I got to the door only to hear Lucy say " I just NEED to kiss you Linda" , while Linda was on her back, with a straight arm to Lucy's head. It was so endearing, I let them wrestle for another minute or so before I broke up the love fest.

Hey Shorty, It's your Birthday...

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:04:00 +0000

Thank you 50 cent for what just may be the catchiest darned birthday song of all time, and at the very least, one of my very favorites...

Well, January 4 is a special day, the day that our beloved Linda Findlay (Sr.) brought into this world one David Matthew Findlay, weighing it at something ridiculous like 12 lbs or something. All I know is that he was a beautiful baby who the nurses used as the infant model for bathing demonstrations. WOW!

Here is a special tribute to this guy I call my Davey-cakes:

10 things I love about Dave.

1. I have never, ever (and that means even before I could call this hunky guy "mi amor"-- which on a side note, was quite a long time since I had my eyes on this catch for a ridiculously long time) ever heard anyone say anything but wonderful things about Dave. People love him. If you are reading this, YOU love him. He is Dave Findlay. He is one great guy.

2. I have never ever ( and again, that means ever) had more fun with anyone in this whole wide world than with Dave. I have done the unthinkable and crazy with him (like climbed chain-linked fences-unthinkable), I've witnessed great and truly awesome things like...see U2 in concert in a suite at center stage (thanks Scott Hatch for getting sick last minute so the tics were available just an hour before the concert) or... watch the Utes kill Alabama (so it was on TV but who cares-- it was that great). And I've done wonderfully solemn things like listen to a string quartet play Vivaldi's 4 Seasons in an ancient cathedral in Florence or enter barefoot in a Budhist Temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Dave makes everything 10 million times more exciting.

3. His pecs. Exhibit A.

(I'd throw in his baby blues but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to throw these in there). He will probably get in here and erase this pic but maybe some of you may a glimpse before he gets to it first.

4. Dave makes friends everywhere he goes. Just this weekend we went up to visit my Grandma and as always, witnessed a crash on the road that blocked traffic. Dave went up to investigate and walked back with a new best friend. It was hysterical. Dave seems to have a sign on him that says, "Hey, let's be buddies!" It's also been a 55 year old German woman visiting Dead Horse Point and a 45 year old lady from Italy stranded at a remote airport in the Peten of Guatemala. Wait a second... there seems to be a pattern here. Apparently women over 40 REALLY, REALLY like Dave... strange...

5. Dave is a loyal friend. Anyone who knows him knows he'd do anything for them. Like, drive to Idaho at midnight to set his buddy up with a girl he met on a plane on the way back East (and it better have been for his buddy, by the way).

6. Dave is a great athlete. I never got to see the guy play football, or rugby, or wrestle, but I have seen the man bowl, and let me tell you, it's a lovely sight to see that foot swoop over the left and create the most graceful 90 degree angle on parkay floor, ever.

7. Dave is a great dad. He takes the twins on a daily basis for a daddy-daughter bonding time for at least 2 hours every day. He often takes them all day on Saturday to the Zoo or some parks or the mall. The girls adore him and their "adventures." He taught them how to talk and walk like a robot, to swing their legs back and forth when they swing, and to say "oh man, it's busted" when something is broken. Linda also has his dimples, and it is just the sweetest thing to see them smile next to each other.

8. Dave has a LOUD voice. I know, sometimes I say he's too loud-- but really, this is the essence of Dave. He is so full of life his body just can't keep it in. He is also a fantatic singer as evidenced by my wedding day serenade of Randy Travis' "I'm gonna love you forever and and ever, Amen."

9. Dave has a tender heart. It's as though he feels someone's pain or their joy just by being near them. He really understands how you feel and it means he is a great listener, a great friend, a great dad, and a great husband.

10. Dave is a great dad and a great husband. I will never forget the look on Dave's face when he introduced me to the twinnies. They went to the NICU right away for observation since they were born 4 weeks early (they were fine) but Dave was sitting there with a twin in each arm and the biggest smile I've ever seen on anyone's face. I'll have to find it and post it here later. It's a keeper.

So here's to you Dave Findlay. The love of my life, my best friend, the father of our beautiful daughters, the most creative and exciting and loyal person I've ever encountered, with the kindest and truest soul on Earth. I love you babe and Happy Birthday to you.

New Year's

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 01:36:00 +0000

I am ridiculously behind in updating this thing-- still need to post pics of our trip to DC and SLC in OCTOBER....

But until then, some quick anecdotes.

So, last year when the fireworks starting going off and the twins were showing signs of permanent trauma due to the sounds of what could only be interpreted as, oh, I don't know, the end of the world... we had to come up with some coping methods. Fireworks are fun, the are happy, colorful, etc. A lot of " I LOVE fireworks" was thrown around by every adult just to convince the little ones that all was well.

Well, they started to get the idea and somehow, Linda managed to relate the noise and excitement of the fireworks to something that was a little closer to home-- like, her flatulence.
So last year, when a little toot escaped her, we heard her announce quite proudly one afternoon that there were "fireworks in her bum" and yes, there was a huge, proud smile on her face.

This year, after several lessons about the TRUE meaning of Christmas, which they actually got to some extent ( I think), Linda, once again, after tooting explained, "That was fireworks for Jesus." How nice is that??

They both also ALWAYS refer to Jesus as "baby Jesus"-- yes, like Ricky Bobby. It doesn't matter if it's a picture of him during the Last Supper or washing the feet of the Apostles- it's always, Baby Jesus. It's still funny every time I hear it because they say it with so much love in their voice.

We really exploited the whole Santa's watching thing this year too-- we even had a mechanical Santa Doll in the living room who was, of course, one of Santa's helpers who was essentially a spy, making sure there was no pouting or crying or naughtiness. Lucy was very good at pointing out when Linda was naughty and then reminding her that she was not going to get any presents ( I know, obviously, the parenting method she was mimicking here was not exemplary but you gotta do what you gotta do). Lucy's astuteness regarding "naughty vs. nice" behavior extended to all: When the notorious shoe-throwing reporter almost struck President Bush, and Lucy heard about it on the TV, she quickly proclaimed: "That man forgot Santa is watching." Yes in deed.

And...we went up to San Marcos to visit my grandma for Christmas ( a six hour drive) and when we arrived there were several presents there under the tree. Lucy immediately ran for Linda, got behind her and wrapped her arms around Linda, holding her hands against her. She then yelled, "DO NOT get close to the presents Linda. DO NOT get close to the presents. Santa is watching."

I have tons of pictures to post soon, just enjoying our 2 week vacation right now. The factory was closed and we have been enjoying relaxing and watching an obscene amount of football. We are super-excited to watch the Utes tomorrow play Alabama ( excited and terrified). We are hoping for nothing short of miracle tomorrow. Until then, we will keep ourselves busy with the karaoke machine Dave bought me (or him?) for Christmas. I am AMAZING at singing Meatloaf's " I would do anything for Love" and Dave has mastered Roxette's "She's got the Look." I will post some video as soon possible for all to enjoy. :)

So with that, I bid adieu and GOOOOOO UTES!

What Lulu likes

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 21:46:00 +0000

When we were on our vacation back in the States (post pending), there were several memorable experiences. One, which only a choice few got to see first hand, was the absolute trauma Lucy experienced during her first Halloween ever. I'll post some pics and more details later, but for now, I will just say that there was a spider involved (which Lucy has finally established as "just a little boy in a spider costume who is not scary, just a little boy, in a costume, who is not scary, who is NOT scary...). At the time, of course, he was VERY scary. Anyway, the child has developed a serious case of arachnophobia and can not let it go. She talks about it daily. Actually, I'd be willing to go out on a limb and say that at least 3 times a day is probably more accurate.

So we are at dinner the other night and someone (stupidly) mentions the word "spider"---Lucy immediately jumps on the opportunity and starts telling everyone at the table about Halloween in Utah, the door bell ringing at Grandma Findlay's house, and the spider ("who was just a little boy in a costume, who is not scary, he is just a little boy....") and then recounts her terror by reenacting the moment by yelling and screaming like it's happening all over again... man.

A couple minutes later she announces she needs to go to the potty.

So we go over to restroom and I'm prepared for a real heart to heart because potty time has somehow evolved in a real mother-daughter bonding moment. She begins:

" I don't like spiders Mommy."
" I know Lucy."
"No, mommy, I do not like spiders. But... I DO LIKE (with great bravado in her raspy little voice) biscuits, and Mary Poppins, and dinosaurs, and that museum we went to with Charlie, and the Little Mermaind and snakes. I LOOOOVE snakes."

I hate snakes.

Joke of the day...

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:54:00 +0000

Knock Knock.
Who's there?
Liz.
Liz who?
Liz the new Primary Music Director.

Anyone else laughing?

Perhaps the most important day of the year...

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:02:00 +0000

Has arrived.

It's November 22, 2008.

Utes v. the Zoo.

I'm scared.

I'm excited.

I just invited ourselves over to some people in our ward's house that we've spoken to once before in hopes they have DTV.

They do.

They are Zoobs.

We will try our best to behave.

GOOOOOOOOO UTES!

Pop Star

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:07:00 +0000

So, Dave has a habit of disappearing on me.

Yesterday, when Dave had gone on an errand for the factory, I looked at my watch and wondered to myself, "Why is Dave taking 2 hours to get labels? Strange..." Because driving in Guatemala is like adult real-life bumper cars, my first thought always turns to an accident (and considering Dave's driving, er, habits, this is not a big stretch, and I mean that in the nicest, most loving way possible). Anyway, eventually Dave showed up and over lunch the story unfolds.

Dave, totally nonchalantly begins, "So, I was on the radio today."

"What?" both my Dad and I yelp.

"Yeah, they were having a singing competition at McDonald's and these people pulled me off the street and I had to sing some song."

"What song?"

" I don't know, some song about kids... I guess everyone knows it here, but they had me read the words and sing along."

"What about the tune?"

Dave says, "Oh, I just made it up."

So apparently David won, although the competition was fierce (a couple of fourteen year old's just didn't have what it takes, I guess). And really, for anyone who came to my wedding, this would come as no surprise after his masterful rendition of "I'm gonna love you, forever and ever, Amen" by the one and only, Randy Travis.

So anyway, the man won! I was hoping for news of a record deal, or $1,000.00, something, thinking that those baby blues of his must have made an impression.

Well, he got a kiddy cone-- though make no mistake, there was absolutely no disappointment on Dave's part.

Birds & Bees, and Homemade Bread

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:33:00 +0000

This weekend a kind, elderly sister missionary I've befriended came over to teach me how to make some real home made bread from ground wheat. I was pretty excited because this was the first friend I've had over in Guatemala in nearly 3 years and the fact that she's 70 didn't even phase me (until now, actually).

Some of the literature I've been reading lately is written from the perspective of someone in their later years ("Water for Elephants" and now "Angle of Repose"-- both are excellent reads by the way). So besides reading about them as of late, I just love old(er) people-- they've been there, done that and aren't phased by life's happenings. I feel like they must look at us with the same frustration as I look at any 14 year old girl-- you know, sometimes I feel like just grabbing them by the shoulders and yelling JUST RELAX, IT'S ALL GOING TO BE OKAY! Besides their sagacity, they're also often terribly, terribly entertaining.

Well Sister X was par for the course in oh, so many, many ways.

She brought over the wheat and we got to work. The delicious aromas of rising bread soon filled our kitchen and I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into the beautiful loaves of dark, tasty, healthy manna I had made with own two novice hands.

After about an hour of chit chatting about life in general, we watched the twins for a while with Dave and her husband. About 5 minutes before the bread was ready to come out of the oven and grace our mouths with it's wholesome goodness, Sister X brings me over the corner of the kitchen.

Nothing on this earth could have prepared me for what I was about hear.

Sister X looks at me as a mischievious, yet knowing, smile creeps upon her face.

(WARNING: The faint at heart may need to stop here as I QUOTE VERBATIM)."

She begins: "I wanted to tell you when we were away from the boys..."
(At this point, I'm simply puzzled-- I think naively, "What could she want to tell me away from the "boys"? )

She continues: "You know, the smell of yeast rising is an aphrodesiac for men."

At this point, I'm feeling a bit weak in the knees, and now as I look back, I should have been worried about the expressions creeping across my face (I kind of have a bad reputation for that).

I respond with a nonchalant, "Oh really? That's interesting," hoping, or rather praying, that the conversation would go no further. If only I were so lucky...

"Oh yes," Sister X replies and at this point, it's clear that the good part has yet to come...
" Yep, blood straight from the head down the penis-- a straight shot."

OH MY GOSH.

The rest is a blur-- I vaguely remember fingers pointing and that's about it.

I do know that I immediately reflected upon her casually (though come to think of it, repeatedly) recounting how she's been making home made bread every other day for the last 40 years... Wait a minute! The woman also has 12 children... "It's all coming together!" I thought to myself.

It was one of the those moments that Dave and I frequently talk about-- moments that you would NEVER have imagined yourself possibly being in when you woke up that morning and rolled out of bed. Now I find myself being a bit self -conscious-- what would possibly compel this innocuous woman to share such a TREASURE of information with little old me?

Shudder.

Kung Fu Linda

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:22:00 +0000

So, Dave took the girls out today on what we fondly refer to as an "adventure." Whenever they want to go out, they actually say, every time, without fail: "Daddy, let's go on an adventure."

So anyway, today Dave took them to a playground and apparently Linda found herself cornered by some bullies up at the top of the play gym, in a spot where Dave couldn't see her, but he could hear she needed some help. So he went over to try to see if he could find out what was going on, but she was completely out of sight. The problem is, the twins are pretty big (they were in the 97th percentile for hight, and, ahem, over 100% percentile in weight) and this is according to USA standards so in Guatemala, they seriously are the same size as the average 6 year old. So "big" kids seem to be a little rough around them because I guess they just don't realize they are dealing with 2 year olds.

So, anyway, maybe these little punk kids thought they were dealing with someone their own age, when in fact, they were messing with an innocent, beautiful, smart, loving little toddler who probably never could have even dreamed of this kind of scenario outside of her utopic existence.

Well, as Dave began to tell this story over dinner, I actually envisioned grabbing these little kids by their pony tails, as I imagined little Linda huddled in a corner, crying, helpless and frightened.

Luckily, Dave had taken the girls to see their first movie a couple months ago: Kung Fu Panda.

Apparently, the film made an impression on Linda.

Right when Dave was walking over to help our helpless little girl,he heard a loud noise: HiYa!

Linda successfully summoned her inner Kung-Fu Panda Self and escaped the grasps of the little brutes and made it down the slide into Dave's arms--- and no, no little bullies were injured, although I don't think I would be terribly disappointed if they had been...

Why twins are best

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:30:00 +0000

So, this is how a common conversation would sound like between me (in my pregnant state) and any random person I found myself chatting it up with:

Random person (while not so discretely staring wide-eyed at my grotesquely large abdomen): "Oh my, are you expecting?"
Me: "Yep, twins ."(duh-- and if I may insert a little anecdote here: The day the twins were born was the day I was finally taken off of bed rest. So after 3 months of eating anything and everything in sight and not being allowed to do more than get up to go to the restroom, I decided to celebrate and go to Costco to buy a camera (okay fine, you got me, and a couple hot dogs and some pizza). The greeter at the door, who obviously lacked any semblance of tact, said to me, "Oh my gosh! What are you having? Triplets?!...")
Random person: "How fun! (and with a grin) DOUBLE TROUBLE."

Well, to all of those pessimists out there, I decided to make the following list:

Why Twins are the Best:

1. Let's begin with the obvious: 24 hour play group. The twins are inseparable and LOVE to do anything and everything together. They are never lonely and play so nicely together for hours on end, allowing me to get a whole bunch of fun stuff done during the day.

2. What could possibly be cuter than waking up to the pitter patter of 4 little feet on Dave's side of the bed and then hearing rounds of kisses and, "Wake up, Daddy!" and seeing Dave lift his head up in feigned surprise after each kiss and then plopping his head back on the pillow preparing himself for the next round. Honestly. Name one thing.

3.They talk so much! Now, this is a double-edged sword of course, because it wouldn't be so bad to have some silence around here sometimes, but otherwise, I tell you, these girls are just phenomenal when it comes to speaking. Granted, it took them a while to start spitting it out, but once one did, they both just took off and they say the funniest things all day long. They get to practice their speech throughout the day, they totally correct each other if one mispeaks, and... they even ask each other the WHY questions-- it's just great.

4.Having a little play mate also means more time to practice at developing those key fast-twitch muscles that will prove necessary for them to one day be Olympic Champions. I've been thinking lately how wonderful it would be to see one of my kids get a gold medal (since I of course should have been an Olympic Swimmer, as many of you know). One of the girls is always chasing the other around and they are consequently LIGHTENING FAST. Lightening fast. They also kick the ball around together, which besides being most impressive, is also terribly, terribly cute.

5. Because the twins had to just plain wait to get even the most fundamental of things since birth, like nourishment, they are pretty patient. They are totally fine when they don't get things right away and as a result, I am a happier person.

6. (Closely related to #4) Being ignored (is that blunt enough?) as a child, each twin has learned to have to take care of themselves or else wait an eternity to get what they want. The twins have been feeding themselves since they were 1, when they are thirsty, they get their own glass of water, when they are sleepy, they tell me and go to bed, they pick out their clothes and get dressed, and I kid you not, I caught Lucy making her own peanut butter and honey sandwich this weekend (which would have been great, if a knife hadn't been involved...).

So there it is. No need to feel sorry for me-- yes, the first year was a doozy (and losing 95 lbs wasn't exactly a treat), but really, it's okay, since I can hardly remember a thing about it anyway.

Here are some recent pics... the last one is my favorite.

So apparently the twins got a hold of the camera when mommy wasn't looking. There were several pictures that were really rather boring, but this one caught my eye. Yes, Mystery Twin is sitting in great-grandma's wheelchair...

R&R...except for that one ride...

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:36:00 +0000

Dave and I just got back from 5 days with the one and only, Casey and Christina Richards. We had a gay old time and they were kind enough to let us stay at their sweet SUITE in Orlando, Florida while Casey prepared for back surgery.

Let me begin by saying that Casey is truly a trooper. Who would think that a man, just days before back surgery and thus someone who is obviously in some serious pain, would go and do just about everything we wanted to--I say "just about" because he absolutely refused to ride a bike for 4. And I'm just positive it was because of the pain factor and not because you can't help but look absolutely ridiculous peddling around with 3 other adults. Dave and I did eventually ride a bike, for 2, and it was everything I'd ever dreamed of except for the fact that I was CONVINCED I had been the one maneuvering us around for about 30 minutes until I tried to veer right and the bike went left. Dave thought it was a riot because apparently he thinks I have control issues and that this discovery would only set me off. He is dead wrong, of course. I was perfectly fine: we just switched places seconds later and off we went peddling into the sunset. It was fantastic.

Anyway, we had a grand time eating delicious food, swimming, driving around on American freeways, chasing after ghosts on the fifth floor of a haunted hotel (boo!) in St. Petersburg, and even hunting alligators. Yes, we went on an air boat ride at 9pm through the Everglades and went lookin' for some gators. it was all fun and games until Dave, with a gator 2 feet behind him, pretended to stick his hand in the water. I was torn between begging him to come back in to safety and throwing him in the water as payback for torturing me... good Liz won, fortunately for Dave.

The trip was a hit except for this one terrifying ride Christina MADE ME GO ON (okay, it was all completely voluntary but please note that it was 100% me trying to not be a baby like when we went to Disney land with the Riches and I actually cried, CRIED, on a ride that SHOT me into the air 90mph about 30 stories high and then just dropped us to free fall long enough for me to see flashbacks of my short life, like 3x's, before it finally ended). Anyway, the ride entailed strapping myself precariously to these swings that dangled from about 30 feet of terribly weak looking chains (that humidity must corrode any kind of metal in like, a month) and catapulted us into the air hundreds of feet off the safe ground. I was fine until Dave started yelling hysterically in my ear, not out of joy, but fear, paralyzing fear. Dave doesn't like heights either and although he was acting like he was just making fun of me, I know it was him screaming out of terror just like a little girl...

If I had brought a camera, there would be plenty of pics to document this event but alas, we have to settle for this little blog. Dave and I have always tried to go on one "grown-up" trip a year, sans kiddies, and this year we were able to do it with some friends, too, which was great. We really had a great time and it was so nice to go on a great vacation and still have money to buy milk and diapers for the twins when we returned...

Which, by the way, was so very sweet. We were so excited to see the twins and were delighted to see that my parents had brought them to the airport. Lulu and Linda tore through the crowd in their cute little pj's. Linda embraced me, fiercely, and whispered in my ear, "Mommy, I am so happy Mommy. So happy." Me too, Linda.

Lucy the poet

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:06:00 +0000

The other day Lucy passed some gas and said to my dad , "Grandpa, I have a drum...in my bum."

She thinks she's pretty funny.

True to Form

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:43:00 +0000

I was putting on Linda;s shoes on the other day and she could hear Lucy downstairs playing with some blocks.

Linda shouted, "Lucy, can I play with you?"

To which our sweet little Lulu replied with gusto, " NEVAAAAAAAAAAHHHH." (never)

And then, just in case Linda didn;t get the point the first time, Lucy yelled, " NUNCAAAAAA."

I;ve never been so proud.

(and no, my apostrophe button is not working for some reason).

Who is John Galt?

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:35:00 +0000

Just finished my second Ayn Rand book in a little while and I have mixed feelings. As someone with a Lit background, I hate to admit that I can't bring myself to savor, much less just plain read, every single word she writes in her 1000+pg novels (I'm beginning to think Ayn Rant would be a suitable moniker). However, the woman has things to say that make me think.

A couple months ago I read "The Fountainhead" (1943). Besides the fact that the novel begins with a man in his birthday suit plummeting off a ledge and diving into a freezing cold lake, there were several other factors (besides a repeat) that kept me turning pages. Rand, as doubly evidenced in "Atlas Shrugged" (1957), knows how to develop characters (perhaps a bit exhaustively). They are all extreme representations of her philosophy, Objectivism--and although what her protagonists do or say becomes almost painfully predictable by around page 150--you can't help but keep reading because these characters, even in their hopeless inevitability, are a compelling and uncomfortable reminder of too many people in one's own life.

I loved the "Fountain Head" and have recommended it since to several people. Roark is inspiring in his rebellion against mindless and comfortable conformity, yet his self-defeating nature is foiled by Rand's need to redeem him by ultimately making him a hero in the public's eye (which pretty much undermines what Raynd tries to establish in the first 800 pages). I guess I expected Roark to fail simply because I though the whole premise of the novel was to prove just how impossible it is for someone like Roark to exist in the world's current state. Either I was wrong, or Rand just didn't have it in her to make her (anti-)hero suffer the same kind of martyrdom that any one like Roark would experience in real life.

Hidden within the verbose paragraphs are some great quotes and if I hadn't made a personal pact with myself to never hold a pen in my hand when I'm reading for leisure, I'm sure I"d be able to reference a few. Regardless, I think Rand is most convincing (and enjoyable) when she doesn't try so hard at making her characters simply regurgitate her philosophy for her readers through long-winded monologues. I thought her use of architecture in "The Fountainhead" was ironically reminiscent of Milton (though his usage was of course much more subtle), yet effectively original and appropriate, precisely because architecture, in it's practicality, is easily disassociated from art and history and its implications of conformity.

Now, I've said I liked "the Fountainhead" but I must admit, I've begrudged Rand's disappointing anti-feminism (at least aspects of it-- I would agree in large part with P. Shwart'z article, "Feminism's attack on Objectivism-- if I could figure out links, I'd put one here...). For a woman who is herself in many ways an anachronism (she was after all writing in the 30s, just a decade after women;s suffrage was granted in America), she is surprisingly incapable of creating a woman character who does not need a man to put her into submission (psychologically or sexually) in order to recognize in herself the kind of value any other male protagonist in "the Fountainhead" or "Atlas Shrugged" seems to be just born with. It would have been interesting to be able to talk to Ayn Rand about her thoughts on being a woman and Her role in Rand's philosophy -- although I'd love to celebrate her utopic vision and embrace the kind of person she believes it takes to create that kind of existence, I have a hard time believing she thought a woman could be that person. I hoped that because it was written later, that "Atlas Shrugged" would have redeemed what I interpreted as Rand's (unconscious?) anti-feminism, and if there was a character who would have done it, it should have been Dagny Taggart-- but alas, I was disappointed again by Dagny's pathetic behavior towards the end of the novel when she finally meets The John Galt. I don't want to give it away for those of you who haven't read it, but, man! What a disappointment when she is reduced to willingly ironing and cooking and cleaning for a man, who not only has made it his sole purpose to destroy her precisely because she is the most successful capitalist the world has ever known (and a woman to boot), but who leaves her only wanting the title of wife when she could have perhaps saved the world from its own lack of self-respect.

Am I being too harsh?

I will say, reading "Atlas Shrugged" was the perfect book to read at this time in my life when my family consistently finds itself asking, "Where are those people who want to make their lives better and understand that working hard is the answer? Where are the people who aren't looking for ways to take advantage of someone who has found success and would rather get something for nothing, rather than do more to get everything?"

Too many people here in Guatemala are complacent. Too many people think it's enough to show up to work and get a pay check that helps them barely get by, when instead they could be striving for something more. My dad's company has through the years fostered several different employees who have wanted more for themselves than the kind of life someone who simply cuts threads all day long can look forward to. My dad's plant manager was one of those people: she began as a "despitador"-- she had a 3rd grade education and cut threads that the sewing operators failed to do themselves. She worked up the ladder and after 10 years was making $60,000 a year, learned English, traveled back and forth to the States with her family (because she qualified to get a Visa), bought a home, several properties and her kids went to excellent schools. Now, this story doesn't have a happy ending since when my parent's closed down their big plant, she took the company car and ran away with it, BUT the point is, at least she had at one point that vision for herself and her family that pushed her to be more than what was perhaps expected of her.

This county has so much potential but it is unfortunately a perfect example of the kind of "looters" Rand talks about in "Atlas". Too many people clocking in, just waiting for the clock to hit 5 o'clock so they can go home and get a paycheck at the end of the week. It is so hard to motivate people here! We are now paying all benefits in every paycheck to our factory workers so as not to have to pay in June and December, 2 full month's worth of paychecks that were not earned through production (it's a national benefit system). Usually what happens is that companies can't afford to cut checks for $100,000 two times a year so the payments get spread across a couple months, or in worst case scenarios, it doesn't ever get paid. So we decide as an extra incentive to get the best operators, we will put this into every paycheck, so whenever an operator gets paid, they actually get an additional 43% (yes 43%!) on their paycheck to cover these benefits. So what happens? Yes, we get great operators. Yes, they are happy. But where is the production?? The majority could care less about exerting themselves and hitting efficiency goals because they are getting the biggest paycheck they've ever gotten and it's guaranteed. It is so frustrating-- especially since this is money they would be getting any ways! So essentially, it's better to pay minimum wage with production goals and then not pay them their benefits come June and December, then follow the law, guarantee them their benefits, and pay them the money up front. It's ridiculous. I tried once to explain that if they could hit their goals, they could put aside an extra couple hundred dollars a month and get a substantial savings to buy some property, get their kids to a good school, etc, but it falls on deaf ears. And those who do want something better are stonewalled by the rest of their production team. It's frustrating, really frustrating.

I have learned so much in the past couple years and not just about running a business. Dave and I always find ourselves saying that life here is REAL LIFE. That the lives we lived in the States was void of the kind of experiences that 99% of the world experiences every day. We have seen just about every thing you can think of here and have witnessed the entire spectrum from the best to the worst of humanity. We have learned so much and have probably been, unfortunately, hardened because of it. Nonetheless, I'm grateful for the experience. I know Dave and I have learned HOW TO WORK and the frightening and onerous responsibility one has as an EMPLOYER. I think Ayn Rand understood this too and I am grateful that she had the vision and talent to put it into words that are for the most part, a great read.

Highs (and lows)

lizfindlay@gmail.com (Liz Findlay) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:21:00 +0000

To celebrate the great week we had, we decided to cave into the twins' demands and finally take a trip to Antigua. It's one of our favorite cities and it's just 40 minutes away. It's an old colonial town that is flooded by tourists but is otherwise a place with great history, food, and of course, photo ops for the twins.

The twins love Antigua because it's a great opportunity for them to run wild get wet, and really, what more could a couple of 2 year olds ask for? When we came a year ago, the twins got soaking wet splashing around in the town square fountains and it was funny because all of these Guatemalans crowded around to warn us that if we didn't get the twins changed out of their wet clothes immediately, they would die. seriously, death was actually mentioned.

Here is one of the twin's favorites--you can just hear Linda saying, "Look at that lady's boobies, Mommy!"
Although this one (Linda) was delighted to be around the fountains, there was some hesitation at first...
Expecting it to take a minute for them to get a little more comfortable with the water, I turned my head to soak in the beautiful scenery. When I glanced back, I saw this:

And when we told them that they had mistaken the fountain for a pool, and that they could only splash, and not swim in the fountain, we saw this:

The twins then proceeded to find ways to still get soaking wet while not technically swimming in the fountain.

Such determination lead Lucy to discover this:

The day just got better and better for the twins and pretty much peaked at the horsey-ride around the park. They hopped on Napolean rode with no fear. Linda, in front, never took her eyes off the path, and Lucy held on fiercely, and both enjoyed every minute of this fantastic adventure.
My mom walked beside them as I took pictures, and Dave walked around the park giving them someone to waive at every 100 yards or so...

We had some delicious quiche at a little French restaurant and Lucy and Grandpa Holmes had a good time smelling the flowers at our pretty little table.

Later on in the day, we stumbled upon this old man who was wearing a crazy outfit and playing music on what only tourists supposed to be "native instruments," but were in fact NOT-- he was playing drums on tortoise shells for crying out loud and blowing on a trumpet that looked like it came from a stick he had found on his way over there--- anyway, it was funny because all these tourists were oohing and ahhing at him like they were witnessing this "native" moment when in fact, it may as well have been my dad out there wearing some hippie clothes just trying to find a way to keep himself busy on a Saturday afternoon.

Anyway, the music caught Linda's attention and when the girl hears music, she stops in her tracks and starts to dance. I don't know what it was she was doing-- a mix of ballet and break dancing I guess, because one moment she would throw her arms gracefully in the air and throw her leg backwards and balance on one foot and then the other minute, she'd be rolling around on the floor but stopping really abruptly in any given position just in case we wanted to take a picture (which I would have done but the camera battery had died at that point...sigh). Anyway, people started crowding around Linda and clapping for her and it was just hysterical-- she didn't even realize people were watching her because people would walk right up to her and smile and wave and she'd just ignore them completely. Lucy was so proud of her sister, too-- at the end of a song, people would clap and Lucy would yell, "hooray for Linda!" It was pretty funny.

All in all the day was great. We all had a wonderful time and I would say if not for a couple nasty incidents that occurred in the closing hours of the day, it would have been just fantastic. What happened? So this was little Linda earlier in the day:

And this was Linda at the end of the day:

Linda ate it running around the pool. I wasn't there, but apparently it didn't sound that good since you could hear her head hitting the pavement. She cried for about 2 minutes and then was fine-- no sign of concussion and there wasn't even a bump the morning after. Anyway, I'm hoping this is the first and LAST head injury we ever have to deal with...

The other incident was all Lucy.

Judging by the look on her face, I think even Lucy had some regrets about this one...