Yes, Virginia, Camels do Have Toes.

We decided at the last possible minute, to drive 5 hours to Albuquerque on Tuesday. Mami needed to go to the temple (and going to Juarez, Mexico is not an option right now, what with all of the mayhem) and we had a group of friends who could provide childcare.

So we packed our bag, hopped in the Explorer, lost the Ipod in our haste, and made the drive.

Wednesday morning, at the crack of dawn, Mami and some pals went to the temple--and it was exactly what I needed. I felt energized and that everything would be fine.

And then I stopped at the cafeteria and got a Kara truffle and a gingersnap. Even finer.

We headed back to the hotel to check out in a frenzy, and then went to the faboo Albuquerque Zoo. With, apparently, the entire population of New Mexico.
We saw Mingos, Jagrawrs ("RAWR! Now you say RWARS a me! Do it, you Jagrawr!"), polar bears ("What does a polar bear say?" ".....HONK HONK!!!" "Ok.") and GoCougs. And then--AND THEN!

I have no vanity when it comes to the informative purposes of showing you, my friends, what the proper pose is for mounting a camel. And yes, Azucar, those are crocs. Suck it.

And after we drove home last night we found apackage waiting from Papi. Complete with Jamel the Camel ("He say MOOOOOO! And *sniff*!"). And a burkha.



What a day!

Deployment Survival Must? Twice a Week Gymnastics!

Many people have commented on the fact that it must be difficult to be alone all of the time, what with Army seducing W and everything, and it is. One solution? Getting out of the house. Another solution, feeling joy. Combine both of them and you have the makings of a great day.


I defy you to find a better joy-bringer than attending a toddler class of any kind. Dance recitals, soccer games, karate--all are acceptable for enjoyment. Most, however, do not take kids until they are three.

But gymnastics loves the terribles! (Think about it--the Chinese and the Russians get them in the womb to start doing handsprings. That is why they get gold medals, people!)

If you are ever feeling lonely or blue, get yourself out of the house, call up a niece or nephew, and watch their class. If you are lucky, you will see the following things:

• tantrums from toddlers
• tantrums from competitive mommies
• nose picking
• random singing and dancing
• twirling
• crotch grabbing
• the "ta-daa" moment

This final point is the must for sure--that moment when you have never been happier in your whole day, because the kid did it right--whatever it happens to be. Maybe they kicked the ball, did the right move, or figured out where their hips are located. But at that moment, you MUST yell "You did it! Ta-Daa!" and the kid lights up completely. Excitement is high. You cannot help but soak it in. It is addicting.

And so I present Joojia Comanice Lou Retton.
(And the twice a week gymnastics class!)




Showing off her "Ha-Haaa!" before she goes to "Jinkies."

Jumping and climbing. She is in heaven.
She then gets a sticker and a sucker.