Twister

I had to include the pictures from Christmas Eve at my mom's. Because...I got my nephew Cole the game of Twister. Thinking it would be fun. Thinking it would be fun to watch the kids play. NOT thinking Anna would play, Troy would play, Carlos would play, my mom would play and even I would play. Can you say laugh until you cry and/or pee your pants?

Anna, Taylor, Cole and CJ!

Taylor and CJ...stretching!

Troy can barely breath he is laughing so hard!

My sister and brother! This is not their better sides...I do love them.

I really do!

Can you see that Carlos' legs are crossed? Ha!

Merry Christmas

Here is a rare photo of my brother and me.

Looking fairly normal for a late Christmas day,

hair is bad and double chins are doubly bad!

After a great day with my family and friends I look around the house and see my sleeping boys (all three!), the Christmas tree with opened gifts under it, a semi-clean kitchen and new toys/presents out around the house. It is peaceful and quiet. Earlier today my mom, brother and sister came over for our traditional Christmas spread...Dutch Baby and all the fixings. Yummy! We then opened presents and since CJ was the only kid (Zac just watched and was very happy in Mimi's lap) it was calm and a bit more relaxed than usual. Anna really loves her big sis, because I know am the happy owner of a Keurig. It is super cool and fits nicely right along with my Nespresso. (That was from my Dad last year!) We do love some coffee in this house! She and my mom also got us a wii fit. It is super cool and a blast to play and watch others play. I really thought my brother was going to die laughing at my trying to hula-hoop! We all took turns playing and laughing at ourselves! Maybe they should have called it laugh-fit. And of course many rounds of Guitar Hero...CJ's gift from us. Between Anna, Carlos and CJ they were rocking all day. (Can you tell I didn't get tired of it at all. Really. Not one tiny bit. NOT!) Anyway, we settled down a bit and after a bit of relaxing friends started dropping by for a hello, some nibbles, exchange gifts and share the day. A shout out to Tramaine, always nice to see ya! Kari and Xander stopped by and he showed off his new DS outfitted with every Star Wars extra imaginable! The Ryan's also stopped by and Bethany surprised Kari and I with Wicked tickets for March! Yeah!!! Andrea also made a quick stop for a hello and my mom's super yummy chocolate cream pie. What a wonderful day filled with tons and tons of laughter, funny stories, my fabulous baby boy being smiley all day and my home full of love. Thanks everyone!

And of course my baby boy Zac!

Merry Christmas!!!!

First Time Eating and Sledding

Here is Zac eating from a spoon for the first time at Mimi's.

Here are some fun pictures of sledding with the kids, Anna, Kari and Xander! Fun times!

The Christmas Spirit

I have been wanted to blog about the spirit of Christmas for awhile, but my friend Judy beat me to it! I too was in a Christmas spirit slump...until the snow arrived! It has been really fantastic around here the last week and a half! In McMinnville it was recorded that we got a record 18 inches of snow. 18 inches! Of course that brings on a host of problems, but that is not my focus for today's blog on this Christmas Eve, today is about the Christmas spirit. The snow canceled 5 days of school in a row, that means we all stayed home...3rd grader and me the teacher. And after 12 years of marriage my husband finally got to stay home around the holidays. Now all of us home had its issues, but for the most part it was wonderful. We got up when we wanted, ate-drank-ate when we wanted, played, watched movies, talked, tickle fights, laughter and fun with the whole family. We did get out and make a snowman, go sledding and of course many snowball fights. The house was trashed, cleaned, trashed and cleaned everyday with snow coats, gloves, mittens, scarves and boots and we actually got into quite a routine. So where is this Christmas spirit I speak of? In the phone calls, emails, texts, blogs and visits from family and friends. I witnessed families eating breakfast together, laughter in the backgrounds, countless photos of kids and snow-snow and kids and some long conversations with my friends and family members I have not talked to in a long time! How many times in a lifetime do we get to be with our families uninterrupted and look out the window at a white-wonderland? The Christmas spirit is alive and well... it just came a little later than usual and brought some unexpected weather with it! So, here I am blogging on Christmas Eve at my mom's house. Candles are lit. Christmas tree is twinkling as my son sleeps under it. Kids are playing. Deer are frolicking in the backyard. (True story.) Now the appetizers are being served and I am getting the look to get off the computer...So Merry Christmas to all and I hope the Christmas spirit finds you and your family well! How does joy find you? How does the light of Christmas reach you?

Two Snowmen and One Snowboy

Steve and Carlos and my-off-camera-voice...oh yeah, and can't figure out how to turn it! Sorry!

Steve wanted to make a body print in the snow and as you can tell from my high-screeching-annoying-louder-than-I-ever-imagined-voice and coupled with my word choice...Carlos too "decided" to make a body print in the snow. CJ needed no convincing! Both videos are cute, minus my voice. Like you said Allison, how do I edit my voice out? Yikes! Note to others reading my blog NOT in the PacNW, these body prints were made about 9:00PM Sunday night, Monday at 6:30AM, Steve said they were practically filled in with new snow! We are getting really dumped on! I love it!

CJ making his snow print! I love how his feet are higher! Too cute!

The Lomas Brothers

Carlos' brother and his family came over for a visit, to eat, play and exchange gifts. As always it is fun, relaxing and fun to hear and see the kids interact. Right now Angie has baby Zac while cousin Angel and Jesse's gf help out, Jesse and John are playing the wii, Carlos is doing dishes, CJ is taking pictures, Jimmy and Dakota are hanging on the couch and I am blogging...watching it all and amazed at the amount of snow dumping out of the sky! It is totally gorgeous outside and warm and cozy inside Here is a rare picture of the two of the four brothers...Carlos and his little bro Jimmy.

Uncle Jimmy and nephew Zac!

Zac in his new Bumbo chair from Auntie Angie.

John, Jimmy, Angel, Angie, Dakota, Jesse, Jenny

Cousins Angel and CJ

Snow Day #5

Building a snowman or three, snowball fights, tamale at Troy and Kari's with the Ryan's then finally some cookie decorating...and lots of family fun...that is how we spent snow day #5! What a great day filled with fabulous memories!

My Sibs

Here are two people in my life that have always been there...through thick and thin, ups and downs, good times and bad. I love my siblings and really can't imagine my life without them.

Troy

Troy and his nephew...my baby Zac. Yes, double chins do run in the family.

You are the quintessential big brother. You do always seem to look out for me and believe it or not your opinion does matter to me! Ha! Growing up with you sure had its obstacles but I wouldn't change one single minute of those years. You are funny, sensitive and and I love how much you love my boys! Thanks for putting down roots near my family so our children "the cousins" can grow up knowing each other! It means a lot to me.


Anna

Anna and I at b-fast downtown...see, the double chins! I told you!

Anna has the perfect length of arms to take some great pictures.

The younger, taller, blonder more athletic "one" of the family...who I love, love, love. I love my seeeeeeeeeeeeestor! She too is funny, kind and has a sense of sarcasm that is only matched by mine. I can also speak the Spanish with her...muy bueno! She is an animal lover and wonderful auntie to my boys. Million thanks for being there for the birth of my baby Zac!

Snow Day #4

I seriously think my son is scared of going back outside in fear of getting frost bite or hypothermia! He has been running errands with his Dad, playing outside for bits at a time and staying really busy in the house, but no serious snow play since Monday and his "frostbite". It might change with the new addition of snow this evening. Tomorrow is another day. I am hoping he will really want to go outside and play because I really want to play! :) Carlos just told me he and CJ are making a snowman tomorrow...yeah! Here are some great pictures of what is happening in my neck of the woods!

Recipe Exchange

Well this is mostly a recipe cut/paste, but it will do because they are soooo, sooooo good. As mentioned in a previous post, Carlos and CJ made some fabulous cookies. Carlos has been all over the Internet, cooking magazines and cooking shows to find just the cookies he wanted to make. So, from Disney Family Food, here they are! They turned out fabulous! Enjoy! (I couldn't resist also adding the nutritional information also!) hee hee

Carmel Filled Chocolate Cookies

Chocolate cookie dough is wrapped around caramel filled chocolate candies.

Prep Time:
20m
Cook Time:
10m
Ready in:
3h
Yield:
4 dozen

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon white sugar
48 chocolate-covered caramel candies
Directions
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in white sugar and brown sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, and cocoa. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating well. Stir in 1/2 cup walnuts. Cover and chill at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Combine remaining 1/2 cup nuts with the 1 tablespoon sugar. Divide the dough into 4 parts. Work with one part at a time, leaving the remainder in the refrigerator until needed. Divide each part into 12 pieces. Quickly press each piece of dough around a chocolate covered caramel. Roll into a ball. Dip the tops into the sugar mixture. Place sugar side up, 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets.
Bake for 8 minutes in the preheated oven. Let cool for 3 to 4 minutes on the baking sheets before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Nutrition Information Servings Per Recipe: 24

Amount Per Serving

Calories:
250 cal

Total Fat:
13 g

Cholesterol:
39 mg

Sodium:
151 mg

Carbohydrates:
32.2 g

Fiber:
1.6 g

Protein:
3.4 g

Snow Day #3

Not much happened today...more walking downtown, more out to breakfast (this time with my sister) and more just lounging around. How come I am not getting my to do list done? Why do I still have things to do that I always have just needed a bit of time to do and now that I have the time I am not doing it? I totally know there are those of you out there in the same situation as me...admitting it or not. I am not going to feel guilty though. I refuse. I am going to take in the relaxing time I had with my boys, my hubby (note: DON'T read my facebook comments) and just being at home with warmth, beautiful Christmas lights and a decorated house. This is what relaxing is and not feeling guilty is part of relaxing. So where are the pictures of said relaxation? Well right here of course. Carlos and CJ baked cookies and had a blast! I loved the smell of the house, the taste of fresh cookies and of course seeing my boys in their aprons!

Snow Day #2

Well, today was filled with fun times...the indoor kind. I started off the day at Wildwood Restaurant for some yummy breakfast with teacher friends, then to Amy's house for the classic viewing of Christmas Vacation then to Davey's house to help her organize some stuff and get ready for her new arrival on Thursday. To finish off the day I took a nap with Zac and then hung out with my sister for a bit. Good times...indoors! And since our school district (finally) called in for no school tomorrow (the last district to do so in the county) there will most definitely be another post tomorrow...snow day #3 maybe? Anyway, here is the best thing about today...my sister Anna and her baby nephew. She has been very busy lately and I know misses her baby very much. We miss having her around too.

For My Brother

My brother called me when I had his kids today...I asked him to hurry up and meet us for some impromptu pictures of his kids in the snow. His kids and CJ were so excited! Since his divorce he has limited time with his kids so a few hours in the snow was quite unexpected for all of us! The kids quickly started stock-piling snowballs and they even made a little fort around the snowballs. It should be noted the snow was so dry it was very difficult to even make one let alone the 20 or so they made in record time. When Troy did get there the kids were ready! The screaming, running around and snowballs flying is a scene I will remember for a long time! They had a blast! CJ and Taylor against Troy and Cole...running, hiding, dodging, tripping, falling, laughing, yelling and more laughter! Good times! Here are some pictures for my brother! (And Taylor...she has no problem pirating my pictures for her computer. Truth be told I don't really mind either.) Hey Taylor, just know I made you a CD this time! I love this picture! They are having so much fun even though Troy was whining like a baby that it was too cold. (sorry, had to get a sisterly dig in)

Those are CJ's legs going over Uncle Troy.

Ready? Aim. Fire!

Here is a great picture too. They were very happy to see their Dad.

Love my niece and nephew!

Snow Day #1

Today was out first snow day of this school year (tomorrow is cancelled already too, the school district called it at 5:30pm...I am hoping to have Snow Day #2 as a post tomorrow) It is very, very cold here with some great dry snow. It looks beautiful, it is nice and quiet on the snowy streets and you just can't beat cold noses and cold cheeks! Carlos and I took out boys and the cousins out for lunch, walked a bit downtown then headed to the local school grounds for some snow fun! When we got home (all wet and really, really cold) CJ jumped right in the shower to warm up, little did he know that when you are really cold and jump into a hot shower it kind of hurts! So, some major screaming and crying later and some hot soup he went to his bed to "warm up some more" and ended up sleeping for 2 hours! I can't remember the last time he took a nap. Carlos has him convinced he had a mild case of frost bite or slight hypothermia! (Don't worry Alison, he had neither) Shortly after CJ feel asleep his little brother was right behind him. Must have been all the snow watching from the window! It was just too cold to take him out for pictures this time. Cousins!

Taylor!

CJ!

Cole!

Zac sleeping in the BOB and all warm and cozy for our walk down 3rd Street.

Carlos, Taylor, Cole and CJ on our walk. Brrrrrr...it was C-O-L-D!

Mickey D's

The second most hated place (right behind Wally-World) is McDonald's. After saying that I have been there twice within the last week. But, before that I have not been there for at least 6-8 months. I do like Wendy's and BK, but have no respect or like of the old McD's. I know, I know their fries are the best. So....CJ are in the drive thru ordering just for him, a special treat, but I did snag a few fries and we get to the pay window (the first window you pay at):

Cashier: That will be $6.09
Me: Thanks
CJ: (seeing young boy by the cashier) What is this, take your kid to work day?
Me: (Laughing, laughing, laughing) Not that I know of.

The comment alone got me laughing, but you also must know that the young boy by the cashier was about 15 years old and the cashier? She was all of 20. I guess 8 year olds don't know the the age difference/having a child ratio. And that is just fine!

Why Do We Blog?

I must say that I sometimes wonder this as I am blogging...for me it is the therapy of thinking through the day...feeling blessed and grateful for all that I have. Or is it the funny post so I don't forget the little funnies down the road? Is it to share with my friends and family? Who is my audience? Sometimes me sometimes you...does it matter? I hope to get all my blogs published as a coffee table book for my family. I think I might do this after one year of blogging...a bit of a scrapbook/diary of our lives. I have to admit, if there was blogging when I was in jr. or sr. high my diaries would have never been left and unfinished. I like that I can choose my audience and not always have to write to myself.
And one more thing...I know there are stalkers out there, you know who you are...the ones who read but don't comment. No big deal, you like your spyish ways and that is fine. Just know it is always nice to hear from you. Personally I like commenting on friends' blogs. (This is not a guilt trip...repeat, this is not a guilt trip) It lets them know that what they say is funny, interesting, something that I can relate to or that they have an audience of more than just themselves. So...why do you blog?

Get'n the Tree

Why is getting a Christmas tree so fun? I really do love going for many reasons:

1. it is usually very cold and clear

2. getting muddy can be fun

3. getting just the right tree can take some time, but it is worth it!

4. coffee and some lunch are usually included

5. going with our good friends the Ryan's make it even better!

6. coming home and taking a nap is an added bonus that did happen this year

This year most of those reasons held true, except I trusted hubby and oldest son to pick out just the right tree while I fed youngest in the warm truck. They did send me texts and pictures from "the field" of some good trees they found. Truth be told...I really couldn't make out if one tree was better than the other. At the end of the day we had a beautiful tree, a sleeping baby and time for some yummy Mexican food from Mazatlan with great company! As I publish this post I am sitting in my decorated, clean house and enjoying the relaxing evening. Ready for a full week of work, basketball practices and games and all the other things that seem to fill a week.

Finally, I was going to post some great pictures my sister took, but she beat me to it on her blog. We laughed so hard we were crying. I do love my seeeeeeeeeeeeeeestor! Thanks for a great morning of hanging out, eating and laughing. Love ya!

Laughing Baby Boy with His Mimi

My mom answered the...The Come-Over-Quick-and-Help-Me-Move-My-Furniture-for-Christmas phone call...lucky her! She took some time out to play with Zac and totally make him laugh! They were looking at each other in our mirror over the mantle. I love (LOVE) his laugh! Thanks Mom! I am not sure who was having more fun?! If you listen closely you can tell we were watching HGTV/Color Splash! Love that show.

My Big Boy Zac

Well here is the little guy...not so little anymore! He is liking his chair-table-playstation-thing a lot! (Thanks Auntie Bethany!) He can play for about 10 min then he is d-o-n-e. I am so thrilled that I caught his eyebrow lift. He does this quite often and we are forever trying to get other people to see it, take a picture of it or get him to do it. So now I have proof! Yeah!

My Heroes

Playing Guitar Hero and loving it! So many hours wasted? No, those are real father-son bonding time! I so don't get it! :)

CJ #2

Hey all...I just updated my son's blog. Here is the new, updated link: www.tortuga14.blogspot.com. He has enjoyed the comments he got last time, so.....if you sent one before can you please resend? I had to delete his old one. Sorry. Thanks a bunch!

CJ

My son is so very interesting. Who knew that he would grow up to be thoughtful, kind and sweet? How does it all work? (I know, I know...) But, it is really amazing to hear him hold intelligent conversations, have a real and valid opinion, show kindness to his baby brother and I love his outlook on life. He is so full of life and he usually is one to see the cup half full. He loves being outside with his dad, helping and putting things together and helps his Mimi around her house too. He has a kind heart. You are probably wondering why I am so mushy thing morning about my eldest? He asked if he could have his own blog. We decided that it would be a great place for him to share his thoughts, memories and practice some writing. It probably has nothing to do with the fact he thinks Maddy (daughter of Sarri) has her own blog. I have always said that copying is the highest form of flattering. Blog away my son. So, without further ado I present to you the link to my son's blog http://www.tortuga14.blogspot.com/

It Means You Love Me

CJ was just hanging out the other day. I walked by him and rubbed his ear with just one hand. (I do this all the time) I asked him if he knew what it meant when I rubbed his ear? He said...it means you love me. I love that he knows that without me ever telling him. A bit sappy, but hey, he is a 3rd grader and I am going to take what I can get...because he is going to be a teenager before I know it and he so will NOT let me rub his ear. I guess that is what my youngest child is for. :)

12.1.08

23 more shopping days left!

Population Cute: +1

(thank goodness I remembered this one...)
CJ came into our room this morning to hug and kiss and wish Zac Happy Thanksgiving. This alone is very loving and sweet. Then started to talk to his baby brother:

CJ: How is my baby brother? Love you, love you...
Zac: goo....ooooo....
CJ: Hello little one that populated cuteness.
Mom: What does that mean?
CJ: Zac is the one who populated the cuteness factor.
Mom: Oh, that is too cute! Where did you get that?
CJ: I just made it up.

LOVE MY BOYS! I am so thankful for their love and their bond with each other.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Guess Where I Am?...and some random thoughts

It is NOT some tropical, exotic, white-sands beach or resort...silly you, I have a 3 month old baby who still "needs me" if you get my drift. Rather on this Friday night I am in bed watching 27 Dresses and blogging! How can that be you ask? Well, with my laptop I am able to really multi-task: CJ in bed, Zac in co-sleeper, TV on to what I want, reading and typing blog in comfy bed. Carlos? Playing pool on his league. No worries.

I just re-read my blogs from August. All before Zac was born. That is a trip! I sounded a bit anxious and hot! In these frosty mornings I forget how hot is was this summer. I also remember how anxious I was about the delivery (all went well) and I was wondering what Zac was going to look like...after knowing him now for 3 months he looks exactly the way I thought he would. It is such a strange thing. Your kids look exactly like they should. Crazy. BTW, I totally love being mommy to an infant...all over again. Sleep? Still have not had enough, but all is good for now. I am still working half time and can get some great morning naps in. Reality will fully set in after winter break when I go back full time.

Now I am watching Barbar Walters special on our president elect...must go and listen.
Enjoy your time with your family and friends this Thanksgiving. Gobble, Gobble.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Here is a shocker...I like conferences. I like meeting the parents and "finally" knowing why their child acts the way they do (the good, bad and ugly). I like listening to the parents share some funny story or pretty much anything about their child and it makes a connection for me to have with them in class. I like seeing the whole family interact, the dynamics and how their child acts. I notice that parents all have generally the same goal for their child (to be successful). I like seeing the parent in me in so many of my students' parents. It is always comforting to know you are not an island. I find it all interesting and really do feel it makes me a better teacher for their child. I like sharing with the parents that I like their child and usually have some silly story to share with them too. I like conferences even when the news to share is not that great (academics and behaviors are sometimes not a great pair) because eventually it all comes out that 2nd grade is at the beginning of their academic career and really, can't we all just get along and have some fun? So, there you have it...I like conferences. There you have it. The secret it out.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

My niece Taylor did an amazing job as the White Witch's evil henchman. It was a fun play to watch and to see my son, his friend Xander and cousin Cole all watch it with enthusiasm was entertaining too. Great job Taylor! For more on this fun night visit my sister's blog, she pretty much says all that I wanted to say...complete with my son's quotes (that she remembered) and witty banter.

"Regular Old Super Mom"

So, I regularly forget to post my conversations with CJ and/or my conversations with Carlos because I totally forget that:
1) I have had any conversation other than those regarding feeding schedules or diapers
2) I still have mommy-brain and I should write things down
3) Maybe the conversations that CJ and I have would not be post-worthy
So imagine my amazement at myself for remembering to write some notes about a conversation between CJ and I. Yeah for me. Now imagine even more amazement for myself when I remember the notes I wrote, got them out of my wallet then sat down to type the post. Yeah for me. Ready? I can read my notes, but don't remember exactly what the conversation was about. So sad for me. So, here goes the text.

CJ: What does that stuff do?
I don't remember what he is talking about but I do say something to the effect of "regular old mom" (that is what I wrote down) THEN he replies..."regular old super mom" (I did weite that down too...of course). I still can't remember what we were talking about or what we were doing. I do remember where we were...no help there. I do remember feeling oh so warm and cozy about his reply. I do love my son. And I do remember thinking I need to write this down so I don't forget. Apparently I need to write more detailed notes.

Hmmm...that explains my college grades a lot more now.

Laptop....Oh My!

Here I am typing on my new-to-me laptop, watching TV, watching my oldest play with my youngest, hanging out on a Friday night. I love it! It may not mean anything to all of you, but it means more freedom for me. Yeah! Has anyone typed and nursed at the same time? Just kidding. Really, I am kidding. Maybe.

The Mighty Hunter

...has returned with no 4-legged animal strapped to the hood and I am thankful. He is not too happy, but I am glad, thrilled and relieved he is home safe and sound. So, that is the reason for my week-of-not-blogging...too damn busy as a single mom! Thanks to my family that helped out! We could not have done it with out you and I really do appreciate your support. I love living in my home town with my family so near by! Love ya!

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho...

...it is off to work I go (went). That is why the blogging has really slowed down...well, stopped. Sarri beat me to the blog I was going to write. Teresea wrote what I wanted to say about the outcome of the election. So...until I have a working computer, time that I am not nursing, laundry, report cards, planning, sleeping, cooking, driving, and btw how many of you know who that guy sleeping/snoring next to you is every night? When do I get to hang out with him again? ...well, you get the picture I will blog again. I will get into a routine. Right?

The Day

Zac and CJ

8.25.08
Today is the day 11.03.08...I return to work. Not as bad as I once thought. Time does do wonders. I could not have returned one day earlier. I love staying home, watching him, holding him and doing all the home stuff, making our house a home. Do I miss my career? Not sure, give me a few more days, maybe weeks "in the field" and let my mommy brain merge with my work brain. I am staying positive. I can do this (lots of people do it very successfully) and I will be able to function normally. Whatever that means. So, without further delay, I am off to work. Baby fed, clothes on, makeup and hair done, lunch packed, coffee drank and baby staying home with Dad. Well, that doesn't seem that bad. Thanks blog therapy!

And a big thank you to my Uncle Joe who sent me very heartfelt and kind words this very morning! I love ya Uncle Joe!!

Baile Tampico

The 3rd graders at Columbus celebrate Hispanic Awareness month by learning dances and singing songs in English and Spanish. CJ has been practicing all month and was very, very nervous about performing in front of the entire school.
CJ: Mama, I am going to have stagefright.
Me: You will be fine, just remember to breathe.
CJ: OK.
Fast forward to the day of the dance and I saw CJ out there taking small breaths and really concentrating on not having stagefright. He did a fabulous job and we are so proud!!!!