Family Time

I love taking pictures such as these. I love having our kids with their cousins - on both sides of the family tree. Whenever I can gather all the little chickies together I snap a few shots. When they are teens and in college I hope they remember their childhood memories and continue great friendships with their cousins.

Free Entertainment

A rainstorm is a parenting bonus in our family. This is a free and exhilarating activity for the kids. I love watching them run and scream with delight. They feel as though they are breaking all the rules when they get to run and jump in their clothes. The boys were even body surfing in the gutter water. They all had a blast! This is also a good way to get your kids acclimated to thunder and lighting. They should be cautious for sure, but not afraid of nature's hiccups. Aren't my kids' so squishable?

His First Fight

I had the kids in the 'child watch' center at the YMCA and from where I was I could hear Mason crying/whining. Normally I would let Jen handle the crying, but she was in the pool swimming laps and I didn't want to disturb her so I started towards the sound. As I came closer I could tell that this wasn't your gratuitous whining. As I opened the door I saw that Mason had a bloody nose! The first thing he told me, as he pointed to a boy next to him(that was about six inches taller than him), was,"He punched me and gave a bloody nose!"

I asked, "Mason, did you hit him?"

"Yes."

"Did you hit him first?"

"Yes, but he gave me a blood nose!"

I remember when I 'almost' got into a fight, but that wasn't until I was in sixth grade. Mason's only 4 and already his first fight. Hopefully he learned his lesson that when you hit, other kids will usually hit back. If anything, at least don't hit kids that are six inches taller than you.

Latex Lovers

This is what happens when Noel moves all her belongs into the living room because Jennifer hasn't organized a space for her sister yet.

I will say that Cora actually looks very fashionable in her cap! There is something about the shape of her face that reminds me of Noel and Kara when she is photographed. Is it the cheek bones or a mix of cheeks with angled chin? I dunno, but those two chicas are hotties so Cora is on a great path to beauty.

Chirp Chirp

Noel, this one is for you. I've been thinking about it today and laughing to myself:

"Also, chicken is my favorite food. Also, chickens are yellow and that's my favorite color!!"

Blue Party

love notes from family members were strung along the wall for noel to enjoy

she was bawling tears of happiness and appreciation from the moment she walked in the house
baskin robbins ice cream cake for the occasion. noel felt so loved by everyone.

wiped out

fried, spent, exhausted, wasted, tuckered out, toasted, blitzed, worn out, tired, pooped

that would be summer 2009

i am enjoying being home with the kids, but my mental picture of this summer was a lot slower-paced. it makes me long for autumn, but what good is not living in the moment of here-and-now?

maybe i over scheduled myself and the kids. maybe i'm just tired.

i want to go there (see above)

just paco and i, no kids. i want to fish, swim, hike, canoe, sleep, and cook. it would be so lovely. a lovely dream indeed.

instead i have been

scouts
scout camp
swimming lessons
swimming, daily
tri training
babysitting
teaching church lessons
attending mutual
running to basketball
running to soccer
arranging play dates
attending play dates
water aerobics
doctor appointments
hair cuts
quilting
interior decorating
organizing closets
math/reading/writing homework
summer reading program

laundry can be inserted at every other line. that and fixing the kids something to eat every two hours. they are like infants in their food demands. no wonder they grow so much in the summer months.

i just want to say again, all you home school mommies - more power to you because i need my kids to leave and return everyday.

they've left me spent.

Mr. Helpful

I had to go in to the office for a few hours over the weekend and took Cristian with me. While we were there, we made a trip to the men's room and Cristian made the observation that the faucet he was washing his hands in had very low water pressure. He turned to me and said "Dad, this faucet doesn't work. We should put an 'Out of Order' sign on it."

I couldn't think of a good reason why not, so I indulged him and said we'd go back to my office and find something to write a note on. I have plenty of post-its so Cristian wrote his sign in blue highlighter and scampered back to the men's room to put up his sign. We left about an hour afterwards and I didn't think about Cristian's sign the rest of the weekend.

I showed up to work on Monday and when I made my first trip to the restroom I noticed that Cristian's sign was still there. My first instinct was to take it down so that there wouldn't be any "issues" over handwritten signs around the office. I resisted and left it there to see how long it would last. I went back a number of times throughout the day and his sign was there every time. I thought that for sure, the cleaning crew would throw the post-it away when they made their rounds at the end of the day on Monday.

When I went to the restroom on Tuesday morning, not only was the sign still there, but the building fix-it guy was working on the faucet! Who knew that a seemingly fleeting observation from an 8 year old would actually get our faucet fixed. I hadn't used that faucet for at least year because of the low water pressure! Go figure.

Potty Observations

Mama bought a new brand of toilet paper last week in an effort to experiment and save a few quarters. No biggie, but, sadly it was somewhat of an exciting adventure for me. After a couple of days in the bathrooms one of my children approached me with their thoughts on the new paper. It was like "fabric but didn't bend every good." Amazingly, I had had very similar thoughts.

Now, pray tell, which of my four children would be so observant and articulate on such a topic?

a) Cristian
b) Mason
c) Cora
d) Perry

Happy voting!

Double Punishment

Mason is at a lovely phase in his 4-year old life and that phase is called, "let's touch other peoples privates." He's been kicking Bug in the groin, slapping his sister's bum, and finally put his hand down Cora's shirt. That was more than enough. It was time for the spanking.

So I sat down with him again and gave a thorough explanation of why that is NOT alright. We went over where our "private" areas are located. And then came the consequences. I explained that from now on there would be spankings if this happened. He thought he was in the clear. Not so.

I told him to pull down his shorts and undies. The panic set in. Then he pulled the act of desperation. When he and Perry are going to get spanked by me, they start crying and start begging for dad to be allowed to do it. This is because mom spanks a heck of a lot harder than dad. I was sick of this game too. So I called his bluff.

"Oh, you want daddy to spank you?"

Dramatic whimpering, "Yes."

"Okay," I replied brightly, turning back to Carlos who was in the room behind us. "Paco, Mason would like you to spank him after I spank him."

Whimpering instantly stops. Look of confusion/horror replace his face.

I was loving this.

Mason backtracks. "No, I want daddy to spank me!"

"He is Mason. He will spank you after me. I don't know why you want 2 spankings, but if you want it, we'll give it to you."

Hysterics set in. I had Carlos go first because I do spank harder. I wanted to leave him with a lovely lasting impression.

Poor Carlos. He always cringes when he has to spank. This time was no different. I, on the other hand, feel nothing. It's very symbolic of our personalities, no?

Earl Girl

Natalie, I have a creative itch that only be scratched with the sewing machine. Lucky you, you are the recipient of the finished project - whatever it may be. But you know me, you can expect "it" around February next year!

How many people can fit into a small bathroom?

It takes just one tornado warning to find out.
This is a view from our living room looking into our bathroom late Thursday, June 11. There was a tornado warning in the area and we fit 4 adults and 6 children into one small bathroom. Carlos was taking the picture and if a tornado did strike he would basically jump on the group like he was crowd surfing and kick the door shut. Luckily, no one had the 'urge' to go.If you've been in our house, you'd see what a small space this really is. The pictures are a bit low quality because they were taken with Jen's cell phone camera. The camera was in the car and, well...no one was about to go out of the house for just a camera.

Carlos & Brandon - this ones for you!

A Lovely Man

It is FATHER'S DAY, the day to celebrate the wonderfulness of CARLOS. Our family has hit the jackpot with you as our daddy and husband. It is more apparent to me as time drifts by and the role of men in our society becomes less sacred and vital to the family. I love it that you model for our boys how to be man and not a male. You teach them work, honesty, integrity, and honor. You make the girls feel beautiful and special and treat them like little queens in training. I love that not only our family benefits from you. You are a mentor and father to Noel and Shay. You genuinely love and care for each member of my family and would do anything good for them.

You are always gentle, forgiving, and patient - especially with me. You accept my grouchy ways and praise my noteworthy ones. You have always worked hard to provide for our little family. You are always willing to jump right in with the kids when you walk through the door and never deny me a midnight Sonic run.

You are just a lovely man.

Six Flags San Antonio

Here's our day at Six Flags. We went with our friends, the Jensen's. They got us in fo' free. Not bad right? Perry and Emily here in the throws of best-friendhood. They are often inseparable & didn't disappoint.

The Riddler! We asked him to tell us a riddle and he had a few up his sleeve. It is a good thing the kids were standing in front of him because his lime green ensemble was pretty tight!

Cora, Mason, & Jake on this silly little ride that they all loved for some reason. They rode it about 4 times.

This was a beautiful carousel that we found at the close of the evening. The animals were just gorgeous and painted in vivid enamel colors. There is something so magical and pure about a carousel. We all enjoyed a few rounds.

The Green Lantern. I have no idea who he is, but I was told that he is a 'good guy'. We bought all the kids superhero capes which have been worn regularly by all since the purchase. Bug had the Riddler, Cora had Supergirl, and Maosn & Perry the classic ... Superman.

Redemption

Sometimes even perfect husbands say insensitive things. But, hey these are gorgeous flowers - they are very similar to my wedding bouquet. Aah, younger days...

30

Getting back to my triathlon training.... I had been very discouraged because I have seen no results from all my working out. Don't get me wrong, I am firmer and have nasty quad muscles now, but haven't lost one stink'n pound!

I also have been unusually irritable since training, like chronic PMS. Not fun for anyone affected. So I decided to go have my blood checked. Surely my cholesterol has been affected by 1 and 2-hour workouts 5x a week right?

I talk to my nurse practitioner who happens to be participating in Noel and Shay's same triathlon. She too is perplexed by my fatness. She mildly insinuates that I may not be working out as much as I confess to be. At which point I mentally slap her strongly across her size 2 face. Boy, I hope she doesn't read my blog cuz my co-pays will increase fo' sure.

So we take some blood work. She says my testosterone levels may have increased with all my imaginary working-out. GREAT! Wrestlers quads and a full beard, oh and I'm still fat. Are we getting the visual here?

I got my lab results back and....GUESS WHAT?! My cholesterol has dropped 30 whoop'n points!! My LDL has dropped 30 points while HDL has gone up 2 points (that's good news). So basically my emaciated doctor has to now believe that I am working out. I am so proud of my body. And let me tell you, I needed some validation of what I am doing. I told Noel, "If there isn't a significant drop in my cholesterol I'm going to sit on the couch and eat lard for the rest of my life!"

Whew, crisis averted!

Eager Mistress

My sisters and brother have been visiting our family this weekend. That means bed juggling. And THAT means we have one of our critters in our bed. This time it was Cora. She has become increasingly fascinating to chat with these days. She talks and thinks like a 13 year old girl. It makes me wonder when she is 13 does that mean she'll talk like a 25 year old woman? Probably.

So we covered the girl spectrum of topics and questions. She has encountered her first betrayal of girlfriends with a secret of hers. It really has wounded her. She brings it up and talks about losing her trust in them. Wasn't my 6 year old life so much simpler that this?

She asked when was the very soonest she could have make-up. I informed her that she already has make-up. This was met with first, confusion and second, denial. Yep, she has fingernail polish and clear lip gloss. This was met with first, acceptance and second, injustice.

On to fashion...the question was, "Mom, when I am a grown up can I have nothing but beautiful dresses and high heels in my closet?" I told her of course she could and that she can buy all those things herself. She was thrilled.

Boys, of course. She asked when was the VERY EARLIEST age that I would let her get married. I love the naivete. If only she'd seek my approval in 20 years when she does marry. But I played along because I totally believe in brainwashing my kids with all my theories on life. I told her the VERY SOONEST would be age 24. She also thinks that'll be her first time kissing.

Oh, so bittersweet her little dreams as reality comes smashing them all to bits.

Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother's Day.

I hope that all the moms felt loved

and appreciated on this special day made just

for them. I always try to make this an

extra special day for Jen since she does so much

for me and our family. As the kids get older, it's

been easier and funner to get the kids involved. I

must say that the little ones aren't so good at

keeping "mom's surprise" a secret.

The first thing Cristian and Cora wanted to do this

morning was to give Jen some of the cards and

other items they made for her at school during the week.

Cora helped me make Jen breakfast in bed.

It was a gourmet meal...Malt-o-meal. But it

was what Jen wanted and the kids liked it too

(it was a win-win).

These are some of the drawings and cards

Jen got today from our children.

Perry's Contribution

(I don't know if Perry understood that this was

supposed to be mom's favorite things, not hers)

Mason's Contribution

(I left out the page that Mason says mom likes to spank him)

Cora's Contribution

(We'll see if this really works)

Cristian's Contribution

(The right side is a portrait of my HOT wife...
look at those curves!)

Jen and I have often commented on how we didn't
really know each other that well when we got married.
Not that we didn't know each other, but that we didn't really
know who we would become years later. I am so thankful
that Jennifer has far exceeded all of my expectations of her role
as a mother. It is a sacred responsibility and I truly admire
her for the way that she fulfills her role in our children's
lives. Jen is the glue that holds our family together.

Thank you, Jen. I love you.

Bionic Hubby

Carlos has a new and very expensive hobby. It's called "elective surgery." This is his 3rd surgery in the past 2 years. I told him he's done until about age 70 or something.

On April 1, 2009 he had his right ACL repaired on his knee. Fortunately, he wasn't in too much pain prior to the surgery - he just couldn't do anything active.



Here is his "I'm excited for surgery" smile (a-la-Mason). And this hospital gown - wow - it can make incredibly handsome men look geeky in seconds. Carlos is the only person who doesn't get even nervous about surgery. Freak-a-zoid!









Here is his little hand after he's been stuck with his I.V. Now, he does get queasy with needles and blood. He doesn't do very well in that department. It seems to me that he's become more sensitive as the years have gone by. I loved watching the needle go in. Freak-a-zoid!

Here's Paco post surgery. This was a much more pleasant recovery than his nose surgery. He was a lot more coherent and "with it". And he mastered the fine art of parenting from a couch. Hmmm, maybe he could be a mom someday....

Okay, so this was funny. Carlos pulled the DRAMA CARD on me which I have never witnessed before. He had his leg wrapped like this from the surgery center. He would NOT let me touch it, see it, unwrap it, etc. I was not qualified. He kept insisting that only Noel could do it. He waited until she was in town on Saturday and she came to check in on the patient. I mean he had me running to get supplies for the bandages, he was calling Noel. Blah, blah, blah.

Noel arrives and the precious "wound care" session begins. I do secretly love how much Carlos adores Noel. Okay, it isn't a secret how pleased it makes me, but Carlos was a drama mama at how apparently inept I was to unwrap ACE bandages and remove cotton gauze from his knee cap.

His bleeding was very minimal. His stitching was so interesting how the surgeon did it. He left long threads hanging to pull I guess when it was time to remove.

The 3 of us were stunned, grossed, amazed, and intrigued by all his bruising. Oh, my nasty right? He was literally purple on much of his leg. I asked his physical therapist what the freak'n deal was with his bruising because it looks like they tortured him under sedation. Evidently, my husband is just an easy bruiser.

His leg reminds me of a map of the world. It looks like the continents and the oceans only in different colors, right?

Here's Mason with his daddy on the mend. Paco had to use crutches for about 2 weeks. Mason improvised with a robotic arm grabber saying that he had a broken leg like daddy. He kept calling it his "crunch."

Paco is now off his leg brace and crutches. He is barely hobbling and is able to bike for 20 minutes. I will say he has been a stellar patient as far as doing his physical therapy exercises. Let's just hope nothing else breaks down anytime soon!!

Posting by Jen

Tooth #2

Several months ago Cora lost a tooth and it wasn't until several days later Jen and realized that we didn't even take a picture of it. So, here's Cora's second tooth to come out. The tooth fairy left a two dollar bill for Cora and a trail of blue glitter (Jen wasn't so sure that the money was real). Cora's teacher has a lost tooth club at school and Cora was so excited when her first tooth came out to be part of that club. Next up...the shoelace tying club.

Annette is Elastigirl

If you want to know what my sister-in-law is like, just watch "The Incredibles". Every time I see/hear Elastigirl I think of Annette. They sound like each other. She is sassy, witty, and sarcasitc like Elastigirl. I even think they look like each other but I can't tell you where or how. Am I alone in this or does anyone else support this theory?

White Trash Dessert

The kids have gotten into the habit of asking for dessert every night during dinner. They obviously have the "habit" because it is being fed (literally) by someone (who will be called Jennifer). The promise of a little sugar will motivate them to eat fish, stuffing, cabbage, and other gross oddities.

So it happened again last night. And I had no dessert, but.... I did have Smarties in the pantry.

"Sure, if you eat most of your rice, fish, or broccoli you can have a Smartie."

That sealed the deal.

Before you know it Perry, Cora, and Mason have their bundles of Smarties gleefully in their chubby little hands. They undo the cellophane and beginning arranging their sugar disks. And then the mother in me kicks in. Cora and I divide our faint colored disks by color and arrange a bar graph. I ask her which color has the least, the most, the same, which has 2 or 5. She enjoys showing off her impressive knowledge.

Next, comes Perry. My 3 year old who refuses to learn her colors. The only one she confidently has down is purple. We line up her candy, I call out a color. When she gets it right she gets to eat it. Amazing how her accuracy improved with sugar behind it.

And then Mr. Mason. He started designing shapes with his candy - diamonds, ovals and such. He moved onto grouping his pieces and asking me which had more or less. We counted with one-to-one correspondence to 18.

I was so impressed how each child instinctively moved into mathematical problems specifically geared for their age and abilities. The four of us ended our play with guessing which hand our Smarties were hiding in. It was a great little activity that I enjoyed doing with my kids.

The Big ONE!

Oh, little Paisley-Bear, you are positively edible! I cannot wait to slather you with kisses and devour you whole. You are delightfully squishable to me. Auntie Noel and I have been calculating your impending first birthday. Basically it means, we have been shopping. I will say you are going to be spoiled by your lovely aunties. And that means your mommie is super excited by this posting! See you soon little cherub!!

These two are the sweethearts of our family. I am so glad to have this picture of the two of them. They are very similar in lots of ways. Both are peacemakers. Both are the first to bend in an argument. They are exceedingly sweet, thoughtful, generous to those they hold dear. They both, oddly enough, are stubborn and strong-willed. But it is quietly displayed because that is how their demeanor's are. They are both the most sensitive in our family wearing their hearts on their sleeves. Always thinking of others before themselves.

I have always viewed these two as the family favorites. I may be right, I may be wrong. Our family has such a variety of personalities, but the common denominator between us all seems to be Noel and Markie. Everyone loves them the most. They are the favorites. If you don't know them it's hard to make others realize the gift they are missing out on. These two are like chocolate, fluffy cloud days, floating down a lazy river, wind, and tax returns.

They are everything wonderful and admirable.

How lucky am I to call them sister & brother?